MINUTES OF PECKLETON PRISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY, 15 FEBRUARY, 2010
IN PECKLETON VILLAGE HALL
Present:Parish CouncillorsMrs R Aldridge – Kirkby Mallory Ward
Mr V Rollins – Kirkby Mallory Ward
Mr R Montgomery – Stapleton Ward
Mrs L Rest – Stapleton Ward
Mrs J Palmer – Peckleton Ward
Mr S Pitt – Peckleton Ward
County CouncillorMrs R Camamile
Borough Councillor Mr B Sutton
The ClerkMr K Bown
Six members of the public
Councillor Stan Pitt was in the Chair.
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Councillor Pitt declared an interest in Peckleton Village Hall (Chair of Committee).
Councillor Aldridge declared an interest in MalloryPark.
No other interests were declared.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes had been previously circulated to Councillors and approval was proposed by Councillors Rollins, seconded by Councillor Rest and agreed that they be adopted as a true record.
MATTERS ARISING
- Beale’s Close, Stapleton (Car Parking)
Councillor Rest reported that as agreed at the previous meeting she had raised the issue of the parked cars that were restricting access to The Close with the owners of the vehicles, requesting them to park on the adjacent car park. To date no response had been made. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that the police should be contacted to establish if the vehicles constituted an obstruction. However, it was hoped that the resident concerned would recognise the problem the vehicles were causing and help their community by parking them on the car park provided. It was noted that residents in privately owned properties in The Close were not officially allowed to park on the car park, which was for Association/Council housing tenants only.
- Salting/Gritting of Roads
This item was again discussed. The village of Kirkby Mallory was particularly affected by the lack of salting of the roads making the routes into and out of the village extremely dangerous to road users. County Councillor Ruth Camamile was requested to press for Bosworth Road and Earl Shilton Road to be included in next years salting and gritting programme.
-2-
- MalloryPark
Lorries bringing soil to MalloryPark as part of a modification programme for the circuit was creating a problem within the village. It was understood that the waste soil was coming from sites at Hinckley and Earl Shilton areas. Those travelling from Hinckley were routed via A447 and accessing the circuit via Bosworth Road entrance. Those from Earl Shilton area were routed via A47 and should be accessing the circuit via the Earl Shilton Road entrance. Unfortunately, this access was not always open forcing the lorries to go through the village to Bosworth Road. Mud on the road and damage to the grass verge along with the speed of the vehicles travelling along country lanes were all raised as concerns. Councillor Rollins agreed to have further discussions with the Manager of Mallory Park, Mr John Ward to see what more could be done to minimise further damage.
- Stapleton Streetlights
At the time of the meeting four streetlights were not operational. Two near to the Village Hall, one opposite entrance to Beale’s Close and one near Beale’s Close car park. All had been reported by The Clerk immediately they had stopped operating. The one in Beale’s Close is not working due to an underground fault. During discussions, it was noted that for many years “E-On” the contractor responsible for repairs had responded quickly to requests. However, for some reason they had not responded and the present situation could not be accepted. The Chair stated that he had contacted the Manager of the Streetlight Division of the contractors involved and been assured action would be taken to correct the situation. It was agreed to investigate alternative contractors.
- Peckleton Village Hall Roof Estimates
The estimates had been obtained for re-felting, lathing and tiling of the roof which had been in place for 130 years and had become porous. Councillor Montgomery stated that it was important to engage a reliable contractor with experience of doing such work on what is a Victorian building. He favoured the Randle estimate and this was agreed to. The Chair stated that an application had been submitted to the Parish and Community Initiative Fund requesting a grant of £8,000 towards the costs of the roof renovation work. It was agreed that if this grant were approved, the Council would put this work in hand with the nominated contractor.
- Youth Issues
There were no issues raised. It was hoped that the mobile youth ‘bus would continue to visit Kirkby Mallory fortnightly.
- Stapleton “Cedars”
Councillor Rest reported that it should be noted that for almost five years there had been no problems with the residents of “The Cedars” home.
-3-
Unfortunately, due to a number of circumstances (i.e. change of staff) due to illness, the supervision over the past three months had failed. Two young residents had become ringleaders and had been responsible for a number of incidents within the village. These included the break in to a garden shed which had resulted in two airguns being stolen. The Chair thanked Councillor Rest for her quick thinking in recognising the problem and the work she had done to resolve it. He also recognised the work done by our Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, Mrs Judith Montgomery who had worked diligently with the police and the owners of the home, Northern Care.
The problem now appears to be under control with the return of the Manager and the removal of two of the residents involved. The Manager had through Councillor Rest requested permission to attend the next Parish Council Meeting to apologise to the residents of Stapleton and give assurance regarding the future. It may also be an opportunity for residents to ask questions.
- Neighbourhood Watch/Police Rports
Desford and Newbold Verdon Parish Councils were considering erecting similar signs as Peckleton (re Neighbourhood Watch Smartwater). It was also noted that Bagworth and Thornton were setting up a Neighhourhood Watch Co-ordinator on similar lines to Desford, Peckleton and Newbold Verdon.
Over the past 42 days there had been nine house burglaries. Violent crime continues to be a concern as is anti social behaviour. Overall the crime rate for our area remains very low.
- Planning
Peckleton Fisheries Manager House
Councillor Aldridge reported that conditions set out in the approved planning application ensured that the property could not be sold independently of the Fisheries.
Mallory Park
Further plans for modification of the circuit had been responded to by Councillor Montgomery. This again involves the movement into the circuit of tons of soil. Borough Councillor Brian Sutton noted the Council’s concerns and would raise them at the next planning meeting.
- Peckleton Stock House Farm Footpath T82
Notice had been received from The County Council of an application to divert the above footpath approximately 80 yards. Comments to be sent to L.C.C. before March 22, 2010. Councillor Vic Rollins to investigate and respond via the Clerk if thought necessary.,
- Merrylees Road Bridge
For information, the bridge over the railway line at Merrylees is due to be closed for three weeks commencing 18 March.
-4-
- Correspondence
Wind Farm Meeting
The scheduled meeting between representatives from Desford, Peckleton and Newbold Parish Councils, H&BBC Planning Officers and representatives from County Highways and SLP Contractor had been cancelled due to SLP not being able to attend.
Stapleton Village Hall
The contents of a letter from the Chair of the Village Hall Committee outlining proposed improvements, was shared with Councillors. There was general support for the proposals but more details would be welcomed including a cost programme. Clerk to respond.
County Council Community Forum will be held on March 11, 2010 at Dixie Grammar School.
The next meeting will be held in Stapleton Village Hall on Monday, March 15, 2010 commencing at 7.30 p.m.
Cheques signed
082Matrix Homes£162.50Dog Bins
083Petty Cash£ 23.79As stated
084Admin£160.00As stated
085Peckleton Village Hall£ 14.00Room Hire