Minutes of Meeting held in the Memorial Hall, Cranmore on the 10th March 2008 at 7.30pm
Present
Mr P Treby Chairman
Mr R Payne Parish Councillor
Mr A Price Parish Councillor
Mr M Edgar Parish Councillor
Mrs L Walker Parish Councillor
Miss K Gunby Parish Clerk
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm
Item 1 – Apologies for absence.
Brenda Edwards
Item 2 – Declaration of Interest.
None
Item 3 – Minutes from the Meeting held on the 11 February 2008.
These were proposed by Richard Payne and seconded by Lynn Walker and accepted as a true record of the meeting.
Item 4 – Matters arising from the Minutes.
Sign posting (On going from May)
Following his most recent letter the Chairman has received a reply from Somerset County Council, which states that they deem it inappropriate to amend/add signage as “West Cranmore” doesn’t exist. It was agreed that naturally it does and the Chairman will wrote again confirming this and that the response received is therefore not satisfactory. He will report back at the next meeting.
Action. The Chairman.
Footpath in Martins Paddock.
The matter of the footpath in Martins Paddock previously raised by Christine Smith is still in hand with Alan Price. Since his most recent letter to Somerset County Council a site visit has taken place and the matter is on going for the time being. Alan Price is still awaiting a response.
Action. Alan Price.
Safety Flooring
Gloria Cawood called in on the meeting and was delighted to report she has obtained funding of £500.00 to match that provided by the Community Group.
Action. Complete.
Dog Waste Bin
Addressed under Parish matters.
Jills Close
Following recent discussions and the suggestion to set up a Sub-Committee responsible for Jills Close to facilitate applications for future grants, Brenda Edwards has corresponded with Gloria Cawood. It was suggested that Brenda Edwards speaks to Wanstrow and Evercreech Parish Councils at the next neighbourhood forum meeting regarding this matter, which takes place on 12 February 2008.
As Brenda Edwards was unable to attend this meeting, the Parish Council await her feedback at the meeting in April.
Action. Brenda Edwards.
Parking at Crane Cottages and Cooks Lane
It was reported that vehicles are still parking within 15 yards of the end of the road. The Parish Clerk raised this issue once more with Shelly Day, who has since handed over to a new PSCO for the Parish Nicky Housley. Photographic evidence produced by the residents of Crane Cottages of illegal parking was passed to Nicky Housley to assist further action and investigation.
Nicky Housley to undertake and report her findings at the next meeting.
Action. Nicky Housley.
Neighbourhood forum.
Alan Price attended the Neighbourhood Forum meeting held on 12 February 2008. He confirmed there was nothing of any relevance to report.
Action. Complete.
Children and Youth Survey.
Further to previous discussions Mendip have organised several events in the Village Hall. The Chairman will continue to report any new developments.
Action. Ongoing.
Traffic cones in East Cranmore Lane
Lynn Walker reported that she is still awaiting a reply from the highways regarding the Cones in East Cranmore Lane. She also raised the issue of recent flooding. It has been confirmed that the highways require the submission of photographs of this flooding. This is still in hand with Lynn Walker.
Action. Lynn Walker.
Bin lids in Jills Close
Since the last meeting Richard Payne and Alan Price have visited the site and established it is possible to lock/affix the bin lids. Alan Price is investigating how best to do this. He will report further at the next meeting.
Action. Alan Price.
Health and Safety Inspections and nominal rents for the Tennis/Cricket Club
From last meeting “Health and Safety inspections to both Jills Close and the Tennis/Cricket grounds have previously been discussed, along with the issue of nominal rents. The Chairman has investigated the history of the nominal rents and it was reported that the Parish Council have a formal Tenancy agreement with the Tennis Club. This was drawn up by Tim Berry at no cost to the Parish Council. The Chairman has written to the Cricket Club to confirm that we need a formal Tenancy agreement with them. Before this is done it was decided that the appropriate Health and Safety and Duty of Care clauses are incorporated into the agreements and a revised version will also need to be issued to the Cricket Club.
Richard Payne proposed that the Parish Council speak to Tim Berry regarding this matter and ask for his assistance in revising/producing new agreements. This was seconded by Alan Price. Brenda Edwards agreed to liaise with Tim Berry regarding this matter.” As Brenda Edwards was unable to attend this meeting, the Parish Council await her feedback at the meeting in April.
Action. Brenda Edwards.
Ongoing liaison between the PCSO and the Parish Council
Display literature
Nicky Housley has replaced Shelly Day as the PCSO. The Parish Clerk had understood from conversations with Shelly Day that Nicky Housley would be able to provide replacement literature at this meeting. Nicky Housley reported that unfortunately there was none available to her. It was agreed that the Parish Clerk will produce some suitable material and place these on the notice boards.
Action. Parish Clerk.
Neighbourhood watch
Nicky Housley provided the requested questionnaires x300. The Chairman will arrange for these to be circulated in the next edition of the Cranmore Grapevine.
Action. The Chairman.
Breaches of operating hours
The Chairman has received a reply from Mendip District Council confirming they will be prosecuting Stotts Transport for any breaches of operating hours by Stotts Transport at Waterlip.
Action. Complete.
150 Years of the Railway!
Liaisons are continuing regarding the 150 years of the Railway celebrations. The Parish Clerk reported that she has been in contact with Dick Masters who lives too far away to be able to attend a Parish Council meeting, but who will liaise directly with Brenda Edwards as a point of contact (who works at the Railway) regarding this matter. The Chairman reported that he has written to Alan Taylor regarding the celebrations and he is currently awaiting a reply.
Action. Ongoing.
Dog Waste Bin
It was reported that Brenda Edwards has entered into email correspondence and that the Dog Warden has confirmed that they will provide more signs for the Parish. These will be put up when possible within the Parish.
Action. Brenda Edwards.
Dog fouling
As above - It was reported that Brenda Edwards has entered into email correspondence and that the Dog Warden has confirmed that they will provide more signs for the Parish. These will be put up when possible within the Parish.
The agreed address regarding the issue of Dog Fouling and the existence of the Dog Waste Bin has been published in the Grapevine.
Action. Brenda Edwards.
Annual inspections of Jills Close
The Parish Clerk has arranged for this to take place on Monday 17 March 2008.
Action. Complete.
Public Rights of Way
The Parish Council expect to receive a request for payment for work undertaken by Tony Collins very shortly, possibly by the next meeting and should write a letter of thanks at this time.
Action. Ongoing.
Public Liability Insurance and other matters regarding work undertaken for the Parish Council
The Chairman reported that;
the Parish Council does have the necessary and sufficient cover in place.
Action. Complete.
Cupboards in the Village Hall
Alan Price reported that the situation remains the same as reported at the previous meeting; Morris Stubbs is shortly going to undertake the construction of the cupboards. The cost will then be shared between the Parish Council, Cranmore Community Group and the Village Hall Committee as previously agreed.
Action. Ongoing.
Item 5. Open Meeting.
Funding for improvements to the Village Hall.
John Reakes addressed the Parish Council to request financial assistance toward the improvements to the Village Hall estimated to cost £3000.00. He is in the process of applying for additional funding and grants. It was greed that this be placed on the agenda for next months meeting, when John Reakes will be able to report further regarding what is available/he has achieved.
Action. Ongoing.
Item 7. Planning
a. New Applications
Application number: 105620/017 Location: Stotts Transport, Quarry Way, Waterlip
Lee Wright addressed the meeting and spoke in favour of the application. Kenn Wagg addressed the meeting to express a concern over parking provisions. The Parish Councilors reported that they noticed no current parking issues when they visited the site last year, but that it would be prudent to request that sufficient parking is made available in view of the application.
Approval of the application was proposed by Lynn Walker and seconded by Max Edgar, subject to ensuring that sufficient parking will be available.
The application was approved unanimously by the Councilors on this basis.
Application number: 043189/01 Location: Southill House, West Cranmore
Approval of the application was proposed by Richard Payne and seconded by Lynn Walker.
The application was approved unanimously by the Councilors.
Application number: 111271/000
Location: Land to North East of Crane Cottages
Eight Affordable Housing Units
Richard Payne reported that he has been in contact with Vaughn Lake of Hastoe Housing Association who confirmed that they were expecting the 106 document to be signed off imminently by the acting Solicitors and who provided (subject to this) an indicative start date for March/April 2008.
b. Notified Results
Application number: 043189/012 Location: Southill House, West Cranmore
The application was approved.
Item 8. Re-cycling bins in the Railway Carpark
Max Edgar reported that the site is currently looking much tidier. The Chairman reported that it is possible to request additional collections from the site by telephoning Mendip District Council Environmental Department, who should arrange for this to be done within 24 hours. They will also clean the surrounding site.
Action. Complete.
Item 9. Village Clean-up day
A date for the Clean-up day was set for Saturday 19 April 2008, starting at 10am – meeting at the village Hall and to last for a few hours. All volunteers welcome. The Parish Clerk will arrange for the event to be publicised in the next edition of the Cranmore Grapevine.
Action. Parish Clerk.
Item 9. Review of the meeting with Doulting Parish Council.
Lynn Walker, Max Edgar, The Chairman and the Parish Clerk attended a meeting with Doulting Parish on 20 February 2008. The chairman reported that the following issues were discussed;
Bulls Green – traffic issues
Namely that it isn’t being used and what can we do – suggestions included signposting at the bear at Holwell, weight limits in Waterlip and speed restrictions on A361, signage at Beacon Cross for Frome, recording lorries using unsuitable routes (reg. numbers req.)
Could a small working party be set up to meet with MDC, Quarries, Drivers
Supplementary Planning Meetings – where both Parishes are affected.
Could these be held as public meetings – Felicity White to liaise with SALC.
Suggested more public would then attend.
Railway celebrations
Discussed what may be happening
and potential future extension of line
general discussions regarding potential benefits of
Pavements
Waterlip would like pavement/footpath
As would Farrington Lane, Doulting
Applications to Highways were suggested
Village events
It was suggested that the Community Groups liaise more closely with each other and send minutes of each others meetings between themselves.
It was noted both parishes receive the Grapevine, so it is an effective form of communication for events.
6 monthly meetings
Following this it was decided that a small working group with two representatives from each Parish Council be set up to meet at six monthly intervals. It was decided that the representatives should remain the same two Councillors for continuity and consistency over ongoing issues. The Chairman asked for Volunteers for the roles.
Lynn Walker and Max Edgar obliged and will act as representatives from Cranmore Parish Council. They will report back as appropriate.
The Parish Clerk to inform Doulting Parish Council of this progress.
Action. Parish Clerk.
Item 10. Grass cutting contract.
The Chairman has received a letter regarding the renewal of the Grass Cutting Contract. The cost is £1430.00, a 10% increase on the price for last year. It was decided due to time constraints that this will be accepted for now to ensure the work is carried out in a timely manner. However this will be reviewed in October/November. The Chairman to accept the quotation. The Parish Clerk to Diary Note the review of this contract for October and ensure that the combination lock codes are provided to the contractors.
Action. The Chairman and The Parish Clerk.
Item 11. Correspondence.
Correspondence received this month included;
Parishes Information Bulletin
Highway Newsletter
Somerset Local Access Forum Annual Newsletter
Somerset Heritage Event News
Item 12. SALC
Correspondence has been received regarding the Certificate in Local Council Administration. It was decided that the Parish Clerk should liaise with Peter Lacey regarding the Certificate and arrange when it can be undertaken and to investigate discounts available for booking the course.
Action. Parish Clerk.
Item 13. Finance.
None.
Item 14. Parish Matters.
Funding of Jills Close and the Playing Field.
Richard Payne reported that Doulting Parish Council receive funding from Somerset County Council, which leads to the question are we entitled to this and is Cranmore Parish Council subscribing to a County fund whilst also paying for these things ourselves. Richard Payne to investigate further and report his findings. Action. Richard Payne.
The extension of Jills Close
It was reported that the Community Group are actively looking into the extension of Jills Close into adjoining land. Adrian Candy has approached the Goulds (the current landowners) and is awaiting a reply. The Councillors agreed unanimously that this was a good idea and that there is a demand for the extension. It was also noted that this would protect the land from any future development and traveller sites. Paul Treby will liaise with Adrian Candy to take this matter forward. Action. The Chairman.
Mini Motos/Motorbikes
Gareth Stone reported that there have been incidents of inappropriate use of these vehicles within the Parish. The Parish Clerk to pass the details onto Nicky Housley the PCSO to investigate and take appropriate action. Action. Parish Clerk.
Footpaths and signposting
Richard Payne reported a footpath that is currently ploughed up. Richard Payne also reported that the sign post at Upper Crane Cottages is at a dangerous height – head height. Alan Price will report these matters to Sheila Petherbridge. Action. Alan Price.
Speed of Motor Vehicles through the Village
Richard Payne reported many incidents of speeding vehicles through the Village; down Piers Lane, through East Cranmore Lane. This was concurred by Lynn Walker. It was noted that this occurs regularly and that Ducks have been killed. The Chairman will write to both the Police and the Highways with a view to reducing the speed through the village. Action. The Chairman.
Item 15. Chairman’s urgent matters for consideration
The Parish Clerk taking an annual holiday from 05 May 2008 to 12 May 2008. The Clerk intends to be present to take minutes at the May meeting – however this is flight permitting. If for any reason the clerk is delayed someone else will take the minutes in her place. This was agreed.
Item 16. Date of Next Meeting.
Monday 14th April 2008.
The meeting closed at 8.35 pm.