WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD AT THE DAVID JAMES BUILDING, UPLANDS ON
TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2007 AT 19:30
Present: Councillors Price (Chairman), Bell, Berger, Mrs
Colvin, Doyle, Kent, Mamlok, Mrs Monaghan, Standley, Thomas and Wheele
Also
in attendance: County Cllr. Tidy, PC Etherington and five members of the public.
1. TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE
Apologies received from Cllrs. Mrs Pearman, Phipson and Miss Whatmore; reasons
noted and accepted.
2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
None.
3. POLICE REPORT
PC Etherington reported on crime in the parish since the beginning of the year
- 9 incidents of criminal damage, 4 burglaries, 2 incidents of public disorder,
a boundary dispute, damage at the station and a racial incident. Report of
counterfeit Scottish banknotes in circulation.
There have been 7 road traffic accidents; most due to fallen trees in the recent
high winds.
PC Etherington is being trained to use a speed gun and will be allocating
time to high visibility speed enforcement targeting problem rural sites.
A premises
in the High Street has suffered two smashed windows; CCTV may be a deterrent.
Mayfield Parish Council fund a CCTV camera in the High Street.
Grafitti continues
to be an issue; the Police photograph the ‘tags’ and liaise with Uplands Community
College.
4. PUBLIC FORUM
None.
5. TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING 12.12.06 AS A TRUE RECORD
Resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting held 12.12.06 as a true record.
6. TO DETERMINE MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES FOR
UPDATING AND NOTING
None.
7. TO RECEIVE REPORTS OF COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS.
County Council
Cllr. Tidy reported under item 8 Library Project.
District Council
There will be a 4.2% rise in WDC Council Tax; Wealden has the lowest Government
rate support grant in East Sussex.
Changes in planning delegation procedures mean that members will need to consult
officers if they wish to be involved in an application. WDC will only consult
with the local member if there is an objection from the Parish Council or more
than three letters have been received.
Wadhurst Junior Football Club has been
successful in obtaining a WDC community grant.
8. CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING.
Library Project – to receive report and form working party
ESCC is working on a bid for funding for new libraries at Wadhurst and Ringmer.
A meeting has been held with Wadhurst Institute Hall and Field to look at the
possibility of using land/buildings to provide a library and other community
facilities. A working party has been set up of Cllrs. Standley, Price and Mamlok
for the Parish Council, Cllr. Tidy for ESCC, Brian Smith and Jim Overy for
the Institute Hall & Field and Anthony Dunnett and Heather Woodward as
community representatives. Cllr. Standley authorised to co-opt other members
of the community if required. The bid must be submitted by 31.03.07.
The following items of correspondence were discussed:
Remaining correspondence was dealt with during the course of the meeting and detailed on a separate list circulated to councillors.
9. HIGHWAYS, TRANSPORT AND LIGHTING MATTERS
To receive Highways, Transport & Lighting Report and consider
recommendations
The bus shelter opposite the station has been repaired, the road has been mended
and bus stop markings repainted. The fingerpost repairs have now started. ESCC
to install a warning sign on approach to recreation ground from Woods Green.
To approve Vehicle Activated Sign
Quotation of £2838.21 + VAT received for the supply, installation and provision
of electricity for a Vehicle Activated Sign on the Cousley Wood Road. The
life expectancy of the sign is 10 years and there will be 10 annual payments
of £300 to cover maintenance costs. ESCC provide third party insurance with
any non recoverable costs being directed to the Parish Council; enquiry to
be made to Parish Council’s insurance company re cost of cover for sign.
Resolved to accept quote of £2838.21 + VAT for a Vehicle Activated Sign on
the Cousley Wood Road with an annual maintenance cost of £300, payment to be
made under Local Government & Rating Act 1997 s30.
To authorise lighting repairs
Resolved to authorise lighting repairs to columns 31 and 143 at a cost of £253.30
+ VAT each, payment to be made under Parish Councils Act 1957 s3.
Contractor installed an inappropriate lantern at the Gloucester Road/Old Station Road junction. Following complaints from residents, a swan neck column is to be installed at this location. The cost of the original lantern will not be covered by the Parish Council. Highways, Transport & Lighting Committee is looking to establish a lighting policy.
10. PLANNING MATTERS
Report on Planning Committee meetings 16.12, 6.01, 20.01 and 3.02
Minutes
of Planning Committee meetings held 16.12, 6.01, 20.01 and 3.02 reviewed and
noted.
Update on affordable homes proposal
Meeting held with the architect and an officer of the Housing Association to
review plans for affordable homes at Courthope Avenue. The scheme is a sustainable
project with the use of local products in construction, renewable heat source
and use of grey water. WDC Planning has some issues with the design, location
of the wind turbine, parking and the large storage areas for the heating
system. It is proposed to hold a public consultation 22.02; the Housing Association
will be writing to all Wadhurst households.
There is a proposal for another housing development in the parish which will incorporate some affordable housing.
11. RECREATION GROUND MATTERS
To review Recreation Ground Report and Minutes of meeting 25.01.07
and consider recommendations
To consider request from Wadhurst Tennis Club to alter Agreement re accumulated
funds.
The Agreement with Wadhurst Tennis Club stated that if floodlights were installed
by 31.12.06, the accumulated funds of £6280 + VAT would be available for the
tennis club to spend on tennis related activities. If floodlighting not installed
within time schedule, only 50% of funds to be granted. Tennis Club has asked
for the deadline to be extended.
Resolved to maintain the existing time limit for spending the accumulated funds
as specified in the Agreement; application for time extension declined.
£1432 + VAT has been spent on screening leaving £1708 + VAT for further tennis
related items.
To approve landscaping proposal
Reduced landscaping proposal has been submitted; Ken Turner, Tree Warden explained
the types of trees/hedge being used. A path through the planting will be
provided for the football players. Junior FC has requested a continuation
of the path to the Voelcker Land and this will be considered by the Recreation
Ground Management Committee. Resolved to permit landscaping at the recreation
ground in accordance with the proposal dated January 2007, to be paid for
by Wadhurst Tennis Club who will maintain the planting for the first three
years.
To approve repair to perimeter fence of tennis courts
The perimeter fence around the tennis courts was damaged in the recent high
winds; the damage was not covered by insurance. The screening exacerbated
the problem and the tennis club has now removed the top section. Discussion
with the tennis club as to the future responsibility of the fence.
Resolved to spend £1562 + VAT from MG Sports Construction Ltd for the repair
to the perimeter fence, payment to be made under LG(MP)A 1976 s19.
To consider maintenance items/improvements and authorise expenditure
Grass cutting of pitches and other areas
Resolved to accept quotation from WDC of £85 + VAT for cutting football pitches.
The remaining grass areas to be cut by the caretaker.
Tree maintenance work
Resolved to accept quotation from Bamford Fraser Tree Management Ltd of £800
to clear large branch from roof of KHL, pollard oak at 5 metres, remove leaning
Hawthorn and coppice remaining four Hawthorn – payment to be made under LG(MP)A
1976 s19.
Deadwood has been identified in two oaks by the recreation ground entrance; these trees are on the highway verge and ESCC has programmed in the work later this year.
Other maintenance items
The caretaker has undertaken painting tasks at the pavilion.
Junior FC use the referee’s room for serving refreshments; Recreation Ground
Management Committee to investigate the cost of modifications to this area.
Resolved to approve an additional £25 for recent worm/weed killing on the pitches
– payment to be made under LG(MP)A 1976 s19.
12. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
To approve grass cutting quotation
Ashdown Garden Services has quoted a 3% increase on their weekly cost of £285
for grass cutting 2007/08. Environment Committee is satisfied with the service
received and recommend approval of the quote.
Resolved to appoint Ashdown Garden Services to cut grass in accordance with
existing schedule at a 3% increase on their weekly cost of £285, payment to
be made under Highways Act 1980 s 96.
To consider payment of £50 to support ESCC Tree Warden Scheme
ESCC has requested a payment of £50 from Parish Councils to continue the volunteer
Tree Warden Scheme. Ken Turner, the Wadhurst Tree Warden is very valuable
in giving advice and in promoting the planting of new trees. Resolved to
support the Tree Warden Scheme and to pay £50 towards costs, the amount to
be paid under LGA 1972 s 137 in the interests of the area and its inhabitants
who will benefit them in a manner commensurate with the expenditure.
Other environment issues
The conservation litter bin has been received and will be installed opposite
Hope Cottage within three weeks.
The scheduled meeting with WDC to discuss graffiti was delayed due to the recent
snow. It is understood that the Payback Team will not deal with graffiti.
Report that an old carved entrance on the footpath behind the church has been
sawn off.
Request for sweeping of Church Street.
The pavement in the High Street has not been satisfactorily repaired following
various service works; ESCC advise that contractors have six months to reinstate
to original.
13. FINANCE
To approve Chairman’s expenses
Resolved to pay expenses of £200 to the Chairman under LGA 1972 s 15(5).
To consider and approve recommendation for Members’ Allowances
Recommendations of the Wealden Parish Remuneration Panel for 2007/08 reviewed.
Resolved to approve the following allowances:
| Type | Amount |
| Members basic allowance (maximum) | £130 pa |
| Chairman’s allowance (maximum) | £210 pa |
| Approved mileage payments – car | 40p per mile |
| Approved mileage payments – motor cycle | 24p per mile |
| Approved mileage payments – cycle | 20p per mile |
| Additional passenger supplement | 5p per mile per person |
Mileage to be paid for approved business inside and outside the parish.
To note spend against budget
Spend to 31.12.06 reviewed against budget. There is a meeting of the Finance
Committee 1.03.07 to review figures, make recommendations on transfer to
reserves and consider a further bulk repayment to the loan.
To consider payment of WDC lottery registration for WORD
Request from WORD to pay £17.50 WDC lottery registration to cover fund
raising events for outdoor sports. Registration was not used last year. Chairman
to refer to Richard Meakin.
To approve accounts payable
| It was resolved to pay the following accounts: | £ | |
| Auto | Nat West – voucher charge 1.12 | 6.50 |
| Auto | Nat West – voucher charge 2.01 | 6.50 |
| Auto | Nat West – account charge | 15.00 |
| 027 | East Sussex County Council – speed survey | 352.50 |
| 028 | TVR – electrical work at pavilion | 262.97 |
| 029 | Essex Chronicle – newsletter | 345.00 |
| 030 | C Lindfield – litter collection | 106.25 |
| 031 | Wadhurst Parish News – payment for inclusion in Focus report | 100.00 |
| 032 | salary | 665.85 |
| 033 | salary | 1231.84 |
| 034 | Post Office Ltd – tax/NICs | 659.10 |
| 035 | P Hewes – expenses | 38.52 |
| DD | EDF Energy – electricity at pavilion | 129.52 |
| 036 | Ashdown Garden Services – leaf clearance | 1339.51 |
| 037 | Wealden District Council – rates for pavilion | 282.00 |
| 038 | British Telecommunications – payphone at pavilion | 48.56 |
| 039 | Wealden District Council – dog bins Oct – Dec 06 | 278.48 |
| 040 | cancelled | |
| 041 | Meadside Cleaners – carpet cleaning at pavilion | 120.00 |
| 042 | Wadhurst Country Services – fuel for mowers | 32.00 |
| 043 | M Lawrence – sundries for pavilion | 20.77 |
| 044 | P Hewes – expenses | 84.78 |
| 045 | C Lindfield – litter collection | 81.25 |
| 046 | R Milsom – plumbing repair at pavilion | 60.00 |
| 047 | TWIG Trading Ltd – weed/worm spraying of pitches | 440.63 |
| 048 | C Price – chairman’s expenses | 200.00 |
| 049 | Drainage & Treatment Ltd – pump maintenance | 88.12 |
| DD | British Gas – pavilion | 532.43 |
| 050 | South East Water Ltd – pavilion | 104.59 |
| 051 | salary | 665.84 |
| 052 | salary | 1316.16 |
| 053 | Post Office Ltd – tax/NICs | 716.80 |
| 054 | Viking Direct – stationery | 148.39 |
| 055 | M Lawrence – sundries for pavilion | 11.88 |
| Reconciliation at 31.01.07 | ||
| Balance B/F | 79827.45 | |
| Receipts | 133494.79 | |
| Payments | (97056.84) | |
116265.40 | ||
| Current account | 5727.04 | |
| Reserve | 11491.21 | |
| Treasury Reserve | 100000.00 | |
117218.25 | ||
| Less outstanding debits | ||
| 956 | 293.75 | |
| 034 | 659.10 | |
116265.40 | ||
Payments authorised as follows:
ESCC speed survey approved Highways Transport & Lighting Committee meeting
7.12.06 under Local Government & Rating Act 1997 s31.
TVR approved Recreation Ground Management Committee meeting 19.10.06 item 9
under LG(MP)A 1976 s19.
Meadside Cleaners approved Recreation Ground Management Committee meeting 12.12.06
item 11 under LG(MP)A 1976 s19.
R Milsom approved Recreation Ground Management Committee meeting 19.10.06 item
9 under LG(MP)A 1976 s19.
TWIG approved Recreation Ground Management Committee meeting 19.10.06 item
6 and full council meeting 13.02.07 item 11 under LG(MP)A 1976 s19.
14. To approve appointment of Internal Auditor 2007/08
John Roberts, Clerk at Arlington is willing to act as Internal Auditor. Mr
Roberts is the auditor for Hailsham Town Council and has been involved in
local government for the last 20 years.
Resolved to appoint John Roberts as Internal Auditor for 2007/08 at a rate
of £15 ph plus mileage for any travelling.
15. QUALITY COUNCIL STATUS
To review progress
The Parish Council website is now live at www.wadhurstpc.info. Residents can
communicate via a comments form and an email link to the Clerk. The Quality
Council submission is now being finalised.
Michael Harte and Cllr. Kent were thanked for their work with developing the
site.
16. PARISH PLAN
To review progress
Three residents are now involved in the working party to take the parish plan
forward to the next stage; a public consultation is scheduled for 11.04.07.
A meeting is to be held with AIRS.
17. URGENT ISSUES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN FOR NOTING
OR INCLUSION ON FUTURE AGENDA
Request from Inspector Allum for town/parish councils to pay for PCSO transport
– to be considered at the next meeting.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 21:50