BISHAMPTON AND THROCKMORTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on Monday 8th January 2007 at the Parish Room, Throckmorton

Members and Officers present: Mr D Cheetham (chairman) Mr M Argyle, Mrs B Lammas, Mr E Beever, Ms T Gillian, Mr E Carter, Mr C Tucker and Mrs C Morris (Clerk).

The meeting opened at 7.30pm.

Cllr Tucker, as a member of the Throckmorton Parish Room Trust, welcomed members of the council to the new hall, thanked them for their support in building the room and said how glad he was that the council had made the first booking of the premises.

Mr Brian Mason of Severn Trent Water and Mr David James of Severn Trent’s contractors Barhale attended the open session of the meeting to talk about the sewer work starting in Bishampton. See notes below. The Council Meeting began at 7.50pm.

NB: some urgent agenda items were taken out of order before some councillors had to leave.

07.01.01 To receive apologies for absence:
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Chadwick who was working working away from the area and Cllr Tucker Morrison who was on holiday.

07.01.02 To receive any Declarations of Interest:
Cllr Cheetham declared a personal interest in Item 19.
Cllr Carter declared a personal and prejudicial interest in items 5.1 and 5.4 and a prejudicial interest in 4.4 and 9.
Cllrs Lammas and Argyle also declared prejudicial interests in item 9.

07.01.03 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on Dec 4th 2006:
The minutes were approved and signed by the chairman.

07.01.04 Finance

07.01.04.01 To note any receipts:
There were none.

07.01.04.02 To approve the Statement of Cash Reconciliation for Dec 06:
The statement of cash reconciliation for December showed that in the current account, income amounted to £2,500.00, and outgoings to £2,817.79, leaving £3,122.93 in the account at the statement date of December 22. The 30-day savings account earned interest of £72.92, bringing its total to £33,868.35.
This brought the council’s total cash assets at December 22nd to £36,991.28.

07.01.04.03 To approve outstanding invoices for payment.

07.01.04.04 To note the spending of the Christmas Lights Grant:

 

Lamps & Tubes Ltd

Lights for Village Hall

£1,135.05

  Festive Lighting Co Lights for Bishampton tree and Throckmorton £928.25
 

Limebridge Rural Services

Supply and fitting of Christmas Tree £170.38
  David Baldwin Lights etc for village hall £20.59
  Cllr Carter Electrical equipment £36.07
  Peter Chamberlain Lights etc for village hall £62.08
  Festive Lighting Co Transformers for Throckmorton £58.75
  Allianz Cornhill Insurance £26.25
  R YEates Electrician (safety check on outdoor supply) £37.50
    TOTAL £2,474.92

Residue: £25.08

The council noted the figures and noted that a socket needs updating at Mrs Bufton’s house – part of the cost of which could be met from the grant. Clerk to ask Mr Yeates to quote for next meeting. Action Clerk

07.01.04.05 To approve the clerk’s expenses and overtime for December 06:
Expenses: Councillors approved the sum of £24.72 for the clerk’s monthly expenses and approved .
Overtime: Councillors unanimously approved paying the clerk overtime at her usual hourly rate for extra duties and approved a claim for November which amounted to:

TOTAL: 1.5 days = 12 hours = £100.64.

07.01.05 Planning

07.01.05.01 To note the response by the planning committee to applications received between meetings:

To make comment on current planning applications:

07.01.05.02 To receive reports on Wychavon planning decisions:

07.01.05.03 Enforcement Matters:

8.20pm: Cllr Carter, who had declared a personal and prejudicial interest, left the room while the matter was discussed by councilors.

Councillors debated the situation and whether they could do more in taking action to move on enforcement of the planning breaches. They learned that it was possible that the district chief planner could call a halt to repeat applications after a certain time and press ahead with enforcement. Councillors agreed to keep watch on the situation and respond whenever necessary. District Cllr Argyle will continue to monitor the planning situation.

Cllr Carter returned to the room at 8.25pm.

07.01.06 Play Areas:

07.01.06.01 To hear an update from the BATVH play area committee.
Minutes of the last committee meeting were circulated for members’ information. The committee is continuing its fund-raising efforts.

07.01.06.02 To approve the council’s organisation and funding of a planning application.
The council agreed that Cllr Argyle should organise the planning application for the play area and approved funding of the application. Permission was also given for a cheque to be signed between meetings if needs be. Action Cllr Argyle

07.01.06.03 To approve the parish council applications for grants to Awards for All and Central Networks.
The council agreed to Cllr Carter applying for the Awards for All grant on behalf of the parish council. The council also agreed to apply for an E-On grant for £2,500 to pay for a ‘Safagrass’ safety surface. Action Cllr Carter

07.01.06.04 To approve the parish council’s funding contribution.
This was discussed as part of the budget/precept calculations. See item 9.
For Information: RoSPA has confirmed that Bishampton play area is included on its March schedule for safety checks.

07.01.07 Footpaths: To consider any footpath issues:
Two quotations were considered from Limebridge Nurseries.

  1. Councillors agreed to the quote of £195.00 (plus VAT) for the clearance of the Jubillee Way footpath, which should be completed by the end of February.
  2. Limebridge quoted £125 per annum to include maintenance of 40m of the footpath south of the churchyard on its monthly schedule.

Councillors decided it was time to re-tender for its grass cutting contract so will ask Limebridge for a new annual quote. Members agreed to include monthly mowing of the footpath from the Parish Room to the Church in Throckmorton, along with cutting of the grass around the building, on its mowing schedule. Clerk to add it to schedule and distribute to contractors for quotes. Action Clerk

07.01.08 Litter bins: To hear an update on the replacement of litter bins (06.10.17).
Clerk had gathered ideas of prices but was unable to gather information from WDC successfully over Christmas period. Deferred until next meeting.

07.01.09 To finalise the council’s budget and precept for the coming year.

Cllrs Argyle, Lammas and Carter declared an interest as members of the play area committee and left the room at 8pm

The council agreed its budget for the coming year, (see below) which included agreeing on a sum of £5,000 donation to for the playground project at this stage (noting the ability to donate more from reserves at a later date if necessary).
Members agreed on a precept of £18,000. Clerk to deliver precept request to Wychavon DC. Action Clerk

Cllrs Argyle, Lammas and Carter returned at 8.10pm

07.01.10 To hear progress about the affordable housing survery suggested by Wychavon District Council’s Housing Development Officer (06.11.20).
No response from housing officer yet.

07.01.11 To hear progress on a parishioner’s request for an allotment.
Clerk has been in touch with Benefice secretary Delia Harding who said all church land is already rented out but she is currently investigating whether land is available from the Bishampton Relief in Need Charity. Council will wait to see outcome.

07.01.12 To consider the maintenance of the Bishampton War Memorial.
Clerk has written to the Gardening Club and is awaiting a reply.

07.01.13 To hear any progress on the planned Memorial for Canadian Airmen.
There was no progress yet on the issue, although councillors involved hoped to involve some Tilesford Park residents in the project.

07.01.14 To hear information regarding developments at Throckmorton Airfield.
Cllr Gilligan received a complaint from a resident about noisy lorries early in the morning and she reported a noticeable increase in traffic at the airfield entrance since the ESP distribution centre had moved there. It was noted that the firm was allowed to use the airfield buildings without gaining separate planning permission but it was a temporary home for 12 months while its main premises was being repaired. The council agreed there was no action it could take at this time.

07.01.15 To review the status of the council’s risk management schedule.
No updates.

07.01.16 To review parish councillors’ areas of interest/committee membership.
Members agreed that, with elections due in May, the time to review areas of responsibility would be with the formation of the new council.

07.01.17 To review procedure for meeting notification to councillors
Councillors agreed the clerk would continue to send agendas and information by email but that members would confirm receipt (of agendas particularly) to make sure they had been informed of meetings. Clerk would telephone/post information to anyone who had not replied to agenda emails or any marked urgent.

07.01.18 To hear about a dog fouling problem in Bishampton.
The chairman reported that he had received complaints about dog fouling continuing in Bishampton, in the Moat Farm Lane and Babylon Lane areas. Other members mentioned problems on the road from the Dolphin down to the church. Members agreed to include stern warnings in their newsletter article, on noticeboards and in the parish magazine, and with a notice in the shop window if possible, saying that they would seriously pursue offending owners with a view to prosecution.

07.01.19 Application for Rural Rate Relief.

Cllr Cheetham expressed a personal interest and left the room at 8.50pm. Cllr Lammas took over as chairman.

Mr J A Mills had applied for Rural Rate Relief for John’s Salon, in Main St . Three letters were taken into consideration, which had been sent to Cllr Argyle from villagers who complained of their council tax subsidising what they felt was profitable and non-essential business in the village generally.
The council agreed to write to Wychavon, saying members believed the business was beneficial to the community but they felt it was not appropriate to grant relief from parish council funds.
The reasons were: That the council accepts the business is important to some villagers and employs local people but members were not sufficiently convinced of any need for parish council funds to subsidise what appears to be a profitable concern.
Clerk to reply to WDC. Action Clerk

Cllr Cheetham returned and took over the chair at 9.08pm.

Cllr Gilligan and Argyle left at 9.10pm.

07.01.20 To consider the entrance to the village from Broad Lane.
Cllr Cheetham said he thought the area of verge before the planters at the ‘Bishampton’ sign in Broad Lane could be improved. It was agreed to ask Limebridge Nurseries for a quote to level the area of verge so it could be mown flat in the mowing season. Action Clerk

07.01.21 Spatial Strategy - Local Meetings.
Clerk had circulated news of workshops set up to inform parish councillors about the Spatial Strategy consultation, which could mean 20,000 new houses built in the Wychavon district. No councillors were able to attend the county workshop, but Cllr Carter and Lammas put their names forward to attend the meeting set up by Wychavon DC on Wednesday, January 17th, at the Civic Centre in Pershore. 6pm. Clerk to put their names down. Action Clerk

07.01.22 To consider reports from councillors and items for future agendas.

REPORTS

Cllr Lammas left at 9.40pm

07.01.23 To consider any further items of correspondence:

07.01.24 To affirm the dates of the next meeting of the Parish Council.
The date of the next meeting was agreed as Monday, February 5th, at 7.30pm at the Parish Room, Throckmorton.

The meeting closed at 9.50pm.

………………………………. …………………………………..

Chairman Date

Clerk to the Council Mrs C.Morris

Bishampton & Throckmorton Parish Council Budget 2007/8
Spend
Budget
Actual to
Predict to
Budget
2005/6
2006/7
4 Dec 06
31 Mar 07
2007/8
Notes
RECEIPTS              
Precept £14,000 £18,030 £18,030 £18,030 £18,000
Interest £349 £300 £379 £300 £300
Grants £1,300 £800 £4,474 £4,474 £1,200
1
Sundry £28,000 £6,533 £6,567 £6,567 £20,000
2
VAT arrears £0 £2,035 £2,029 £2,029 £0
Parish Plan £0 £2,004 £2,004 £2,004  
TOTAL RECEIPTS £43,649 £29,702 £33,483 £33,404 £39,500
Balance from Reserves £29,761 £16,398 £19,566 £1,330
3
TOTAL   £43,649   £59,463 £49,881 £52,970 £40,830
 
PAYMENTS              
Staff costs £3,436 £4,500 £903 £1,810 £4,500
4
Audit & Insurance £670 £1,200 £1,469 £1,469 £1,300
Meeting costs £118 £180 £117 £210 £180
Repairs £289 £200 £0 £0 £200
Conservation £0 £100 £0 £0 £100
Footpaths £151 £1,200 £857 £1,200 £1,200
5
Mowing & Clearance £2,837 £3,150 £1,721 £2,100 £3,150
6
Villages Hall Grants & Donations £1,462 £1,000 £1,000 £1,000 £1,000
Throckmorton Parish Room Grants & Donations £623 £5,500 £555 £555 £500
7
Play Areas £2 £38,533 £38,536 £38,536 £25,000
8
Other Grants & Donations £845 £900 £855 £855 £1,000
Rate Relief   £500 £114 £500 £600
Subscriptions & Training £286 £500 £351 £500 £600
Admin & Stationary £353 £500 £517 £750 £800
9
Sundries £309 £500 £1,925 £2,524 £200
Election costs £0 £0 £0 £0 £500
10
Public Transport £0 £0 £0 £0 £0
Parish Plan £109 £1,000 £961 £961  
11
TOTAL EXPEDITURE £11,490 £59,463 £49,881 £52,970 £40,830
Transfer to/from Reserves £32,159 -£29,761 -£16,398 -£19,566 -£1,330
12
TOTAL   £43,649   £29,702 £33,483 £33,404 £39,500
 
TOTAL CASH ASSETS £53,855   £24,094 £37,457 £34,289 £32,959

NOTES FOR 2007/8 BUDGET PREPARATION

Note

 

1

Can anticipate footpath grant say £800 and verge cut grant say £398

High last year due to litter clean £500 and Xmas lights £2500

2

Assumed grants for junior play area in region of £20,000

3

Large balance from reserves last year due to carry over from 2005/6

4

Low cost last year due to vacant clerk post

5

Footpath grant unknown but may now include some clearance.

6

Must now include mowing Jubilee and Badger walks.

7

£5000 still held to underwrite Throckmorton cashflow but not shown on budget

8

PC to contribute £5,000 to junior play area (and reclaim £20,000 as note 2)

9

Has not been realistic figure to cover travel and admin in past years

10

Agreed at December meeting to allow £500 for election costs

11

Parish Plan lines now discontinued

12

Amount to be draw from reserve – matches note 3

END OF YEAR PREDICTION

Total estimated receipts 2007/2008 £39,500
Total estimated payments 2007/2008 £40,830
SURPLUS/DEFECIT FOR THE YEAR (to/from reserves) -£1,330

 

Notes from the open session preceding the Council Meeting

Mr Mason and Mr James outlined the scheme to improve the outdated and collapsing sewer system in Bishampton and how the contractors planned to carry out the work.

They said the work would be carried out in two stages –1) from the bottom of Abberton Road up to the shop, until about March 20, and 2) from there up to the pumping station opposite Moat Farm Lane, for another fortnight until early April.

The road will be closed in sections at a time, moving up through the village, and as contractors move along, they said the road will be fully closed across those sections at all times, because of necessary safety fencing. There would be times people may not be able to get on their drives, they said, but they could park in the road as near as possible. They added that no-one should be cut off from the sewer because temporary pipes would keep the system connected.

They gave maps and time schedules to councillors and the clerk as well as contact details. They also said there would be a site office near the sewage treatment works off Abberton Road during the project.

The council asked Mr Mason if a warning sign could be placed by the bad corner on the way in to Broad Lane from the Lenches and asked him to check on arrangements for school buses. The chairman thanked Mr Mason and Mr James for taking the time to explain the scheme.