MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL

ON WEDNESDAY 6^th SEPTEMBER 2006 

LAKEFIELD SCHOOL PRESENTATION

Fiona Arnison, Head Teacher of Lakefield School circulated a written report giving details of plans for the school and current projects.  Cllrs were invited to an Open Morning from 9 am to 12 noon on Friday 6^th October. 

There are a few specific concerns that it was hoped Parish Council could help with: 

§          The school is hoping to recruit staff for lunch time supervision duties and cleaning and would like to see these posts filled by local people.  An advert will be placed in the CA Newsletter and Cllrs were requested to pass on the message. 

§          On a more serious note Fiona reported that some residents from houses adjoining the school playing field have been using the field as a short cut to the car park and safety of the children is a concern.  The Chairman advised that the path is owned by the County Council and managed by the school and is not a public right of way.  When it had been created, the local authority had suggested that the gate would normally be locked while the school was in session, but open at other times for use by villagers as a permissive footpath.  It was agreed that this practice should be re-established.  The school will display a Notice to advise of the situation and submit an item to the CA Newsletter.   

The Chairman thanked Fiona for coming to speak to Cllrs and assured her of continued support from Parish Council. 

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POLICE REPORT

PCSO Debbie Hughes and Sgt Henry Wright reported there had been six crimes reported for the parish from the beginning of August to date.  Three had been detected, giving a 50% detection rate. 

The Chairman thanked Debbie and Sgt Wright for attending. 

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

§                 Low Cost Housing

Denise Peacey asked if any progress had been made with identifying sites for Low Cost Housing in the parish. The Chairman confirmed the matter would be considered in the meeting. 

§             Public Footpaths

Bill Edwards, Chairman of the Footpaths Committee at Eastington Parish Council, reported that the County Council are proposing to close footpaths EFR1 and EEA73 in his parish.  The footpaths start at the boundary of Frampton parish and form part of a circular walk west of the M5.  Mr Edwards requested Cllrs support Eastington in their opposition to closure.  Cllrs studied maps of the area and agreed to discuss this under Item 8 on the Agenda. 

§             Notification of Parish Council Meetings

John Hunter asked that a copy of the meeting agenda be displayed on Parish Notice boards.  The clerk confirmed a copy is in the notice board at The Top Shop car park. 

§             Frampton Pill

Joy Greenwood expressed concern that the parishioners’ right to launch boats from Frampton Pill was gradually being closed off and requested Parish Council take what action it could to ensure that the rights are preserved.   Cllrs considered this to be an important issue and discussed the concerns at some length.  The following key points were noted: 

-          The land leading to the landing place lies partly on The Berkeley Estate and partly on Frampton Court Estate.  

-          There are no public rights of way on the definitive map over land to the west of the canal. 

-          FCE have informally accepted use of the flood bank as a permissive footpath. 

-          Farmers and landowners have responsibilities relating to Ramsars and SSSIs, which discourage access to areas during certain seasons. 

-          Some parishioners have reported being challenged by representatives from the Wildfowl Trust and Shooting Club when walking on the riverbank in this area.  Cllr Alexander will raise this with the Chairman of the Wildfowling Association to ensure he understands the situation. 

The Chairman agreed to seek a meeting with FCE to discuss the situation, particularly to ensure that the landing rights were maintained. 

MINUTES OF THE MEETING 

PRESENT

Cllrs Alexander, Clifford, Greenfield, Howe (Chairman), K Lewis, M Lewis, Price, Speed and Wagstaff were present, plus County Cllr Booth, Mrs Lynn Ireland (Clerk) and 6 members of the public.   

APOLOGIES

None. 

103/06   DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Cllr Price declared a prejudicial interest in Agenda item 8.1 Bacca Box.. 

104/06   PREVIOUS MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 5^th July 2006 were amended as follows: 

§             Page 573, Agenda item 101/06.  Report from Cllr K Lewis to read “…..the school playing field to and from Phillimore Gardens and the school.” 

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

The Minutes of the Extraordinary meeting held on the 21^st August 2006 were approved as a true record of proceedings and signed by the Chairman.   

105/06   PLANNING

(a)    decisions of the district council

(b)      to consider applications for planning

(c)        other planning matters

§             Proposed Tree Works - The Old House, The Green

The District Council has advised a proposal to remove nine poplar trees within the Conservation Area.  The trees will be replaced with a species more in keeping with the position and area. 

§             Temporary Footpath Closure Order

Cllr Clifford declared a non-prejudicial interest

The PROW Dept have advised the temporary closure of several footpaths in the parish during the annual Frampton Country Fair, commencing at midday on 9^th September for a period of two days. 

106/06   ACCOUNTS

§          Invoices

The following invoices were unanimously agreed for payment: 

 Cllr Alexander queried the expenditure for postage of the CA Newsletter and considered that in future the Community Association should cover this cost. 

§          Annual Audit

Cllr M Lewis reported that the Annual Return has been completed by the Internal Auditor and submitted to the External Auditors.  One query has been raised over the figure for Fixed Assets and this does not make any difference to the overall audit figures and can be easily resolved.   

§          Financial Update

Cllr M Lewis had prepared comprehensive financial papers that were circulated for information.  An update paper will be produced for each meeting to enable Cllrs to keep a check on expenditure.   

§            VAT Refund

The sum of £703.10 has been paid into the account as refund of the VAT for the year. 

§            Bank Signatories

The appropriate forms were circulated and Cllrs were requested to arrange completion to enable new signatories to be appointed. 

107/06   CLLRS RESPONSIBILITIES

Final updates were made to the list.  The Parish Plan Review Group would consist of Cllrs Speed (Chair) Alexander, Howe, Price and Wagstaff.  Cllr Wagstaff will take responsibility for Housing.  Cllrs will be supplied with a copy of the completed schedule. 

108/06   INTERACTIVE SPEED WARNING SIGN

Stroud Crime & Disorder Partnership has purchased an Interactive Speed Warning Sign.  This will be available to Parish Councils on loan at an initial cost of £200 for the first year and then £30 pa. Cllrs agreed a full demonstration would be required before any decision could be made. The Chairman will request further details of the equipment. 

109/06   PUBLIC FOOTPATHS

§             Bacca Box

The County Council have made an Order to put a length of footpath at Bacca Box into the definitive map and matters are proceeding. 

§             Wickster’s Brook

Prior to the meeting, Bill Edwards had raised the concerns of Eastington Parish Council about the proposed closure of two footpaths in their Parish.  Cllrs studied maps of the area and discussed the matter at some length.  The closure of the footpaths would remove the opportunity to take a circular walk west of the M5, which is a popular route for walkers.   

County Cllr Booth reported this proposal has not come before the County Public Rights of Way Committee of which he is Chairman.  He will make enquiries about the position and report back to the next meeting. 

Proposal               Cllr Speed proposed this Parish Council support Eastington Parish Council and write

 to the PROW dept at Shire Hall

Seconded             Cllr Greenfield

Vote                       5 in favour 2 abstentions 

§          Perryway Footpath

Cllr Alexander was asked to give an update on the position with regard to creation of a footpath along The Perryway and advised that the Environment Agency require clarification on various points in the application.  Arrangements are being made to recruit someone to prepare a cross sectional detail along length of the Perryway.  The County Council have verbally agreed to remove any blockages from the culvert once the work is completed and written confirmation has been requested.  Negotiations are ongoing and updates will be reported. 

§          Access to the River Severn

Prior to the meeting, Joy Greenwood had expressed concern that the parishioners’ right of access to the River Severn is being inhibited.  Cllrs agreed that parishioners have a right to walk to The Pill although there is no public right of way.  Cllr Speed commented that the route is not obvious as a style has been removed and he asked that consideration be given to producing a map to show the exact route.  Cllrs agreed that the Chairman should contact Frampton Court Estate to discuss this and try to resolve the problem. 

110/06   TRAFFIC SURVEY

Gloucestershire Highways carried out a traffic survey at the junction of The Perryway and A38 on 29^th June from 7am to 7pm.  Cllr Alexander reported that the findings were very interesting and highlighted the fact that a large number of vehicles using the junction were HGVs.  Some vehicles were using Fromebridge Lane as a rat run. The County Council will now arrange for a Feasibility Study to be carried out on junction improvements.   

After a full discussion it was agreed a Sub group would have a site meeting with Katy Griffiths (John Lindsay’s replacement) to take this forward.  Sub Group members would be Cllrs Alexander, Greenfield and Howe.  Cllr Speed asked that consideration be given to creating a roundabout at the junction rather than the proposed traffic lights.  County Cllr Booth agreed a roundabout would be preferable but he will give his support to whatever is finally agreed. 

111/06   NEIGHBOURHOOD WARDENS

Cllrs K Lewis, M Lewis, Price and Wagstaff had attended meeting of Arlingham Parish Council to listen to a presentation from the Stroud District Neighbourhood Wardens.  They consider the scheme would have benefits for the village, but were concerned about the cost implications and how much time Wardens would be able to spend in the village.  As the largest parish in the Severn Vale group, Frampton would presumably be expected to make the biggest contribution.  It would be possible to have a four-month free trial following which the level of contribution could be negotiated with the District Council.  Cllr Speed proposed that the four new Cllrs form a Sub group to investigate costings and report back to the next meeting. 

112/06   VILLAGE GARDEN COMPETITION

Cllr Greenfield advised that plans were proceeding for the presentation of the Village Garden Competition trophies and certificates, and this will take place prior to the October Parish Council meeting.  Unfortunately Cllr Greenfield will not be able to attend that meeting due to a long-standing commitment and Cllr Howe will Chair the proceedings.  Cllr Greenfield requested that in future the presentations take place at the September Parish Council meeting and this was unanimously agreed. 

113/06   COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

County Cllr Booth reported that following the appointment of W.S. Atkins as the highways agent, there is a proposal to reduce the number of Highway Depots.  This could mean that Stroudwater may close.   

114/06   DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

No report. 

115/06   CORRESPONDENCE

§           Invitations had been received for the following meetings:

§           Encams “A Guide to Improving your Local Environment”

It was agreed the Clerk would hold this booklet for information. 

§          District Council Statement of Environment Policy

The District Council is asking for comments on the Policy.  Cllr Speed will check the document and report anything significant to the next meeting. 

§          County Council Waste Management Strategy

The Chairman will check the Summary Document and report anything significant to the next meeting. 

§          Miscellaneous

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

116/06   CHAIRMAN’S ITEMS

§             Village Fete

The Frampton Village Fete took place on 26^th August and was very successful, raising approximately £2500 for village organisations.  Thanks were extended to Cllrs Alexander and Greenfield and to Mrs Carol Alexander for their support of the event.  The Working Group have a debrief meeting next week to allocate funding. 

§             Dog Bin

The District Council have advised that funding for provision of a Dog Refuse Bin at Church End will not be available until next year. 

§             Bill Wood Memorial Shield

The Judges have met to discuss nominations for the 2006 Award and Roy Preece has been selected to receive the Shield.  Presentation will take place following the AGM of the Village Society in the Village Hall on 20^th October. 

§             Affordable Housing

Sinead Barker had forwarded papers following her presentation to Parish Council in June and these have been distributed to Cllrs.  This subject will be added to the Agenda for the October meeting and Cllr Price will advise Denise Peacey to enable her to attend.  Sinead is also to give a presentation to the next meeting of Severn Voice.   

117/06   ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Cllr Price reported parishioners have expressed concern at dogs fouling the football field.  Owners have been asked to use the Dog Refuse Bin provided or not to exercise their dogs on the field, but the problem is still happening.  Cllrs were advised that offenders could be reported to the District Council Dog Warden.  The Chairman agreed to put an item in the next issue of the CA Newsletter. 

Cllr Alexander reported that due to the transfer of highway maintenance from Ringways to Atkins, some of the work requested has not yet taken place.  They have assured this will be carried out as soon as possible.  The Milestone in The Perryway is still to be repositioned and surface dressing for Whitminster Lane should be in the budget for 2008. 

there being no further business the meeting closed at 10.30pm.