May 08 - Old Bolsover Town Council

Old Bolsover Town Council

Council meeting minutes: May 2008

Minutes of the Meeting of Old Bolsover Town Council

Held at 6.45pm on Tuesday 13th May 2008 at the Town Hall,

Cotton Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield

Present:Coun. T. Rodda

Coun. T Bennett – (Retiring Chair)

Councillors R.J. Bowler, M. Bowler, D. Bratt, C.P. Cooper,

J.E. Dixon, R. Fulleylove, M. Reed, R. Reed, J. Woodhead

In attendance:D Kee – Town Clerk

PCSO – David Holmes

8 members of the public

CHAD Reporter

Apologies for absence

Councillor L Anderson.

Open Forum

No questions were asked.

1.Election of Town Mayor/Chair of the Council for 2008/09

Councillor T. Rodda was proposed and seconded for the position of Town Mayor and Chair of the Council for the year 2008/09. Councillor Rodda was unanimously accepted to the office.

Councillor Rodda directly took up the position of Chair. In accepting Office the Chair referred to the previous hectic year.

2.Election of Deputy Mayor/Vice Chair of the Council for 2008/09

Councillor R. Bowler was proposed and seconded for the position of Deputy Mayor and Vice Chair of the Council for the year 2008/09. Councillor Bowler was unanimously accepted to the office.

Councillor Bowler directly took up the position of Vice Chair.

3.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.

4.Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes be discussed in Committee with particular reference to page 110, paragraph 3.

The special minutes be discussed in Committee.

5.Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

6.Police Matters

A series of questions were raised by members as follows:-

(1)Incident Sherwood Lodge Grounds, Saturday 3rd May

The Officer was asked to comment on an incident involving “sexual humiliation,” the drinking of alcohol and the failure of police to answer at least eight calls for assistance and the none acceptance of the B.T. ring back (5) feature.

The Officer queried if the calls had been made to the designated Call Centre number 08451233333, the 999 emergency number or the previous Bolsover Police number?

The Officer further explained that Saturday night “is a busy night” but he could not explain why the phone was not answered. However it appeared that if the Bolsover Police Station number may have been phoned, this might be the reason!

It was resolved and agreed by the Officer that:-

(1)He would report directly back to Councillor Fulleylove and the two families concerned.

(2)He would subsequently advise the Council of the outcome.

The Officer was asked how many receiving telephone lines were operated by the Call Centre?

The Officer was unable to answer the question but offered to clarify the operational situation.

The Officer was asked if the Call Centre telephone number was clearly identified in the Phone Book?

The Officer advised that “he did not know”, but as far as he was aware it was, and that the 999 facility was well known.

(2)Back Hills

The Officer was asked about the level of incident reports received.

The Officer advised that several calls regarding the problem of stone throwing and drunkenness etc had been received.

In an attempt to address the situation, he commented that one beat team member continued to patrol the area at peak times e.g. school leaving, Friday and Saturday nights. In addition the roving beat team, 3 to 4 officers, were also visiting the site. Several persons had, as a consequence of these efforts, been advised about their behaviour etc.

(3)Ring Master Service

It was observed that information received had been useful and could be passed on involving more members of the public.

The Officer explained that it was proving to be successful and arrests had been made and he encouraged members of the public to sign up to the service.

(4)Beat Areas Covered

The Officer was asked about the area coverage provided by the beat team and if it included Whaley and Whaley Common.

The Officer advised that it did not.

The Officer provided a detailed crime statistic report advising that 65 crimes had been reported during the month, an overall decrease of 5 on the previous month.

The Officer explained in answering a more detailed question that the lighter nights did contribute to increases in certain crimes which were then targeted as patterns emerged.

7.Town Clerk’s Report

1.Market Place Development

The Clerk advised that the Developer, having taken Counsel opinion, had indicated that a late May 2008 start may be possible, subject to any further interventions by the Pages’ (owners of number 7 the adjoining property) Solicitors.

Resolved(1)The possible delayed start date be noted.

(2)The Council seek further information and help from the District Council Offices via the CEO and Solicitor.

2.Police Ring Master Messages

The Clerk drew attention to the information received and the principles of the scheme’s operation.

ResolvedThe benefits deriving from the scheme and the sharing of crime details be noted.

3.CCTV Services, Bolsover Town Centre

The Clerk drew attention to the correspondence received from the District Council’s Community Safety Partnership in reply to the Council’s letter.

It was observed that the response received demonstrated a lack of respect for the Town Council however it was

ResolvedThat the Council confirms its request and asks that a visit to the Monitoring Station be arranged as soon as possible.

4.Friends of Bolsover Parks

4.1Constitution

The Clerk drew attention to the amended constitution.

ResolvedThe efforts of the Friends Group and the intentions of the document be approved and noted.

4.2Party in the Park

The Clerk referred to the Friends’ efforts to arrange a celebration day on Sunday 22nd June 2008, 11am to 3pm, in addition to the attractions being organised by both the group and the Clerk.

The Clerk further advised that a special stall would publicise the introduction of the new dog waste bins and the promotion of a responsible dog owner waste disposal service etc.

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

Resolved(1)The date and efforts of the Friends be supported and noted.

(2)An information stall promoting responsible dog waste disposal run by the District Council’s Dog Warden Service be supported.

(3)The Clerk advise the Council’s insurers of the ‘special’ event details and all necessary insurances be put in place.

5.Consultation by British Telecommunications via Bolsover District Council

The Clerk drew attention to a consultation document provided by the District Council regarding British Telecommunication’s intentions to remove kiosks at Shuttlewood Road, Langwith Road and Whaley.

ResolvedThe Council objects to the removal of all kiosk phones highlighted and in so doing providesthe following supportive objection comments.

The comparative number of home and mobile phones held.

A lack of mobile phone coverage.

The failings of out of date telephone exchange equipment.

The distance to other kiosks.

The number of pleasure walkers who may need access to a phone, especially in an emergency.

That the need to make just one emergency call per year demonstrates the importance of public phone kiosk availability to communities.

6.Traffic Safety, Town End and other Town sites.

The Clerk reported on Councillor Dixon’s efforts in facilitating a review of highway safety in the Town especially highlighting the Hornscroft Park concerns.

Councillor Dixon further explained the matters being addressed by the County Council’s highway consultants.

Resolved (1)The review work to be undertaken be noted.

(2)Councillor Dixon be thanked for her County Council liaison and support in resolving the concerns identified.

(3)The Council monitor the situation and prompt the Highways Authority accordingly.

7.Drainage and Flooding issues, Bolsover Baths Allotment Site

The Clerk referred to a specialist drainage report prepared by the District Council’s Engineer.

Resolved(1)All agencies be written to seeking their advice and involvement.

(2)The District Council’s Engineer be asked to cost the scheme proposed, including an alternative ditching scheme (if possible).

8.Wall Mural

The Clerk made reference to the Work of Art displaced from the Town’s Library and proposed that the Mural be hung in the Council Chamber.

ResolvedThe Mural be placed in the position identified in the Council Chamber.

9.NHS Request to site Health & Fitness Bus

The Clerk referred to a request received from the Primary Care trust to accommodate a Health and Fitness Bus on the 16th and 17th May in the Market Place.

ResolvedArrangements to accommodate the bus, subject to the usual assurances, be made.

10.Continental Market & Street Closure – 17th and 18th May 2008

The Clerk referred to the Council’s market efforts including craft stalls in support of the weekends’ Food and Drink Fayre.

Resolved(1)The weekend’s event be noted.

(2)The Chair liaise with the District Council’s Community Safety Partnership drawing attention to last year’s incident involving the Town Clerk and seek suitable wellbeing assurances.

11.Incidents

The Clerk drew attention to the incidents reported highlighting events at the cemetery involving vandal damage to the water service and individual grave monuments.

ResolvedThe report and especially the cemetery incidents be noted.

8.Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership

The Clerk advised that the next meeting was scheduled to take place on the 19th May 2008 at Whitwell Community Centre and that papers had been provided to the Council’s representatives.

ResolvedThe next meeting date be noted and a representative(s) report awaited.

9.Town Centre Management Group

The Clerk referred to the next meeting to be held on Tuesday 20th May at 6pm at the Town Hall.

ResolvedThe meeting date be noted and the Council’s representatives, subject to the actual attendance and outcomes, query the future of the group.

10.DALC

The Clerk referred to the various information circulars received.

ResolvedThe Council note the reports and implement all of the recommendations received when wage/salary negotiations are finalised.

11.Correspondence Received

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

5.Letter from Severn Trent Water regarding the Council’s proposal that a supply to the now closed Cemetery toilet block be disconnected.

ResolvedThe Council formally apply to disconnect the water service to the now closed cemetery toilet block.

6.Letter from Derbyshire County Council regarding the official re-opening of Bolsover Library on Thursday 15th May 2008 at 10.20am.

ResolvedThe opening of the refurbished Library building be noted and the Council’s invited representatives attend (if diaries permit).

10.Section 137 donation request received from Victim Support Derbyshire referring to the year 2007/08 and support of 273 victims and 2293 witnesses throughout the District.

ResolvedThe Council send a donation of £100.

Additional Correspondence

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

12. Request for Section 137 Funding

For an under tens football team playing in the Mansfield Chad Sunday league based at Bolsover Town Social Club. £250 buys a full team kit.

ResolvedThe Council send a donation of £100.

12.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.

1.08/00186/FULReplacement of the air intake and exhaust louvre at roof level and also installation of wall mounted condenser unit and air handling unit on the rear elevation of National Westminster Bank plc, 3 Cotton Street, Bolsover

by Mr Steve Bishop

ResolvedNo objections

2.08/00209/FULMAJResidential development comprising 4 semi detached and 12 detached two storey dwellings and new access road at 99 to 101 Moor Lane, Bolsover

by Hazel Homes (Bolsover).

ResolvedThe Council confirm its previous grounds for objection.

3.08/00217/TPOReduce crown by 10% and pruning works to clear telephone wires (TPO BOL/32) at 19 Cavendish Road, Bolsover by Bolsover District Council.

ResolvedNo objections.

4.08/00223/OUTMAJErection of 18 4 storey (fourth storey in roof space) 3 bed semi detached and terraced dwellings and associated access work on land at Junction of Cundy Road and Hilltop, Cundy Road, Bolsover by Hazelmere Homes (Midlands)

Ltd

Councillor T. Bennett and J Dixon declared a level 1 interest in this matter.

ResolvedThe Council make no comment.

5.08/00236/DISCONDischarge of condition 18 planning app CHE/0502/0312 -BDC02/00272/047EA – NEDDC02/00615/OL on 360 Hectares of Land in Bolsover Staveley and Sutton Cum Duckmanton, on both sides of the Markham Employment Growth Zone Chesterfield Consultation Planning out of area by Derbyshire County Council.

Councillor T. Bennett and J Dixon declared a level 1 interest in this matter.

ResolvedNo objections.

6.08/00241/FULErection of 2 open fronted barn extensions at Oxcroft Farm, Oxcroft Lane, by Mr Malcolm Knights.

ResolvedNo objections.

7.08/00242/RETRORetention of 4 x 9.5m high light masts to illuminate sand manege (operated for 2.5 hours a night from October to March) at Oxcroft Farm, Oxcroft Lane

by Mr Malcolm Knights.

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council’s Planning Department to decide.

808/00247/TPOPruning work to whitebeam (crown lifting and 25% reduction) and sycamore tree (crown reduction by 30%). Trees at No’s 3, 5 and 7 Cavendish Road, Bolsover by S. Mosley

ResolvedNo objections.

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

9.08/00242/FULRetention of existing manege and replacement of 9m high light masts with

4 x 6m high demountable/lowerable light masts at Oxcroft Farm, Oxcroft Lane by Malcolm Knights

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council’s Planning Department to decide.

13.Allotment Committee

No specific report, site visits to all sites to be arranged in the near future.

ResolvedThe intended imminent visits to all sites be noted.

14.1Minutes of the Assembly Hall Trustees Meeting

Item 5 – Lift Issues.

The Clerk was asked to clarify the current situation.

ResolvedThe Trustees be asked to investigate the merits and possibility of maintenance transfer to a major service provider.

14.2Minutes of Bainbridge Hall Management Committee

ResolvedThe minutes be received.

14.3Henton Memorial Hall

The Clerk advised that a meeting had been held on 8th May 2008 and that a further meeting was to be held on the 12th June. In addition an open day and a further event day had been arranged to take place on the evenings of 7th June and 5th July 2008, all members were invited.

15.ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO FINANCE COMMITTEE

This item was not discussed.

16.ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO OUTSIDE BODIES

(a)Bolsover Baths Project

Councillor J. Dixon

(b)Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme Partnership Committee

Councillor L. Anderson and D Bratt

(c)Town Centre Management Group

Councillor T. Bennett, T. Rodda, R. Reed, R. Bowler and L. Anderson.

(d)Bainbridge Hall Management Committee

Councillor R. Bowler and M. Bowler

(e)Coalite Site Liaison Committee