KINGSWEAR PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of Kingswear Parish Council

Held in the Trust Room on Tuesday 12^th June 2007

Present:          Cllr. J. Hawkins (Chairman), Cllr. J. Ferris, Cllr. A. Lovell, Cllr. P. Pirnie, Cllr. A. Pithers, Cllr. H. Newcombe, Cllr. A. Usher, Cllr. J. Henshall.

In attendance: PC R. Hewitt, Mrs E. Davydova (Clerk) and eight members of the public.

C/072/07         APOLOGIES (1)

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr. B. Tulloch.

C/073/07         MINUTES (2)

The minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Kingswear Parish Council held on 16^th May 2006 were signed as a correct record.

The minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Kingswear Parish Council held on 15^th May 2007 were signed as a correct record with the following amendment:-

11. AREAS OF COUNCILLORS’S SPECIAL INTERESTS:-

1          Cemetery Ground and spaces, Cemetery Lower field, Closed Churchyard: Cllrs. J. Ferris, J. Henshall, A. Lovell.

2          Land adjacent to the Creek, Land between Beacon Lane and Castle Road: Cllrs. J. Ferris, J.Henshall, A. Lovell, P. Pudduck, B. Tulloch.

C/074/07         DECLARATION OF INTEREST (3)

            Cllr. J. Henshall declared her interest in agenda item 10.3, regarding the new tenant for Cemetery Lodge.

C/075/07         ITEMS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION (4)

            There were none.

C/076/07         STATEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC (5)

One member of the public enquired regarding allocation of the vacant allotment plot. Resolved: The Clerk requested to arrange the allocation.

                        The following points were raised:-

                        ∙           Pontoon gate replacement;

∙           Maypool residents would like council to represent their interests;

∙           Repercussions of the Dart Music Festival.

C/077/07         POLICE REPORT (6)

PC R Hewett reported that the Dart Music festival this year has raised several problems that we are looking to address. It is evident that many of the problems were caused by drunken youths, coming into the town from Torbay and surrounding villages. Many were already drunk before reaching Dartmouth. Numbers of available staff were such that they were overwhelmed and incidents elsewhere tied up Torbay staff leaving none available to come into Kingswear to assist.

The numbers of visitors was unexpected, but should be considered for forthcoming events including Kingswear Regatta. Mr. Ian Simons was asked to attend next Meeting to discuss arrangements for August.

Action: Clerk was requested to write a letter to DCC regarding the concerns of local residents. The Music Festival and Regatta have been good natured events, which have not caused problems in the past, but now the number of visitors, from all over Devon, has increased considerably and despite of existing boundaries of police service we need more police presence, better planning of events and more efficient transport coordination.

C/078/07         CO-OPTION OF MEMBERS TO FILL THE VACANCIES ON THE COUNCIL (7,8)

There were three vacant positions on Kingswear Parish Council. The closure time for applications was noon on the 29^th May, 2007. At that time Kingswear Parish Council had received three valid applications, these being from Mr. H. Newcombe, Mr. P. Pirnie and Mr. A. Pithers. Each applicant had introduced themselves in writing. A motion was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr. J. Henshall and carried unanimously that the following residents of the Kingswear Parish become co-opted members of Kingswear Parish Council to represent the Kingswear and Hillhead wards, these residents being Mr. H. Newcombe, Mr. P. Pirnie and Mr. A. Pithers. All the new Councillors signed the Acceptance of Office.

C/079/07         AREAS OF COUNCILLOR’S SPECIAL INTEREST – UPDATE (9)

                        For Councillor’s responsibilities and areas of special interests please refer to Table 1.

C/080/07         MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES (10)

                        10.1.    Composition of Planning Committee

                                    It was proposed by Chairman, seconded by Cllr. A. Usher that Cllr. H. Newcombe be elected as Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee for the ensuing year. Motion was accepted unanimously.

                        10.2     Memorial Wall, Kingswear Cemetery

Mr. M. Parkes kindly introduced to the Council an idea of Memorial Wall and two projects of Memorial. Proposed by Chairman, seconded by Cllr. A. Lovell, carried unanimously, it was resolved to create a working group of Councillors to meet on site to make a decision after careful consideration. Responsible:  Cllr. J. Henshall.

10.3          Cemetery Lodge

The Chairman and the Clerk presented a list of work done:-

                        ∙           Oven has been professionally cleaned;

                        ∙           Boiler is being comprehensively serviced (replacement of filters and oil);

                        ∙           Re-decoration of The Lodge is currently in progress, contractor has requested further time to complete the task;

                        ∙           Carpet has been ordered and is to be supplied and fitted soon;

                        ∙           A new fireplace has been fitted in the lounge;

                        ∙           The garage demolition has been completed and the site is due to be cleared soon.

10.4     New tenant for Cemetery Lodge

            There were four applications received by KPC and these were distributed to the Council. A unanimous decision was made in offering the tenancy and this was accepted and a deposit has been received by Council.

10.5     Kingswear Parish open spaces and ground maintenance

            The current KPC contract finishes at the end of August. A working group of Councillors have been requested to investigate alternative contractors and, in response to tender, to obtain quotes by 31^st July, 2007 for consideration by the Council at the meeting on 14^th August 2007. Responsible: Cllr. A. Pithers.

10.6     Moorings update:-

∙           For the current state of the KPC moorings please refer to Tables 2 and 3;

∙           The following items were resolved unanimously:-

Taking into account that the owner of the catamaran on position WC13 owed the fees for two berths/plots (WC13, JP3) for the year 2006-2007 and was constantly in breach of the Terms and Conditions of Moorings, it was decided to terminate said tenancy and not allow for future renewal. Action for Clerk: To inform owner of said craft of the Council decision and to offer the Jubilee Park plot 3 to the next resident on the waiting list.

For users of moorings, plots etc. that are considered to be delinquent regarding the Terms and Conditions of Moorings an action has been placed on the Clerk to terminate said tenancies by 1^st July, 2007 and to let said berths to residents on the waiting list(s);

∙           A number of complaints have been received from tenants of the Jubilee Park and Waterhead Creek facilities regarding quality of the completed reinstatement of the bank of the Creek. A working group of councillors to meet the contractor involved to discuss the issues raised. Responsible: Cllr. A. Usher.

10.7     New gates on pontoon. The previous security gates were fitted to stop unauthorised mooring and storage of boats on the pontoon, to restrict public access and to stop the pontoon being used for fishing (especially by unsupervised children). Council is obtaining estimates for new gates in response to tender. Responsible: Cllr. J. Ferris.

10.8     Amendment for Cemetery Charges

            It was resolved unanimously to make the follow amendment:

            ∙           Purchase of grave plot automatically includes the price of the initial internment.

10.9     Lighthouse Beach

Chairman J. Hawkins, together with an invited member of the audience, provided the new councillors with a verbal overview of the history of the dispute in regard to previous council(s). After a long discussion and very careful consideration decisions were made (7 in favour and 1 abstention) that:-

∙           KPC start the process of registration of Lighthouse Beach as a Village Green;

∙           Cllr. J. Henshall to contact Mr. D. Southwick and continue discussions in an effort to enable the Council and Mr. D. Southwick to come to an amicable agreement;

∙           Cllr. J. Henshall to continue discussions regarding the opening of Lighthouse Beach after the completion of building work this summer;

∙           Action on Clerk: To contact DCC to obtain the necessary registration forms.

10.10      Kingswear Wood.

   Introduction:-  Kingswear Wood is an amenity of great importance to the landscape of Kingswear and Dartmouth and is located at Upper Wood Lane, above Higher Contour Road. Last year Mr. Elliot made an application to build a house next to his drive in a section of Kingswear Wood. Residents of Kingswear expressed concerns that a lot of trees would be cut down producing a reduction in the tree canopy.

Chairman read letters from Polly Stone of SHDC and Paul Folca, Kingswear tree warden and expert.

Mr. Elliot has been invited to the next Planning Meeting to inform Council of his plans for the management of the woodland and re-planting of the trees.

Proposed by J. Henshall, seconded by A. Lovell an action was carried unanimously that to deal fairly with the owner’s claims, community feelings and opinion the Parish Council to widen the involvement of possible interested parties. Action on Clerk: To send letters to 1. Mr. Anthony Steen, MP. 2. Mr. Neil Mackenzie, The Forestry Commission. 3. Polly Stone, SHDC Tree Officer.

10.10.    KPC Insurance

Policy for forthcoming year has been received (premium of £1051) with the Chapel of Rest and the vintage Fire Engine added as items for specific cover.

10.11.    Memorial for Jubilee Park

The Council authorised the inscription and payment in January and continue to ‘chase’ the contractor for a completion date.

10.12.    Footpath 52, Galmpton

                                    Cllr. H. Newcombe provided information and an update for the new Councillors.

10.13.    Kingswear Regatta

KPC has received a letter from the Regatta Committee requesting a donation to pay for the attendance of the Red Cross at the Regatta on the 4^th & 5^th August 2007. It was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr. A. Pithers and carried unanimously to provide the sum of £64.42.

10.14.    Hanging Baskets

Ten hanging baskets have been received, two more will be available soon and watering facilities have been arranged.

C/081/07         25^TH ANNIVERSARY OF FALKLANDS WAR (12)

A commemorative event has been organised for Thursday, 14^th June 2007 at 11am. The Clerk has invited, on behalf of Kingswear Parish Council, representatives of The Parachute Regiment, Royal British Legion, The Britannia Naval College, family members of Colonel H. Jones VC and organisations and clubs of the Parish of Kingswear. Information on the event has been provided to representatives of the Lower Ferry and local Police in an effort to ensure the minimum of disruption during the event. A number of wreaths will be laid at the memorial to Colonel H. Jones VC.

C/082/07         REQUESTS OF THE CLERK AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS (15)

                        (1)        Cllr. A. Lovell: 1. Kingswear Walks Booklet. 2. Specific marking of each signpost to enable potential problem locations to be identified quickly.

                        (2)        Cllr. J. Henshall:  1. MCTi grant. 2. OAP Christmas Lunch.

                       (3)        Cllr. J. Ferris:  1. Tree at the approach to Raddicombe Drive is too big, action required. 2. Forestry commission.

                        (4)        Cllr. H. Newcombe: Youth Hostel – Greenway.

                        (5)        Cllr. A. Usher: 1. Water in footpath  2. Signs for car’s owners on the  approach  to the Lower ferry.    3. Steps  from Church Hill to Beacon Road.

                        (6)        Cllr. J. Hawkins: 1. Parish news letter. 2. Brixham Town Council. 3. Remembrance Sunday.

C/083/07         PAYMENTS FOR MAY/JUNE 2007 (16)

                        It was agreed unanimously that the following cheques be paid:-

C/084/07         COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC (18)

                        There were none.

Table 1 - AREAS OF COUNCILLOR’S SPECIAL INTEREST

Table 2 - Moorings Status

Table 3 – Mooring Waiting List