WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL

THE MINUTES OF WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE PAVILION, SPARROWS GREEN RECREATION GROUND,
ON THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2009 AT 19:30
THESE MINUTES ARE UNCONFIRMED

Present: Councillors Doyle (Chairman), Bell, Berger, Mrs Colvin, Miss Gadd, Miss Gates, Kent, Mrs Monaghan, Mrs Pearman, Phipson, Price, Miss Whatmore and Wheeler.
Also in attendance: County Cllr. Tidy, District Cllr. Wells, and five members of the public.

1.             TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE
Apologies received from Cllrs. Mamlok and Standley; reasons noted and accepted.

2.             DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Cllrs. Bell and Price declared interests in Wadhurst Institute Hall & Field.

3.             POLICE REPORT
The next Police Neighbourhood Panel meeting is scheduled for 19.11.09.

4.             PUBLIC FORUM
Representative from Transition Wadhurst explained the aims of the group in bringing together different sectors of the community to work on projects with an environmental theme. The initial meeting was well attended with over 100 people present. It was stressed that Transition Wadhurst is not political and that any political comments made by one of the external speakers at the initial meeting were unfortunate and did not reflect the aims of the group. A grant is being sought to assist with costs for two practical workshops; topics to be covered are how to save energy and the benefit of local produce. Transition Wadhurst supports the environmental targets within the Parish Plan.

Report on the cost of maintaining the churchyard. Expenditure and income vary each year; typically there is a shortfall of £2500. A management plan is being drawn up to review the grounds maintenance requirements. It was hoped that the council would be able to give a grant to cover the deficit in costs.

5.              TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MEETING 8.10.09
Resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held 8.10.09 as a true record.

6.             TO DETERMINE MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES FOR UPDATING AND   NOTING
None.

7 .            TO RECEIVE REPORTS OF COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS.
County Council
Report that a reduction in expenditure of £40m is required. There will also be a considerable reduction in revenue for Sussex Police. A review of crime reduction partnerships is being undertaken to see if cost savings can be achieved. Community safety has a high priority for residents.

The speed limit on the B2099 between Wadhurst and Frant has being examined following the number of serious road traffic accidents. A proposal for improved safety measures is expected by the end of November.

District Council
The closing date for applications under the Community Grants Scheme is 29.11.09.

As part of the 2012 Olympics promotion, WDC is encouraging people to lead more active lifestyles and a Wealden Walks project is being established.

Report on the kerbside recycling which is due to commence in Wadhurst next Spring. A green waste bin will be used in addition to the existing bin; containers will be inserted within bins to enable waste to be sorted by the resident.  Arrangements will be made for people who cannot accommodate 2 wheelie bins. New vehicles will be used for waste collection to support the different recycling products. All households in the parish will be advised of the new waste collection arrangements. WDC receives £1m per annum from recycling; materials are recycled in the UK with the exception of tetra-pak cartons which are sent to Sweden.

8.             CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING
Chairman noted the success of the village fireworks event.

Correspondence was reviewed and noted.

9.             HIGHWAYS, TRANSPORT AND LIGHTING MATTERS
9.1           To adopt Minutes of the Highways, Transport & Lighting Committee meeting 4.11.09
Resolved to adopt the Minutes of the Highways, Transport and Lighting Committee meeting 4.11.09.

Highways, Transport and Lighting issues
Report that the community bus continues to provide a valuable service; between 70 -100 people use the service each week.

Request submitted to WDC for leaves to be cleared from the pavement at Station Hill.

The Wealden Walks Project was announced at the District/Parish Conference. It was suggested that the footpaths society could be involved together with local schools.

Update received on the car parking proposal following a further meeting with representatives of the Fire Authority. An initial plan has been drawn up outlining the proposals and this will be discussed with WDC.

The campaign continues to raise awareness of the proposal to stops Cannon Street trains.

One member reported that visibility in Fairglen Road is obscured by overgrown hedges; this will be reviewed by the committee.

9.2           To approve street lighting repairs
None.

10.           PLANNING MATTERS
10.1         To adopt Minutes of Planning Committee meetings 10.10.09 and 24.10.09
Resolved to adopt Minutes of Planning Committee meetings held 10.10 and 24.10.09.

Members were concerned at the approach taken by WDC not to pursue enforcement of the unauthorised ticket booth at Bewl Water.

11.           RECREATION GROUND MATTERS
11.1         To receive report from Recreation Ground Management Committee
A meeting was held with Helen Markwick of WDC and Hugh Fairless of ESCC to show them the recreation ground site and the proposal for new play equipment. The first payment of £15,000 has now been received from Play Pathfinder. The licence required to release the section 106 funds is expected to be ready for signature next week.

12.           ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
12.1         To receive report from the Environment Committee
A Piper, Forestry Officer at ESCC, has confirmed that there is no objection in principle to planting a tree outside the Greyhound; results are still awaited from statutory undertakers.
The Jardin d’Aubers and war memorial areas have been tided up. The Environment Committee is liaising with the British Legion on future maintenance requirements of the war memorial garden. Report that Ken Turner will be planting a Field Maple at the Jardin d’Aubers.
A petition has been received from the New Wadhurst Residents Association in which the parish council is asked to reinstate grass cutting to the previous standard.

13.           FINANCE
13.1         To adopt the Minutes of the Finance Committee meeting 5.11.09
Resolved to adopt the Minutes of the Finance Committee meeting 5.11.09.

13.1.1      To consider recommendations for grant requests
Grant applications from the Church, Rotary Club, Wadhurst Brass Band, Wadhurst Parent and Toddler Group, Transition Wadhurst, Sussex Crimestoppers and Citizens Advice were reviewed and recommendations from the Finance Committee considered.

It was resolved by a majority to approve the following grants:
£2250 to the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul towards the upkeep of the churchyard (LGA 1972 s216(6)).
£300 to the Rotary Club towards hardware for the Christmas display (LGA 1972 s144). Agreed to ask the Rotary Club to make provision for the maintenance/improvement of the Christmas lights.
£750 to Wadhurst Brass Band to support junior members attending the 10th anniversary event at Aubers (LGA 1972 S145).
£200 to Transition Wadhurst to support the two environmental workshops (LGA 1972 s137). Members were satisfied that the group was not political; it was considered that there was a responsibility to ensure that future speakers reflect the views of the group.
£1000 to Wealden Citizens Advice in recognition of the outreach service offered at Carillon Cottage and the increased use of the facility in the present economic climate (LGA 1972 s142).

The grant request from Wadhurst Parent & Toddler Group for refurbishment of the garden at St George’s Hall was not supported as access to the garden is limited to hall users. The council provides a comprehensive play area at the recreation ground.

The grant request from Sussex Crimestoppers was not supported as it was outside of the council’s grants policy.

13.2         To review outline budget 2009/10
It was agreed to create a separate budget item for churchyard maintenance and reduce the sum of general grants. Funds may be required to support the village library project. Outline budget 2010/11 reviewed; this will be finalised at the December meeting.

13.3         To approve accounts payable
It was resolved to approve accounts for payment as listed in appendix A. [not attached]

14.           URGENT ISSUES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN FOR NOTING OR INCLUSION ON FUTURE  AGENDA
None.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 21:35