Category Archives: Parish Councils

Minutes from local Parish Council meetings.

Stoke Ferry Parish Council – February Meeting

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DRAFT

Minutes of Stoke Ferry Parish Council Meeting

held in The Community Centre

At 7.30pm on Wednesday 8 February 2012

 

Those Attending: Cllr T Ryves (Chairman), Cllr Mrs J Buckley-Stevens (Vice-Chair), Cllr Mrs D Clements, Cllr Mrs M Leamon, Cllr J Nicholas-Letch, Mrs C Hardy (Clerk) 7 Members of the Public, also PCSO Jane Edwards (Local PCSO) and PC Maria Asker (Watlington Area Manager)

 

 Apologies: Cllr R Bivon, Cllr E Taylor and Borough Councillor Colin Sampson

 

 Police Matters:

 

PCSO Edwards and PC Asker were welcomed to the meeting. It was reported 10 calls had been received by the police since our last meeting, including a variety of incidences, violence, theft, anti-social behaviour, fire, highways issue etc. The two priorities from the last SNAP meeting were the Sincks in Shouldham and William Burt Centre in West Winch. PC Asker explained that she had three PCSO’s working with her and stressed that any incident should be reported, when doing so make sure a Call Number is asked for. Reports can also be made by e-mail -

 

sntwatlington@norfolk.pnn.police.uk

- again always ask for a report number. One query was raised – the cost per call of the new 101 Police Telephone Number – this is 15p for the entire call. The next SNAP Meeting will be held on 15 February 2012 in Stoke Ferry Village Hall commencing at 7pm. PCSO Edwards and PC Asker were thanked for attending the meeting.

 Minutes of the last Meeting:

 

Cllr Mrs M Leamon proposed acceptance of the minutes seconded by Cllr Mrs D Clements

 

 Matters Arising:

 

a) Kebab/Pizza Shop Lynn Road – The Chairman asked what the current position is regarding this – the Clerk advised she had received a call from the Environmental Health Department stating that the investigation was ongoing – she will chase this up again.

 b) The Common – Cllr Nicholas-Letch advised that the asbestos was still there. The Clerk advised she had received a call from Environmental Health stating they were looking into the matter – again she will chase this up.

 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Meeting:

 

The Chairman read out the notes of the meeting held on 23 January to give everyone an idea of what the Parish Council were trying to organise also asking for any ideas and maybe involvement on the day. There will be a further meeting on 20 February for more discussions to take place.

 

 Cllr Nicholas-Letch advised the meeting a colleague of his who is a TV production engineer has offered to come to the village and produce a film of the event. It was felt this was a very good idea, something to remember for years to come. Cllr Nicholas-Letch will let the Clerk have the gentleman’s details.

 

 Councillors Responsibilities for Jubilee Event:

 

Some tasks had been allocated to councillors, unfortunately some are now not able to be present at the event therefore some task will have to be reallocated, this will be done at the meeting on 20 February.

 

 Possibility of School Drama Event:

 

The Chairman wondered if a small drama event by the children would be an idea for the event, Cllr Mrs Leamon advised that the school do not have drama lessons so this would not be possible.

 

 Special Grant for Historic Year:

 

The Clerk advised the meeting that there was a Special Grant for the Historic Year for which there was the possibility of being granted £200 towards the costs of the Diamond Jubilee events. An application has been submitted.

 

 Progress on Sports Event for the Olympic Torch Day:

 

Unfortunately not much progress has been made on this front, no one seems that interested in trying to organise an event. Cllr Nicholas-Letch advised he would look into a Sports Taster event to see what was available.

 

 Planning:

 

The question of planning applications was raised at the last meeting when some councillors asked whether these could be looked at on line or could the PC go down the internet route. The Chairman advised that he would prefer a meeting to be held when any planning application is received when hard copies can be inspected and discussed. It was therefore agreed that the PC continue with receiving hard copies, councillors can always look at applications on line if they so wish.

 

 Telephone Box:

 

The Chairman raised the question of perhaps the telephone box could be used as a Defibrillator Unit. This would mean the PC having to adopt the telephone box. Cllr Mrs Leamon did not feel this was a good idea as the box is always being vandalised and possibly would be in future. Cllr Mrs Buckley-Stevens advised you would need at least 14 people to operate the scheme otherwise it would not be considered. The Chairman said he would look into this further.

 

 Village Liaison Meeting:

 

Cllr Mrs Clements advised that Vion had only received two complaints since the last meeting, noise and transport. She also advised that Vion had kindly offered to sponsor the cost of posters for the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, also will supply a raffle prize. A query had been made relating to the dust monitor being moved to another part of the village, the Clerk will look back at minutes to see what the situation is. The Chairman asked if the matter of the cottages butting onto Lynn Road being repainted had been raised, the Clerk to write to ask if these can be painted prior to the Jubilee Celebrations.

 

 Councillors E-mail Addresses:

 

The Chairman asked which councillors did not have e-mail access, Cllr Mrs Leamon advised she did not have this amenity. He then asked Cllr Nicholas-Letch why he would not use his e-mail address, he responded by saying he does not look at his e-mails for at least a week. The reason for asking was it would save the Clerk time and expense in having to drop paperwork off, printing items which could be e-mailed, it would make things more efficient. Cllr Nicholas-Letch did not feel this matter should be discussed in public and would write to the Chairman and put his position in writing. The Chairman advised he does not like all this confrontation.

 

 Community Car Share Scheme:

 

Cllr Nicholas-Letch updated the meeting with the scheme so far advising he was to have a meeting in Norwich with NCC the following day. The Chairman raised a point about another scheme which is already in existence and that it seems odd to have two schemes running at the same time, was there any way the two could be combined. After considerable consideration Cllrs Mrs Leamon and Mrs Clements felt that the PC should go with the scheme that Cllr Nicholas-Letch is setting up. He will report to the next meeting.

 

 Common Management:

 

See under Matters Arising item b)

 

 SFPC Meeting 9 November 2011:

 

Cllr Nicholas-Letch did not wish to say anything

 

 Establishment of Brownies/Scout Group in Village:

 

The Chairman raised this subject asking if there were any local groups, he was informed there were in Wereham and Methwold, also it would be very difficult to set up groups because there are not sufficient volunteers to carry out this work.

 

 Planning:

 

Outline Application construction of 3 bungalows on land north east of telephone exchange Lynn Road – supported by the Parish Council

 

 Accounts for Approval

 

MHB Services Ltd – £70.55 – Lighting Maintenance January/February

 

Mrs C Hardy – £332.37 – Salary/Expenses January

 

James Bradfield School – £30.88 – Hire of Hall – November and January

 

Highline Adventure – £159.00 – Deposit for Climbing Wall

 

E-on – Direct Debit – £45.70 – Lighting – January

 

 Statement of Account as at 31 January 2011 – Balance in Bank – Community Account £952.19 Business Saver Account £7959.94 A total of £8912.13

 

 Cllr Mrs Leamon proposed approval for payment seconded by Cllr Mrs Clements

 

 Correspondence:

 

Mr Bryan Seymour resigning as Parish Councillor

 

Norwich & West Norfolk Citizens Advice Bureau requesting donation – refused

 

BCKLWN – Planning System Training

 

NALC – Neighbourhood Planning Meeting – Swaffham

 

NALC – Training for Clerks & Councillors/Affordable Housing

 

 Councillors Other Business:

 

Cllr Mrs Leamon asked if it was possible for the PC to organise gritting of side roads in the village. It was agreed that an estimate be obtained for this work to be carried out perhaps two or three times per year depending on weather conditions. A list of roads to be submitted to the next meeting.

Cllr Mrs Clements raised the problem of parking on the grassed area in front of bungalows 1-4 Buckenham Drive – the Clerk will raise this again with Freebridge, BCKLWN and Highways. There now seem to be around 8 cars parking on this area.

 

Public Other Business

 

Again the question of gritting side roads was raised.

 

The Clerk thanked Mrs Stocking for the work Bonnetts had carried out on the new steps in The Cemetery.

 

 There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.30pm

 

 Next Meeting

 

The next meeting will be on Wednesday 14 March 2012 commencing at 7.30pm

 

 

 

 

 

　

 

　

 

　

 

Northwold Parish Council Meeting

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MINUTES OF NORTHWOLD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL ON TUESDAY DECEMBER 6TH 2011

 Present: Mrs R Crisp, Mrs S Bury, Mr M Peake, Mrs V Lynch,  Mrs S Jackson, Mr A Collins, Mr F Eglington, Miss A Muir & 1 member of the public

 1.  Apologies for absence: Mr D George

 2.  Declarations of Interest:

Mrs S Jackson declared an interest in matters relating to Whittington Churchyard/Cemetery.

Mr F Eglington declared an interest in item 11.1.

 3.  The minutes of the meeting held on 01/11/11 were agreed as a true record.

 4. Matters Arising from previous meetings

  • The Parish Council allotments both have tenants and the Clerk will clarify which tenant is cultivating which plot.
  • It was noted that discos are being successfully held at Northwold Sports & Social Club.
  • Thanks were expressed to Mr Roger Warner who has rolled the ground at Northwold Playing Field.
  •   Ivy has been removed from the bus shelter at Whittington but there is still more to be cleared.
  •   A drain has been repaired inSchool Lane.
  • Mrs R Crisp and Mr A Collins volunteered to decorate the Parish Council Christmas Tree in the Church.

 5.  Reports

5.1          Chairman’s Report

  • Mrs Sue Leet who was formerly a member of the Parish Council but resigned due to personal reasons was present at the meeting and has volunteered to re-join the Council. There are two vacancies on the Council and the Monitoring Officer will be consulted regarding whether the Council can co-opt members at the January meeting of the Parish Council.
  • The Village Allotment Charity has asked if water can be made available atNorthwoldCemeteryfor use by allotment holders. It has been suggested a water trough could be placed in the Cemetery which the Charity Trustees would be responsible for. The allotment rent would be increased and money raised would be used for paying for the water used. Costs for providing water will be brought to the January Parish Council meeting for further consideration.

 5.2               The Clerk’s Report

  • A letter has been received from St. Andrew’s Church, Northwold requesting financial assistance towards grounds maintenance of the Churchyard. This will be an agenda item for the January meeting of the Parish Council.
  • A letter has been received from The Stoke Ferry Common Room Youth Club requesting help to purchase a shed and equipment. This will be an agenda item for the January meeting of the Parish Council.
  • A quote has been received to fit replacement seats and chains on swings at the Playing Field. It was previously agreed this would be undertaken and the cost quoted is £368.00 plus VAT.
  • The Clerk attended the Norfolk Association of Local Councils Autumn Seminar held atSandringhamon November 15th.  Speakers gave presentations on celebrations for the Queens Diamond Jubilee, the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge (the aim is to protect 2012 outdoor recreation spaces across the country by 2012), Road Closures for events. Advice was given regarding governance, auditing and risk assessment and information was also provided regarding Civil Parking Enforcement.

Previously on-street parking offences have been criminal offences discretionally enforced by the Police and progressed through the Magistrates Courts with any income going to the Treasury. On-street parking has now become a civil offence and can be enforced by the Local Authorities under Delegated Powers. Income will go to support the operation of the scheme and related transport projects. Local Authorities will be dealing with off street Local Authority car parks, yellow lines, on-street parking, residents parking and on-street pay and display. Car parking offences can be reported 24 hours on 01553 616222 or via e-mail parking.operations@west-norfolk.gov.uk.

 5.3               Community Action Northwold Update

  • An inaugural meeting of the Committee formed to further research the possible establishment of a village shop has been held but due to lack of support it is unlikely this project will continue.

 5.4               Manor House Update

  • It was reported that the Borough Council has undertaken a valuation of The Manor House.

 6. Whittington Cemetery

Northwold Parish Council is proceeding to seek planning permission for change of use of part of Whittington Playing Field to use as a cemetery. The change of use would mean loss of part of a playing field which is against policy in the emerging Local Development Framework therefore, Chris Parsons, who has been engaged to act as the agent for the Parish Council to submit the necessary planning application, is to meet a representative of Sports England at Whittington Playing Field to gauge the extent of the implications for the future of the Playing Field before an application is filed. The Environment Agency will also be consulted before any application is made.

Some discussion took place regarding what it may cost to establish a new cemetery at Whittington. It is hoped volunteers will contribute to keep costs down. Matters such as the track to the Playing Field at Whittington and hedging/fencing of the cemetery area will need future discussion and consideration will need to be made as to how the project will be financed. The Parish Council has endeavoured to maintain some reserve money and decisions will need to be made as to how this money should be allocated.

 7.  Agreement with Northwold Sports & Social Club for hire of the Club building

The Parish Council has once again requested that a new agreement with the Sports & Social Club should be signed and a further letter will be sent to the Sports & Social Club requesting an update on the present situation. It was felt the Club should be congratulated for the efforts so far made to keep the Club open.

 NO MATTERS RAISED IN OPEN FORUM

 8. The following payments were agreed:

 MHB Services (street lighting maintenance)                      £53.76

E.on Energy (street light electric)                                     £150.34

Village Hall Committee                                                       £10.00

Clerk Salary                                                                      £108.00

CGM                                                                                 £296.17

Royal British Legion Poppy   Appeal                                        £17.00                         

  St. AndrewsChurch(Christmas Tree)                                                           £16.00

 9. Correspondence

9.1    The “1948 Torch Trail” – June 2nd – 5th 2012

9.2    Briefing sheet – The Localism Act

9.3    Safer Neighbourhood Action Plan meeting dates

 10. Planning:

Mr M Peake took no part in discussions. Interest declared by Mr F Eglinton in item 10.1.

Applications for consideration

10.1        Conservation Area Consent and Demolition of single floor section at rear and two storey extension on rear at1 Inghams Lane, Northwold 11/01899/CA

                                                                                                                                         No objection

 Notice of Decision

10.2        Change of Use from Car Sales to Car Sales and Hand Car Wash including Siting of Demountable Canopy at Whittington Garage, Whittington 11/01425/CU                                                                                                                                Permission granted

 11.   No further reports made

Wretton Parish Council meeting – November 2011

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MINUTES OF WRETTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HELD AT THE CHURCH

MONDAY 7th NOVEMBER 2011

 

Present–

Cllr David Llewellyn – Chairman, Cllr Mick Peake, Cllr Mandy Peake, Cllr L Beatty, Cllr John Wyett, Cllr. John Reeve.

 Borough Councillor C Sampson

3 members of the public

 1.         No Apologiesfor Absence received.    

2.         No Declarations of Interest made.

3.         The Minutes of the meeting held on 12/09/11were agreed as a true record.

4.         Matters Arising

  • · Trees to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Cllr. Beatty presented Councillors with a map indicating suggested area where trees could be planted in the parish. Packs of trees can be obtained free of charge from the Woodland Trust and it was agreed Cllr. Beatty should apply for a woodland fuel mix pack. It was agreed in principal to plant trees at the suggested locations but permission would need to be sought from land owners and from Highways for any tree planting on the roadside verges. Cllrs. agreed to research this matter further. Volunteers will be needed to plant the trees and young trees may need stakes and protection so some cost could be incurred.

Cllr. Sampson informed the Council that trees can be obtained through the Borough Council.

  • · Seat for Wretton Green to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Cllr. Wyett has looked into the cost of a stone seat for the Green. It is estimated a reconstituted stone seat would cost in the region of £400 to £500 but further quotes will be sought. There would be additional costs for a concrete base for the seat (estimated £150) plus engraving of the seat.

The seat will replace the wooden seat by the village sign.

It was suggested a recycled plastic seat could be considered rather than stone as a possible cheaper alternative.

  • · Padlock for Play Area

The Play Area gate is to be locked. As the grass cutting contractors need to be able to enter the area a key will be held by Cllr. Wyett and one will also be given to the grass cutting contractors.

  • · Annual Play Equipment Inspection Report

Cllr. Mick Peake has looked at recommendations on the report and those risks identified are noted as low risk. Cllr. Peake will consider what work may need to be undertaken and report back to the Council if any cost will be incurred.

A sign stating ‘No Ball Games’ has been erected inside the Play Area.       

 Cllrs Beatty, Reeve, Peake and Wyett to undertake further research.

 Cllr. Wyett to obtain further quotes.

5.         Chairman’s Report

  • · Item 8 of the agenda is to include an update from the Chairman regarding the new Parish Council website.
  • · Possible encroachment of a public Right of Way known asLydia’s Lane has been reported to the Parish Council. It appears that a fence adjacent to the footpath has been moved out and thus the width of the footpath has been narrowed. In places it is now very difficult to traverse the path without walking almost in the dyke.

It was noted that the path has recently been cut but there is still a place where bushes need trimming back. This will be reported to the Countryside Access Team who will also be informed of the encroachment.

Clerk’s Report

  • One vacancy remains on the Parish Council for which a volunteer has now come forward. Co-option will be an agenda item for the January Parish Council meeting.
  • Highways andNorfolkCounty Council Rights of Way Officer, David Mills have both been approached again regarding the classification of Lime House Drove. David Mills has confirmed that Lime House Drove is a Restricted Byway (No. 4 Wretton and No. 14 Stoke Ferry). This gives the public the right to access it on foot, horseback, cycle or horse and carriage, but excludes public access with motorised vehicles. There may be private rights held by the owners of the land, which may give them and anyone they gave permission to, a private right to drive on the track.

The first 50 metres are also registered as anUnclassified Country Road, so anyone can drive the first 50 metres. These are higher rights which override the Public Right of Way and consequently the surface of the first 50 metres is the responsibility of Highways to maintain. After 50 metres the Country Access Team is responsible for maintaining the Right of Way in a condition which allows the public rights to be exercised. Wear and tear resulting from the public use will be repaired but any damage caused by vehicular traffic remains the responsibility of the private rights holders (those causing the damage) to repair.

  • Padlocks have been purchased to allow the Parish Council notice boards to be locked.

 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

  • · Discussed under item 4. 

 7.         Accounts were presented and accepted for payment.

Cheques for approval of payment

MHB Services x2                                                                     £33.20

SJ Scarrott (Sept/Oct.)                                            £112.38

BCKLWN (play equipment inspection)                                    £70.02

Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal                               £17.00         

Padlocks                                                                          £4.60

A1 signs                                                                         £10.00

CGM                                                                             £408.60

 Financial position @ 31/10/11

Community Account Balance                                   £2825.66

Business Saver Account (1)                                          £686.48

Business Saver Account (2)                                   £12260.30

Business Saver Account (3)                                             £0.36

8.         Wretton Parish Council website

  • · The new Parish Council website is now visible to Councillors as a test site and suggestions as to the content of the website were requested. Soundwave Marketing is undertaking work for the Chairman through his company and an agreement has been made with them to construct the Parish Council website at no cost to Wretton Parish Council. The Parish Council will have content management and the website will be moved to a hosting provider who will supply full support also at no cost to the Parish Council.
  • · The Chairman asked for photographs of the village to be supplied which could be shared on the website.
  • · Photographs of Councillors and a short resume of members will be published on the website.
  • · It is hoped the website will go live in the New Year and thus there is a need to publicise the new site to the village.
  • · It was suggested a reminder should be posted on the website informing people that the recycling credits from the waste paper skip located by the bus shelter in the village goes towards maintenance of the village play equipment.
  • · The Chairman was thanked for his efforts to establish a new website and for saving the Parish Council money through the arrangement agreed with Soundwave Marketing

9.         It was agreed the 2012 precept request should remain the same as 2011 at £3576    

10.       Correspondence

10.1 Norfolk Link etc, includes information regarding training (to be e-mailed to Councillors).

10.2 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons booklet

10.3 Norfolk NRCC Signpost

10.4 Norfolk Association of Playing Fields ‘The Playing Field’

11.       No planning applications received for consultation.     

12.       Maintenance of village paths

Discussed under item 5. 

 13.       Schedule of meetings for the forthcoming year

It was agreed future meetings of the Parish Council will take place on the first Monday of alternate months unless otherwise agreed. The January 2012 meeting will be held on January 9th as the first Monday is a bank holiday.

A calendar of meeting dates will be published on the website.  

14.       Review of Standing Orders and Financial Regulations

Councillors were provided with copies of the model Standing Orders and Financial Regulations supplied by the National Association of Local Councils. Both will be considered at the January meeting when Councillors have reviewed the content.    

15.       Reports from Councillors/items for the next agenda

15.1 It was noted that the footpath at AllSaints Placeis still overgrown. This has been reported to Freebridge Housing previously and will be again. 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

  • Members of the public voiced concerned regarding the issues of access along Lime House Drove. It was reported that Highways did arrive at Lime House Drove to dig out the gulleys but were unable to do so as a water pipe was discovered. Residents believe draining problems at the Drove entrance have been exasperated since the entrance was tarmaced. Highways need to find a resolution to the problems at the entrance to the Drove as it is impassable when wet.

It is felt a map is needed which identifies what land in the area is registered as Common Land as there is much confusion at present. Highways are still investigating the designation of parts of the Drove.

It was requested that a history of problems relating to the Drove should be compiled and that the matter should be an agenda item for the January meeting of the Parish Council.

  • A complaint was made that a loud noise seems to emanate from the British Sugar factory at Wissington each night at around1amand continues to4am. Investigation will be made regarding the origins of the noise.

 

 

 

 

West Dereham parish Council Meeting – December 2011

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MINUTES OFWEST DEREHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HELD AT ST. ANDREWS CHURCH

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 1ST 2011

 

Present:  Mrs Claire Cann – Chairman, Mrs Pam Bullas, Mr Tom Foy, Ms Paula Kellingray,

Mrs Ruth Marsters, Mrs Pam Walker.

 4 members of the public

PCSO Sophie Watson

 Papers presented to Councillors: Clerks timesheet, expenditure spreadsheet, 2012 budget, A Plain English Guide to the Localism Act, Glazewing Report.

 1.    Apologies for Absence accepted from: Mr Mark Dawson

 2.    No Declarations of Interest made.

 3. Approval of the Minutes.

The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on03/11/11were agreed as a true record of the meeting.

4. Election of Vice-Chairman.

It was agreed to leave item 4. until the February meeting of the Parish Council when hopefully all members would be present at the meeting to vote in a Vice-Chairman.

 5. No Matters arising from previous meetings.

 

6.    Reports:

At this stage of the meeting PCSO Sophie Watson was invited to give a Police Report which would then free her to leave the meeting.

  • PCSO Watson informed the meeting that thePSCOassigned toWest Derehamhas been relocated and that in the New Year changes to the organisation of the Safer Neighbourhood Team will take place which should result inWest Derehamhaving a regular Police presence at meetings.
  • Since the third of November seven phone calls have been made to the Police relating toWest Dereham. These have included theft of metal, checking on a resident, speeding by the school bus, two instances of fly tipping and a lost dog.

The Chairman voiced concerns that there has been some anti-social behaviour occurring in the parish involving young people and that panes of glass have been broken in the two village telephone boxes. It was noted the Police have been involved with a family in the village and that some members of the family have now moved out ofWest Derehambut Police advice remains for residents to always report incidents of anti-social behaviour to the Police. The number of calls made from an area influences the frequency of Police patrols through a location. The Police are possibly in the village more than is realised as the Safer Neighbourhood Team use unmarked cars.

Comment was also made that no information seems to be made available at present through the Homewatch Scheme. PCSO Sara Clipperton keeps a register of those wishing to be part of the Homewatch Scheme and PCSO Watson offered to look into who is registered on the list forWest Derehamto receive Homewatch Voicemail messages.

 6.1 Chairman’s Report:

Village telephone boxes

Both telephone boxes inWest Derehamare being progressively vandalised and BT has confirmed that they will not repair phone boxes. The appearance of vandalised phone boxes on one of the main routes through the village is a bad advertisement forWest Derehamand therefore villagers will be asked, through the monthly leaflet drop, whether they wish to keep the boxes in the parish.

 NorfolkAssociation of Local Councils Autumn Seminar

The Chairman, Pam Bullas, Ruth Marsters and the Clerk attended the Norfolk Association of Local Councils Autumn Seminar held atSandringhamon November 15th.  Speakers gave presentations on celebrations for the Queens Diamond Jubilee, the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge (the aim is to protect 2012 outdoor recreation spaces across the country by 2012), Road Closures for events, and Civil Parking Enforcement.

  • Advice was given regarding governance, auditing and risk assessment. Councillors will consider risk assessment for the Council and this matter will be an agenda item for the February meeting of the Parish Council. Internal financial control has been implemented and regular monitoring of the accounts is undertaken by Ruth Marsters. The Chairman noted that the conference speaker emphasized the importance of recording account monitoring. [When the RFO and the Councillor meet to independently monitor the accounts the Clerk will record this under the Clerk’s report at the following meeting].
  • Previously on-street parking offences have been criminal offences discretionally enforced by the Police and progressed through the Magistrates Courts with any income going to the Treasury. On-street parking has now become a civil offence and can be enforced by the Local Authorities under Delegated Powers. Income will go to support the operation of the scheme and related transport projects. Local Authorities will be dealing with off street Local Authority car parks, yellow lines, on-street parking, residents parking and on-street pay and display. Car parking offences can be reported 24 hours on 01553 616222 or via e-mail parking.operations@west-norfolk.gov.uk.

 Youth Officers

It was agreed that Tom Foy and Pam Walker should act as Youth Officers of West Dereham Parish Council, in pursuance of the Parish Councils intention to provide activities and facilities forWest Derehamteenagers.

 6.2 Clerk’s Report

  • Before any work can be undertaken by Pear Technology to produce a digital map ofWestDerehamCemeteryan up to date ground plan of the Cemetery needs to be compiled. This will be undertaken by the Chairman, Pam Walker, Paula Kellingray and Tom Foy, to be completed by the February Parish Council meeting.
  • The owner of the conifer hedge adjacent to West Dereham Parish Council Allotments has approached the Council regarding a possible joint venture to see the conifers which presently shade the allotments cut back. The maintenance contractors will be approached again to obtain an up to date quote for the work to be undertaken.

 6.3 Village Hall Report:

  • Building work at the Village Hall continues and is nearly finished. The heating is working and a projector and screen has been installed. The custom made gates are ready for installation, a chef is being trialled and external works are expected to be completed in a fortnight.

 6.4 Glazewing Report:

  • Councillors were presented with a copy of the monthly Glazewing Report.
  • The Clerk has been sent a copy of complaints logged with Glazewing since January 2011.
  • It was noted that private vehicles which travel through the village to reach the Glazewing site can cause problems as do some Glazewing vehicles and a large amount of heavy vehicles are travelling through the parish at the present time. Concern was voiced that vehicles are increasing in size and it is not known what they may be carrying.

 6.5 Broadband Update:

  • Jeff Jones, who has taken over management of the Broadband for West Dereham Project from Andy Ambridge, was due to attend the December meeting of the Parish Council. However, he was unable to be present, nor could he find a substitute, so Norfolk County Council will be asked to ensure that a representative is sent to the Parish Council meeting to be held on February 2nd 2012.
  • Notice has been received that a planning application has been submitted for a Broadband Mast for West Dereham Village Hall. Andy Ambridge had verbally promised that a Broadband connection would be made available at West Dereham Village Hall free of charge in exchange for the Broadband mast being located in the grounds of the Village Hall. The Village Hall Committee will be sending a letter to Norfolk County Council asking for this commitment in writing. Once Norfolk County Council establishes services as a result of the Better Broadband for Norfolk Project the interim service which is being piloted inWest Derehamwill be withdrawn and therefore the mast will be a temporary measure. However, the Parish Council feels it should do its utmost to facilitate provision of Broadband forWest Derehamas soon as possible by whatever means are available.

 7. Accounts

Financial position update:

The Parish Council bank reconciliation stands at £10,809.70.

7.1 Payments agreed in accordance with the budget:

Clerk’s salary (November, including Inland Revenue PAYE)                   £332.50

Country Grounds Maintenance                                                                                      £107.90

NorfolkAssociation of Local Councils – training                                                        £92.60

Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal                                                                              £34.00

Society of Local Council Clerks annual subscription                                                 £24.60          

 7.2 Grave markers

It was agreed to purchase grave markers to be used inWestDerehamCemeteryas quoted.

The Council will purchase two sets of galvanised markers with stencilled letters A to J to be cemented into the ground, to denote the grave rows. Thirty black painted metal markers will be used to identify both vacant grave plots available for purchase and those already allocated.

In total the markers will cost approximately £650 and fitting will be charged at £28.00 per hour.

 7.3 Website

After discussion about the efficiency and value for money of the current Parish Council website provider it was agreed to trial a different website provider who will construct an easier to use Parish Council website complete with the ability to provide more than one e-mail address. It was estimated that the suggested website package will cost £50.00 per year compared to £115.00.

 7.4 Recreation space

The Chairman expressed concern that the only recreational space available in the parish is at one end of the village and it is enclosed by houses and gardens thus it is concealed and less of an obvious facility than it should be. The Chairman suggested that a more central village location would be more appropriate and it was agreed to contact the land owner adjacent to West Dereham Village Hall regarding the possibility of the Parish Council purchasing half to one acre of land for use as village recreational space. If successful this could be designated a Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Green or indeed named after the landowner. This location would have the added advantage of being close to the Village Hall but sufficiently isolated from domestic gardens for ball games not to be a nuisance.

 7.5 2012 Precept

Councillors were presented with an income and expense analysis and further discussion took place regarding the 2012 budget and precept request.

As considered at previous meetings money has been allocated in the 2012 budget for a projector and screen for the Abbey Room in the Village Hall; local election fees which must now be met by Parish Councils; future employment of a village handyman to undertake both some tasks no longer undertaken by the Borough or County Councils (emptying litter bins, washing street signs) and also maintenance work on village assets currently undertaken commercially and provision for youth equipment/trips. £3000 has also been included to allow for fencing of the planned extension ofWestDerehamCemetery.

On the day of the Parish Council meeting The Bank of England’s rate of inflation was 5%. Councillors agreed to increase the precept by 3.5% which will be sufficient to cover the additional items added to the 2012 budget. The precept request is for £7660.00 which it is anticipated will result in a £1.56 annual increase to the council tax for a Band D property inWest Dereham.

8.         Correspondence:

8.1    NorfolkRural Community Council Signpost Magazine

8.2      “1948 Torch Trail” – 2nd- 5th June 2012 (passed to Village Hall Committee)

 9.  Planning

9.1 The British Sugar planning application for a Bioenergy Facility at Wissington Sugar Factory has been approved.

9.2 Notice has been received that planning application 11/01411/F is to be considered by the Borough Council Planning Committee on December 5th 2011. The Parish Council has objected to this application to remove condition three from planning application 2/99/0243/F to allow unrestricted vehicle repairs at Ashcroft Farm,Main Road, Crimplesham. The Parish Council feels the condition was originally set to protect the environment by keeping vehicles being serviced in the Frimstone workshop to those already on site; therefore there would be no increase in vehicle movement to and from the site as a result of the workshop. This condition should control the level of activity at the site which is a concern to local residents. It was agreed to ask Borough Councillor Trevor Manley to speak on behalf of the Parish Council at the Planning Committee meeting to reiterate the concerns the Parish Council has with this application.

 

10.     Further Reports/items for the next agenda:

10.1            A query was raised regarding the siting of mobile homes in gardens. Information will be sought to clarify the position regarding the siting of mobile homes.

10.2            A query was raised regarding whether there is a right for the public to walk along river banks. This matter will be clarified.

 OPEN SESSION

No matters raised

 

 

 

Northwold Parish Council Meeting – November

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MINUTES OF NORTHWOLD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 1ST 2011

 Present: Mrs R Crisp, Mr D George, Mr M Peake, Mrs V Lynch,  Mrs S Jackson, Mr A Collins, Mr F Eglington, Miss A Muir

 2 members of the public

 1.  Apologies for absence

Mrs S Bury

 2.  Declarations of Interest:

Mrs S Jackson declared an interest in matters relating to Whittington Churchyard/Cemetery.

 3.  The minutes of the meeting held on 04/10/11 were agreed as a true record.

 4. Matters Arising from previous meetings

  • Drainage problems atSchool Lanehave been reported to Highways.
  • Drainage problems at Common Drove, reported at the October Parish Council meeting, have been rectified.
  • Swing seats at Northwold Playing Field have been removed for safety reasons and quotes are being sought to replace the seats and chains.
  •   A further quote of £125 + VAT to remove the ivy from the bus shelter on theMethwold Roadat Whittington was accepted.
  •   There have been two enquiries regarding the availibility of allotments in the parish and those interested will be contacted with regard to splitting one of the plots.
  •   An overhanging tree in Hovell’s Lane has been trimmed back.

 5.  Reports

5.1       Chairman’s Report

  • The lighting maintenance contractor has been notified of Street lights reported as not working.
  • Concern has been voiced regarding mud that has been left on the road by vehicles involved in the development behind The Crown. Mr F Eglington volunteered to speak to those on siet about this matter.
  • It was noted a volunteer has offered to organise a disco at the Sports and Social Club.

 5.2             The Clerk’s Report

  • The Clerk is to compile draft rules for the Cemetery based on those used by the Borough Council of King’sLynnandWest Norfolk.

 5.3             Community Action Northwold Update

  • A survey is being undertaken regarding the possibility of a village shop in Northwold.

 5.4             No update regarding Manor House.

 6. WhittingtonCemetery

The Parish Council is proceeding to seek planning permission for change of use of part of Whittington Playing Field to use as a cemetery.

As the change of use would mean loss of part of a playing field which is against policy in the emerging Local Development Framework a planning consultant has been approached to undertake a pre-planning assessment. SportsEngland, the Environment Agency and the Borough Council will be approached before the application is submitted to gauge whether the change of use would be accepted. A scale plan will be produced indicating an area to the edge of Whittington Playing Field which the Parish Council would be willing to see used as a Cemetery. It was estimated and accepted that it will cost £500 for a pre-planning application to be made on behalf of the Parish Council by Parsons & Whittley.

Boundary treatment for the Cemetery will need to be considered at a later date and careful consideration will need to be undertaken regarding the cost of this project. The Parish Council will need to consider whether it will be necessary to increase the precept to meet costs to establish a cemetery at Whittington.

 7.  Agreement with Northwold Sports & Social Club for hire of the Club building

It has been reported that Northwold Sports & Social Club has sufficient funds to remain open until at least Christmas. The Parish Council will continue to request that  a new agreement with the Sports & Social Club should be signed and a letter will be sent to the Sports & Social Club requesting an update on the present situation. 

OPEN FORUM

  •  Mr Adrian Jenkinson was thanked for researching the cost of purchasing a roller that would be suitable for rolling the grass at the Playing Field to deter chafer bugs. However, Mr Roger Warner has a roller which he would be willing to use to roll Northwold Playing Field and his offer was gratefully accepted. Mr Warner will laisse with Mr Jenkinson regarding what needs to be done.

 9. The following payments were agreed:

 MHB Services (street lighting maintenance)                      £53.76

E.on Energy (street light electric)                                     £150.11

Village Hall Committee                                                       £10.00

Clerk Salary/postage                                                        £121.50

BCKLWN – play equipment inspection                               £70.02

 The Parish Council current bank balance stood at £18,840.77 on October 12th 2011.

 9.1 It was agreed to retain the 2012 precept request at £17000 the same as 2011.

 10. Correspondence

10.1    Borough Council ofKing’s Lynnand West Norfolk Local Development Framework Site Specific Allocations and Policies Development Plan Document Issues and Options Consultation – September 2011.

The Council is due to consult on the Site Specific Allocations and Policies Development Plan Document from Friday 23rd September 2011 to Friday 4th November 2011.

This document sets out the main proposals for where development should occur and key areas that should be protected from new development. Members of the Parish Council attended

 11. Planning:

Notifications of decisions received:

11.1    Variation of conditions 2 and 3 of planning permission 06/01267/F at 38 High Street, Northwold                                                                                               Permission granted

 11.2    Retrospective planning application for a stable building and associated tack room at Keepers Cottage 5 Little London Road, Northwold 11/01396/F

                                                                                                            Permission granted

 11.3    Dormer extension to dwelling at 18West End, Northwold 11/01517/F

                                                                                                        Permission granted

 12. No further reports made