July 08 - Old Bolsover Town Council

Old Bolsover Town Council

Council meeting minutes: July 2008

Minutes of the Meeting of Old Bolsover Town Council

Held at 6.45pm on Tuesday 8th July 2008 at the Town Hall,

Cotton Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield

Present:

Coun. T. Rodda

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

M. Reed, R. Reed, J. Woodhead

In attendance:D Kee – Town Clerk

PCSO – Ben Perry

P C Egerton 2350

2 members of the public

Derbyshire Times Reporter

CHAD Reporter

32.Apologies for absence

Councillors D. Bratt, C.P Cooper

33.Open Forum

The speaker referred to a letter submitted to the Council regarding the possible purchase of land to the rear of a family owned property.

It was stated that the sole reason for purchase was to extend the property’s garden, not for any other purpose. The speaker apologised for the confusion caused previously by their Estate Agent who, as a consequence, had been dismissed. He re-emphasised that no building works were proposed and that the ‘field’ was needed also to install wiring and heat pumps underground.

The speaker was thanked by the Chair for his submission and it was confirmed that the matter was to be discussed later “in committee”. The Chair advised that the Town Clerk would formally write, setting out the Council’s decision.

Presentation by Cllr K. Bowman, Bolsover District Council on the possibilities and support for the formation of a Bentinck Community Association

Councillor Bowman referred to the 2007 local election debate when members of Bentinck Village stated that the community had seen ‘nothing for many years’. He went on to comment that the District Council could not provide any resources but what was required were environmental improvements to afford a ‘look nice good overall feel’ by virtue of the community tapping into any available grant funding.

However Officers of the District Council were not able to do this, therefore a properly constituted Residents’ Association could provide an access route to the grants available and input was also wanted from the Town Council, owners of both an allotment site and open amenity space.

The Councillor asked if members of the Town Council were able to take part and assist in the process, given that a meeting had been arranged to take place at the Oxcroft Institute on 1st September 2008 to establish a way forward. Voluntary bodies and the County Council had also been invited; the Town Clerk had indicated that he would attend.

Members commented that the Council wished to fully support residents in any progress they would like to make, and it was suggested that the neighbouring villages of Stanfree and Shuttlewood might also be included.

It was acknowledged that Bentinck had responded in the recent past to the use of a £5,000 grant made by UK Coal deciding on some leisure amenity provision.

Members asked questions and made various observations including:-

What schemes the community might want to do?

Various thoughts provided were, redesign of land to the side of the playing field to create parking and limiting traffic access, improvement of private land, garage site improvement, but overall “the village needed sprucing up” and the community would lead on these matters.

The overall level of community interest in the initiative and its sustainability was queried.

Cllr Bowman concluded that all Town Council Members were invited to attend the meeting and to voice their support. Councillor Bowman was thanked by the Chair for his presentation.

Resolved

(1)Appropriate members of the Council attend to determine the level of support needed and the Council subsequently advised.

(2)Councillor Bowman be advised accordingly.

34.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, verbal instructions and the need for Members to register interests related to the formal requirement of the Standards Board ‘Code of Conduct’ document.

Members made a formal declaration of interest in respect of the items agended.

35.Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held in the open section, pages 16 to 22, held on 10th June 2008 be approved subject to the following amendments:-

Page 16In attendance the name of PCSO Holmes be amended to read PCSO Ben Perry.

Page 17Item 23, (1) paragraph 3 add Officers are trained drivers and drive to the surroundings and

their capabilities.

Page 17Police web sites (3) paragraph 3 – amend web address to read www.Policecouldyou.co.uk and add www.derbyshire.police.co.uk

Page 17Delete reference to six in respect of the fixed penalty notices issued.

Page 18Licensed Premises Checks – first paragraph delete “Alvis” substitute “Relentless”

Second paragraph delete “support vehicles, involving 3 to 4 officers using a system referred to as star bursting away” amend to read “the support vehicle is a marked police carrier with

3-4 officers on which helps with youths star bursting away”.

Page 18 (7) Cotton Street Vehicle Movement. – add “Members of the Council suggested a sustained effort was required every 6 weeks”.

Paragraph 3: Amend to read “PCSO’s have increased traffic powers” (not all traffic powersetc).

ResolvedThe Clerk formally record the written amendments as submitted.

36.Matters Arising

Page 17 item 22

The usefulness of the Ring Master Scheme was again referred to. The Police Officer observed that a new “data protection” form was to be issued and copies would be made available to the Council.

Page 17 item 23

Police Matters (1) Speeding Police Response Vehicles. The Officer was asked what further information could be made available?

He responded by advising that the matter had been “passed to the Inspector”; no further information was made available.

Concerns about vehicles parking were again expressed, however it was observed that this matter was likely to be addressed by Derbyshire County Council later this year!

37.Police Matters

(1)Car Vale Football Club

The Officers were asked about the damage recently caused and what actions being taken?

The PCSO advised that the persons involved were “known offenders” and were now being dealt with based upon a witness statement.

(2)Parked Vehicles

The Police were asked to be proactive in respect of vehicles preventing the unhindered movement of buggies and wheelchairs.

(3)Metal Thefts

The Police were asked about the recent spate of metal thefts (the two officers present having been previously advised about four thefts at various Council sites in the last two days) as well as a break-in at the Depot off Hill Top.

The Officers commented that a name had been given which they intended to investigate immediately following the meeting. There appeared to be confusion as to the exact Depot location (it would appear the Officers thought it was the District Council’s depot off Oxcroft Lane!) The Clerk advised that Scenes of Crime personnel had made contact and were due to visit. However the incident was being investigated by another Officer not present at the meeting.

The PCSO commented that he would investigate CCTV possibilities given that two of the metal thefts were from the Back Hills, already a Police priority area.

The Officers were challenged about their intended visit to the ‘named person’ given the need for witness evidence.

The Constable advised that they would proceed based upon what was found if a satisfactory explanation was not forthcoming.

He added that generally every scrap yard in the District was to be visited; by means of illustration a yard based at Mansfield was mentioned.

(4)Major Incident

The police were asked about the progress made and advised that two persons had been arrested the following day.

(5)Allotment Incident

The Constable enquired about the Council’s policy related to allotment fencing and gates, especially at the New Station Road site, given the “numerous incidents” on a tenanted garden where livestock had been savagely killed.

The Clerk commented that the policy was currently under review given that all similar designated sites in the area are owned by the Council; however it was observed that some fencing works to the main road boundary had been completed in the recent past.

(6)Diversionary Activities Funding

The PCSO enquired if the Council may be able to contribute towards diversionary activities planned, given the closeness of the summer holidays; the activities planned were outlined.

The Officer was asked to formally request financial help in writing. The County Council representative present also promised to review any possible help via the Community Priorities Programme involving Cllrs Dixon and Stevenson’s allocation subject to a formal application. In addition the Constables were advised to contact the District Council’s Leisure Services Section.

In conclusion the PCSO commented that any planned Bolsover activity would take place on a Friday and funding had also been applied for via the Police Divisional Commander to provide activities for the 11 to 19 year old target age range group.

(7)Crime Statistics

The Constable provided a detailed break down of crimes committed in June, a total of 52, a reduction of 17 based on July. The Officer commended that this was linked to “protracted patrolling” as part of Operation Relentless.

38.Town Clerk’s Report

(1)Continental Market – Food & Drink Event 2009

The Clerk stated that Derbyshire County Council had confirmed that a Castle Food & Drink event was to take place on the weekend of the 16th and 17th May 2009.

Resolved

(1)The Clerk engage the Council’s usual (2007 and 2008) agent to provide an accompanying Continental Market event on the same financial and operational basis as 2008.

(2)Standing Orders be suspended avoiding the need to invite tenders in respect of the Continental Market Agency and associated arrangements.

(2)Status of disused land, Allotment Site Oxcroft Lane, Bolsover

The Clerk advised that a further letter had now been received from the Acting Chairman of Bolsover Allotment Association in respect of the site.

Resolved

(1) The correspondence received be passed to the Council’s Solicitor for comment and the Association advised accordingly of the outcome.

(2)The correspondence from National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners be noted and the Council’s solicitor involved as appropriate.

(3)Cundy Road Site

The Clerk provided an update as to the progress of the planning application and concerns raised by the possible developer.

Resolved

(1)The situation be monitored and the District Council’s planning position queried further as appropriate.

(2)The Council be updated further on the various outcomes.

(4)Market Square Development

The Clerk advised that the developer had now indicated they had evidence to mount a legal challenge to the neighbouring property owners’ alleged right to light claim.

Resolved

(1)The developers’ intentions be noted.

(2)The Council and its partners, the District Council, be kept informed as matters progressed.

(5)Fireworks Event, Dykes Field & Market Square

The Council drew attention to a request to use Dykes Field for car parking and the associated use of the Market Place for the siting of fair ground equipment from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th inclusive.

Resolved

(1)The request be approved subject to the usual conditions.

(2)The event organiser be asked to (i) consider proper siting of fair ground equipment so as not to block in business properties and (ii) ensure the proper movement of vehicles and equipment so as not to further damage the kerb edging situated on Castle Street.

(6)North East Derbyshire Local Accessibility Strategy – Issues and Options Consultation

The Clerk drew attention to several identified shortcomings in the draft consultation document.

Resolved

(1)The Clerk write informing the County Council of the various matters identified namely:

1. Town & Parish Council’s stakeholder role.

2.The inclusion of a reference to

2.1The value and contribution of Community Centres

2.2The value of allotment gardening.

2.3The value of parks and play areas.

3.The value of all community based learning centres and training facilities.

4.The importance of walking and good rights of way access.

4.1The need for the installation of kissing gates, reinforcing the current local Rights of Way action plan works being undertaken in partnership with D.C.C. Countryside Service.

(7)Playground Inspection Report

The Clerk drew attention to the 2008 independent playground report findings and the subsequent 12 month maintenance programme.

In addition the Clerk commented on the need for greater inspection of equipment in an attempt to prevent metal theft.

Resolved

Both reports be received and the necessary action undertaken as resources allow.

(8)Access Route to the Council’s Depot

The Clerk advised that further correspondence had been received from the Marston Pub Company registering concern that the matter had not been progressed.

Following detailed debate it was:

Resolved

That the matter be left to the District Council given the Depot relocation arrangements agreed as a consequence of the loss of land to facilitate the Somerfield Development some years ago.

(9)Incidents

The Clerk commented that the July report would provide a much different analysis.

In addition the Clerk provided details of the Henton Hall incident.

ResolvedThe report be approved.

39.Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership

No report was presented.

40.Town Centre Management Group

Further details of any developments are awaited from the three nominated steering group individuals.

ResolvedThe situation be noted.

41.DALC

The Clerk drew members’ attention to the various circulars and commented on how further information might be accessed as appropriate.

Resolved(1)The Circulars be noted.

(2)Information be sought as appropriate.

42.Correspondence Received

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

(5)A letter and schedule relating to the District Council’s submission to B.T. and the Officer contact details.

(6)The termination of a water and drainage service to the closed Cemetery toilet block.

(11)The withdrawal of planning application 08/00209/FULMAJ, 99 to 101 Moor Lane.

(13)A letter received from the Performing Rights Society regarding music for public listening.

(17)A letter received from Homestart requesting a Section 137 donation.

Councillor J Dixon declared a Level 2 interest in this matter.

(20)A letter received from the Acting Chairman of Bolsover Allotment Society.

Resolved(1)The various updates be noted.

(2)The Clerk write to the Performing Rights Society to clarify the Council’s position and the Council be advised accordingly.

(3)A sum of £100 be donated to Homestart, Bolsover District.

(4)The action decided previously in respect of the Allotment Association’s letter be confirmed.

Additional Correspondence

The Clerk circulated an updated list of correspondence.

43.Planning

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

1.08/00376/FULErection of 2 single storey dwellings and garages on Land Adjacent Calbec House, Limekiln Fields Road, Bolsover by Mr K Bird.

ResolvedNo objections.

2.08/00387/SCOPEScoping report – Steetley Regeneration – future phases at Armstrong Quarry, Steetley Lane, Steetley, Derbyshire by DHA Planning and Development Consultants.

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council to decide.

3.08/00397/TPO20% crown reduction to sycamore Tree 1 Cavendish Road, Bolsover by Stuart Moseley

Councillor T. Bennett declared a Level 1 interest in this matter

ResolvedNo objections.

4.08/00438/FULErection of paladin security fencing to boundary of football ground at Carr Vale Colts Football Ground, North View Street, Carr Vale, Chesterfield

by Mr Derek Adams.

ResolvedNo objections.

With the permission of the Chair the Vice Chair presented the following additional application.

5.08/11449/REMErection of 1 two storey dwelling and associated access (Site A) and detached garage on land on the North Side of 28 Church Road, Stanfree by Castle Construction (Chesterfield) Ltd

Councillor T. Bennett declared a Level 2 interest in this matter

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council to decide.

6.08/00450/REMErection of 2 two storey dwellings and associated access (Site B) and detached triple garage building on Garden Land to the front of 28 Church Road, Stanfree by Castle Construction, (Chesterfield) Ltd

Councillor T. Bennett declared a Level 2 interest in this matter

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council to decide.

7.08/00451/FULErection of 2 two storey dwellings and associated access (Site C) and detached garages on Land between 26 And 28 Church Road, Stanfree by Castle Construction (Chesterfield) Ltd

Councillor T. Bennett declared a Level 2 interest in this matter

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council to decide.

44.Allotment Committee

The Chair of the Committee advised that site visit dates etc were now planned.

ResolvedThe intended imminent visits to all sites be noted.

45.1Minutes of the Assembly Hall Trustees Meeting

ResolvedThe notes of the meeting be noted.

45.2Minutes of Bainbridge Hall Management Committee

No minutes were presented.

45.3Henton Memorial Hall

Resolved The notes of the meeting be noted.