BISHAMPTON AND THROCKMORTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on Monday 4th February 2008 at the Villages Hall, Bishampton

Members and Officers present: Mr D Cheetham, Mr D Baldwin, Mr J Mills, Mr J Morrison, Mr C Tucker and Mrs C Morris (Clerk)

The meeting opened at 7.30pm and adjourned to hear from Mrs Claire Griffiths, Mr Peter Jesson and Pershore High School Head Teacher Mr Clive Corbett (see attached notes).
The meeting reopened at 8.12pm.

ADMIN

08.02.1. To receive apologies and approve the reason for absence
Cllrs Argyle and Burtoft were on holiday abroad and Cllr Beever was detained at work. Their apologies were approved.

08.02.2. To record: a) Declarations of Interest (Personal & Prejudicial) and b) Any changes to be notified to the Register of Interest and Gifts & Hospitability
Cllr Baldwin declared his interest in item 10 and Cllr Tucker in item 5.

08.02.3. To consider the co-option of a new councillor
The council heard applications from Mr Geoffrey Day from Bishampton and Mrs Cleverly from Throckmorton for the vacancy.
The following resolution was then carried: ‘In view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted, it is advisable in the public interest that the public and press be temporarily excluded, pursuant to the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960. The reason being to consider personal issues.’
Members of the public left the room and Mr Geoffrey Day was co-opted to serve as a councillor on the Bishampton ward of the parish council. He signed his acceptance of office and joined the council. Clerk to pass on information and notify Wychavon DC. Action Clerk

08.02.4. To approve the minutes of the PC Meeting held on January 7th 2008
The minutes were approved and signed by the chairman as a true record.

NEW ITEMS

08.02.5. To consider a request for a grant to Throckmorton Parish Room
(Cllr Tucker declared his prejudicial interest in the item as a member of the management committee and left the room for this item)
The PC received a request for help in paying the insurance bill for the parish room and agreed to donate a £500 grant. Action Clerk
(Cllr Tucker returned to the room)

08.02.6. To consider community facilities on offer at Pershore High School
The council had heard the head teacher’s offer of facilities for the community and was glad to publicise the offer locally and bear the school in mind in future. Action Clerk

08.02.7. To consider CPRE membership for the coming year
The council agreed to renew its membership at a cost of £28.00. Action Clerk

REGULAR ITEMS

08.02.8. Finance

08.02.8.1. To note any receipts
A £2,000.00 parish grant to be spent on flood alleviation had been received.

08.02.8.2. To approve the statement of cash reconciliation for January
The cash reconciliation showed that spending from the current account in January amounted to £1,168.97 and there was £2,258.20 received in income, resulting in a total of £4,924.18 in the current account on the statement date of January 31st. The savings account accrued £108.03 in interest, bringing its total to £39,998.93. There were no unpresented cheques and this meant the council’s total cash assets on January 31st stood at £44,923.11. The council had received £23,524.47 in income and spent £14,808.27 so far during the year.

08.02.8.3. To approve outstanding invoices for payment
The following invoices were approved for payment:

• 1135 Newsquest Advert (paid Jan 10) £58.28
• 1136 Throckmorton Village Charity Hall Hire £10.00
• 1138 Throckmorton Village Charity Grant (see item 5) £500.00

  Total £568.28
  Action Clerk

08.02.8.4. To approve claims for expenses/overtime
Clerk’s expenses of £29.50 were approved (ink cartridges £23.50 and mileage £6). Overtime of half a day (£36.00) was also approved, following clerk’s preparation and colour printing of the newsletter.

08.02.9. Planning

08.02.9.1. Council’s response to applications between meetings

• W/07/02721/PN- New warehouse, Marshalls Transport, Throckmorton Airfield
  The following comment was sent to the Planning Department:-
  “The parish council would like to object to this application on the grounds that it would be an expansion of the premises into open countryside where development has been resisted in the past. It would open the door not only for an increased use of the site as it is, where roads cannot cope with extra traffic, but it could also result in the setting of a precedent for further industrial development of the site should a change of use occur in the future - something which would go against local plans and planning policy for this part of the airfield site”.
• W/08/00001/PN- Proposed timber tractor, trailer and feed store, Northbrook, Main Street, Bishampton.
  No Objection

08.02.9.2. Current Planning Applications

• W/07/02943/CU - Conversion of redundant school to provide ancillary accommodation to The Glebe, Throckmorton (renewal of previous permission).
  No Objection Action Clerk

08.02.9.3. Reports on planning decisions

• W/07/02494/PP - W/07/02505/LB – W/07/02506/LB - Court Farm, Main St Internal alterations, alterations to outbuildings and a natural pool
  Approved

08.02.10. Play Areas
(Cllr Baldwin had declared his interest as a member of the junior play area committee)

08.02.10.1. To hear any update from the Junior Play Area Committee
Cllr Baldwin declared his interest in the item and reported that he had asked for new quotes for the play area but the costs had risen a little. It was agreed that in order to allow the scheme to go ahead, it would be wise to remove the see-saw and a talking flower set. Cllr Baldwin would order the equipment as soon as possible.

08.02.10.2. To consider any action necessary to continue work on the Junior Play Area project
As above.

08.02.10.3. To consider any other matters relating to the play areas
It was agreed to book in with RoSPA for the annual play area inspection unless another inspector proved better value for money – Cllr Baldwin to investigate. Action Cllr Baldwin/Clerk

08.02.11. Footpaths – To consider footpath issues and a quote for footpath work
The clerk was awaiting a quote. There was also a footpath information session this month which the clerk would try to attend and forms had been received to apply for a grant next year. Action Clerk/ Cllr Morrison.
There were some issues raised by a parishioner regarding the footpaths next to Badger’s Walk and along Gunnings Lane, which Cllr Day said he would look into. Action Cllr Day
She asked that consideration be given to dog gates in stiles but it was not felt necessary at the moment and asked if there could be more dog waste bags provided in the village. Clerk to investigate. Action Clerk

08.02.12. To consider any Lengthsman Issues
Clerk to ask lengthsman for his report on parish pavements and drains. Action Clerk

UPDATES

08.02.13. To consider housing matters in the parish – the plans for an Eco Town and the Regional Spatial Strategy
Councillors heard from Cllr Liz Tucker that the Government has already asked the regional assembly to look at higher numbers of houses for Worcestershire. She reported on a workshop which she attended and the parish council agreed to write again with its views on plans for development within the county. Action Clerk
Members also heard that she was meeting with the Wychavon DC chief executive the following day to hear latest news about the Eco Town. The chairman reported that he had spoken to Peter Luff MP and all indications from the Government pointed towards another site being favoured by the housing minister. It was agreed that a public meeting could be planned with the MP, ready in case there was any change in the situation and then people could be offered the opportunity to protest further. Chairman and Cllr Liz Tucker to report asap after further talks with planners and Mr Luff. Action Clerk
The chairman thanked all those who wrote excellent letters and who copied their letters to the PC. All those who emailed and wrote to the PC would be informed of the current situation. Action Clerk

08.02.14. To consider any issues arising from the PC Newsletter
Councillors thanked the clerk for writing and preparing the newsletter which was delivered as a matter of urgency to all homes, mostly by the chairman and Cllr Tucker.

08.02.15. To consider the organisation of the parish litter pick
It was agreed to ask for a 20-piece kit from Wychavon, and ask for it in advance of Feb 15th if possible. Cllr Cheetham was to organise Bishampton pickers and Cllr Tucker Throckmorton pickers.

08.02.16. To consider issues relating to Quality Parish Status
Deferred.

08.02.17. To consider issues relating to flooding in the parish and spending of the grant
Mr Steve Jorden, head of environmental services at Wychavon DC, had replied to the PC’s letter asking about the Bishampton drainage scheme. He said the Bishampton scheme is fourth on a list of five. The first two were drawing to a close. The next two would start to be dealt with later in the spring.
The council was glad to receive the £2,000 grant for flood alleviation and saw an example of an Aqua Sac (self-inflating sand bag). It was agreed to press ahead with a survey of the land in Bishampton (Cllr Cheetham to liaise with the engineer) and to wait for Cllr Argyle to look in more detail at the drainage improvement for Main Street. It was noted that an upcoming Wychavon flood fair would be demonstrating more equipment, like sand bags and sand hoppers, which could be bought with remaining money. It was noted that a report detailing spending of the grant had to be submitted to Wychavon. Action Clerk

08.02.18. To consider mowing for the coming season
The Council agreed to continue with its present contractor for a further year at a 3% increase in costs. The Council also heard that the Bishampton PCC did not wish for the churchyard to be included on the PC schedule at present but would welcome another similar grant towards their costs. The Council agreed it would give another £750 donation in the coming year. Action Clerk

08.02.19. To consider progress on the Affordable Housing Survey
No News

08.02.20. To consider plans to close rural Post Office branches
No News

REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE

08.02.21. PACT News
A Box had been placed in the shop to ask people their opinions, but the cards to fill in were causing confusion as they seemed to be aimed just at young people. Clerk to point it out to PC de Paris. Action Clerk

08.02.22. CALC/Training Matters
Clerk reported a seminar in March. Action Clerk

08.02.23. To receive reports from councillors and items for future agendas
County and District Councillor Liz Tucker had reported on items during the meeting and also spoke about the wheelie bin scheme and about the new garden waste wheelie bin which householders could book for a fee.

08.02.24. To consider any further items of correspondence

• Geraldine Green, Throckmorton Chapelry, thanked the PC for the recent grant, which should make life easier for the volunteers and is much appreciated.
• Regional Spatial Strategy information– (as previously circulated)
• Mr Hartshorne – asking about repair to litter bin outside Dolphin. Clerk still pursuing.
• Workwise – scheme available for people in rural areas without transport – moped loan for £5 per week. (Info sent to NewsSheet for publication in next issue).
• Children and Young people’s annual conference (as previously circulated)
• John Hicks and Associates – play area inspector.
• Pat Edwards has left CALC and has set up Local Council Services, doing face to face consultations, audit services, acting clerk services and advice.
• Clement Keys has been appointed BAT PC’s External auditor for five years
• Review of Cllr standards.
• Circulation - Community First Newsline/ Bus Bulletin

08.02.25. To affirm the date of the next meeting of the Parish Council
The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Monday, March 3rd, Throckmorton.
The meeting closed at 9.50pm

………………………………………………… …………………………..
Chairman Date
Clerk to the Council Mrs C. Morris

Notes from the public session
Mrs Claire Griffiths attended the meeting to ask about the Eco Town proposals and about the close of the Dolphin.
She pointed out that there had been a demonstration at another Eco Town site and asked the parish council if there were any plans for similar protests. The chairman explained the latest situation and explained the matter was to be considered later in the meeting.
She asked whether there was news on when the Dolphin would reopen and asked if the parish council could do anything to stress the importance of the pub to village community life. The chairman reported that he had been in touch with the brewery and had been assured that it was to be reopened as soon as possible after a refurbishment. The clerk was asked to write again to ensure the brewery was aware of strength of feeling in the village. Action Clerk
Mr Peter Jesson spoke as chairman of the district Police and Community Consultative Group. He spoke of his disappointment at local levels of policing and how he wanted to make the PC aware of what he believed was a problem. The chairman pointed out that the PC had written to the local police inspector about local issues and had passed on village concerns about speeding in particular recently. Clerk to copy letters to Mr Jesson. Action Clerk
Mr Corbett attended the meeting as part of his drive to inform the community of the facilities on offer at Pershore High School, now a College of Technology. He spoke about the facilities available – the food rooms, the technology rooms, textile rooms, sports facilities, classrooms and meeting rooms – and said they were open to use by any group/individual/councillor people of any age in the community. He added that pupils also carried out voluntary work and were available to help with community projects where needed. He spoke about his eco-town concerns, and the possible negative effects it could have on the school and on Pershore. He was thanked and assured that the PC would try to publicise the facilities in the community and would bear them in mind for future use.