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Minutes of the meeting of the WICKHAM MARKET PARISH COUNCIL held on Monday 19 September 2011 at 7.30pm
PRESENT: Mrs J Breese, Mrs F Etheridge, Mrs J Evans, Mr B Nobbs, Mr M Roseveare and Mrs E Salmon.
ALSO PRESENT: Mr B Hall (Suffolk Coastal District Council), Mr M Bond (Suffolk County Council) and PC Dave Burrell (Suffolk Police)
- APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr M Argent, Mr G Jones, Mr M Manning, Miss V Pizzey, Mr J Ridd and Mr C Tucker.
- MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 18 July 2011 were signed as a true record.
- COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORT
Mr Bond presented his report which had been emailed to all members with email. There were no questions for Mr Bond.
- MATTERS ARISING
4.1 The Council was reminded of the visit by the MP for Wickham Market, Dr Dan Poulter on Friday 23 September 2011.
RESOLVED
That a sum of up to £25 could be spent on refreshments for the evening.
4.2 At its last meeting the Council had been advised that from June 2011 Suffolk County Council would be implementing the Intelligent Street Lighting System to control street lights. This action was expected to save the County Council some £550,000 per annum.
The Parish Council had requested that Suffolk County Highways be asked if it could meet the cost of leaving the lights on when they were off or dimmed.
The County Council had indicated that it had received a lot of support from town and parish councils for its proposal and suggested that we wait and see the results of this action.
- CAR PARKS
5.1 Following concerns about litter bins on The Hill car park area, Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC) had decided to replace the current bins with larger, dual compartment “recycle-on-the-go” bins. SCDC was asking if the Parish Council would pay for one bin, SCDC would pay for the other and then transfer ownership of both to the Parish Council.
The total cost of the bin was £500 + vat but SCDC had said that if the Parish Council could pay anything between £200 and £400 towards the cost of one of the bins then it would pay the rest.
The Parish questioned the need for two bins particularly if they were much bigger and asked that any new bin be sited on a more discreet part of the Hill which was a conservation area. Before making any decision they asked to a photograph of the proposed bin.
5.2 The bus shelter on the Hill has had some further damage done to the roof. A local builder had been asked to give an estimate of the cost of repair which was not yet available. This matter was deferred until the next meeting.
- OPENSESSION (commenced at 7.55pm)
6.1 A member of the public suggested a multiple finger post in the middle of the village pointing to the various services available within the village. It was agreed to look at some costings and consider at the next appropriate meeting.
6.2 Mr Hall reported that Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC) was trying to recycle up to 70% of its waste, which was one reason for the new bins proposed for the Hill. However Wickham Market had put in £24,000 to the SCDC budget through recycling in the village and any new bins should be paid for out of that sum.
6.3 He continued that the proposed new National Planning Policy Framework would reduce planning guidance from 600 pages to around 50. This simplification of the planning process might open the way for parish councils to make planning decisions in the future.
6.4 He continued that Flagship Housing had lost much Government funding and were now concentrating on repairs. This would inevitably delay the redevelopment of Deben Court. The Youthbus had received a grant from the Suffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership of £5,500. This would ensure its future for a short while. Finally a questionnaire was being sent round the village on the future of the library and the out of hours doctors service. The responses would be taken into account by the Wickham Market Partnership when considering taking over the library etc.
6.5 Mrs Evans reported that she had successfully applied for a grant of £1,400 from the Suffolk Coastal Economic Development Fund towards the cost of the Christmas tree brackets and lights. She had also approached the Lions Club which had given a further £400 towards the cost of Christmas bunting. In recognition of the Clubs assistance she was intending to fly the Lions flag along with the others over Christmas.
It was hoped that the trees would go up on 27 November 2011 with the brackets being fixed about a fortnight before. The Christmas market was to be on 3 December 2011 with some 20 stalls and an external fast food vendor. She was now looking for some entertainment for the Hill such as a band or choir.
- POLICE MATTERS
7.1 A letter had been received from Suffolk Constabulary asking the Parish Council to nominate a member to be the Safer Neighbourhood link. The idea was to consider options for dealing with some of the issues in Wickham Market. The elected representative of the Parish would work with Mr Hoe having the authority to speak on behalf of the Council.
In the absence of so many members it was agreed to defer this matter until the next meeting.
7.2 PC Dave Burrell went through his report covering the period since the last meeting. There had been 19 reported crimes compared with 76 in Kesgrave, 28 in Rendlesham and 91 in Woodbridge.The Safer Neighbourhood Team intended to increase police presence in the village following a seasonal increase in anti-social behaviour, litter and nuisance. He asked to be advised of any locations in the village that might require particular attention as part of future speed enforcement days.
He went on to remind the Council of anti-theft measures relating to heating oil and theft from vehicles.
Finally he suggested some sensor lighting in the area of the skatepark to light it up during the hours of darkness if movement was detected. This could deter some of the misuse.
- SPORT AND LEISURE MATTERS
8.1 It was reported that at the November 2011 meeting there would be an update on the Library and the implications of any proposal for the Parish Council.
8.2 The Wickham Market Youth Football Club had put a gate across the playing field car park entrance off Gelham Road to make the area more secure. The cost of the gate was £300 and the Club was asking if the Parish Council would be willing to share the cost.
RESOLVED
That a grant of £50 be awarded to the Club and it be asked to ensure that management of the gate allows other users access to the field and tennis courts.
- PLANNING MATTERS
9.1 Applications considered since the last meeting: Hill House, 52 High Street, Wickham Market IP13 0QT - insertion of timber windows (rear elevation) in lieu of metal windows (no objection submitted): land to rear of 131-141 High Street, Wickham Market - erection of detached dwelling (existing garages to be demolished)(revised scheme) (no objection submitted): Thong Hall, Thong Hall Road, Wickham Market IP13 0NG- erection of front porch (no objection submitted): 119 High Street, Wickham Market IP13 0RD - erection of extension (amended scheme to listed building consent C10/311)
9.2 Decisions received since the last meeting: 46 High Street, Wickham Market - replacement of brick plinths and new railings at the front elevation and a serpentine brick wall2 metres high at the rear of the property (permission granted): the Orchard Campsite, 28 Spring Lane, Wickham Market - provision of 8 cabins, retention of two romany vans and the inclusion of adjoining land for recreational use (permission granted): Thong Hall, Thong Hall Road, Wickham Market IP13 0NG - erection of front porch (permission granted).
9.3 The Parish Council noted that Suffolk Coastal District Council was carrying out a consultation on Updated Sustainability Appraisal and Appropriate Assessment. These documents were available for members and any comments had to be submitted by 14 October 2011.
10. ALLOTMENT MATTERS
Anglia Water had indicated on their bills for the allotment sites (and cemetery) that if none of the surface water from the property returns to the wastewater system there might be a reduction in the standing charge.
However this reduction only applies to the sewerage charge element which is not payable on the allotments and cemetery bills
11. CEMETERY MATTERS
On September 9 2011 Suffolk Coastal Services were at the cemetery chipping all the wood that had been sawn up following tree work. This would be allowed to rot down and be used as compost within the cemetery.
The Parish Council asked that Suffolk Coastal Services be requested to tidy up the churchyard which was its responsibility as a closed churchyard.
RESOLVED
That the cost of the chipping work be paid up to a maximum of £100.
12. HIGHWAY MATTERS
The County Council had advised that it had carried out a review of highways and transport services to reduce costs and provide a clearer, more responsive service.
13. FINANCE AND LEGAL MATTERS
13.1 Bi-monthly accounts - July/August 2011 - these were noted and accepted.
13.2 Review of Internal Audit 2011/2012 - the Parish Council received a report from the Clerk on the Council's current internal auditor, Mrs Heelis of Heelis and Lodge. It was clear that the performance of the auditor was satisfactory and in line with the Council's requirements for financial regulation.
RESOLVED
That the Council express its satisfaction with the performance of the internal audit
and her services be retained for 2012/13.
13.3 It was reported that the meeting dates for 2012 were as follows: 16 January 2012, 19 March 2012, 16 April 2012 (Annual Parish Meeting), 21 May 2012, 16 July 2012, 17 September 2012 and 19 November 2012.
13.4 The cost of the Parish election in May 2011 was £1,352.26. There was an allocated sum on the budget for 2011/12 of £1,200, the amount advised by Suffolk Coastal District Council.
14. CORRESPONDENCE
14.1 Dr Dan Poulter MP had written to announce the launch of an online communications panel to enable him to keep in touch with his constituents. To join the public should log on to www.intouchwithdan.com
14.2 Information had been received that work on the new Co-operative stores would begin in September 2011.
14.3 Suffolk Coastal District Council was currently carrying out a review of all polling stations in the District. No changes were proposed to the current situation in Wickham Market.
14.4 The Clerk reported that he had received a invitation to a briefing on the Draft National Planning Policy Framework on 28 September 2011. Mr Roseveare indicated that he would like to go.
15. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
There were no items .
The meeting closed at 8.55pm