WADHURST
PARISH COUNCIL
THE MINUTES OF A MEETING OF WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL HELD AT THE PAVILION, SPARROWS GREEN RECREATION GROUND, THE PAVILION, SPARROWS GREEN RECREATION GROUND, THURSDAY 10th November, 2011 AT 7.30 P.M.
Present: Councillors Bell, Berger, Clark, Doyle (chairman), Gadd, Goolden, Kent, Konrad, Martel, Martin, Matthews, Meredith-Hardy and Pearman.
Also in attendance: County Councillor Tidy, two members of the public and one member of the press.
1. To receive apologies and reasons for absence
Apologies received from Councillors Browne and Standley; reasons noted and accepted. Cllrs. Konrad and Martin had earlier advised that they could not be present for the beginning of the meeting.
2. To receive declarations of interest items on the agenda
None
3. Police Forum
Sgt. Ruth Hammerton attended and reported that there had been a number of burglaries, mainly from outbuildings and that response from the public in reporting suspicious sightings and noting vehicle registration numbers was encouraging. Car thefts and incidents of criminal damage were also noted as was a drugs raid resulting in arrests being made.
Cllr. Martin arrived at 7.38 p.m.
3.1 To review existing priorities as being speeding and antisocial behaviour, drugs and police presence.
Members learnt how the existing community priorities were being responded to by the local PCSO and that criminal activity, including burglary and drug offences would continue to be treated as priority. Cllr. Martel raised concerns that tackling antisocial behaviour should remain as a priority but debate resolved that the revised community priorites be:-
Police Presence. To be supported by PCSO Neve to continue being based in the Wadhurst area and being present at local meetings and visible during busy times of the day.
Speeding Enforcement. Sgt. Hammerton offered training for community speed watch teams which would each need a minimum of six people and County Cllr. Tidy mentioning that Rotherfield Parsih Council might be approached regarding the sharing of speed monitoring equipment.
Anti-social Parking. Members learnt of a pilot scheme in Uckfield where members of the public provided PCSOs with photographic evidence and statements regarding incidents of dangerous and anti-social parking.
4. Public Forum
No items other than refuse and grit bins being covered within the Environment and Highways report.
5. To approve the minutes of the meeting of 13th October 2011
Resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting held 13th October 2011 as a true record.
6. To determine matters arising from the previous minutes
None
6.1 To note progress regarding Power of Well-being training
Members learnt that training had been arranged for the 29th of November with a number of councillors from other parish councils being included.
7. To receive reports from the County and District Councillors
County Council
County Cllr. Tidy informed members that progress had been made regarding Bewl access and that a compromise solution had been reached. A gate is to be placed across Hook Hill Lane with a small gap allowing access to walkers and horses. The posts along Hook Hill Lane are to be removed and the lay-by in Bewlbridge Lane is to remain. County Cllr. Tidy was commended for his work in finding a solution which was supported by members.
A meeting had been held to move the community transport scheme forward with county providing initial funding with a view to the project becoming self-funding thereafter. The contact club is putting forward people to become trained as drivers and County Cllr. Tidy is approaching local parish councils for support.
County officers involved with the first of the High Street Safety consultation exercises were pleased with the response and number of comments and suggestions being received from the community.
District Council
District Cllr. Wells addressed the meeting and referred members to the content of the Wealden Parish Bulletin highlighting that the District Community Grants scheme was still open for applications and that there was also funding available for rural retailers. Members also noted the outcomes of questions put to participants at the recent Parish Conference addressing a wide range of issues around using the proposed powers included within the Localism Bill.
8. Chairman’s announcements and correspondence for noting
The chairman announced that the clerk would be attending the SLCC SE Regional Conference themed ‘Big Society, small details’ and that any members wishing to attend should make the clerk aware.
8.1 To consider proposal for Volunteer Reception and approve costs
Discussion concluded that the reception will be held in January and that the criteria for invitations needed to be decided. Cllrs. Doyle, Clark, Martin and Matthews to meet and consider further before reporting back to next full council meeting with a proposal. Dist. Cllr. Wells asked that the potential overlap with the Uplands Partnership lunch be considered. Resolved to approve costs of up to £250 from Chairman’s Allowance.
8.2 To review and agree meeting dates for 2012 full council and other committee meetings.
Resolved to agree full council, planning and finance meeting dates for 2012 (see Appendix A) and for other committees to have agreed the 2012 dates for presentation to the next full council meeting.
8.3 To review and agree arrangements of seating for members of the public at full council meetings.
Resolved to arrange members seating to ensure members of the public could more easily listen to meeting proceedings.
8.4 To appoint Youth Community Transport Liaison member.
Resolved to appoint Cllr. Browne as Youth Community Transport Liaison member with Cllr. Martin as substitute.
9. Highways, Transport and Lighting matters
9.1 To receive report
Cllr. Meredith-Hardy informed members that the Turners Green Road scheme was proceeding with the licence having been signed and residents were ordering the posts and planters. A recent tour of street lights had found no new problems and that Uplands and East Sussex Fire and Rescue had volunteered to undertake snow clearing between the Greyhound and Commemoration Hall, and Costcutters to Rogers Wine shop respectively. Requests for new salt/grit bins had been received and would be incorporated within the snow plan currently being worked on. Discussions covered the recently damaged street light at the White Hart, the lower recreation car park, lighting problems at the Commemoration Hall, which the clerk would bring to the attention of Wadhurst Institute, Hall and Field, and that the problem of grass encroaching onto the pavement at Best Beech be added to the Parish Maintenance list.
9.2 To note and approve updated estimates for replacement/repair costs of street lighting column No. 20 of £871.36 plus VAT, column No. 33 of £1,135.52 plus VAT and column No. 68 of £287.05 plus VAT.
Resolved to approve updated estimates for replacement/repair costs of street lighting column No. 20 of £871.36 plus VAT, column No. 33 of £1,135.52 plus VAT and column No. 68 of £287.05 plus VAT with approval to spend a total of up to £1,500 plus VAT for a conservation lamp to replace column No. 33.
9.3 To note and approve cost of replacing street light column No. 132 of £1,071.71 plus VAT.
Resolved to approve cost of replacing street light column No. 132 of £1,071.71 plus VAT.
9.4 To consider the village snow plan and approve costs
Cllr. Meredith-Hardy stated that Wadhurst Ironmongers would be happy to provide and store a palette of rock salt and showed details of an efficient snow clearer and salt spreader to be used if necessary. The Greyhound have also agreed to help with storage of snow clearing equipment and it was resolved that costs of up to £1,000 be approved to purchase salt, two shovels, one grit spreader and some brushes.
Cllr. Konrad arrived at 8.58 p.m.
10. Planning Matters
10.1 To adopt minutes of planning committee meetings held on the 15th and 29th of October, 2011
Resolved to adopt the Minutes of the Planning committee meetings held on the 15th and 29th of October, 2011
10.2 To consider production of a Neighbourhood Plan
Resolved to establish a working party to learn what elements of the Localism Bill could benefit the parish. Membership to include representatives from relevant groups within the community.
11. Recreation Ground Matters
11.1 To receive report
Cllr. Matthews informed members that the coppiced area had now been fenced and that signs explaining coppicing and the age restriction for the Voelcker Field were in place. The first match was due to take place shortly on the Voelcker Field.
11.2 To approve payment of £1,582.50 plus VAT for work carried out at Voelcker Field
Resolved to approve payment of £1,582.50 plus VAT for work carried out at Voelcker Field.
11.3 To approve costs and wording of notice regarding funding the re-surfacing of the tennis courts.
Three estimates had been received, including one from the original contractor, and it was resolved to display the relevant notice regarding the intention to fund the re-surfacing of the tennis courts at a cost of up to £50,000.
12. Environmental Matters
12.1 To receive report
Cllr. Konrad advised members that there had been no meeting since the full council last met but that discussions were planned regarding the restoration of the village sign and that work on the pond was delayed awaiting a meeting with Wealden AONB to discuss what should be done. Discussions followed regarding how a phased improvement programme might be established for the War Memorial re-pointing and re-lettering project. Cllr. Kent informed the meeting that he had instructed that the village sign be cleaned in advance of the restoration work being discussed and Cllr. Bell thought funds might be available to help with the War Memorial work from the War Memorials Trust.
13. Finance
13.1 To note minutes of meeting held 26th October, 2011
Noted.
13.2 To receive report
See 13.6
13.3 To approve accounts paid/payable
Resolved to approve accounts for payment as listed.
13.4 To recommended reduction in specific reserves of £404 - churchyard provision, £7,000 - lighting and £41 - Environmental projects (formerly Parish maps)
Resolved to approve recommended reduction in specific reserves of £404 - churchyard provision, £7,000 - lighting and £41 - Environmental projects (formerly Parish maps).
13.5 To approve recommended budgeted transfers to specific reserves of £1,000 – Election Provision, £2,500 – Recreation Sinking Fund, £3,000 – Community Transport, £8,000 – Car Park Capital Cost, £5,000 – Car Park Supervision Cost and £2,500 – Reserve Conservation Lights
Resolved to approve recommended budgeted transfers to specific reserves of £1,000 – Election Provision, £2,500 – Recreation Sinking Fund, £3,000 – Community Transport, £8,000 – Car Park Capital Cost, £5,000 – Car Park Supervision Cost and £2,500 – Reserve Conservation Lights.
13.6 To review draft budget for 2012/13
The chairman highlighted the areas of greatest change to the draft budget, which had been earlier circulated to members, as being clerk’s salary, member’s basic allowance, youth provision (youth club and youth bank), grants and Wealden CAB support, neighbourhood plan provision and the contingency. Changes to the recreation sinking fund, the reserve for conservation lighting and jubilee activities were discussed in greater detail. The overall change in the proposed precept represented a reduction of 5.3% over last year’s figures and the figure of £115,845 would be put to the next full council for a decision.
14. Personnel matters
14.1 To receive report
There have been no meetings since the full council last met.
14.2 To discuss and review committee meetings being held without the clerk being present
Discussion concluded that committee meetings continue being held without the clerk being present and that minute taking should be rotated amongst committee members although it was noted that the minutes of the planning meeting would continue to be taken by Cllr. Goolden.
15. Working Parties
15.1 To receive report of Business/High Street Working Party
Items and progress covered by the circulated report were noted with Cllr. Goolden adding that various initiatives were being undertaken by the Wadhurst and District Business Association and that they had agreed to the concept of the Italian market which will be held at St. James’ Square on the 24th of March. Christmas late night shopping events would be taking place along the length of the High Street from the Greyhound to Wood B Pine.
15.1.1 To discuss the role of the council regarding Employment and Community Enterprise
Cllr. Martin advised that a paper would be put before the next full council meeting regarding Employment and Community Enterprise.
15.2 To receive report of Car Park Working Party
Members learnt that a meeting was scheduled to be held with Uplands in December.
15.3 To receive report of Communications Working Party
Cllr. Kent advised members that Parish Websites had been awarded the contract to develop the new website and that, together with Cllr. Meredith-Hardy, a brief was being completed for submission to the remaining members of the Communications working party.
15.3.1 To receive report of progress regarding website
A scanned copy of the village sign had been obtained for the website header page.
15.4 To receive report of Youth Working Party
Cllr. Browne submitted a written report which had been circulated to members.
15.5 To receive report of Cultural Activities Working Party
Members learnt from Cllr. Martin that the outcome of the recent Arts Council bid should be known by the time of the next full council meeting and that an approach was being made by the Wadhurst Dramatic Club to stage an evening outdoor event at the recreation ground in the summer.
16. Urgent issues at the discretion of the Chairman for noting or inclusion on future agenda
A letter supporting the project in principle, and noting the parish council's record of support for community transport and improved youth services would be sent by the chairman.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9:50 p.m.
Correspondence Oct/Nov, 2011
- Liz Azyan investigates how government can better communicate and engage with citizens online with limited resources
- Top 10 tips to avoid the wrath of the ICO
- NALC updates (previously e-mailed to members)
- PSMA newsletter October 2011
- Wealden Xmas market
- rsnonline Weekly Email News Digest - 18 October 2011
- Latest East Sussex Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee newsletter
- SERTP October 2011 Newsletter
- Save a Space for Me - your chance to shape Diamond Jubilee legacy
- Wealden Survey results – Neighbourhood policing scheme
- Newly Published Decision : Draft Housing Allocations Policy – Consultation
- Minutes of the SWP Joint Action Group meeting 11/10/11
- Business Rates – email from Uckfield Town clerk (previously e-mailed to members)
- Wealden District Council Housing Allocations Policy –Consultation (previously e-mailed to members)
- Wealden district police Newlsetter
- Town centre solutions workshop - Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire
- Letter regarding nuisance parking at Bewl – Russell and Margaret Ford (previously e-mailed to members)
- Latest news from Mediation Plus
- rsnonline Weekly Email News Digest - 24 October 2011
- East Sussex, South Downs and Brighton and Hove - Waste and Minerals Plan PUBLIC CONSULTATION 27 OCTOBER TO 8 DECEMBER 2011
- Chief Inspector Dick Coates – Wealden Newsletter (previously e-mailed to members)
- SLCC Branch Meeting - 2nd November
- Newly Published Decision : Consultation - A New Mandatory Power of Possession for Anti-Social Behaviour
- Village SOS - Event 5th December 2011
- rsnonline Weekly Email News Digest - 31 October 2011
- The Parish Maps Company – Copy of new map*
- Town centre solutions workshop - book now – 29th November
- RSPB Weald Reserves Update – November
- ETE In Your Area
- East Sussex Town & Parish Broadband Conference 1st Dec
- Newly Published Decision : Consultation Response - Rother District Council Proposed Submission Core Strategy
- NALC update – The future of standards of conduct of members of local authorities in England – update and
- NALC update – NALC E bulletin
Correspondence Oct/Nov, 2011 (Additional to that included in pack distributed 3rd November)
- Updates from CQC and HOSC
- Safer Wealden Partnership JAG Meeting 8/11/11
- Business Focus Magazine (including Food Safety pages) fromWealden District Council
- Community funding – SALC (previously forwarded by e-mail to all members)
- rsnonline - Weekly Email News Digest - 7 November 2011
- Additional Funding Bid for the SWP JAG 8/11/11
- SWP JAG Previous Crowborough minutes
- NEWS FROM DIGITAL UK
- SERTP November 2011 Newsletter
- Broadband Survey Results Update
- Wealden Parish bulletin – November (previously forwarded by e-mail to all members)
- HealthWatch Focus Group - corrected details
- HealthWatch Updates
- Newly Published Decision : Consultation Response - Streamlining Council Housing Asset Management: Disposals and Use of Receipts
- Crowborough youth grants
- Welfare Reforms and Fuel Poverty, Heathfield
- NALC updates & LTN update – Employment briefing, Audit and VAT
Accounts paid/payable – Oct/Nov, 2011
|
|
|
|
£50.40 |
|
BT – Parish Broadband |
3075 |
£19.96 |
|
K Turner – Compost for winter flower tubs |
3076 |
£220.80 |
|
Europlants – Hanging baskets, Spt |
3077 |
£283.80 |
|
ESCC – Emergency electrical safety work, street lighting column No. 47, Station Road |
3078 |
£374.76 |
|
GOPAK – Three folding tables for pavilion |
3079 |
£397.79 |
|
Caretaker’s salary - Oct |
3080 |
£1,314.94 |
|
Clerk’s salary - Oct |
3081 |
£50.00 |
|
East Sussex Fire & Rescue – licence for part of duck pond |
3082 |
£47.59 |
|
Wadhurst Ironmongers – pavilion maintenance items |
3083 |
£1,417.15 |
|
Public Works Loan Board – Loan/Interest payment |
3084 |
£54.99 |
|
Premier PC Supplies – Printer cartridge |
3085 |
£5.40 |
|
M Kent – Travel re. planning visit |
3086 |
£16.65 |
|
B Berger – Travel re. District planning |
3087 |
£55.00 |
|
Ashdown Garden Services – Grass cutting Oct |
3088 |
£39.89 |
|
Premier PC Supplies – Printer cartridge |
3089 |
£67.46 |
|
BT – Parish line rental Oct/Dec |
3090 |
£163.00 |
|
Society of Local Council Clerks – Clerk’s membership |
3091 |
£57.00 |
|
Sussex Assoc.of Local Councils – Clerk’s networking day |
3092 |
£150.00 |
|
Society of Local Council Clerks – Clerk’s CiLCA registration |
3093 |
£85.00 |
|
Sussex Assoc.of Local Councils – Clerk’s new briefing training |
3094 |
£85.00 |
|
Sussex Assoc.of Local Councils – Clerk’s CiLCA training |
3095 |
£30.00 |
|
The Poppy Appeal – Donation towards wreath |
3096 |
£1,000.00 |
|
Wealden CAB - Grant |
3097 |
£633.72 |
|
Christmas Direct – Grant, Rotary lights (Net £425.00) |
3098 |
£76.32 |
|
C Lindfield – Litter Picking Oct |
3099 |
£28.95 |
|
Caretaker’s re-imbursement of pavilion maintenance costs |
3100 |
£206.44 |
|
Clerk’s mileage and re-imbursement of stationery, etc. |
3101 |
£372.00 |
|
Wealden DC – Pavilion rates Nov |
3102 |
|
|
|
|
Appendix A
WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL
2012 Meeting dates
Full Council (Second Thursday of every month 19:30 except January and August when no meetings held)
February 9th
March 8th
April 12th
May 10th Annual General Meeting
June 14th
July 12th
September 13th
October 11th
November 8th
December 13th
Planning (Saturday fortnightly 09:30)
January 14th, 28th
February 11th, 25th
March 10th, 31st
April 14th, 28th
May 12th, 26th
June 9th, 23rd
July 7th, 21st
August 4th, 18th
September 1st, 15th, 29th
October 13th, 27th
November 10th, 24th
December 8th, 22nd
Finance
April 26th
October 18th