Wadhurst and Ticehurst Website

WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL

THE MINUTES OF A MEETING OF WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL HELD AT THE PAVILION, SPARROWS GREEN RECREATION GROUND, THURSDAY 8 SEPTEMBER, 2011 AT 7:30 P.M.

Present: Councillors Browne, Clark, Doyle (chairman), Gadd, Goolden, Kent, Konrad, Martel, Martin, Matthews, Meredith-Hardy and Pearman
Also in attendance: County Councillor Tidy, nine members of the public and one member of the press.

1. To receive apologies and reasons for absence
Apologies received from Councillors Bell, Berger and Standley; reasons noted and accepted

2. To receive declarations of interest on items on the agenda
None

3. Police Forum
Police had attended the site of a burglary in Station Road, graffiti in Durgates and anti-social behaviour incidents at the Sparrows Green recreation ground. The number of calls to police in August was lower than average and totalled 73. A member of the public commented that the police response to the recent incidents of graffiti was ineffective and PCSO Neve is to pass on the concerns to his colleagues. Members asked about the circumstances in which warning letters were attached to cars parked on Bewl Bridge Lane and Hook Lane; PCSO Neve stated that the letters were placed during a routine patrol and not in response to a call by a member of the public. Councillors asked that the police monitor more closely parking on pavements in Cousley Wood, which continues to cause pedestrians to walk on the road.

4. Public Forum
A member of the public living close to the recreation ground stated that the idea of installing safety lighting between the pavilion and car park would not be supported by local residents and that people using the facilities should use the lower car park and entrance. A Church Street resident commented that the issue of cars speeding and mounting the pavements in Church Street remained despite the end of the roadworks, and asked the council to lobby ESCC for improvements. ‘Next generation’ broadband was discussed with County Councillor Tidy informing members that £10.6 million of matching funds were being set aside by the county council for improving rural broadband, with a hoped-for completion date in 2015. A member of the public offered assistance in working with the council to speed things along and it was agreed that the Communications Working Party will look at promoting the issue.

5. To approve the minutes of the meeting of 9th June, 2011
Resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held 9th June, 2011 as a true record, with one addition noting that Cllr. Goolden had been asked to approach the county council to see whether a parish council consultation might be incorporated into the High Street safety consultation.

6. To determine matters arising from the previous minutes
It was noted that a CRB check was not required for the clerk and that the investment of £60,000 of the reserve was to be split equally between two accounts. Cllr. Goolden mentioned that he had contacted SALC who were unable to suggest an account with a higher interest rate than that suggested by the clerk.

7. To receive reports from the County and District Councillors
County Council
As his report related to these items Councillor Tidy participated in items 8.2, 8.3, 9.2 and 9.3.
District Council
No district councillor attended.

8.        Chairman’s announcements and correspondence for noting
8.1      To discuss Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations
The chairman advised that this project would need volunteers with time available and that the Council would help with the possible co-ordination of other groups in the village. Talks about what could be done had already started.
8.2      To discuss the Parish response to the proposed Fire and Rescue Service merger
The need for cost savings, which would come from reductions in management costs was recognised by members as was the noting of some additional transition costs. County Cllr. Tidy remarked that there would be no reduction in fire stations and that it was hoped that the savings would match the reduction in government grants and that an equalisation of the Fire Service precept between Brighton, East and West Sussex was expected. Resolved that the survey show the Parish response be to ‘Tend to Agree’ with the proposed merger.
8.3      To note proposal to close Hookstead Resource Centre and consider action
Members heard from County Cllr. Tidy that Hookstead is a small facility no longer meeting modern standards and that new facilities being opened in the area would be better placed to provide the community with modern facilities, including day care, with people being able to use county funds to buy the services for themselves. Discussion followed covering where else savings might come from and how affordable the alternative solutions might be. Members were concerned that the closure would result in a lack of affordable local care homes. Resolved that the Parish response be that the closure would be regretted.
8.4      To discuss Power of Well Being training for councillors and approve costs
Councillor ‘Well Being’ training is planned at Battle shortly and other courses will be available during the rest of the year. The clerk was asked to follow up an evening training session more local, allowing collaboration with Ticehurst PC.

9.         Highways, Transport and Lighting matters
9.1       To receive a report from Highways, Transport and Lighting Committee
Highlighted from the circulated report was the request from Turners Green Road residents regarding a possible contribution towards highway posts. To be discussed at the next HTL committee meeting. Cllr. Konrad stated that, in view of the successful outcome, residents should be encouraged to consider similar schemes.
9.2      To note complaint regarding access to Bewl water and consider actions
County Cllr. Tidy and Cllr. Doyle had visited the affected area at Bewl Bridge Lane and Hook Lane. Members learnt that in 1976 the roads were restricted to a status of ‘prohibitive use by motor vehicles’; until recently this restriction had not been enforced and members of the public parked in a lay by to gain access to the reservoir. Recently the county council had been asked by a resident to enforce the restriction. County Cllr. Tidy stated that the request was not supported by all residents and that the Parish would be contacted formally as part of their consultation process if any changes were proposed. Resolved that clerk write to County stating that access continue to be allowed and that the existing lay-by be retained to maintain the status quo.
9.3      To note correspondence regarding speeding in Church Street and consider actions
County Cllr. Tidy spoke of bollards and changes to the entry at both ends, of Church Street as a possible solution to the problems. It was agreed that the County Highways officer be asked to include Church Street within the High Street Safety Audit which is due to enter its consultation phase shortly.
9.4      To note correspondence regarding pavement improvements and consider actions
Covered within 9.3 above.

10.       Planning Matters
10.1     To adopt Minutes of Planning Committee meetings held on 9th and 23rd of July and 6th and 20th of August, 2011
Resolved to adopt the Minutes of the Planning Committee meetings held on 9th and 23rd of July and 6th and 20th of August, 2011.
10.2     To review updated ‘Blueprint ’, suggest amendments and discuss consultation with residents.
‘Blueprint’ now titled ‘Wadhurst Now and in the Future’ would be circulated to residents with the newsletter with inputs and comments being acknowledged and noted by the Clerk. Details of the Neighbourhood Plan are expected to be covered within the Localism Bill and this exercise is intended to prepare the village for a future formal consultation. It was agreed at the 20th August planning meeting to defer the production of a survey.
10.3     To appoint additional substitute member.
Resolved to appoint Cllr. Meredith-Hardy.
10.4     To appoint Parish Planning Panel Cluster Representative to WDALC .
Resolved to appoint Cllr. Berger.

11.       Recreation Ground Matters
11.1    To receive report from Recreation Ground Management Committee
An update to the circulated report highlighted that the sensory garden was to start with the purchase of two additional benches and it was hoped that a local volunteer group would become involved. Arrangements to commence coppicing of the hedge between the Voelcker and main field have been finalised and local residents will be advised. Cllr. Doyle informed the council that contrary to information given in the previous meeting, Wadhurst Tennis Club had not underpaid its rent last year; the rent had not risen because there was no increase in the measure of inflation used to calculate the rise.
11.2    To discuss proposal for Pagoda and approve costs
Groups in the village are being approached regarding a joint venture for a ‘Jubilee’ pagoda. Discussion of various designs, vandal proofing and maintenance resulted in an agreement in principle to the addition of a pagoda to the recreation ground. Proposals will be brought to the council on funding the project.

12.       Environmental Matters
12.1    To receive report from Environmental Committee
No report as the committee has not met since the last meeting of the full council. Only one quote has been received for the pond maintenance contract and members learnt of a complaint concerning the amount of rubbish in and around the pond.
12.2    To note complaint regarding graffiti and consider actions
Members commented on the different approaches adopted by the police when handling issues of graffiti now and in the past and felt that the police should be more pro-active in relation to the incident at Tunnel House. Sgt. Hammerton to be asked to explain what has happened so far and urged to do as much as possible. Advice should also be sought from the District anti-graffiti team. Councillors noted that members of the public could use the ‘Crimestoppers’ anonymous phone line.

13.       Finance
13.1    To receive report
Report noted.
13.2    To approve accounts paid/payable
Resolved to approve accounts for payment as listed and cancel direct debit for Telephone kiosk electricity.
13.3    To review re-appointment of Internal Auditor
Members agreed to follow best practice and review the appointment of the Internal Auditor. Discussion followed regarding offers received from two auditors named in the SALC list and it was resolved that Steve Brentnall be appointed Internal Auditor at a cost of £390 p.a.
13.4    To approve payment of £533.62 to HMR&C in respect of 2010/11 underpayment of PAYE and NI
Resolved to approve payment of £533.62 to HMR&C in respect of 2010/11 underpayment of PAYE and NI.
13.5    To approve payment of £387.46 to Simon Goacher in respect of completion of 2010/11 PAYE and NI return
Resolved to approve payment of £387.46 to Simon Goacher in respect of completion of 2010/11 PAYE and NI return.
13.6    To review draft of Parish Newsletter and approve costs
Content of Newsletter reviewed and minor changes agreed. Resolved to approve production and delivery costs of up to £2,000.
13.7    To discuss budget setting for 2012/13
Covered within 13.1.

14.       Personnel matters
14.1    To receive report
Members resolved to exclude the public and press for this item.
Report noted and resolved to amend insurance to cover named volunteers against personal accident.
14.2    To discuss clerk’s request to attend two CiLCA courses and approve associated costs of £170
Resolved to approve clerk’s request to attend two CiLCA courses and associated costs of £170.

15.       Working Parties
15.1    To receive report of Business/High Street Working Party
A report was circulated and members learnt that the working party had been working with the WDBA on a shop locally campaign and reviving the Courier promotions and was also due to meet with District regarding grants for tourism. Discussion relating to an Italian themed shopping event concluded that such an event should be supported early in 2012.
15.2    To receive report of Car Park Working Party
Report noted with members advised that the Fire and Rescue Service were expected to comment regarding the possibility of parking at the fire station at the end of September. Members are expecting to visit Uplands later this month to continue discussions on topics of mutual interest.
15.3    To receive report of Communications Working Party
Cllr. Kent highlighted from the report that of the four website invitations to tender one had declined, two had responded and the fourth not yet replied and reminded members that there would be much work required to set up and maintain the new website.
15.4    To receive report of Youth Working Party
No report circulated as there had been no meeting since the full council last met but that discussions would be held regarding the Youth Bank shortly.
15.5    To receive report of Cultural Activities Working Party
Report noted.
15.5.1             To consider funding request and approve costs
Members heard of a matched funding scheme being considered by the working party to be used to kick start a programme of various cultural activities. Resolved to approve the costs of £500 to enable the programme to commence as outlined in the report. It is hoped this project will become self-funding.

16. Urgent issues at the discretion of the Chairman for noting or inclusion on future agenda
Members learnt of a request from County highways to comment on their proposal that posts be placed at the roadside on Three Oaks Lane between the junction with Station Hill and the entrance to Tappington Grange. Members indicated their support for the county's proposal.
Members discussed a letter from Rupert Clubb of the county Highways department regarding the continued disruption of the High Street during replacement of the gas main. Mr Clubb listed actions being taken to increase the speed of work, and stated that the company had been instructed to work more closely with the local community. He will be asked how this is to be achieved.
Members learnt of the sad loss of Howard Spurr whose tireless work for the community will be sadly missed. Resolved that the Chairman write to express the condolences of the council.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10:00 p.m.