Minutes of Shevington Parish Council Meeting
Held Thursday 22 October 2009
7.30pm Shevington Library
Present: Councillor Ball (Vice Chair), Councillors King, Bostock, Miles,
Clerk (Pilkington).
Dist Cllr P. Liptrot and 4 members of the public.
In the absence of the Chair, Cllr Ball chaired the meeting.
485 Apologies for Absence
Cllrs J Maloney, V Maloney, Whiteley, Crosby and Harkins.
These apologies were accepted.
486 Declaration of Interests
Cllr King w.r.t. Item No.508 (Planning Consultant).
Standing Orders were suspended.
487 Matters Introduced by Members of the Public
Orica
A member of the public asked whether there had been a response to the Chairman’s recent letter to Orica. The Clerk replied that she did not know.
488 District Councillors Reports
In response to recent public criticism, Dist. Cllr Liptrot asked that it be recorded that he is not attending meetings at which the Orica development is discussed because he is a member of Wigan’s Planning Committee and would have to declare an interest if he did attend.
Dist. Cllr Liptrot’s report was received. See Appendix A.
489 Village Issues
Skip for Allotments
A skip was scheduled for delivery this weekend.
Planters
The planters in the village are due to stocked with winter bedding in the near future.
Trimtrail
The trimtrail is in the process of being tidied up. Sand for the bases of the features had been ordered.
Bowling Green
The third on which treatment had begun in July had now recovered considerably. The other two-thirds are lagging behind, treatment having only begun in mid-September, but are making progress A good downpour is needed to test it. Cllr King had been monitoring progress and will continue to do so on a monthly basis.
Salt Bins
The long range weather forecast has indicated that a mild winter with a lot of rain can be anticipated this year. Nevertheless, Councillors will advise Dist. Cllr Liptrot of any locations that they have identified as needing salt bins. The Clerk will write to Northern Rail asking them to provide salt bins for the two stations.
Standing Orders were reinstated.
490 Minutes of the Last Meeting (24 September 2009)
The previously circulated Minutes were considered.
It was resolved:
‘That the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting of 24 September 2009 be approved as a true and correct record’
Proposed: Seconded: Agreed
491 Chairman’s Report
There was no report.
492 Reports from Councillors
LED Street Lighting Trials in Lower Lyndon Avenue, Shevington
Cllr Bostock reported that elderly residents of Lower Lyndon Avenue had expressed concerns about the degree of coverage provided by the LED street lighting currently being trialled in the area. The lighting illuminates the roadway, but pathways at the sides of houses are in darkness, thereby creating a burglars’ paradise. Following a discussion, Dist. Cllr Liptrot agreed to look into the matter.
Wall at Appley Bridge Station
Cllr King had received confirmation that the deteriorating wall at Appley Bridge Station is owned by Mr McGuire. As there are H&S issues associated with the condition of the wall, the Clerk will write to West Lancashire District Council to ask them to contact the owner with a view to his expediting repairs.
Lighting on Footpath from Mill Lane to Appley Bridge Station
Cllr King reported that the Oldham Loop line had now been closed and the lamp stands from the station should now be available for use along the footpath. Cllr King would seek clarification of the position.
Train Times
Cllr King circulated the recently amended train time-table.
PACT Process
A letter from the PACT Co-ordinator was circulated. The letter listed the agencies with which PACT is working in partnership. Concern was expressed that the Parish Council had been omitted from the list, despite the fact that it had supported a number of PACT’s projects.
The Late Jimmy Wilkins
Cllr Ball reported the recent death of Jimmy Wilkins, the window cleaner, from cancer. He had been a very well-known character in the community. His funeral was scheduled to take place at Wigan Crematorium the following week.
493 Reports from Representatives
Shevington & District Community Association
The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday 27 October.
Shevington Youth Club
The WVCS had been contracted to provide administrative services to the Youth Club.
Shevington Recreation Ground Trustees
The issue of horses using the recreation ground was still causing concern. The Clerk was asked to write to the Secretary of the Trustees to ask him to consider writing to local stables informing them of the trespass and requesting them to advise their clients that the practice is unacceptable. The Clerk will also write to local stables with regard to the unacceptability of similar practices in Memorial Park.
Standards Committee
There was no report.
Township Forum
As there had not been a meeting of this body for many months, the Clerk was asked to write to the Chief Executive to find out who is taking decisions with regard to township expenditure.
494 Bowling Green Junior Membership Policy Consultation Document
The previously circulated document was discussed. An additional question about the identification of potential junior members at the time of application is to be included. The document is to be circulated to all 2009 members.
It was resolved:
‘That, subject to the above amendment, the Bowling Green Junior Membership Policy Consultation Document be approved and circulated to other stakeholders for consultation.’
Proposed: Seconded: Agreed
495 Remembrance Sunday
The Clerk reported that the wreaths had been collected. The attendance of the Brownies, Guides and the bugler had now been confirmed and the Police will also be attending. Wigan Council officers will advertise the arrangements for the parade in the newspapers. Mr Dickinson will check the tannoy system, arrange any necessary repairs and set it up on the day. Mr Dickinson will also ensure that the memorial and the park are in mint condition for the occasion. In the event that Cllr Maloney is not available on 8 November, Cllr Ball will deputise.
496 Standish Church Lads & Girls Brigade Donation
Following a discussion, it was resolved:
‘That a s.137 donation of £60 be made to the Standish Church Lads & Girls Brigade.’
Proposed: Seconded: Agreed
497 Churchyard Donation
Following a discussion, it was resolved:
‘That a donation of £600 be made towards the upkeep of St. Anne’s Churchyard.’
Proposed: Seconded: Agreed
498 Police Car Sponsorship
The letters to local businesses appealing for contributions for sponsorship had been circulated. To date there had been no response from any of them. Negotiations with regard to the lease arrangements are still in progress.
499 Memorial Park Tree Works Contract
Three tenders were received and considered. Following a discussion, it was resolved:
‘That the contract should be awarded to Working Woodlands.’
Proposed: Seconded: Agreed
500 Christmas Tree Contract
Two tenders were received and considered. Following a short discussion, it was resolved:
‘That the contract should be awarded to Working Woodlands.’
Proposed: Seconded: Agreed.
501 Car Park Boundaries Contract
David Rowell Ltd had been asked to provide a quote for the completion of the work to the car park in Shevington. Two options had been proposed: Option 1 involved the use of concrete kerbing, while Option 2 proposed wooden kerbing.
Following a discussion, it was resolved:
‘That David Rowell Ltd’s tender for Option 1 should be approved.’
Proposed: Seconded: Agreed.
It was agreed that the work should be included in the 2010 budget.
502 BIG Lottery Grant Bid
The Clerk now had all the information that she needed to prepare the bid. Approval was deferred until the November meeting.
503 Christmas Shopfront Competition
Shopkeepers will not have to opt in this year, but will be included automatically. They are to be circulated with the information. Judging will take place in December and Sue Aspey is to be invited to act as the judge.
Following a short discussion, it was resolved:
‘That the proposals for the Christmas Shopfront Competition be approved.’
Proposed: Seconded: Agreed
504 Clerk’s Report
The report was received. See Appendix B.
505 Financial Aid Applications
There were no financial aid applications.
506 Accounts
NW Air Ambulance Service
It was resolved:
‘That a s.137 donation of £396.76, being a combination of the proceeds of the Annual Parish Walk and the previously agreed donation of £200, be approved.’
Proposed: Seconded: Agreed
Expenditure (October)
PAYEE / NARRATIVE / AMOUNTAinscough Building Supplies / Gardener’s materials / £ 12.77
GetOnline Ltd / Domain renewal / £ 126.50
Staples / Stationery / £ 122.97
H Alty Ltd / Gardener’s materials / £ 20.41
Viridor / Waste management / £ 333.98
V Maloney / Annual Walk expenses / £ 38.12
Safetyshop / H&S signeage / £ 301.85
The Helping Hand Co. / Litter pickers / £ 71.09
MW Grass Machinery / Hollow tiner hire / £ 45.00
Wigan Council / Rent / £ 72.50
Turfgear / Bowling green renewal materials / £ 121.95
K Pilkington / Mileage, postage / £ 75.00
K Pilkington / Clerk’s salary / £ 662.02
HMRC / Tax & NIC / £ 97.14
J Maloney / Chair’s allowance / £ 80.00
NW Air Ambulance Service / s.137 donation / £ 396.76
Standish Church L&G Brigade / s.137 donation / £ 60.00
St Anne’s PCC / Churchyard donation / £ 600.00
Shevington H&A Society / Bowling green renewal materials / £ 140.40
G. Dickinson / Normal hrs, gardener’s materials / £3,737.27
Oaklands Nursery / Plants / £ 165.60
Bewleys Hardware / Gardener’s materials / £ 117.29
Total: £7,398.62
Income (October)
Annual Parish Walk Donation £ 10.00
Allotments Rent £ 34.00
Recreation Ground Trustees Car Park repairs £230.00
Capital Deposit A/C Interest £ 3.53
Reserve A/C Interest £ 9.18
Total: £286.71
Bank Balances as at 30 September 2009:
Current Account £ 500.00
Business Reserves £65,523.99
Capital Deposit £28,016.77
Total £94,040.76
It was resolved:
‘That the Accounts be approved and the cheques signed in payment, due notice being given to the bank statements exhibited.’
Proposed: Seconded: Agreed
507 Appointment of Internal Auditor, 2009/10
The Clerk will contact the Chair and ask him to approach Mr John McArdle.
508 Planning Applications
None.
509 Dates of Next Meetings
Policy: 5 November at 7:30 pm
Council: 26 November at 7:30 pm
There being no further business, the Chairman closed the Meeting at 9:25 pm.
Chairman
Page 2 of 7 Shevington Parish Council Meeting – 22 October, 2009