MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL

ON WEDNESDAY 2^nd MAY 2007  

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

§          Mr Graham Lewis

Mr Lewis was representing the Mowing Group from St Mary ’s Church and left contact details for any queries concerning the upkeep of the graveyard.

§          The Rev Dr John Hunter

Dr Hunter advised that Leyhill Prison has introduced a Working Party scheme.  Groups were available to work in the community on a variety of labouring jobs.  After a full discussion it was agreed that Cllrs should advise the Chairman of any suitable projects within the parish and the list would then be submitted to the Prison Governor.  Possible projects could include – the La gg er at Glebe Close, the Perryway, the canal boundaries of the Playing Field.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WARDEN

Andy Foster gave Cllrs a brief outline of the services he was able to provide to the community and provided contact details for any enquiries.

In discussion Cllrs expressed disappointment that Andy had only been scheduled to Frampton for a half day each week.  It was considered that to enable a good demonstration it would be preferable to allow at least 2 days a week.  This would enable parishioners to assess the benefit of continuing with the service at the end of the free trial period.  The expense to the Parish Council would need to be justified.

Andy confirmed he would pass this concern to his management and the Chairman was authorised to write to the District Council.

POLICE REPORT

PCSOs Debbie Hughes and Steve Wadley gave an update of crime in the parish.  Since the beginning of the year there have been only been 6 reported incidents.  The most serious was the bogus callers incident in Ann Wicks Road when two individuals had gained entry to a house posing as Severn Trent employees.  There had been no arrests but the vehicle had been found and tests were being carried out.  Both Andy Foster and Christine Lingard , the Village Agent, have been working in the area to advise residents of the danger.

Stonehouse has a strength of 7 PCSOs at present and this will be increased to 9 by the end of the year.  This will enable Debbie to allocate more time to patrols in this parish.  However this does have its problems, as there is a shortage of police vehicles for use by the PCSOs.

Debbie advised that Andy Foster has already been doing a lot of work behind the scenes for the parish, providing home security for vulnerable residents and visiting Sunnyside.  He works closely with both the Village Agent and the Police and gives invaluable support.

There is to be a Police & Community Meeting at Lakefield School on 14^th June.

The PCSOs and Warden Foster left the meeting

MINUTES OF THE MEETING

PRESENT

Cllrs Alexander, Howe (Chairman), K Lewis, M Lewis, Price, Speed and Wagstaff were present, plus Lynn Ireland (Clerk) and 4 members of the public. 

APOLOGIES

Cllrs Clifford and Greenfield .

48/07      ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Nominations were requested for the position of Chairman of the Parish Council

Cllr Howe was proposed by Cllr Alexander and seconded by Cllr Speed

Cllr Howe accepted the position.  He advised Council that he would like to see a change of Chairmanship at the next election.

49/07      APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIRMAN

The Chairman proposed Cllr Speed as Vice Chairman of the Parish Council.  The vote was unanimous and Cllr Speed agreed to accept the position.

50/07      OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS

§          Appointment of RFO

The Chairman proposed Cllr M Lewis as Responsible Financial Officer.  The vote was unanimous and Cllr Lewis agreed to accept the position.

§          Wards

Parish Wards would remain unchanged.  It was agreed to revise these at the next Parish Council election.

§          Responsibilities

Cllrs’ Responsibilities would remain unchanged.  It was agreed in view of the increasing number of Planning Applications being taken to the Planning Sub Committee, a quorum of 5 Cllrs was required to enable a decision to be made on behalf of full Council.

51/07      DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Cllrs Speed and Wagstaff declared a non-prejudicial interest in the planning application for Chapel House S07/0801/FUL.

52/07      PREVIOUS MINUTES

(a)   The Minutes of the meeting held on 4^th April 2007 were approved as a true record of proceedings and signed by the Chairman.

(b)    The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 28^th March 2007 were approved as a true record of proceedings and signed by the Chairman.

53/07      PLANNING

(a)    decisions of the district council

(b)        planning applications

(b)   other planning matters

§          S07/0099/FUL - 1 The Oval

Following discussion at the April meeting a letter had been submitted to Mr Skill , Head of Planning.  A response is awaited.

§          S07/0135/FUL – Old Post Office

The application has been withdrawn.

54/07      ACCOUNTS

§          Invoices for Payment

§          Financial Update

Cllrs noted the contents of a Financial Statement for April 2007 presented by Cllr M Lewis. 

§            Approval of 2006/2007 Accounts

Cllr M Lewis drew attention to items in the Accounts.  The Asset Register was to be the same as last year.  The Risk Assessment will be presented at the next meeting for approval.

Proposal               Cllr Alexander proposed acceptance of the 06/07 Accounts for submission to the Auditors

Seconded             Cllr Wagstaff

Vote                       Unanimous

§            Other Financial Matters

-  Payments received

-  Charitable Donations

Receipts and letters of thanks had been received from:

Frampton Congregational Church

Victim Support

The Samaritans

SARA

55/07      PARKING ON AND AROUND THE GREEN

After a full discussion about the most suitable form of deterrent to parking, Cllr Speed agreed to contact Frampton Court Estates to discuss the installation of wooden posts at strategic locations around The Green.  It was important to stop the erosion of The Green and it was felt consideration should be given to using different methods for different areas of The Green.  Kerbing may need to be resorted to.

56/07      LAKE LANE

Following the request for residents in Lake Lane to ensure their garden shrubs and plants did not obstruct the footpath, there were still several residents who have taken no action.  Cllrs considered the amount of footpath obstructed in one case was causing a danger for pedestrians and it was agreed to ask County Highways to intervene with the householder.

57/07      MAINTENANCE OF ST MARY ’S CHURCHYARD

The Chairman had not been able to organise a meeting with the PCC before their AGM.  However, he had subsequently spoken to the new Church Warden, Colonel Andy Hodson , to discuss the timing of a meeting.

Cllr Speed reported there are other effective methods of control that can be used in graveyards.  He has visited churchyards in other parts of the country where removal of kerbing from graves is required to assist with mowing and weed killer is used as appropriate. 

Cllrs agreed to discuss the annual contribution to St Mary ’s following the meeting with Col Hodson.

58/07      AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The Severn Voice Chairmen will be meeting with the GRCC at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16^th May in Frampton Village Hall to discuss the outcome of the Survey.  Cllr Wagstaff will represent this Parish.  As Cllr Howe is unable to attend, Cllr Speed will be asked to Chair the meeting.

59/07      PARISH CHARTER

Copies of the Charter had been circulated prior to the meeting. 

Cllrs discussed any benefits that might be gained from signing up and finally agreed it would be beneficial.

Proposal               Cllr Alexander proposed signing up to the Parish Charter

Seconded             Cllr M Lewis

Vote                       Unanimous

60/07      VILLAGE LINK

The proposed timetable for a replacement service had been circulated prior to the meeting to enable Cllrs to comment.  It was felt the timetable did not make provision for people working in Gloucester to make the return journey at a convenient time.  Comments are required by 4^th May and the Chairman agreed to telephone Mr Carr in the Transport Department to pass on the concerns discussed.  The comments would also be submitted in writing to reinforce the concern.

Cllr Greenfield hopes to be meeting with the County Transport Dept to discuss.

61/07      STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Cllrs Wagstaff and Alexander had read the document and considered that no further action was required.

62/07      REMEMBRANCE DAY

The Chairman reported there were plans for the village to hold a special event on Sunday 11^th November.  A meeting between appropriate organisations was proposed, and it was agreed the Parish Council would wish to be involved.  After discussion it was su gg ested that consideration be given to making more of Remembrance Day and having a full service at St Mary ’s every year.

63/07      COUNTY COUNCILLOR ’S REPORT

No report.

64/07      DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

No report.

65/07      CORRESPONDENCE

§          Invitations to Meetings

§            Calor Village of the Year

The deadline for the competition is 25^th May.  This Council will not enter this year.

§            Stroud Valleys Project

Calendar of Events for 2007.

§            Mobile Police Station

Will visit the parish on 6^th and 14^th June.

§          Miscellaneous

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

66/07      CHAIRMAN’S ITEMS

§          Model Code of Conduct

The Chairman reported that a revised version of the Model Code of Conduct has now been issued.  The main change to note was that Cllrs declaring an interest on any subject would now be allowed to remain in the room to listen to the discussion but would not be allowed to take part or vote.

67/07      ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cllr Alexander

(a)           Canal Users’ Forum – The recent meeting was hosted by Frampton-on-Severn.  (a)   Ian Jarvis had agreed to take action about boat owners not using the car park provided and will write to all boat owners with licenses.  (b)  British Waterways has an annual event for staff when a Clear Up the Canalside Day is held.  60 officers and office staff took part this year. (c)  Fretherne Bridge will be manned for the next 12 months but there are no final plans for the future.  Cllr Alexander su gg ested that a meeting with David Drew and Ian Jarvis might be appropriate later in the year.  The majority of boat owners do not wish to have boat owner bridge opening. 

(b)           Saul Marina - Work was expected to start in June .  No material would be removed from the site and no work would take place on Sundays.  The Contractor has agreed to provide contact details to Parish Council to enable any problems to be tackled quickly.  Residents in Whitminster Lane will be advised of the contacts as soon as these are available.

(c)           Landfill Site -  RMC have been taken over by Cemex.  Work to complete the site is 8 months behind schedule and the closing date is now June/July next year.  Cllrs are invited to visit and have a tour of the site.  The Parishioners Skip will be reinstated as from 1^st June.

(d)           Conservation Area – A meeting is to be held on 9th May to progress the Survey.

Cllr Price

(a)   The Village Agent and Neighbourhood Warden are regular visitors to Sunnyside and are very popular and helpful. 

(b)           Graham Vick had asked for some litter bags for use on his rounds and SDC have delivered a supply for him. The Chairman thanked Cllr Price for clearing up in the area of the Village Stores.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 10.03pm .