WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL
THE MINUTES OF WADHURST PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE DAVID JAMES BUILDING, UPLANDS ON TUESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2008 AT 19:30

Present: Councillors Price (Chairman), Bell, Berger, Mrs Colvin, Doyle, Miss Gadd, Miss Gates, Kent, Mrs Monaghan,
Mrs Pearman, Phipson, Standley and Miss Whatmore.

Also in attendance: County Cllr. Tidy, District Cllr. Wells, PCSO Simmonds and five members of the public.

1.             TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE
Apology received from Cllr. Mamlok; reason noted and accepted.

2.             DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Cllr. Berger declared a prejudicial interest in item 10 as a neighbour of Leeland, Monks Lane.
Cllr. Standley declared a personal interest in item 14 as WDC Cllr. responsible for finance.

3.             POLICE REPORT
There has been a significant increase in the theft of garden equipment from secure garages and outbuildings. Problems with anti-social behaviour have reduced following Police night patrols. The pavilion in Washwell Lane has been painted to cover graffiti and the site is now being monitored.

4.             PUBLIC FORUM
A sixth form disabled pupil at Uplands College is unable to access many facilities in the village unaided as there is no safe place to cross the road. Request for a pedestrian crossing to be installed.

The High Street has been prioritised as second in the county for a new crossing (see item 9).

5.             TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MEETING 8.07.08 AS A TRUE RECORD
Resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held 8.07.08 as a true record.

6.             TO DETERMINE MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES FOR UPDATING AND NOTING
None.

7.             TO RECEIVE REPORTS OF COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS.
County Council
The Health Overview Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) consists of members of ESCC and representatives from the district and borough councils; its function is to monitor and improve health services for residents. HOSC disputed a proposal to amalgamate the maternity services of Hastings and Eastbourne. Following a review by the Secretary of State, it was decided that both centres will remain open.
HOSC is currently reviewing stroke care services.

More centres are to be built offering vocational training to school children; the nearest centre is in Uckfield.

ESCC has relaunched a website www.moneymakesense.co.uk  aimed at helping students to understand all aspects of finance and money management

A ‘Scamnesty’ campaign is being run by Trading Standards to raise awareness of scams in the county and to gather information on the extent of this issue. Many vulnerable people fall victim to scams and lose considerable sums of money.

District Council
Following a Government review on housing provision to 2026, the number of new homes required to be built in Wealden has increased by 150 to 550 per year. There is no provision for supporting infrastructure.
A website for young people in Wealden is available at www.w4y.co.uk
Active Play is an initiative in Wealden funded by the Big Lottery; it provides art, craft and play sessions for children and a mobile skatepark. A session is scheduled to be held at Uplands Sports Centre during half term.
Local organisations are encouraged to apply for funding for projects under the WDC community grants scheme; details are available on the website. WDC currently gives a large grant to the Citizens Advice Bureau.
The WARR Partnership is administering £2.4m of funding to support and revitalise rural business and communities.
There is a new facility on the WDC website to send questions direct to the Leader of the Council.
KPS Composting Services, the company responsible for processing green waste from Wealden residents, is holding an Open Day at Isfield 13.09.

Following a Cllr. question, it was confirmed that WDC will be introducing the scheme of ‘scores on doors’ which publishes the results of food hygiene inspections.

8.             CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE FOR NOTING.
To appoint new Chairman for Environment Committee
Resolved to appoint Cllr. Miss Whatmore as Chairman of the Environment Committee.  Cllr. Mrs Pearman was thanked for her work as Chairman during the past 18 months and for taking forward many new initiatives.

The following items of correspondence were discussed:
invitation to stakeholders forum 29.09 by South Eastern/Network Rail when the new timetable will be discussed.
District/Parish conference to be held 11.11 at Uckfield.

Remaining correspondence was dealt with during the course of the meeting and detailed on a separate list circulated to councillors.

Chairman reported on a successful event held at the pavilion by Trevor Leggo of SALC 17.07, covering training needs, wider local government issues and changes in legislation.

9.             HIGHWAYS, TRANSPORT AND LIGHTING MATTERS
To receive Minutes of Highways, Transport & Lighting Committee meeting 3.09 and consider recommendations
Following damage to a property in Cousley Wood by a large vehicle exiting onto B2100, ESCC advises that work is being conducted on a new Freight Strategy to identify routes suitable for HGVs. There is close liaison with Ordnance Survey as suppliers of mapping information.

The High Street in Wadhurst has been prioritised as second in the county for a new pedestrian crossing. Under the proposal, a detailed design is to be drawn up in 2009/10 with construction the following year. Some Cllrs. were concerned that a crossing would reduce the amount of on-street parking. It was suggested that other pedestrian crossings are needed on B2099 at The Marlpit and B2100 near Manor Cottage. ESCC conduct an initial assessment on receipt of a request for a crossing; if the criteria are met, a more detailed survey is undertaken and the site prioritised against other sites in the county.

Some part-night cells are not functioning correctly and are switching off too late; cells to be replaced at no cost to the Parish Council.

Other highways issues
The Remembrance Day Parade will take place 9.11; this will involve the usual road closures.
Cllr. Tidy was thanked for his help with producing a warning poster for use near Bewl Water.

10.           PLANNING MATTERS
Report on Planning Committee meetings 12.07, 26.07, 9.08 and 30.08
Minutes of Planning Committee meetings held 12.07, 26.07, 9.08 and 30.08 reviewed and noted.
It is understood that Lamberhurst Parish Council has sent an objection to the application for a mobile home on agricultural land.

To review position of Planning Appeal for Leeland
Cllr. Berger advised that residents are considering appointing a planning barrister.
WDC has confirmed that all submissions have been within the time deadlines. There will be an appointment of counsel appropriate to the case.

11.           RECREATION GROUND MATTERS
To review Recreation Ground Management Committee Report and Minutes 28.08 and consider recommendations
Report and Minutes reviewed and noted.
A working party is being established to review play provision and consider new equipment.
Following a tree inspection, some remedial work is required to remove dead wood from a number of established trees.

To approve revised Agreement with Junior Football Club
Resolved to approve the revised Agreement with the Junior Football Club.

12.           ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
To review Minutes of Environment Committee meeting 4.09 and consider recommendations
Minutes of meeting 4.09 reviewed and noted.
Rotherfield Landscapes to be asked to provide a quotation for general maintenance of the Jardin d’Aubers in the Autumn and Spring.
Two trees need to be felled and some branches removed from mature Oaks at Round Oak Allotments; an application has been submitted to WDC for works under the TPO.

To approve project for providing a duckhouse and new seat at the Jardin d’Aubers
Environment Committee recommends approval of a project to provide a duckhouse, ducks and a seat at the pond area of the Jardin d’Aubers. Funds to be covered from the parish map project, the proceeds of which must be spent on items with an environmental  theme.

Resolved that the Council in accordance with its powers under LGA 1972 s137, should purchase a duckhouse, which is considered to be in the interest of the area and its inhabitants. Resolved to purchase a bench for the enjoyment of residents, to be placed near the pond; expenditure permitted under Open Spaces Act 1906 s10(b). The total spend for the duckhouse/seat project authorised at £1100 + VAT.

It was agreed that the bench should be inscribed; suggestions to be forwarded to the Environment Committee.

To approve grass cutting schedule 2009
There has been a review of grass cutting as few areas are the responsibility of the Parish Council. ESCC has provided maps showing their existing specification; this has identified that a number of areas are duplicated with the current Parish Council cutting schedule. WDC also has responsibility for some areas. Discussion on grass cutting at the station exit as this was added to the Parish Council schedule as a safety measure following comments received from a consultation with commuters. It was resolved to approve the grass cutting schedule as stated in the Environment Committee Minutes 4.09.08 item 6, with the addition of the station exit.

A meeting will be arranged with ESCC to discuss grass cutting in the parish to ensure all areas are covered. Consideration will be given to areas planted with spring bulbs. The Environment Committee to monitor grass cutting and ensure that ESCC/WDC are fulfilling their responsibilities. Schedule will be reviewed in 1 year.

Other environment issues
The installation of a noticeboard and poster at the Jardin d’Aubers and pavement work will be reviewed by the Environment Committee.

13.           PARISH PLAN – TO APPROVE EXPENDITURE FOR PRODUCING, PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION
It is proposed to print 2500 copies of the Parish Plan and distribute a copy to all households in the parish. Request for recycled papers to be used. Cllr. Standley has reviewed the quotation from The Ink Pot for printing and enveloping and confirmed that it is competitive. £1000 has already been approved towards expenditure for the Parish Plan. Resolved to approve a further £2700 for producing, printing and distribution of the Parish Plan; expenditure permitted under LGA 1972 s111.

14.           TO CONSIDER RESPONSE TO WEALDEN DISTRICT COUNCIL ON FUTURE PROVISION OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCES
WDC is reviewing the requirement of public conveniences and Town/Parish Councils are being consulted on possible involvement in future provision of this service. The public conveniences in Wadhurst are subject to a lease between WDC and Wadhurst Institute Hall & Field; it is thought that this arrangement has approximately a further 10 years to run. Agreed to respond to WDC that the current arrangements should continue in view of the existing lease. The cost of running the conveniences at Wadhurst amounts to £10K pa, which includes a rental payment of £5610.

Discussion on a Community Convenience Scheme where a local authority pays a grant to public houses, restaurants etc. which allow the public use of conveniences without charge.

15.           FINANCE
To note receipt of signed Annual Return 2007/08
Annual Return 2007/08 has been signed by Mazars without comment. The Return has been displayed on the noticeboard.

To approve accounts payable
It was resolved to approve accounts for payment as listed in appendix A [not attached]
Reconciliation at 29.08.08

16.           PERSONNEL – TO REVIEW CLERK’S SALARY
Annual review for 2007/08 undertaken by Chairman and Cllr. Wheeler with a recommendation to increase salary by 1 spinal point within previously agreed benchmark for salary. Resolved to approve an increase of 1 spinal point to SCP 34 backdated to 1.04.08.

Report on first year of Local Policy course at the University of Gloucestershire. Resolved to approve an increase of 1 spinal point in accordance with contract for satisfactory completion of Year One of Local Policy; this is in addition to the existing approval of 1 spinal point for AQA Certificate in Local Council Administration.

17.           URGENT ISSUES AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN FOR NOTING OR INCLUSION ON FUTURE AGENDA
None.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 21:35.