9th October 2006 
8758 Minutes: of the Ordinary Meeting of Arnside Parish Council, held in the Cemetery Chapel, Silverdale Road, Arnside on Monday 9th October 2006. 

8759 Present: Chairman - Councillor D M (David) Willacy, J (Jack) Baker, P E (Ted) Casey, S E (Sandy) Felton, S V (Sue) Gibson, R G (Glyn) Jones, K (Ken) Hargreaves, S R (Sue) Hewett, P A (Pete) McSweeney, the Clerk - P G (Peter) Challenor, the Deputy Clerk - J M (Jayne) Beaumont, County Councillor I (Ian) Stewart, District Councillor R (Richard) Rollins, PC Alan Salter and 4 members of the public.

8760 Apologies for Absence:  

Written apologies were received from Councillors T (Terry) Keefe (holiday) and R J (Ros) Lishman (work commitments).

8761 Co-option of Mrs Sandra Felton

It was NOTED that Mrs Sandra Felton has been co-opted to the Council and has signed her Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

8762 Receipt of Declaration of Members’ Interests relating to any items appearing on the Agenda:

It was NOTED that there were no Members’ interests relating to any items appearing on the Agenda.

8763 Minutes of the Previous Meeting:

The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 11th September were approved and subsequently signed by the Chairman.

8764 Matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings:

It was NOTED that there were no matters arising.

8765 Matters raised by members of the Public for future consideration:

Mr Ian Henderson of the AONB gave a small presentation of maps showing the location of the SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), Biological Heritage Sites, SAC (Special Areas of Conservation), SPA (Special Protection Areas), Ancient Woodland and Limestone Pavement Orders.  As well as being informative about these sites, the maps will be useful when assessing planning applications.  Mr Henderson presented the Council with a set of maps both on paper and electronically.

8766 Police Report:

PC Alan Salter attended the meeting and a written report was distributed.  The report referred to: (1) disturbance at the Fighting Cocks, (2) damage to wing mirror of a parked car, (3) theft of motorcycle, (4) woman arrested in connection with an assault, (5) disturbance in the street at Kings Close, (6) report of suspicious vehicle on the Knott Car park, (7) youths with alcohol in grounds of Ashmeadow, (8) sudden death of elderly resident of Holly Bank, (9) youth riding around on scooter after having possibly been drinking, (10) neighbourly dispute in New Barns Road, (11) damage to a garden wall by delivery wagon, (12) domestic dispute in Briery Bank, (13) persons leaving Hollins Farm camp site without paying, (14) badly parked vehicle on Station Road which appeared to have accident damage, (15) sand and gravel being thrown at parked cars, (16) attention being given to Inglemere Close area following previous reports of damage to fencing.  The Chairman reported that 21 bags of asbestos have been dumped on the Knott and road signs have been ripped off the wall.

8767 Report from County Councillor Ian Stewart:

Cllr Stewart’s report covered the following: (1) following a complaint regarding raw sewerage on Church Hill for over 30 hours during September to which schoolchildren were exposed and a further subsequent occurrence of raw sewerage at a later date, Cllr Stewart will contact United Utilities and look into this matter, (2) a white paper is due to be published which will provide more power for Parish Councils, (3) after a meeting with the Planning Minister, it is felt that there is a need for greater influence for Parish Councils in planning matters, with their views having greater weight, (4) interested Parish Councils are invited to match fund for Speed Identification Devices (SIDs), (5) a small amount of highways money is available for use at the discretion of the Parish Council, ie, signs cleaned, trees cut down, (6) white lines have now been painted on Station Road, (7) the hedge adjacent to Station Field has now been cut and SLDC are aware that the footpath requires sweeping - Cllr Stewart was asked when the wall is going to be repaired and answered that this was the owner’s responsibility and he would follow procedure to request that the owner attends to this, (8) the recent drainage hole on the Promenade was mentioned on BBC Radio Cumbria, to Cllr Stewart’s embarrassment.  The Chairman brought up the following points: (1) the ‘no white road marking’ sign requires removal, (2) white lines are still required on Silverdale Road (3) there was no tide siren today and the tide was exceptionally high with people on the beach, furthermore no representative from SLDC has contacted Mr Stoney, the tide siren volunteer, regarding the operation of the siren.  Cllr Stewart was asked about hedge cutting along local lanes and whose responsibility was the removal of debris - this was confirmed as being the landowners’.

8768 Report from District Councillor Richard Rollins:

Cllr Rollins’ report covered the following: (1) Cllr Rollins has written to Lawrence Conway of SLDC regarding the tide siren and has included the suggestion to privatise the service - negotiations are to commence at the end of October and Cllr Rollins will push to set up a private agreement, (2) the issue of skateboard park insurance was raised at a recent SLDC cabinet meeting, in connection with Ulverston skateboard park, and as long as the park is constructed to British standard and maintained, the insurance premium of the Council would not be affected and the only additional cost would be two annual inspection fees of £264, (3) Cllr Rollins is a member of a sub-group set up for concessionary fares for residents aged over 60 - as the new scheme is currently over-subscribed and therefore there are budgetary problems, the group is looking at issuing free OAP railcards: a public meeting is to take place on the morning of Wednesday 15th November and anybody interested in attending should contact Tracy Ingham at SLDC.

8769 Correspondence:

Receipt of the following items were noted and action determined, by resolution, as indicated:
1.  Peter Goulder - copy letters, objecting to multi-wheeled park at Playing Field.
2. SLDC - Revocation Order of TPO 61, 1987.
3. Tim Farron, MP - follow-up to mail bag saga (agenda item).
4. NW Air Ambulance - request for donation.
5. NALC - LCR, September.
6. Mr T A Evans - application for a Foreshore Permit to launch a speedboat (agenda item).
7. AONB - “Waymarker”, September.
8. Clerks and Councils Direct - September.
9. RoSPA - Play Area Safety Inspection Report.
10. Countryside Agency - “Countryside Focus”, Autumn.
11. Countryside Agency - “Your Environment”, August - October.
12. DEFRA - “Rural Services Review”, 2006.

8770 Planning Matters:

a). It was NOTED that no applications have been dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25 since the last meeting.
b). It was RESOLVED that the following comments were offered for the following application:
SL/2006/0989- 38 Swinnate Road - conservatory: - NO OBJECTION.
c). It was NOTED that the following decisions have been taken by the District Council since the last meeting:
SL/2006/0528 - 1 Meadow Bank - extensions and alterations: - GRANTED.
SL/2006/0773 -Beachwood Lodge, Redhills Road - detached garage: GRANTED.
SL/2006/0835 - Coastguard Garage, Redhills Road - retention of former Coastguard Garage: GRANTED.
SL/2006/0834 - 11 Coles Drive - single storey extension to replace existing sunroom: GRANTED.
SL/2006/0911 - 27 The Meadows - rear conservatory: GRANTED.
SL/2006/0708 - 16 Swinnate Road - two storey extension (retrospective): GRANTED.

8771 Action taken in accordance with Standing Order 25 (other than Planning):

It was NOTED that:
(1) permission has been granted for the Morecambe Bay Partnership to hold a Beach Clean on Arnside Foreshore on Saturday 18th November from 11am to 1.00pm.

8772 Amendment of Job Titles of Employees:

It was RESOLVED that the job titles of two employees of the Parish Council be amended as follows:
Mr Peter Challenor to “Clerk/Proper Officer”
Mrs Jayne Beaumont to “Deputy Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer”.

8773 Insurance for the Sports Clubs on the War Memorial Playing Field:

(1) It was confirmed that the sports clubs on the War Memorial Playing Field only pay for a portion of their insurance, being 50%, and (2) confirmed that public liability insurance for the Playing Field is paid for by the Parish Council.

8774 Traffic Hazard at the Junction of New Barns Road and Far Close Drive:

The Clerk was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a road accident at the junction of New Barns Road and Far Close Drive and permission was granted for him to pursue this matter.

8775 Consideration of the Issue of Foreshore Permit:

It was RESOLVED that a Foreshore Permit be issued to Mr Terry Evans (a resident of Nether Kellet), entitling him to launch a sailing boat from Arnside Foreshore.

8776 Insecure Deposit of Mail around the Parish:

It was RESOLVED that, as no planning permission is required for secure mail boxes around the Parish, the Clerk should respond to Mr Tim Farron, MP accordingly and request that the boxes be implemented.

8777 Consideration of Appointment of Parish Gardener:

There was a discussion regarding future maintenance of the gardens in the village and whether the Parish Contractor should be responsible for these.  Members felt some thought was needed as to whether money could be found from the budget in order to employ a Parish Gardener and if so there would be a need to assess what their duties would be.  It was RESOLVED that this issue should be re-addressed in January.

8778 Re-assessment of provision of Insurance Cover for the Proposed Multi Wheeled Park:

As recommended by the Playing Field Advisory Committee, the provision of insurance cover for the proposed Multi Wheeled Park on the War Memorial Playing Field was discussed and in view of Cllr Rollins’ earlier comments concerning skateboard park insurance having no affect on premiums, it was RESOLVED that the Clerk should look into this matter and obtain three insurance quotes.  The Chairman invited Mr Colin Blain to speak on this matter and Mr Blain feels that the issue of insurance is a small consideration which can easily be overcome.

8779 Settlement of Web Site Maintenance Account:

It was NOTED that the Clerk will settle the following account (charges automatically debited from credit card) and will claim reimbursement as part of expenses:
Basic Hosting Account: 423, 11/10/2006 to 11/10/2007  £39.99
Daily Date Backup Service: 424, 11/10/2006 to 11/10/2007 £9.99
24 Hour Service Agreement: 425, 11/10/2006 to 11/10/2007 £4.99
.gov.uk Domain Name: 16343, 11/10/2006 to 11/10/2007  £150.00
 Total Due      £240.84

8780 Finance:

(1) The Financial Summary for September was received and approved.
(2) The following cheques were authorised and signed:
Mr P G Challenor (expenses)       £354.56   (718)
Mrs J Beaumont (expenses)       £22.55  (719)
Capita Symonds (definitive map)       £35.00  (720)
Playsafety Ltd (RoSPA inspection)      £70.50  (721)
Sue Howsley (curtains at chapel)      £1144.00 (722)
United Utilities (allotments water)      £30.26  (723)
United Utilities (toilet block)       £21.10  (724)
United Utilities (chapel)       £34.72   (725)
APC (trans VAT refund to reserves)      £3481.89 (726)

8781 Reports from the following committees and/or meetings:

a).  Allotments
In Cllr Lishman’s absence, Cllr Jones reported that: (1) a tenancy agreement will be drawn up in the New Year, (2) Cllr Lishman is keen to pursue the WI Committee’s offer for use of the ground behind their building on Orchard Road.

b).  Cemetery
Cllr Casey reported that: (1) as a result of the item in the broadsheet 11 enquiries are in hand which will bring in £1,500, (2) there is to be an open morning on Thursday 12th October between 11.30 and 1.30, (3) the records are in the process of being computerised, (4) after receiving complaints that the area where the ashes are buried, Cllr Casey requested that by Spring this area be cut more regularly as the rare orchids have now been relocated.  The Chairman reported that: (1) there was a dead tree in the bottom corner of the cemetery and the tree surgeons may need to be contacted to look at this, (2) Tony Riden of AONB has been asked to look at a hybrid fir tree which has been found in the grounds.

c).  Cemetery and Cemetery Chapel Advisory Committee
Cllr Hewett report that: (1) along with Rachel Dutfield she has been thinking about the possibility of holding half day workshop sessions in the Chapel in order to raise public awareness of the facility - suggested workshops include calligraphy, patchwork, beadwork, cake decorating, card making, languages, bereavement counselling, an afternoon with Arnside Players, times being 10am - 2pm for approximately 10 - 12 people - it is hoped initially that the people running the courses would do this voluntarily and therefore a minimal charge could be set for the sessions - this idea was approval by the Council.

d).  Foreshore
The Chairman reported that: (1) a large log has appeared in the estuary due to the high tides and the Environmental Agency may have to be contacted if it does not move, (2) the flood gates were closed this week.

e).  Highways
The Chairman reported that: (1) still waiting for Network Rail to cut down the hedge and snowberries - the Clerk to pursue this with the relevant person (2) the traffic lights by the Albion have now been removed, the work having been completed, (3) the footpath sweeper has been round the village and the road sweeper is now required.  It was reported that the Green Light Column on Black Dyke Road is still not working - this situation is still being looked into.  There are overhanging trees at the bottom on Silverdale Road and the owners’ will be advised.

f).  Playing Field Advisory Committee
Cllr Baker reported that: (1) the football club are not happy with the Parish Contractor’s grass cutting of the pitch and they will arrange to cut and pay for it themselves, (2) the football and bowls clubs have requested permission for a trench to be dug in order that additional floodlights can be erected, (3) there is a strong feeling that the public toilets should be re-opened for next season, (4) the cricket and football clubs have agreed to each donate £25.00 to APC following the car boot sale in August, (5) Cllr Baker asked for more representatives from APC to attend Playing Field Advisory meetings and this is also supported by sports club representatives, (6) following the RoSPA report, the activity trail on the childrens’ playground is nearing the end of it’s life, as is the slide and the Chairman was asked to re-consider patching up the equipment.  The Chairman reported that he has noticed three holes in the top wall near Station Field and the Parish Contractor has been asked to clear up the rubbish of beer cans, etc.

g).  Playground Working Committee
Cllr Gibson reported that: (1) the third quote for the playground is now complete and a meeting of the Committee will be arranged for early November, (2) questionnaires for children to complete asking what they would like to see will be sent out in due course.

h) Any other Committee
Cllr Hewett reported that she had attended the AGM of South Lakes District Committee of CALC which had been a very informative meeting.
Cllr McSweeney reported that he had attended an APPT meeting on 20th September - all relevant document’s relating to APC have been amended accordingly with there now being no inaccuracies and relations between APC and APPT are at present reasonable.

8782 To receive items for information:

The Chairman informed the meeting of the Remembrance Sunday tri-denominational church service on 12th November,10.30 at St James Church preceded by a ceremony at 10am at the war memorial.

8783 Date of the next Meeting:

It was NOTED  that the next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday 13th November 2006 at 7.15pm  Items for the agenda and reports to reach the Clerk before Friday 3rd November 2006 and reports to reach the Clerk before Monday 6th November 2006.

 

 

Jayne M Beaumont
Deputy Clerk to the Council