June 06 - Old Bolsover Town Council

Old Bolsover Town Council

Council meeting minutes: June 2006

Held at 6.45pm on Tuesday 13th June 2006 at the Town Hall, Cotton Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield

Present:Coun. T Rodda – Chair

Councillors L. Anderson, T Bennett, R. Bowler, K. Bowman, D. Bratt,

J Dixon, J Timmins, J. Woodhead

In attendance:

D Kee – Town Clerk

P.C. S. Hind

Derbyshire Times Reporter

Mansfield CHAD Reporter

1 Member of the Public

Councillor Murray-Carr - BDC (Community Safety Partnership)

Open Forum

The Chair explained that the Open Forum gave members of the public an opportunity to comment on items which are on the agenda or any other relevant item.

15.Apologies for absence

Councillors J Dixon, B Huddless.

16.Members’ Interests

Members were reminded by the Chair of the need to complete the Register in-keeping with the Town Clerk's letter.

17. Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 9th May 2006 were presented as circulated. In respect of Minute 14(9), it was remarked upon that an open day had been organised by Henry Boot Developments, which is to take place at the Markham Environment Centre, Wednesday 21st June 2006 between 2pm and 4pm.

Resolved: That the above minutes be accepted as a true record.

At the invitation of the Chair, Councillor Murray-Carr, Bolsover District Council was invited to speak

on his concerns regarding an article which appeared in the CHAD on 24th May 2006.

Councillor Murray-Carr stated that as Chair of the Community Safety Partnership he wished to speak about the press article and why he considered that the Council had tackled the problem in an unfair way, bearing in mind the excellent working relationship the partnership has with the Police.

Councillor Murray-Carr went on to provide a background analysis of all of the related achievements, the progress made and in the pipeline. He remarked that the Council's approach was not, in his opinion, supportive of, in the light of Section 17 legislation, the role the Council should be playing. He went on to illustrate various measures introduced. Beat Officers, P.C.S.O's, business and community meetings, approaches to alcohol outlets, working with Trading Standards, supported by the number of times he personally had attended meetings at this Council. In addition he had held meetings with leading retail outlets, undertaken weekend and weekday targeting of problems related to alcohol and anti-social behaviour. Also the taking part in joint police 'tasking' meetings, the funding of crime initiatives, safe and secure schemes, domestic abuse work and inspection routes etc.

Overall the purpose was to work better together, including the introduction of a public house "watch scheme", all of these thanks to the police. In addition, under active consideration were alcohol control zones, major targeting exercises, safer lighting for car parks in cooperation with Derbyshire County Council, the funding of Town Centre schemes and the probability of a new CCTV system. Therefore Councillor Murray-Carr felt it was appropriate to ask what the Council was doing? He reminded the Council that Section 17 placed a duty to consider crime and disorder in every action it carried out. Therefore a decision to write to the Chief Constable was most questionable. He went on to state that the Council should work in cooperation under the guidance of the 'Respect Agenda' in a "much closer working relationship".

The response of various Council members was to detail how the Council had recognised and delivered both its statutory and Section 17 obligations. However there were real concerns that matters were out of control and that it was the police's responsibility to solve crime given the balance of things and that citizens were fearful. It was felt that the criticism of the Council by Councillor Murray-Carr was not justified; the Council was fulfilling its obligations to the best of its abilities, working in partnership, whilst being custodian of the public purse.

Councillor Murray-Carr was thanked for his attendance.

The Chair asked all present to stand in a minute's silence, as a matter of respect, following the death of Councillor Colin Elwell, after a long illness. The Chair referred to Colin's many years of public service, an appreciation for his public work and his support of the Council.

The Chair confirmed the donation of a sum of money to Colin Elwell's nominated school fund.

18.Police Matters

P.C. Hind explained that the weekend's disorder was linked to licensed premises and ongoing incidents, all of which were alcohol fuelled, several persons having been arrested. The Constable confirmed that it was the intention that every person convicted would be banned from all public houses in Bolsover.

P.C. Hind went on to explain that the Public House Watch Scheme had now started with extra officers working on Friday and the weekend during the World Cup. The Constable explained the powers of the police, the difficulties encountered as a consequence of hostile witnesses, landlord cooperation and the BDC partnership contribution.

The Constable outlined future use of the powers available to impose restrictions via the Licencing Officer. He also referred to drinking in the street restrictions and the use of registered and suitably qualified door staff. However, overall, there was no quick fix; evidence was still being gathered with the C.P.S. making the ultimate decision regarding any conditions imposed. It was confirmed that no public house has got on street drinking rights.

The Constable advised that 112 crimes were committed in the previous month, with an overall detection rate of 30%, the division being seen as one of the best performing areas in Derbyshire.

P.C. Hind drew attention to the Policing Plan for Derbyshire and the targets set for Bolsover in reducing certain violent criminal damage crimes. He also commented on the consideration of procedures to stop witnesses changing their minds and the seriousness of interfering with witnesses.

The Constable commented on a number of other issues including the planned security fence to Middle Street properties, the Assembly Hall Security, Piano Row Allotment action, police 'calling cards' and local authority safe children places.

Resolved

(1)A copy be obtained of the Derbyshire Policing Plan.

(2)Inspector Pickard and Sergeant Seston be provided with the information requested.

(3)The Police be thanked for their detailed interpretation of recent events.

With the permission of the Chair a member of the public spoke about the extent of damage and abuse occurring from young persons on land off the High Street, adjacent to the Back Hills and associated with the Conduit House.

ResolvedThe Clerk meet with representatives of the community affected by the incidents and that all possible help be given to bring about a resolution of the problems encountered.

19. Town Clerk’s Report

(1)Hornscroft Beacon Park

The Clerk referred to the status of the Heritage and Big Lottery Funding proposals. Attention was drawn to the Church's decision to join the partnership and their consideration of the benefits of the Church Hall being incorporated into any future bid. The Clerk also advised that with the approval of the Chair, he is to attend an HLF, Big Lottery Funding Day in Derby on the 30th June 2006.

ResolvedThe bid position be noted.

(2)King George V Field

The Clerk outlined the discussions held with the District Council's Sports Action Group and skateboard enthusiasts regarding the establishment of skateboarding facilities.

Resolved

(1) Subject to determining the District Council's plans for a Bolsover Site that installation of a "Moveable" facility be investigated further.

(2) A match funding bid proposal to the N.F.F.A. for the site be supported in principle subject to (1) above, taking account of any impact on the present play facilities.

(3) Continental Market and Food & Drink Fair

The Clerk referred to the relative success of the weekend, given the weather, and fall in numbers attending. Problems with the operation of the street closure were identified.

Resolved

The Clerk attend the meeting arranged for 19th June 2006 with the Emergency Planning Officer and other partnership members. The Council subsequently resolve any problems identified, in the planning of future events and street closures.

(4)Cenotaph Bollards

The Clerk explained the current delay and the revised installation date, September 2006.

Resolved

That the situation be monitored and the Council advised accordingly.

(5)Market Place

The Clerk referred to the likely start dates, the legal requirements and the revised set of sketch plans on display. The proposed Developer, District Council Planning Department meeting scheduled to take place on 20th June 2006 was also noted.

Resolved

(1)Based upon the outcome of the above, the Clerk instruct Nelsons Solicitor (Sheffield) to prepare the necessary Lease papers, to be based upon a "simple" agreement in compliance with an "open book" philosophy of lease income accounting.

(2)The Council write to the Developer taking account of any Solicitor opinions, to allow access on the site to enable the archaeological investigations to take place.

(3)That the Developer be required to suitably fence and sign the site during all aspects of the development programme.

(6)Cundy Road

The Clerk outlined the present state of affairs and confirmed that the various deeds were now in the possession of the Council's Solicitors.

It was confirmed that the Council's anticipated income was in the region of £250,000 less a contribution to drainage and highway costs.

The concerns of the present garage tenants were noted.

Resolved

(1)The position regarding the sale of the land be noted.

(2)The present garage tenants be allowed to remain 'rent free' until the matter progresses, subject to the notices already issued and the obtaining of planning permission.

(7)Bus Shelters

The Clerk referred to the need to pay the County Council for a shelter erected in 2004, overlooked by the County, for which an invoice was now expected.

In addition the Clerk reported that the shelter at Houfton Road, written off as a consequence of vehicle impact, would be replaced in late June, to be paid via the Council's insurers. However a sum of £250, uninsured excess, would need to be reclaimed from the vehicle owner.

Also it was confirmed that the 2006/07 budget maintenance programme was now complete.

Resolved

(1)The County Council's invoice in respect of a shelter erected in 2004 be paid.

(2)The sum of £5,500 be reclaimed from the Council's insurance company.

(3)The excess sum of £250 be invoiced.

(4)The completion of the 2006/07 planned maintenance programme be noted.

(8)Insurances

The Clerk referred to a recent review of the Council's insured assets and insurance provisions.

ResolvedThe revised insurance proposals be noted and appropriate action taken to protect all of the Council's assets and interests.

(9)Newsletter

The Clerk referred to the plan to publish a Council Newsletter in September 2006 and the style of the publication.

Resolved

(1)That subject to detailed content approval, the layout of the Newsletter be approved.

(2)That the District Council be approached to consider a joint distribution programme.

(10)Bye Election, Councillor Vacancy

The Clerk referred to the legal requirements and the action taken to advertise the vacancy in the North West Ward.

ResolvedThe action and timescales involved be noted.

(11)Young Persons in Democracy

The Clerk referred to the Youth Agenda and the involvement of young persons in the democratic process. The potential benefits of a young person of the year award were also outlined.

Resolved

(1)That support be given to a scheme to encourage persons to join in the democratic process by the introduction of a number of measures associated with those outlined.

(2)That the introduction of a young person award scheme be considered and furtherdeveloped.

(12)Dangerous Tree - Back Hills

The Clerk referred to a tree bordering 11 High Street situated on Council land at the Back Hills.

Resolved

(1)Tree specialists be asked to report on the tree.

(2)That subject to competitive quotations, any necessary works be put in hand.

(13)Section 137

The Clerk referred to the 2006/07 budget and deferred applications from DYNAH and Bolsover in Bloom.

Councillor J Woodhead declared an interest in this matter.

ResolvedThat payment be made to DYNAH of £50 and Bolsover in Bloom of £1000.

(14)Workforce

The Clerk outlined the activities of the workforce and the Playground Inspection Report.

Resolved

(1)The necessary playground works be carried out as part of the winter works and the capital investment programme.

(15)Incidents

The Clerk referred to the incidents confirmed as 1st May to 31st May.

Resolved

The date and incidents be noted.

20.Town Centre Management Group

The Clerk referred to the various discussions held and the need to formally request the District Council to introduce an Alcohol Free Zone to Bolsover Town Centre and part of the surrounding areas.

ResolvedThe Clerk write to the Chief Executive of Bolsover District Council to request that, via the Community Safety Partnership and Licencing Committee as appropriate, that the alcohol free zone, as suggested, be introduced, subject to the necessary consultations etc.

21.Correspondence Received

1. Letter from Derbyshire County Council regarding the launch and a two month display of the Crime Detectives' Exhibition, 8th June to 4th August 2006 at Bolsover Library.

ResolvedThe correspondence be received.

2. Letter in respect of the Inspectors' Report, from Chesterfield Borough Council, Adoption of the Replacement Chesterfield Borough Local Plan.

ResolvedThat correspondence be received.

3. Letter and draft Statement of Community Involvement received from Chesterfield Borough Council.

ResolvedThat correspondence be received.

4. Letter from Charter 88 regarding the decline of the High Street shops and a request to:-

(1)Support the campaign by resolution.

(2)Complete a form of support.

(3)Submit an Early Day Motion No 641.

ResolvedThe campaign be supported by submission of a resolution and "early day motion".

5. Letter and plan received from Lambert Smith Hampton regarding the erection of a proposed Mobile Telecommunication Development by O2UK LTD at Castle MOT Repairs, Carr Vale.

ResolvedThe solicitor representative be advised that the Council will oppose the installation of the mast given its proximity to the Vale Park Play Area.

6. Letter from the Society of Local Clerks referring to a Regional Conference to be held at Nottingham on Thursday 29th June 2006. The conference will relate to a number of topics including the Government Agenda for third tier Councils. The total cost will be £55.

ResolvedThe Clerk attend if work pressures allow.

7. Letter from Derbyshire County Council announcing confirmation of the 2006-2011 Final Derbyshire Local Transport Plan.

ResolvedThe correspondence be received.

8. Letter from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, together with a discussion paper titled Procedures for making, confirming and enforcing byelaws.

ResolvedThe correspondence be received.

9. Letter from a tenant of a garage at Cundy Road, regarding expenses incurred in maintaining the rented site.

Resolved The matter be deferred for consideration until it proceeds through to the approval of the developer's plans by the District Council.

10.Circulars from DALC:

10.120/2006

10.1.1Hanging Baskets.

10.1.2Car Allowances 2006/07 - NJC 1/06.

10.1.3Clean Neighbourhoods, regulations update.

10.1.4Memorial Safety.

10.1.5to 10.1.7 Clerk Vacancies.

21/2006

10.1.8Councillor Training Day 29th July 2006.

10.1.9Clerks' Training Day 8th August 2006.

10.1.10 Quality Trail.

Resolved

(1)That all of the above be received.

(2)The Clerk be paid in-keeping with NJC1/06.

11.Section 137 request from Derbyshire Unemployed Workers' Centre, evidencing the CLOC presence on the High Street, Bolsover. Advice sessions can cost up to £50, (deferred from February 2006).

ResolvedA section 137 donation of £50 be made to Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre.

12.Letter from LCAS regarding a Seminar organised by our insurers in respect of Health and Safety, Risk Assessment and Training Needs, to be held in Nottingham Wednesday 12th July 2006.

ResolvedThe Clerk attend the seminar to be held in Nottingham on Wednesday 12th July 2006 and that all expenses incurred be reimbursed.

13.Section 137 request from Derbyshire Coalition for Inclusive Living, £100 to cover expenses of members and volunteers.

ResolvedA section 137 donation of £100 be made to the Derbyshire Coalition for Inclusive Living.

Additional Correspondence

14.Request for a Section 137 donation from Skylarks, Bolsover Hospital to purchase folding tables and crockery.

ResolvedA section 137 donation of £100 be made to Skylarks.

15.Letter received from Dennis Skinner MP and Home Office Minister Tony McNulty regarding the proposed police force reorganisation in Derbyshire.

ResolvedThe correspondence be received.

16.Letter and grant application received from Derbyshire County Council regarding the proposal to replace the bus shelter opposite New Street, Hilltop, Bolsover.

ResolvedA grant application of £2800 be made to Derbyshire County Council towards 50% of the shelter replacement costs. The balance being found from the Council's 2007/08 budget allocation.

17.Letter from Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre requesting a Section 137 donation against £130,000 annual running costs.

ResolvedThat consideration be deferred until next months Council Meeting.

22.Planning

1.06/00204/OUTErection of a two storey dwelling with access from Nursery Drive on Garden Land to the rear of Hacienda, Station Road, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Stothard

ResolvedNo objections.

2.06/00277/TPO 30% crown reduction on a sycamore (TPO BOL/32) (Tree T29) at 22 Cavendish Road, Bolsover by Paul Lakin - Grounds Maintenance & Cleansing Manager

ResolvedNo objections.

3.06/00289/FUL Proposed two storey extension and a detached double garage to the rear of the property at 102 Welbeck Road, Bolsover by Ms P Inns

ResolvedNo objections.

4.06/00297/FUL Two storey extension to side of 34 Spittal Green, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Spencer

ResolvedThat there be no objections subject to clarification that the extension would have a pitched roof.

5.06/00302/FUL Erection of 8 single storey dwellings including erection of garages at plots 3, 4 and 5 and estate road (including diversion of public footpath) Amended scheme on land adjacent to 82 Charlesworth Street, Carr Vale, by Gilliwood Development Ltd

ResolvedThat the be no objections to the revised development subject to the developer taking responsibility for the hedge abutting the diverted footpath line.

6. 06/00306/FUL Erection of conservatory to side of 248 Shuttlewood Road, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Barnes

ResolvedNo objections.

7.06/00311/FUL Two storey extension to front and rear, conservatory to rear and loft conversion to 19 Holbeck Avenue, Bolsover by R Barlow

ResolvedNo objections.

8. 06/00313/FUL Extension and alterations to 58 New Station Road, Bolsover by Mr David Wise

ResolvedNo objections.

9. 06/00327/DETAGErection of agricultural building (storage shed) at Oxcroft Farm, Oxcroft Lane, Oxcroft by Mr M Knights

ResolvedNo objections.

10.06/00331/OUT Demolition of existing house, erection of 2 detached single storey dwellings and 2 detached two storey dwellings at 74 Moor Lane, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Mutton

Resolved That there be no objections to the development subject to satisfactory highway access and egress.

11.06/00347/LBC Replacement and repair of windows at 48 New Bolsover by Jamie Windle

ResolvedNo objections.

With the permission of the Chair four additional applications were discussed.

12. 06/00366/FUL Extension and Alterations to convert garage to family room with new bedroom over and enlarged kitchen and bathroom to rear of 9 Merlin Avenue by Mr and Mrs Baesley

ResolvedNo objections.

13. 06/00370/FULAttic conversion to form an additional bedroom at 15 Hill Top, Bolsover by Mr A Marples.

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council Planning Department.

14. 06/00358/FULErection of a detached garage to the front of 14 Sycamore Close, Bolsover by Mr R Kerfoot.

ResolvedNo objections.

15. 06/00353/FULExtension to existing workshop at Pembleton Bellhanger Engineers, Moor Lane, Bolsover by Fred Pembleton

ResolvedNo objections.

23.Licences.There were no licence applications.

CHAIR

There were no licence applications.

CHAIR