Brailes Parish Council

Minutes of the April meeting of the Parish Council

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY April 30th 2007 at 8pm in the Methodist Room.

Apologies:
None.
Present:
Mrs G Woods,Mrs B Foster,Mrs B Manley,Mr C Righton,N Drury,R Cheney A Jarvis and Cllr P Seccombe, Cllr C Saint and 5 members of the public.
Minutes:
of the last Meeting were approved and signed.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
Burial Ground.
Mr M Woods spoke on behalf of the P.C.C. and said that the fence between the burial ground and the churchyard was owned by the church and although it may appear a bit rickety it was not going to fall down and in due course would be repaired. The second point Mr Woods raised was that weed killer and been sprayed along the fence and into the churchyard killing some young newly planted shrubs. Mr C Righton said that he had sprayed along the fence because the wire of the fence came down to the ground making it difficult to strim. He apologised as the spray had gone further than he intended and said he had replaced one of the shrubs. Mrs Woods pointed out that the Parish Council had not authorised any weed killing. Mr Righton felt that he should withdraw his services and let the Parish Council find someone else. Councillors insisted that he should continue with the work.
MATTERS ARISING:
Lighting:
After members of the public had complained about the positioning of the new light in Saltway Lane Mr Drury proposed, seconded by Mrs Woods and all in favour, that an embellishment kit and a sensor should be put on the light before any work was done. Mr Cheney said he would ask to see an embellishment kit on a light in the District. The replacing of the light in Friars Lane was also discussed and Mr Drury felt that the residents should be consulted-perhaps they did not want a light. Mrs Woods pointed out that Friars Lane was well used as a means to attend various meetings and many people walked there. A light was essential. It was agreed that Councillors would meet one evening to ask the residents what they wanted. The Clerk pointed out that the light was to be paid for by B & Q's insurance.
Burial ground:
Mrs Manley said that she and Mrs Woods had not managed to meet but would do so before the next P C Meeting. Mrs England said she wanted to put up the seat as previously discussed but not in the original place on the plan.It would be on a concrete plinth and the Clerk was asked to confirm the placing etc with Mrs England.
Computer - Web Site:
The Clerk said she needed an antivirus program and it was agreed that she should purchase one. Mr Doherty said the web site was up and running. www.brailes-parish.org.uk. The Clerk asked if he had a counter on it to record the number of hits and also raised the question of who would monitor what went on the site and said she would be happy to do this if necessary.
Tree Warden:
Mr M Russell Carter said he was happy to continue in this role and had written regarding the possible demise of the horse chestnut on Stockton Green. The disease/virus was slow to develop but could have serious affects. He had looked at the horse chestnuts on the Lower Green and felt they too may have the same problem. Councillors felt that it would be a good idea to invite Mr Russell Carter to a meeting and he could report.
First Responders:
The Clerk had written to the Clerks of Tysoe, Whichford and Cherington and had had reply from Tysoe with a cheque for £50.00 Tysoe felt they may set up their owner responder group and the Clerk had passed on Mrs Turner's phone number, with her permission. Cherington met every two months so there may be a positive response from them yet. Whichford had written asking for more information which had been sent.
White Gates:
Mr Drury asked what progress if any had been made towards "white Gates"? The Clerk read out a reply from Chris Fossey that said Warwickshire did not encourage white gates as they were difficult to maintain. They did give a name to contact for alternatives and the Clerk said she had been in touch but so far had not received a reply. Mr Drury felt that "Junction" signs would be a good idea. Cllr C Saint said that these would not be possible on a road like Sutton Lane but perhaps the 30mph. speed limit may need extending with the new housing now in place.
MAINTENANCE:
Dog Bin:
Mr Righton said he still had the spare dog bin and wondered if he could put it up in Cow Lane? It was agreed that it could be there on a temporary basis. If there was a more urgent need for it to be sited elsewhere then it would be moved.
Water on the Road:
The water was even more in evidence in Upper Brailes and needed some attention. The Clerk will contact Severn Trent again and Cllr Saint suggested contacting Mr Hancox at the County. Water in Jeffs Close also needed attention. The Clerk said she would go and look at the situation.
REPORTS OF OTHER MEETINGS/COMMITTEES:
None this month.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Code of Conduct:
The Clerk reported that there had been a vast amount of literature on the subject recently and a New Code of Conduct was now published. The main difference was regarding people with a prejudicial interest and their ability now to speak before leaving the room while a decision is made. This new Code has to be adopted. The Clerk asked for it to be circulated as quickly as possible.
Community Policing:
A Meeting is to be held on Wednesday May 9th and Mr Cheney said he would attend.The subject of the Meeting was to find ways and means of acquiring an additional police car for the area.
Insurance:
The Clerk had the renewal on hand but said she had called and made a few adjustments to the policy.Increase the value of the computer,added extra dog bin and Notice Boards which had not previously been included.
Post Watch:
The Clerk had literature regarding the closing of some post offices throughout England.The criteria was that there was another post office within 6 miles.It was agreed that should our Brailes Office be chosen we would lobby against its closure.
The Divisional Panel:
will meet on June 13th. Mr Cheney said he would try and attend.
MEMBERS REPORTS:
Council Tax:
Mrs Woods said that Brailes Band D was not out of line with others in spite of the unavoidable increase in the Precept this year. Literature that came with Council Tax Bills showed that other villages had higher Band D charges
PLANNING:
  • 07/00598/FUL. Land adjacent to Matchams. Block plan on drawing 26407-2Revision B indicating position of dwelling as approved by Planning Inspector in respect of application 01/03464/FUL-for information only.
  • 07/01020/FUL. Springfield Farm. Change of use for the stationing of a temporary mobile home for 9 months. No objection.
  • 07/01075/FUL. Rectory Bungalow. Modification of approved planning application 06/03538/FUL. Conservatory to rear attached to modified utility room. No Objection.

Permission granted to:-

  • 07/00598/FUL. Land adjacent to Matchams.Lowering of roof.
  • 07/00608/LBC. Hay House Winderton. Partial demolition of front wall& provision of a new gate,new rear porch and alterations to existing garage to form holiday let.
  • Hillside House,Upper Brailes. Demolition of conservatory,a flat roof and rebuild a pitched tiled roof over the kitchen/utility extension.The Clerk commented that although the cutting back of the hedge was a comment on the application it was not mentioned in the Consent.
FINANCE:
Receipts: Precept - £6,000.00
Payments:
No 100884 e-on.Street Lighting £385.28
No 100885 replacement-C Righton £25.00
No 100886 Computer £42.98
No 100887 Shaw & Son-Burials £62.75
No 100888 W.A L C £297.00
No 100889 Methodist-Rent £500.00
Meeting closed at 9.30pm Next Meeting Tuesday May 29th.

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD ON MONDAY APRIL 24th 2006 IN THE VILLAGE HALL.

Present:
7 Parish Councillors, Cllr P Seccombe,Cllr C Saint and 15 members of the public.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT:
Mrs Woods spoke of the events over the past year, probably the most important one being the completion and occupation of the 10 houses on Sutton Lane. The Parish Council had been the driving force behind the need for social housing, putting forward suitable pieces of land and commenting on the plans. Elections on May 4th with 9 people putting themselves forward as candidates for the Parish Council and two candidates for District Council. Every household had now had a copy of the Parish Plan. After 20 months of work by the Committee had been approved by both the District and County Councils and thanks go to those involved for the excellent work they have done. Mr Chris Cox and the Clerk are putting together a Directory that when completed will go to every household and is mostly intended for newcomers to the village. It was with the help of those delivering the Parish Plan that a Housing Needs Survey was distributed at the same time. The results showed that 8 people expressed a need for housing, mostly to rent, but as there were so many people on the Housing List it was felt that possibly not everyone in need filled in the questionnaire. Mrs Woods thanked both Councillor Seccombe and Councillor Saint for their regular attendance at our meetings and their help over the past year.
CHARITIES:
Rev Morgan spoke of the work of the two charities in Brailes. Brailes United Charities received their income mainly from the renting of the allotments plus dividends from money invested. The charity was distributed those who it was felt in need. Rev Morgan said that in essence the land could be sold for housing or for a retirement home as the field behind the present allotments could be used as allotment land also. It was in the interest of the charity that the Trustees got best value for the charity. The Free School Foundation was a much larger charity and last year had £23,000 income. Management took £3,500 and 40-50% went to St George's to maintain the fabric of the church £2,500 to the primary school and the Old School took £1,500. It is hoped that the planning application presently with the District Council and with the full support of the Parish Council will be approved in due course. The extension to the Free School should be starting very soon and this will provide wheelchair access and a new toilet block at a cost of £30,000. Grants of £10,000 are promised. £5,000 from Awards for All and £5,000 from the District Council.
CINEMA:
Mr J Kenner spoke of the films shown that had been a great success with 90 people at one of the showings. The film shows were making a profit although at the moment this was quite small as renting equipment and films took most of the income but with possible grant money they may be able to purchase their own equipment in the future.
CRICKET:
Mr Kenner said he was the Cricket Club Representative on the Pavilion Committee. Unfortunately the Club was no longer active due to lack of support. Recently interest has been shown in re-forming a cricket team and Mr Kenner said that anyone who was interested should get in touch.
SCHOOL:
Mr Dale Packer spoke as the Parish Councils representative on the Governing Body about the achievements at the school when the SATS results for 2005 were excellent and the school came 1st in the District and 17th in the County. The OFSTED report showed there was 4 areas that needed improvement and these were already being tackled. There is continual improvement to school buildings Pupil numbers Jan 2006 102 with a proposed number for Jan 2007 98, but this could change as 102 is the number required to get adequate funding.
SPEEDING:
Mr S Self spoke of the work of the Speed Reduction Committee and as members had withdrawn their support it was at present mostly down to him. A recent speeding survey showed that 85% of drivers entering the village from Fant Hill were averaging 36 mph while 85% of drivers between the Village Hall and the Post Office were averaging 33 mph. 74% of drivers entering via Holloway Hill were averaging 41mph. A discussion ensued with ideas for traffic calming being put forward. Mr Self said that signs were expensive and the Parish Council would have to consider putting money aside if this was what was needed.
HALL & PAVILION:
Mr Righton reported. The roof of the Hall and Pavilion had been replaced at considerable cost. However SITA had funded the majority of the cost with the Parish Council providing some monies. Unfortunately the cost rose while the Grant money was being finalised and the Hall had to find the difference. The next work will be painting the interior of the Hall and the Play Area needed an update. The major work needed was to resurface the car park and this was going to be very expensive indeed. There are regular lettings and the Brailes Show provides much needed financial support. Mr Righton said that he was about to attend seminars run by the Foods Standard Agency and he would probably have to take some form of an exam. 50 licences a year can be issued for the Hall with 12 temporary licences-there is a fee of £25.00
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR:
Cllr Seccombe said he would be brief and listed points that were worthy of mention. Community Safety ASBO's Housing Plastic Recycling-Expensive Transport-Free bus passes Leisure Facilities-Shipston Swimming pool etc.