The Heversham Parish Council

 

Minutes of the Annual Parish Assembly, held on 26th March 2007 at the Athenaeum, Leasgill, which commenced at 7.30 p.m.

 

Present: Mr Gordon Capstick (in the Chair), Councillor B Woof, Councillor R Bingham, PC Louise Wilcock, Mr Robin Sisson, Mrs A Hulme, Mr John Cushnie, the Clerk and 24 members of the public.

 

1. Apologies for Absence – Mrs J Pearson-Snape, Ms S Wilson, Mrs J Dyer, Mrs P Messenger, Ms E Kennett, Mrs J Cushnie.

 

2.  Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting 2006. The Minutes were read out to the Assembly, accepted as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

 

3.  Matters Arising

·        A resident queried why the Council tax had risen by more than they were given to understand.  It was explained that the £3,500 increase in the precept for Athenaeum expenses wasn’t the only thing responsible.

·        Traffic control measures were ongoing, flashing lights outside St Peter’s School have been requested.

·        Flooding continues to be a problem, however the main one on Princes Way had been attended to but there are still some areas which would benefit from attention.  The leaves need clearing more often.

·        Nothing appears to have been done about the narrow gap between the “Squeeze Stones” outside the old Grammar School.

 

4. Police Report – PC Louise Wilcock & PC Tina Berrill

Unfortunately duty called before the police could give their report.  They left a copy of it, which the Chairman read out.  This stated that there had been 65 logs, over a two month period, for Heversham and the neighbouring villages.  Several incidents at Minthorpe were mentioned but none at Heversham.

 

5.  Chairman’s Report – Mr Gordon Capstick

Mr Capstick began by explaining that due to personal circumstances, which included a serious road accident, which is still causing him ill health, he has not attended many meetings.  He thanked Vice Chairman Peter Shaw for standing in on several occasion. 

Three issues of importance which have been dealt with during 2006 were:

·        Gateway.  A Open Meeting was held on 21st September 2006, to enable all parties to give their views to the parishioners.  Following that, the Parish Council wrote to object to the Planning Application but it will be not be put before SLDC’s Planning Department before the end of May 2007.

·        “Field of Dreams” The field which has been sold off for development and is currently left full of noxious weeds.  The Clerk put in a complaint to DEFRA who lost it, so nothing has been done.  She has now sent a duplicate.  The letter to the Land Agent who originally agreed to deal with the problem was returned to DEFRA undelivered but now, a new address has been obtained.  If the owner doesn’t respond, it will not be an easy problem to resolve, the field is steep and who would pay for the clearance, then there is the matter of trespass.  The only hope is that DEFRA will take enforcement action.

·         Road Flooding.  The part of the A6 by the old railway bridge, has received attention but it hasn’t rained sufficiently since to give it a good test.  There are more flood spots on Princes way that have been reported.  Really road-sweeping needs to be done more often.

The Council over the year has dealt with various planning applications.

New speed restrictions on Princes Way have been implemented.

Special thanks to County Cllr. Roger Bingham and District Cllr. Brenda Woof for their contributions throughout the year, it makes the Parish Council’s job a lot simpler.  The Chairman also thanked the Parish Councillors for their time and energies freely given, and the Clerk.

Following the report a question was raised regarding the field of dreams and the individual owners of the plots.  Cllr. Parker explained that the details of the owners weren’t known and land registry won’t give details free of charge.

There was a query about Gateway and why everything was taking so long.  It is largely due to objections and changeovers of staff.  It will in any case take 2/3 years to reach a decision.

 

6. White Paper entitled “Strong and Prosperous Communities” – Mr P Shaw.  The County Council has formulated a bid for a county wide Unitary Council (which received approval to proceed to stage two just after the meeting). District Councils have formulated an alternative plan based on four “Most Purpose Authorities” if the County Council bid is rejected at any stage.

Under either proposal Parish Councils would have more say in the delivery of services. Parishes (or groups of Parishes) might even consider delivering services themselves. It is not clear how the finance would work, and the scope for small parishes to take on service delivery is limited.   

There is currently “Section 137” which enables the Parish Council to spend £5.60 per head of the population. The proposal is to give a “power of well being” to Quality Parish Councils which would allow them to spend more.

 

7.  SLDC Councillor’s Report – Mrs Brenda Woof.

A full copy of the report is held with the minutes.  The main points covered were:

Council Tax, has increased by 4.95%.

Stock Beck, the work is virtually complete after almost eight years.

Recycling has enabled the Council to avoid paying any penalties for 2006, thanks to everyone who has helped.

 

8.  Cumbria County Councillor’s Report – Mr Roger Bingham

Cllr. Bingham began by explaining more about the White paper.  Economy being the reason to go ahead, for an estimated saving of 22 million pounds out of a total budget of over £600 million pounds.  The plan of devolving power by abolishing representatives does not seem practical as both Brenda Woof and Roger already work full time and more.  The decision is being rushed and will probably not be ready by 2009 as proposed.  Elections will be in 2008, the plan being for the new authority to shadow the retiring one.  No change isn’t an option but the new scheme could mean a lack of local representation.

Waste.  Cllr. Bingham assured the assembly that it is quite alright to take household waste to Carnforth, there is a reciprocal agreement.

Emergency Services.  Fire and Rescue services got a 4 star status.  Following the recent train crash at Grayrigg they dealt with things admirably and even the retained staff from Milnthorpe reached the crash within half an hour.  It is regrettable that there was a  death.

Libraries.  Polish and east European language books are now available.  There are festivals and promotions planned such as the recent slavery displays.  It is regrettable that library hours have had to be cut, not however, at Milnthorpe, which was top in efficiency and popularity for it’s banding.  Music and Drama at Carlisle has been saved but there will be a charge for requests of £1.85 per item.  (Lancashire charge £2)

Equality Legislation had meant that Cumbria alone have to pay out 50 million pounds, hence the cuts in services.  This will be funded immediately by taking loans, then paying back at 10 million per annum.

Childrens Services always give problems.  The numbers of children in care have reduced by 200, by giving more home support, which again saves money. 

Social Services. Daycare has increased by £13 per session, but can sometimes be claimed back.

Homecare is £10 per hour, having gone up by 50p.There are cuts in “Meals on Wheels”.  The service currently costs £60,000.

Education.  Both Leasgill and Dallam got a good rating.  Dallam is the last split school in the Country but this will change.

Waste Disposal. There have been some problems and there may be criminal prosecutions.

Flooding. Hawbarrow seems sorted.

The potholes on Woodhouse Lane near Tristrams still need mending.

The Cockpit is not yet officially listed but English Heritage is working on it.

Rat Disposal.  Is no longer a public service.

Crematorium.  There is no decision yet as to where it will be.

 

9. Athenaeum Report – Mrs Ailsa Hulme; Mr Robin Sissons.

The Athenaeum has had a good year.  It has been well used with bookings up.  John Smith keeps the accounts well. 

A large window is rotten and will need replacing soon and the building need decorating outside.

The Refurbishment of the servery was a success, thanks to the village for prizes and purchase of raffle tickets.  There will be a barbeque to coincide with the sports day’s 60th anniversary.  It may cost more than £1.  It will be on 16th June.

Pam and Roger Forrester act as the Athenaeum booking Clerks.

 

10. Playground Report – Mr John Cushnie 

Before any more equipment can be purchased some more fund raising must take place.  Would anyone be willing to help?

 There are plans to hold a “pram race” on 20th May.  The cost will be £10 a team, with no more than four runners and a rider.  The proposal is to start at College Green at 11.am. but things haven’t been finalized.

A question was asked about parking near the playground. Unfortunately, the Council explained that nothing can be done to improve matters.

 

11. Introduction of a “Public Participation” agenda item at Parish Council Meetings.

As from 30th April, at the start of each meeting there will be an opportunity for members of the public to address the Council.  Should the speaker wish the Council to make comment or take immediate action, they need to contact the Clerk at least 10 days prior to the Parish Council meeting, so it can be made an Agenda item.  Speaking will be limited to approximately 3 minutes per person.

12. Items for Information.

  • Walk Cumbria. During the first week in May, there will be all sorts of events.  A walk from Arnside to Heversham; a Bowls Match, a Barn Dance with Garsdale Street band playing.
  • Farmers Markets will be attending Milnthorpe on Good Friday, and on the second Friday in the month from May onwards.
  • There are grants to be had from “Neighbourhood Forum”; the “Holehird Trust” and “Grundy for the Poor”.  Cllr. Bingham can provide details. 

 

The meeting closed at 9.40