Notes from the Meeting on 5th September 2016
Present: Adele Waddington, Paul Reyner, Ruth Crompton, John Dransfield
Apologies : Barry Hodgson, SebWilcock, Adrian Foulkes, Beverley Robinson
Also present: Karen Pugh, Michael Thompson, Helen Nino de Guzman, Freddy Nino de Guzman, Jane Potts, Nick Elliot, Sarah Cockburn-Price, StevenWilcock
Cllr Reyner advised the visitors to the meeting that, as there was not a quorum of Councillors present at the meeting, we could take note of their concerns but would not be able to give solutions.
Freddy and Helen Nino de Guzman attended the meeting regarding their allotment plot at 18E. The plot is in a lot of shade, and there are trees that either need cutting back or cutting down. Helen has already spoken to Chris Binney and none of the trees near to their plot are protected. An assessment of the trees needs to be done and course of action then planned.
Nick Elliot attended the meeting to advise that he is already on the waiting list for an allotment, but he is very keen to get started. Adele explained that she is currently waiting for some replies to letters that have already gone out and he will be contacted in due course when his name comes to the top of the list.
Karen Pugh advised that there is still clutter at the rear of one of the garages. She was unclear who rented this plot. Needs investigating
Michael Thompson advised that the plots at the back of no 111 Cotton Tree Lane still do not have a water supply. Is there anything that can be done to rectify this?
Steven Wilcock attended the meeting to advise that it is looking likely that the Library will be transferred to the Community Centre Trust. There were only 50 responses to the Library and Children’s Centre consultation and 23 to the Youth Club one. There was only a small percentage of people who advised that they would use these facilities within the next 3 years. It is recommended at the cabinet meeting in September that both of these facilities will close. Lancashire County Councilhave received a business plan and the accounts of the Community Centre organisation, and if it is approved, the Cabinet meeting in October will determine when the transfer will take place. The Community Centre has been very successful since the trustees took over 2 years ago, and there are plans for a shop and post office in the library building already.
Steven Wilcock requested that instead of the Community Centre invoicing the Parish Council for the use of the meeting room, an annual donation could be made. This would make it easier for us to book rooms and use the Community Centre facility to our advantage.
Steven Wilcock also advised that the Friendship Group is going from strength to strength. It runs every 2 weeks and there are 10 volunteers who run the sessions with up to 30 guests. Each guest pays £2.50 for 2 lots of tea and biscuits, and fresh homemade soup and a roll. He requested a donation towards their rental costs of the Community Centre so that the group could enjoy more activities from the £2.50 they pay.
Sarah Cockburn-Price feels that the renovation of the Victorian toilet could be funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. She suggested that it could be tied into the Neighbourhood Plan project and will send Adele the information.
Sarah Cockburn-Price advised that PCSO Kevin Dolphin of Colne’s team is looking into a new anti-theft formula called Selecta DNA. Adele has received the information from PCSO Luke Gregory, and requested a donation so that as many kits as possible can be purchased. Colne have donated £500 and Foulridge £100
There have been a lot of car break-ins over the summer at both Wycoller car parks. It was suggested that some form of CCTV or similar should be investigated. Is there any funding available?
Councillors are concerned that there is no longer a ‘Village bobby’. Since PC Keates was re-deployed, he has not been replaced. We now have one PCSO to cover Trawden and Laneshaw Bridge
There is a new Public Spaces Protection Order in progress which may include excluding dogs from parks and recreation grounds. This needs to be discussed with all Councillors as there are lots of people who walk dogs on these grounds.
Meeting closed 8.55pm