Parish Council Minutes September 2007
| Minutes - September 2007 |
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Present: Councillors P Lilleker (Chairman), T Stanway (Vice-Chairman), S Johnson, P Shackley, J Leaning, J Robinson, K Evason and S Brooks (Parish Clerk). Apologies: PC Shaun Rhodes. In attendance: Parishioner Mr Merry.
62. Open Forum for Parishioners in Attendance
a. Concern over new bus route (continued from June meeting) Mr Merry attended the meeting to enquire if any further progress has been made with the concern raised in June over the 23 bus route. The clerk explained that a letter had been sent to SYPTE in Sheffield but no reply had yet been received. Mr Merry re-iterated his concern for the pensioners who are having to walk up to the Hatfeild Arms to catch the bus to Rotherham Hospital. Discussion took place on the new route and the alternatives for residents living in the Kingswood/St John’s Road area of Laughton village. Mr Merry asked the Parish Council to write again to SYPTE, with a copy being sent to Mr R Wicks, Director General SYPTE. Councillor H asked the Clerk to contact RVSA as the matter has been previously discussed at the meetings. He also suggested that the Clerk asks if RVSA were given the necessary notice of the bus service change.
Resolved: (1) The Clerk writes to SYPTE regarding the concern, and sends a copy of the original letter which received no reply. (2) The Clerk contacts RVSA for information. 63. Minutes of the meeting held on 11th July 2007.
Resolved: That the minutes be accepted as a true and accurate record. 64. Declaration of Prejudicial & Pecuniary Interests
None. 65. Matters Arising from the Minutes
There were no matters arising. 66. Parishioner’s Written Requests
a. Concern over new bus route (June meeting) Covered in section 62 (a). b. Concern over local footpath
The clerk reported the concern in July to Mr R Pett, Footpaths Officer at RMBC. The concern has now been partially rectified since the farmer cut down the rape seed, but the footpath still contains a large number of nettles. 67. Items under Review
a) Use of Recreation Ground (1) LRGDC The Committee are currently completing an application to WREN which will go to the Board in December 2007. Three representatives will be meeting with Mr N Barnes, Play Strategy Co-ordinator at RMBC on Monday 17th September to discuss the £11,000 Lottery bid which was secured via the RMBC Play Strategy bid. (2) CCTV System
Councillor J circulated a draft version of the CCTV Code of Practice for the Parish Council. Resolved: Councillors will read through the draft and discuss the document at the October meeting. b) Laughton Planting Scheme
(1) Planters at top of Brookhouse Lane and outside Pear Tree Farm The planning application decision has not yet been received so no further progress can be made with the planter proposals. (2) Planter at St John’s Road entrance (near church)
Resolved: The clerk contacts Mr T Bumfield for a second quote. c) Anti-social behaviour throughout Laughton
Councillor D has reported several incidents to the Police concerning a youth (approx. 20 years old) who has been loitering on the recreation ground, kicking a ball against the back door and roof. The reported incidents do not appear on the list given by the Police for the last period. She also provided information given by the VHMC that an incident occurred on Sunday night whereby excrement was smeared on the walls of the gentleman’s toilets. Councillor H raised concern that this matter was not reported to either the Police or to the Parish Council. He stressed that these matters need to be reported promptly so that the CCTV can be examined for potential evidence of the intruders. Resolved: (1) The clerk contacts the Police to find out why the incidents do not appear on the figures for the previous month. (2) The clerk speaks to management committee about the incident and suggests that groups keep the internal latch locked when using the hall. d) Drainage problem on Rotherham Lane
Nothing to report. e) Traffic concerns on Slade Hooton Hill
The matter continues to be reported to Streetpride. f) Streetpride
Resolved: The clerk reports concerns regarding the uncut verges on Hooton Lane, Brookhouse Lane, Bib Lane, Eastfield Lane and St John’s Road. g) Provision of Community Garden/Burial Area
(1) Footpath Extension The clerk received an e-mail reply from Mr A Sealey explaining that there has been a delay with the lighting column due to an electrical fault. Resolved: The clerk continues to report the matter. h) St John’s Road Allotments
Nothing to report. i) RVSA
Nothing to report. j) Japanese knotweed on recreation ground
Councillor J has received a quote for spraying the weed and will bring it to the next meeting. k) Land Registry – Deeds for recreation ground and village hall
The clerk produced a list of questions for Councillors regarding the history of the Parish Council. The list of answers will allow the Conveyancer to draw up the Statutory Declarations which can then be used to register the hall and land at the Land Registry. Resolved: The clerk completes the work and returns it to the Conveyancer promptly. l) Laughton-en-le-Morthen Spending Plan The clerk produced a draft of the proposed village sign for Laughton. Resolved: The clerk returns the draft with a list of amendments to the workshop, and brings the new version to the next meeting. m) Parish Plans
Councillor H explained that Mrs A Mason at RVSA is to produce copies of further examples of Parish Plans. Councillors discussed possible ways of collecting information from parishioners. Resolved: The matter will be discussed further at the October meeting. n) Date for Rotherham Local Compact Training
Councillor J has arranged an evening appointment with Mrs E Alliott to receive the necessary training. 68. Police in the Community
a) Crime figures Crime figures were supplied by PC Shaun Rhodes via the PCSO’s, covering the period 11th July to 12th September 2007, as follows: Newhall – no recorded crimes Carr – No recorded crimes Brookhouse – 1 recorded crime of theft of a hanging basket on Main Street. Slade Hooton – No recorded crimes Laughton en le Morthen – 11recorded offences as follows: • Theft of a motor vehicle on St John’s Rd on 26/08/07. • Burglary of a dwelling on New Street on 25/08/07. • Assault on New Street on 25/08/07. • Theft at Firbeck Lane on 09/08/07. • Theft on High Street on 15/08/07. • Assault at School Road on 25/08/07. • Assault on Abbey Close on 03/08/07. • Theft on School Road on 04/09/07. From the 11 recorded offences, 5 are now detected crimes with the strong possibility of two more being detected once the offender has been apprehended and processed. 69. Village Hall Issues
a) Electrical wiring Councillor J explained that all the electrical works have been carried out and the invoice is listed in the accounts for payment. Councillor Q reported that the PAT testing has been carried out on all the necessary equipment. b) Football Clubs
Councillor Q raised concern that he has been unable to make contact with any members of the football team and therefore an agreement has not yet been drawn up. Councillors discussed the matter at length and asked the Clerk to write a formal letter to Secretary of Laughton Boy’s football team. The letter should outline the following: • Concern over breakdown in communication • Failure to provide a fixtures list to the VHMC • The internal bolts on the changing room shutter doors will remain bolted until an agreement is in place • Failure to reply to the letter by the end of September will result in withdrawal of the facilities including the pitch • Following discussion with the clerk (previous point), an agreement should be in place by the end of October c) Electricity Contribution
Councillor H produced a comprehensive breakdown of the electricity usage for the hall and car park with the following conclusion: Between the years 2000 and 2007 the Parish Council has paid £240 (2003 & 2005) to the VHMC along with £120 in lieu of bin emptying/window cP. There is a shortfall of £283 over the seven year period. Based on the current unit charge of 12.54p then the Parish Council should pay an annual amount of £140 (rounded figure). Councillors discussed the information at length; Councillor H proposed giving the VHMC a cheque for £423.00 (£283 for the shortfall 2000-2007 + £140 for usage Sep 2007-2008), with an annual review taking place in September 2008. Councillors voted in favour of the proposal and asked the clerk to issue a cheque for £423.00 made payable to the VHMC with an explanation of the calculations used.
Resolved: The clerk issues a cheque for £423.00 for the VHMC. d. Request for an external bin for cigarette ends
The clerk relayed a request from the cleaner for a metal bin to be used outside the hall for smokers. Councillor H suggested that this is the responsibility of the VHMC not the Parish Council. Resolved: The clerk contacts the cleaner regarding the request. e. Concern over damp under windows in hall
The village hall management committee passed on a concern regarding a number of damp patches under the windows in the main part of the hall. The recent decorating showed up a number of wet patches of plaster which had to be replaced before painting could be carried out. Councillor Q offered to have a look at the external brick work and arrange for the windows to be re-siliconed if necessary. f. Parking Order for village hall car park
The clerk received an e-mail from Mr K Billups, Parking Enforcement Officer at RMBC, regarding the possibility of tickets being issued to people who wrongly park in the disabled bays in the village hall car park. The problem is still ongoing with residents from New Street in particular, parking in the bays. The clerk explained that a Parking Order document needs to be drawn up before the Officer can proceed with issuing tickets. Councillors discussed the suggestion and asked the clerk to draft a document which will allow the Officer to proceed. Resolved: The clerk prepares a draft of the Parking Order document for the October meeting. 70. Environmental Issues
a) Brookhouse Dyke Councillor P explained that she had received a phone call on August Bank Holiday Monday to report a concern over the brook; the water was said to be very cloudy and smelling of sewage. Councillor P reported the matter to Severn Trent who arranged for someone to check the Steadfolds CSO; it was found to be blocked, causing raw sewage to drain into the brook. On the following day a tanker arrived to unblock the tank, and Mr J Hobson from the Environment Agency arrived on Wednesday to take samples from the brook. Councillor P reported that there was a large amount of debris on the side of the brook where the pipe extends from the holding tanks on Steadfolds Lane. A contractor arrived on Thursday to clear debris from the banks of the brook. A lengthy discussion took place on the matter with a suggestion that a letter is sent to the Ombudsman at OFWAT detailing the seriousness of the recent events. Councillor H suggested that a copy should also be sent to the Environment Agency and to Kevin Barron MP.
Resolved: The clerk writes to OFWAT and sends a copy to the Environment agency and Kevin Barron MP. b) Thurcroft Landfill
Nothing further to report. c) Bat boxes at Rectory Farm, Laughton
The clerk relayed a reply recently received from the Ecologist at RMBC explaining that the contractor at Rectory Farm has complied with the conditions of the planning application. 71. Finance Report
Debtor Description Amount (£) Alliance & Leicester Interest on savings July 176.96 Alliance & Leicester Interest on savings August 160.19 a) Resolved: That the following invoices be authorised for payment:
Creditor Description Amount (£) Clerk Salary 221.42 RMBC Rates for village hall 98.00 DD Yorkshire Water St John’s Rd allotments 80.30 Second quarter 2007/08 Necta Electrical works to hall 2430.51 Transfer From savings to current 3000.00 Clerk Petty cash claim 55.49 VHMC electricity contribution 423.00 BDO Stoy Hayward Audit of accounts 06/07 158.63 Transfer From savings to current 1500.00 b. Quarterly accounts summary
Councillors read through the spreadsheet and no concerns arose. c. Annual audit of accounts for year 2006/2007
The clerk explained that the audit had been completed successfully, although an issue has been highlighted with regard to the amount held in reserves. Resolved: The clerk erects a notice explaining that the audit has been completed and is available for public inspection. 72. Planning Applications
a. RB2007/0988 Formation of 2 external seating areas to front with retractable canopy and parasol at Traveller’s Rest PH, Brookhouse – decision The application was granted with the following condition imposed: The permission hereby granted shall relate to the area shown outlined in red on the approved site plan and the development shall only take place in accordance with the submitted details and specifications as shown on the approved plans except as shall be otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. b. RB2007/1576 Erection of a detached dwelling house, a pair of semi-detached dwelling houses and associated garages at Scammings Farm, Firbeck Lane, Laughton
Resolved: That after careful consideration the following objection be submitted: Too many buildings are being crammed into too small a space and infringing on surrounding dwellings in doing so. The application talks about "the existing bungalows to the east being constructed with unfortunately short rear gardens and not meeting long established planning spatial standards" but they are long established dwellings which properly met the required standards pertaining at the time of construction. This latest application both infringes on the privacy of all the surrounding dwellings and devalues them. We are also concerned over the access road leading from Firbeck Lane into the proposed site. This narrow part of Firbeck Lane is already heavily congested with driveways and access roads, and visibility at the proposed access will be hindered by the adjacent hedges and walls.
c. RB2007/0918 Application for Lawful development Certificate re: existing use of land for siting of caravan at land adjacent to 81 St John’s Road, Laughton – decision The application was refused on the ground that the council does not consider the caravan is proven on present evidence to have been sited on the land in question for more than 10 years before the submission of the application, that is before 6th June 1997. d. RB2007/1266 Single storey rear extension at Fair View, Hooton Lane, Laughton
Resolved: That after careful consideration no objection be submitted. e. RB2007/1633 Two storey rear extension to both dwelling houses at 11 & 13 St John’s Rd, Laughton
Resolved: That after careful consideration no objection be submitted. f. RB2007/1636 Single storey side extension at 2 Abbey Lane, Slade Hooton
Resolved: That after careful consideration no objection be submitted. g. RB2007/1644 Two storey side extension at The Barn, Kingswood Lane, Stone
Resolved: That after careful consideration no objection be submitted. h. RB2007/1694 Conversion of bungalow to dormer bungalow including increase in roof height, dormer windows to front and rear and attached garage at side and rear at Lingdale, Main Street, Brookhouse
Resolved: That after careful consideration the following objection be submitted: We have raised a concern regarding the proposed roof height of the dormer bungalow in relation to the surrounding properties. 73. Consultation Documents
a. Sue Ryder Care – newsletter b. Heritage Inspired – newsletter and literature c. RMBC – letters sent to tenants and owners of non-traditional properties d. CPRE – newsletter summer 2007 e. All Parish Liaison meeting – minutes July 2007 f. SYPTE Information on national Concessionary Travel Passes g. RMBC – Flooding and Rights of Way h. RVSA – minutes April 2007 i. SYPTE – minutes July 2007 j. All Parish Liaison meeting – minutes January 2007 k. CPRE Fieldwork magazine September 2007 l. RMBC Scrutiny Annual Report and Scrutiny Forward Plan 2007/08 m. YLCA – White Rose Update August 2007 n. NALC – Local Council Review September 2007 o. Carbon Quids – information on the launch of the UK’s first carbon currency 74. Correspondence
a. Radio Nightingale – request for a donation Resolved: The clerk files the letter to be reviewed in March 2008. b. RMBC – Workshop on revised Code of Conduct Councillor H took a note of the date of the workshops and asked the clerk to arrange a suitable appointment. c. Atisreal – Orgreave Reclamation Site (Waverley) Consultation – previously circulated via e-mail d. RMBC Consultation on The Licensing Act 2003 – circulated separately (comments to RMBC required by 30th Sep) e. RMBC – Grounds Maintenance Service 2007/08 Resolved: councillors noted the information given. f. RMBC – Tourism Forum Invite Councillor H took a note of the date of the meeting. 75. Any Other Business
a. Councillor Q explained that he had received a verbal concern from a parishioner regarding the lack of flowers in Laughton. b. Councillor D raised concern that the trees at the Firbeck Lane allotments are in need of trimming as they are obstructing the passage of vehicles on the lane. 76. Date and Time of Next Meeting
Resolved: That the Ordinary Meeting will take place on Wednesday 10th October, 2007 commencing at 7.00pm in the Village Hall, Firbeck Avenue, Laughton. The meeting closed at 10.09 pm |