MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

held in The Library Room, Wendover
on 9 January 2006 starting at 7.45pm and concluding at 9.45pm

PRESENT Cllr Gridley (Chairman)

Cllrs Mrs Clayton, Mrs Kearney, Dr King, Mrs McKechnie, McPartland, Peeler, Weston, Wilkinson and Worth

9 members of the public

Inspector Mandi Simons, PC Griggs

Clerk: Ann Hooton

06/01 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Cllrs Mrs Ballantine, Mrs Gregory and Mrs Myers

06/02 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None were declared.

06/03 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

The Chairman adjourned the meeting to allow members of the public to speak.

a) Inspector Mandi Simons introduced herself to members. She reported that there will be a public meeting in Aston Clinton on 15 March 2006 at the Sports and Social Club at 7pm to discuss neighbourhood policing. Neighbourhood policing is a new initiative involving the Police, AVDC and other partner agencies in order to establish a list of issues which communities want to see addressed. Following the meeting, a neighbourhood action group will be set up to include residents and representatives from police, district council, housing associations and schools, depending on the issues being considered.

Inspector Simons also reported that there was to be a new programme for appointing and training Police Community Support Officers. The posts will require a committed contribution of £15,000 pa from the Parish Council for 3 years to fund a full time post. Financial contributions will also be made by Thames Valley Police, BCC and AVDC. The work programme will be decided jointly by the police, district council and Clerk to the Parish Council.

b) The Chairman of the Youth Centre Management Committee and Youth Worker pledged their support for the creation of a youth council.

c) The occupier of 43 Wharf Road explained that the trees in the garden are threatening the house by reason of their size. They have been badly maintained in the past and the intent is for the trees to be removed and replaced with maples. There are TPOs on the trees in question.

06/04 COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT

The portfolios for Schools and Children and Youth are to be combined to draw together all services relating to children.

06/05 MINUTES OF THE MEETING held on 5 December 2005

It was AGREED that the minutes were a true record of the meeting, and they were signed by the Chairman. Proposed Cllr McPartland; seconded by Cllr Mrs McKechnie

06/06 FINANCE COMMITTEE held on 9 January 2006

The Acting Chairman of the Committee gave a verbal summary, reporting that the External Auditor's Report had been received and that it was AGREED that RBS be appointed as the Internal Auditor and that £10,000 was to be transferred from the Bank of Ireland to the current account.

06/07 CO-OPTION OF COUNCILLOR

Following a short presentation by both candidates, Mr Bowles and Dr King, a signed ballot took place, following which Dr King was co-opted as councillor by a simple majority. Having signed the declaration of acceptance of office, Dr King took up the office of councillor.

06/08 COMMITTEE REPORTS

a) LIGHTING & HIGHWAYS COMMITTEE held on 13 December 2005

The minutes were presented by the Committee Chairman and the recommendations agreed, other than those relating to the precept.

b) RECREATION GROUND COMMITTEE held on 13 December 2005

The minutes were presented by the Committee Chairman and the recommendations agreed, other than those relating to the precept.

06/09 PLANNING APPLICATIONS

a) Bulletin 46

05/02856/APP Single storey rear extension with dormer windows over; 9 Aylesbury Road. Due to deadline, response sent as follows: No objections (Minute 05/219 refers)

05/02897/ALB Single storey rear extension with dormer windows over; 9 Aylesbury Road. Due to deadline, response sent as follows: No objections - the Parish Council will be guided by the Historic Buildings Officer (Minute 05/219 refers)

05/02925/APP Two storey side extension and single storey front extension; 2 Carrington Crescent. Due to deadline, response sent as follows: No objections (Minute 05/219 refers)

05/02976/ACL Certificate of Lawfulness for the continued use of part of the building as a dwelling; Coneycroft Farm, Ellesborough Road. The Parish Council is not in a position to comment.

05/02984/ATP Fell one group of 4 Sycamores and one ash tree. The Pump House 43 Wharf Road. A member commented that the Parish Council should observe all future developments with reference to the existing trees. The Parish Council has concerns over the loss of trees especially when they are subject to TPOs although it recognises in some cases that trees may lose amenity appeal with age. Subject to the advice of the district Arboriculturalist, the Parish Council would only support this application with a replanting scheme in place.

05/02993/APP Part two storey, part single storey side extension 21 Woollerton Crescent No objection

05/03011/APP Erection of replacement shed/games room - Amendment to planning permission 02/02083/APP 18 Pound Street No objection subject to the development having no adverse impact on parking provision.

05/03012/ALB Erection of replacement shed/games room - Amendment to planning permission 02/02083/APP 18 Pound Street The Parish Council will be guided by the Historic Buildings Officer.

b) Bulletin 47

05/03035/APP Single storey front/side and rear extensions; 9 Linden Lea No objection

06/10 YOUTH COUNCIL

It was AGREED that a working group will be set up to investigate how to structure the youth councils and to propose ways of engaging youngsters with the help of other partners. The group will comprise Cllr Mrs Clayton, Cllr Wilkinson and Cllr Worth. The group will report back to the Parish Council at the March or April council meeting.

06/11 CLERK'S REPORT

The Clerk's report was received and the contents noted.

06/12 HALTON CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

It was reported that the statistics from the noise survey have not yet been released.

MATTERS OF REPORT

a) Signage on the Clock Tower; to go on agenda for consideration at the next meeting.

b) Lighting Inspection; the Chairman of the Lighting and Highways Committee reported that the recent lighting inspection had identified that 4 lights needed immediate replacement as a matter of public safety and that this had been set in motion.

c) Driveway, Manor Road; it was reported that a new driveway had been laid onto Manor Road with a dropped kerb and yellow lines being implemented. The County Councillor will investigate whether this has been authorised by the Highways Authority.

06/13 CLOSURE OF MEETING

The meeting was closed to the press and public in order to consider issues relating to staff issues.

It was AGREED that the appointment of Clerk will be delegated to the Personnel Committee in order to comply with employment legislation on fairness and equality of opportunity.

It was AGREED that it was not the rôle of the Parish Council to provide staff to assess quality of workmanship at Hampden Pond as requested by the consultant engineer. The Clerk will write accordingly.

The letter sent by the Clerk to a member of public who fell on the Manor Waste was authorised. The matter has been referred to the Parish Council insurers.

There being no further business to be transacted, the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.45pm.

Signed:
Date: 6 February 2006

Chairman