Heversham Parish Council

 

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

 

Present: Councillors T Parker, P Shaw, A Hulme, J Pearson-Snape, A Lucas, District Councillor B Woof, County Councillor R Bingham, the Clerk and four members of the public.

 

311  Apologies for absence were received from Cllr. Capstick and Cllr. Shepherd.

 

312 Numbers 300 and 303 of the Draft Minutes, of the meeting held on Monday 31st October 2005, were amended after being displayed on the noticeboard. The replacement Minutes were signed as a correct record and these confirmed minutes can be read on the Heversham website; www.heversham.org under Local Government heading.

 

313  Matters arising from the Minutes

Progress made regarding the “field of dreams”. The Westmorland Gazette has spoken to Cllr. Parker on the subject. They published an article stating that the vendor of the plots, ‘European Land Sales’, intends to have the weeds disposed of, at their expense should DEFRA deem it necessary.  The Parish Council is anxious to ensure that this is done properly, according to the regulations set by DEFRA and instructed the Clerk to write to Mr Steven Cleeve a senior partner of ELS, to voice their concerns and to send a copy to DEFRA. They suggested that the Clerk encloses a copy of DEFRA’s guidelines with Mr Cleeves correspondence.  The Councillors, before posting, must approve the letter.

It was felt that there is no need to approach CALC at this stage.

 

314  The following payments  were authorised: -

Clerks pay claim for 1/1/05 - £487.92.

The additional sum of £120 per annum payable to Martin Tyson for raking the bark round the three  new swing areas twice a month was agreed.

 

315  Planning Applications and correspondence received:-

Permit granted for Waterside Farm, Heversham.  Erection of ‘Folly’.

 

316  The Equipment Report.  The playground inspection book remains with Cllr. Capstick.

 

317  The Athenaeum.

The Councillors found it difficult to ascertain from the accounts supplied, how much deficit there will be this year.  It was thought that the forecast final balance looks healthier than it really is, because cash raised for the improvements is included in the total. This was perceived to be about £500.  Recently, the Toddler group has asked to use the hall, hopefully regularly, and this booking will certainly improve matters.  Concern was expressed however, because there is no significant spare cash, in case of emergencies. The Athenaeum Committee were all working hard on fund raising, and were to be applauded, but this was considered by the committee, to be for improvements, not to cover general costs and it was again asked if a set amount could be allocated from the Precept to help.   The Councillors were reluctant to put a significant amount onto the precept without knowing how much the majority of residents value the Athenaeum as a village amenity. Various ideas and suggestions were made and finally the Council decided to ask the parishioners in March at the Annual Assembly, and if agreement was reached, put the allocated amount onto the Precept for 2007/8.  

 

318  The  new Athenauem Committee Member to replace Cllr. Shepherd is Cllr. A Lucas.

 

319  The Precept request for 2006/07.  Is to be £5,000, which allows almost £100 contingency fund.

 

320  Correspondence received: -

§         A questionaire regarding the much reduced Stagecoach Bus service. – No-one felt that they had the up to date knowledge needed to enable them to complete it.

§         Receipt and thanks for the £25 donation to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. – Cllr. Parker would like to thank those people who joined him to lay the wreath this year.

§         Acknowledgement of the written representation made to the Remuneration Panel, regarding the reimbursement of Councilors expenses. – Noted.

§         Update on the Police service restructuring in Cumbria.

§         Information on recycling refuse at Christmas.

§         Neighbourhood Forum Agenda – 6th December at The Athenaeum, Leasgill. – Cllr. Parker drew attention to the fact that it was being held in Heversham this time and that he and Cllr. Bingham will be speaking.

§         Notification of SLDC’s intention to review its Arboricultural Services, and an invitation for stakeholders to say what they would consider relevant, for inclusion in the strategy. (Deadline 15th December, 2005.)

§         Lake District National Park Authority write to explain why they are contacting Parish Councils for feedback and include their Consultation Statement and Questionaire.

§         Several magazines and circulars.

 

321  Items for information.

§         Both dog dirt and litter seems to be reducing, much to the Councils pleasure.

§         Leaves have been a nuisance at the church end of Woodhouse Lane and should have been attended to by SLDC.

§         One of the parishioners has had their deceased wife’s flower urn stolen from St Peter’s Churchyard and is quite distressed about the situation.

§         The squeeze stones by the Old Grammar School’ seem to be getting closer – it is very difficult to get through, particularly when going uphill. (It will be an Agenda item next meeting.)

§         The telecommunications mast to be placed on St Anthony’s Tower has been approved.

§         Cllr. Parker has postponed the purchase of the dustbin for the playground until the new year.

 

322  The dates of the next Years Parish Council Meetings were set.  The next meeting will be on Monday 30th January 2006.

 

Denise Challenor (Mrs)

Clerk to the Council, Tel: 01524 761824