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22 July 2008

Last updated: Tuesday, 22 July 2008, 01:19 PM

Present: Cllrs: Ian Storr (Chairman), Grenville Chamberlain, Pauline Joslin, Anthony Gill, Tejinder Bhachu (small part), Sue Cripps and Jim Stewart.

In attendance: Mrs L Hazel (LGS Services) and 1 member of the public.

Open Public Session

Mr D Peck highlighted the problems with the dwellings behind the shop in relation to the height of the trees. It was noted that some of the trees are over 30ft tall resulting in light being blocked out. Mr Peck asked that the Parish Council look into reducing the height of the trees. Cllr Stewart confirmed that he is meeting Roz Richardson on 31st July to try and hopefully resolve the situation. It was highlighted that the Parish Council has been trying to resolve the problems for some time now.

It was noted that Cllr Bhachu arrived here for a brief period to hand in his play park inspection reports before given his apologies and leaving.

1. To approve apologies for absence and declarations of interest

2.0 Apologies were noted from Cllr Freeman.

Cllr Grenville declared an interest in item: 5.1.1 as he knows the applicant.

2. To approve the minutes of the meetings on 24 June 2008

On a proposition by Cllr Stewart, seconded by Cllr Chamberlain the minutes of the meeting on 24 June 2008 were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

3. Matters arising and carried forward from the last meeting

3.1 Clerk Report

3.1.0 (6.2.0) ROSPA Report – It was queried if any action has been taken with regards to the problems identified with the play equipment i.e. springy elephant if not then this is to be chased up. Information on the trip zones is to be emailed to Cllr Stewart so he can check the trip zone identified in the report It was unanimously agreed that the grind rails and seat should to be removed and stored in safe storage. Quotations are to be obtained.

3.1.1 (4.7) - The Connections Bus has been contracted to attend on Friday 8, 15, 22 and 29 August on the Recreation Ground.

3.1.2 The replacement bin liners have arrived and will be installed shortly.

3.1.3 The bench by the Church has been ordered and its installation is being arranged.

3.1.4 The grant application has been sent to the Football Federation along with a copy of the Sports Clubs’ development plans.

3.1.5 Landscaping on roundabouts near Hardwick – The Highways Agency have finally replied to the Parish Councils letter despite several chases stating that the Parish Council should direct their concerns to the County Council as they are now within the country road system. Dennis Vacher has been notified.

3.2 (3.3) Bin outside 147 St Neots Road

It was noted that an email has been received from Stuart Harwood-Clark (SCDC) stating they would charge £2 per visit but would also require that the bin conforms to the Council's standard which is a Green Glasdon Topsy with a twist top and anti fire plate inside plus fitted into concrete. He has indicated that the cost will be approximately £350 plus fitting. The quote from Glasdon for £190 was noted and considered however it was noted that if the bin is purchased from Glasdon then the Parish Council would need to purchase the relevant fittings separately and install it themselves. On a proposition by Cllr Storr, seconded by Cllr Cripps it was unanimously agreed to accept the quote from SCDC of £350 plus fitting as it confirms to Council’s standards.

3.3 (3.3.1, 7.0) Public Rights of Way

Cllr Joslin reported that she has met with Andrew Stimson P3 Officer who has provided the Parish Council with yellow discs to mark out routes as all footpaths need to be specified. Cllr Joslin provided all members with a detailed map showing all footpaths and bridleways. After discussion it was agreed to focus on areas that require immediate attention. The bridleway marked on the attached plan is need of urgent attention as there is rubbish everywhere. CCC is to be informed as the responsible authority. It was noted that Isaiah 58 have agreed to assist with maintenance work and agreed that Cllr Joslin will liaise with them about any works including nettles and thistles on the Millennium footpath near the brook.

3.4 Chairman’s Report

Cllr Storr reported that he accepted the Police’s invitation to go out on patrol with them for the night. Cllr Storr updated members on the proceedings of the night and confirmed that he went out from 7.00pm to approximately 9.10pm in an unmarked car. Cllr Storr highlighted that it was a useful exercise which gave him an insight to how the Police operate. It was confirmed that the Police have invited the Parish Council to go out again.

3.5 Letter from Solicitor re bus shelter

The recent letter from the Solicitor was considered. It was noted that the cost of the replacement shelter is approximately £5500 and that the Solicitor had confirmed there would no charge for the work undertaken to date. On a proposition by the Chairman it was agreed that the paperwork should be returned and Mills & Reeves should be approached to take on the case.

4. Correspondence/communications received

4.1 100 Houses Society Reception to celebrate 75 Years on 8th September

It was noted that an invitation has been received to celebrate 75 years. Further information will be available nearer to the date.

4.2 SCDC – Youth Participation

Susannah Harris from SCDC has written asking if the Parish Council would like some more information about how Parish Councilors’ can be supported with Youth Participation. It was agreed to reply inviting a Youth Participation Officer to attend a future meeting.

4.3 Post Office proposed closures

It was noted that Hardwick is not affected.

5. Planning applications and decision notices

5.1 Planning applications received since the last meeting

5.1.1 S/1178/08/F 31 Egremont Street – Extension

Cllr Chamberlain declared an interest in this item. On a proposition by Cllr Gill, seconded by Cllr Cripps it was agreed to respond ‘no recommendation’.

5.1.2 Planning permission re. Mobiles at the school

Letters from the School and pre-school were considered. In response to the invitation to attend the Development Control Panel meeting on 25th July the Parish Council after careful consideration agreed to stay with its original decision hat the application should be refused for the reasons previously indicated. Cllr Cripps will attend the Development Control Panel Meeting as the Parish Councils representative.

Admiration was expressed to the School for all their achievements and hard work.

The Parish Council expressed their pity that the County Councilor has not attended meetings to respond directly to the Parish Councils concerns over the inadequate information provided. It was agreed that in the future if anything relating to the School comes up for discussion the Headteacher is to be invited to attend the meeting.

5.2 SCDC Approval/Refusal notices

5.2.1 S/0767/08/F 14 Egremont Road – Extension – Permission

Noted.

5.2.2 S/0758/08/F 28 Main Street – Extension - Permission

Noted.

6. Finance, risk assessment and procedural matters

6.1 To approve the payment of bills

The financial report was received and considered and invoices and bank statements were checked. On a proposition by Cllr Grenville, seconded by Cllr Gill the payments as listed in the report were approved plus: LG Stoehr (salary) £73.69 and J Dyer (Salary) £108.86

Cambs County Training Partnership £40.00

Cambs County Training Partnership £25.00

Earth Anchors (bin liners) £271.50

Grounds by Rounds (grass cutting) £244.80

LGS Services (admin support) £1048.43

Moore Stephens (audit) £646.25

Hardwick Primary School (room hire) £48.00

LG Stoehr (salary) £73.69

J Dyer (salary) £108.86

Noted:

The audit has been completed and everything found to be in order.

Cambridgeshire County Training Partnership has invoiced for nine training sessions since April 2008. Members were asked to confirm which session they attended so the invoice can be checked to see if it is correct. Cllr Joslin and Cripps both confirmed that they have attended 3 sessions each. It was noted that Cllr Bhachu was invited to attend the course but was unable to do so.

6.2 Play inspection reports

The play inspection reports were noted. The following was noted:

There is still litter in the tunnel. The litter picker is to be asked to remove as a matter of urgency.

Worcester Road – There is a small hole in the safety surface. This is to be repaired.

Cllr Freeman is to be asked to e-mail his report to the Clerk for the records.

6.3 To consider quotations received

6.3.1 Fencing repairs in Limes Road

The two quotes to repair the fence in Limes Road were considered. It was questioned if part or the entire fence should be repaired. On a proposition by Cllr Storr, seconded by Cllr Chamberlain it was agreed that the entire fence should be replaced and the quote from Town and Country of £420.00 is to be accepted.

6.3.2 Fencing at Skateboard Park

It was noted that no quotes have been received for the fence at the Skateboard Park as yet. This is to be chased up.

6.3.3 Security Cameras

The quote from Briar of £540 plus VAT and an additional maintenance charge of £10pa for the security camera for the smoking shelter was considered. It was noted that the engineer has recommended that it is sited on the brick pillar adjacent to the main entrance to view the covered area. On a proposition by Cllr Chamberlain, seconded by Cllr Cripps it was agreed to accept the quote from Briar Security.

Cllr Storr reported that the Sports Club has asked the Parish Council if they want the brickwork plastered. It was agreed to respond that the Parish Council do not want the brickwork plastered. Cllr Storr will liaise with the architect.

7. Members items for the next agenda and for the Clerk’s information and Closure of meeting

7.0 Cllr Gill reported that as requested at the last meeting he has looked at the tree roots by 16 Egremont Road and feels that there is no clearly identified problem and that he feels the problem is not due to tree roots but is due to the lack of proper repairing of the pavement. It was agreed to write to CCC highlighting this problem and pointing out that it has become dangerous for pedestrians to use this part of the pavement safely.

7.1 It was noted that the Sports Club is now open on Tuesday and Wednesday night. The Parish Council confirmed that it has no objections to this as long as facilities stay open for the community during this time.

There was no further business and the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.10pm