Heversham Parish Council

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held in the Athenaeum, on Monday, 20th August, 2007,which started at 7.30.p.m.

Present: Councillors G Capstick, P Shaw, T Parker, A Hulme, A Shepherd, County Councillor R Bingham, District Councillor B Woof, the Clerk and one member of the public.

510 Apologies for absence were received from J Pearson-Snape.

511 The Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 25^th June 2007 were signed as a true record.

512 Matters arising from the Minutes.

· The external auditor has finished his work and has again expressed dissatisfaction with the Risk Assessment. The Clerk has contacted the firm to ask for clarification and was told that she would be contacted about it when the Auditor returns from her holiday.

· ‘The Field of Dreams’ The deadlline for the owners of the field to remove the weeds has passed and as nothing appeared to have been done, the Clerk informed Natural England and asked them to take enforcement action. The field has since been mowed.

· The Clerk has requested that the traffic wardens continue to visit the villages.

· There has been no further communication from Tim Farron regarding the suggested lay-by at Haverflatts or the search for building land.

· Cllr. Capstick has spoken to Chris Baines regarding the poor condition of Woodhouse Lane and is pleased to report it has now been resurfaced.

513 The following payments:

· CALC, re required Code of Conduct Public Notice - £15.00, Cheque No. 100056.

· Audit Commission - £158.63, Cheque No. 100057.

514 The Housing Needs Survey. It was thought that paragraph 5 of the letter that Cllr. Pearson-Snape has circulated needs changing. Cllr. Shaw will amend and circulate as Cllr. Pearson-Snape is on holiday. The approved letter needs then to be forwarded to ‘Cumbria Rural Housing Trust’ for preparation and distribution at the next meeting, so that the Councillors can deliver them to the residents.

515 The Equipment Report. Cllr. Parker has asked Martin Tyson to cut back the hedge where necessary, otherwise there are no problems in the playground apart from the usual missing caps from screws. The inspection book has been taken by Cllr. Shaw.

516 Planning Applications and correspondence received:

· SL/2007/0624 - Haverwood, Woodhouse. Emailed 4/7/07 to inform Councillors that plans could be viewed online and comments were needed to be submitted by 30^th July – no objections.

· The Stable, Haverflatts Lane. Permit for conservatory & single storey extension.

· The Old Grammar school. Permit for a detached garage and store.

· Dallam Barn, Haverflatts. Rear conservatory and patio area.

517 The Athenaeum Financial Report from Cllr. Hulme.

The report shows a predicted minus figure of £414 for the first quarter. There are repairs to do but they cannot be undertaken until the outcome of the Leasgill Quarry Meeting is clear. The Committee feel that approximately £2000 should be kept as a reserve. Perhaps a sum could be put onto the precept to help with the Athenaeum costs. Income is good at the moment with the regular use of the Toddler Group, the refund of the VAT and a few good bookings. Since the refurbishments, comments from users have been very favorable. Pam and Roger Forrester are working very hard to increase bookings and Mr Smith is an excellent treasurer and has also drawn up a super plan to improve storage. They are to be thanked together with the rest of the Committee who all work very hard for the village. The Council will consider the Committee’s request at the next meeting.

518 The Playground Financial. The financial situation remains the same, as no money has been paid in to the bank account from the pram race. Cllr. Capstick will suggest that what has been collected so far is paid in. The Clerk reminded the Council that the Leasgill Quarry money granted, needs to be spent by 31^st August 07 or an extension of time should be requested.

519 Remaining Correspondence.

· Information regarding the Environmental Protection Act 1990, (as amended by the clean Neighbourhoods and environment Act 2005).

· The Frieda Scott Trust invites applications for grants to help the county’s young people. – Cllr. Hulme took the details.

· Grants of up to £25,000 from CRISP, to help provide a service to the community.

· CALC notice of 133^rd meeting, on the 6/9/07 at 7.15pm. at the Gilpin Bridge Hotel. Minutes of the 132^nd meeting.

· Voluntary Action Cumbria, provide information about the Community Initiative Fund. Tel 01993 810 730.

· Community Waste prevention Fund, available to support new and innovative waste prevention initiatives.

· A summary of the final Rights of Way Improvement plan. – Cllr. Shaw took.

· Calc Circular and Quality Parish information, July/August.

· Cumbria Highways.

· Clerk and Councils Direct.

· Local Transport Plan 2006-11. – Cllr. Parker to read.

520 Items for information.

· Cllr. Bingham has just completed his book entitled ‘Memories of Heversham’ and is involved with another about Buildings of England. He has had a wonderful welcome from the people of Heversham and there will be several local references.

· The hedge by the telephone box needs trimming

521 Matters raised by members of the public for future consideration.

· The road sign by the railway bridge on Woodhouse Lane is hanging off.

· The telegraph pole wire opposite Plumtree is covered in ivy and though to be dangerous.

· The roads been resurfaced but some drains need attention.

· A sign post at the bottom of Dugg Hill is rusty where it meets the ground.

· There is growth between roads and kerbs which needs removing.

522 The Leasgill Quarry Annual Meeting is 18/09/07 at 7.30.p.m. at Cllr. Bingham’s home; The Smithy, Ackenthwaite.

523 The date for the next Parish Council Meeting is 24^th September 2007. Cllr. Capstick gave his apology in advance and Cllr. Shaw agreed to Chair the meeting.

Mrs Denise Challenor.

Clerk to the Council, Tel: 01524 761824