ULNES WALTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF A MEETING HELD 8 DECEMBER 2003

In Attendance:

Mrs E Doran (Chairman), Mr D Ormerod, Mrs D Todd, Mr P Mortimer and Mr D Williams

Also Present:

Mrs L Rowett (Clerk)

142/03 Apologies

Apologies were received and accepted from Mr Ascroft who was absent due to family illness.

143/03 Minutes of the Last Meeting 

Minutes of a meeting held on 10 November 2003 were accepted and signed as a true record.

144/03 Matters Arising on the Minutes (not elsewhere on the agenda)

a) Dumped Rubbish River Lostock (Item 130/03a)

The photographs had been forwarded to the Environment Agency and there was promise of an Inspectors visit shortly.

b) Road Safety (Item 130/03c)

A response had been made by Coppull Police Station. The Police are not legally required to keep a record of minor accidents, it had been advised that the Parish Council monitor the situation and keep a log.

The concerns about speeding traffic along Ulnes Walton Lane would be raised by the Police with the Governors of the prisons.

c) Borough Journal (Item 130/03f)

There had been a misconception about what could be included. If the item was of a general nature it would be considered but the cut off date for submission was well in advance of printing so the item needed to be well planned.

d) New Lane Resident Survey (Item 131/03)

A letter had been sent to the County Council but there had been no response.

e) Community Car Scheme (Item 132/03)

A letter had been sent to Eccleston Community Car Scheme expressing interest. Mr Ormerod had also met with the co-ordinator and been advised that the money was available from April.

f) Barn Conversion (Item 138/03a)

The Borough Planning Officer had advised that contact would be made with the Estate Agent and that the Enforcement Officer would also be investigating.

g) Newtown Cottages (Item 138/03b)

The Cottages were not listed or in a conservation area so there no restrictions imposed.

h) Advertising Signs – The Highfield (Item 138/03e)

The banners had been removed and the situation would be monitored by the Borough.

i) Local Government Reorganisation (Item 138/03f)

It was agreed that Cllr Whittaker be invited to the next meeting.

145/03 Standing Orders

Copies of revised Standing Orders had been previously distributed, it was agreed that to adopt the document and a customised copy be produced in due course.

146/03 The Old School

The Clerk briefed on a recent meeting with Mr Harrison, in particular the arrangements for appointment of Trustees which it transpired is the responsibility of the Parish Council. There should be one ex officio member currently Canon Brunswick and four other Trustees - two posts need to be filled.

The Clerk/Secretary need not be Trustees but there can be no remuneration.

The documents governing the Trust stipulate that the objective of the building is to provide Education for Adults and Children.

Funds are provided from an investment. The interest only is payable, the capital must remain in tact. The funds included money raised for a new village hall in the past.

The building would qualify for ‘listing’ but further consideration should be given to this. It would mean more funding could be applied for but could restrict the ability to alter the building structurally.

It was resolved that the Parish Council should actively seek to recruit new Trustees. 

147/03 Wymott and Garth Prison Officers Club

There was much concern about the future of the Club. A lease arrangement had been promised but it would probably not be in place until April 2004. It was unlikely that the Club would be in a profit making situation as alcohol could not be served until 6pm. No further bookings beyond Christmas were being allowed.

Paul Goggins MP and Lindsay Hoyle MP were intending to visit and it was felt important that the Parish Council were seen to be offering support.

It was agreed that an approach be made to the Chairman of the Club Committee to enquire if it would be possible for a non-voting Member of the PC to sit on the Committee. Mr Williams offered to take up this role.

148/03 Update on the Parish Plan

Preparation of the draft document was progressing well, it would be on display at the Old School on Monday 15 December between 7 pm and 9pm.

149/03 Prison Issues

a) Briefing On Recent Visit By Mr Ormerod And The Clerk To HMP Garth

A meeting that included a tour had taken place with the new Governor Bob McColm – he was very keen to build bridges with the community. It had been explained that the planned new building was to be used as part of the training and rehabilitation and the visit had given a new context to the need for the extension.

It was important to remember that that may be some planning gain to be had.

An invitation had been extended to other Parish Council Members to pay a similar visit and it was agreed this option be taken.

b) Invitation To Visit HMP Wymott

Following recent correspondence with the Governor concerning the CCTV cameras and visibility from the new cell block an invitation had been received for a small group of representatives from the community to visit the block when construction was complete. The Clerk was asked to clarify what a small number meant and write to the Wymott Community Association to ask them to nominate a number of representatives.

c) Correspondence With Mr Lock Concerning Issues Relating To Prison Extensions

Mr Williams had had some recent dealings with a Mr Lock from the Prison Service concerning the planned extensions. He had requested that if residents have any concerns he should be contacted direct.

Further the Clerk had been contacted by Mr Manton from the Home Office regarding the letter sent to Hilary Benn expressing concerns over the developments and the letter sent to Chorley Borough about the road infrastructure being insufficient to cope with any further increase in traffic. It was intended that a delegation from the Home Office visit to meet with representatives’ from Chorley Borough; Lancashire County Council and Parish Council to discuss concerns. The Clerk would be contacted again about arrangements for the meeting.

150/03 Heritage Project

Concern was expressed that the information being given to the Clerk regarding the Heritage Project and the establishment of the follow on group of the Parish Plan Steering Group was misleading. Following a conversation with an Officer from Community Futures it had been agreed by the Steering Group that the Clerk should attend a training day on the 21 January 2004 to learn how to set the new group up with a proper constitution and seek advice about the best way to apply for funding. It had been advised that the new group (Action for Ulnes Walton) needed to do a small project first and get a track record and it had been agreed this should be the way forward.

151/03 Boundary Committee Recommendations

The Boundary Committee had recently released recommendations for the restructuring of Local Government, Members were asked to give thought to the possible implications for the Parishes.

It was felt that the document produced was not clear it what it was hoped would be achieved by the restructuring. The Clerk was asked to contact the LAPTC and seek comment about how they saw the Parish Councils fitting into the new proposed structures. 

152/03 Bus Service 112

Concerns have been expressed by a resident about the cost of bus fares and the failure of some buses to pick up on the Wymott estate. It appears that there is considerable variance between the fares at the Black Bull and the next stage along which is near to the school and shops. The Parish Council were asked to lobby the County Council to have the fare stage moved along one stop to encourage more usage of the service and this was agreed.

153/03 Finance

a) Draft Budget 2004/05.

A draft budget was presented for Members consideration. Some debate took place about the level of the precept and whether or not it should be increased so that a contribution to the costs associated with the recommendations of the Parish Plan could be made. Concern was expressed that it would result in a considerable increase on the larger properties in the Parish. 

A resolution was proposed that the precept be increased by £500 to allow a contribution to proposed projects. This was seconded and a vote taken

In favour 3
Against 2 (Mrs Todd requested that it be noted she had voted against)

It was agreed that before a final decision was made that the Clerk ascertain what the effect would be on each of the Tax bandings of a £500 increase.

b) Approval of Items of Expenditure

The following items were given approval – L Rowett Salary Nov £111.58

Parish Plan – L Rowett additional hours Oct/Nov £214.57;ECET photocopying £9.22 and £23.77; D Williams website expenses £183.77

154/03 Planning

One new item was given consideration – change of window to a door at Norris’s Farm. There were no comments.

155/05 The Green Centre

Members noted the resignation of Andrew Suter and John Bigland from the Green Centre

156/03 Matters Raised by Members

a) Web site

A number of possibilities for links on the website were noted, including Neighbourhood Watch; Dial-a-Ride and others. It was agreed this should be given consideration.

b) Quality Survey by CBC

Concern was expressed about the content of a letter that certain residents had received by an apparent agent of Chorley Borough offering to complete a quality survey of property. Cllr Iddon agreed to look into the matter.

c) Primary Care Trust

The Trust had recruited distributors to deliver leaflets to households but concern was expressed that they were not reaching their destination.

157/03 Public Forum

a) Minor Accidents

It was noted that two minor accidents had occurred on Ulnes Walton Lane a car through a hedge and one through a fence. Also there was a car in the ditch near Metcalf’s.

b) South Penwortham By Pass

Cllr Iddon suggested that in order to relive the traffic problems in the area there was a need to press for consideration to be given to extending the South Penwotham by Pass. It was agreed this should be noted in the Parish Plan and a letter sent to Lindsay Hoyle.

c) Fly Tipping

It was noted that the situation regarding fly tipping was going from bad to worse and needed to be reported to the Borough Council.

d) Publication of Minutes

It was queried why there was a time delay in the publication of the Minutes and this was explained. A note would also be put on the website.

158/03 Date and Time of Next Meeting.

It was agreed that the next meeting be convened for Monday 12 January 2004 at 7.30 pm.

Signed ……………………………………………………………………….. Date……………………