ULNES WALTON PARISH COUNCILMINUTES OF A MEETING HELD ON 8 SEPTEMBER 2003In Attendance: Mrs E Doran, Mr D Ormerod, Mr J Ascroft and Mr D Williams Also Present: Mrs L Rowett (Clerk) 95/03 Apologies Apologies were received and accepted from Mrs Todd who was absent due to family illness. Apologies were received from Cllr Margaret Iddon. 96/03 Neighbourhood Warden The Chairman welcomed Pat Rigby to the meeting. Ms Rigby spoke on the role of the neighbourhood wardens in the Parish and took questions from the floor. 97/03 Minutes of the Last Meeting Minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2003 were accepted and signed as a true record subject to the apologies of Mr Mortimer being noted. 98/03 Matters Arising on the Minutes a) Dumped Rubbish River Lostock (Item 82/03c)
b) Trees Southport Road
c) The Old School Refurbishment (Item 83/03)
d) The Heritage Project (Item 84/03)
e) Bicycle Stands (Item 85/03)
f) Storage Facilities for Parish Council (Item 88/03)
g) Finance Display Material (Item 90/03)
99/03 Update on the Parish Plan and and Monitoring Statement A monitoring statement had previously been circulated outlining the financial position. The plan was going well and working groups were being established to consider important issues in more detail. The residents contacted had responded warmly and everyone was very interested. 100/03 Financial Regulations The Parish Council currently has a very basic set of Financial Regulations in place, however it is felt that with the increasing number of projects both active and planned, it would now be appropriate to adopt the Financial Regulations prepared and recommended by NALC. It was agreed that the draft regulations be adopted and customised by the Clerk. 101/03 Ordnance Survey Map Ordnance Survey had responded saying that Ulnes Walton was not large enough to warrant inclusion on the map. Lindsay Hoyle had asked for comment, so the Clerk had supplied a list of all the businesses; number of houses etc. which had been forwarded to Ordnance Survey. It had been determined that the Borough who had previously given assurance that they had written to Ordnance Survey supporting the case, had in fact not done so. A senior officer had refused to sign the letter. The Clerk had written asking what the Boroughs intentions were but there had been no response. It was agreed that the matter should be brought to the attention of the Chief Executive. Cllr Margaret Iddon had been approached for assistance. She had written and sent supporting maps to Ordnance Survey and was confident they would accept her application. 102/03 Parish Council Web Site Disappointment was expressed that the Green Centre website was not being maintained. It is several months since the Ulnes Walton section has been updated and was now a source of embarrassment. The Clerk was asked to raise formally with the Green Centre the question of the website and for it to be put as an agenda item on the next Steering Group meeting. It was agreed in principle that it would be a good idea for the Parish Council to establish its own website especially with Quality Parish Council Status in mind. It needed to be simple and clear and for Members to have control over its content. Parbold appeared to have a good site and the Clerk was asked to determine how this had been set up. The Clerk was asked to enquire whether any grants might be available to enable a web site to be created. It may be possible to obtain sponsorship from local businesses. It was agreed as part of the Parish Plan to consult on the possibility of a website. It was suggested that Bishop Rawsthorne School be approached to consider it as a project. Mr Williams agreed to put together a skeleton website for the next meeting. 103/03 Parish Council Notice Boards Mr Gilson had agreed to a larger notice board at Oakdene. The County Council were giving consideration to the location of the other boards. The Prison had been contacted and is more than happy to make the boards. 104/04 Road Safety Issue Junction of Southport Road with New Lane A letter has been received from a resident of New Lane expressing concern about the congestion at this junction. At this point the agenda was suspended to allow members of the public to speak. Particular concern was expressed about cars parking on the pavement causing a hazard to pedestrians and the general confusion around the junction. It was noted that an illuminated sign had been erected on the end of Gilsons. Concern was also expressed about traffic volume and speed at the junction of Moss Lane with Ulnes Walton Lane. The weight restriction along Ulnes Walton Lane had made little difference. The normal agenda resumed. It was agreed that the issue of traffic problems would be debated as part of the Parish Plan Forums. Once all the black spots had been identified a representative from the Traffic and Road Safety Section would be invited to attend a Parish Council meeting and residents informed of the date. It was acknowledged that the County Council had criteria for establishing traffic calming but it was felt that prevention should also be considered. It was agreed that Lindsay Hoyle should be invited to discuss matter. 105/05 Councillors Allowances The regulations covering payment of allowances to Councillors have changed, Members gave the matter consideration and agreed to leave things are they are for the time being. 106/03 Planning Notification had been received of a planned single storey side and rear extension to Lowe Farm Bungalow on Leyland Lane. There were no comments. 107/03 Finance
108/03 Correspondence Items of Interest The Tree Council Seed Gathering
Sunday/Plant a Tree Week - noted 109/03 Matters Raised by Members a) Wymott Park
b) Prison Buildings
110/03 Date and Time of Next Meeting The next meeting was convened for Monday the 13 October 2003 at 7.30 pm. Members of the public were asked to
leave the room whilst a confidential matter was discussed.
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