Present:
Parish Councillors / Dr. V. Rollins - / Representing Kirkby Mallory WardMr. J. Newbury - / Representing Kirkby Mallory Ward
Mr. P. Chick - / Representing Peckleton Ward
Mr. M. Hill - / Representing Peckleton Ward
Mrs. A. Porter - / Representing Stapleton Ward
Mr. R. Spence - / Representing Stapleton Ward
County & H&BBC Councillor
H&BBC Councillor / Mrs. R. Camamile
Mr B. Sutton
The Parish Clerk / Mrs. V. Staps
7 members of the public.
Councillor V. Rollins was in the Chair.
1.APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None received
2.DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None declared
3.PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
The Chairman opened Public Question time by asking whether any members of the public had any items they wished to bring to the attention of the Council.
Mr Frank Barson, a resident of Kirkby Mallory, said that he wished to speak on behalf of himself and other residents who were running a business within the village. He said that they were extremely concerned about the impact that the possible closure of the Mallory Park Track might have upon local businesses. Mr Barson went on to say that he had heard that if the Liaison Committee continued to be ‘confrontational’ with the Track, it might result in the Track being forced to close down altogether. He added that local businesses felt ‘let down’ by the Liaison Committee and were worried that they were not being represented.
The Chairman explained how the Liaison Committee had been originally elected. He also conceded that this was a difficult situation, but that he felt confident that the Track would not close, and that this was not what any of the parties involved wanted to happen.
The lack of information being reported back from the Liaison Committee was once again criticised by the Parish Council, and several of those members of the public present.
After further discussion, it was agreed that the Chairman, as the Councils representative on the Liaison Committee, should, at the next meeting of the Liaison Committee, push for the release of more information on matters discussed at the meetings, and requestthat a representative from the local businesses should be allowed to attend the meeting to put forward their views.
Mr Barson indicated that he would be happy for his name to be put forward by the Chairman.
The Chairman closed the Public Question Time after 30 minutes.
4.FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT/PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE – PRESENTATION BY MR T HEELEY, LOCAL AUTHORITY WEBSITE CONTENT COORDINATOR
The Chairman welcomed Mr Heeley to the meeting.
Mr Heeley explained to the Council how Leicestershire County Council had built up the framework for the Leicestershire Parish Websites on behalf of Parish Councils, and went on to describe examples of information which could be included on a Parish website. This included information under the Freedom of Information Act which was required by Parish Councils to make available to the public. (A copy of the model guidance structure had previously been circulated to the Councillors by the Clerk).
Mr Heeley went on to explain how Parish Councils could build up a connection with their community via their website, by making available items of local news or other important items of information.
It was noted that the Clerk was already using the website to give information about the Council and its Councillors, and for detailing dates of forthcoming meetings, along with copies of Agendas and Minutes.
It was agreed that Councillors Chick, Newbury and Porter would form a sub group, and in consultation with Mr Heeley, would decide upon how to proceed in building up the Parish website even further.
The Chairman thanked Mr Heeley on behalf of the Council for attending the meeting.
5.APPROVAL AND SIGNING OF MINUTES FROM THE MEETING HELD ON 21STFEBRUARY2012
Proposed by Councillor Chick, seconded by Councillor Hill and unanimously agreed that these Minutes be accepted as a true record of the meeting.
6.MATTERS ARISING/UPDATE OF ACTIONS FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES
6.1.H&BBC Request for Potential Sites for Areas of Separation, Green Wedges, Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment and for Local Green Space Designations
It was noted by the Council that the ‘Area of Separation’ originally submitted by Councillor Porter had been resubmitted as an amended version with the Site address now reading “Agricultural land on the eastern side of the A447 between Walnut Paddock, Hinckley Road, Stapleton, to the existing watercourse (brook) where it crosses the A447 Ashby Road (approximately 300m north of Brook Hill Farm, Ashby Road, Barwell)”.
6.2.Caterpillar – Problem with lorries
Councillor Chick confirmed that he had spoken to Caterpillar regarding the problem of lorriesparking overnight at the entrance to Peckleton Business Park. Caterpillar had assured him that the matter would be looked into, and that they would make sure that their Security staff would point the lorries in the direction of the correct designated area for parking.
7.PLANNING ISSUES/APPLICATIONS
7.1.Erection of a Temporary Building – Caterpillar (UK) Ltd, Peckleton Lane, Desford
No objections were raised.
The following plans requiring attention had been received just prior to the meeting.
7.2.Road Closure Application, Kirkby Mallory
A request had been received at H&BBC from a resident of Kirkby Mallory for the partial closure of Church Road, Kirkby Mallory, in order to hold a street party to celebrate the ‘Jubilee Big Lunch’ as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. This would be held on Sunday, June 3rd 2012, in the Old Schoolroom, its garden and car park, plus the road at the front of the building.
No objections were raised.
7.3.Extension to Front Porch – 40, Main Street, Kirkby Mallory
No objections were raised.
8.CORRESPONDENCE
8.1.Request for 2012/13 Annual Membership Fees
(1) NALC/LRALC - £255.88
(2)Rural Community Council - £40
Proposed by Councillor Chick, seconded by Councillor Newbury, and unanimously agreed that the above membership fees be paid.
The Clerk commented that both invoices would be included in the April list of ‘cheques for payment’.
8.2.H&BBC 2012/13 Increase in cost for Playground Inspections at Stapleton and Kirkby Mallory
It was proposed by Councillor Chick, seconded by Councillor Newbury and unanimously agreed that the Council would accept the increase in cost to carry out the play inspections at Stapleton and Kirkby Mallory recreation grounds by H&BBC.
It was noted that the total fee would increase from £67.16 to £69.50 per quarter. This charge would include the annual inspection of the recreation grounds by an independent qualified body (ROSPA) as organised on the Parish Council’s behalf by H&BBC.
The Clerk to reply to H&BBC.
8.3.Bosworth Community Forum – ‘Cash for your Community’
The Chairman told the meeting that he had received notification that LCC has made £12,500 available for community projects in the Bosworth Community Forum area. Funding proposals for a community project that will benefit the local area (of up to £5,000) need to be forwarded by 31st May 2012.
The Chairman suggested that a possible proposal might be for the setting up of a Youth Club/Table Tennis Club at the Kirkby Mallory Old Schoolroom, including the purchase of the necessary equipment. However, any other suggestions would be welcome.
Councillor Sutton commented that any proposals put forward, would be assessed against any others received.
9.BARWELL SUSTAINABLE URBAN EXTENSION – SITUATION UPDATE
Councillor Porter informed the Council that a Residents Meeting was to be held on April 19th 2012 at 7.30pm in Stapleton Village Hall with a view to forming a ‘Residents Group’. The leader of the Barwell Residents Association would be attending to talk to the Group, and to offer advice.
A further meeting (date not yet arranged) would also be held later in April, when it was expected that MP Mr David Treddinick would attend.
Councillor Porter offered to draft an item which could be put on the Parish Council website.
The Chairman added that he had written to LCC Highways requesting a copy of the results of their analysis of the future transport situation both in Barwell and through Stapleton, should the present plan proceed. He had not yet received a reply.
10.THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS – JUNE 4TH 2012 – SITUATION UPDATE
The Chairman informed the Council that arrangements for the Celebrations were progressing well.
A meeting had been held in Peckleton Village Hall on the 1st March for the first meeting of those Parish Councils involved, and views on how to organise their part of the evening had been shared. The event had now been officially registered and a Church Tower Gas Beacon with all accessories (£299.00 + £10pp + VAT) had been ordered by the Chairman.
A further meeting had been held at Mallory Park on the 6th March. The Chairman added that the arrangements for a variety of musical events throughout the evening were now almost complete.
Councillor Porter then raised the question of the planting of a tree in each of the three villages, which had been agreed at the January meeting of the Council.
Following a discussion, it was agreed that an item should be included in the next Parish Council Newsletter requesting suggestions from residents as to where they might like the trees to be planted.
It was also agreed that Oak trees would be the most appropriate, and that the best time to purchase and plant them would be in November.
11.MALLORY PARK MOTORSPORT – SITUATION UPDATE
See Item 3 – Public Question Time.
12.LOCAL CRIME UPDATE
The latest document depicting comparative crime statistics for the three Parish villages and other local villages had been produced by Judith Montgomery, the Neighbourhood Watch Development Officer, and forwarded to the Councillors.
The Council was pleased to note that the level of crime remained relatively low, but noted that incidents in Kirkby Mallory appeared to be on the increase.
13.DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS FOR PLAY AND OPEN SPACE (SECTION 106 MONIES) – KIRKBY MALLORY – SITUATION UPDATE
Councillor Newbury said that this matter was still under investigation.
14.PECKLETON BUS SHELTER – SITUATION UPDATE
It was agreed by the Council that as this was not a matter of any urgency, it would be discussed again at a later date.
15.COUNCILLOR TRAINING EVENT (05/03/12) – FEEDBACK, AND FORTHCOMING COURSE (09/05/12) – CONFIRMATION OF ATTENDEES
Councillors Chick, Newbury and Porter had attended the ‘Supporting Communities and Neighbourhoods in Planning’ event on the 5th March 2012. The purpose of the event had been to provide essential information about the importance of engaging with the local planning system (both existing and future); how to influence local plans/planning applications, and information about the new Neighbourhood Plans.
Councillor Porter commented that looking to the future, she wondered whether now might be the time for the Parish Council to formulate a Neighbourhood Plan. Alternatively, there is the option of producing a Parish Plan, but unlike Neighbourhood Plans, these are not formally adopted.
The Council decided to look into this matter in more depth, with a view to making a decision at a later date, when more information was to hand.
It was noted that Councillor Rollins would be attending an LRALC training session entitled ‘An Introduction to Finding Project Funding’ on the 9th May 2012. The purpose of the training is to enable Councils to find appropriate funding for a particular project and to understand the bidding process, and, potentially, successfully bid for the funding on offer.
A further place was available should any of the other Councillors wish to attend.
It was decided that one place would be sufficient.
16.UPDATED PECKLETON PARISH COUNCIL ASSET REGISTER
The Asset Register, updated to indicate the demolition of the Peckleton Bus Shelter during January2012, had previously been circulated to the Councillors. The Clerk had also added the exact location of most of the playground equipment.
The Asset Register was approved and accepted by the Council.
17.APPROVAL/ACCEPTANCE OF PPC RISK ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT 2011/12
A copy of the PPC Risk Assessment for 2011/12 based on a recommended Model Policy, had previously been circulated to the Councillors for their inspection.
It was proposed by Councillor Newbury, seconded by Councillor Porter, and unanimously agreed that the document be approved and signed by the Chairman, subject to the following amendments, both under the heading of ‘Other Inspections’.
(a)Check safety of trees – Comments/Action to read “Checked by qualified arboriculuturalist (to be appointed)”
(b)Add – Check safety of PPC owned street lights – Quarterly – Ongoing – Comments/Action to read “Maintenance agreement with Eon”.
18.FINANCE
To be paid/cheques for signing
It was proposed by Councillor Chick, seconded by Councillor Hill and unanimously agreed that the following accounts be accepted and signed for payment.
19.ANY OTHER BUSINESS
19.1.Amendment to Parish Council Bank Mandate
It was proposed by Councillor Chick, seconded by Councillor Hill and unanimously agreed that the existing Bank Mandate should be amended to include the two new Councillors as cheque signatories.
The Clerk to arrange.
19.2.Request for Footpath
Councillor Chick requested that the Council write to the Highways Authority requesting that they provide a proper footpath from the bus stop on the Hinckley Road (A47) along Dan’s Lane to the Caterpillar Industrial Area. Councillor Chick went on to say that it has become apparent that a number of employees use public transport to get to and from their place of work, and a distinct ‘track’ has already been worn into the grass verge. It has also been noticed that when the weather is inclement, the pedestrians leave the wet grass verge and walk on the road. This clearly exposes them to potential danger, particularly as Dan’s Lane is a significant and busy heavy haulage road.
The Council agreed that such a letter should be sent to the Highways Authority.
Councillor Chick offered to draft the letter.
19.3.Stapleton Recreation Ground
Councillor Spence reported that he had repaired the crack in the tarmac by the basketball equipment, and put extra security stakes on the goal posts.
19.4.Kirkby Mallory Playing Field
Councillor Rollins reported that the gate on Stapleton Lane will be repaired by the grounds man, Michael Smith, in due course. He will also cut back the trees along the side of the road in that area.
19.5.Kirkby Mallory News
The Chairman said that he had been asked by the ‘Kirkby Mallory News’ to write an article for inclusion in the paper, on behalf of the Parish Council.
A copy of the article was circulated at the meeting
20.DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held in Stapleton Village Hall on Wednesday 18th April 2012 at 7.30pm.
The following dates were also agreed by the Council.
Annual Parish Meeting – Tuesday 1st May 2012 in Peckleton Village Hall at 7.30pm.
AnnualParishCouncilMeeting – Tuesday 22nd May 2012 in Peckleton Village Hall at 7.30pm.
The meeting closed at 10.00pm.
Signed…………………………………………………Chair
Date…………………………………………………….2012
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