At the meeting of the Leigh Parish Council held on Thursday 1st July 2010 in the AcornsFirstSchool (Leigh Base) there were present
Mrs Parker in the Chair,Mrs Potier, Mrs Hall, Mrs Patterson,Messrs Stuart and Wilkinson and the Clerk.
3 parishioners and DC Mrs Pearson were also present (Mrs Benewith, Mr Hall and Mrs Harding)
The minutes of the meeting held on 06.05.2010 had to have an alteration made to the paragraph on finance butwas approved at this meeting
Prop: Mrs Hall Seconded: Mrs Potier
The minutes of the meeting held on 02.06.2010 were approved – prop: Mrs Hall seconded: Mrs Patterson
Vacancy. A notice advertising the vacancy was posted on the notice boards from Monday 28th June with a closing date for requesting an election of 16th July and a copy has been sent to the Electoral Offices at MVDC
New trees for the recreation ground.
Mark Dobell had kindly offered to advise the Council on suitable trees for the project. The Council have received some offers of sponsorship but recent advice suggest that mature trees would be more suitable for this particular area as a barrier is required between the recreation ground and the playground following the felling of the diseased horse chestnuts last year. Other trees could be required within the parish to replace those damaged in recent years by disease, storm and drought but this could be in a second phase.
Several ideas had been made for replacements but Mr Dobell suggested that elm trees could be suitable for the recreation ground. They are native trees, quick growing and hardy and there is a new source of trees that are believed to be disease resistant but this cannot be guaranteed and before
dutch elm disease struck there were many elms within the parish. Another suggestion put forward was that plane trees might be planted.
Mr Dobell agreed that these would work well in the recreation ground. The best time to plant new trees is in the autumn therefore the trees must be reserved now while they are still available. Despite planting larger trees protective fencing would be required and this would add to the cost.
After discussion is was agreed that fund raising would be necessary and Mr Dobell was invited to look into ways to raise funds for the programme.
Mr Dobell agreed to take on this task, also to research suppliers of suitable trees. 10 – 12 foot trees in containers would cost approx £120 each.
It was agreed that a mixture of elm and plane would be bought and Mr Dobell given the authority to order the necessary trees up to a
total of 6. To save on carriage charges Mr Dobell said that he was willing to collect the trees – this would also mean that he could check on their suitability and health.
Mr Dobell to contact Alex Bagnell of MVDC regarding sourcing tree guards, styles and costs.
Clerk to contact the Groups who have already offered to sponsor a tree to ascertain what level of funding is available
The Chairman thanked Mr Dobell for taking on the project.
Matters Arising
Harrington Close(Oct 07)
A copy of the MVHA Interior Improvement Programme for 2010 – 11 and the Exterior Improvement Programme 2010 – 13 had been received and examined by the Chairman and the Clerk. Leigh is not mentioned anywhere in either document.
Clerk has written to Mr Searle re this serious omission.
DC Mrs Pearson is on the Board of Directors of the Association as the MVDC representative and suggested we write to David Williams at the parent group – Circle Anglia - with a copy to herself.
The Councillors approved of this action but expressed no surprise that there was no mention of Leigh in the documents.
After a second reminder Mr Searle had replied to the Clerk’s query of why was there no mention of the village in the Improvement Programme.
Internal works to some of the homes were carried out in the last financial year – predominantly new kitchens, bathrooms, electrics and heating being upgraded as necessary and this would be the reason that they were not mentioned in the internal programme.
Mr Searle understands that external work should have been carried out at the same time but due to slippage in
the programme will be carried out this year. These works include roofs, chimneys, wall finishes and doors.
Not a satisfactory response. Clerk to write asking for a list of the work completed on properties in Leigh.
Also write to David Williams at Circle Anglia – the parent Group. Ccopy of both letters to Mrs Pearson.
Flooding of the allotment field (Feb 09)
Mr Stuart is away but he sent a report that he had met with Mr Kear on site to discuss the options again and is awaiting new
recommendations.
The grant money from SCC has been transferred in the PC Account
The Councillors expressed concern and agreed that care should be taken regarding extra meetings and discussions when the matter has already been discussed and a decision taken.
Councillors to review new report when received.
Mrs Hall has met with Mr Kear regarding water lying in the Playground. When the external ditch is cleared the problem will improve and Mrs Hall confirmed that the quote still stands. There were two possible actions that could be taken within the playground. A shallow ditch could be dug running along the inside of the hedge by the drive but this would raise health
and safety issues. Alternatively a French drain could be laid but this would be expensive and with the heavy clay soil
could clog up. Mr Kear does not believe that clearing the road side ditch will improve matters.
The Council accepted the revised estimate and the Clerk was instructed to contact Bill Kear. Mr Stuart to liaise with the
Contractor to ensure the work is completed satisfactorily. (£850.00 plus VAT)
No quote has been received to date regarding drainage within the children’s playground. Clerk to remind Mr Kear.
Allotment Water (Aug 09)
All equipment now in good working order. Mr Stuart to be asked to read the meter at regular intervals.
Clerk to confirm with Mr Blackwell that the refund due on the overcharge for the dirty water is in hand.
Mr Stuart agreed to check the water meter at regular intervals and Mr Blackwell confirmed that he has received a rebate for
the foul water charge made in 2009 and this will be deducted from the water bill this year.
Allotment Lease
To take effect from 1st September 2010. Two copies to be sent to all allotment holders, one for them to retain and one for their
signature and to be returned by 31st August.. New rent of £10 per annu,
Mr Stuart to send the Clerk the current list of allotment holders anda copy of the amended lease documents and theseare to be sent
out to all allotment holders immediately
Adoption of Red Telephone Kiosk on the Village Green (August 09)
Mr Stuart had proposed a couple of minor changes to the contract that Mrs Hall would copy to the Clerk for dispatch to BT.
Mrs Hall had been in touch with Planning at MVDC regarding the listed building status of the kiosk and has arranged a meeting
with the Heritage Officer (Peter Mills) to discuss the plans for the box.
The Clerk has sent the new lease document to BT for signing.
Leigh Cricket Club - Leigh Pavilion.
BGC started the work during the last week of June and hope to complete in plenty of time for the flower show at the end of July.
Parish Council to get a second opinion regarding safety issues on the structural work and Mr Stuart agreed to oversee this inspection.
Football in Leigh
Mr Stuart has had no further contact from either the Cricket or the football Clubs but will contact Mr Jenkins from Reigate Hill.
The Council agreed that they would like to see football return to the village and Mr Stuart was asked to contact the FC to see how far negotiations had got and to explore if there was any action required by the PC
Dene Oak Lane Field
Fair rental still to be confirmed but advertise that the lease of the field is available on the notice boards and on the website as soon as possible.
Council has published notice that the field is vacant. The Clerk has received one enquiry to date and another was made to the Chairman who directed the person to contact the Clerk.
Mr Wilkinson to confirm the size acreage of the field and make enquiries regarding a fair rent taking into account that there is a pumping station in the corner (Thames Water) so access is required without notice.
The Plough. Several tables and chairs have been placed by the Publican on the two triangles of grass in front of the pub.
While the Council have raised no objection in principle there are concerns regarding insurance should there be an accident.
The Clerk has written to the Landlord asking for a written assurance that should there be any claim made that the Plough’s Insurance
would cover the issue. The Council take no responsibility re any claim.
To date there has been no response. Clerk to write again and will send the letter by recorded delivery.
Still no response and we wonder if the papers have been forwarded. Mrs Parker to speak to Miss Bloomfield or Kevin in person.
School Precence in the Villages – SCC have confirmed the amalgamation of The Acorns in both Betchworth andLeigh with
Brockham. A new Head has been appointed and a new name chosen despite opposition from some parents.
The new School will be known as North Downs
PLAY Committee
There have been several reports of cricket balls landing in the playground and there is concern that someone might get hit. We are not aware of there being a problem with this is the past but the large chestnut trees that could have acted as a barrier had to be felled last
year due to disease plus the playground is very popular and much busier since the refurbishment.
The Cricket Club have changed to a different wicket to see if this helps and they are looking into the cost of installing netting and this is believed to be anything from £1000 - £3000.
Mr Stuart is examining the insurance policy which appears to be a standard document used for any Parish Council without
taking individual circumstances into account. Mr Stuart is looking to see if the changes in the playground and its increased usage will affect the policy.
The Insurers have been sent a list of the new equipment. Clerk to ask for this to be acknowledged.
Mrs Pearson suggested that we contact SCAPTC for information and advice. Mr Stuart to contact Christine Swan
SC Councillor Helyn Clack officially opened the playground on Saturday 26th June when the new completed shelter, carved seats
and notice of main contributors were unveiled.
Mrs Hall reported that there are a few items that need to be finished, for example the matting, and wood carving and a third litter
bin before the project is handed over to the Parish Council. The Clerk reported that Glasdon had agreed to exchange the open top bin for one with a lid to stop the rubbish from being scattered by the crows. We are waiting for delivery.
Speed Watch and Traffic Calming.
Quiet during the next couple of weeks plus many drivers are aware of the favourite positions sothe sites used need to be varied.
The VAS signs at both ends of the village are not working and PC Arthur is aware and the one by the recreation ground is still facing in the wrong direction
Parish PlanReview (Version 10/02)
Councillors will review one item per month. Included on the agenda for June was a review of the Environment section.
This item was adjourned from the June meeting as two councillors were absent. Mrs Pearson suggested that Graeme Kane from MV might give us some useful ideas and support and it was agreed that he be invited to the September meeting.
Mr Kane is on leave in September but accepted the invitation to attend the October meeting
Standing orders to be discussed and to be put first on the agenda so everybody is fresh.
Communications
Meetings
Forum of Local Parish Councils in Charlwood Pavilion on 16th June – Mrs Parker attended. Main tropic of the replacement
speaker was the SCC Lengths man scheme but there is still no funding available. With many cost cutting exercises in the pipeline
Parish Councils could be forced to undertake some work usually carried out by the County.
Leigh still holds the opinion that to join an official scheme would be a mistake but this will be kept under review.
Should financial restraints cause services be withdrawn we can review the matter and also ask the parishioners if they would like the Parish to make up the shortfall in services.
SAPTC General Meeting Saturday 24th July – Mrs Hall to attend
Correspondence
List circulated and many relevant items alreadydiscussed.
PlanningList circulated.
Council had been contacted regarding a caravan that was standing in the front garden of No 24, The Glebe Mr Primrose confirmed that the property is owned by MVHA and that as far as they were aware the caravan was only used occasionally. The Council understand that this is not the case but unless it is watched continuously this is difficult to prove.Clerk to write to David Searle with a copy to Mrs Pearson.
Mrs Pearson suggested that we contact Andy Bircher – Corporate Head of Service.
Clouds Hill Farm – retrospective application for a large barn. Clerk to contact MVDC as no application listed so far – what is the delay
and is there a time limit before action is taken if no application is forthcoming.
Rural Housing.
Mrs Parker to contact Mr Searle regarding a possible site.
Finance Books and all relevant financial papers delivered to the Accountant. No news todate and Clerk has contacted
her to check if any information is missing and to confirm the deadline of 10th July - 12th at the very latest.
The accounts were examined by the Councillors and approved
Cheques .
Burley%age of the grass expenditure 465.58
HalcyonCompletion of shelter2555.63
Glasdonreplacement bin with lid 165.02
The notice for the new playground was erected before the opening ceremony on June 26th and the invoice has yet to be received from Norbury Park Wood Craft. Payment of £752.05 was approved and the cheque will be signed when the invoice is received.
Parishioners Questions.
Dropped Kerbs – Mrs Benewith queried if there was any progress. Mr Murdoch was to look into the matter prior the
Election and his defeat has halted this initiative, Could bring the matter to the attention of our new District Councillor but
funding could make it impossible to achieve in the near future.
Ex Chairman Mr John Cooling moved to Capel today. Have yet to present him with a memento of his time in Office and in the Chair. A framed photograph of the village might be suitable - Mrs Parker to contact Keith Harding (Goodness Gracious) as
he has many on file.
The next meeting is on Thursday2nd September 2010 at 8.00 pm in the North DownsInfant School Leigh
There being no further business the meeting was closed.
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06.2010