Notes from the Parish Council April Meeting
John Covill chaired the meeting with 7 Parish Councillors in attendance + 4 members of the public present. The following items were discussed:
Public Participation:
It was reported that ECDC's Planning Enforcement Officer was aware of the concerns raised about business premises on Green Head Road. There followed some discussion but it was felt that nothing further could be done until the outcome of the investigation by ECDC was available.
Reports:
CCC -Cllr David Brown reported to the meeting.
ECDC -Cllr Allen Alderson reported to the meeting.
The following planning applications were considered:
Swaffham Prior Sewage Treatment Works, Station Road - erection of glass reinforced plastic kiosk (GRP) to house dosing and control equipment. There were no objections or comments.
Kent House, 9 High Street (amendment) -replacement of existing concrete tile roof by slate roof to match the rest of the property, make roof line continuous for this section of the building, repair gable end, roof timbers and other woodwork. There were no objections or comments.
Correspondence for Circulation/Consideration:
CCC -Street Lighting Maintenance and Energy -1 July onwards: Two options were given for the level of maintenance for street lighting in the village. It was agreed to go for Option 1 at £20.05 per lighting unit. This was a slightly higher cost per unit but it was considered the additional cost was warranted to ensure fuller, more detailed inspections.
Matters Arising from Previous Minutes:
Repair Works to the Pound Wall: The Conservation Officer for ECDC confirmed that she had inspected the new wall and found it to be of a good standard and did not consider it necessary for the wall to be white washed.
Housing Needs Survey: The Clerk had received confirmation that funding had now been found and the survey would be sent out to residents in the near future. Reduced Speed Limits for Village: This was discussed following a result newspaper report which suggested that the parishes take responsibility for setting their own speed limits. It was agreed to wait for formal notification before considering further.
Repairs to Village Hall Driveway: A big thank you to Martin Mead, Mead Construction for submitting a very detailed summary of the work needed and the costs involved to resurface the driveway. To help fund this project the Clerk was to speak with the Village Hall Management Committee to see if they would willing to contribute towards the costs. Also, it was pointed out that ECDC's 'Small Villages Fund'might be an option for some grant funding. The Clerk was to find out more about this. It was noted that should an application for grant funding be made, further quotations for the work would be needed.
Repairs to Parish Noticeboard: When moving the noticeboard closer to the fence & pavement it became apparent that the legs were rotted through and remedial work was needed. This has now been done with the staining, etc., to be carried out in the near future.
Damage to Play Area Equipment: It was reported to the Parish Council that the 'shelter'next to the climbing frame was leaning. Upon inspection the base frame appeared to have rotted through and repair works were needed. The Clerk was asked to check the terms of the warranty for this piece of equipment.
Annual Village Assembly: This was agreed for Tuesday, 24th May 2011 at the Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Please see separate notice in Crier.
Clerk's Report:
Litter in the Village: The Clerk now has two litter pickers with gloves and rubbish bags supplied by ECDC. All that is needed now is volunteer litter pickers - if you can help, please contact the Clerk.
Moles in Cemetery: This was reported to the Clerk. Inspection carried out by Parish Councillor but no trace was found. This was to be monitored.
Footpath repairs at Fairview Grove/The Beeches: CCC's Paul Butcher confirmed that repairs would be carried out in the near future by one of their minor works teams.
Footpath repairs at Mill Hill: as above.
Whiteway Drove: Temporary warning signs in place for dip in road surface.
Parish Councillor Reports:
Kissing gates: John Covill told meeting that the gates stored in his yard for several years had now been removed for installation on the footpath from Pulpit Corner to Devils Dyke.
Village sign (Reach end): Andrew Camps reported that the legs to the sign were rusted through. Clerk to report to CCC Highways.
Year-End Accounts: Steve Kent-Phillips confirmed that subject to approval at the next PC meeting, the year-end accounts were ready for audit by the External Auditor.
Accounts for Payment: These were agreed.
Open Question Time:
There was discussion about agenda items for the Annual Village Assembly. Mr Limb thanked the PC for moving the noticeboard nearer to the fence/ pavement outside the Village Hall.
If anyone would like further information on any of the above items, please do not hesitate to contact the Clerk.
The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday, 12th May 2011, starting at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
All are welcome to attend.