1

WEST MOORS PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES of the ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE meeting held on Thursday6th November 2014in the Council Chamber, Pavilion, Fryer Field, West Moors at 7.30pm.

PRESENT:Cllr Mrs J Lovegrove – Chairman Cllr J Bartley Cllr Mrs I Dale Cllr J Lewis

Cllr R SmithCllr Mrs J WareCllr Mrs P Yeo

OTHERS PRESENT:Judi Weedon (Clerk)

Cllr P Holden

APOLOGIES:Cllr D ButtCllr Ms S EdwardsCllr Ms S Zyga

14/250QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

No public present

14/251DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None

14/252TO RECEIVE CLERKS REPORT

a)Draft Byelaws minute no 14/110 refers – DCLG have come back and suggested a minor change to the draft byelaws approved by the council. No 17 and 18 refer to the age limit for the children’s play areas, the council wished it to be set at age 12, however the model byelaws stated 14 years. DCLG have recommended that this byelaw be reverted to age 14, the reason being is that if in the future the council installed equipment for an older age group the byelaw could not be enforced and would have to be amended. In order for the age limit to remain at 12 the Council would have to supply a robust explanation as to why they required that age limit. DCLG have stated that signage stating the age limit of 12 (which is already in place) is appropriate within the scope of the byelaw. Other suggestions are minor and refer to the revocation of the previous byelaws and the monetary amount (penalty) stated in byelaw 37. Members agreed with these minor changes.

b)Oakhurst Play Area minute no 14/176 refers – Waiting for a quotation for a replacement item of play equipment. Some of the retaining logs have now been replaced. Cllr Ware reported on her recent attendance at a funding fair where details on help with grant applications was presented.

c)Speed Survey Data for Pinehurst Road – The speed survey carried out in August 2014 does not indicate a major problem with speeding vehicles along Pinehurst Road. This was also verified by the recent Community Speed Watch which took place. The full copy speed data is available in the office.

The members present agreed that they had actively demonstrated a willingness to investigate speed issues in Pinehurst Road and that the evidence gained did not establish that there is a significant problem therefore no further action would be taken.

d)Cemetery minute 14/174 refers – All plots owners have now received letters.

e)Clear out around garage at Fryer Field, minute no 14/222g refers – This has been completed.

f)Fryer Field Garage break-in, minute no 14/222h refers – The insurance company has agreed the claim.

14/253INSTALLATION OF TARMAC FOOTPATH FROM FRYER FIELD TO CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA

Members reviewed three quotations for the proposed works. After a discussion about the possibility of using an alternative surface to tarmac it was

RECOMMENDED that a tarmac footpath from the Fryer Field car park to link up with the children’s play area be installed and the quotation from Steve Collins Asphalt and Tarmac Specialists be accepted. The works to be funded from reserve funds.

Voting: 6 for, 1 against

14/254REPLACEMENT FENCING BEHIND GARAGE AT FRYER FIELD

With the area behind the garage and container now clear members considered replacing the wire mesh fencing in the area. After discussion it was

RECOMMENDED that the wire mesh fencing behind the garage and containers be replaced at a cost of £1125. The works to be funded from reserve funds.

Voting: unanimous

14/255OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCY NUMBER FOR FRYER FIELD USERS

Members discussed the possibly of supplying an out of hours emergency contact number for the users of the pavilion at the weekends. This matter was raised during the staff appraisal of the groundsman who had on occasions received phone calls outside of his normal working hours. After discussion it was

RECOMMENDED that the council supply a mobile number for emergency use only for the hirers of the pavilion at the weekend.The mobile phone to be manned by the parish councillors on a rota basis (as per Saturday parish office opening rota).A set of pavilion keys to also be supplied with the phone along with a procedure should a call be received.

Voting: unanimous

14/256MEMORIAL BENCH

Members considered a request from Mr and Mrs Steer to place a Memorial Bench in West Moors cemetery. After due consideration it was

RESOLVED that permission be granted to Mr and Mrs Steer to place a memorial bench in front of plot no AA46/45.

Voting: unanimous

14/257WIND FARM UPDATE

Members were informed that Navitus had submitted another planning application for the wind farm which is of a reduced size and further off the coast.

14/258CORRESPONDENCE

a)Dog Warden report for October

The Chairman declared the meeting closed at 8.20pm

The next Environment meeting is scheduled for 4th December 2014 at 7.30pm

SIGNED ………………………………………………. DATE ………………………….

Chairman of Environment Committee