November 07

Old Bolsover Town Council

Council meeting minutes: November 2007

Minutes of the Meeting of Old Bolsover Town Council

Held at 6.45pm on Tuesday13th November 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,

J Dixon, R. Fulleylove, M. Reed, R. Reed, T. Rodda, J. Woodhead

In attendance:

D Kee – Town Clerk

Community Police Sergeant Bentley

PCSO Ben Berry

Derbyshire Times Reporter

CHAD Reporter

9 Members of the Public

Open Forum

Members of the Bolsover Allotment Association attended, together with other allotment garden tenants.

The Secretary to the Association presented, via the Chair, a list of questions. The Chair promised that written answers would be provided to the various questions raised as soon as possible, by the 4th December 2007 at the latest.

A question was raised regarding the Christmas Festival tree display which had been arranged by local businesses in previous years. Particular attention was drawn to the difficulties of the 2004/05 season.

The Clerk provided an explanation of this year’s attempts to provide Christmas Trees in co-operation with the businesses’ representatives. The Clerk confirmed the attempts and intentions regarding this year’s display, providing an assurance of the Council’s commitment to working with businesses to provide trees to building side holsters.

71.Apologies for absence

None

72.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.

The Clerk provided an explanation of the need for Members to register interests related to the formal requirement of the Standards Board ‘Code of Conduct’.

73.Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 9th October 2007 be approved as a true record.

ResolvedThe minutes be accepted as a true record.

74.Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

75.Police Matters

The Chair referred to the number of people attending the Remembrance Service held on Sunday 11th November and the pleasing comments made about the event.

The Chair especially thanked the Police for their traffic management and support of the Parade and the later Service of Dedication held at the Cenotaph.

Community Police Constable Jason Graham provided a detailed analysis of the crimes reported, (beat 364), in the previous month, 56 in total. He commented that crimes were ‘well down’ excepting assaults which totalled 31.

The Officer advised that previous vehicle parking concerns were being addressed and fixed penalty tickets issued as appropriate.

The Constable commented that more children were being made the subject of A.B.C. contracts, parents being required to sign contracts in the hope that it would influence future behaviour. Two breaches of A.S.B.O’s had been identified and appropriate action was being taken. The Constable advised that it was the Police’s intention to ‘keep on top of things’.

The Officer also advised that the Friday Library Police Surgery sessions, which took place between 10am and 12noon had now been relocated to the Foyer at Bolsover District Council Offices, Sherwood Lodge, Bolsover.

PCSO Ben Parry drew attention to attempts to provide children’s diversionary activities in co-operation with Bolsover District Council’s Leisure Services, involving outreach work and the use of the mobile skate park. Further activities were also being undertaken by the Engage Outreach Youth Service. In addition, in consultation with the Town Clerk, discussions were in progress with the Derbyshire Youth Service, to provide the climbing wall, if possible, following its success elsewhere in the Town.

Sergeant Bentley drew attention to the efforts of his neighbourhood team and requested positive or negative feedback regarding the work undertaken.

The Officer advised that attention had been paid to the lighting of fireworks before 5th November, at various village locations, with a view to a reduction in the number of previous years’ incidents.

Questions were asked about:-

(1)The Alcohol Control Zone. The Sergeant advised that although no figures of incidents were maintained, the measure contributed to practical policing, providing extra powers of confiscation and when working with licensed premises.

(2)Lead Thefts. The Sergeant advised that incidents were still being reported and investigations were ongoing, commenting that it was a widespread issue, although some local arrests had been made.

(3)Bright at Night – Road Safety Campaign. It was observed that it was important to be seen whilst riding a bicycle, by showing an appropriate light and wearing bright clothing.

The Sergeant advised that Police support was warranted and that various initiatives have been carried out and were ongoing.

76. Town Clerk’s Report

(1)Oxcroft Lane Allotment Site – Proposed Phase One Sale

The Clerk provided a progress update of the proposed sale advising that a response consisting of a further set of questions had been received from the Government Office for the East Midlands.

In addition, the Clerk advised that a request had been received under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, for answers to the specific questions regarding this and the previous sale. It was explained that certain answers may involve third parties and the information required may need to be clarified.

Councillors M. Bowler, R. Bowler, M Reed, R. Reed, T. Rodda and J Woodhead declared a Level 1 interest in this matter.

Resolved(1)Answers to the questions raised be provided to the Government Office.

(2)Information relating to the meetings held and progress made to date be noted.

(3)The Council’s Freedom of Information Act 2000 procedures and policy be adhered to, in consultation with third parties as appropriate.

(2)Community Response Plan

The Clerk referred to the framework plan provided by the Derbyshire Association of Local Councils, allowing Councils to develop a community response for civil emergencies.

Resolved(1)The Council develop the Community Response Plan template provided by the inclusion of a combination of its own staff and volunteers as appropriate.

(2)Any plan produced to be shared with the Council Council’s Chief Emergency Planning Officer, once established.

(3)Henton Memorial Hall – Hire of Sports Pitch

The Clerk referred to the recent take up of the standard hire agreement for sports pitches, for the 2007/08 season.

In addition the Clerk provided an update of the CVP joint Management Committee Council approach to improve funding and use of the Hall.

Resolved(1)The hire of the sports pitch be noted.

(2)The focus plan provided by CVP centring on youth, training and a local resident survey be investigated and progressed further in consultation with the Hall’s Management Committee.

(4)Bolsover Library

The Clerk advised that the Town’s Library had closed on the 5th November and was likely to remain closed for a period of up to 4 months.

Agreement had been reached with the service to provide a temporary mobile library to be located in the Markets area from the 12th November, 3 days per week, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10.30am to 4.30pm.

ResolvedThe arrangements be noted and the use of the Council’s market toilet facilities be afforded to staff members.

(5)Manual Workforce – Winter Work Programme

The Clerk drew attention to the schedule of planned works for the period November 07 to March 08.

ResolvedThe programme schedule be approved.

(6)Allotment Management Strategy

The Clerk referred to the questioning of the Council’s current approach to allotment garden management and made reference to a series of matters which needed to be reviewed influencing the future management of allotment sites.

ResolvedA working group of elected members be established consulting widely with all involvedparties on future management policy and procedures.

In addition the Clerk referred to the Oxcroft Site and the need to consider several issues in the near future.

Resolved(1)The treatment of weed growth on the now vacant garden areas be considered, in consultation with a private contractor and a representative of the Allotment Society.

(2)The allotment site be prepared for re-letting based upon the action taken above.

(3)The interested developer be asked to provide a simple post and rail demarcation line fence, so as to discern the line of the proposed phase one development site.

(7)Cemetery Layout and Development

The Clerk referred to the present cemetery layout and the need to consider less of a future investment in road and pathways providing for one central roadway to a concluding roundabout at the site boundary.

Resolved(1)The matter be deferred allowing resolution and consideration of the matters referred to in depth.

(2)Members visit the site to consider all access needs.

(3)Formal site visit arrangements be made.

(8)Dykes Field

The Clerk advised that several reports had been received of interference with the entrenchment and that the police had now been involved.

ResolvedThe problems currently being encountered be shared with English Heritage and a joint resolution sought.

(9)Incidents

The Clerk outlined the incidents reported during October.

ResolvedThe information be noted.

77.Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership

The Council’s representatives provided feedback in respect of the meeting held on the 30th October 2007.

The overwhelming view of Members appeared to be one of confusion based on the language being used to describe the work of the partnership, especially the control of funding schemes.

The partnership, as a consequence of Members’ observations, had subsequently agreed to provide an in depth analysis of what has been achieved, what the partnership does and does not do.

Resolved(1)Representative Members provide a feedback report based upon the outcome of the meeting to be held on the 5th December 2007.

(2)The Council decide its future policy of involvement based upon the outcome information received.

(3)The Council take advantage of the promise made by the LSP to visit all member Councils.

78.Town Centre Management Group

The Clerk advised that the next meeting had been planned to take place at 6pm on Tuesday 22nd January 2008 at the Town Hall. In addition that a local business representative had volunteered to promote improved business involvement.

Resolved

79.Correspondence Received

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

4.A letter received from Bolsover District Council regarding firework safety.

ResolvedThe letter’s contents be noted.

6.Letter received from Bolsover District Council together with a leaflet titled Community Forum.

ResolvedThe production of a leaflet be noted.

Additional Correspondence

(15)Letter and Poster received from Derbyshire County Council “This is me” Campaign requesting the Council’s support.

ResolvedThe Council formally register their support.

(16)Letter and Leaflet from Bolsover District Council referring to the Bolsover Local Development – Core Strategy and Site Allocation Preferred Option Report.

ResolvedThe report be received and the Council comment as might be appropriate.

(17)Copy of a letter sent by Bolsover District Council to the Post Office regarding its opposition to the Network Change Programme.

Resolved(1) Given the Council’s direct support of the move against local closures, the District Council’s detailed analysis of the objections made be noted.

(2)Individual Council Members provide support to the planned demonstration at the Postal Finance Department as their diaries might allow.

(18)Letter from the likely new owners of St. Lawrence House, Shuttlewood.

ResolvedThe matter be referred into Committee.

80.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.

1.07/00498/FULInstallation of roller shutter to window and door 1 Town End, Bolsover by Elaine McCulloch

ResolvedNo objections.

2.07/00533/FULSingle Storey Extension to side, loft conversion with dormer window and retention of boundary fence at 2 Norton Avenue, Shuttlewood by Mr Vere

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council to decide.

3.07/00580/FULInstallation of CCTV system at Bolsover Castle, Castle Street, Bolsover by English Heritage

ResolvedNo objections.

4.07/00594/FULSingle storey extension and conservatory to rear of 73 Bainbridge Road, Bolsover by Mr R Kemp and Miss K Gilberthorpe

Councillor Bennett declared a Level 1 interest in this matter.

ResolvedNo objections.

5.07/00596/OUTErection of ancillary dwelling to main residence comprising of detached bungalow 101 Shuttlewood Road, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Ogden

Councillor Bennett declared a Level 1 interest in this matter.

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council to decide.

6.07/00609/LBCSOSInstallation of CCTV system Bolsover Castle, Castle Street, Bolsover by English Heritage

ResolvedNo objections.

7.07/00613/FULInstallation of roller shutter security door at Castle Discount Stores 55A Houfton Road, Bolsover by Mr K Singh

ResolvedNo objections.

8.07/00625/TPOReduce crown by one third and trim roots to tree in front garden 41 Portland Avenue, Bolsover Mr and Mrs Machin

ResolvedNo objections.

9.07/00633/TCONTo pollard 2 trees and removal of one tree to the front of 4 Villas Road, Carr Vale, Chesterfield by Claire Lambie-Fryer

ResolvedNo objections.

10.07/00642/TCONTree pruning works on Land to rear of 33 Hill Top, Bolsover by S. Mosley

ResolvedNo objections.

11.07/00647/FULErection of a detached two storey dwelling at 26 Mill Lane, Bolsover by Mr R White of Whitelamb Developments

ResolvedThe matter be left to the District Council to decide.

12.07/00684/FULFirst Floor Extension to rear and side and single storey extension to rear of Montrose Mooracre Lane Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Elancheilian

ResolvedNo objections.

13.07/00727/FULInstallation of an Automated Teller Machine at Somerfield Stores Limited, Town End Bolsover by Mr Hayley Gracie

ResolvedNo objections.

14.02/00272/OUTEAConsultation on the Design Framework – Markham Vale Site by MEGZ Ltd

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

ResolvedMember representatives advise the Clerk of any particular observations held. Such observations be put forward supported by the Council.

Additional Planning Applications

15.07/00572/FULErection of three two storey dwellings, land west of 1 Main Street, Charlesworth Street, Carr Vale by Prestigious Homes (North East Derbyshire)

ResolvedThe Council reiterate its previous grounds for objection.

16.07/00573/FULErection of 1 pair of semi-detached dwellings on land to east of 1 Charlesworth Street, Carr Vale, Chesterfield by Prestigious Homes

(NE Derbys)

ResolvedThe Council reiterate its previous grounds for objection.

17.CW2/1107/158Section 73 application not to comply with condition 3 of Planning Permission CW2/0504/39 to enable an extension of time in which to complete restoration/infilling operations, Erin Landfill Site, Markham Lane, Duckmanton for Viridor Waste Management Ltd

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

ResolvedNo objections.

81.1Minutes of the Assembly Hall Trustees Meeting

No minutes.

82.2Minutes of Bainbridge Hall Management Committee

The Council’s representative provided feedback on the following topics.

(1)TV Licence and broadband internet arrangements.

(2)Gaining of an Excellence in the Community award by the Management Committee’s Treasurer.

(3)Youth Worker, Engage, in position until 31st March 2008.

(4)Bridge the Gap funding application been successful, provision of improved kitchen equipment.

(5)Open Day and advertisement to promote the Hall.

(6)Stationery and Logo.