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CAMPTON
& CHICKSANDS
PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of a meeting of the Parish Council
held in
Campton Village Hall on Wednesday 5 March
2008.
Present: Cllr. Mrs C Sawyers – in the Chair.
Cllrs. N Francis, L Hamilton, P Moody, Mrs M Olley and R Webb.
County Cllr. R Younger, District Cllrs. L Birt and A Brown, and Pc S
Busby were also present.
131/07 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
No members of the public were present.
132/07 MINUTES
The Council noted that the Minutes of the meeting held on 16 January
2008 had been amended in accordance with Minute 119/07, and the Clerk
confirmed that a copy of the revised budget statement (as appended to
the Minutes of 16 January) had been circulated to Members.
The Council also received the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 February
2008.
RESOLVED:
That the Minutes of meetings of the Council held on 16 January (as
amended) and 6 February 2008 be signed as correct records.
133/07 SANDY SMITH NATURE RESERVE
Further to Minute 127/07, the Chairman welcomed Countryside Ranger Liz
Millbank who submitted a plan and explained the management proposals
for the Sandy Smith Nature Reserve. She also confirmed that she would
be pleased to take Members on a guided walk round the site in early
Summer.
The Council noted that, whilst visitors would be welcome, there would
be a designated ‘loop walk’ and car parking would be restricted to
safeguard the wildlife. The possibility of providing a footpath link to
Chicksands was discussed.
Liz Millbank referred to the possibility of obtaining grant aid for
further improvements and the Chairman invited her to speak at the
Annual Parish Meeting on 18 April.
134/07 REPORTS BY COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
District Cllrs. L Birt and A Brown referred to the LDF site
allocations, the delay in determining the unitary authority proposals,
and cost of the judicial review. They also responded to a question by
the Chairman about the cost of producing documents in several different
languages.
County Cllr. R Younger provided information about the allocation of his
‘parish grants’, local surgeries, and the County Council budget for
2008/9. It was noted that the budget had increased by 3.8% but the
Police Authority required a 9.6% increase to safeguard the number of
officers (including PCSOs) on the beat. In response to a question by
the Chairman, Cllr. Younger indicated that the introduction of a two
tier school structure in the Bedford area, would have no impact in Mid
and South Beds. at the present time.
135/07 POLICE ISSUES
Pc S Busby commented on the crime statistics for the period from 1st
August to 31st January, and indicated that there had been no reported
crimes in Campton & Chicksands during February. The Council was
pleased to note that the statistics now included more information about
the location and type of each crime.
Further to Minute 121/07, Pc Busby was advised that the ‘parish
community safety priorities’ were the problems caused by heavy goods
vehicles using unsuitable village roads and speeding vehicles –
particularly those using Campton as a ‘rat run’ to avoid congestion on
the A507. Pc Busby indicated that, although he would try to arrange a
speed check in March, it would be a good idea to request installation
of data collection cables.
In response to a question, it was noted that Pc Busby and two PCSOs
were responsible for ‘policing’ the parishes in Shefford Rural.
136/07 CASUAL VACANCY
Further to Minute 105/07, the Chairman welcomed Mr L Jackson and
invited him to say a few words about his interest in filling the
vacancy for a Parish Councillor.
Mr. Jackson indicated that he had lived in Campton for eight years and,
as he was active in the community, he was willing to serve on the
Council. He then withdrew while the matter was discussed.
RESOLVED:
That Mr L Jackson, of 14 Mill Lane, Campton, be co-opted to fill the
vacancy for a Councillor.
Mr. Jackson was advised of the above decision and, after the Clerk had
outlined the formalities to be completed, was invited to ‘sit in’ on
the remainder of the meeting.
137/07 PLANNING
The Council noted that planning application 08/218/LB (in respect of
the installation of sliding garage doors at 5 The Old Dairy,
Speedsdairy Farm Road, Beadlow) had been circulated since the last
meeting and no objections had been raised. The Council then considered
and raised no objections to a further application (08/253/F)
for the erection of stables at the same property.
Further to Minute 122/07, Cllr. R Webb reported on the LDF Site
Allocations briefing and the Council was pleased to note that no sites
in Campton & Chicksands had been put forward for development. The
Clerk advised that the District Council had published ‘Talk to Mid
Beds’ LDF newsletter and had requested comments on the Issues and
Options consultation by 4 April.
The Council also noted consultations in relation to changes to airspace
over the Chilterns and Luton area, and by the East of England Regional
Assembly on Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation in the East
of England.
138/07 HIGHWAYS
For information, the Clerk submitted details of temporary road closures
on the A507, together with the Bedfordshire Highways Major Roadworks
and Customer Service Bulletins.
The Chairman submitted details of her response to a consultation on
Bedfordshire Highways Draft 5 Year Programme and the Council noted that
the Watchman-in-Chief had subsequently confirmed that:
The A507 pedestrian crossing at Chicksands should have been scheduled
for 2008/9.
The speed limits on all ‘A’ roads would be reviewed in 2008/9.
The provision of a footpath in Rectory Road should be promoted
through the Enhanced Parish Partnership Programme.
Other smaller schemes would be delivered from the Area Team’s monthly
allocation, but would be assessed in comparison to other roads in the
County.
It was also noted that County Cllr. R Younger had made representations
to Bedfordshire Highways in relation to Brookside, Elm Close, and the
bridge on the Meppershall Road.
The Clerk submitted details of the Enhanced Parish Partnership Scheme
2008/9 and confirmed that, together with the Vice Chairman, he would be
meeting Alan Trille on Thursday 13 March to carry out the Highways
Liaison Inspection. In relation to the Partnership Scheme, it was noted
that the funding allocation (which was now based on road length within
the parish) had increased to £5000 and that proposals had to be
submitted by 1 June.
The Vice Chairman reported on discussions at the Chairman’s Reception
about the Partnership Scheme and pointed out that it would not be
possible to carry funds forward to the next year.
Further to Minute 123/07, it was confirmed that Brookside was an
adopted County road, but Aragon Housing Association did not appear to
own the strip of land alongside the Village Hall.
The Clerk submitted a letter from the County Council about the possible
diversion of public footpath no. 6 around a busy working area at Second
Lodge Farm, Chicksands. It was agreed that there would be no objection
to the alternative route.
139/07 RECREATION GROUND
Cllr. N Francis reported on a recent play area inspection and it was
noted that Wicksteed Leisure had commenced the remedial work. It was
confirmed that a quotation for re-fixing the bench outside the play
area had been received from Mr T W Langley, but consideration was
deferred to obtain an alternative quotation from Dawsons (Shefford)
Ltd. or Wicksteed Leisure.
In relation to the meeting with Campton Football Club, the Clerk
indicated that he had provided a list of possible dates but no reply
had been received. The Clerk was asked to pursue the matter and involve
Cllr. N Francis in the discussions.
The Chairman reported that NALC had confirmed that the School should
not be allowed to make regular use of the Recreation Ground unless a
legal agreement was in place. She accordingly intended to discuss the
matter with the Head Teacher and/or Chairman of the Governors.
The Clerk indicated that he had been in touch with Bedfordshire
Highways about the signs for the Recreation Ground. It appeared that
the sign shop was now in a position to undertake the work but the cost
of £619.95 would increase slightly on 1 April. The Council
confirmed the wish to proceed.
140/07 PARISH PLAN
Further to Minute 125/07, Cllr. R Webb indicated that he had not had an
opportunity to discuss the Parish Plan meeting with former Cllr. B
Thompson. The possibility of having an up-date at the Annual Parish
Meeting and recruiting volunteers for Parish Plan Steering Group was
discussed.
141/07 EXISTING AND FUTURE PROJECTS
Further to Minute 126/07, it was noted that Whitehouse Enterprises had
confirmed the offer of free installation of seats/benches. The Clerk
reported that a resident had suggested possible locations near the
underpass, by the river and at Campton Plantation. It was noted that
efforts were already being made to obtain permission for a seat to be
provided by the river in memory of a recently deceased resident.
The Council was pleased to note the installation of the new notice
boards and it was suggested that a timber seat (to match the notice
board) be provided in front of the Church. The possible seat locations
were reviewed as a basis for discussions with Alan Trille on 13 March.
The Vice Chairman was thanked for sorting out the new notice boards and
it was agreed to control the display of material. It was suggested that
there might be a need for an open community notice board at Chicksands.
Further to Minute 123/07, the condition of the sign in the village
flower bed was discussed. It was suggested that the sign be replaced
and the Clerk submitted details of the Bedford firm prepared to
refurbish ‘Festival of Britain’ signs.
142/07 CORRESPONDENCE
For information, the Clerk submitted correspondence received since the
last meeting and drew attention to an invitation to participate in the
Bedfordshire Village of the Year competition; details of the second
meeting of the Parish & Town Council LAA Reference Group at the
Rufus Centre, Flitwick on 28 March; a letter from the District Council
about Post Office closures; and information from the Standards Board
for England. It was agreed that no action be taken in relation to the
Village of the Year competition or the meeting of the LAA Reference
Group.
143/07 FINANCE
The Vice Chairman reported that, as at 28 February, the Council had a
total balance of £30,806.54 in the two Bank accounts.
The Clerk submitted invoices received since the last meeting.
RESOLVED:
That the following payments be approved:
St. Mary’s, Haynes – newsletter
photocopying
£46.80
E.ON Energy – street lighting energy
charges
£44.70
The Clerk reminded Members that Section 2 of the Audit Return submitted
to Lubbock Fine had not been completed having regard to the time that
had elapsed. The Auditor had requested a breakdown of the receipts and
payments summary and that the questions in the Statement of Assurance
be answered. The Council reviewed the likely questions and agreed to
complete Section 2 of the Return (together with a statement as to the
extenuating circumstances).
It was noted that, due to problems with information supplied about the
venue, Cllr. N Francis had not attended the Play Area Management course
on 1 March.
144/07 FINANCIAL REGULATIONS & BANK MANDATE
Further to Minute 129/07, Cllrs. N Francis and L Hamilton handed their
completed Bank forms to the Clerk and the Council agreed that future
Bank statements should be sent to Cllr. Hamilton and the Clerk.
Consideration of the Financial Regulations was deferred.
145/07 REPORTS BY MEMBERS
Further to Minute 123/07, Cllr. N Francis reported that, although the
footpath alongside the A507 was still in need of attention, the fence
had been repaired. It was noted that the fence adjacent to the rear
entrance to MOD Chicksands was still in a dangerous condition. Concerns
were expressed that landscaping works around the District Council
Offices had caused drainage problems on the Alington Estate.
Cllr. R Webb indicated that the street light in Rectory Road had been
repaired.
Cllr. P Moody undertook to check on a faulty street light in Greenway.
Cllr. L Hamilton reported that the Village Hall Management Committee
was progressing improvements. In relation to the Village Care Scheme,
Cllr. Hamilton indicated that the Committee were planning a ‘welcome
pack’ for new residents and wanted the Council’s support. Members
referred to a previous information leaflet and the need to assess the
cost implications.
Chairman.
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