Heversham Parish Council

 

Minutes of the Council Meeting held in the Athenaeum, on Monday, 28th February 2005, which started at 7.30.p.m.

 

Present: Councillors T Parker, P Shaw, A Hulme, A Shepherd, A Lucas, District Councillor B Woof, County Councillor R Bingham, the Clerk and two members of the public.

 

210  Apologies for absence were received from Councillors G Capstick and J Pearson-Snape.

 

211  The Minutes were signed as a true record following the correction of a typing error.

 

212  Matters arising from the Minutes.

§         The Clerk has booked three places on The New Planning System presentation on 16th March, 7.00 p.m., at Kendal; only Councillors Lucas and Parker can now attend.

§         The Clerk has received a reply to the Council’s letter regarding the unruly behavior of some of the pupils of Dallam School, to say that the matter has been addressed and asks for further contact with the school, if necessary.

§         The Parish Council Notice Board has been repainted and moved to the wall of  Chestnut Cottage, which is on the opposite side of the road, a little nearer to Dallam School than the Post Office. Thanks go to Martin Tyson and Ken Shepherd for executing the changeover and restoring the Post Office wall.

§         Councillor Shaw has received some examples of Parish Plans but they were for larger parishes; he will try to obtain some for smaller parishes before the April meeting.

 

213  Footpaths.  Councillor Hulme reported that she has now made enquiries, as to what can be done, about the restrictions to walkers, made, by the placing of an electric fence on the land behind Plumtree Hall.  She has found that there isn’t a public footpath there but that if it could be proved that the land has been used as such, in continuation, for over twenty years, then it might be possible, to have it placed on the definitive map through “Rights by Usage”.  This could mean a lengthy legal procedure, done via CCC.  The meeting was adjourned to allow discussion.  Finally the Council resolved not to pursue the matter further but would be willing to give advice on how to proceed, to anyone wishing to do so.

With regard to the footpath from the Church to the Head, Capita would be willing to put stone chippings down, but would this destroy it’s rural appearance?

The Chairman has investigated the stretch of footpath by the Old Grammar School with a view to having steps built there, but feels now, that the path is too wide for it to be practical.

  It was thought that generally the rural footpaths are now much improved and the difficulties expressed at the last meeting, were due to unusually high rainfall. The meeting was adjourned to allow a member of the public to speak.

The edges of the road past St Peter’s School beyond the old vicarage are in very bad condition.  It is though that it has been reported in the past; the Clerk is to check on this.

The meeting was again adjourned to allow another member of the public to speak.

 

214  Parish Assembly, 21st March.

It was decided that the extra item for discussion at the Parish Assembly will be the Auction of “Heversham Head”, believed to be taking place at the end of April.  The Agenda will be completed soon and Councillor Parker has arranged it’s delivery.

 

215  The Clerks new Draft contract will be drawn up after consultations with Councillor Lucas and Councillor Shaw. 

 

216  The Equipment Report. The Clerk has arranged for the Engineers Inspection to be carried out on the Playground equipment in the first week of April at a cost of approximately £74.

 

217  The Athenaeum Financial Report.

The total sum in the bank at the end of January 2005 was £3268.87 and the balance forecast to be £2575.50 by 31/05/05.

 

218  The Playground Financial Report.  The Clerk showed that there was £3880.77 held  for the playground in the Parish Councils National Savings Account.  The weekly inspection book has been passed to Councillor Lucas.

 

219  No payments were authorised.

 

220  Planning Applications

. SL/2005/0126 – Part of Field to rear of Leasghyll Barn, Leasgill. Change of use from agricultural land to domestic garden and erection of a shed. -  The meeting was adjourned to allow a member of the public to speak. Following much discussion the Council decided not to object.

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221  Correspondence

§         CALC Questionaire re: functions of the Council. – The Council members completed Section 8 together, it is now ready to return.

§         Defra writes to inform of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill introduced on 7th December 2004, which increases Parish Council Powers. – Clerk will file.

§         Great North Air Ambulance Service now covers Cumbria and requests that the village collects items to help raise funds. A collection point will need to be established. – Not  felt practical.

Correspondence For Information - receipt acknowledged

§         Kendal Register Office inform that the will operate an appointment only system from 1st March 2005.

§         Two  Home Office discussion documents entitled “Citizen Engagement and Public Services: Why Neighbourhoods Matter” and “Vibrant Local Leadership”.

§         Overhead Wires Project Newsletter – January 2005.

§         Traffic Information and Roadworks for the North West.

§         Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan – Panel report, now available on www.planningcumbria.org.uk.

§         Local Development Framework – Search for Sites/Premises suitable for Employment/Business use.

§         Calc Circular (can be emailed to Councillors by request).

 

222  Items for Information

The Post Office is now up for sale. 

 

223  The date of the next Parish Council meeting is 25th April 2004.

 

Mrs Denise Challenor

Clerk to the Parish Council

Tel. 01524 761824