MINUTES of the Parish Council Meeting held in the School, Back Lane, Newburgh on Wednesday, 28th November 2007 commencing at 7.30pm.

 

PRESENT: Cllr. Mrs J. Citarella, Chair.

Cllrs. Mrs C. Gillard, C.D. Moore, R.E. Porter, Mrs E.F. Pratt, Mrs R.J. Richardson, A. Sunderland & Mrs M.A. Turner

Mr B. Howard, Clerk of the Council.

 

109/07.

APOLOGIES – none were received.

 

110/07.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS.

Cllr. Porter declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 9a in that the Schedule of Accounts for Payment includes an item in respect of his wife for village cleaning.

 

111/07.

MINUTES of the Parish Council Meeting held on 24th October 2007 were agreed and signed as a correct record.

The opportunity was taken to check with Councillors that they had no amendments to propose to the Audit of Current Activities discussed under the heading of Values and Vision Statement.

 

112/07.

SERVICES, AMENITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.

Welcome Pack update.

There were no changes to the List of Properties for Sale included with the Agenda.

Protection of village amenities.

We are now in the phase when Post Offices who are affected by closure proposals are being advised. There is no news regarding the Newburgh Post Office but close contact is being maintained.

Carols on The Green, 13th December 2007.

All arrangements are in hand with the Church and the Brass Band. The event will commence at 7.15pm and will transfer to the Church if the weather is bad. Refreshments will be available afterwards at the Red Lion Hotel, courtesy of the new Management. Councillors were asked to support the event, if available.

Maintenance of grass verge, Course Lane.

The residents of Ivy Cottage, Course Lane have asked if the Parish Council can help resolve a difficulty of maintaining the grass verge located in the front of the property.

As part of the planning permission for the re-building of Ivy Cottage some time ago, the piece of land fronting the property was acquired by L.C.C. in order to improve the sightline on the bend of Course Lane. This was on the understanding that adequate maintenance would take place by them. At best, grass cutting has been sporadic but when done, only the 1m edge has been cut.

The residents have had extended discussions with both L.C.C. and W.L.D.C. but no solution has been forthcoming. It was agreed that the adequate maintenance of this piece of public space was important and it was RESOLVED to press L.C.C. to fulfil their responsibilities and maintain the grass verge to an acceptable standard, a copy of the correspondence to be sent to County Councillor Shepherd.

School Bus Passes.

The Chair outlined her involvement, at the request of residents concerned, in a discussion with L.C.C. Member and Officers and the Police about a dispute on the provision of free bus passes for children travelling from Newburgh to Burscough Priory High School.

L.C.C. pay for school bus travel if the distance is over three miles but if the distance is less then the parents pay. L.C.C. contend that the distance is under three miles when measured on the walking route, Course Lane, Back Lane and Spencers Bridge. The route was driven over and the dangers were highlighted. However, the Authority maintains that the dangers of walking this route can be mitigated by parents accompanying their children.

It is understood that L.C.C. has discretion in the provision of free travel and in this case, this has not been used.

It was RESOLVED that, providing the parents concerned agree, the Parish Council would write to L.C.C. expressing concern over the dangers of the walking route, pointing out the irresponsibility of their decision not to provide free passes and asking them to use their discretionary powers.

Footpaths.

It was agreed to deal with this item although not on the Agenda.

It was RESOLVED to write to Mr Cartmel thanking him for continuing to maintain Footpaths 41, 42 and 43 but asking him to re-instate Footpath 32, which crosses a field that has recently been seeded and the crop has started to grow.

 

113/07.

PARISH PLAN.

Website.

The “What’s On” pages are being updated. Councillors were asked to advise if any of their contacts have information that can be included.

 

 

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113/07 (continued)

PARISH PLAN (continued).

Play Area.

The draft paper from the Parish Council to Newburgh School Governing Body seeking their approval for the section of land between the School and the Vicarage to be used for the Play Area, was endorsed.

Due to the delay in starting the construction of the Play Area, the main financial contributor, Lancashire Environmental Fund, has been contacted and they have said that they understand the problem and that there is some room for flexibility.

A revised estimate has been obtained from the contractor, Yates Playgrounds and this has risen by 1% but still at a level that can be met.

 

Cllr. Mrs Pratt arrived during this discussion.

 

SPID.

The back plates are now in position.

A report was given on a conversation with Alan Cox, Traffic Engineer, L.C.C. and Police Inspector Jane Dodding;

 

• L.C.C. is providing training for Parish Council nominees and the Police, if required.
• Police have a county-wide policy to put up only the signs they own (although there may be some discretion for local Police who have had training to put up parish signs but some doubt expressed as to whether they would). Jane Dodding, however, is not aware of this as a policy; her view is that the matter is still under review. She is finding out more from Police HQ.
• The Fire and Rescue Service has agreed to move the two signs being purchased by Lancashire Local.
• A contractor is being used by a parish (in addition to Burscough). It is agreed between the Parish Council and the contractor that the latter should be responsible for his own health and safety but L.C.C. question whether this would stand up in law.
• L.C.C. insist that any Parish Council volunteer or paid individual will be covered by Parish Council insurance.

 

The following action was agreed: -

 

• Await Police response.
• Try Fire and Rescue Service.
• Hire Yates Playgrounds.

 

114/07.

ISSUES RAISED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

A resident of Ash Brow said that he had verbally raised concern with W.L.D.C. over the planning application for the development of the buildings at the rear of Derby House, Ash Brow.

He was also concerned about the car, up for sale, parked on the pavement close to the bus shelter on Ash Brow.

 

115/07.

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING, 14TH NOVEMBER 2007.

The Minutes of the Meeting were NOTED. The following were discussed: -

Risk Assessment.

The Clerk reported that, in discussion with The Royal Bank of Scotland in Parbold, it was confirmed that if fraud is detected, the Police must be informed immediately, a crime report number obtained, The Royal Bank of Scotland advised and they will then accept any liability for financial loss.

It was RESOLVED to: -

 

• Ask our internal auditor to undertake an additional audit, in particular examining the financial processes.
• Ensure that following approval of expenditure at Parish Council Meetings; at the point of signing cheques, the Chair will compare cheques with the invoices and vouchers.
• Ask Cllr. Mrs Turner to undertake the internal check four times a year at random intervals, instead of twice at present.
• Hold a Risk Assessment Workshop, the first choice being to ask the Lancashire Training Partnership to provide a cost and prospectus for holding such an event exclusively for Newburgh Parish Council.

Christmas arrangements.

2006.

W.L.D.C. has offered to reduce the disputed invoice to £1000 (including VAT) but no explanation has been given on the failure to carry out the process of seeking Parish Council approval to incur the escalating cost.

The Parish Council was still not satisfied and before making a final decision, it was RESOLVED to seek legal advice.

2007.

It was RESOLVED to endorse the recommendation of the Finance Committee and reluctantly accept the £750 quote for Christmas 2007. In the New Year, further consideration will be given regarding the arrangements for 2008.

 

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116/07.

CORRESPONDENCE.

The Schedule of Correspondence, attached to the Agenda, was NOTED. The following were discussed: -

a) District Assembly, 30th January 2008.

    The Chair, Cllr. Mrs Citarella, will attend on behalf of the Parish Council.

b) Round O Quarry Appeal.

    The date of the Appeal, 22nd January 2008 was noted.

d) Search for suitable housing sites.

    This W.L.D.C. initiative was noted.

e) Affordable Housing Event, 13th March 2008.

   Cllrs. Mrs Gillard, C.D. Moore and the Clerk will attend.

 

117/07.

FINANCE.

a) Accounts for Payment.

    It was RESOLVED to pass for payment those accounts included in the Schedule attached.

b) Appeal by North West Air Ambulance for financial support.

    It was RESOLVED to donate £20 in support of this appeal.

c) National Salary Award.

    It was RESOLVED to implement the award with effect from 1st April 2008 with the salary for the Clerk raised to

    £10.116 per hour.

d) Lancashire Local Climate Change Fund.

    This new fund was noted.

 

118/07.

PLANNING.

Planning Working Group/Planning Committee.

The Working Group were asked to examine their role and the possibility and implications of becoming a Planning Committee with a view to introducing any change at the start of the new Council year.

New Applications.

Cllr. Mrs Gillard declared a personal and prejudicial interest in application No 2007/1369 in that she is the Chairman of the Trustees of the Ormrod and Hackey Home, Moorcroft House.

2007/1201. Bedford Barn, Ash Brow, revised fenestration, new hardwood windows and front roof lights.

No objection raised but attention called to the change of appearance caused by the two storey windows and the roof lights.

2007/1214. Timbers, Course Lane, replacement rear conservatory. No comments made.

2007/1281 & 1357. Listed Building, land at the rear of Derby House, Ash Brow, conversion of outbuildings into four apartments for holiday letting, gymnasium, office and provision of car parking.

Concern has been expressed that, if this business fails, these “flats” would probably become subject to private sale and would, therefore, be classed as conversions for private occupation in Green Belt.

W.L.D.C. asked to ensure that public Footpath No 46 remains permanently open.

2007/1319. 20, New Acres, front porch, part first floor/part two-storey extension, rear conservatory. No comment made

2007/1369. Moorcroft House, Cobbs Brow Lane, erection of detached wooden summerhouse. No comments made.

2007/1418. 32, Course Lane, conservatory to rear. No comments made.

It was RESOLVED to endorse the recommendations of the Planning Working Group in connection with the above applications.

Updates.

2007/0909. Derby House, Ash Brow, replacement windows on front elevation. Granted W.L.D.C.

2007/1190 & 1191. Listed Building, Red Lion Hotel, Ash Brow, provision of patio area at rear to provide external drinking and dining area including erection of two jumbrellas. Granted W.L.D.C.

 

119/07.

REPORTS.

The following reports, copy attached to the Agenda, were NOTED: -

West Lancashire Area Committee, 25th October, LAPTC. AGM, 3rd November and Lancashire Local, 15th November.

 

120/07.

DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING.

12th December 2007 at 7.30pm in the upstairs meeting room of the Red Lion Hotel, the School being unavailable.

 

One member of the public was present.

 

Meeting finished at 9.40pm.

 

 

 

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Schedule of Correspondence.

1. a)       W.L.D.C. as an Assembly, 30th January 2008.
2. b)       Advice – alleged breach of planning, Round O Quarry, appeal date 22nd January 2008.
3. c)       Best Kept Village poster, Competition 50 years in 2008.
4. d)       Search for suitable housing sites initiative.
5. e)       Affordable Housing information event, 13th March 2008, invitation to attend.
6. f)         L.A.P.T.C. Annual Report 2006/07.
7. g)       Invitation to submit nominations for the CVS Board of Trustees.
8. h)       Details of the new Institute of Local Council Management.

 

 

 

The following were placed in circulation: -

The Playing Field Newsletter, Autumn 2007.

CVS Bulletin, November 2007.

Continuous Professional Development booklet.

CPRE Countryside Voice, Autumn 2007.

CPRE Fieldwork, September 2007.

Lancashire Police Authority, Dialogue, November 2007.

Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2007.

LCR November 2007.

The Clerk, November 2007.

 

 

Schedule of Accounts for Payment.

Mrs S. Porter, village cleaning.                                                                         £  48.00

Mr B. Howard, November Salary & Expenses.                                                         £397.10

Mr T. Gerard, reimbursement, website fee.                                                       £  63.38

Mr B. Howard, reimbursement, stationery.                                                         £    6.68

Petty Cash.                                                                                                       £  40.00

Mr R. Porter, reimbursement, travel to L.A.P.T.C. AGM in Preston.                    £    6.60

 

Receipts.

Second half concurrent from W.L.D.C.                                                                       £844.30

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