Brailes Parish Council.

Minutes of the September Meeting of the Parish Council.

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON Thursday October 2nd 2008 AT 7.30PM. in the Methodist Room.

Apologies for Absence:-

Mr. R. Cheney & Mr. A. Jervis.

Present:-

Mrs. B. Manley, Mrs. B. Foster, Mrs. G. Woods, Mr. C. Righton & Mr. N. Drury, and 7 members of the publc.

Minutes of the last Meeting:-

were approved and signed.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:-

Refuse Collection:-

Mr Davidson asked if there had been any feedback on the new collection – would our Council Tax reflect the new timetable when the green waste would not be collected? Mr. Righton spoke of the many instances when the collection had failed and he had spoken to the men who were engaged in running around emptying the bins that had been “missed”. Did people realise that there was an extra cost involved on the tax payer? A further resident felt that we should get a reduction in our Council Tax. Mr. M. Barnes asked for clarification on what times people could burn their rubbish.
The Clerk said she would get information.

Speeding:-

Mr. Davidson said that he often had difficulty crossing the road as vehicles were travelling so fast. Councillors agreed that this was a problem but could really offer no solution. Perhaps the installation of the “Dragons Teeth” would help.

Flood Report:-

Mr. Hyland spoke of the meeting he and Mr. Righton and Mr. Drury had had that very day with County Officers regarding the complete survey of the village. They had decided there were 4 areas causing concern with priority for Saltway Lane and the Old Brewery that would be dealt with within the financial year although they were working on a three year program. It looks as if they can avoid crossing the allotments. Saltway Lane has a large pipe going into a small pipe - should be the other way round. Mr. Barnes asked where the water went coming off the old allotment land as he felt that the gulley could be blocked and Mr. Righton said probably past Mr. Barnes' house.
Mr. Righton reported that the relief ditches worked very well when we recently had exceptionally heavy rain.

MATTERS ARISING:-

Easements:-

The Clerk reported that she had left the matter in the hands of Mr. Brooks, Solictor in Shipston, who said that he felt that the Council would have to pay the legal costs of Mr. Righton and Miss. Miller and there could be an additional expense if the land was not Registered. He promised to let the Clerk know.

Dragons Teeth and Sutton Lane:-

Mr. G. Stanley said that “the scheme for Sutton Lane would be put forward to the Area Committee in the next couple of months, it will then go to the January Seminar for final approval. If approval is then given it will be included in a programme of works for 2009/10.”
“The Dragons Teeth is separate from above, we did say we would look at both together, however if the PC decides we can progress with the Dragons Teeth and place an order in the next couple of weeks.”
The Councillors agreed that the Dragons Teeth should go ahead as we had the money in the budget.

Social Housing:-

The Clerk had tried to get further information but it seems that things were at a standstill. Orbit Housing has moved most of its staff to Coventry and the person dealing with the proposed Saltway Lane development has been off sick. Charles Barlow felt that the Council’s proposal to meet with Bill Robinson wouldn’t do any harm and it was agreed that Mr. Righton and Mr. Drury would plan a meeting to possibly see if he felt the scheme could go through.

Post Office Closure:-

Mr. Righton said that there had been meetings but nothing seemed to have been decided and there had been no further news. Mrs Woods said that considering all the work that had been put in to appose the proposal to close the PO she had not even had an acknowledgement of her letter and statement of opposition.

Grass Cutting:-

The Clerk asked if Councillors had marked the plans she had handed out to see if there were places in the village that should be included. Councillors said they had them and some were handed in.
Mr. Righton said he had spoken to the contractor who cut the playing fields regarding making extra cuts to the Greens should they be required but did not have a definate quote as it seems the contractor worked on an hourly paid basis. Mr. Righton was asked if the contractor could look at the areas and give a rough idea of how many hours it would take. The Clerk felt that as the trees on Salcrack had grown so much over the past couple of years they now hung over the grass and were quite low in places. Would the SDC contractor cut under these trees? As we should be having another cut very shortly we would find out. It was proposed by Mr. Righton, 2nd Mrs. Woods that we would seek a quote from Mr. B. Ackerman to cut them back.

Pump:-

Mr. Drury said that he now had the necessary post and would complete the job very soon.

Winderton Telephone Kiosk:-

The Clerk reported that this had been saved. The SDC Committee had reviewed all those put forward for closure and had agreed that Winderton should be saved. Incorrect information had meant the Clerk had put in considerable and unnecessary effort before finding out that there was no need for anything further to be done, but had got assurance that the kiosk would now remain and would not be removed in the future unless there were very extenuating circumstances which was unlikely.

Catholic Church and parking:-

Mr. Drury had been to see the Rev. Brian Doolan who had been most helpful and he has instructed the Diocesan Solicitors to draw up an agreement granting the Parish Council right of access. He also said that they intended to increase the area for parking which will help those visiting the Chapel, and for those using the Free School and the cemetery.

Notice Board:-

The Clerk said she was anticipating the result of the distribution of the grant money within the next week and would, if successful, liaise with members for the final decision on what the board would be.

Skateboard Ramp:-

The Clerk had a new form for Awards for All completed and Mr. Drury signed as the Chairman.

Computer Repair:-

The Office computer had suddenly stopped accessing the Internet and needed an expert to repair it. Councillors agreed that this could go ahead.

Lighting:-

The Clerk raised the question of the old wooden pole that needed removing and had now found that E-on had been asked – this would cost money - but why couldn’t the Council remove it themselves. All supply had been disconnected and the pole could prove useful but more importantly the bracket/arm was of some value and could be used elsewhere perhaps? It was agreed that the Council would take the pole down.

NEW ITEMS:-

Burial Ground:-

Mr. Drury had been asked what people were supposed to do with the grass cuttings and dead flowers. A Bin of some sort was needed. It was suggested that we use a “green bin” how was it to be emptied?. Who would take it down into Friars Lane to be picked up by the refuse vehicle and this would cease in November until next April anyway. After discussion Mr. Drury and Mr. Righton agreed to go and take a look at the situation and possibly we could have a large compost bin.

Change time of Meetings?:-

The Clerk asked if the meetings could start at 7pm. in the winter months, however members decided not to change.

Sutton Lane-Speeding:-

Mr. Drury said that the speeding was mostly caused by people attending the golf club and he had been to see the Manager to ask for signs to be put up to ask vehicles to slow down.

MAINTENANCE:-

Grills Cleaning:-

Mr Righton spoke of the work he did cleaning various grills and said that while he was happy to do the work at the moment the day would come when he was unable to do this and felt that someone else should be asked to step in.

Culvert - Village Hall:-

Mr. Righton reported that he was to increase the culvert at the Village Hall.

REPORTS OF OTHER MEETINGS/COMMITTEES:-

None this month.

CORRESESPONDENCE

1ST Responders:-

Mrs. Turner had written asking for the Council to reimburse her for the use of her mobile telephone £10.00 and this was agreed. Mrs. Turner also said that as she was working more or less full time and her other helper was also under pressure that there had been times when they were unable to respond and they needed more help. It was agreed that the Council would make sure that this was advertised. The defibrillator was in need of a new battery £240 and the bag they used was second hand in the first place and a new one was needed - a further cost of £60.00. The Council agreed that Mrs. Turner could go ahead with this purchase and the Parish Council would pay for these items.

Rural Housing Enabling Event:-

October 8th at 4pm. Mr. Drury said he would try and get there as did Mr. Righton and the Clerk said she would call and book them in.

Light Winderton Road/Saltway Lane:-

Mr. Paul Beard had written and offered to contribute to the removal of the light. The Clerk will thank him but refuse the offer.

MEMBERS REPORTS:-

Parking outside the George:-

Mrs. Woods said that once again vehicles were parked and obstructing the footway. It was agreed the Clerk would write to the new landlord and ask him if he could ask his customers to use the parking area at the rear of the property.

Report received from Cllr Saint:-

1. Matters related to Sutton Lane have been sent to the Council including revised signage. Let me know if you have further queries. Was Nick hoping for a children playing sign?

2. Stour Community Forum under a new acting Sergeant Chris Cuthbertson will be more proactive in local speeding matters.

3. Revised speed limits will be in force by February.

4. Additional culvert jetter is on order to deal with draining issues.

5. P.O. Limited are not going to close the P.O. until a new outreach service has been agreed. This could still be a kiosk in the corner shop, but this will not be an option once any mobile service has been implemented. Those operating outreach services must agree to run it for a least 12 months.

PLANNING:-

Permission given to:-

Permission refused for:-

FINANCE:-

Cheques:-

Meeting closed at 9.10pm. Next Meeting October 27th.