MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL

ON WEDNESDAY 1^st AUGUST 2007

PRIOR TO THE MEETING PARISHIONERS WERE INVITED TO RAISE MATTERS OF CONCERN WITH CLLRS:

No matters.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING

PRESENT

Cllrs Alexander, Clifford , Greenfield , Price and Speed were present, plus County Cllr Booth, District Cllr Smith, Lynn Ireland (Clerk) and 5 members of the public. 

APOLOGIES

Cllrs Howe , K. Lewis , M. Lewis and Wagstaff.

In the absence of Cllr Howe, the Chair was taken by Cllr Speed the Vice Chairman.

The Chairman advised that Ex-Cllr Ivor Meyrick was ill in hospital and the Clerk was requested to send a Get Well Card on behalf of the Parish Council.

103/07   DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None

104/07   PREVIOUS MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 4^th July 2007 were amended as follows:

§           Page 619, Item 88/07 – first sentence – to read “Cllrs agreed to take this item out of sequence…..”

§           Page 621, Item 93/07 – the list of properties was amended to show The Old House and Nastfield Cottage as part of The Green.

§           Page 622, Item 102/07 – Cllr Clifford report item (c) the spelling of Col Andy Hodson was corrected.

The Minutes were then approved as a true record of proceedings and signed by the Chairman.

105/07   PLANNING

(a)    decisions of the district council

(b)        planning applications

(c)   other planning matters

§           Saul Telephone Exchange

Ian Hewitt Associates had advised Council that an application was being submitted to install a telecom mast at the site in Bridge Road .  Cllrs noted the details and would await notification from the District Council.

§           Planning Decisions by the District Council

Mr Skill had not replied to the letter of 19^th June concerning inconsistencies in some recent planning applications.  District Cllr Smith advised that 90% of applications go to Delegated and Government targets make it difficult for the District Council Planning Dept to give adequate time to applications.  He has spoken to David Ha gg who had confirmed he would be willing to attend a future meeting of Parish Council to discuss these concerns.  Cllrs agreed to also invite Barry Wyatt to the meeting. 

106/07   ACCOUNTS

§          Invoices for Payment

107/07   FLOODING IN THE PARISH

§           Letter to David Drew MP

Following the visit to the parish by David Drew to view flood damage, Cllr Speed circulated a draft letter for comment.  The letter detailed problems encountered in various parts of the parish and set out plans for actions to be taken to minimise damage in any future flood. Cllrs made various su gg estions and a final version will now be prepared and sent to Mr Drew .

§           Mr Paul Burnside

At this point the Chairman asked Council’s permission to allow Mr Paul Burnside a resident of Darell Gardens to address the meeting. 

Mr Burnside is a Civil Engineer and has worked with British Waterways on a number of projects.  He gave Cllrs some background on his knowledge of the canal network and reported that during the recent crisis the water level in the canal had risen 400 mm and had come within 50 mm of overtopping, a consequence of British Waterways, for a short time, losing control of the canal levels.

He said that many parishioners understand that the canal is a means of river flood protection and also need to understand that the canal is also a drainage canal for excess water at Gloucester .  Consequently, British Waterways need a means of communicating with villages along the canal.  He encouraged Parish Council to take this concern up with British Waterways.

In general discussion it was noted that British Waterways had lowered the level of the canal by 900 mm to provide more capacity for Gloucester’s flood water and to avert the risk of flooding to Frampton and surrounding areas.  It was felt that the large new housing developments on the flood plain at Kingsway and Hunts Grove would make the situation worse.

Cllr Alexander advised that Parish Council has been working with British Waterways and the Environment Agency for a considerable time to try and establish the canal as a flood barrier and will continue to take this forward.  David Drew MP has, and continues, to give his support and has spoken in the House of Commons on the subject.

Chairman thanked Mr Burnside for his information and agreed to include these concerns in the letter to David Drew , and forward his concerns to the Risk Assessment Sub Committee.

§           Risk Assessment Analysis

The Sub Committee had met jointly with Arlingham and Saul who will now decide whether they wish to work jointly with Frampton to prepare a Risk Assessment Analysis for the Severn Vale parishes.  Future meetings are planned and the matter is ongoing.

Cllr Clifford had prepared a drainage map of the parish, which is to be considered at the next meeting of the Risk Assessment Sub Committee.

§           Watery Lane

Cllr Clifford confirmed that Gloucestershire Highways had postponed work on the drough at Watery Lane to allow all staff to deal with flooding problems elsewhere in the county.  Work will now recommence on the drough with the help of Frampton Court Estate.

§           Unprotected Canal Bank adjacent to the Community Association Playing Field

It was agreed that the Sub Committee would look into the issue of ownership of the canal bank and the potential flooding risk to the residents in Lake Lane .

§           Risk Assessment

It was agreed that the Sub Committee would also look at future requirements and communication in the event of an emergency flooding situation in the parish.  Technical advice will be sought to enable solutions to be found and actions put in place.

Cllrs praised the District Council for the swift action taken and the ongoing help and support that had been made available to all parishes in the district during the flooding crisis.  The Clerk was requested to send an official letter of thanks. 

Cllr Clifford said that water levels in the Marshes are still high and rising and there was still a problem in that area.  He advised Council to be aware that there was still a risk of flooding in the future.  It was agreed that the risk should be assessed by the Sub Committee.

108/07   GRANT TO CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND COMMITTEE

Following discussion of this item in the July meeting (Minute 92/07) Cllrs discussed the level of funding to be made to the Playground Committee to enable the purchase of new play equipment.

Proposal               Cllr Alexander proposed Parish Council make a grant of £200 immediately and that this be reviewed in the next financial year for a further grant.

Seconded             Cllr Greenfield

Vote                       Unanimous

109/07   ST MARY ’S CHURCHYARD

Cllr Speed reported on the Parish Council meeting with the PCC when consideration was given to the future maintenance of the churchyard. The Living Churchyard scheme is not to continue and the PCC will go forward with regular mowing by their volunteer teams.  They did not wish to take advantage of Parish Council’s offer of regular maintenance by contractors and wish to allow time for the new system to take effect.  The quality of cutting was discussed and Parish Council stated that their position remains unchanged; we need a safe, well-maintained and attractive burial ground that is a credit to the parish.  The PCC will consider this and make an official statement.

Following that meeting Cllr Speed had spoken to Church Warden Andy Hodson and confirmed that both the Parish Council and the PCC wish to see the volunteers succeed.  To this end, Parish Council offered help with regard to the purchase of equipment that would be fit for purpose.   A review of progress was requested prior to the winter and should further assistance be required to achieve a result, the Parish Council would be prepared to pay for a one-off use of contractors to mow the whole churchyard before the winter months.  Mr Hodson will consider both su gg estions.

The date of the Annual Parochial Church Council meeting will be advised to enable any representation by Parish Council.

110/07   VILLAGE HALL CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

§           Report

Cllr Greenfield reported that the event had been very successful and was well attended by both parishioners and visitors to the parish.  The displays of parish archives and photographs had been especially popular and the Committee would consider a similar event for some time in the future.  The book compiled by Rose Hewlett and Jean Speed “Frampton on Severn – An Illustrated History” was launched and copies made available for purchase. 

It was unanimously agreed that Parish Council would write to the Village Hall Committee to congratulate them on organising such a splendid event and for the completion of refurbishment works which have made the Village Hall such an asset to the parish.

§           ’Frampton on Severn - An Illustrated History”

Cllrs unanimously agreed that Parish Council should purchase 5 copies of ’Frampton on Severn - An Illustrated History” by Rose Hewlett and Jean Speed .

111/07   GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S 1000^th ANNIVERSARY

After a full discussion Cllrs decided that it would not be appropriate for this Parish Council to take any action to mark the county anniversary.

112/07   LAGGER AT GLEBE CLOSE

Cllr Alexander reported that Lawrence Wood, the Tree Warden, had surveyed the trees in the lagger and had provided a written report.  Quotes for the required work will be obtained for discussion at the September meeting.

113/07   FOOTPATH SURVEY

The County Council have completed their survey of the parish footpaths.  They have advised that 20 new signposts were required to replace existing old and damaged ones in and around the village.  They would be prepared to provide green plastic signposts at a cost of £20 each.   The cost of providing oak posts would be in the region of £200 each and County Council would expect Parish Council to fund the difference in cost.

Council agreed it would be preferable to have oak posts but queried the £200 figure and District Cllr Smith was asked to find out how the District Council have funded the wooden signposts along the Ebley Bypass.  Cllr Alexander will check parish records covering the costs for previous signposts.  It agreed consideration could be given to prioritising the requirement for wooden posts in the parish to key areas.  This item will be added to the agenda for the September meeting.

114/07   CODE OF CONDUCT

The new forms were distributed to Cllrs and would be signed at the September meeting.

115/07   STREET LIGHTING SCHEME

The County Council are running a pilot operation to reduce energy consumption and costs by changing the timing of some streetlights to part-night operation.  After discussion it was agreed this parish would wish to take part in the pilot.  This will now be taken forward.

116/07   NEIGHBOURHOOD WARDENS

Paul Helbrow has advised that the cost of having a Warden patrol in the parish for 2.5 days a week would be £1000 pa.  The scheme is due for review in November and it was agreed to postpone discussion until such time as the RFO could check the 2008/09 budget figures.

117/07   REMEMBRANCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

Cllr Clifford reported the Sub Committee consisted of William Alexander , Peter Cheesman , John Howe , Andy Hodson , John Hunter and Brian Ireland , and Minutes of the initial meeting would be circulated to Cllrs. The British Legion will be laying up their banners in St Mary ’s and plans are for a parade and service jointly with adjoining parishes.  It was hoped to provide refreshments after the service in the Village Hall.  A Band Concert will be held in the Community Centre in the evening.

118/07   COUNTY COUNCILLOR ’S REPORT

County Cllr Booth reported Shire Hall had been closed due to flooding, power and water cuts during the county emergency but many departments had been operating from other locations.  TV coverage and BBC Radio Gloucestershire had kept lines of communication open and the Chief Executive had taken part in daily press conferences from Gold Control at County Police HQ at Waterwells.  A Debrief meeting will be held at Shire Hall next week.  Building on the flood plain may have contributed to some of the problems and future development may have to be reconsidered.  The County Council will also discuss the advisability of allowing buildings to be constructed on garden land in areas of Gloucester . 

As a member of the Midland Region Flood Defence Committee of the Environment Agency, County Cllr Booth was able to report on events during the current crisis in the county.  Emergency response to the first flooding in June had been poor but was very much improved during the current crisis.  Flood mapping is not always accurate and highways drainage was inadequate to cope with the effects of the extreme weather conditions.  Both items will need to be discussed.

Flood defences across the Gloucester flood plain to the Severn are a major problem for the county.  There has been a £8M reduction in the amount of capital funding for the county which hopefully will now be reconsidered by central government.

Cllr Clifford asked that County Cllr Booth pass on thanks from the Parish Council to Dave Portlock , John Roberts and their teams for the swift action with drainage work taken to assist in this parish. 

119/07   DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

District Cllr Smith considered problems with flooding had been made worse by damage to drain grids caused by heavy lorries on the roads and felt there was a requirement to ensure ongoing maintenance. Rhynes take water to the River Severn and pipes under Canal now carry twice or three times as much water as they did when they were first built.  The Flooding Sub Committee was encouraged to take this into consideration in their discussions.

Cllrs asked District Cllr Smith to pass on their thanks to David Ha gg and officers at the District Council for the excellent way they have dealt with communicating up-to-date information to the parish during the present crisis.

120/07   CORRESPONDENCE

§          Strategic Housing Market Assessment meeting

The meeting due for 6^th August has been postponed due to the current crisis.

§          Miscellaneous

Various papers and reports were made available for Cllrs’ perusal.

121/07   CHAIRMAN’S ITEMS

§           Lake Lane Roundabout

Gloucestershire Highways have confirmed they will ask a Tree Surgeon to inspect the tree on the roundabout and carry out any necessary cutting back.

§           Severn Voice Meeting

The next meeting will take place on either the 10^th or 17^th September.  The date will be confirmed in due course.

122/07   ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cllr Alexander reported his actions on highways matters:

»         The safety barrier in Bridge Road at the junction of The Oval and has now been replaced with a new barrier.

»         Warning posts have been placed either side of The Park’s Farm entrance on the A38.

»         Resurfacing in front of Frampton Stores has been delayed and will be taken forward shortly.

»         A request will be made to completely resurface Whitminster Lane on completion of the construction of the Saul Marina .

»         A meeting has been set up with John Roberts to discuss traffic lights at the junction of the Perryway and the A38 and traffic calming in Bridge Road .

Cllr Clifford reported that Frampton Court Estate will be reviewing the condition of The Green before deciding if the Fair can take place.

Cllr Price reported the railings outside Frampton Stores have been repaired and a gate has been erected adjacent to the post box.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9.25pm .