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Parish Council: Meeting minutes 27 January 2009Last updated: Tuesday, 27 January 2009, 07:19 PM Present: Cllrs: Tejinder Bhachu, Grenville Chamberlain, Sue Cripps, Alan Freeman, Tony Gill, Pauline Joslin, Jim Stewart and Ian Storr (Chairman). In attendance: Cllr Fiona Whelan (County Councillor), PCSO Trudy Newman-Hart, Mrs Ann Griffiths (Minutes Secretary, LGS Services). Open Public SessionCongratulations were extended to Cllr Whelan on her recent appointment as County Councillor. PCSO Trudy Newman-Hart was welcomed to the meeting. Appreciation was expressed for the terrific job being done and the speed of response. She outlined recent incidents in the village, including two burglaries, a car theft and two incidents of criminal damage. Problems with youth had resulted in nine names being taken, five of whom were from Cambourne. If problems persist, further action involves letters to parents, proceeding to ASBOs if necessary. She stressed that residents should not hesitate to ring the E-cops number on 0845 456 4564 to report anything suspicious, as the Police need information from the public to enable them to target key areas. Registration forms were left and it was suggested that an article publicising E-cops should be placed in Hardwick Happenings. Cllr Storr undertook to email the address of the editor to PCSO Newman-Hart. Thanks were extended to the PCSO who then left the meeting. It was observed that using the E-cops number had produced quick and effective outcomes. Cllr Whelan undertook to publicise E-cops at the forthcoming constituency surgery on 28 March. Cllr Whelan raised the CCC gritting schedule and policy and suggested that if there are areas of the village that are a priority for gritting the Parish Council should write to Dennis Vacher immediately to request this, specifying that the roads are either a school route or a bus route which should be given priority. It was agreed to write requesting that Cambridge Road, Main Road, Egremont Road and Limes Road should be added to the County's gritting schedule. 1. To approve apologies for absence and declarations of interest Apologies were noted from Cllr Atkinson. 2. To approve the minutes of the meeting on 16 December 2008 On a proposition by Cllr Stewart, seconded by Cllr Joslin, the minutes of the previous meeting were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman. 3. Matters arising and carried forward from the last or previous meetings 3.1 Clerk Report The Clerk's Report was noted. 3.2 Members items/reports (3.1 and 3.2.6) Disability White Lining in Egremont Road and at Hardwick Sports and Social Club The email received from Steven Thulborn at CCC, suggesting that this work could be done at the same time as other work in the village to effect savings, was noted. Cllr Whelan reported on a meeting held on 27 January with D Vacher at the Pastures in which it had been agreed to provide give way white line markings at Grays Crescent to give priority to the Pastures. On a proposition by Cllr Chamberlain, seconded by Cllr Stewart, it was agreed to request that the work on the bays at the Club and the bays at Egremont Road should be done at the same time for the same price, to coincide with the give way work at Grays Crescent. Cllr Storr will contact the Clerk to arrange this. It was noted that concern had been expressed about parked cars impeding the right turn into the Pastures, causing a hazard, and a safety audit will be carried out. Confirmation will be required from CCC that yellow lines should be added after the white lining has been done. 3.2.1 (3.2.2) Cycle Path The letter from Stephen Munday at CVC was noted. It was agreed that the Parish Council supported the provision of a cycle path between Hardwick and Comberton, allowing all facilities to be accessible by cycle. Cllr Whelan undertook to take this forward with CCC. 3.2.2 (3.2.7) Trees - dwellings behind shop It was noted that the necessary work had been carried out, and that a huge difference had been made. Cllr Cripps expressed thanks to the Chairman at the timely manner in which this had been achieved. 3.2.3 (4.4 November meeting) Disclaimer signs at the Recreation Ground The letter received from Allianz Insurance was considered. It was agreed to write to the Football Club enclosing a copy of the Allianz letter, which stated that in the event of damage from a stray football to a vehicle parked at the recreation ground during a football match, it is the responsibility of the hirer of the pitch. In the light of the insurance company's comments, it was agreed that disclaimer signs would not be required. 3.2.3 (4.2) Speedwatch - request from Caldecote Parish Council On a proposition by Cllr Storr, seconded by Cllr Chamberlain it was agreed to reply to Caldecote Parish Council agreeing to share Speedwatch equipment. Nothing further has been heard about the scheme, although it was observed that Milton Parish Council already had the system in use. It was agreed to write observing that the Vice-Chairman had heard that Milton Parish Council had received the necessary equipment and training, and requesting this on behalf of Hardwick Parish Council also. 3.2.4 (7.0) All weather pitch for school use On a proposition by Cllr Cripps, seconded by Cllr Stewart, the request by the school to use the all weather pitch was unanimously agreed. Cllr Stewart will speak to Judy Chillick to say that the Parish Council would be delighted to let the school use the pitch without charge. 4. Correspondence/communications received 4.1 Cambridgeshire ACRE Membership On a proposition by Cllr Gill, seconded by Cllr Freeman, it was unanimously agreed to take up the membership offer from ACRE, incorporating membership of the Cambridgeshire Playing Fields Association Network. 4.2 Governor vacancy at Hardwick Primary School The letter from Jane Cadwalladr, Chair of Governors of Hardwick Primary School was noted. On a proposition by Cllr Chamberlain, seconded by Cllr Gill, it was agreed to nominate Cllr Cripps for the vacancy on the School Governing Body. 5. Planning applications and decision notices 5.1 Planning applications received since the last meeting 5.1.1 S/1824/08/F Victoria Farm Cambridge Road - Change of use from Agriculture to B1 use and demolition of front brick elevation and extension of building to rear. No recommendation. 5.1.2 S/2146/08/F 64 Main Street - Conservatory No recommendation. 5.1.3 339 St Neots Road - Replacement Dwelling It was noted that there would be an appeal which will be determined by a Government inspector. 4.3 Parish Forum Meeting Report Cllr Storr and Cllr Gill reported on their attendance at the recent Parish Forum meeting, where the delegation process was discussed. The Government has insisted that local planning must be delegated in order to speed up the processing of planning application to meet government targets. At the meeting the view was expressed, to wide support, that the new system was considered undemocratic. However, it was noted that the process had been approved by elected representatives. 5.2 Decision notices None 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 Joslin, seconded by Cllr Chamberlain, the payments as listed in the report were approved. LGS Services (Admin support) £1012.24 Graham Bird (Website hosting) £39.93 Grounds by Rounds (Grass cutting) £239.59 JM Rogers (Grass cutting) £5411.12 J Dyer (Salary) £108.86 L G Stoehr (Salary) £161.20
Receipts including interest and advertising were noted. Village Maps update to include the the two new roads - carried forward pending clarification.
Bus shelter repairs - The quote from Ian Lawson to replace the three missing bottom panels was considered. On a proposition by Cllr Chamberlain, seconded by Cllr Freeman, it was agreed to accept the quotation of £50 for labour plus costs of materials from Garrick Outdoor Shelters of approximately £270 plus delivery. No other quotes had been received. 6.2 Play Inspection Reports Cllr Freeman presented his report. Cllr Bhachu has emailed his report to the Clerk. Cllr Stewart will carry out his report. Two quotes had been received for the Worcester Avenue play surfacing work. On a proposition by Cllr Chamberlain, seconded by Cllr Bhachu, it was agreed to accept the quote from Reids Playground Maintenance for £460 plus VAT. The repair to the barrier between the social club car park and the recreation ground is to be chased. 6.3 To review the budget FY 2009 The budget for the financial year 2009 detailing receipts and payments versus budget was reviewed. Adjustments will be made to the payments to date to reflect:
6.4 To approve the budget for 2010 and to set the precept Consideration was given as follows:
On a proposition by Cllr Storr, seconded by (Cllr Chamberlain?), it was agreed to set and demand a precept of £46100 from SCDC as being the amount the Parish Council needs to balance its budget. 6.5 P3 Scheme FY 2009 work review and FY grant application Carried forward to next meeting. 7. Members items for the next agenda and for the Clerk's information and Closure of meeting 7.1 Cllr Freeman gave his apologies for the next meeting. 7.2 Cllr Whelan requested a standing slot for the County Councillor's report every month. It is her intention to attend meetings every month. Cllr Whelan reported:
7.3 Cllr Storr referred to a meeting between the Hardwick Sports and Social Club and the Football Association, whereby the FA wished to inject some funding in recognition of a fantastic job done by the Football Club. A meeting will be held at 12 noon on Saturday 31 January at the Club and members were invited to attend to show their support. 7.4 It was noted that works were about to start near the top of Cambridge Road to renew the path and paving from the top of the road to Limes Road. It was hoped that potholes next to the kerb would also be repaired. 7.5 It was agreed to the owner of Newton House (Mr A Farruq) enquiring what his plans for the site were, as people were worried about the appearance and safety of the building, as well as the litter, and requesting the owner to let the Parish Council know the position by its next meeting. 7.6 Concern about the amount of litter accumulating by St Neots Road. It was noted that the Parish Council had written requesting that the bin should be replaced and moved. 7.7 Dennis Vacher is to be asked to reinstall the 40 mph sign on St Neots Road on the western side of Weatherheads that has been pulled out of the ground. There was no further business and the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.25 pm. |
