Parish Council meeting minutes, November 2003

Minutes of the meeting of Elsworth Parish Council held on Wednesday 19th November 2003 in Elsworth School Hall

PRESENT

Ian Maddison (IM) (Chairman) Mrs Annie Howell (AH), Messrs Alan Farrow (AF), Robin Grange (RG), David Holland (DH), Ian Macgregor (IMc), Anthony Taylor (AT), Michael Taylor (MT)

James Witherow (JW)

IN ATTENDANCE

Stephen Bridge (SB) Chief Executive, Papworth Hospital NHS Trust 5 parishioners

Apologies for absence

Cllr Mrs B Walters (District Councillor) Cllr. Mrs S Johnstone (County Councillor) Mrs E Sim (ES) (Clerk)

Papworth Hospital NHS Trust - Report from Stephen Bridge, Chief Executive

SB outlined the background and concept of NHS Foundation Trust Hospitals. Under the new proposals, Foundation Hospitals would afford local people a seat on the Board and therefore a say in hospital policy and management. Foundation Trust Hospitals would also have a limited ability to raise capital for themselves. Papworth has applied for Foundation Trust Hospital status as have 24 other hospitals in the UK. The application is currently in a consultation phase. The formal application to the health department for Foundation Hospital status would be on 12th December.

Fardell's Lane Committee (FLC) report

Item 9b on the agenda was taken first as parishioners were present who had a special interest in this subject. IM outlined the three FLC meetings-an initial meeting, a site meeting and a follow-up meeting and explained that the objectives of the FLC were to explore various options for the Fardell's Lane area and put forward a proposed management plan to South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) for approval and their contribution towards funding within the current financial year (31st March 2004). Elsworth is being viewed as a pilot for similar potential projects elsewhere. In addition to possible funds available from SCDC, there is a funding source from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Berry Kenny (BK), Chairman of the FLC, confirmed that the outline management plan was almost ready, that he would liaise with Ian Penfold (IP) and circulate it to FLC and Parish Council members by e-mail. BK confirmed that the main thrust of the Fardell's Lane management plan was to improve what was already there by reinstating the meadow area and paths, taking more care of the trees and de-silting the pond. A second phase might include cutting back blackthorn and dead trees, putting gates at the entrances to the land, possibly putting a bridge across the Fardell's Lane ditch, installing nesting boxes, labelling trees and planting (e.g. new trees and meadow plants). BK noted that a good example of what could be done could be seen in Watts Wood in Comberton. The FLC would also ensure that a tree surgeon addressed the overhanging trees along Fardell's Lane.

Paul Harding (PH), pointed out that in addition to the one-off start-up costs, there was a projected on-going annual maintenance cost of around £400 for general maintenance. IM proposed an annual support fund of up to £500 for maintenance of the Fardell's Lane area. Additional funds would require separate application to the PC from the FLC. (Prop IM, Sec AT, carried unanimously).

SCDC had confirmed in writing that the nominal sum for the land would be £1. The transfer would be for amenity purposes only and any profit accruing from development value would go to SCDC -100% within 10 years and 75% within 50 years. SCDC also confirmed that the transfer would not be subject to a lease.

The Parish Council had received a letter from Elsworth Sports Club expressing concern over rabbits and badgers causing damage on the sports field. The Sports Club requested a meeting with the Parish Council with regard to this. The Parish Council would respond.

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IM outlined the terms of reference for the FLC. The FLC would be answerable to, and directed by, the Parish Council. The FLC would act as an advisory group and be responsible for the longer term management of the Fardell's' Lane area. The maximum size of the FLC would be 12 members whose terms of office should be limited to ensure a reasonable turnover of members. The Chairman and Secretary would be elected annually. A voluntary Project Coordinator responsible for the day-to-day management of the site would be appointed. The FLC would meet at least twice a year and on an ad hoc basis. A minimum of one member of the Parish Council would be represented on the FLC. Every Parish Council AGM would include a short report from the FLC.

The Fardell's Lane area is, at present being referred to as `The Fardell's Lane Reserve'.

BK undertook to produce the first draft of the management plan by the end of the week with the aim of submitting a final draft to the SCDC before Christmas. It was resolved that ``the four Parish Councillors sitting on the FLC be given the authority by the Parish Council to act on the Parish Council's behalf and approve the plan. (Prop IM, Sec AT, carried unanimously).

Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

Minutes of the meetings held on September 17th 2003

After some discussion and minor amendment the September 17, 2003 minutes were agreed and signed.

Matters arising from the minutes

a. Wheelie bins

IM outlined the response received from Cllr Barker to a letter from the PC raising the issue of lack of consultation. IM had not spoken with other Parish Chairs as the scheme was now in place and this would have little or no affect on the operation of the scheme. The view of the meeting was that Cllr Barker's response to the letter was questionable and that the District Council should consult properly on issues of such significance. It was agreed that the Parish Council respond in writing to SCDC to register concern as to the lack of consultation and the poor precedent that this could set. The letter to include a request for a central point for black bag collection, should a suitable site be identified. (Prop IM, Sec IMc). MT to liaise with LS to identify a central collection point. Councillors were reminded that applications for exemptions to the use of wheelie bins were dealt with through forms available from the Parish Clerk.

b. 4 - 9F Abuse of old exit onto A428.

There was still a gap that cars were passing through. LS to contact the Cambourne developers' Office.

9e Bus Stop on the A428

There had been no progress relating to the site for the A428 Bus Stop.

Communications

a. SCDC Lands Officer. - Response to Parish Council letter re: transfer of Land at Fardell's Lane to Parish Council. See section 3.

b. Cambridgeshire Constabulary Inspector Howell Histon Police Station. - Notification of the secondment of Elsworth's Community Beat Officer to duties in Cambridge City. There was widespread concern at this news. AF proposed that the Parish Council write to the Chief Constable expressing this concern. (Prop AF, Sec AH, carried unanimously).

c. Elsworth Sport Club - Informing that the pitches were suffering serious damage from badgers and rabbits. A recent football match had to be cancelled because of rabbit dropping on the sports field. Request that the Parish Council consider a fence or wire on the Fardell's Lane side of the area.

d. Elsworth Sport Club. - Response to points raised by the ROSPA Safety Inspector with regard to public liability demarcation for the Parish Council and the sports club on the Grass Close, installation of a gate on the Broad End exit and tree maintenance. Discussion of this matter was deferred to the next meeting.

e. Community Safety Partnership. - Notification of funding available for Youth Shelters. Applications to be submitted by 12th December. The Leisure and Welfare Committee would put proposals together for the next meeting to cover the issues of a shelter and a hard surface area for play and sports. (Prop IMc, Sec IM).

f. Community Development Funding Toolkit - A new resource to support community groups to access funding from a wide variety of sources. -Invitation to Seminar day on 29th November at 11am -2pm Comberton Village College. Councillors agreed to consider attending.

g. SCDC Chief Executives Dept - Notification of consultation events in November on the priorities for improving services in 2004. Councillors agreed to consider attending.

h. Members' Allowances document. - Notification to Parish Council that under the Local Authorities Members' allowances arrangements regulation (England) 2003, change in the allowances PCs may make to members. This would be an agenda item for the next Parish Council meeting.

i. Colin Barker - - Response to Parish Council letter re Wheelie bins consultation. Covered in section 6a.

j. Ross Finlayson - Re surveys, regretting unable to undertake commissions until after March 04. IM would get further clarification of this.

k. CCC Countryside Services Team. - Notification that the Tree and Hedge Pack scheme is closing due to budget pressures. Reminding of PC's need to request this year's allocation

l. Anglia in Bloom - Judges' comments on Elsworth. Elsworth gained a MERIT award. This included comments suggesting that further improvements could be made. The summary suggested that more voluntary community involvement would reap benefits.

m. CCC Countryside Services. - Details of Parish Paths Partnership. Applications to be submitted by 6th Feb 04. LS to check that the Parish Council is applying to the CCC Countryside Services team for funds to maintain hedges (e.g. for the hedges near the church).

n. Berry Kenny. Copy of reply to his letter to DEFRA re Refuse Collection.

Postwatch. - Information pack for Rural Communities offering advice should their local post office close. This pack was also issued at the Post Office conference attended by IMc - See section 9a.

Parish Council matters

PCSO's. Report on the Meeting with Inspector Raines on 7th October.

A report from LS, who attended the meeting, was presented. The possibility of sharing a local PCSO with another village should be kept on the agenda for the next meeting. Councillors regretted the recent secondment of the Community Beat Manager to Cambridge.

Report on the meeting of November 13th re Traffic Calming proposals and further discussion.

IM summarised the final proposals for traffic calming in Elsworth. This included proposals for

extra speed cushions from The Poacher on Brockley Road up to Bob Empson's garage,

speed cushions between Rogues Lane and Broad End rather than an interactive sign

elimination of a small part of the lay-by on Smith Street at the junction with Brook Street so as to improve visibility at the cross road.

One unresolved point related to the table at the bottom of The Drift. No decision had been made at the meeting on 13th Nov with regard to installing a table at this point, largely because of the history of subsidence in this locality. The general impression amongst the Parish Councillors was that alternative solutions for this area should be investigated. . IM would talk to David Brace to seek an alternative proposal which, if forthcoming, would be reviewed by the Parish Council.

MT expressed his opposition to the scheme feeling that the issue of speeding was being overstated and that the scheme spoiled the look of the village. DH pointed out that 2/3 of the traffic was speeding and IMc noted that the brief periods of intense traffic also coincided with school times. IM presented the speeding data from the traffic census which demonstrated excessive speeding in the village.

Village Matters

Rural Services Conference on Post Office provision

IMc provided an overview of the conference, a useful event which provided a number of good ideas for the running of Post Office and shop such as Elsworth's. Copies of the conference report were available from IMc. IMc confirmed that there were two candidates applying for the position of postmaster and that a final decision would be made within the following 10 days.

Parish planting

IM would liaise with LS over the progress on the parish planting scheme.

Village/Parish Newsletter

AF reported that the newsletter was almost ready, with a couple of contributions pending.

Working parties

Trees & Waterways

IM summarised the recent activities of the committee including brook clearing, de-silting and a report on the Brook Street Sluice Gate meeting on 10th Nov, where there was unanimous support for the proposed new scheme (without the blind sluice). IM had asked Neil Kenny to clear the reeds in front of the sluice gates. Following an offer from Paul Harding to prune the trees that the PC was responsible for the councillors agreed that the necessary pruning be undertaken and thanked Mr Harding (Prop RG, Sec IM, carried unanimously).

School Liaison

Miss Lesley Minter, the school head, had resigned and was due to retire in 2004.

Web site

The web site was up and running it would be developed over time. Additions and changes should be sent to LS. DH was responsible for making the changes to the site.

Finance

Monthly accounts

The following payments and expenditure were agreed. (Prop IM, Sec IMc).

Glasdon UK Dog bins 652.72 BT Phone Bill 74.40 Neil Kenny Account 11.08 -13.10.03 102.00 Neil Kenny Maintenance Cut 4 250.00 Ian Maddison Expenses Paint for Bridges 32.76 David Holland Registration of web site address £8.81 & 1 Year's hosting £17.63 26.44 Ian Macgregor Mileage Postwatch East of England Conference 23.10.03 46 miles @40p 18.40 Papworth Everard Parish Council lease of equipment 2003-4 , copy charges & email cost 238.21 Mrs E Sim Postage 29.16 Total 1424.09 Receipts None

Wicksteed Leisure Repair of Play equipment 274.00

Section 137 & donation process for 2004-5

This was deferred to the next meeting

Budget for 2004-5

IM requested all working party convenors to consider their 2004-5 budget proposals for the next meeting.

Date of next meeting

Parish Council - Wednesday January 21st 2004

Items for any other business

a. Timing of Parish Council meetings

AT raised the point that Parish Council meetings were over-long and that it was hard to concentrate after two hours. (Clerk's Note - PC standing orders stipulate a maximum of 2 hours with a unanimously agreed extension of a maximum of 30 minutes) He suggested that items such as `previous minutes' and `matters arising' should be covered in advance of the meetings. `Communications' could also be circulated in advance. RG suggested that SCDC's Weekly Bulletin could also be printed off by LS and circulated with the Communications. It was unanimously agreed that these suggestions should be pursued for the next meeting.

The Meeting closed at 22:13.

Ian Macgr''''''''''''-''''''''''''''''''