WATLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Clerk :  Colin Vince, 17 Bure Close, Watlington, KING'S LYNN,  Norfolk PE33 0TN

DRAFT MINUTES

Minutes of the meeting of WATLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL held on 15 May 2007 at 7.25pm in Watlington Village Hall.

Present: Cllr Lacey (Chairman); Cllrs Dagnall, Golding, Leedell, Mack, Miller, Paget, Pike and Rockcliffe.

3 members of the public also attended the meeting.

Apologies for absence:  Cllr Stevenson.

MAY 07/8 Council Code Of Conduct Order 2007 and Standing Orders

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council adopted the Model Code of Conduct for Parish Councils including paragraph 12(2).

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council agreed to amend standing Order 68 to read “At all meetings of the Council, the Chairman may at his discretion and at a convenient time in the trans­action of business, adjourn the meeting so as to allow any members of the public and those councillors with a prejudicial interest in items on the agenda to address the meeting in relation to the business to be transacted at that meeting.”

MAY 07/9 Register of Members’ Financial and Other Interests

Council noted the requirement to complete the Register of Members’ Financial and Other Interests Form and return to the clerk within 28 days.

MAY 07/10 Declarations of Interest

MAY 07/11 Police Liaison Officer Information Exchange and Open Forum

Letter from Norfolk Constabulary regarding the introduction of the Safer Neighbourhoods Scheme were noted. Cllr Mack advised that only one trainee PCSO was in place at the moment and that the full complement of the Watlington Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) may not be in place until 2008. Cllrs Rockcliffe and Mack spoke of the problems of anti-social behaviour at the rail station and the lack of a resolution to ongoing problems at the site, including the fact that the mosquito system had not been introduced. It was agreed that the clerk would write to the SNT, Network Rail and First Capital Connect raising extreme concern on this issue.

 It was agreed that Cllrs Mack, Miller, Pike and Rockcliffe would attend the first Community Action Group (CAG) meeting on 5 June as the Council’s named representatives. It was also agreed that the Village Hall Management Committee and the Sports & Social Club would be encouraged to send representatives.

A School Governor spoke in favour of a scheme proposed by the school for a pedestrian crossing over Station Road near to Britton Close to improve safe access to the school from the Petersfield Estate.

MAY 07/12 Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 13 March 2007

The Minutes of the Council Meeting on 13 March 2007 were agreed and signed as a correct record.

MAY 07/13 Clerk’s Report and Matters Arising from the Council Meeting on 13 March 2007

The clerk reported that as only 10 persons were elected as councillors, the Council’s co-option procedures would now be invoked, to fill the vacancy at the next meeting. The clerk reported that the Council’s funds currently stand at £30,737.41, the precept having been received and deposited.

MAY 07/14 Accounts 2006/2007

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council approved the 2006/2007 unaudited accounts.

MAY 07/15 Appointment of Internal Auditor for the 2006/2007 Accounts

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council approved the re-appointment of Mrs M Doubleday as Internal Auditor for the 2006/2007 accounts.

MAY 07/16 Budget 2007/8

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council approved the 2007/8 budget.

MAY 07/17 Approved Annual Grants to Village Organisations

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council approved the release of the annual grants of £500 to the Millennium Green Trust (MIN FEB 05/6) and £430 to the Parochial Church Council (MIN JUN 05/11). Both grants are S137 payments.

MAY 07/18 Payments

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council agreed that the following payments be made:

* Includes VAT

MAY 07/19 Planning Applications

The following planning decisions were agreed:

The Planning Committee recommendations were available at the meeting for inspection.

The following planning decisions from BCKLWN were noted:

MAY 07/20 Martingales Development

Cllr Rockcliffe advised that the problems with the drain near the school had not been resolved and that a Stop Notice may need to be considered by the Planning Authority.

Cllr Miller raised the concerns from residents in Bennet Close about being closely overlooked by the larger houses on Martingales and the lack of a response from Persimmon. Cllr Mack agreed to raise the issue at Planning Authority level and it was agreed that the clerk would write inviting Persimmon to the next Council meeting about this issue and would also contact Persimmon about clearing their rubbish from Fairfield Lane.

Cllr Pike advised that 22 houses had been sold and that 4 were under offer.

MAY 07/21 Highways Matters

The Chairman advised the meeting that a number of the minor highways works were still to be completed. It was agreed that offset barriers were needed on the Lacey Close to Station Road footpath. Cllr Rockcliffe advised that he hoped a new directional finger post would shortly be installed at the junction of St Peters Road and School Road. The clerk advised councillors that the annual review of desirable highways works was due at the next meeting.

The Chairman read a response from NCC Highways regarding the 20mph proposals which set out that there is currently no realistic opportunity to introduce such speed limits as resources are targeted at sites that already display an accident history. It was agreed that the senior highways engineer be invited to the next meeting to discuss this issue and that of parking restrictions relating to the station car park (MIN 07/22).

Cllr Mack reported that the EDP had publicised the start of the Community Speed Watch Scheme in East Norfolk. It was agreed that the clerk would write to the Traffic Manager for Road Policing in the Western Area to urge that the scheme be taken up and that the Council was keen to be involved.

It was noted that a full report on the visit by Councillors to the Police Command and Control Centre at Wymondham would appear in the next issue of the Gossip. Parishioners were again advised of the need to report all incidents to the Police, as this would go towards determining resource allocation to this area.

Council noted the proposed inclusion of Church Road between Terrington St Clement and Terrington St John in the 7.5T Weight Restriction Area.

Council declined to offer financial support to the Southern Area Road Safety Committee.

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council agreed to support the proposal from the Community School for a pedestrian crossing over Station Road near to Britton Close to improve safe access to the school from the Petersfield Estate, subject to full consultation at the planning stage.

MAY 07/22 Railway Station Update

The continuing car parking problems at the station were discussed, particularly now that the extension car park has been closed. It was noted that there are both problems with the design of a new car park and with co-operation between the agencies involved. It was agreed that the clerk would write again to First Capital Connect, The Fen Line Users Association, Network Rail, the local MP, Norfolk County Council and the Borough Council concerning the need for action to resolve this issue. It was also agreed that the clerk would write to the Police requesting regular checks on car parked in the Station Road / John Davis Way area.

MAY 07/23 Community Projects Committee

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council sealed the Byelaws for Pleasure Grounds, Public walks and Open Spaces relating to the Glebe Land, John Davis Open Space, the Recreation Ground and Warren Close Play Area. On a proposal from the Chairman, Council also agreed expenditure of £90 plus VAT for the placing of notice of sealing the byelaws in the Lynn News as required under the regulations.

Cllr Pike reported that a date of 5 July had been fixed for the Youth Consultation meeting, but the exact format was still under consideration and all views would be taken on board.

Cllr Pike read an email from the Pre-School Relocation Committee regarding their Summer Extravaganza and the progress on the relocation project. Council noted the need to make the main entrance to the site more accessible for vehicles.

The Chairman read an email from a parishioner regarding overnight camping at the Warren Close Play Area. Cllr Pike advised that the new site notices should soon be available, examples being shown to the meeting. The clerk advised that he had forward copies of the signs to PCSO Bunting and that a copy of the byelaws would be forwarded to them once enacted. The clerk to advise the parishioner accordingly.

MAY 07/24 Glebe Committee

An updated plan was received from the Youth Football Team for the sports training area behind the village hall. On a proposal from the Chairman, Council agreed to allow an initial cut and levelling of the proposed site under the supervision of the Community Projects Committee. Council was pleased to note that the football club was planning a new Under 8s team for the coming season.

Council noted that the adult football team were hoping to groundshare the Glebe pitch with St Germans next season and that they had been advised by the clerk that they could only do this on a cooperative basis as no sub- leases would be allowed under the terms of the Council’s lease with the Diocese.

MAY 07/25 Environment Committee

The clerk updated the Council on jobs carried out by the Handyperson. It was agreed on a suggestion from Cllr Golding that painting of the kissing gates and the Glebe gate onto Downham Road be added to the jobs list. The clerk advised that footpath strimming work would be added to the list.

Cllr Rockcliffe agreed to see that the trimming of the hedge at the junction of Mill Road and Thieves Bridge Road was carried out.

Council noted that hedging cutting work on the footpath between Mill Road and the glebe fields would be carried out by NCC.

Cllr Mack reported that he was still seeking support from all interested parties for a glass recycling bank to be placed near the Medical Centre and would report back at the next meeting.

On a proposal from Cllr Pike, seconded by Cllr Miller, Council agreed a request from the school for the installation of a new dog waste bin on the new cycleway/footpath link from John Davis Way to Rectory Lane, the exact location of the bin to be delegated to the Environment Committee, in consultation with the school. The new bin at a cost of approximately £180, with ongoing costs of £53 a year would come from the Environment Committee Repairs and Renewals fund.

Council noted the NCC Minerals and Waste Development Framework: Issues and Options consultation and noted that an associated questionnaire was available on the NCC website.

MAY 07/26 Correspondence for Action

MAY 07/27 Correspondence for information

MAY 07/28 Members Information Exchange

Cllr Miller sought information from Cllrs Pike and Paget as to whether there would be any further action as a result of their questionnaire to residents of Lacey Close and Cecil Close and was advised that no further proposals were being considered at present.

Cllr Pike raised that issue of gutter weeds in Cecil Close. The clerk advised that he would inform NCC Highways.

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council agreed that formal letters of thanks be sent to Mr Neil Garton and Mr Brian Toates who had stepped down as Parish Councillors at the May 3 elections.

There being no other business the Council rose at 9.15pm.

The next meeting of the Council is on Tuesday 26 June 2007 in the Village Hall at 7.00pm.

SIGNED

Chairman                                                          Clerk                                         26 June 2007

WATLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Clerk :  Colin Vince, 17 Bure Close, Watlington, KING'S LYNN,  Norfolk PE33 0TN

DRAFT MINUTES

Minutes of the meeting of WATLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL held on 15 May 2007 at 7.25pm in Watlington Village Hall.

Present: Cllr Lacey (Chairman); Cllrs Dagnall, Golding, Leedell, Mack, Miller, Paget, Pike and Rockcliffe.

3 members of the public also attended the meeting.

Apologies for absence:  Cllr Stevenson.

MAY 07/8 Council Code Of Conduct Order 2007 and Standing Orders

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council adopted the Model Code of Conduct for Parish Councils including paragraph 12(2).

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council agreed to amend standing Order 68 to read “At all meetings of the Council, the Chairman may at his discretion and at a convenient time in the trans­action of business, adjourn the meeting so as to allow any members of the public and those councillors with a prejudicial interest in items on the agenda to address the meeting in relation to the business to be transacted at that meeting.”

MAY 07/9 Register of Members’ Financial and Other Interests

Council noted the requirement to complete the Register of Members’ Financial and Other Interests Form and return to the clerk within 28 days.

MAY 07/10 Declarations of Interest

MAY 07/11 Police Liaison Officer Information Exchange and Open Forum

Letter from Norfolk Constabulary regarding the introduction of the Safer Neighbourhoods Scheme were noted. Cllr Mack advised that only one trainee PCSO was in place at the moment and that the full complement of the Watlington Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) may not be in place until 2008. Cllrs Rockcliffe and Mack spoke of the problems of anti-social behaviour at the rail station and the lack of a resolution to ongoing problems at the site, including the fact that the mosquito system had not been introduced. It was agreed that the clerk would write to the SNT, Network Rail and First Capital Connect raising extreme concern on this issue.

 It was agreed that Cllrs Mack, Miller, Pike and Rockcliffe would attend the first Community Action Group (CAG) meeting on 5 June as the Council’s named representatives. It was also agreed that the Village Hall Management Committee and the Sports & Social Club would be encouraged to send representatives.

A School Governor spoke in favour of a scheme proposed by the school for a pedestrian crossing over Station Road near to Britton Close to improve safe access to the school from the Petersfield Estate.

MAY 07/12 Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 13 March 2007

The Minutes of the Council Meeting on 13 March 2007 were agreed and signed as a correct record.

MAY 07/13 Clerk’s Report and Matters Arising from the Council Meeting on 13 March 2007

The clerk reported that as only 10 persons were elected as councillors, the Council’s co-option procedures would now be invoked, to fill the vacancy at the next meeting. The clerk reported that the Council’s funds currently stand at £30,737.41, the precept having been received and deposited.

MAY 07/14 Accounts 2006/2007

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council approved the 2006/2007 unaudited accounts.

MAY 07/15 Appointment of Internal Auditor for the 2006/2007 Accounts

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council approved the re-appointment of Mrs M Doubleday as Internal Auditor for the 2006/2007 accounts.

MAY 07/16 Budget 2007/8

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council approved the 2007/8 budget.

MAY 07/17 Approved Annual Grants to Village Organisations

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council approved the release of the annual grants of £500 to the Millennium Green Trust (MIN FEB 05/6) and £430 to the Parochial Church Council (MIN JUN 05/11). Both grants are S137 payments.

MAY 07/18 Payments

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council agreed that the following payments be made:

* Includes VAT

MAY 07/19 Planning Applications

The following planning decisions were agreed:

The Planning Committee recommendations were available at the meeting for inspection.

The following planning decisions from BCKLWN were noted:

MAY 07/20 Martingales Development

Cllr Rockcliffe advised that the problems with the drain near the school had not been resolved and that a Stop Notice may need to be considered by the Planning Authority.

Cllr Miller raised the concerns from residents in Bennet Close about being closely overlooked by the larger houses on Martingales and the lack of a response from Persimmon. Cllr Mack agreed to raise the issue at Planning Authority level and it was agreed that the clerk would write inviting Persimmon to the next Council meeting about this issue and would also contact Persimmon about clearing their rubbish from Fairfield Lane.

Cllr Pike advised that 22 houses had been sold and that 4 were under offer.

MAY 07/21 Highways Matters

The Chairman advised the meeting that a number of the minor highways works were still to be completed. It was agreed that offset barriers were needed on the Lacey Close to Station Road footpath. Cllr Rockcliffe advised that he hoped a new directional finger post would shortly be installed at the junction of St Peters Road and School Road. The clerk advised councillors that the annual review of desirable highways works was due at the next meeting.

The Chairman read a response from NCC Highways regarding the 20mph proposals which set out that there is currently no realistic opportunity to introduce such speed limits as resources are targeted at sites that already display an accident history. It was agreed that the senior highways engineer be invited to the next meeting to discuss this issue and that of parking restrictions relating to the station car park (MIN 07/22).

Cllr Mack reported that the EDP had publicised the start of the Community Speed Watch Scheme in East Norfolk. It was agreed that the clerk would write to the Traffic Manager for Road Policing in the Western Area to urge that the scheme be taken up and that the Council was keen to be involved.

It was noted that a full report on the visit by Councillors to the Police Command and Control Centre at Wymondham would appear in the next issue of the Gossip. Parishioners were again advised of the need to report all incidents to the Police, as this would go towards determining resource allocation to this area.

Council noted the proposed inclusion of Church Road between Terrington St Clement and Terrington St John in the 7.5T Weight Restriction Area.

Council declined to offer financial support to the Southern Area Road Safety Committee.

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council agreed to support the proposal from the Community School for a pedestrian crossing over Station Road near to Britton Close to improve safe access to the school from the Petersfield Estate, subject to full consultation at the planning stage.

MAY 07/22 Railway Station Update

The continuing car parking problems at the station were discussed, particularly now that the extension car park has been closed. It was noted that there are both problems with the design of a new car park and with co-operation between the agencies involved. It was agreed that the clerk would write again to First Capital Connect, The Fen Line Users Association, Network Rail, the local MP, Norfolk County Council and the Borough Council concerning the need for action to resolve this issue. It was also agreed that the clerk would write to the Police requesting regular checks on car parked in the Station Road / John Davis Way area.

MAY 07/23 Community Projects Committee

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council sealed the Byelaws for Pleasure Grounds, Public walks and Open Spaces relating to the Glebe Land, John Davis Open Space, the Recreation Ground and Warren Close Play Area. On a proposal from the Chairman, Council also agreed expenditure of £90 plus VAT for the placing of notice of sealing the byelaws in the Lynn News as required under the regulations.

Cllr Pike reported that a date of 5 July had been fixed for the Youth Consultation meeting, but the exact format was still under consideration and all views would be taken on board.

Cllr Pike read an email from the Pre-School Relocation Committee regarding their Summer Extravaganza and the progress on the relocation project. Council noted the need to make the main entrance to the site more accessible for vehicles.

The Chairman read an email from a parishioner regarding overnight camping at the Warren Close Play Area. Cllr Pike advised that the new site notices should soon be available, examples being shown to the meeting. The clerk advised that he had forward copies of the signs to PCSO Bunting and that a copy of the byelaws would be forwarded to them once enacted. The clerk to advise the parishioner accordingly.

MAY 07/24 Glebe Committee

An updated plan was received from the Youth Football Team for the sports training area behind the village hall. On a proposal from the Chairman, Council agreed to allow an initial cut and levelling of the proposed site under the supervision of the Community Projects Committee. Council was pleased to note that the football club was planning a new Under 8s team for the coming season.

Council noted that the adult football team were hoping to groundshare the Glebe pitch with St Germans next season and that they had been advised by the clerk that they could only do this on a cooperative basis as no sub- leases would be allowed under the terms of the Council’s lease with the Diocese.

MAY 07/25 Environment Committee

The clerk updated the Council on jobs carried out by the Handyperson. It was agreed on a suggestion from Cllr Golding that painting of the kissing gates and the Glebe gate onto Downham Road be added to the jobs list. The clerk advised that footpath strimming work would be added to the list.

Cllr Rockcliffe agreed to see that the trimming of the hedge at the junction of Mill Road and Thieves Bridge Road was carried out.

Council noted that hedging cutting work on the footpath between Mill Road and the glebe fields would be carried out by NCC.

Cllr Mack reported that he was still seeking support from all interested parties for a glass recycling bank to be placed near the Medical Centre and would report back at the next meeting.

On a proposal from Cllr Pike, seconded by Cllr Miller, Council agreed a request from the school for the installation of a new dog waste bin on the new cycleway/footpath link from John Davis Way to Rectory Lane, the exact location of the bin to be delegated to the Environment Committee, in consultation with the school. T