Minutes of meeting of Lakenheath Parish Council held at the Methodist Chapel on Monday, 5th February, 2007.
Present:- Messrs R. Crane (Chairman) Mrs. P. Rissen
K. Blackwell
S. Frost
D. Gathercole
M. Gurney
G. Rickard
Apologies:- Messrs. J. Gentle, B. Palmer and B. Rutterford (Acceptable absences), Mrs. M. Davis (Press) and Squadron Leader Paul Harrison.
Six members of the Public were also present.
Declarations of Interest:- Mr. R. Crane (personal relationship – Parish Office furniture).
The Chairman closed the meeting and welcomed Inspector Kim Warner from the Mildenhall Sector.
Inspector Warner gave a crime up-date which showed the most prevalent crime during the past month had been twelve motor vehicle criminal damage and theft of car badge incidents. There were no leads at present and the nature of the crimes were currently peculiar to Lakenheath. He reported ten other incidents of criminal damage , five of which related to one address, one domestic burglary , one non-dwelling burglary and the successful prosecution of a male for supplying cannabis.
The Inspector explained why Beat Officer Jenny Powell had moved on so quickly and informed members that Pc. Lisa Yorke would be covering Lakenheath until the introduction on 1st June of the Safer Neighbourhood Team for Lakenheath and The Rows which would comprise two Police Officers, two Police Community Support Officers(PCSO’s) and a shared Sergeant with Brandon. The Inspector would also be introducing two weekly meetings with local residents to guage issues of concern.
In response to an issue raised by Mr. M. Gurney the Inspector noted that the activities of groups of young people in the Churchyard had previously been highlighted as an area of concern and agreed to ask the current PCSO, whose role he clarified, to monitor the situation.
REPRESENTATIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Mrs. Tracy Whitehand and a colleague raised the issue of reviving the Village Carnival as a means of involving the whole community. Mrs. Whitehand invited support from the Parish Council and intimated that she and her colleagues were planning fund-raising to cover costs, i.e. insurance and prizes etc. She intimated that they would be happy to work with Lakenheath Playingfields Association if that was acceptable to the Association because they did not wish to detract from the Association’s Annual Fete.
The Chairman noted that the Village Carnival was on the Agenda and would, therefore, be discussed with Mrs. Whitehand’s representations in mind.
The Chairman thanked Inspector Warner and Mrs. Whitehand for their contributions and reconvened the meeting.
MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 8th January, 2007 (a copy of which had been circulated to all members) were amended by the introduction of ‘as from 1st March, 2007’ to resolution (iii) under Appointment of Parish Clerk prior to signing by the Chairman as an accurate record.
The Clerk reported that the noticeboard had not been in situ for the past month.
Mr. D. Gathercole reported that work on the plaque was in progress and the Clerk confirmed that the Royal British Legion Lakenheath Branch and Club had agreed to display the plaque on their premises. The Committee had expressed the wish to see the wording on the Plaque prior to engraving and this was agreed.
The Clerk read the response from the Strategic Director (Resources) explaining the reason for the level of detail published and acknowledging that in future publications the sources for obtaining detailed information would be given.
Mr. G. Rickard put forward No. 1 Broom Road and the Clerk agreed to write accordingly.
The Development Monitoring Officer from Forest Heath District Council had updated that Nos. 73 and 75 would be redeveloped together; work to clear the site and demolish No. 75 was scheduled for mid-February.
Annual Parish Meeting
The Chairman reminded members that the Annual Parish Meeting would be held on Monday 26th April, 2007 commencing at 7.00pm and St. Nicholas Hospice had confirmed that they would provide a Speaker.
The Chairman closed the meeting and invited Mr. Colin Noble, Suffolk County Council to present his report.
Mr. Colin Noble reported as follows:-
· The Order shortening the existing length of 40mph speed limit on part of the A1065 would come into operation on 9th February, 2007.
· There would be delays on Undley Road (C601) in association with works on Smeeth Bridge on 15th February and between 8th and 15th March.
· The C601 Undley road would be closed for resurfacing on 28th February , 1st and 2nd March.
· The problem of flooding at the junction of Windmill Close and the B1112 remained although the road had now been top surfaced and he would, therefore, be taking the matter up again.
· He had noted that repairs to the signage on the Sedge Fen road (C602) were still outstanding and would pursue the matter again particularly since it was noted that vehicles were still going off the road at some of the bends.
· He was actively promoting Lakenheath Playingfield Association’s grant application for the proposed football facilities.
The following issues were brought to Mr. Noble’s attention by members of the Council and he agreed to follow them up:-
The Clerk confirmed that all members of the Council had received a copy of the leaflet setting out some key facts and information about Suffolk’s School Organisation Review and in answer to a query Mr. Noble expressed the view that Primary Schools would be strengthened if the principles recommended in Stage 1 and supported by many Primary School staff were accepted.
The Chairman thanked Mr. Noble for his report and reconvened the meeting.
Mr. R. Crane drew members attention to the Forest Heath Parish Forum on Thursday 8th March, 2007.
In answer to a query raised Mr. Crane agreed to check the regularity of Poop Scoop emptying.
Minutes of Planning Committee Meeting – 23rd January, 2007,
The minutes of the Planning Committee of 23rd January, 2007 (as set out in the Minute Book) were received and signed as a correct record.
The Clerk informed members that the application the subject of the meeting, i.e. No. F/2006/0715/OUT – the erection of 7 dwellings adjacent to Curlew Lodge, Breckland Avenue, had been approved with a condition requiring the replacement on the new site of parking spaces lost to the residents of Breckland Avenue.
Mr. G. Rickard, Chairman of the Planning Committee, confirmed that following circulation no objections had been received to the grant of planning permission in respect of the following applications:-
F/2007/0013/FUL – 132 High Street – alterations to plots 8 and 9 to erect single storey rear extension.
F/2007/0022 – 21 Albert Rolph Drive – new vehicular access over public land for disabled use
F/2007/0076/FUL – 9 Highfields, Lakenheath – erection of single storey extension to rear and detached double garage to side.
Members received a written report from Mr. B. Rutterford to the effect that the cemetery was in good order and the drive looked much better with the new shingle.
He had noted a large pile of hedge cuttings, etc which needed clearing in the near future but was aware that Mr. R. Rolph who usually did this was away and since it was confirmed that he would not be back for five weeks members noted that alternative arrangements were required. The Chairman informed members that one of the lime trees had been taken out completely by the strong winds in January and when the cost of clearing this tree was to hand the issue of pollarding should be revisited.
Additional storage facilities
Members agreed that a hardwood shed 24ftx12ft should be purchased for additional storage and the provision of repair space but since prices to hand indicated that the cost of the shed and concrete base would exceed £2500 it was agreed to seek three quotations.
Application for momument and regulations
The Clerk reported that she had been informed that a fresh application would be submitted in respect of the memorial stone with an etching on the back and in the light of this it was agreed to defer amending the regulations to accommodate the decision already taken to grant permission for a monument if the base was of the correct dimensions and to cover the issue of etching on the reverse side when the pending application was determined.
Exclusive Right of Burial
The Clerk confirmed that exclusive right of burial had been granted to Mr. Darrel Keen.
LAKENHEATH PLAYINGFIELD
Project
Mr. K. Blackwell informed members that it was necessary to arrange for members of the Parish Council to meet members of the Playingfields Committee and a representative of Forest Heath District Council to discuss the implications of any grant award from the Football Foundation. It was agreed to hold the meeting on Monday, 19th February at 7.00pm.
OWNERSHIP OF LAND
Woodlands
Members agreed that the Parish Council did not wish to take ownership of the tree belt along the southern side of Station Road.
Land off High Street, Site of Village Sign
The Clerk reported that she had referred this matter to Messrs. Bendall & Sons as a result of which it was noted that the Parish Council were not in a position to register title until they had maintained the land for ten years and it was agreed, therefore, to carry on maintaining the area and to make the necessary declaration in April 2015.
PARISH OFFICE
The Chairman left the room and the Chair was taken by Mr. S. Frost.
Copies of the Clerk’s report (as set out in the minute book) had been tabled for all members. It was Resolved that :-
(i) Unlimited broadband and internal security connection be installed at a cost of £31.98 per month, including two months credit.
(ii) Authority be given for the purchase of a laptop, screen and printer to a maximum of £700.
(iii) The Clerk be authorised to exchange the office furniture she had acquired in exchange for the computer, screen and printer plus £300.
(iv) That additional furniture be purchased through Suffolk County Council Procurement Scheme in the sum of £1264.00.
The Chairman returned and resumed the Chair.
STREET LIGHTING AND FACILITIES
Copies of the Clerk’s report (as set out in the minute book) had been tabled for all members. It was Resolved that:-
(i) Children’s Playground Repairs – approval be given to seek quotations from Moons Plant Hire and Playground Services.
(ii) Children’s Playground New Item of Equipment – A sub-committee, comprising, , Messrs. K. Blackwell, S. Frost and D. Gathercole be set up to view catalogues and report back.
(iii) Moles – Mr.R. E. Smith be invited to harrow the playingfield with a view to levelling the molehills and driving off the moles.
(iv) Cemetery Road noticeboard – Mr. S. Heywood be invited to submit a quotation for providing similar noticeboard to that erected in Sedge Fen.
(v) Seat and Waste Bin between Nos.152A and 154 High Street- to relocate the seat to the Children’s Playground and the waste bin to the Warren Car Park
via the Parish Keepers.
(vi) Street Lighting - To accept the estimate in the sum of £3318.83 for street
Lighting in Woodlands, Wingfield Road and Sedge Fen Road.
VILLAGE CARNIVAL
Mr. K. Blackwell indicated that as Chairman of the Lakenheath Playingfields Association he would be happy to recommend to the members of the Committee that they should liaise with Mrs. T. Whitehand and her colleagues interested in reviving the Village Carnival with a view to combining both events on Saturday, 4th August, 2007. He agreed to clarify the level of insurance cover held by the Playingfields Association.
VILLAGE SIGN
The Clerk confirmed that the order had been placed with Mr. Neil Horne for the new Village Sign since the detailed drawing had been agreed by the Sub-Committee set up to agree the design.
PARISH PLAN
A copy of the circulated Parish Plan Update (as set out in the minute Book) was received and it was agreed to publish details via the website and parish newsletter.
The Clerk added that since the update had been prepared she had heard from the Doctors’ Surgery that they were unable to provide hearing aid batteries since they were dispensed from West Suffolk Hospital.
Mr. B. Rutterford, the Editor of the Parish newsletter, had written to the Clerk re the issue of persons not wishing to receive the publication. In the interests of the convenience of distributors it was agreed to put an article in the next issue inviting any such persons to take their copy to the Library where copies had been requested.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Payment of Accounts
The Council approved cheques presented for signature as per the full list detailing payment for the 2006/7 financial year attached to the minute book dated 31.3.07.
Completion of audit of accounts for year ended 31st March, 2006.
The Clerk reported receipt of the signed audit certificate and opinion and that the closure of audit had been advertised. The external auditor had recommended the Council to review their Fidelity Guarantee Insurance cover in view of levels of income and bank account balances. This was noted to action when Insurances were reviewed for the year commencing 1st October, 2007.
Internal Audit
Upon audit of the ledgers for the period 1st October to 31st December, 2006 Mr. G. Rickard had drawn attention to the incorrect transfer of figures from the ledger to the Bank reconciliation as at 31st December, 2006 as a result of which a correct copy of the Bank reconciliation was circulated. He had also drawn attention to the low level of interest on the Lloyds 30 Day Account and had suggested investing with an internet based financial institution. It was agreed to address this issue after 1st March, 2007.
S.137 Grant Application - Suffolk Family Carers
It was agreed to make a grant of £50 to Suffolk Family Carers under S. 137 of the Local Government Act, 1972.
CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence was received:-
· Lakenheath Doctors’ Surgery had indicated that the level of need in Lakenheath for respite care was in the region of two beds available at all times.
· An update had been received from The Council for the Preservation of Rural England on the new Draft East of England Plan.
· Suffolk Assocation of Local Councils were running a one day event entitled Building and Strengthening your Community to be held in Mildenhall on 26th March. Anyone interested in attending was asked to notify the Clerk by 19th March.
Suffolk County Council had provided a helpline no. in connection with the outbreak of Bird Flu and it was agreed to refer to this in the March issue of Lakenheath News drawing it, in particular, to the attention of ramblers.
It was agreed to place the following items on the March Agenda:-
· Health and Safety Policy
· Risk Assessment.
· Youth of the Village
·
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The date of the next meeting was noted as Monday, 5th March, 2007.
DATE OF PUBLIC MEETING – HEALTH COMMISSIONING
The date of this Public Meeting was noted as Monday, 19th March, at 7.00pm.