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KINGSWEAR PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of the Meeting of Kingswear Parish Council Held in the Trust Room on Tuesday 15th January 2008
Present: Cllr. J. Hawkins (Chairman), Cllr. J. Ferris, Cllr. J. Henshall, Cllr. A. Lovell, Cllr. H. Newcomb, Cllr. A. Pithers, Cllr. P. Pudduck, Cllr. B. Tulloch, Cllr. A. Usher. Also in attendance were two members of the public, PC R. Hewitt and Mrs Emma. Illingworth (Clerk).
C/001/08 OPENING REMARKS The Chairman opened the meeting by wishing all in attendance a Happy New Year, thanking the members of the public and PC Hewitt for attending. He extended his wishes for a successful and prosperous year to all the residents of Kingswear and Hillhead and that the Council will all work hard together in the best interests of the residents. He thanked the Councillors who were in attendance for the switch on of the Christmas lights in Kingswear. Overall the event was a big success, supported well by the residents and an enjoyable occasion, with drinks and mince pies served afterwards in the village hall and presents for the children. The Chairman thanked Father Christmas for attending, during a busy time of the year! He reported that the Senior Citizen’s lunch was a great success on Thursday, 10th January and thanked Cllr. J. Henshall and all Councillors involved. It was regretted that the lights were not switched on at Hillhead and resolved that this must be planned for next year. The Chairman also welcomed the new Clerk.
C/002/08 APOLOGIES (1)
C/003/08 MINUTES (2) The minutes of the Council meeting held on 11th December 2007 were signed as a correct record. Proposed Cllr. J. Ferris. Seconded by Cllr. J Henshall. Accepted unanimously
C/004/08 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (3) There were none.
C/005/08 ITEMS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION (4) Cllr. J Henshall reported that she had received a copy of the Dartmouth Transport Plan from Dartmouth and District MTCI (Market and Coastal Town Initiative), and it was agreed that that this would be placed on the Agenda for the next meeting. Action: Clerk to place on agenda and distribute plan to Councillors.
C/006/08 STATEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC (5) There were none.
C/007/08 POLICE REPORT (6) PC R. Hewitt presented his report, please see Appendix attached. The Officer was pleased to report that it been a quiet month, but with unfortunately one recent burglary as detailed. Councillors expressed their concern regarding the incident at Warren Road. PC Hewitt thanked the Council for the offer of use of notice boards, which may well be utilised in the future. Concern was expressed regarding the conduct of drivers through the village, ignoring the road signs. Fortunately the road is now open, following the landslide. Councillors also raised concerns over the speed of vehicles travelling through the village. The officer was asked to give his support to the Council to help reduce vehicle speeds, particularly on the Brixham Road, where an accident has already occurred. The Chairman recapped that the Council is putting together proposals for street lighting and improved pedestrian access in the area. PC Hewitt gave his support. The Chairman thanked PC R. Hewitt for his attendance and report.
C/008/08 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES (7) (1) C/208/07/1 - Memorial Wall, Kingswear Cemetery: The Chairman reported that Mr. M. Parkes had contacted him to advise that as he is currently away, he has unfortunately not been able to produce plans for the wall, but would supply them for the next meeting. Action: Clerk to place on next agenda.
(2) C/208/07/3 - Village Green registration: Cllr. B. Tulloch reported that the Lighthouse Beach committee has had a further meeting and have purchased a booklet on how to register the green, that has proved very useful. This registration is now proceeding with the help of the Open Spaces Society. A local solicitor has kindly agreed to give time, free of charge, to meet with Cllr. P .Pudduck and Mr. M. Stevens to give further advice on the registration. It is the Council’s policy that the public should have free and proper access. The Council appreciates the dialogue with Mr. D. Southwick and welcomes continued meetings. Action: It was decided unanimously that a letter to be sent from the Council to Mr. D. Southwick to thank him for meeting with Councillors, Henshall, Lovell and Usher.
(3) C/208/07/04 - Moorings, Pontoon: The Clerk confirmed that no reply had been received from Darthaven regarding the letter sent on the 15th December. Action: Cllr. P. Pudduck advised that he will follow up with Darthaven, in person, to confirm that the Council has permission to erect the gate: In addition Cllr. P. Pudduck reported that he has progressed with the production of speeding signs to be placed in the creek and will report shortly.
(4) C/208/07/08 - Jubilee Park. Memorial Stone Installation: Cllr. B. Tulloch having met with the Stonemason today confirmed that the base is in place. The erection of the stone is scheduled for the 23rd January. Action: It was proposed by Cllr. J. Hawkins and seconded by Cllr. A. Lovell that the date of unveiling be scheduled for Saturday 2nd February at 10:00am. Cllr. B. Tulloch to confirm the date is convenient with Mrs. E. Hearn. It was agreed that the event should be well publicised and notice placed in the Herald Express.
(5) C/208/07/9 - Hoodown Wood: This was deferred for discussion at item 22.6
(6) C/213/07 - Parish Cluster Meeting: Cllr. J. Henshall, due to commitments, was unable to attend and sent her apologies to the Chief Executive.
(7) C/080/07 - Kingswear Wood: Cllr. J. Hawkins reported that he met with Mr Elliott before Christmas, who made him very welcome and walked with him through the Wood. A section of the Wood has been rented to a neighbour. Mr Elliott would consider a long term lease to the Council. He wishes to be helpful to the village, to protect the Wood and ensure it is well maintained. The maintenance would then be at the Council’s and community’s expense, which it was felt may potentially, be costly. Ross Kennerley from SHDC has also been contacted. He reminded the Council that there are many additional areas that need to be considered, such as tree insurance, inspection and risk assessment. Cllr. J. Henshall felt that from her experience and discussions held with local residents that there would be practical and financial support forthcoming for the conservation and preservation of the wood. The Councillors agreed that there would be support and goodwill from the village for maintenance, as it is a well known and used facility. The Council’s main aim is to protect the Wood. The Chairman then invited Mr. P. Folca, Tree Warden’s opinion who had kindly attended the meeting. Mr. Folca emphasised the importance of the Wood in many aspects, including the visual impact from Kingswear and Dartmouth as well as in the biological sense, being in a favourable position bordering organic farm land. He explained that as the view of maintenance of woods is changing – more towards nature taking its own course, it may not cost too much to maintain, but expert advice would need to be sort. Mr Folca very kindly offered to contribute £200 towards any community fund set up for maintenance. Action: Cllr. A. Pithers to arrange a further meeting with Mr Elliott with himself and Cllr. J. Hawkins.
C/009 /08 PROVISION OF NEW REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY WREATHS (8) Cllr. J. Ferris reported that this will be organised in April/May
C/010/08 US GARDENS (9) Cllr. J. Henshall reported that the collapsed wall had been repaired, as agreed at the last meeting. Action: invoice presented to the Clerk for payment, £25.
C/011/08 PET CEMETERY (10) Cllr. A. Usher reported that a provision for the cemetery has been in the budget for some time. It was felt that this proposal would benefit both the parishioners, by providing this facility, and the Council in gaining extra income. Considerations: . Location in Cemetery . Legality of pet burial . Consultation with SHDC, Environmental Health Department on site. (This would also give advice for the Cemetery extension). . Organisation of burials. Action: A committee was formed to further research this project consisting of Cllr. A. Lovell, Cllr. A. Tulloch and Cllr. J. Henshall.
C/012/08 CEMETERY: CREMATION AREA MARKING BRICKS (11) Cllr. J. Henshall reported that concern has been raised by undertakers over the lack of definitive marking in the cremation area. Clerk had previously contacted various Stonemasons to tender without interest. Action: Cllr. J. Henshall and Clerk to meet at Cemetery to look at existing plan to formulate a grid for plots. Cllr. J. Henshall to obtain a written quotation for work and report back to Council for agreement.
C/013/08 GREENWAY NOTICE BOARD (12) Cllr. H. Newcombe has made enquiries and will report back to Council
C/014/08 CEMETERY LODGE (13) It was agreed that an inspection should be arranged of the property within the terms and conditions of the lease agreement. Action: Clerk to contact Cllr. A. Pithers and Tenant to arrange.
C/015/08 PARISH EMERGENCY PLAN (14) SHDC wrote to the Council on 20th November 2007, regarding the preparation of a Town Parish Community Emergency Plan. (Distributed to Councillors). Action: A working group was set up to formulate this plan consisting of Cllr. J. Ferris and Cllr. B. Tulloch
C/016/08 CARLOW BEQUEST (16) This item was moved to the Carlow Bequest meeting, following the Council meeting.
C/017/08 CHURSTON PARKING FOR VISITORS AND OVERVIEW (17) Cllr. A. Lovell reported on the progress of the Park and Ride scheme to aid congestion in the village. Mr. R Tully has agreed that the Steam Rally field could possibly be used. Several local partners have shown positive interest in the scheme, with many considering the use of buses at present, and the positive impact on their organisation or business. It could be widely advertised and potentially could be worked into various transport routes on both sides of the river. Considerations to be made include the local infrastructure routes and bus size. The subject was discussed at length, from which it was concluded that it appears that the search for a site is looking very positive. Action: Further discussion to be arranged with Stagecoach and stakeholders. Cllr. A. Lovell will arrange the stakeholders meeting with the Council. The Chairman thanked Cllr. A. Lovell for all her hard work.
C/018/08 REPAIR OF SEA WALL IN JUBILEE PARK (18) Cllr. B. Tulloch reported that as previously discussed, the gabions on the sea wall are beginning to fall apart. He met with an engineer from SWH in the autumn, from which it was suggested that the gabions be converted into a retaining wall. The figure for completion of this work was in the region of £23,000. The Council budget allowance is £4,000. Cllr Tulloch reported that from his initial discussions with the Environmental Agency, no funding would be given, raising concern over the priority the agency places on this project. Concern was raised regarding flooding of the Brixham Road in the past. Action: A working group was set up to investigate further, consisting of Cllr. B. Tulloch, Cllr. P. Pudduck and Cllr. J. Ferris to bring a proposal to the Council.
C/019/08 RADDICOMBE DRIVE CAR PARK (19) There have been a number of complaints from residents of Raddicombe Drive of trailers and even caravans blocking parking for cars, on the section of the land where the polling station is placed. Without obstruction this area provides parking for approximately six cars. Cllr. J. Hawkins has contacted the relevant Council departments to establish ownership of the land, without success, as it is not a public highway. It is possible that the freeholder of the estate land owns this section. Action: Clerk to write to the Land Registry to establish ownership.
C/020/08 LIME KILN (19a) Cllr. J. Hawkins was contacted by the Rowing Club requesting whether the Parish Council would be prepared to allow the erection of a building to store a vessel on Council land. He suggested the Lime Kiln, but the size of building was in question. The Council needs to consider the maintenance of the Lime Kiln. Action: A working group to establish in the near future.
C/021/08 ROAD CLOSURE (20) Wood Lane encountered more traffic, from the closure in Lower Contour Road. Concern was raised regarding the speed of vehicles travelling along Higher Contour Road and school children having to walk along Brixham Road in the dark. It was reported that the building is now structurally sound and the road re-opened following DCC and insurance assessments. Details were placed on the notice boards by Clerk.
C/022/08 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (21.1) The Chairman gave his apologies to the Regatta Committee and Rowing Club, that due to illness he was unable to attend the AGM on Saturday 12th January. He expressed his concern over the flooding in Kennels Road. Currently water is coming out of the fields, bringing with it debris and mud. Action: Clerk to write to Torbay Council asking for their proposals on how to rectify the situation. A proposal has been made by DCC to provide two street lights on Brixham Road, with possible funding of £3000. In addition a proposal has been made to provide temporary bollards to assist pedestrians, with possible funding of £1000. It was agreed that this would be discussed at a future meeting as they were only preliminary discussions, no further details were available at present. The Chairman proposed that a Project Progress sheet be implemented to track the progress of short term projects that the Council is currently involved with. This would be updated every month and placed on the Council notice boards so the parishioners would be able to identify the project, Councillor(s) responsible and progress. This would be a tool to focus on achievements and monitor the uptake of projects, of which the Council has involvement in many at present. This was proposed and agreed unanimously. Action: Clerk to bring to next meeting a suggestion of how the progress sheet will work.
C/023/08 CLERK’S REPORT (21.2) A written report was distributed to the Council. In addition the clerk expressed her thanks to the Chairman and Council for their support and guidance in her early days in the position. It was also reported that Funeral Directors T & I Stoneman had advised that due to the saturation on the ground in the Cemetery, following the recent bad weather, a headstone had moved during the digging of a grave. It has been placed on the ground and will shortly be re-errected by T & I Stoneman’s contractors. Clerk will meet with Cllr. P. Pudduck in February to discuss ongoing Moorings, applications and fees to prepare for renewals. Hillhead Community Path: A letter had been received from the Lottery Grant, Awards for all, requesting further information regarding the landowners authorising the project. Action: Clerk to contact Mr. K. Reynolds at SHDC for further guidance to proceed.
C/024/08 CORRESPONDENCE REQUIRING ATTENTION (22) The following list of correspondence was considered and noted:- (1) Parish Election Expenses – distributed to Councillors (2) SH Citizens Advice Bureau – a thank you letter was received following Council donation. (3) Minutes of Executive Meeting – distributed to Councillors (4) Tree Preservation Order – Included in error. Re-directed to Planning Committee. (5) Temporary Road Restrictions – Already minuted. (6) Risk Assessment of trees in Cemetery. Action: An enquiry needs to be made of insurers with regard to additional information required and reported back to Council. If a risk assessment is to be carried out it was proposed by Cllr. J. Hawkins that three tenders be sought. Seconded by Cllr.P.Pudduck. Action: Clerk to contact insurers and tender if necessary.
C/025/08 DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS (23) Cllr. J. Hawkins reported that the charges for the ferry from SHDC will be announced at the Executive shortly.
C/026/08 REQUESTS OF THE CLERK AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS (24) (1) Cllr. A. Lovell: Traffic Problems (2) Cllr. J. Ferris: Street Cleaning (3) Cllr. P. Pudduck: Pontoon Gates (4) Cllr. B. Tulloch: Fire Brigade Box – Renovation
C/027/08 PAYMENTS FOR DECEMBER 2007-JANUARY 2008 (25) It was agreed that the following cheques be paid:-
C/028/08 COMMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC (26) None were made.
The meeting was closed at 10:20pm
Minutes approved……………………….Date…………………………..
Following the meeting the Council and Clerk met as trustees of the Carlow Bequest.
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