11th December2006 
8806 Minutes: of the Ordinary Meeting of Arnside Parish Council, held in the Cemetery Chapel, Silverdale Road, Arnside on Monday 11th December 2006. 

8807 Present: Chairman - Councillor D M (David) Willacy, J (Jack) Baker, P E (Ted) Casey, S E (Sandy) Felton, R G (Glyn) Jones, T (Terry) Keefe, S R (Sue) Hewett, P A (Pete) McSweeney, the Clerk - P G (Peter) Challenor, the Deputy Clerk - J M (Jayne) Beaumont, District Councillor R (Richard) Rollins, PC J (John) McCanney and 4 members of the public.

8808 Apologies for Absence:  

Written apologies were received from Councillors K (Ken) Hargreaves (holiday), S V (Sue) Gibson (family commitments), R J (Ros) Lishman (work commitments) and County Councillor I (Ian) Stewart (work commitments).

8809 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.

8810 Minutes of the Previous Meeting:

The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 13th November were approved and subsequently signed by the Chairman.

8811 Matters arising from the Minutes of previous meetings:

It was NOTED that there were no matters arising.

8812 Matters raised by members of the Public for future consideration:

One member of the public voiced her disappointment that at the recent Kent Estuary Neighbourhood Forum nobody representing Neighbourhood Watch was present and the attendance of public in general was poor. 

8813 Police Report:

PC John McCanney attended the meeting and reported on the following:  (1) sign on the playing fields being damaged, (2) domestic incident resulting in male being arrested on suspicion of historical domestic rape offences, (3) car containing youths playing loud music, (4) death of an elderly lady resident of Holly Bank, (5) damage only road accident in Black Dyke Road, (6) youths causing a disturbance on the Promenade, (7) diesel spillage on Briery Bank, (8) alarm call for assistance by a resident of Millom Court, (9) local youths warned regarding their behaviour following a report of bad language being used, (10) road accident involving a car and a dog outside the Albion - neither the dog, nor any persons, were injured, (11) report of apparent shots being heard in woods behind Plantation Avenue, (12) youths climbing the signal gantry outside the signal box.  The Chairman confirmed that (11) could have been in relation to the shooting of ducks or pheasants - there then followed a discussion regarding the law and the close proximity of persons with shotguns to properties adjoining woodlands and PC McCanney confirmed that an assessment would need to be made of any particular case which was reported.  The Chairman reported that as a result of (7) at least 5 road accidents have occurred.

8814 Report from County Councillor Ian Stewart:

Cllr Stewart did not attend the meeting therefore there was no report.

8815 Report from District Councillor Richard Rollins:

Cllr Rollins’ report covered the following: (1) the Boundary Committee have rejected the proposed ward changes and a CD rom was passed to the Clerk which explains what the recommendations are, (2) talks are ongoing to make Cumbria unified, ie to amalgamate sub-district councils, (3) more powers are to be delegated to Parish Councils and proposals are underway to amalgamate these into small groups, (4) regarding affordable housing, ‘Home’ is anticipated to submit a planning application in the New Year, (5) the working party regarding concessionary bus fares will be making recommendations to the cabinet for the use of a token system and for free rail travel throughout the South Lakes area, (6) calendars for refuse collection have not been received in some homes or have been delivered into wet recycling boxes and Cllr Rollins will look into this.
8816 Correspondence:

Receipt of the following items were noted and action determined, by resolution, as indicated:
1.  Capita Symonds - definitive map of public footpaths.
It was felt that this map was not worth the £35.00 cost and it was therefore RESOLVED that the Clerk write to Capita Symonds to complain about the quality.
2. Job Centre Plus - response to Access to Work grant application.
3. SLDC - letter advising adoption of SCI.
4. Citizen’s Advice Bureau - request for a donation.
It was RESOLVED that a donation would not be made.
5. Arnside Knott Advisory Committee - minutes of meeting 6th November.
The Chairman reported that there had since been a report of a loose bull on the Knott but the animal has now been returned to it’s owner and the National Trust have also been informed.
6. Mr Duncan Mackie - letter re overhanging tree in Ashmeadow Woodlands.
7. DP Hosker and Co, Solicitors - letter re unpaid bill.
8. Mr and Mrs Manning - letter requesting an extra rubbish bin.
As this is a matter for SLDC, it was RESOLVED that the Clerk write to Mr and Mrs Manning referring them to SLDC.
9. CALC - Circular, November.
10. NALC - LCR, White Paper Special.
11. Environment Agency - the 100 greatest eco-heroes of all time.
12. Cumbria Highways - “Working Together”, Winter 2006.
13. Esmee Fairbairn Foundation - Allotments Regeneration Initiative.
14. Landscape Trust - “Keer to Kent”, Autumn/Winter.

8817 Planning Matters:

a). It was NOTED that no planning 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 applications:
SL/2006/1208 - 1 and 2 Station Road - division of terraced house to form two apartments for residential use: It was NOTED that this is a retrospective application to which the Parish Council objects and members have also NOTED that one of the designated car parking spaces obstructs the right of way to Station Garage (as indicated on application 1263) and there is a fear that residents will utilise the one-hour parking bays at the front of the premises, thus denying access for customers of the hairdresser.  However the Parish Council has NO OBJECTIONS.
SL/2006/1216 - Santon, 106 Silverdale Road - single storey rear extension: NO OBJECTIONS
SL/2006/1238 - Fayrestowe, 48 Church Hill - alterations and erection of partially enclosed first floor balcony over existing conservatory and replacement front porch: NO OBJECTIONS.
SL/2006/1248 - 69 Silverdale Road - two-storey extension and front porch: NO OBJECTIONS.
SL/2006/1260 - Lane House Farm, Far Arnside - shippon and storage barn: NO OBJECTIONS.
SL/2006/1263 - Station Garage - conversion of redundant garage to dwelling: NO OBJECTIONS.
c). It was NOTED that the following decisions have been taken by the District Council since the last meeting:
SL/2006/0996 - 24 Inglemere Close - rear conservatory: GRANTED
SL/2006/1065 - 47 Church Hill - alteration to existing flat roofed front bay to form sloping roof: GRANTED
SL/2006/1032 - Woodbine Cottage, Black Dyke Road - ancillary garden building for use as playroom/guest room with adjoining study/music room: GRANTED

8818 Action taken in accordance with Standing Order 25 (other than Planning):

It was NOTED that:
(1) conversion of the “Green Column” situated on Black Dyke Road near to the junction with Briery Bank so that it operates several LEDs rather than a conventional bulb is expected to cost around £250.00.

8819 Photocopier Expenses:

It was RESOLVED that the Clerk and Deputy Clerk may claim 5p per copy, as from 1st January 2007, for photocopies produced for Council business, other than on the Council-owned photocopier.

8820 Resignation of Cllr McSweeney as Deputy Cemetery Custodian and Appointment of new Deputy Cemetery Custodian:

The Chairman thanked Cllr McSweeney for his work as Deputy Cemetery Custodian.  It was RESOLVED that Cllr Felton be appointed as the new Deputy Cemetery Custodian until April 2007.

8821 Revised Contracts of Employment for the Clerk and Deputy Clerk:

The revised Contracts of Employment for the Clerk and Deputy Clerk were approved by the Council and subsequently signed by the Chairman.

8822 APC’s response to the Sustainable Tourism and recreation Strategy document produced by the AONB:

Cllr Keefe reported that the AONB aims to take account of views of residents of Arnside and suggestions from APC are needed in order to supplement this.  The AONB seeks to conserve and enhance the natural environment of the AONB and its heritage, maximise the benefits of tourism and recreation, improve the quality of the visitor and resident experience and actively promote travel to, from and within the AONB by other means than by private car in order to retain the distinctive qualities of Arnside and Silverdale AONB.  There is a general thought that over a period of time there is a need to plan for some increase in tourism which will need to be controlled.  An estimated 400,000 visitors per year visit the AONB with up to 2,000 on any given day.  The AONB’s business forum needs to be aware that, in some cases, there may be a conflict between business interests and those of residents as a whole and that a balance therefore needs to be preserved.  Organisations will be encouraged to develop guided routes to spread visitors across appropriate areas in the AONB and heritages sites and redundant historic buildings appropriate for access and interpretation will be identified.  Parking needs to be addressed and it is hoped that more visitors will visit the AONB by train although at Arnside there is currently a problem with disabled access, and APC is unclear how the AONB proposes to “manage” parking in this instance.  A need to encourage the retention and development of local services and facilities, vital for residents, but not so important for visitors, has been identified and APC feels that every effort should be made to retain these.  With regard to the Three Towers Project, APC should be consulted regarding any development with Arnside Tower as there could be a potential problem with increased traffic flow.  APC would like to inform the AONB that the Cemetery Chapel is now fully functional and is available for hire.  The AONB should not be reluctant to consult APC on certain issues as the Parish Council is regarded as a partner. 

8823 Comment on the Strong and Prosperous Communities White Paper:

Members questioned whether there would be any additional money available from central government in order to fund the extra powers that Parish Councils now have and also queried why the initiatives to encourage town and parish councils to manage services, facilities and land should come from the principal authority  Members are unhappy about potentially reducing the number of councillors.

8824 Response to the development of the Parish Plan as suggested by the Arnside Parish Plan Trust:

The Parish Plan Trust is due to be reviewed in 2008 and close collaboration between APC and APPT will be necessary.  The Chairman will talk with Mr Ged Pinder regarding the Plan but only on an individual basis and not as the Council as a whole body.  It was RESOLVED that a special meeting to discuss the Parish Plan be arranged for January/February 2007.

8825 Addition of the following text to Standing Order 25:

In accordance with Standing Order 32, it was RESOLVED to add the following text to Standing Order 25:  The powers of the Council are similarly delegated to the Proper Officer, where copies of Planning Applications are received, which relate only to proposals for conservatories, sheds, dormer windows, or rooflights.  It is understood that the Proper Officer may decline to use his/her delegated powers, in which case, any relevant matter must be referred to the Council.

8826 Proposals of the County Council to erect safety signs, etc, near the entrance to Far Close Drive:

It was RESOLVED that, as County Councillor Stewart was not present at the meeting, this matter should be deferred to January 2007.

8827 Finance:

(1) The Financial Summary for November was received and approved.
(2) The following cheques were authorised and signed:
Mrs J Beaumont - reimbursement for UU water invoices ( cricket pavilion £169.60, chapel £13.38 , allotments £24.74) £207.69 (731)
Mr G Jones - reimbursement for computer cable          £5.98 (732)
Mr T Keefe - reimbursement for donation to Morecambe Bay Partnership       £10.00 (733)
Terry Allen - installation of lighting bollards at chapel        £660.21 (734)
North West Air Ambulance - donation           £100.00 (735)
Society of Local Council Clerks (half subscription)         £52.50 (736)
8828 Reports from the following committees and/or meetings:

a).  Allotments
Cllr Jones hopes to hand over from Cllr Lishman next week.  When invited to speak by the Chairman, one member of public thanked the Council for the water supply and tidying up of the grounds and requested the Council’s assistance with the possible supply of manure - the Chairman will speak to a local farmer regarding this.

b).  Cemetery
Cllr Casey reported on a quiet month with one internment and the sale of two graves with more potential enquiries.

c).  Cemetery and Cemetery Chapel Advisory Committee
Cllr Hewett reported on: (1)the success of the first chapel event on Thursday 7th December regarding family history and thanked Cllr Felton for leading this workshop which was attended and enjoyed by 10 people - however, despite several heaters, the heat loss from the room was great and a discussion followed regarding the heating of the chapel and as there is no money available at present for major heating works, it was RESOLVED that two heaters should be purchased,(2) Cllr Hewett asked for permission to purchase a tea pot and cups for use in the chapel and this was agreed upon, (3) Cllr Felton offered to produce a booklet with instructions, ie, alarm, heating, etc, for persons hiring the chapel.

d).  Foreshore
The Chairman reported that: (1) Network Rail have been asked to remove logs on the foreshore but they couldn’t do this as it was not on their job list and will attend to the logs on their next visit, (2) a GPS system sent a vehicle into the tide last weekend and the coastguard was subsequently called out, (3) the Chairman will make enquiries as to which area of the embankment is to be reinforced.

e).  Highways
The Chairman reported that: (1) the following, sent to Cllr Stewart over 6 months earlier, have not yet been carried out - disabled markings not renewed adjacent to the Post Office, road not repaired adjacent to the Post Office, road not repaired on the Arnside side of Leighton Beck Bridge, yellow lines and signs not renewed from the drinking fountain to Ashmeadow, steps to the foreshore opposite Herons Reach have no hand rail - the Clerk to send a reminder to Cllr Stewart, (2) vandals have been removing signs in the village and re-locating them, (3) members asked if the AA signs regarding Gallery H and The Grange could now be removed.

f).  Playing Field Advisory Committee
Cllr Baker reported that as there had been no meeting there was nothing to report.  The next Playing Fields Advisory Committee Meeting will be Tuesday 23rd January 2007.

g).  Playground Working Committee
Cllr Gibson did not attend the meeting therefore there was no report.

h) Any other Committee
The Chairman reported that he had attended the Kent Estuary Neighbourhood Forum and reported on the following: (1) no attendance from Neighbourhood Watch committee, (2) in the report of the Crime and Disorderly Reduction Partnership 32 reported crimes of children were reported between the ages of 0-14 and the Chairman felt that there was a lack of correct figures quoted, (3) there was no police attendance at the meeting.

8829 To receive items for information:

The Chairman queried the current Liberal Democrat leaflet and information regarding the whereabouts of the old sub station on Briery Bank and the fact that there are no plans for development on this site.

8830 Date of the next Meeting:

It was NOTED  that the next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Monday 8th January 2007 at 7.15pm  Items for the agenda and reports to reach the Clerk before Thursday 28th December 2006.  PLEASE NOTE CHANGES OF SOME DATES to accommodate public holidays.

 
Jayne M Beaumont
Deputy Clerk to the Council