Minutes - July 2007

Present: Councillors P Lilleker (Chairman), D Bagshaw, K Evason, J Leaning, J Robinson and S Brooks (Parish Clerk). Apologies: Councillor T Stanway and PC Shaun Rhodes. In attendance: Two representatives from Ye Olde Cartwheel, Brookhouse.

 

46. Open Forum for Parishioners in Attendance
The two proprietors of Ye Olde Cartwheel restaurant attended the meeting to discuss the complaint which was received from a parishioner prior to the last meeting. A lengthy discussion of the concerns raised followed, with several suggestions being made as to how the situation could be resolved. Councillor R explained that it is her duty as a local Councillor to report anything which the residents of Brookhouse raise. The Parish Council passed the matter on to the Licensing Authority because it is a second complaint and it was felt that the matter would be better pursued by RMBC as they have specialists in this field. The proprietors asked what action was going to be taken and if the Parish Council are going to write back to the Licensing Authority. Councillor H proposed that the Parish Council write to Licensing stating that we are satisfied that the owners have taken significant steps to resolve the problems highlighted. Councillor W suggested that it would be better to wait until an official response had been received from RMBC, rather than responding to the telephone call which the Clerk received from the Licensing Department. Councillors voted four in favour of sending the letter, and two against. Resolved: (1) The clerk writes to Licensing regarding the outcome of the meeting, and stating that the Parish Council are happy with the action being taken by the Cartwheel owners. (2) The Clerk sends a copy of the letter to the parishioners who raised the concern. (3) The clerk sends a copy of the letter to the Cartwheel owners, thanking them for attending the meeting.
47. Minutes of the meeting held on 14th June 2006.
Resolved: That the minutes be accepted as a true and accurate record.
48. Declaration of Prejudicial & Pecuniary Interests
No declarations were made.
49. Matters Arising from the Minutes
There were no matters arising.
50. Parishioner’s Written Requests
None.
51. Items under Review
a) Use of Recreation Ground
(1) LRGDC
The Slade Hooton Barn Dance in July raised £1,741.00 towards the new playground. The WREN application has been unsuccessful as LRGDC need to secure further funding before WREN will award any money. The application to the Big Lotto fund is nearly complete and a decision is expected before Christmas. Resolved: Councillor H and the Clerk keep Councillors informed of progress.
(2) CCTV System
Councillor H has drawn up a specification for the CCTV upgrade and is currently obtaining quotes for the work. The quotes will be split into three parts: one section will cover the upgrade of the cameras which will cover the new playground; one section for the upgrade of the existing cameras and the new camera installation to cover the rear of the village hall; one section to cover the upgrade of the hard drive and related equipment. Resolved: Councillor H pursues the CCTV quotes.
(3) Rubbish Bins
Councillor H proposed that a new litter bin should be erected next to the shelter as there is an increasing amount of rubbish being left by people using the shelter. The item will be included in the spending plan for Laughton-en-le-Morthen 2006/2007. Councillors raised no objections and voted in favour of the new litter bin. Resolved: The clerk orders a new bin from RMBC and arranges for it to be installed.
b) Laughton Planting Scheme
The Bell Ringers spent three hours carrying out maintenance of the planters in Laughton-en-le-Morthen, weeding each one and topping up with compost and bark as required. The extension to the planter at the top of Brookhouse Lane is due to be completed during the summer break. Resolved: The Clerk reports back at the September meeting on the progress of the planter.
c) Anti-social behaviour throughout Laughton
Councillor F reported that she witnessed several youths trying to break the guttering on the rear of the village hall recently. Councillor H explained that the Friday night problem whereby large gangs of youths were congregating and drinking on the recreation ground, has eased since the incident at the house on New street (reported in the incident figures for June). Councillor H has ordered the new windows for the village hall at a cost of £350 including VAT and fitting. The Clerk checked the insurance documents and found that there is an excess of £250 for window breakages. Councillors decided that it would not be worthwhile to pursue an insurance claim and the full amount will be paid by the Parish Council. Resolved: The clerk issues a cheque for £350 when the invoice is received.
d) Stables on Eastfield Lane
The clerk received a reply from Tony Lowe, Animal Welfare Officer at RMBC, stating that a site visit has found there to be no concerns regarding the welfare of the animals, and PC Rhodes is satisfied with the welfare of the caged owls.
e) Drainage problem on Rotherham Lane
The Clerk received a reply from Andy Roddis stating that the matter is continuing to be monitored. Resolved: The matter is pursued by the clerk.
f) Traffic on Slade Hooton Hill
Councillor W has not received a reply from Matthew Lowe and will telephone him for a response during the next month. Councillor W also raised concern over the state of the overgrown roadside verges and hedges and asked the Clerk to report the matter to Streetpride. Resolved: (1) Councillor W contacts Matthew Lowe. (2) The Clerk reports the roadside verges to Streetpride.
g) Streetpride (and Devolved Budget)
(1) 2006/2007 items
The decision on which items will be funded has not yet been made. Resolved: The clerk keeps Councillors informed of progress on the matter.
(2) Reports to Streetpride
• Loose gravel on the highway
The Clerk reported the matter to Streetpride following the last meeting but the work has not yet been carried out. The Clerk spoke to Streetpride again yesterday to report the matter and was told that the road sweeper is scheduled to be used for the task, but there is a delay due to a lack of qualified drivers. Resolved: The clerk pursues the matter.
h) Provision of Community Garden/Burial Area
(1) Footpath Extension
The clerk received a reply from Matthew Lowe explaining that he has passed the matter onto the Principal Engineer in the Streetpride Highway Design Team who will chase up the unfinished work. Resolved: The clerk keeps Councillors informed.
i) St John’s Road Allotments
(1) Inspection Reports
Nothing further to report.
j) RVSA
No-one attended the meeting.
k) Japanese knotweed on recreation ground
Councillor F contacted Ian Halliwell who explained that the weed is due for spraying again.
l) Land Registry – Deeds for recreation ground and village hall
The Clerk has been unable to find the Statutory Order but will pursue the matter and report back at the September meeting.
m) Wish List Review
(1) Notice board
The Clerk obtained two further quotes as follows:
a. Merrin Joinery:
Double hardwood cabinet in European Oak £420.00 + Vat = £493.50
Further information required for picture engraving to be priced
b. Green Barnes Ltd
Double doored, wall mounted, solid oak notice board with carved lettering and carriage:
£1089.00 + VAT = £1279.57
Further information required for picture engraving to be priced
c. Harry Stebbing Workshops (from June meeting):
Double doored, wall mounted, solid oak notice board £700
Carved lettering @ £3.70 per letter £118.40
Delivery included
VAT £143.22
Total £961.62
+ optional coat of arms £145 + VAT £170.38
TOTAL £1132.00
Councillors discussed the three quotes and voted unanimously in favour of the third quote from Harry Stebbing Workshops. Councillors asked the clerk to go ahead with the ordering of the cabinet and to specify a carved emblem of the church with a sheaf of corn and an old fashioned plough. The clerk will send a photograph of the requirements and their artist will draw a design based on the requirements. Resolved: (1) The clerk orders the cabinet and provides details for the carved emblem. (2) The clerk obtains the design for the emblem and brings it to the September meeting.
(2) Seating on recreation ground
The seats are due to be collected by the clerk and erected by the builder during the next few weeks. Resolved: The clerk issues a cheque once the invoice has been received.
52. Police in the Community
a) Crime figures
Crime figures will be supplied by PC Shaun Rhodes at the September meeting of the Parish Council.
53. Village Hall Issues
a) Parking concerns in village hall car park
Councillor H has ordered the clamping sign which will be erected soon.
b) Concern over skate boarders in car park
The sign is due to be erected soon. Resolved: Councillors H and P will call upon Harrison to discuss the issue of the rubbish in the car park.
c) Trees in Recreation Ground
The Clerk contacted the Tree Officer following last month’s meeting but he has not made contact with Councillor F. Resolved: The clerk pursues the matter.
d) Theatre Touring Company
Councillor O passed on the details of the performance to the Clerk in order that a date can be decided upon and booked. Councillors decided upon the “Wind in the Willows” performance and suggested a Saturday in October/November for an evening performance. The Parish Council will pay the £225 performance charge; tickets will be advertised and sold prior to the event; revenue raised from the ticket sales and refreshments sold on the night will be split between LRGDC and the Village Hall Management Committee. Resolved: The clerk books the performance and liaises with Manns.
e) New Windows
The windows are currently on order and will be fitted during the next month.
f) Laughton Boys football team
The Village Hall Management Committee will make their decision regarding future use of the hall in August and will advise Gary Herdman of their decision.
54. Environmental Issues
a) Brookhouse Dyke
Councillors discussed the matter of rubbish in the brook and suggested that a letter should be sent to all Brookhouse residents informing them of the dredging work which has been carried out, and asking them to try to keep the brook free from rubbish, in particular garden waste, dog excrement and general rubbish. Resolved: The clerk composes a letter and delivers it to Brookhouse residents.
b) Thurcroft Landfill
There will be a meeting towards the end of 2006.
55. Finance Report
Debtor Description Amount (£)
Alliance & Leicester Interest on savings June 128.55
HM Customs & Excise VAT return for 05/06 2017.08
a) Resolved: That the following invoices be authorised for payment:
Creditor Description Amount (£)
Clerk Salary July 221.42
RMBC village hall rates 88.00 DD
Onyx Bin emptying v. hall June 38.28 DD
Clerk Salary August 221.42
Clerk Annual technology grant 100.00
Brecks Tree Services Hedge trimming at allotments 80.00
Paul Wickson Internal audit fee 170.00
Transfer From savings to current 2000.00
Wybone Two new seats for recreation ground 494.37
b) Precept Allocation
(1) Spending plan for Laughton-en-le-Morthen
The results of the village survey were as follows:
Suggested items of expenditure – connect tap at new graveyard, litter bins at new graveyard, new entrance signs for the village, stone planter at St John’s church entrance, stone planter outside Pear Tree Farm. Councillors discussed the items in turn and voted in favour of the following:
• The Clerk obtains quotes for the planters for St John’s Road and Pear Tree Farm.
• The clerk obtains a quote for new entrance signs for Laughton-en-le-Morthen.
• The clerk speaks to Revd Bolton regarding the connection of the water supply at the new graveyard.
• The Clerk speaks to Revd Bolton regarding two litter bins for the new graveyard, and makes enquiries into the price of the new bins.
Resolved: The clerk carries out the tasks noted above in preparation for the September meeting.
c) Internal audit of accounts for year ending 31st March 2006
• Contents of village hall
The clerk checked with Zurich regarding the insurance query and was informed that internal fittings would not be covered by the current policy; only the external fabric/structure of the building is covered. The VHMC take responsibility for the internal fittings and are therefore able to insure them.
• Possible need for libel/slander insurance.
The clerk added libel/slander insurance cover to the current policy at no extra charge to the Parish Council for the forthcoming year.
d) Clerk salary increase
The clerk’s annual increase is as follows:
SCP 18 £8.387p per hour = (24 x £8.387) + 10% = £221.42 per month.
Resolved: Councillors voted in favour of the annual pay increase.
e) External Audit for accounts year ending 31st March 2006
Resolved: Councillors acknowledged the statement of accounts which is due to be audited by BDO Stoy Hayward on 14th July 2006. Councillor H and the Clerk signed the accounts as a true record.
56. Planning Applications
a. RB2006/0796 Change of use to children’s day care nursery at 3 School Road, Laughton-en-le-Morthen – decision.
The application was refused on the following grounds:
The Council considers that the proposed nursery would be likely to lead to levels of noise and general disturbance, particularly during children’s outside playtimes, which would be detrimental to the amenities of neighbouring residents in this residential area. As such, the proposal would be contrary to Policy HG1 of the adopted Rotherham UDP.
b. RB2006/0837 Application to determine whether prior approval is required of the siting and appearance re: erection of a 15m column with 3 antennas and erection of 4 associated equipment cabinets at land at Manor Farm, High Street, Laughton-en-le-Morthen – decision.
The application was refused on 22nd June for the following reason:
The proposal will be erected in an exposed location with minimal screening and the Council considers that the siting and appearance of the 15m column and associated antennas would be detrimental to the visual amenities of the area and adversely impact on the openness of the Green Belt and character of the are, and on the setting of the nearby Grade 1 Listed Building (Church of All Saints). As such, the proposal would be contrary to the provisions of UDP Policies UTL3.2, ENV 1 and ENV2.8.
c. RB2006/0865 Retrospective application for the formation of a vehicular access at Newhall Grange, Newhall Lane, Carr – from June. Resolved: That after careful consideration no objection be submitted.
d. RB2006/0890 Erection of stable block at land off Newhall Lane, Carr for R Roddis (building new house) – from June. Resolved: Councillors asked the Clerk to enquire where the vehicular access to the stable block will be and passes the information onto Councillor P.
e. RB2006/0932 Extension to existing garage to form greenhouse at St John’s Road, Laughton for & Deaton – from June. Resolved: That the clerk enquires as to when the current building work on the garage is due to be completed.
f. RB2006/0948 Single storey rear extension at 6 Eastfield Crescent, Laughton-en-le-Morthen – from June. Resolved: That after careful consideration no objection be submitted.
57. Consultation Documents
Resolved: That the following consultation documents be circulated to members for consideration:
a. YLCA – minutes February 2006
b. Countryside Voice magazine Summer 2006
c. YLCA Annual Report & Accounts 2005/2006
d. YRCC Country Air magazine Spring 2006
e. RMBC – Street Naming – Rectory Court, Laughton-en-le-Morthen
f. RMBC – Street Naming – Laughton-en-le-Morthen Animal Sanctuary, The Stables, Eastfield Lane, Laughton-en-le-Morthen
g. RMBC – Borough Council’s Standards Committee – minutes June 06.
h. CPRE Fieldwork Magazine June 2006
58. Correspondence
a. YLCA – Postal ballot for the election of an additional parish/town council representative to the Rotherham MBC democratic renewable scrutiny panel. Resolved: The clerk completes the ballot form as requested and returns the form.
b. RMBC – Training sessions for the planning board Resolved: The clerk sends apologies.
c. RMBC – Event Planning Resolved: The clerk passes the information onto Councillor O.
d. RMBC – Emergency Planning Handbook Resolved: Councillors read and store the document.
e. CPRE raffle tickets Resolved: The clerk completes the stubs and returns (Councillors paid for tickets)
f. YLCA – Joint Annual Meeting Resolved: The clerk sends apologies.
g. RMBC – Area Assemblies “A New Way of Working Seminar”. Resolved: The clerk sends apologies.
h. SYPTE – bus service changes. Resolved: The clerk displays the information in the village hall.
59. Any Other Business
None
60. Date and Time of Next Meeting
Resolved: That the next meeting will take place on Wednesday 13th September, 2006 commencing at 7.00pm in the Village Hall, Firbeck Avenue, Laughton.
The meeting closed at 10.14 pm