Hook Norton Parish Council

HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD AT THE MEMORIAL HALL ON THURSDAY 15th FEBRUARY 2007 AT 7.30pm [having been postponed from 8th February due to adverse weather
Present: Councillors: Timms [Chairman], Walsham [Vice-Chairman], Hayward, Jelf, Leader, Riley and Swainbank together with Mr Porter [Parish Clerk] and five members of the public.

1. Apologies For Absence

were received from Cllrs Brotherston, Clay and Millar and District Cllr Gasson.

2.Chairman’s Announcements

Cllr Timms had no announcements to make on this occasion.

3. Minutes of previous meeting, 18th January 2007, and matters arising

It was proposed by Cllr Riley, and seconded by Cllr Leader, that the minutes of the previous meeting be passed as a true and accurate record and this was approved unanimously. The clerk referred to the correspondence from Richard Helyer [16 (xii)] and had circulated a plan produced by Mr Helyer showing the rough location of the drainage work. It was agreed that the PC should not prevent Mr Helyer from carrying out essential repair work conditional upon his commitment to restore the ground to its former state. The clerk also circulated a reply from Louise Harrison, of OCC Highways, regarding the problems being experienced in a number of villages caused by drivers of heavy vehicles relying on satellite navigation [December 2006, Item 15]. At present options seem limited but OCC is considering new signs and weight restrictions in the worst spots and she will arrange for Hook Norton to be assessed. It was agreed to continue to monitor the situation and keep the pressure on OCC if appropriate. The clerk had also written to certain residents in Ironstone Hollow to enquire if they are still interested in purchasing part of the barrier land behind their properties and also to ensure that there is no attempt to annex it. Responses received from all residents concerned confirmed a willingness to purchase, if CDC will give planning approval, and confirming that they do not intend to annex any of the land. After some discussion on whether the barrier should be left unlocked it was felt that to do so might result in claims if anybody injured themselves on the land and it was therefore agreed to keep locked and to purchase a new padlock for the gate behind number 18, as the original appears to have been mislaid.

4. Declarations of Interest

Cllr Jelf declared an interest in Item 15 (iii).

5. Report by Planning Co-ordinator on planning applications received

Cllr Walsham reported that there had only been three new applications for consideration since the previous meeting, all of which were relatively straightforward, although a further three applications have been received in the past week which would be discussed after the meeting. Cllr Walsham also confirmed that we are still awaiting a response from Mike Buxton following our enquiry relating to works carried out at Doolittle Cottage and the clerk promised to make further enquiries. It was also noted that we have heard nothing further from Mr Luxton about his proposed work at Beanacre Cottage [see minute of November meeting].

6. To invite members of the public to comment on planning applications

There were no comments on this occasion.

7. Report of Working Groups

(a)Recreation Group – Cllr Leader informed the meeting that he had been in touch with RoSPA to arrange an inspection and had been told that the cost would be £195, compared to the usual £65 if carried out in July with the other local inspections. He enquired whether we should go ahead at this stage and the clerk gave his opinion that it should be done as soon as possible to ensure everything is in good working order and that we should make sure that future inspections take place in July as was the case previously. The Chairman enquired about the trees in Watery Lane and this is in hand.

(b)Environment & Open Spaces – Cllr Riley reported that the working group met on 6 February and the minutes are attached. He proposed that the PC accept Tim Burchell’s quote for planting a hedge and some small trees at the cemetery as these are formed of native species and the scheme is acceptable to CDC who will provide a 50% grant towards the total cost of £640 + VAT. This was seconded and Cllr Walsham and passed unanimously. Within the agreed budget Cllr Riley will also instruct Mr Burchell to seed the new soil. As there has still not been any interest in the paddock it was agreed that the clerk should contact those people on the allotment waiting list to see how many would like to take a plot at this stage. Quotes for painting the bus shelters have been obtained from Mr Street, £240 or £385 if a change of colour necessitated using three coats. Cllr Riley proposed instructing Mr Street to do the work using the same colour and this was seconded by Cllr Jelf and passed unanimously. Some trees in Sibford Road are now in need of remedial work as per the Tree Survey and Cllr Riley proposed that Ben Acreman’s quote of £175 + VAT be accepted. This was seconded by Cllr Hayward and passed unanimously. There was also some discussion on pollarding the tree on the triangle at the junction of Down End and Chapel Street. However, before instructing anyone to carry out this work, the clerk will take the matter up with the new Area Engineer at OCC, Daron Mizen, as it is believed this area of land does belong to county. Concern was expressed about the condition of some of the litter bins, some of which appear to have no liners and are not being emptied as a consequence. The clerk will discuss this matter with CDC Environmental Services and Cllr Riley will discuss emptying the bins with Mr Marshall. Finally we have been told that there is no money available at present for the path in Ironstone Hollow and this will be held in abeyance to see if funds are available in the next financial year. Cllr Walsham enquired about the wall in Watery Lane and as this is probably a matter for the Recreation working group Cllr Riley agreed to look into this with Cllr Leader. Cllr Hayward enquired about the funds which had been allocated to the PC for the Landscape Barrier and expressed some concern that we might need to utilise them before a deadline was reached. This will be referred to Cllr Clay upon his return.

8. Hook Norton War Memorial Hall

Cllr Jelf there reported that, since Cllr Young tendered his resignation from the PC, there are only two councillors left on the MH working group. Also he wished to stand down as chair of the group. Cllr Timms expressed the view that he should remain in this capacity until after the election at the beginning of May. In the interim it was agreed that Cllr Brotherston should join the group and Cllr Jelf proposed that Brian Rider, who was among the public present, should also join the working group. This was seconded by Cllr Timms and passed unanimously. Cllr Timms also indicated his willingness to join the group and the clerk will attend to take minutes. Cllr Jelf reported that the work on the kitchen extension should start next week. He also expressed thanks to Doug Marshall, who had attended the hall before the pantomime went into production and carried out a number essential jobs, and to the cleaner, Gill Boyce, who dealt efficiently with a leak caused by a blockage in the disabled toilet and to the clerk who was able to get specialised drain specialists in quickly to deal with the problem. Cllr Riley enquired about the costings for the electrical work in the kitchen and Cllr Jelf confirmed that these will be considered at the next MH working group meeting.

9. Report of Finance Working Group

In his absence Cllr Clay had provided councillors with up-dated schedules which have showed little change over the past month.

10. Schedule of Receipts and Payments for authorisation by the Council

Mr Porter presented the schedules of receipts and payments and sought approval to pay cheques totalling £1845.76 for the PC and £162.96 for the Memorial Hall. It was proposed by Cllr Hayward, seconded by Cllr Riley, that the payments be made as per the schedules and this was approved unanimously.

11. Norman Matthews Community Hall

Cllr Walsham commented that he had nothing of significance to report, the hall is basically ticking over with virtually no income. Unfortunately it has not yet been possible to trace the original contract to see if there is a get-out clause. As previously stated a decision must be taken shortly on whether we close down the hall which would in turn mean that the library will have to close the reading room as there will be no light or heating. Cllr Jelf was able to report that, although a week ago OCC had seemed uninterested in taking the building back, they now appear to have had a change of heart, probably due to representations by the Friends of the Library who are anxious to retain the whole of the building. On this basis Cllr Jelf asked the PC to defer taking a decision until next month’s meeting. With some prospect of resolving matters the Chairman felt that it was sensible to wait a little longer and this was agreed. Cllr Hayward commented that he had been speaking with a couple of local artists who were bemoaning the lack of any facility in which they could exhibit their work and it was generally agreed that, if the library does take over the building, this may provide a suitable venue.

12. Report on District Council Matters

In the absence of District Cllr Gasson there was nothing to report on this occasion. The clerk informed the meeting, however, that Cllr Gasson will now be able to chair the Conservation Area open meeting which also had to be postponed because of the snow last week and which will now take place on Friday 9 March.

13. Report on County Council Matters

Cllr Jelf reported that the budget is being set for the next financial year and council tax will only increase by 4%. He also noted that the authority had only been graded as fair two years ago and this had been raised to good last year and a further improvement should be recorded this year.

14. The Green, Hook Norton

Following the reply to Barnetts Solicitors regarding Jasmine Cottage a further enquiry has been received from the solicitors acting for the prospective purchasers about the capacity of the PC in dealing with this matter. The clerk commented that, in previous enquiries, the response given has been to the effect that The Green is a designated village green with no registered owner. It therefore falls within the responsibility of the PC and as there are a number of properties surrounding normal access is allowed. After some discussion it was agreed that a similar response should be sent on this occasion.

15. Correspondence

(i)CDC – Community Hall, Recreation and Sports Facility Grants 2007/8 – CDC invites the usual applications and the clerk will liaise with Cllr Jelf re MH.
ii)CDC – Possible bid to reorganise Oxfordshire’s Councils –Cllr Barry Wood has informed the PC that Oxford City Council has bid to become a “unitary” council. If successful this will have a knock-on effect through the county by abolishing OCC and Cherwell and West Oxfordshire becoming a separate unitary council.
iii)Junior Citizen Trust – request for donation [suggested £50]. Cllr Jelf declared an interest and the matter was debated. Proposed by Cllr Riley that we donate £50, seconded by Cllr Leader and passed by 4 votes with two abstentions.
iv)OCC Newsletter – January – highlighting their Seven Key Changes for Success to deliver its objective of low taxes with real choice and value for money.
v)CDC – Local Development Framework – as agreed at the Annual Parish Liaison meeting CDC will hold bi-monthly consultation meetings for parish councils which initially have been arranged for 6 March, 15 May and 3 July.
vi)CDC – Village Traffic Calming – Portable Speed Indicator - PCs are invited to send representatives to a demonstration and briefing by OCC’s Road Safety team at Bodicote House on Wednesday 28 February at 6pm. The clerk will endeavour to attend.
vii)Planning Aid South – details of charity which offers free, independent professional advice on town and country planning issues.
viii)e.on Central Networks – Power Cuts –e.on is concerned that, occasionally, due to circumstances beyond its control, consumers may suffer power cuts. Accordingly they suggest that consumers should have an emergency pack available containing an analogue corded telephone, torch with batteries, wind-up mobile phone charger, battery operated radio, foil blanket and reusable hand warmer.
ix)OCC – Minerals & Waste Development Framework – preferred Options Consultation Paper has been prepared and can be seen on www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/links/public/mineralsandwastepolicy
x)OALC – Review of Quality Parish Council Scheme – recent government initiatives mean that a statutory scheme may well replace the current one.
xi)Oxfordshire Highways/JE Jacobs – Better Ways to School – HN Primary School – details of the revised design proposals for the traffic calming works – zebra crossing has been deleted from proposal and replaced by uncontrolled crossing. The lighting specified in original design has also been removed. Further “School Keep Clear” markings are to be laid down. Cllr Walsham is to respond by 23 February.
xii)St George’s Day – brochure received detailing ways communities can celebrate our National Day.
xiii)Audit Commission – appointment of External Auditor – BDO Stoy Hayward’s appointment has been extended for further year to cover 2006/7 pending further tendering
xiv)Communities & Local Government – Revised Model Code of Conduct – the Government is proposing combining the four individual codes into one and consultation paper has been published. Comment is invited before 9 March to william.tandoh@communities.gsi.gov.uk
xv)Banbury Town Council – Vehicle Activated Signs – guidance notes from OCC on the various types of signs, their power supplies and costs.

16. Questions and Comments from Members of the Public

Christopher Barry assisted the clerk with some useful information on the subject of village greens.

17. Date and Time of Next Meeting

Thursday 8th March 2007 in the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm.

There being no further business the Chairman everyone for attending and declared the meeting closed at 9.00pm.