SOUTHILL PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 12TH JULY 2011 @ 7.00PM AT BROOM VILLAGE HALL
Present: Cllrs. Rook(Vice Chairman), Andrews, Green, Hall, Hankins, Hickman, Hunt, Jones, Rodenberg, Central Beds. Cllr. Turner the Parish Clerk, and three members of the public.
1. Apologies
Apologies were received from Councillors Blackburn and Egar
2. Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 9th May 2011 were confirmed as a true record and duly signed.
3. Declarations of Interest from Members
Declarations were as follows : Cllr. Hickman Item 6 (d)(iv)
4. Police Report
In the absence of any police presence there was no report.
5. Matters arising from the Minutes
There were no matters arising.
6. Special Interest Groups’ Reports
a) School
Cllr. Andrews reported that 61 children were currently attending the school. She confirmed that Fran Murray, the current acting headteacher, had been appointed to the vacancy and will take up her substantive position in September 2011.Funding has been made available for the roof and work is scheduled to be completed during the summer holidays. Planning permission has been given for the barn conversion for the reception classroom. A ‘fun night’ was held recently for children and families of the parish which was huge success. Thanks were forwarded to the Parish Council for their approval of the event.
b) Broom Quarry Liaison
A meeting of the group had taken place on 15th June 2011 which included a site visit. Three planting schemes at Broom South were still outstanding and the northern section of the existing site will soon be stripped and restoration started. Due to extraction rates being well below target, the extraction period will be extended and start up work on Broom South delayed. This will have a knock-on effect and mean the vehicle entrance work and the promised speed signs being delayed. The Council were unhappy about the delay in the speed signs and the Clerk was asked to write to Tarmac requesting their installation as soon as possible.
c) Grass cutting
Cllr. Green reported the cuts had been continuing as planned. There was some concern over the standard of the cuts, particularly in Stanford where the cutting had not reached the agreed extremities. Cllr. Green will liaise with the contractor.
d) Halls and Playing Fields
i) Southill - The annual inspection of the playing field equipment had taken place and the shelter needed urgent attention. An estimate for the work was being obtained.
ii) Broom – There was nothing to report
iii) Stanford – The annual fund raising duck race will take place on 11th September 2011. The annual inspection of play equipment had taken place and identified a small number of low risk items.
7. Queens Diamond Jubilee – Lighting of Beacons
The Vice Chairman informed Councillors that all Town and Parish Councils throughout the country were being invited to register their interest in having a beacon in their area to celebrate the event on 4th June 2012. After a brief discussion it was unanimously agreed that the Council register their interest.
8. Highway Maintenance
Poor road surface in Kings Road, Broom. Concern was expressed over the cost effectiveness of the recent resurfacing to the entrance to Birch Close, Broom where large machinery sat for three days. It was considered that the entire road could have been resurfaced in that time for little extra cost. The issue of school buses turning in the area was still a concern. Central Beds. Council were praised for their speedy response to fly tipping reports. Councillors were advised that the ‘Fix My Street’ website could be used to report instances of fly tipping.
9. Planning Matters
a) Applications considered
Land to the south of Ireland
Change of use of former police shooting range to shooting range with opening hours 8.30am to 10pm weekdays, 8.30am to 7pm weekends/bank holidays. Increase in height of existing backstop. No objection
17 High Street, Broom
Proposed first floor extension to enlarge bathroom to front of property. No objection
12 The Woodlands, Broom
Two story side extension No objection
21 High Street, Broom
Erect a fence along south east boundary & along eastern section of the northern and southern boundaries. Objection
b) Central Beds. Council Decisions – Approvals
Southill Lower School, School Lane, Southill
Extension and change of use of single storey building to form new reception classroom with covered play area and walkway. New ramp to main entrance.
c) Central Beds. Council Decisions - Refusals
None to report
d) Local Development Framework
Nothing to report.
10. Financial Matters
a) Bank Balances
The Clerk reported bank balances as follows : £
Community Account 15,775.42
Business Premium Account 14,815.21
b) Payments
The following accounts have been received and were approved for payment : £
Broom Village Hall Hire of room 25.00
M J Granger Grounds Mtce. Grass cutting 498.00
M J Granger Grounds Mtce. Grass cutting 765.60
Playsafety Ltd. Annual inspection of Southill Playing Field 82.80
P.D. Knightley Clerk’s duties & expenses May/June 2011 711.20
HM Revenue & Customs Tax deductions April/June 2011 219.60
11. Correspondence
The Clerk reported on the correspondence. :
a) Central Bedfordshire Council - Manage & maintain the Countryside sites
‘Lets Talk Together’ – next meeting 20th October 2011
Local Area Profiles
Economic Development Plan Consultation
b) General Correspondence
Beds.& River Ivel Internal Drainage Watercourse Maintenance Programme 2011/2012
The Vice Chairman advised those present that Southill Village Store was under new management and asked that support be given where possible.
12. Next Meeting – Monday 5th September 2011, 7.00pm at Southill Lower School
There being no further business the meeting ended at 7.25 pm
At a general meeting before the Parish Council Meeting there were no points raised by the public.