August 07

Old Bolsover Town Council

Council meeting minutes: August 2007

Minutes of the Meeting of Old Bolsover Town Council

Held at 6.45pm on Tuesday 14th August 2007 at the Town Hall, Cotton Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield

Present:

Coun. T. Bennett - Chair

Councillors L. Anderson, R.J. Bowler, M. Bowler, D. Bratt

R. Fulleylove, J Dixon, M. Reed, R. Reed, T. Rodda, J. Woodhead

In attendance:

D Kee – Town Clerk

Sgt Bentley 2310 – Community Sergeant, Bolsover

CPSO Ben Perry

CHAD Reporter

Open Forum

There were 4 members of the public present.

37.Apologies for absence

There were no apologies.

38.Charity Day – 4th August 2007

The Chair referred to the success of Charity Day, the generosity of local businesses who supported the event by the donation of prizes and the efforts of all of the various charities involved.

The Chair presented £100 cheques to the representatives of Bolsover Badgers, Inner Wheel and the Townswomen’s Guild. Due to illness, the representative of Bolsover Self Help could not be present. The Chair read out a letter received from June Robinson the Chair of the Charity Committee. The letter thanked the Town Council for their support, local businesses and all of the charities involved in ticket sales.

39.Members’ Interests

Members were reminded by the Chair of the need to complete and keep up to date the Register in-keeping with the Town Clerk's letter and verbal instructions.

40.Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 10th July 2007 be approved as a true record.

Resolved

The above the minutes be accepted as a true record.

41.Matters Arising

Item 31 Town Clerk’s Report item 1 transferred into committee.

42.Police Matters

Sgt Bentley made reference to the new Community Constable Jason Graham and introduced PSCO Ben Perry who should be a regular attender at Council meetings until December. Sgt Bentley advised that most of the efforts of the Town’s PSCO’s were spent on duties in the New Bolsover, Castle Estate and Carr Vale areas, addressing nuisance behaviour. In an attempt to monitor the situation and offenders, PSCO’s were now equipped with head cameras and members were invited to look at the equipment and to ask questions about its use, capabilities and evidence providing qualities. The Sgt confirmed that the equipment, which cost £1500, had a hard drive which recorded evidence and could not be interfered with. Part of its purpose being to combat the lack of PSCO powers and for crime and disorder purposes as opposed to the monitoring of offences.

A series of questions were then answered about the shift patterns of both the Community Constable and the PCSOs. Derbyshire was said to be a lead authority in the use of PCSOs whose powers were to be extended to traffic offences. However the power of arrest remained with Police Officers only. The powers of the PCSO had been granted under the Police Reform Act, they covered disorder, drunkenness, ASBO offences including vehicles, Section 59 vehicle seizures but not powers of detention. These officers were seen as important to the multiagency link, feeding back information, promoting the work of the police and gaining trust in the community. Joint working was also evidenced by the leading of various activities such as Oxbox and events at the Kissingate Leisure Centre and the Assembly Hall.

Questions were asked about:-

(1)Children and young adults behaving badly in the Bolsover Hill area, examples of placing wheelie bins in the highway, drinking behind the Fiddlers Rest and in the grounds of Sherwood Lodge were referred to.

The Police confirmed their awareness of alcohol being consumed and promised to monitor the situations.

(2)Reference was made to an alleged dog attack at Bolsover Hill on a Meter Reader and at least one other person.

The Police Officer stated that these problems must be formally reported to allow them to be investigated and appropriate action taken. It was also observed that the District Council provides a Dog Warden Service.

The Police confirmed they were also aware of the drinking of alcohol in contravention of the Alcohol Control Zone at the Hornscroft, in the area of the Depot Sherwood Lodge and to the rear of Page’s Decorating Shop.

(3)Questions were asked about the recent spate of lead thefts and the use of wheeled bins including lead found but removed again from the Depot Compound.

The Police Sgt confirmed that one person had been interviewed but had been released due to a lack of evidence. The Officer also made reference to a coating/detection material which may be employed in an attempt to control these incidents; however the matter was now an “intelligence lead police investigation”.

Various comments were also made about certain witnesses and the police's apparent failure to speedily attend incidents. The Officer stated that he was unable to comment on particular incidents but the police would respond based upon priorities and use their resources appropriately this meant that scenes of a serious incident must be guarded and priorities applied until decisions were taken by senior officers.

The Officer explained how the Police Station operated in respect of enquiries, the number of officers usually on duty and their routines. The Officer also commented that on occasions transport difficulties had meant that he had had to use his own vehicle and that the Police Van was “borrowed” from Chesterfield Police Station. He also advised that Citizens should not be refused entry to the Station and that an enquiry position was staffed 9am to 7.30pm daily. However new systems and procedures were being introduced with a view to making more valid changes. In addition there was an ongoing media campaign to publicise the work of the police. Members of the public were urged to use the 08451233333 or 999 system as appropriate, in all instances.

The Officer also advised that a series of library drop in sessions had been arranged and held on Friday 10th August the next scheduled to be held on the 31st August 10am to 12noon.

The Officer advised that the number of crimes reported were down on last month, a total of 52 being reported.

Questions were asked and an explanation given in respect of the violent crimes committed category, which it was explained, covered a range of crimes, less serious to serious.

The Police were also advised and indicated that they may have a presence at the climbing wall facility arranged by the Derbyshire Youth Service to be present at Bainbridge Hall on three Tuesdays during September.

Following the departure of the Police Officer the debate continued, focusing on a range of subjects including the lack of police community involvement, the lack of impact of CCTV cameras, CPSO’s lack of powers seen as a cheap policing option.

Resolved

The Chief Constable and the Chair of the Police Consultative Committee be invited to attend a meeting to look at the concerns and problems being experienced.

Such a move to be subject to the new Chief Constable taking up his duties, acknowledging that recently the local MP’s and the Community Safety Partnership took a deputation to central government regarding alleged police under funding of £22,000,000.

43. Town Clerk’s Report

(1)Market Place Development

The Clerk advised that the plans had now been submitted and that the District Council Legal Section had queried the reason for a 50/50 lease agreement.

Resolved

(1)The submission of the development plans be noted.

(2)The lease agreement be challenged as appropriate if the agreed 50/50 arrangement is not confirmed.

(3)That general progress be closely monitored in liaison with the developer.

(2)Bainbridge Hall

The Clerk advised that two of the five lighting conductors had been vandalised and that a rear security door lock was in need of some attention.

The Clerk also advised that the DCC’s Community Economic Development Team had served notice that they were to leave the Hall in December 2007 or sooner. In addition that a meeting arranged by the Management Committee with the police had indicated that the police’s future action would display a ‘zero tolerance’ attitude.

Resolved

(1)Specialist advice be obtained and the necessary repairs required be carried out to the conductors and security door locks.

(2)The to be vacated room be re-let subject to the usual terms and conditions.

(3)The intentions of the police be noted.

(4)The overall situation be closely monitored in liaison with the Management Committee.

(3)Henton Memorial Hall

The Clerk referred to the formal reopening date of the Hall.

Resolved

(1)Members attend the reopening on Thursday 16th August, if possible.

(2)A meeting of the Management Committee be arranged as soon as possible.

(4)Assembly Hall

The Clerk referred to the successful play area funding application.

Resolved

The necessary works be arranged in-keeping with the funding grant received and the timescales indicated, in liaison with the Trustees and First Steps representatives.

(5)Grounds Maintenance

The Clerk commented on the delays as a consequence of absence and poor weather.

Resolved

The priorities indicated be accepted and the overall situation noted.

(6)Depot

The Clerk outlined the problems caused and the vulnerability of the Depot Compound.

Resolved

The Crime Prevention Officer be asked to advise on the measures thought necessary.

(7)Hornscroft Park

The Clerk commented on the use of the privet hedging which was being used by certain individuals to conceal the drinking of alcohol, in contention of the control zone.

Resolved

The matter be deferred into committee.

(8)Rights of Way Partnership Working Agreement

The Clerk advised on the progress of the trial project.

Councillor R. Reed declared a level 1 interest in this matter.

Resolved

(1)Members provide a commentary directly to the Clerk on the conditions and improvement works required.

(2)The date of the meeting be noted.

(9)Incidents

The Clerk drew attention to incidents at Bainbridge Hall, the Depot and the Town Hall.

Resolved

The report be noted.

44.Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership

No meetings had taken place and therefore no feedback was available.

45.Town Centre Development Group

The Clerk drew attention to the meeting agenda circulated and the meeting to be held 20th September 2007 at the Town Hall.

46.Correspondence Received

The Clerk referred to the items of correspondence and drew attention to:-

2.Letter, Leaflet and entry form received from Derbyshire County Council regarding the “Excellence in the Community Awards 2007” Scheme

4.Minutes of the N. Gage.com Youth Steering Group referring to Bainbridge Hall.

Resolved

The information be noted.

6.Letter of invitation from the C.V.P. in respect of the local Compact Development Group meeting.

7.Letter and invitation by the C.V.P. to the Local Area Agreement discussions.

Resolved

The Clerk attend these meetings if work pressures permit.

8.Letter from SPODA requesting Section 137 sponsorship.

Resolved

A sum of £100 be donated.

With the permission of the Chair the following additional items of correspondence were discussed.

9.Letter from Fallen Angels regarding a public dance performance on Saturday 8th September 2007.

Resolved

The group be allowed to dance subject to the Council’s usual terms and conditions in the Market Place Cenotaph area.

10.Letter and bookmarks from the D.C.C. “Everybody’s Talking about Climate Change”.

Resolved

(1)The Council’s members pledge their support.

(2)Banners be utilised at suitable public meetings in the Council’s Community Buildings.

11.Derbyshire Police Authority News Letter.

Resolved

The document be distributed to members.

12.Letter from Victim Support Derbyshire for Section 137 sponsorship.

Resolved

A £100 donation be made.

13.Letter and invitation to the Community Transport User Group Meeting.

Resolved

The invitation be passed to the Council’s representative.

47.Planning

Councillor T Rodda, Vice-Chair, advised that as a member of the Planning Committee, Bolsover District Council, he intended not to comment on any planning applications.

1.07/00377/FUL

Installation of security shutters at High Street Filling Station, High St, Bolsover by S Elanchelian

Resolved

No objections.

2.07/00408/FUL

Two storey extension to side of 1A Church Road, Stanfree by Mr and Mrs C J Morris

Resolved

No objections.

3.07/00432/FUL

Single storey extension to rear and erection of porch to front of 277 Shuttlewood Road, Bolsover by D Pritchard & R Lavender

Resolved

No objections.

4. 07/00448/FUL

Single storey extension to rear of 124 Welbeck Road, Bolsover by Mrs M Calwell.

Resolved

No objections.

5. 07/00452/FUL

Erection of four retail/business units with residential units on the first and second floor Market Place Cotton Street Bolsover by Holymoor Developments Ltd.

Councillors T. Bennett, L. Anderson, R.J. Bowler, M. Bowler, D. Bratt R. Fulleylove, J Dixon,

M. Reed, R. Reed, T. Rodda, J. Woodhead declared a level 1 interest in this matter.

Resolved

No objections.

6. 07/00455/FUL

Erection of two storey detached dwelling with attached double garage and balcony to rear elevation land north of 39 Conduit Road Bolsover by Mr R Silcock.

Resolved

The Council confirm its original decision.

7. 07/00458/FUL

Two storey extension to the side and change of use of dwelling to 2 flats 26 Ironcliffe Road Bolsover by Mr. G Matthews.

Resolved

The Council object on the grounds of highway and parking.

With the approval of the Chair the Clerk presented 4 additional applications

8. 07/00378/OUTResidential development, 315 Shuttlewood Road, Bolsoverby Mr J Rogers

Resolved

The Council object on the grounds of highway access and egress.

9. 07/00460/FUL Erection of two storey and single storey extension to rear, 22 Castle Lane, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Fletcher.

Resolved