June 08 - Old Bolsover Town Council

Old Bolsover Town Council

Council meeting minutes: June 2008

Minutes of the Meeting of Old Bolsover Town Council

Held at 6.45pm on Tuesday 10th June 2008 at the Town Hall,

Cotton Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield

Present:

Coun. T. Rodda

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

D. Bratt, C.P. Cooper, R. Fulleylove, M. Reed, R. Reed, J. Woodhead

In attendance:D Kee – Town Clerk

PCSO – David Holmes

8 members of the public

CHAD Reporter

18.Apologies for absence

Councillor J. Dixon

19.Open Forum

Several questions were asked by members representing the Bolsover Allotment Society.

(1)An invitation to judge the best allotment on the Oxcroft Lane Site was extended to members of the Allotment Committee on the 26th July 2008 at 10am.

The Chair indicated that the invitation would be accepted.

(2)The Council was asked to confirm the statutory position of the Phase one allotment site designated for sale. Further questions were asked about access to the allotment gardens under notice and future fencing arrangements.

The Clerk explained the sale situation, the “ring fenced” status of the site, intended maintenance of the site and fencing arrangements.

The Chair confirmed that the Council would be flexible and considerate in its approach to the matters of use, access and future site development.

The Clerk confirmed that the Council’s Solicitor would be asked to provide further advices in respect of the statutory status question.

20.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.

21.Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 13th May 2008 be approved as a true record.

ResolvedThe minutes were approved as a true record.

22.Matters Arising

Page 2 No 2 Ring Master Messages.

It was observed that the service was proving to be useful and also afforded an ability to keep elderly persons advised and aware of situations.

There were no other matters arising.

23.Police Matters

(1)Speeding Police Response Vehicles

It was observed that previously the police had provided information about vehicles responding to emergency calls.

However it was observed that on Friday 30th May at 1.30pm approximately, the speed of a police vehicle through the Town was “concerning”. Also on the previous Thursday at 11.20am cars had to pull off the highway onto the pavement near to the light controlled pedestrian crossing to avoid a speeding police car.

The Officer said that he was probably aware of the Friday vehicle driver, but observed that the pavement is considered to form part of the highway. The Officer advised that he would report the matter for further comment.

(2)Further information promised at the Council Meeting – May

It was observed that a PCSO had not kept a promise to provide information to the reporting Councillor. The Officer promised to prompt further liaison. It was however accepted that the Officer concerned had visited the Town Hall but not the Councillor or private address as promised!

(3)Police Web Site(s)

It was observed that the web site titled “Ask the Police” contained a frequently asked question section, providing information on pavement parking issues, pushchairs and wheelchair problems etc.

The Officer observed that pavement parking could cause damage and/or nuisance, blocking access and preventing free pedestrian movement but pavements were “still classified as the highway”.

However six fixed penalty notices had been issued in the last 14 days associated with traffic issues. The Officer added that a local police web site also exists “Could You.com”; this was also linked to other sites. In addition he advised the police were liaising with the County Council Highways Authority regarding the need for double yellow line marking at certain “blind spots”.

(4)Clamp Down Campaign

The Officer was asked about the Police’s current action relating to drink driving concerns. The Officer illustrated that the scheme was ongoing, drawing attention to two drivers who had been drinking at the Ace of Clubs.

(5)Licensed Premises Checks

The Officer commented on operation Alvis which was concentrated on licensed premises, sales of alcohol and unlicensed door staff.

In addition he commented on the use of the support vehicle, involving 3 to 4 officers using a system referred to as ‘star bursting’ to seize alcohol from underage persons and in control area drinkers. This had also involved the issuing of A.B.C.s to several young persons.

(6)Crime Statistics

The Officer provided a detailed breakdown of the 69 crimes reported in the month and also provided a comparison with the previous month.

(7)Cotton Street Vehicle Movement

The Officer was asked about the progress made regarding vehicles not observing the highway access signs. It was observed that a sustained effort was required, say 6 weeks, to enforce the necessary controls.

However the Officer observed that at present advice only was usually issued given that the Police are looking to the co-operation of the public in other matters.

The Officer confirmed that PCSOs now had full traffic powers (from February 2008) but it was perhaps best to involve traffic officers in policing enforcement of the regulations.

Particular consideration was asked about in relationship to the blue card holders.

The Officer observed that this was more likely to be down to individual officer interpretation.

24.Town Clerk’s Report

(1)Hornscroft Park – Party in the Park Event

The Clerk referred to the event which was being organised by the Friends, taking place on Sunday 22nd June 2008.

Resolved(1)The date and timing of the event be noted.

(2)Members attend if possible.

(2)Market Place Development

The Clerk provided an update on the progress of the scheme and the District Council’s involvement in access, right to light and planning issues.

Resolved(1)The request(s) made to the District Council, as a partner to the development, be noted.

(2)The situation be monitored and the Chair and Vice Chair continue to be involved as necessary.

(3)The Clerk report all findings to the developer and progress sought as possible.

(3)Allotment Site Waiting Lists and Vacant Gardens

The Clerk referred to the current (May) waiting list situation(s) at the Council’s various allotment sites.

Particular attention was drawn to the Oxcroft Site and the need to progress all matters as soon as possible, given the “ring fencing” decision.

In addition the Clerk made reference to the need to cut the grass on the “ring fenced” site.

Resolved(1)The waiting list position be noted.

(2)The Clerk invite a local contractor to carry out the necessary works at no cost to the Council, subject to satisfactory permission controls.

(3)The comments of the Chair to the Allotment Committee be noted, in anticipation of an August 2008 report.

(4)Rights of Way

The Clerk referred to an invitation received from the County Council to continue with the present agreement in 2008/09.

ResolvedThe Council continue to provide an agency rights of way service.

(5)Cemetery Records

The Clerk referred to an approach received from the Derbyshire County Court Diocesan Archivist to scan the Council’s Cemetery Register.

ResolvedThe County Court Diocesan Archivist be allowed to copy the Council’s Cemetery Records subject to their being no disruption or hindrance to the Burial Authority Service.

(6)Hazardous and Dog Waste Concerns

The Clerk outlined the manner in which the District Council would be supporting dog waste clearing enforcement and public education issues.

In addition the Clerk confirmed the siting of dog waste bins at the entry points to Hornscroft Park.

Resolved(1)The actions of the District Council Dog Warden Service in support of the Town Council’s efforts be acknowledged and appreciated.

(2)The siting of dog waste bins in Hornscroft Park be noted.

(3)The Clerk be asked to determine the cost of suitable notices for all of the Council’s parks.

(7)Council Strategy Programme Document – Update

The Clerk referred to the Council’s strategic forward plan and the various factors associated with land sale difficulties effecting delivery of the plan.

Resolved(1)The updated plan and the actioning difficulties be noted.

(2)The plan continue to be updated ½ yearly.

(3)The plan be accommodated in future newsletter publications, (at present dependent upon possible LSP funding support).

(8)Incidents

The Clerk referred to the attempted theft of lead from the bay windows serving Bainbridge Hall.

ResolvedThe attempted theft of lead be noted and the actions of the Clerk to ensure a watertight roof be approved, based upon expenditure from the Council’s usual maintenance budget.

25.Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership

The Council’s representatives provided a detailed analysis of the outcomes of the latest meeting. Particular reference was drawn to the lack of any funding package available, local election arrangements feedback, local assessment of complaints against Council members and the health in improvement plan for Bolsover.

ResolvedThe details of the report be noted and the Council’s representatives be thanked for their in-depth analysis.

26.Town Centre Management Group

The Clerk drew particular attention to the notes of the meeting, Page 4, items 10 and 11, questionnaire and future meeting plan proposal.

After some detailed debate it was

ResolvedThat the outcome of the questionnaire development exercise be awaited and the Council comment further on the justification of future meeting(s) as matters were progressed.

27.DALC

The Clerk referred to the various information circulars received.

ResolvedThe circulars be noted and actioned as appropriate.

28.Correspondence Received

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

(1)The possible implications of any development works by Hillstown Miners Welfare Trust at the Nesbit Street Bowls Pavilion on the Council’s own community facilities.

ResolvedThe development be noted.

(6)A letter received from Bolsover Community Safety Partnership requesting a presence at any future Council event.

ResolvedThe District Council be invited to all 2008 planned future events and an occasional market stall place should space be available.

(7)A draft decision schedule received from Bolsover District Council regarding B.T.’s proposed payphone removal programme.

ResolvedThe document be noted and the indicated decision supported.

(9)A section 137 request received from Vitalise Essential Breaks.

ResolvedNo donation be made.

(10)An email received from DCC Environmental Services, Public Transport Unit regarding a 50% capital contribution required to replace the bus shelter at Hill Top Road.

ResolvedThe agreement to replace be confirmed at an estimated contribution cost of £3880 in-keeping with the budget set.

(11)Section 137 request received from Bolsover District Council regarding a possible contribution towards a schools angling competition.

ResolvedThe Council donate £100.

(12)Agenda and Minutes of a CVP Compact Development Group.

ResolvedThe likely future active promotion of Town and Parish involvement via the LSP Group be noted.

Additional Correspondence

The Clerk circulated an updated list and drew members’ attention to:-

(14)Letter regarding a review of allotment holdings and rentals charged received from Bolsover District Council.

ResolvedThe District Council survey letter be noted.

(18)Letter of thanks from the Rotary Club of Bolsover regarding use of the Town Hall.

ResolvedThe annual drop in B.P. Clinic activity continue to be supported.

(20)Letter providing information about future Community Forums.

ResolvedThe Assembly Hall, Highways forum date be noted.

(21)Nomination Form relating to Bolsover District Annual Sports Awards 2008.

ResolvedThe Awards be supported and nominations be submitted as appropriate.

29.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.

1.08/00283/FULChange of Use to tanning salon, 2 Middle Street, Bolsover

By Miss Jeanette Ryan.

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council to decide.

2.08/00279/FULConservatory to front of Long Acre, Oxcroft Lane, Bolsover

by Mr and Mrs Wilson

ResolvedNo objections.

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

3.08/00253/FULFirst Floor Extension to rear and creation of balcony area and detached garage to rear of 82-84 Moorfield Avenue, Bolsover by Mr J Mann

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council to decide.

30.Allotment Committee

The Chair advised that site visits had had to be postponed but arrangements were in hand to complete all site visits and surveys by August 2008.

ResolvedThe intended imminent visits to all sites be noted.