PRESENT: Chairman Cllr. Mrs. R. Whate, Councillors, Mrs. B. Barber, Mrs. A. Clark, F. Clark, J. Cobb, L. Sinclair and 2 members of the public.
1. APOLOGIES
2. DECLARATION OF PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS
None
3. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 8.3.04 and 26.3.04
The minutes of 8.3.04 and 26.3.04 had been circulated prior to the meeting. It was proposed by Cllr. F. Clark and seconded by Cllr Mrs. B. Barber that they were a correct record of the meetings. This was unanimously agreed.
4. MATTERS ARISING
a) Boat Club Lease – an informal meeting had been held with the Boat Club prior the start of the council meeting. The council now realised more time should have been set aside for the meeting. A letter of apology to be sent to the Boat Club. It is now clear more information is required and a dedicated meeting needs to be arranged once the information is to hand.
b) Village Hall – Cllr. Mrs. A. Clark had prepared a draft questionnaire, which has been sent to Frith Moxon. They have made a couple of suggested changes and the form has been redrafted. The council went through the form and made arrangement for its distribution and return. It is hoped the forms can be distribute by 30.4.04 and returned by 7th May. Cllr, Mrs. A. Clark was thanked for her work in producing the form.
c) Trent Valley Way/Wharf Road – councillors have now had a meeting with the Fishing Club and further information is to be obtained from British Waterways.
d) Risk Assessment – now on the website.
e) Parish Plan – another meeting needs to be arranged, but this matter will be put on the Agenda for the Annual Parish Meeting.
f) Road Repairs – letter received from NCC about the Moor Lane entrance - the repair will be done as soon as possible.
g) Dumping – some dumping of a white powdery substance has taken place in the Stokeham Road lay-by, which had quickly been dispersed by the recent wind. Tanker-like lorries seem to be the culprits, which are thought to be Cottam Power Station visitors. A letter to be sent to Cottam Power Station.
h) Spring Clean – to start at the Bus Shelter at 6.00 p.m. on 26th April. Bags and gloves have now been received.
i) Mobile Unit – next visits are 17.5.04 and 14.6.04.
j) Code of Conduct Register – The Chairman asked for her address to be changed.
k) Key – not yet obtained for the Clerk.
l) Street Cleaner – no applications received to date.
m) Mowing – quotes to be requested from two village businesses.
n) Garden – Reply received from Mr. Rawson re. the garden at Church Laneham. He states that according to his father’s will he is not allowed to sell or give away the garden. However, he did think it a good idea for the council to rent the garden and maybe make a seating area. He would charge a nominal rent and then donate it back to the council to help maintain the garden. A reply to be sent to Mr. Rawson asking for a fixed term rental of say 10, 15 or 20 years. Mrs. Hemstock to be advised.
o) Bus Shelter – Reply received from Simon Cherrie, NCC stating they do not intend to put up a bus shelter at the junction of Broadings Lane and Main Street. The council is not happy about the decision and in view of the reply received from Patrick Mercer MP decided to seek his help. The council feels they have not had any support from the local county and district councillors with this matter. It was also mentioned at this point that no further progress had been made regarding the provision of two extra street lights at the Stokeham Road entrance to the village.
p) Trentfield Lane/Parish Field – a letter had been received from the council’s solicitors which states a request has been received from Mr. Hardman’s solicitor asking for the opportunity to try and arrange a meeting between himself and the council’s solicitor, with a view to discussing a way forward without the necessity for any external adjudication. The council felt the matter would still need to be decided by the Land Registry and a meeting would be an unacceptable expense for the parish. After discussion it was proposed by Cllr. Sinclair and seconded by Cllr. Mrs. A. Clark that this meeting should not go ahead. This was unanimously agreed.
q) Moor Lane – a letter has been received from Mr. Jepson stating he has organised the hedge cutting. He also brought to the attention of the council the state of Moor Lane since the alterations to the pumping station. The council has already contacted LIDB about this but will do so again. Mr. Jepson to be advised of this action.
The council meeting was closed and opened to the public. After which the council meeting reopened.
5. PUBLIC DISCUSSION
a) Drain, Moor Lane – the council’s attention had been brought to the overflow pipe half way down Moor Lane. It is thought that sewage is flowing from this pipe which in turn will go into the beck. Severn Trent to be contacted.
6. ACCOUNTS 2003/4 & PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS
a) Draft Accounts 2003/4 – copies were circulated for councillors to inspect. This item to be included on the Agenda of the next meeting. Audit date not yet received.
b) Best Kept Village – this was discussed but further enquires to be made regarding population figures before the entry is completed. This will on the next Agenda.
c) Allianz Cornhill – Insurance premium requested of £250.79 (000519)
d) Caretaker - £333.33 (000520
It was proposed by the Chairman and seconded by Cllr. F. Clark that (c) and (d) be paid, this was unanimously agreed.
7. LANE LETTINGS
The letting had taken place in the Village Hall on Easter Monday with disappointing results. It is felt that tenders would have improved if they could have been handed in locally prior to the day and not sent to the Clerk as requested. This was noted for future years. All the lanes had not been let. Invoices to be sent out for those lettings not already paid.
Poor Close - £205.00
Lanes - £22.00
8. VILLAGE HALL
This matter had already been covered under Matter Arising (b)
9. CORRESPONDENCE
a) Public Toilets – BDC have agreed to carry on with the present arrangement.
b) Planning – BDC have confirmed that the appeal to build on land adjacent Springfield House will be held on 12th October. 2004.
c) Precept – confirmed at £2717 + £313 concurrent grant + £210 Street Cleaning grant.
d) Planning – Willow Tree Farm, Stable Block to living accommodation – Granted
e) Planning – Ferry Boat Inn, First Floor Extension – Granted
f) Planning – Mill House, Single Storey Extension – Granted
g) Planning – Brunnen House, Adjacent House – Appeal to be held 20.4.04
h) Circulars/Information – made available for councillors to circulate.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
a) Councillors - Concern was voiced about lack of attendance by County and District Councillors at meeting. A check to be made on attendance over the last year.
b) Parking – concern has again been raised over the parking outside Melson House. A letter to be sent to Mr. Claughton expressing the council’s concern.
c) Passing Bays - the new bays are flooding. NCC to be informed.
d) Tree on Wharf Road – Environment Agency to be informed a fallen tree is in the water at high tide.
e) Public Toilets – roof still not repaired – BDC to be informed.
f) Manure Burning – enquiries to be made of BDC regarding permission for this.
g) Flooding – it was noted after recent heavy rain the road outside Orchard Nursery and the entrance to Mill House was flooding. NCC to be asked to inspect the drains.
There was no further business and the meeting closed at 9.00 p.m.