ULNES WALTON PARISH COUNCILMINUTES OF A MEETING HELD ON 12 JULY 2004In Attendance: Cllr D Ormerod (Chairman), Cllr Mrs E Doran and Cllr D Williams Also Present: Mrs L Rowett (Clerk) 97/04 Apologies Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Mortimer who was at the Yorkshire Show, Cllr Todd who was on holiday and Cllr Ascroft who was engaged with family commitments. Apologies were also given by Borough Cllr Dickinson. Comment was made on the importance of advising the Clerk as soon as possible of apologies so as to ensure that meetings are in quorum. The reason for absence should always be given as it was a legal requirement that it be recorded in the minutes. 98/04 Presentation by Darren Wilson from the Environment Agency. Mr Wilson is the Fisheries Officer for the Environment Agency he discussed the proposals to improve the water quality of the River Lostock with a view to encouraging fish stocks to return. He is keen to involve the community with the project and would assist with the preparation of an action plan. The Agency could work with Action for Ulnes Walton to secure funding for improving the river habitat and it was agreed this should be given further thought. 99/04 Minutes of the Last Meeting Minutes of a meeting held on 14 June 2004 were accepted and signed as a true record with a request that the following amendment be made to the final sentence of Para 82/04 The Prison Authorities were pursuing the idea of opening a new station. Members felt perhaps there may be grounds for re-opening Midge Hall Station and providing a bus service. 100/04 Matters Arising on the Minutes (not elsewhere on the agenda) a) Letter from the Green Centre (Item 81/04)
b) Quality Parish Council Status (Item 87/04)
c) Horse Issues (Item 88/04)
d) Wymott Park Maintenance (Item 89/04)
e) Public Address System (Item 94/04)
f) Countryside Agency Photographer (Item 94/04c)
101/04 Quality Parish Council Status (QPS) The Parish Council is now in a very strong position to apply for QPS as the Clerk had passed the AQA Certificate in Local Council Administration. Members gave QPS consideration and it was agreed that an application should now be made. It was felt there was a need to consider the future implications in detail, in particular the content of any Charters. QPS should not mean complacency and the situation should be reviewed annually. 102/04 Road Safety Issues Southport Road A letter received from Lancashire County Council requested a meeting with representatives of the Parish Council to discuss proposals in more detail and the problems at the junction with New Lane. It was agreed the meeting should take place in September but there was a need to consult with the residents and the proposals put on display. It was felt that businesses should also be consulted. It was agreed that Cllr Ormerod draft a questionnaire and circulate to Members for consideration. 103/04 Multi User Track It was resolved as this matter was of a legal nature it should be confidential with Members of the public excluded. 104/04 Prison Issues The Clerk updated on progress regarding recent discussions over the screening. A plan had been provided outlining planting proposals, it was in line with Parish Council suggestions but concern was expressed at the idea of using corrugation on the fencing on Willow Road. It was agreed there should be some consultation with the residents and this would be arranged. 105/05 Parish Plan Action The next stage of implementation involved official formation of Action for Ulnes Walton. Volunteers from the Parish Plan Steering Group had been identified to form part of the Executive Committee but it was now necessary to invite other members of the community to join. This will be done via the newsletter and a public meeting held to coincide with the September Parish Council meeting to formally appoint the Committee and the constitution. The Parish Council and Action for Ulnes Walton had been invited to organise an event to coincide with the Mersey Basin week in October. The Mersey Basin Campaign had already offered a grant of £100 and further funding could be sought from the County Council. The day will include a willow weaving workshop; activities for children; refreshments and displays. It was agreed the painting competition be opened up to children in the parish. A newsletter item was required to advertise the event. 106/04 Parish Council Website
107/04 Wildflower Project The Clerk briefed on discussions with the Countryside Officer. Prospects for the project were looking very good, but rather than just Southport Road it would probably be a parish wide project. Further discussions were to take place. 108/04 Horse Issues The Clerk briefed on discussion with Anita Knagg of the British Horse Society regarding road safety issues. She had offered to provide some leaflets to be distributed with newsletters and it was agreed this should be done. It was noted that road safety courses for riders are held at Eccleston Equestrian Centre. Consideration was given to requesting the County Council as part of the business plan to improve the signage along Ulnes Walton Lane to warn drivers of the presence of horses, this was agreed but with the addition of pedestrian signs. 109/04 Planning Applications Two new applications had been notified
110/04 Finance
111/04 Chorley Partnership A letter of invitation to take part in a forum to discuss the future of Chorley Borough had been received. Concern was expressed that it had been arranged on the same evening as Parish Council and a request should be made that future meetings should not clash. It was agreed that Cllr Ormerod and Cllr Williams should attend. 112/04 Matter Raised by Members a) New Building
b) Prison Noise
c) Fly tipping
d) Dog Waste Bin
c) Parish Council Agenda
113/04 Residents Surgery
114/04 Date and Time of Next Meeting.
|