WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL

THE MINUTES OF A MEETING OF WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL HELD AT
THE PAVILION, SPARROWS GREEN RECREATION GROUND, ON 14 APRIL 2011 AT 7.30 P.M

Present: Councillors Doyle (Chairman), Berger, Colvin, Gadd, Kent, Mamlok, Monaghan, Pearman,  Phipson, Price, Standley, Whatmore and Wheeler
Also in attendance:  County Councillor Tidy, Ken Sorhaindo (ESCC highways), 15 members of the public and one member of the press.

1.  To receive apologies and reasons for absence
Apologies received from Cllr. Bell; reason noted and accepted
Apologies received from Cllr. Gates.

2.  To receive declarations of interest on items on the agenda
Cllr. Phipson declared a personal interest in 14.2 as a committee member of Wadhurst Neighbourhood Watch

3.  Police Forum
PSCO Neve highlighted the continuing priorities of tackling speeding and anti-social behaviour, drugs and increasing police presence. A number of recent incidents were expanded upon from the 86 calls received during March. PSCO Neve also reported on street surgeries outside the Bakery and Wealden Wholefoods and gave details of a forthcoming evening surgery at Costcutters. The police continue to be visible at as many venues as possible and will continue to do so. In response to a question from a member of the public it was noted that under the Quality Street initiative a meeting was to be organised in the Wadhurst area. The ‘No cold caller’ sticker campaign was also discussed.

4.  Public Forum
The state of verges in Turners Green Road was discussed following ESCC directions to residents to remove logs and stones from the verges that have, until they were removed, kept vehicles from damaging the verges. An ESCC representative explained that having received a complaint about the obstructions that they were obliged to take the action taken. A detailed discussion of what was and wasn’t permitted followed with it being noted that a way forward might be found if, after obtaining details of the complaint, a meeting could be arranged between representatives of the parish council, the residents and ESCC (Highways) perhaps involving licences being considered for posts.
A member of the public raised the question of the parish precept for 2011/12, and the action that the council proposed to take. The council will, if necessary take advice on the correct protocol for amending the precept.  

5.  Personnel
The interim clerk, press and public were asked to leave for this item.
Councillors received a report on the resignation of Marita Jones as clerk, on the grounds of ill-health; and on the state of the council’s administration.
Malcolm Ramsden was appointed as Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer.

6.  To approve the minutes of the meeting of 10th March, 2011
Resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held 10th March, 2011 as a true record subject to ‘Transport’ for ‘Transportation’ (9) and two typos (4).

7.  To determine matters arising from the previous minutes
It was noted that the clerk surgeries would not be set up until later in the year and that hedge trimming at the recreation ground would have to be left until the end of the summer.

8.  To receive reports from the County and District Councillors
County Council
County Cllr. Tidy reported on the following items:-

• A DVD is available following a recent rural crime seminar providing information for the public.
• Campaign in Crowborough promoting matching interests of pedestrians, cyclists etc., with car users.
• The county council aims to fill all pot-holes by the end of May, 2011, following a grant from central government. This will be followed by renewal of large areas of road surfaces throughout the county. The need to balance the benefit of improvements with the inconvenience of traffic lights was noted.
• The ‘Safer Wealden’ priorities are reducing burglary from other than dwellings, reduction of deliberate fires, theft from vehicles and reducing the number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured on Sussex roads. It was noted that East Sussex is still one of the safest places in England to live.

District
District Cllr. Standley reported on the following items:-

• Members’ allowances held for the third year running.
• South Downs National Park has come into being with a small area within the Wealden boundary noting the impact that has on planning applications.
• Changes in the Human Rights Act due to come through.
• Training of new district and parish councillors being planned for June/July.
• Motorcycle campaign within the ‘killed or seriously injured’ initiative starting shortly.

9.  Chairman’s announcements and correspondence for noting
Correspondence was reviewed and noted.

9.1  To approve costs for Annual Parish Meeting (publicity, hall refreshments) - 26th May, 2011
Resolved to approve spending of up to £200.

9.2  To consider altering date of May meeting and Annual General Meeting
Resolved to move date to 19th May, 2011

10. Highways, Transport and Lighting matters
10.1 To receive a report from Highways, Transport and Lighting Committee
It was reported that many verges were in need of attention and that County will advise of reason for red painted marks on Station Hill Road. Cousley Wood pathways are being encroached by parked cars and it appeared that posts had been removed to facilitate parking. This needed to be monitored. Cllr. Monaghan to approach County.
The Village Maintenance Team from the county council will be asked to replace or repair missing and broken paving bricks at various locations around the village.
A site had been identified for the storage of grit and shovels but the £1,000 spend approved in December had not yet been spent. Resolved to place this sum in an ear-marked reserve and to place this item on the agenda of the Highways and Lighting committee of the new council.
10.2 To approve lighting repairs and energy costs
Resolved to approve spending of £9,361.02 for electricity and £287.05 plus V.A.T. for Ward Close repair (column 68).
10.3 To note need for new Parish Map booklet
Supplies of the folding Wadhurst footpaths map are running low and the new council will need to make arrangements for a new version. Comment that a new map should show paths beyond the Wadhurst parish boundary.

11. Planning Matters
Cllr. Standley was awaiting a report from the Enforcement Officer on bonfires at the Rathronan building site, Mount Pleasant.
11.1 To adopt Minutes of Planning Committee meetings held on 19th March and 2nd April, 2011
Resolved to adopt the Minutes of the Planning Committee meetings held on 19th March and 2nd April, 2011

12. Recreation Ground Matters
12.1 To receive report from Recreation Ground Management Committee
The report covered the recommendation to approve the improvements and maintenance of the Voelcker Field.
12.2 To review quotations for Voelcker Field improvements and consider delegation of approval of contract to Recreation Ground Management Committee
The Parish Council has previously approved work proposed by Wadhurst United Junior Football Club to improve the Voelcker field. Three quotations for the cost of the work had been obtained.  A notice had been displayed on the Parish Council notice board since the 30th of March advising of the Parish Council’s intention to appoint a contractor for the work (as required by section 9 of the Financial Regulations). A quotation of £33,000 plus V.A.T. was reviewed. Resolved that the approval of the contract be delegated to the Recreation Ground Management Committee.
A gift of £21,950 from the Wadhurst United Junior Football Club had been received with a further gift of £4,050 being promised by September of this year. Payments under the proposed contract for the works to be carried out would be in four stages – the last of which to be in September, 2011.
The proposed contractor had been made aware of the poor drainage and of the amount of rubble buried within the site.

13. Environmental Matters
13.1 To receive report from Environmental Committee
The Parish Council gave a vote of thanks to Bob Penny and Paul Evans who have cleaned the War Memorial, giving their time free of charge. A letter will be sent thanking the two men. The Parish Council has received a letter from the Legion commenting on the high quality of the work.
The Royal British Legion has asked that the Parish Council consider replacing the paving surrounding the memorial and renewing the inscriptions. Burslems will be asked to quote for this work when they visit the memorial in preparation for repairs.
It was thought that the Memorial might be the work of Herbert Baker and, as such, Burslems should be made aware that it is a heritage asset.
Wealden District Council has no knowledge of the blue waste bin at The Greyhound but they were investigating.
13.2 To approve repairs to War Memorial, including costs
Awaiting a detailed re-quote (See 13.1 above).
13.3 To approve cleaning of War Memorial by volunteers
Resolved to approve cleaning of War Memorial by volunteers.
13.4 To note increase in costs of dog bin emptying service
Resolved to accept increased costs.

14. Finance
14.1 To approve precept for 2011/2
The reasons for the higher than expected precept figure of £122,286 were noted.
Resolved that the figure of £122,286 be approved.
An item amending the Financial Regulations will be placed on the agenda of the next Parish Council meeting, such the clerk and Chairman of the council must both sign the declaration given to Wealden District Council regarding the precept.
14.2 To consider applications for small grants
It was noted that £2,100 remained in the budget for small grants.
Resolved that £500 be awarded to Wadhurst Neighbourhood Watch, £1,000 to Wealden Citizens Advice and £300 to Wadhurst Warriors.
14.3 To approve accounts payable
Resolved to approve accounts for payment as listed.
14.4 To consider SALC and NALC membership subscription for 2011/2
It was noted that SALC and NALC provided advice the clerk, legal advice and training for clerks and councillors. It is likely that the new clerk will benefit greatly from the services provided.
Resolved that the SALC and NALC membership subscription be renewed for 2011/2.
14.5 To review spend against budget for 2010/1
Carried forward to next meeting.

15. Urgent issues at the discretion of the Chairman for noting or inclusion on future agenda
The Chairman reported that the Wadhurst Branch of the Royal British Legion would be marking the 90th birthday of the Legion with a service at the War Memorial on the 8th of May. Only two wreathes will be laid.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9:30 p.m.