MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL

ON WEDNESDAY 3^rd OCTOBER 2007

REPORT FROM LAKEFIELD SCHOOL

Mrs Fiona Arnison the Head Teacher of Lakefield School gave Council an update on work over the last year.  The Ofsted inspection had produced an excellent report and copies were provided for Cllrs.  The new library building was now open and was being well used by pupils. School now has international status, and teachers have made visits to schools in other European countries.  Close links have been made with a school in Kenya and it was hoped to arrange a visit from pupils at Bourgbarré School .

The main priority for next year, the introduction of the inter-related subject approach to teaching, good progress was currently being made with the two-year pilot scheme. ‘Walk on Wednesday’ has been introduced as a more environmental means of travelling to school.  

The school has a good relationship with its Governors who give support to the teaching staff.  There is presently a vacancy for a parent governor and someone with financial experience would be a great asset.  

In response to a question from the Chairman, Mrs Arnison confirmed that the school has an excellent relationship with Andy Foster the Neighbourhood Warden.  He has been able to provide help and support on a number of occasions and in particular over an incident which had enabled the police to make two arrests when youngsters had gained entry to the school grounds after hours.  The school had provided a letter in support of the Neighbourhood Warden service.  

Mrs Arnison thanked Parish Council for its support over the last year and extended an invitation for Councillors to attend the Open Morning on the 4^th October.  

The Chairman thanked Mrs Arnison for her presentation and asked her to pass on congratulations to all the teaching staff for their work in gaining the excellent Ofsted Report.   Mrs Arnison was invited to attend the Annual Parish Meeting in March 2008 to give a presentation about the school to parishioners.  

Mrs Arnison left the meeting  

POLICE REPORT

PCSO Debbie Hughes provided a breakdown of recorded crime over the last two months and reported that there had been a total of 11 incidents.  The detection rate had increased to just over 45% and an arrest had been made in a violent crime incident from two months ago.  In response to an enquiry from Cllr Price about the graffiti in the bus shelter in Bridge Road , it was discovered that the original message had not been passed to PCSO Hughes and she will now deal with the incident, which will enable the graffiti to be cleaned away.  

The police have a very good working relationship with the Neighbourhood Warden and would wish to add support to the continuation of the Service.  

Whitminster Parish Council has brought forward the time of their monthly meeting and this now coincides with the Frampton-on-Severn meeting.  This will inevitably cause problems for the PCSOs attending both meetings to give their crime report.  Cllrs discussed how this could be overcome and it was agreed that in future the PCSOs would be invited to attend alternate meetings and it was hoped that Cllrs at Whitminster would be agreeable.  This proposal would be passed to Sgt Steve Irvin at the Safer Communities Team.  

PCSO Hughes left the meeting  

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

No matters were raised.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING  

PRESENT

Cllrs Alexander, M Lewis, Price, Speed and Wagstaff were present, plus County Cllr Booth, District Cllr Smith and Lynn Ireland (Clerk) and 2 members of the public. 

APOLOGIES

Cllrs Clifford , Greenfield , Howe and K. Lewis .

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

138/07   DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None

139/07   PREVIOUS MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 5^th September 2007 were amended as follows:

§           Page 629 – to show Cllr Wagstaff as present at the meeting

§           Page 631 – item 130/07 – to read “….Bathhurst could supply a complete post for £35 to include finger bar.”

§           Page 633 – item 137/07(c) to read “it is proposed to remove dog refuse bins from the playing field…….”  

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

140/07   PLANNING

(a)    decisions of the district council

 (b)    planning applications

(c)     other planning matters

§           Solar Heating Panels

The Chairman advised that E.C Merrett have asked if they can address the November meeting to advise on the planning implications regarding the installation of solar heating panels. Cllrs had no objections and it was agreed to invite E.C. Merrett to brief Council prior to the November meeting.  

§           Meeting with David Ha gg

The meeting has been organised for Monday 8^th October at Ebley Mill .  Cllr Howe has asked if any other Cllr would wish to attend the meeting and Cllrs Alexander, Speed and Wagstaff expressed an interest.  Final arrangements will be made with Cllr Howe.

141/07   ACCOUNTS

§          Invoices for Payment

§           Financial Update

Cllrs noted the contents of the Financial Statement for September 2007 prepared by Cllr M Lewis.

§           Donation to St Mary ’s Church, Frampton

Cllr Alexander advised that the PCC have purchased the grass cutting equipment they required for the volunteer team at a cost of £956.46.  Cllrs unanimously agreed to reimburse this amount to the PCC.

§           Remembrance Day

Frampton-on-Severn is to host the Remembrance Day Service for the five Severnside parishes this year.  The Silver Band will lead a procession from Vicarage Lane to the War Memorial. Colonel Andy Hodson will represent HM The Queen and wreaths will be laid. Following the Service refreshments will be available in the Village Hall.  The Silver Band will give an evening concert in the Community Association.  

Cllr Alexander reported he was confident of obtaining sponsorship for refreshments following the Service. If this was not forthcoming he asked if Parish Council would be prepared to cover the cost.  

§           Budget for 2008/09

Cllr M Lewis presented figures for the 2008/09 budget and proposed a 2½% increase in the precept to cover planned expenditure. Cllrs discussed the proposals and su gg ested amendments.  Cllr M Lewis will revise the figures for consideration at the November meeting.

Village maintenance was one item discussed in detail and a substantial increase would be considered for 2008/09.  Cllr Price was asked to provide an estimate of costs of grass cutting, removal of tree guards and general maintenance to enable a figure to be set.   

Cllr Alexander proposed including the Children’s Playground committee to the list of annual donations and this was unanimously agreed.

§           Amounts Received

142/07   CODE OF CONDUCT

 Following an enquiry about the necessity for Cllrs to complete and sign the forms, the District Council have advised that this is mandatory.  When all Frampton-on-Severn Cllrs have completed the forms they will be submitted to the District Council as required.

143/07   FLOODING IN THE PARISH

§           Emergency Plan

Cllr Alexander presented a Briefing Paper prepared by The Rev Peter Cheesman.  The Sub Group is making good progress and the Emergency Plan should be ready to be put into place before the winter.  This will cover any potential emergency, not just flooding.  It was agreed that a draft of the Plan would be circulated to Cllrs to enable a full discussion at the November meeting when The Rev Cheesman will be present.

§           June 2007 Flooding

David Drew MP has confirmed that the Environment Agency have agreed to include Frampton-on-Severn in their review of the use of the Canal as a protection against flooding. 

144/07   AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Cllr Price reported discussions at the Severn Voice meeting.  All parish surveys are now complete and the requirement for affordable housing calculated for each parish.  A site identification meeting has been arranged for 22^nd October at Whitminster Village Hall and Cllr Wagstaff will attend to represent this Parish Council.  Cllr Wagstaff will Chair a Sub Group to look in detail at the requirement for this parish.

145/07   SEVERN VOICE MEETING

§           Canal Bridges

Cllr Price reported on the presentation by Ian Jarvis of British Waterways given to the Severn Voice meeting.  Patch Bridge is to be completely renewed. Parkend Bridge will become boat owner operated as from January 2008.  Fretherne Bridge will remain permanently manned as at present.  

§           Flooding

David Drew MP had attended the meeting and updated Councils on his negotiations with British Waterways about the use of the Canal as a means of flood defence for the Severn Vale.  

146/07   STREET LIGHTING SCHEME

Cllrs Alexander and Price have met with Barry Greenaway from the County Council to discuss the part night street lighting scheme.  Of the 50 street lights in this parish they have submitted a proposal that 43 would be suitable for part time operation, being turned off from midnight to 5.30 am .  Mr Greenaway has confirmed that this can be reviewed at any time following implementation and he is discussing with the Education Department about lighting in the area of Lakefield School .  Cllr Alexander will display a map on the Rowles Room notice board and prepare an item for publication in the December issue of the Community Newsletter.  

147/07   LEYHILL PRISON WORKING PARTIES

Having received costs for working parties and after a full discussion, Cllrs decided there were no appropriate projects for the working parties at present.  It was agreed to shelve the scheme for the time being.  

148/07   FOOTPATH SIGNS

Cllr Price confirmed that the County Council have completed their surveys of county footpaths to enable the preparation of a countywide database.  Some footpaths in our parish have missing finger posts, or are obstructed and have failed to comply with regulations.   A written report will be made to parishes in due course.

Cllrs discussed the requirement of footpath signs in the parish and were unsure if the County Council estimate of 20 new posts was accurate.  It was agreed to await the County Council report before making a decision about purchasing posts.  Cllrs unanimously agreed that if posts are required the quote from Bathhursts should be accepted at £35 for a post and finger board.  

149/07   LAGGER AT GLEBE CLOSE

Cllr Alexander reported a quote has been received from Tree Management of £1240.80 + £184.80 vat which is significantly better than the two previous quotations.   After a full discussion Cllrs unanimously agreed to accept the quote and asked Cllr Alexander to arrange the work.  

150/07   NEIGHBOURHOOD WARDENS

Letters in support of the Neighbourhood Warden have been received from a number of parishioners the School, Sunnyside, together with the verbal support of the PCSOs.  Cllrs were unanimous that in principle this Parish Council agrees there is a need and support for the Neighbourhood Warden Service .   

No response has been received from Paul Helbrow about costs for the services of the Warden for half day per week and this figure is required to enable costs to be calculated for the budget.  

151/07   INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

After discussion Cllrs agreed they would prefer to receive meeting papers in hard copy.  Email will be used to circulate general papers.

152/07   REMEMBRANCE DAY 2007 

Item was discussed fully under minute 141/07

153/07   CONSULTATION ON DRAFT LICENSING POLICY

Cllr Howe had drafted a response to the District Council on the consultation draft of the Licensing Policy.  Cllrs agreed the wording as drafted and this will now be submitted.

154/07   COUNTY COUNCILLOR ’S REPORT

County Cllr Booth reported a Sub Committee would be looking at the effects of the recent flooding. A Rainfall Map for July 2007 showed measurements of rain ranging from 1.2” to 6”.  County Highways require £25M to carry out repairs to the counties roads and some capital projects have been shelved for the time being.  An interim payment of £10M has been made available to the County from Central Government and Stroud District Council has been given £600,000 to commence repair works.   

The Environment Agency will be revising the Flood Plain Maps and will reconsider their advice given on planning applications.  

In view of the change of meeting time for Whitminster Parish Council, County Cllr Booth asked if his agenda item could be rescheduled to enable him to attend both meetings.

155/07   DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

District Cllr Smith confirmed that the District Council were discussing renewable energy and the use of solar panels.  The proposals for a Severn Barrage were being reappraised and the decision will be informed by local democratic process.  The Leader of the Council has put forward a motion regarding the proposal to relocate the Regional Fire Control and a letter will go to Government.  

County Cllr Booth left the meeting

156/07   CORRESPONDENCE

§           Cotswold Canal Restoration Project

An evening of information and opportunities relating to the project is to be held on 16^th October.

§           Dog Ban from Playing Field

A resident has written to express concern at the proposed ban.  The letter will be passed to the CA.

§           On Street Parking Lines and Signs

The County Council are completing a countywide programme of parking lines and signs and will carry out remedial work as required.

§           Mobile Police Station

Will visit the parish on 18^th and 28^th October and 5^th and 16^th November.

§          Miscellaneous

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

157/07   ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cllr Price reported a crab apple tree in Lake Lane next to the entrance to the Community Association is overhanging the footpath and is dangerous to passers-by, and a hedge on the left extends 2’ over the pavement.  This is to be followed up with householders.  

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9.40pm .