The Parish Council has budgeted £2000 to pay for supply and maintenance.
It was agreed that the Chairman would check the inventory of lights and report back.
3.2 (7.4.2) Skateboard rivet work
Further to the last meeting clarification has been received from Freestyle on their quote for the riveting work. A quote of £230 from Ash Reid Design (ARD) to replace rivets was considered. On a proposition by Cllr Chamberlain, seconded by Cllr Grenfell it was agreed to accept the quote from ARD.
3.3 (3.5) Bus Shelter Damage – Reply from Solicitors
It was confirmed that Will Cowell of Miller Sands has now received an extract from the bus driver’s medical records which details that the bus driver collapsed at the
wheel and taken to Addenbrookes on the date when the incident with the shelter occurred. Less than a week later a further fainting fit and damage to a bus shelter
occurred and then three further fainting incidents occurred. Mr. Cowell believes that the Parish Council has a good case to progress this with Whippet and would like to pursue this with another letter seeking full refund of the costs of damage to the bus shelter plus his costs. On a proposition by Cllr Chamberlain, seconded by Cllr Grenfell it was agreed to authorise Mr Cowell to pursue the matter further with another letter seeking a full refund of the costs of damage to the shelter (maximum one hour work).
4. Members reports and items
4.1 Site meeting Graham Lowe CCC
The Chairman’s report on the site meeting with Graham Lowe CCC on 10 January 2008 was noted and considered. It was noted that the Cambridgeshire Road improvements prepared by MS Ford Association have been sent to Graham Lowe. When this was last considered this work was estimated between £40,000 and £100,000. The consensus was that Cambridge Road by the Shop is a problem. It was agreed to take photos at peak times. Graham Lowe is to revisit at peak times, assess the problem, look at possible plans and come back to the Parish Council with comments. It was agreed to carry this item forward for further consideration.
4.2 Bench by church
On a proposition by Cllr Chamberlain, seconded by Cllr Gill it was agreed to order a bench approximately 8’ in length up to £1000 excluding VAT and to seek a quote for
its insurance.
4.3 Smoking Shelter update
The Chairman’s report on the meeting held with the Hardwick Sports and Social Club (H.S.S.C) and the revised drawings from the architect were considered. An invoice
for £672 + VAT was noted. On a proposition by Mr Storr, seconded by Mr Grenfell it was agreed to submit a planning application via the architect and to invite tenders
against the specification; one as is and the other with the door being moved. It was noted that the HSSC would contribute and agreed that the Club is to be informed of
the tender process and that the Parish Council would be willing to grant the Club an interest free loan to be repaid before the end of their lease.
4.4 It was noted that the Chairman attend the citizenship day at CVC to talk about Local Government.
5. Correspondence/communications received
5.1 CPRE – Planning application workshop for parish and town councilors and clerks.
Members indicated that they would like to attend but were unable to on 1 March. Details on the next training session are to be circulated when received.
5.2 CGI inspection of SCDC
The audit of the District Council was noted and it was agreed to write as follows:
Hardwick Parish Council appreciates the pressures that the District Council is under
especially with the Government’s proposals for additional housing in the region however the Parish Council do not think that SCDC handle this well. Hardwick Parish
Council finds the District Council neglect its responsibility to protect the quality of life for its residents and have built Cambourne which is emerging as a scheme with
poor design, narrow alleyways, high crime statistics and lacking in infrastructure. The Parish Council feels that where housing is required the quality of life of existing
and new residents should be foremost in the District Council’s mind and this is certainly not apparent.
The Parish Council suggests that it must be the elected members at SCDC that must ultimately be held accountable for all the bad decisions that are being taken. The
Parish Council is concerned at the current cabinet structure of the District Council which prevents other elected members to fully represent their electorate. The current
structure means that the majority of decisions are been taken by a self-selected fewand restricts full democracy.
Finally Hardwick Parish Council would like to highlight that it is concerned that the councillors have delegated too much to the officers in order to sped up decisions and
reach targets for example planning targets.
6. Planning applications and decision notices
6.1 S/0031/08/F Thistledew 353 St Neots Road – Garage
The Parish Council makes no recommendation.
6.2 S/0084/08/F 157 Limes Road – Extension
The Parish Council makes no recommendation.
6.3 S/0056/08/F 7 Worcester Avenue – Garage
The Parish Council makes no recommendation.
SCDC Approval/Refusal
6.4 S/2264/07/F 31 Laxton Avenue – Extension – Approved
Noted.
It was noted that the application for the Curry House has been withdrawn and agreed to try and find out why and if it was refused as this has become an eyesore to the
village.
6.5 Public Consultation on behalf of Countryside Properties in respect South Cambridgeshire District Council LDF SSP DPD Examination
It was noted that the Inspector had required Countryside Properties to undertake a sustainability appraisal as they had omitted to do this when lodging their objection.
Cllr Chamberlain is to send in a response on the Parish Council’s behalf.
7. Finance, risk assessment and procedural matters
7.1 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 Chamberlain, seconded by Cllr Joslin the
payments as listed in the report were approved plus:
Lawson Tree £90 + £20.
Grounds by Rounds £215.42
LGS Services £1036.25
Town and Country Tree Surgery £141.00
Hardwick Primary School £41.25
Graham Bird £29.99
LG Stoehr £175.50
J Dyer £120.30
Grounds by Rounds £215.42
J M Rogers £5188.80
Victoire Press £394.00
CALC £20.00
Bard Electrics £322.14
Two credit notes from Victoire Press for wrongfully charged VAT were noted.
7.2 Request from St Mary’s Church – financial support grass cutting
On a proposition by Cllr Chamberlain and seconded by Cllr Cripps that in accordance with its powers under Section 137 of the Local Government Act, 1972, the Parish
Council agreed to donate £314.90 to St Mary’s Church which, in the opinion of the Council is in the interests of the area and its inhabitants.
7.3 Notice Board by shop – to consider quote
It was noted that the general public notice biard had been removed as it was unsafe. The quote from Ian Lawson for a replacement notice board was considered and on a
proposition by Cllr Chamberlain, seconded by Cllr Grenfell it was approved. On a proposition by the Chairman it was agreed to vary the order of business.
7.6 P3 Grant application
It was noted that the P3 grant was for signs for this year and it was agreed to apply for a P3 grant for signs for next year also. No paths are to be cut by CCC. The forms
were given to Cllr Grenfell to complete.
7.7 Freedom of Information Act & Data Protection Act
The implications of The Freedom of Information Act and associated Data Protection Act were noted. On a proposition by Cllr Chamberlain, seconded by Cllr Grenfell it
was agreed to adopt the Freedom of Information Act core model publication scheme for Parish Councils and confirming that the Council wishes to make a charge for
postage and copying for any information outside the publication scheme. Approval was given for the Data Protection registration and the annual payment to be made.
7.8 Public Open Spaces – Hundred Housing & Taylor Woodrow areas
7.8.1 Saxon Place Taylor Woodrow/Wimpy
The Deed of Variance which had been received from Peter Burns, Locum Solicitor, indicates:
