Present: Councillors A Parker, R Messenger, G Capstick, G Handley, R Bingham,

B Woof and the Clerk.

064 Apologies for Absence were received from Chairman P Johnson, therefore Cllr Parker acted as Chairman.

065 The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 29^th September 2003 were approved as a true record, with the exception of Minute 062 where Greengate Lane was corrected to Grievegate Lane.

066 Matters arising from the Minutes.

The Clerk has written to Mr Tony Rimmer to thank him for his time as a Councillor following his resignation. Confirmation has been received from Claire Wheatman the Electoral Services Officer, that it will be in order to co-opt a parishioner onto the Council, as an election hasn’t been requested. The Councillors agreed Mr Andrew Lucas, who has expressed an interest, should be offered the place.

A reply from Capita has been received regarding the overgrown Grievegate Lane to say that the landowners have been written to, regarding the hedges and the grass will be trimmed.

The Clerk stated that she had written to Miss Debbie Storr of SLDC to advise her of the Councillors decision made under Minute 061, stating that they do not wish to claim anything other than genuine expenses. Several Councillors expressed their dissatisfaction that the matter appeared to be incorrectly reported in the Westmorland Gazette. Councillor Parker to investigate.

A further letter, from the Minister for Rural Affairs, on the subject of crop spraying, (Min. ref. 046) has been forwarded to us by Tim Collins. It seeks to reassure that "we have no intention of introducing measures that would place a disproportionate burden on farmers."

067 Finance.

The Audit Report has been received from the External Auditors and shows no matters have come to their attention which give cause for concern.

The following payments were authorised: -

St Peters PCC Heversham, for churchyard maintenance - £500, cheque no. 0537.

Poppy Appeal, for wreath at memorial - £25, cheque no.0538.

Following detailed discussion, G Capstick proposed, and it was unanimously agreed, to hold all Parish Council Funds together and that the Clerk will show separate headings for Playground and Athenaeum transactions. The cheque issued last meeting to the playground committee for £1790.77 was destroyed and therefore remains in the Parish Councils account, together with the £500 from Mr Pickhall – a total of £2271.39. The Clerk is to write to the Athenaeum and Playground Committee Treasurers to request quarterly updates of their finances for the Councillors to monitor.

068 The Athenaeum Report gave no changes other than the co-option of two extra parishioners onto the Committee.

069 The Clerk presented the Draft Budget for next year, which showed roughly a 25% increase. The Councillors found it unacceptable to reflect this in their precept demand. After much consideration a figure of £4,450 was decided upon for the precept request which reflects an increase of less than 5%. This was still considered to be high, but as there has been no increase for the last three years, necessary. Any additional overspending in the coming year, will be met by the balance currently held, which the Councillors feel should be reduced.

070 Planning Applications.

Yew Tree Cottage, Leasgill. SL/2003/2101. A proposed rear extension with terrace above. The Clerk to write to express the Councillors approval but with reservations about the appropriateness of the design and to suggest that more consideration be given to the way it will blend with the surrounding buildings and it’s visual appeal.

Hill Brow, Dugg Hill, Heversham. SL/03/1970/LJH/LB. Replacement conservatory. – Permit received and also a reply to the Councils letter to enquire why permission was necessary. This explains that there is a specified maximum volume of additions allowed, which Hill Brow has exceeded; thus the need for permission, which wasn’t sought for the original conservatory.

071 Marsh Lane – One Way. Following discussions relating to making the stretch of Marsh Lane, between Princes Way and St Peters Church ‘One Way’, it was resolved unanimously to write to request this action. It was felt that visibility when joining the by-pass at this junction was poor and safety takes priority over convenience.

072 Correspondence.

1. Letter requesting contact details of all Councillors, in order that they can be supplied with Neighbourhood Forum information. – Clerk to write to say that Councillors do not wish to receive details but will rely on the Clerk informing them in time.

2. Update on Code of Conduct matters asking do Councillors require more training? – Clerk to write: no thank you.

3. A request for help to promote National Adoption Week – Clerk written to J Cushnie about inclusion in the Parish Magazine.

4. Casual Vacancy procedure. – Followed.

5. Kerbside Recycling – letter of thanks. - Noted

6. Playgrounds Ltd. Promotional letter with design. – Of no interest.

7. Coif Charity Funds Scheme Particulars and Notification of Changes to Annual Management charges (similar to competitors). – No action required

8. CALC Notice of 118^th Meeting. – No-one can attend.

9. Local Council News-Sheet showing equipment for sale. – No need to keep.

073 Items for Information.

Cllr. Handley requested that the Clerk writes to request that the ‘Squeeze Stones’ outside the old Grammar School on Heversham Head by widened. Several parishioners are finding it difficult to pass through.

Cllr. Capstick expressed his concern about the possibility of fly tipping on his land and wondered who would be expected to fund it’s removal. Cllr. Woof will ask Mike Jones about it.

It was suggested that Mr Tony Rimmer as retiring Councillor be asked to lay the ‘Remembrance Day’ wreath at the ceremony. Cllr. Parker to speak to Mr Rimmer.

The Clerk is to write to Cumbria County Council on behalf of the Senior Citizens of Heversham to request that Council Tax be kept at the rate of inflation.

Cllr. Handley proposes that the Council investigate the possibility of a car park for Heversham. Cllr. Parker seconded – an agenda item for the next meeting.

074 The next meeting was set for 24^th November 2003 at 7.30.p.m.

The Meeting closed at 9.20.p.m.

Denise Challenor

Clerk to the Council

Tel. 01524 761824