Brailes Parish Council

Minutes of the December meeting of the Parish Council

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY December 10th 2007 at 7.30pm in the Methodist Room

Apologies for Absence:
Mr. A. Jervis, Mr. C. Righton and Cllr. C. Saint.
Present:
Mrs. B. Foster, Mrs. G. Woods, Mrs. B. Manley, Mr. R. Cheney, Mr. C. Righton, Mr. A Jervis, Cllr. P. Seccombe and 2 members of the public.
Minutes:
of the last Meeting were amended and approved.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
Gullies:
Mr. Critchlow spoke of the one outside his house and said that he had done some work to try and clear this as the water was running down the road and he was afraid that with freezing temperatures someone could have a nasty accident. His comments were followed by Mr. J. Hyland's report on behalf of the Flood Committee, who could not understand why after all the complaints that had been registered more action hadn't been taken to clear and jet the gullies. Others made similar comments. Mr. Cheney spoke of the meeting he and 3 members of the Council had had with Mr. Jeff Morris who is hoping that a new system will come into place whereby they can target blocked drains by means of a satellite link. Mr. Hyland further reported that the survey of the brook was in progress and Mr. Righton hoped to speak to those who could offer land for a flood plain.
Bus Shelters:
Mr. Critchlow said that he now used the buses for his transport and wondered why Brailes did not have any bus shelters. Mrs. Woods said that the matter had been raised many times in the past but where would you put a bus shelter in a village with such a long main road?
Cllr Seccombe reported:
Recycling:
To get people to understand the new recycling procedure that will come into being in August 2008, the Officer in charge has said he would come out and meet with Parish Councils and members of their community and explain the new methods and answer any questions.
MATTERS ARISING:
Web Site:
Mr. Doherty was present and said he was willing to answer any questions. He said that he had had some problems with his e-mail which perhaps accounted for the fact that items that he was sent were not appearing on the site. He had now purchased a new computer and agreed that the site needed more work, however, he did not feel he should spend too much time "chasing" the news and events. It was suggested to him that the Feldon News could go on the site but he felt that the advertising might prove controversial. Mr. Doherty offered to put up some posters to try and get a greater input and the Clerk said she would try and encourage people to send reports of activities by their group and see that the web site address goes into every copy of the Feldon News.
Speeding-Signs.:
The Clerk had spoken again with the Traffic Projects Manager and found that the Government clamped down on the practice of adding signs as part of a campaign to stop the proliferation of signs.
Dragons Teeth:
The County has found that when asked to produce quotes that take both time and effort, it is often the case that the matter is then dropped .This is seen as a waste of limited resources so that they are now asking for a payment of £140 to supply quotes and if accepted then this money would be taken from the final payment.It was agreed to send a cheque for £140.and ask for them to quote.
Flooding at the Old Brewery:
Mr. Cheny, Mr. Righton, Mr. Drury and Mrs. Manley and Mr. Bob Kay, the owner, met Jeff Morris from the WCC to discuss ways to alleviate the flooding in Upper Brailes. Jeff Morris agreed to- 1. Have a check done on the main culvert that crosses the road south of the Old Brewery. The outlet to this is clear and members agreed to check the flow of water in heavy rain. 2. Check to see if the highway does indeed extend to the first gully in Gillettes Lane. 3. Ask Countryside services if they would clear the ditch and culvert inlet in the green lane that runs between the last bungalow and Ken Durham's house. 4. Consider installing a new gully opposite the Allotment gateway if there was an agreement to install a new drain across the Allotment ground. Dave Tiley could also be asked to help with the funding of this project. The Clerk was asked to write to Brailes United Charities to ask for their agreement to a new drain
Lighting:
The Clerk spoke about the new light on Winderton Road and said that it was originally agreed this would be on a timer and sadly it isn't. The County have now agreed to install a timer and this will be done in the next few days. The Energy Saving bulbs we have asked for have not been installed and these too will now be attended to. The replacing of the light in Friars Lane is waiting for a response from B&Q and this is taking some time. The Clerk said she had been on the Telephone trying to get someone to take responsibility as it would seem that the people who were dealing with such claims have changed and the matter has been passed on to someone else. The company is still admitting responsibility but it seems that they are not sure which department will pay the bill.
WCC consultation re Local Committees:
Mr. Cheney said he had responded to the suggestion that local committees could be formed and Parish Councils could have some input.
WALC re Greater Involvement by Parish Councils in Service Delivery:
Again Mr. Cheney had written to say that he felt Brailes would be interested.
Sutton Lane - Faulty Drain:
Work had started that very day. The Clerk said she had had a letter that stated work would commence this week by Thomas Vale the builder, who it was now felt must take responsibility.
MAINTENANCE:
Culvert:
On Sutton Lane had been checked, found to be blocked, and will be cleared. The culvert that crosses the road just below the Industrial Estate will be checked. The culvert/bridge at the entrance to Hall Meadow Farm is clear. The gravel lying on the road at this point will be cleared.
Fant Hill:
Mr. Morris was asked about various issues down Fant Hill. The drainage grips would be investigated and also the entrance to Tusbrook Farm. The hedge opposite Nollands Cottage would be checked as Mr. Morris went home.
REPORTS OF OTHER MEETINGS/COMMITTEES:
New Bridge and Waterside Improvements:
Mr. Cheney attended a meeting on November 29th when the proposed new bridge and Waterside Improvements were discussed. Proposals were on hand for a new foot bridge and cycle bridge over the Avon. Questions were asked as to how well the bridge would be used especially as it is downstream of the theatre. Mr. Cheney asked if it was worth spending 2 million on this single project and was told that if not spent on this project it would not be available to be spent elsewhere in Sth Warwickshire. Brailes residents would benefit if a new Park and Ride facility near to the new footbridge was to be constructed enabling us to easily park and walk into the town.
Opening Ceremony for Jordans Orchard, Little Compton by Warwickshire Rural Housing Association:
Mr. Righton reported. There was a welcome from Mr. C. Felts the Secretary of the Rural Housing Assoc who said funding was getting very difficult, and an address by Mr. J. Maples M.P, by Mr. Dick, chairman of the Association, and Mr. Gillett, Chairman of Little Compton Parish Council. Mr. Righton felt the houses were well designed - one was a bungalow.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Recycling:
Information was on hand regarding the new recycling facility that is to be built near Etttington, with details of the buildings on the site. Once up and running residents will be able to visit the site and see how the system works. School children will also be taken to see what happens to all the waste and perhaps it will encourage them as they grow to recycle more. The information is to be circulated.
MEMBERS REPORTS:
None this month.
PLANNING:
07/02960/FUL. Land behind Weavers Cottage Gillettes Lane for Staplehay, from Agricultural to Domestic. No objection. Permission granted to:- 07/02808/FUL. 1 Bridge Cottage. For extension and conservatory. 07/02841/TREE. 21 Orchard Close. For pollarding willows. 06/00354/COUNTY. Mr. I. Manley, Castle Hill. For moving waste soil and rubble.
FINANCE:
receipts:
£75.00 for Memorial for Rogers.
Cheques:
No 100912. Mr. Doherty for Web Site £500.00
No 100913. Mr. C. Righton for Burial Ground and Sand. £462.22
No 100914. Mr. R. Cheney, Chairmans Expense. £100.00
No 100915. W.C.C. for quoting for Dragons Teeth £140.00
Meeting closed at 8.55pm. Next Meeting January 7th 2008.