July 07 - Old Bolsover Town Council

Old Bolsover Town Council

Council meeting minutes: July 2007

Minutes of the Meeting of Old Bolsover Town Council

Held at 6.45pm on Tuesday 10th July 2007 at the Town Hall, Cotton Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield

Present:

Coun. T. Bennett - Chair

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

C.P. Cooper, R. Fulleylove, M. Reed, R. Reed, T. Rodda, J. Woodhead

In attendance:

D Kee – Town Clerk

Sgt Bentley 2310 – Community Sergeant, Bolsover

Derbyshire Times Reporter

CHAD Reporter

Open Forum

There were no members of the public present.

26.Apologies for absence

Councillor J Dixon

27.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.

28.Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 19th June 2007 be approved as a true record, subject to page 13, item (4) the addition of D.C.C. Councillor K. Stevenson who was also present.

ResolvedThat subject to the above the minutes be accepted as a true record.

29.Matters Arising

Page 12, Item 18, Police Matters

The Chair confirmed her attendance at the Police Consultative Meeting, along with Councillor

R. Reed. It was noted that the Police Officer’s present at the meeting had been “most forthcoming”.

Enquiries were also made regarding the possibility of a Traffic Officer attending future meetings to allow informed opinions and advice to be obtained in respect of a range of traffic related matters. The Officer present confirmed that a Traffic Officer would be able to attend future meetings.

The Clerk advised that no response had been received from the Chief Constable in respect of the various concerns directly brought to his attention.

Resolved(1)The attendance of a Traffic Officer at future Consultative meetings be noted.

(2)A further 4 week review period be allowed in respect of the Chief Constable’s none response at which time the matter be readdressed.

Page 13, Item (3) CCTV

The Chair advised that a reply from the District Council’s Chief Executive to the Council’s letter regarding this subject and related matters was still awaited.

ResolvedThe matter be kept under review.

Page 14 Item (7) Cotton Street

ResolvedThe matter be raised at the next Police Consultative meeting by the Council’s nominated representatives.

Page 14 Item (9) Charity Day

The Chair drew Members’ attention to the day and the need for Members to attend, if possible, especially the draw for the Charity prize money distribution, which would take place at 12noon.

Page 21, Item (7)

ResolvedThe matter be kept under review awaiting the Chief Constable’s response to the Council’s letter of concern.

30.Police Matters

Sergeant Bentley, the Police’s representative was welcomed to the meeting especially given the lack of police presence in the recent past.

Members of the Council introduced themselves.

Sergeant Bentley went on to outline his police service to date and his replacement of Sgt M. Shooter as the Community Sergeant for Bolsover, taking over the post in the next week.

Reference was made to vehicles parking on pavements causing difficulties for pedestrians and especially disabled persons.

The Police Officer advised that complainants needed to contact the police directly; however he commented that not many incidents of this type were currently being reported to the police.

Questions were raised about motor bikes using the Stockley Trail.

The Police Officer commented on a planned multiagency campaign which was due to take place on Sunday 15th July 2007.

Concerns were raised about general vehicle parking and distances allowed from road junctions given that road Traffic accidents may occur as a consequence of the present parking situations.

The Officer advised that he was not quite sure of the regulations commenting that the Traffic Officer should be asked these questions. However it was observed that police vehicles were currently affected by certain of these issues and appeared to be disregarding the problems, including double yellow line parking.

The Officer advised that he would make all Constables aware of these matters at their normal briefing sessions. However Police Officers’ responses to these situations will be dependant upon all circumstances and other more pressing emergencies. Further comments may be possible when knowledge had been obtained from other agencies.

A query was raised regarding the reporting of these and other concerns to the police.

The Officer confirmed that the usual 08451233333 number should be used to allow the “incident to be logged”.

The Officer went on to outline an opinion of the public’s view of the police’s achievements and a possible gap between the public’s perception and reality, which reflected some negativity given the many initiatives which were being taken. It was observed that a police/public newsletter might address this issue.

The officer advised that such a measure was most unlikely. The local press may be used but there had been an increase in police/public surgeries and forums to sell the police and to keep the public informed.

It was observed that the Council had written to the Chief Constable about a number of outstanding concerns as well as a lack of police presence at Council meetings. This also indicated that the present police community relationship was not up to standard. Bolsover Market Place had been a “no go” area in the recent past and there appeared to be little improvement in the state of affairs.

The Officer commented that the police were looking for both negative and positive feedback and that communication between all parties was necessary.

The Sergeant then advised on the individual crime category figures for June 2007; Beat Area 354. A total of 73 crimes having been reported. Changes were planned to address violence and damage including a change of Beat Officer, all with a view to challenging the present situation.

The Officer was asked if the Alcohol Control Zones were working given the public’s perception that they were not! The Officer was also asked if information about the number of stops and encounters associated with these measures were available

The Officer advised that no records were available; however he was prepared to look into this issue further which may as a consequence help with the view that the measure was not working, but he did have reservations that this would be found to be too cumbersome to operate.

Questions were also asked in respect of the new law introduced in respect of no smoking in public places which had resulted in seats being placed outside certain establishments; this in turn had led to a question of obstruction of pavements etc.

The Officer commented that it may be a matter for planning and licensing, and perhaps needed to be addressed by the District Council! In addition associated concerns regarding the use of bad language and associated crowds outside certain public houses were brought to the Officer’s attention.

The Sergeant promised to check the position and the legality of all issues, however at present he felt unable to comment further.

The Sergeant was thanked for his attendance and asked to attend future Council meetings.

31. Town Clerk’s Report

(1)Market Place Development

The Clerk advised that the submission of plans by the developer to the District Council had been delayed. It was now envisaged that these would be submitted week commencing 16th July, however the draft lease document had been passed to the District Council via their Chief Executive.

In addition the Clerk confirmed that the developer had chosen the name Hardwick Court.

ResolvedAll matters be noted and the various issues arising be addressed by the Clerk.

(2)Cundy Road

The Clerk advised that the Council’s Solicitor had indicated that contracts were shortly to be exchanged, subject to the receipt of planning permission. In addition immediate notices to quit had been given to all of the various garage owners.

ResolvedMatters be progressed and the funds made available be utilised in-keeping with the Council’s previous resolution.

(3)Bainbridge Hall

The Clerk outlined the Management Committee’s decisions in respect of the meeting held Monday 2nd July 2007. The Council’s nominated representatives were advised of the next planned Committee Meeting date and time, Thursday 6th September, at 10am at Bainbridge Hall.

Resolved(1)The acceptance of the Lease Addendum be noted, subject to minor amendment.

(2)The outcome of the Business Advisor Incentives be monitored.

(3)The Clerk and the Council’s nominated representatives attend the planned future meeting, if possible.

(4)Cemetery

The Clerk referred to certain vandal events which had been distressing to visitors, relatives and grave owners, advising that notices had been posted requesting the public’s help in finding the person(s) responsible.

The Clerk also referred to the problems of dog faeces being experienced in the cemetery.

Resolved(1)The incidents of vandal events be noted, the situation monitored and the police advised accordingly.

(2)A dog bin be purchased and erected in a suitable position, close to the cemetery gates.

(5)Derbyshire Youth Service

The Clerk referred to a meeting held with senior representatives of the services and the discussions held regarding possible developments.

ResolvedThe report be received and the County Council’s proposals responded to positively with a view to supporting the service via Council’s various Community Halls and play sites.

(6)Play Area Inspections

The Clerk referred to the report received and the summary of works necessary, set out in a planned work’s schedule for the coming year.

ResolvedThe report be received and the necessary repairs undertaken in-keeping with the schedule provided.

(7)Henton Memorial Hall

The Clerk referred to the need to arrange an official re-opening ceremony.

Resolved(1)The Hall be officially re-opened on Thursday 16th August 1007 at 5.00pm. That all members of the Community, potential Management Committee members and Members of the Council be formally invited to attend.

(2)The ceremony be officially conducted by the Chair and Councillor Dixon.

(3)That light refreshments be provided.

(4)That a Management Committee meeting be arranged based upon the outcomes of the day.

(8)Incidents

The Clerk referred to the incidents tabled and made particular reference to incidents at Bainbridge Hall, the Depot and the Cemetery.

ResolvedThe report be received and the measures undertaken noted.

32.Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership

Members who attended the recently arranged Away Day held on 2nd July outlined the various matters discussed.

33.Town Centre Development Group

The Clerk reminded members and representatives that the next meeting was scheduled to take place on Thursday 20th September 2007 at 10am, at the Town Hall, Cotton Street, Bolsover.

34.Correspondence Received

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

(2)A letter from Bolsover Civic Society regarding Town Entry Signs.

Councillor R. Reed and J Woodhead declared a Level 1 interest in this matter.

Resolved(1)The Clerk obtain further information from the Society regarding the design of the proposed signs.

(2)The matter be deferred for discussion at the Council’s formal budget setting meeting.

(4)Section 137 request received from Relate.

ResolvedA donation of £100 be made.

(6)Letter from the Bolsover L.S.P. detailing the board and executive committee election results.

ResolvedThe results and the name of the persons elected be noted.

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

(7)Survey questionnaires from Bolsover District Council in respect of Play Provisions and Sports and Leisure.

Resolved(1) Members complete and return the questionnaires provided.

(2)The Clerk make the questionnaires available to members of the public when requested.

(8)Standards’’ Board SBE Bulletin 34, circulated to all members.

ResolvedMembers note the bulletin content and refer to the issues raised as appropriate.

(9)A request from Bolsover District Council to name a street in a development taking place at Carr Vale.

ResolvedThe principle of not offering names for developments be endorsed subject to a further future principle discussion.

(10)A notice from CVP regarding training of Community Voluntary Representatives of communities from September.

ResolvedThe notice be displayed at the Council’s Community Buildings.

(11)Letter from Bolsover District Council inviting the Council to name a street in the development taking place off Chesterfield Road, Shuttlewood.

ResolvedThe Council consider its future naming policy in-keeping with the resolution set out in (9) above.

35.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.

1.07/00365/FULVariation of house type to include loft conversion

(Plot 22) 5 Church Road, Stanfree, by Mr J L Milthorpe

ResolvedNo objections.

2.06/00687/FULMAJErection of 116 dwellings/apartments and garages and construction of estate roads and parking courts at Mercol Products, 18 Carr Vale Road, Carr Vale, Bolsover by Gleeson Homes/Mercol Products

ResolvedThe matter now be left to the District Council.

With the approval of the Chair, the Clerk presented two additional applications

3.07/00375/FULErection of a detached garage to the rear of 20 Ridgedale Road, Bolsover by Mr A Ball.

Councillor R Bowler and M Bowler declared a Level 2 interest in this matter

ResolvedNo objections.

4.CD5/0607/02Construction of an external class room extension to the side of the existing school buildings at Brockley Primary School, Shuttlewood by D.C.C.

ResolvedNo objections.

36.1Minutes of the Assembly Hall Trustees Meeting

No minutes available.

36.2Minutes of Bainbridge Hall Management Committee

No minutes available.

36.3Henton Memorial Hall

No minutes available.

CHAIR