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MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

held in The Library Room, Wendover

on 2 June, 2008 starting at 7.45pm


Present: Councillors: Mrs N Gregory, S Lynch, Mrs J Ballantine, C Richards, J Stevens, R Birchley Mrs M Clayton (Bucks CC), PC. M Griggs (TVP) Twenty five members of the public

Acting Clerk Mrs C Jensen

Mrs Jensen explained she was attending the meeting in the absence of the incumbent Clerk, who is indisposed. After a brief description of her background, she advised those present that it would serve no purpose to re-visit any matters which are not relevant to tonight's meeting.


09/21 Election of chairman

It was proposed by Cllr Birchley, seconded by Cllr Mrs Ballantine and AGREED by majority vote that Cllr Mrs Gregory stand as Chairman. Cllr Mrs Gregory confirmed she was prepared to accept the position and remain in post until the election in July provided new members which would allow a more representative choice. Once the new council was established she would call for the election of a new chairman.


09/22 Apologies

There were no apologies.


09/23 Election of Vice Chairman

It was proposed by Cllr Lynch and unanimously agreed that Cllr Stevens stand as Vice Chairman.


09.24 Declarations of Interest

No interests were declared.


09/25 Public Participation

No matters relating to planning were raised.

A member of the public raised the matter of the land which has been the cause of recent dissention. Cllr Mrs Gregory felt it prudent to leave the room at this point.

Concern was expressed by a member of the public that an article relating to the Parish Council had appeared in the Wendover News which he wished to refute. It was explained that this is not a matter for the Parish Council; clarification should be sought by other avenues. The member of public expressed his dissatisfaction with the Parish Council. Cllr Richards responded by reassuring members of the public that the Parish Council is taking positive action to resolve the problems recently encountered.

Mr Toplis commented that his wife, who was Clerk for many years, would be most upset to see the Parish Council in it current predicament, sentiments which were endorsed by Mr Myers. Another member of the public expressed his opinion that not only must justice be done, it must be seen to be done.

The question was raised as to whether the reception to host the welcoming committee for the twinning association would be open to the public. Cllr Mrs Ballantine confirmed that as many people as possible would be welcome to come. It will be held in Halton Village Hall on Friday 13th June 2008 at lunchtime.

A member of public expressed surprise that the new skateboard park does not appear to be completed. Mr Worth explained that there has been some problems with the lifting machinery, but it is hoped it will be up and running in two weeks. In addition to this, the contractor for the security fencing has been ill. Cllr Mrs Gregory returned to the meeting

Cllr Richards closed the public participation section by reassuring the members of the public that the Parish Council is aware that everyone needs to know that the Parish Council is back on course, and is making every effort to resume normal practice.






09/26 County Councillor's report

Cllr Mrs Clayton had three matters to raise:

  1. Cllr Mrs Clayton has toured the parish with the local technician, and found several highways problems. However there is still some finance available for further work; if any councillor or member of the public notices any work which needs to be undertaken, please report it to the Clerk.
  2. There was some discrepancy in the accuracy of the minutes for the last meeting. It was AGREED that the Clerk would re-word the relevant part, and, subject to the approval of the parish councillors, the minutes would be signed at the next meeting.
  3. Cllr Mrs Clayton endorsed the comments made by Cllr Richards, and urged for a line to be drawn under recent issues.

09/27 District Councillor's report

There were no reports from the district councillors, but Cllr Richards re-iterated that their main objective is to help the Parish Council to become fully operational and to achieve peace and calm.


09/28 Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 6th May 2008

As explained in item 6, the minutes will be approved and signed at the next meeting. Cllr Richards wished it to be noted that that he arrived after the public participation section at the last meeting, and would therefore be unable to comment on any of its content.

Standing Orders will be discussed at the next meeting.


09/29 Clerk and RFOs report

The Clerk presented her reports; a copy is attached to these minutes.


09/39 Finance

It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Ballantine, seconded by Cllr Birchley and unanimously AGREED to approve the attached list of accounts for payment. The cheques will be signed as soon as the new signatories have been approved by the bank.

It was unanimously AGREED that all councillors should sign the form to become authorised signatories.

It was noted that the provision of poll cards by AVDC will cost in the region of £1,700.00. In view of the importance of the election, it was unanimously AGREED to proceed with the provision of poll cards.


09/31 Insurance

In view of the comprehensive cover provided, it was AGREED to renew the insurance with Allianz.


09/32 Lighting contract

It was AGREED to renew the contract with ABB, the only company to reply with a firm written quotation.


09/33 Planning Applications

08/01142/APP - Court Field, South Street. Single storey extension and conversion of existing garage into separate unit of accommodation. No objections.


08/01177/APP - Land off the Poplars. Erection of one detached dwelling and formation of new access. No objections


07/03515/AOP - The Hollies, Nash Lee Lane. Demolition of existing house and outbuildings and construction of 6 detached dwellings and garages, including alterations to existing access. Similar objections to previous application.


08/01193/APP - 88 Aylesbury Road. Erection of detached double car port and store. No objections


08/01272/APP - 7 Sidney Terrace. Single storey side and rear extension. No objection


08/01273/APP - 54 Dobbins Lane. Conversion of existing garage into living accommodation and erection of single storey front and side extension to form replacement garage and new porch. No objection

08/01279/APP - Red Lion Hotel, 9 High Street. Change of use of adjacent land to form additional parking area to include removal of part of the boundary wall to the rear. Decision deferred to the Listed Building Officer. Any demolition of the wall should be as minimal as possible.

08/01340/APP - 7 Sidney Terrace. Single storey side and rear extension. No objection


09/34 Arbitration

It was AGREED that the Parish Council will ask BALC to find an independent party to act as arbitrator. In addition, a solicitor will be appointed to deal with urgent outstanding employment issues, which have been put on hold whilst the Parish Council was inquorate.


09/35 Administration

It was noted that Mrs Jensen has agreed to act as temporary Proper Officer whilst the Clerk is ill.

Advertisements for new members of staff are to be placed in the Bucks Herald, on the noticeboards and in the Wendover News.

09/36 Matters of Report

It was confirmed that a charity market is to be held on Saturday 7th June 2008. The Assistant to the Clerk has staff to cover the Tourist Information Centre, and will contact councillors if she needs any further help.


A request was made for a larger advertising poster on the Manor Waste. The Assistant to the Clerk is considering a solution.


It was reported that a post box has been moved in Hale Lane. The nearby residents are not content with its location and Royal Mail has stated that they will not move it again, it would be removed altogether. In view of the inconvenience this would cause residents, it was suggested the parish council contact Royal Mail to see if any compromise could be made.


09/37 Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting is Tuesday 17th June, which is a planning committee meeting.


There being no further matters of business, the meeting closed at 8.45pm




Signed ______________________________
Date____________________