WADHURST
PARISH COUNCIL
THE MINUTES OF A MEETING OF WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL HELD AT THE PAVILION, SPARROWS GREEN RECREATION GROUND, THE PAVILION, SPARROWS GREEN RECREATION GROUND, THURSDAY 13th October, 2011 AT 7.30 P.M.
Present: Councillors Bell, Doyle (chairman), Gadd, Goolden, Kent, Konrad, Martel, Martin, Matthews, Meredith-Hardy, Pearman and Standley
Also in attendance: County Councillor Tidy, four members of the public and one member of the press.
1. To receive apologies and reasons for absence
Apologies received from Councillors Berger, Browne and Clark; reasons noted and accepted
2. To receive declarations of interest on items on the agenda
Cllr. Standley declared a personal interest in item 8.1.
3. Police Forum
PCSO Neve attended and reported that there had been 72 recorded crimes in Wadhurst in September, including deer poaching, the theft of a digger (later recovered) and the attempted theft of home heating oil. A drugs warrant had been executed in the parish and 2 arrests made. PCSO Neve asked that the three local police priorities be reviewed at the next meeting.
4. Public Forum
In answering a request for a grit bin on Turners Green Road Cllr. Meredith-Hardy stated that the snow plan was being actively considered.
A further request to review the seating layout at future meetings was received.
A resident of Turners Green road urged the council to approve the licence issued by ESCC to place posts and planters on the verges of that road.
5. To approve the minutes of the meeting of 8th September 2011
Resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting held 8th September 2011 as a true record.
6. To determine matters arising from the previous minutes
None
7. To receive reports from the County and District Councillors
County Council
The county council is reviewing business rates. These are set by central government at present and are likely to increase with inflation for 5 years. East Sussex is a “Top up” area for businesses – it has fewer than average. There will be no new land raise or landfill in East Sussex, but ways must be found to use waste that cannot be recycled or burned. Residential services at Hookstead care home in Crowborough will close; day services will continue until a review in January 2012. ESCC has supported, subject to a correct business case being provided, the merger of the Brighton, East and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Services.
County Cllr. Tidy also informed members of an initiative to provide community transport to cinemas and swimming pools. He asked the parish council to consider working with the county council and to consider contributing to the cost.
District Council
District Cllr. Standley reported on Wealden DC’s attempts to have its Core Strategy accepted. Digital TV changeover (due in May 2012) was discussed and a help scheme is available for those in need.
The recent district parish conference was very successful.
8. Chairman’s announcements and correspondence for noting
Noted.
8.1 To consider representations to the Boundary Commission
Resolved that no representation be made.
8.2 To discuss Power of Well-being training for councillors and approve costs
Resolved to work with SALC to host a training evening for local parishes on the Power of Well-being. Approved costs up to £200.
8.3 To receive report back from Wealden DC Parish Conference
Cllr. Goolden reported that the conference included presentations on the Localism Bill, Neighbourhood plans and powers and affordable housing. Councillors will examine the work of Plumpton PC in producing a neighbourhood plan.
9. Highways, Transport and Lighting matters
9.1 To note minutes of meeting held 22nd September, 2011
Noted.
9.2 To receive report
A finger post at Osmers Hill has been damaged and a quote for replacement is being obtained and with several street lamps being reported as out an inspection by Cllrs. Meredith-Hardy and Miss Martel is to be arranged. Discussion around the recent road works by Gas operators concluded that there had been unsatisfactory delays and County Cllr. Tidy offered to monitor the position and was looking for county to ‘up its game’.
9.3 To consider request from Turners Green Road residents and approve licence for post and planter scheme
Resolved that, subject to Zurich covering the additional liability for no more than £50, the licence be approved. Further resolved that the request to County to learn more of the original complaint be taken no further.
9.4 To consider request to fund posts at Turners Green Road and approve costs
Already considered and approved at the recent Highways, Transport and Lighting committee meeting.
9.5 To note response from County regarding Bewl Access
Noted. Members remarked on the inconsistent approach taken by county to complaints concerning objects on verges in Turners Green Road and Hook Lane.
10. Planning Matters
10.1 To adopt minutes of planning committee meetings held on 3rd and 17th of September and 1st of October, 2011
Resolved to adopt the Minutes of the Planning committee meetings held on 3rd and 17th of September and 1st of October 2011.
11. Recreation Ground Matters
11.1 To note minutes of meeting held 1st September, 2011
Noted.
11.2 To receive report from Recreation Ground Management Committee
Items and progress covered by the circulated report were noted with Cllr. Goolden adding that there might be a possibility of a grant of £2,000 becoming available towards the cost of the Pagoda project.
12. Environmental Matters
12.1 To note minutes of meeting held 5th of October, 2011
Noted.
12.2 To receive report
Members heard of the progress being made with scheduled repairs and learnt that whilst the winter planters will remain, the hanging baskets will not be in use this winter. The possibility of members of the public being willing to contribute to the cost of fingerposts was suggested by a member of the public at the recent environment committee meeting and could become widely accepted. The clerk is to discuss the issue of household waste bins being sited at the entrance to the churchyard with the vicar and Cllr. Konrad is to look at ways in which the village sign can be restored.
13. Finance
13.1 To receive report
A meeting is to be held shortly to consider a budget for 2012/13 to be put to the next meeting of the full council.
13.2 To approve accounts paid/payable
Resolved to approve accounts for payment as listed.
13.3 To review spend against budget 2011/12
Noted that both administration costs and pavilion hire rental were higher than budgeted.
13.4 To approve payment of £300 to HMR&C in respect of filing of 2010/11 PAYE and NI return
Resolved to approve payment of £300 to HMR&C in respect of late filing of 2010/11 PAYE and NI return.
13.5 To consider applications for small grants
Resolved to award a grant of £1000 to Wealden CAB.
Councillors considered the grants process an inappropriate way to continue supporting the Christmas lights scheme. Resolved to purchase Christmas lights at a cost of £425.
13.6 To discuss budget setting for 2012/13
Previously discussed.
14. Personnel matters
14.1 To receive report
There have been no meetings since the full council last met.
14.2 To discuss clerk’s request to become a member of the Society of Local Council Clerks, attend the clerk’s networking day and register for the CiLCA qualification and approve associated costs of £370
Resolved to approve clerk’s request to become a member of the Society of Local Council Clerks, attend the clerk’s networking day and register for the CiLCA qualification and approve associated costs of £370.
15. Working Parties
15.1 To receive report of Business/High Street Working Party
The next meeting of the Working Party is to be held on 25th October and the WDBA meeting due in October has been re-scheduled to 3rd November. 24th March is being considered for the Italian market and Cllr. Goolden is due to meet with the organiser shortly.
15.2 To receive report of Car Park Working Party
Members learnt that a positive and constructive meeting had been held with Uplands. Work on the staff car park has been delayed until later on in the year – this will release an additional ten spaces within Uplands. A further meeting is scheduled for December and a response is still awaited from East Sussex Fire and Rescue.
15.3 To receive report of Communications Working Party
There has been no meeting since the last full council meeting.
15.3.1 To receive report of progress regarding Parish Newsletter
Printers have been instructed to proceed with the Newsletter which should be dispatched within the next few weeks.
15.3.2 To receive report of progress regarding website
A decision will be made at a meeting next week regarding the bids from website developers.
15.4 To receive report of Youth Working Party
Members learnt that the first of the new Youth Club meetings was being held tonight and that the Duke of Edinburgh scheme was again being run at Uplands with twenty places available and that opportunities for the young to become involved with parish council projects would be explored by the Youth working party.
15.5 To receive report of Cultural Activities Working Party
A meeting with John James at Uplands is to take place shortly and the Arts Council have asked for more details regarding the recent bid.
16. Urgent issues at the discretion of the Chairman for noting or inclusion on future agenda
Members were reminded of the Remembrance Day service on the 13th of November and the Wadhurst Warriors firework display on the 5th.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9:45 p.m.
Correspondence Spt/Oct, 2011
Accounts paid/payable – Spt/Oct, 2011
| £8.58 | EDF Energy – Telephone kiosk (DD now cancelled) | DD |
| £61.50 | EDF Energy – Pavilion | DD |
| £12.00 | South East Water – Pavilion | DD |
| £6.50 | Bank Voucher Statement fee | AUTO |
| £90.00 | Moody Sewage – Pavilion | DD |
| £326.95 | British Gas – Pavilion | DD |
| £387.46 | Simon Goacher – Completion of P35 HMR&C return | 3044 |
| £560.89 | Caretaker’s salary – Spt | 3045 |
| £1,433.06 | Clerk’s salary – Spt | 3046 |
| £56.00 | B Berger – Member’s allowance | 3047 |
| £45.41 | A Browne – Member’s allowance | 3048 |
| £195.00 | T Doyle – Chairman’s and Member’s allowance | 3049 |
| £56.00 | M Kent – Member’s allowance | 3050 |
| £45.41 | B Martin – Member’s allowance | 3051 |
| £45.41 | M Matthews – Member’s allowance | 3052 |
| £34.21 | J Pearman – Member’s allowance | 3053 |
| £2,541.21 | HM&C – PAYE and NI (Jly-Spt) | 3054 |
| £112.14 | Clerk’s mileage and re-imbursement of stationery, etc. | 3055 |
| £27.15 | Pavilion cleaning materials and work to Notice Board | 3056 |
| £52.99 | Premier PC Supplies – Printer cartridge | 3057 |
| £160.00 | Ashdown Garden Services – Grass cutting, Aug | 3058 |
| £140.94 | Astra Security Systems – Tennis court lock repairs | 3059 |
| £660.00 | Mazars LLP – Annual Audit fee | 3060 |
| £123.82 | Freestyle – Replacement drive belts for mower | 3061 |
| £300.00 | HMR&C – P35 (PAYE & NI) fine | 3062 |
| £372.00 | Wealden DC – Pavilion rates (Spt, 2011) | 3063 |
| £100.00 | Wealden DC – Two delegates attending Parish conference | 3064 |
| £220.80 | Europlants – Hanging baskets, Aug | 3065 |
| £206.40 | J Roberts – Annual Audit fee | 3066 |
| £34.90 | M Kent – re-imbursement for WinZip licence | 3067 |
| £118.80 | RBS Software Solutions – Annual maintenance | 3068 |
| £61.89 | Premier PC Supplies – Printer cartridge and paper | 3069 |
| £87.00 | Ashdown Garden Services – Grass cutting, Spt | 3070 |
| £140.00 | R Milson – Pavilion gas/boiler inspection and service | 3071 |
| £140.00 | Meadside Cleaners – Annual pavilion carpet cleaning | 3072 |
| £72.40 | Clerk’s mileage and re-imbursement of stationery, etc. | 3073 |
| £372.00 | Wealden DC – Pavilion rates (Oct, 2011) 3074 |