WESTMESTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD at the Parish Hall on Tuesday 19th January 2016 AT 7.30pm
PRESENT :- Mr. R. Mills - Chairman
Mr. M. Clark
Mrs. C. Farrands
Mrs. C. Mills
Mr. V. Tickner
In Attendance: Clerk to the Council - Mrs. C. Swan MBE
Mrs. Tess Haughton – Applicant for Co-option.
Prior to the meeting the Chairman welcomed Lee Walther, Ranger for the National Trust who gave a talk about management of NT sites. He explained that with a modest number of Rangers to cover the areas in Sussex it is difficult to cope with all the work required and it is hoped to recruit a number of volunteers to assist with general maintenance and monitoring tasks. It was agreed that WPC will do all possible to encourage volunteers to come forward by placing a message on our website and putting up posters. Mention of the excellent work carried out by the Monday Group was made and LW said that he would be making contact with them. The Chairman thanked LW for his talk.
1. Apologies for Absence – nil. (The Clerk confirmed that nothing had been heard from Cllr Tim Best).
2. Minutes of the previous meeting held on 11th November 2015 (previously circulated) were approved and signed by the Chairman.
3. Declarations of Interest: None were made.
4. Casual Vacancy: An application was received from Mrs. Tessa Haughton. The Clerk confirmed that Mrs. Haughton is eligible to stand. It was unanimously agreed to co-opt Mrs. Haughton to fill the vacancy. A Declaration of Acceptance of Office was duly signed. The Chairman welcomed Mrs. Haughton as a member of the Council.
5. Financial Matters:-
(a)The following invoices were approved for payment:
Spanglefish Website costs: £29.95 chq no. 000035
Calico UK website costs: £24.00 “ “ 36
Westmeston Parish Hall Trust – hire & storage costs for 2016: £133.00 chq no. 37.
(b)Installation costs of defibrillator at Parish Hall: the Chairman explained how the costs will be shared between WPHT and the Council. It is expected that each will pay around £550 each but this will be confirmed at the next meeting.
6. Church Corner Maintenance: (a) Mrs. Mills said that work was “on hold” due to weather conditions. A resident had cut down the tall leylandis – a welcome event because visibility on the corner was improved. Drainage needs improvement and ESCC has undertaken to carry out work in due course. (b) Verbal enquiries have been made with residents – it was agreed to follow up matters concerning maintenance of the area informally.
7. Highway Matters:
(a) Rights of Way: Mrs. Mills reported that some paths had suffered considerable damage in recent very wet weather. It was noted that ESCC had spent significant sums on these paths in the previous year and therefore it was unlikely that similar sums could be allocated again this year. However, ESCC are aware of the damage and once the weather improves an assessment will be made. Rangers will be attending Wapple Way before the end of the month to clear drainage ditches.
(b) Network Rail – destruction of verges: The Chairman gave an update on the position. An assurance had been given by ESCC that the verges will be re-instated but contacts between the County Council, affected residents and Network Rail have been unsatisfactory. The Chairman will continue to monitor the situation.
(c) Destruction of Finger Post in Spatham Lane: The Chairman said that a recent traffic accident involving a vehicle owned by ESCC had demolished to finger post. He had collected the pieces which were being kept as evidence. Unfortunately the driver had left the scene but registration details of the vehicle had been taken and contact has been made with the County Council. The finger post is owned by WPC and a claim for replacement is being made. The Chairman undertook to follow the matter up with ESCC and enquiries will be made as to suppliers/contractors, together with costs, so that the finger post can be replaced. Members will be kept informed.
8. Planning Matters:-
(a) Application received: The Decision Notice granting the application no. LW/15/0895 Land South of Kidds Acre Farm was noted. The Chairman referred to the confusion that had arisen over two different proposals – one concerning the land and the other by Spring Barn Farm. Both have now been approved by Lewes DC.
(b) Lewes District Council – proposal to cease the provision of one hard copy of all planning applications to local councils: The letter setting out this proposal was circulated to members prior to the meeting. The implications were discussed and the following points made: (a) few local councils had the facilities to download and print plans adequately; (b) members of the public would not be able to attend our meetings to view the plans – they would have to access them online or visit the DC offices in Lewes; (c) it can be difficult to “scale-up” plans shown online rather than by studying a hard copy. It was agreed to respond to LDC saying that the proposal is not supported.
9. South Downs National Park: The consultation document issued in November was noted and residents in the Park area had been invited to comment direct to the Board.
10. Neighbourhood Plan: The Open Day had taken place in Ditchling Village Hall and the comments made by residents at the event had been incorporated into the draft policies which have now been published. Mark Clark expressed the view that the draft policy on traffic flow needs further consideration because as currently written, it appears to restrict traffic through Ditchling and to divert it to neighbouring parishes. Mrs. Farrands questioned this and agreed to examine the proposed policy and provide MC with clarification if appropriate.
11. Lewes District Council Plan 2016/20. A letter from Cllr Andy Smith, Leader of LDC, was previously circulated. The letter explained the need for prioritising services in order to make the savings necessary to balance budgets. Residents will have differing views on this subject and can respond directly to LDC if they wish. Members therefore agreed not to attempt to respond with a collective view by WPC.
12. Provision of Defibrillators: (a) The first machine was now installed at the entrance of the Parish Hall but not yet operational. The Chairman explained that certain parts were shortly to be delivered and the machine will then be made available for use. (b) As was previously agreed the second machine will be located in the phone box at Church Corner. In due course it is hoped to find a location somewhere in the north of the parish for a third machine.
Referring to costs, the Chairman said that it was necessary to provide adequate
signage for both machines and this is being looked into. Proposals to be put before a
future meeting.
Burgess Hill Lions who have generously contributed to this project, have indicated
that they would appreciate an invitation to an event at which their donation will be
acknowledged by the Community. The Annual Parish Meeting on 10th May might be
acceptable – the Chairman will make enquiries.
Cllrs Mark Clark and Rob Mills were thanked for their work on this project.
13. Trees Meeting held on 13th January: Cllr Tickner gave a report on this event. Some 25 people had attended and a number have since expressed their appreciation to WPT for organising it. Daniel Wynn, Trees Officer for Lewes DC had given much useful information in his talk. The basis for a useful networking group between neighbouring parishes appears to have been established and it is hoped to follow this up with the exchange of information on topics of mutual interest. Cllr Tickner was thanked for his work in organising this meeting.
14. Items for Information only & inclusion in next Agenda: (a) Vincent Tickner said that he had attended the last meeting of the Lewes District Association of Local Councils. Whilst the Clerk had circulated the Minutes of this meeting to members, he felt that a major part of the meeting had not been recorded therein. He explained that most of the time had been taken up by discussion as to the style and content of the meetings and what should be done in the future to make them more meaningful and accessible to member councils. He gave a summary of the points raised and the suggestions that had been made for the arrangements for future meetings. Members thanked VT for his report.
(b) Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations: Mrs. Mills said that arrangements were being made jointly with the WPHT for a “Street Party” to be held at the Parish Hall on June 12th. Volunteers to help are being sought. In a letter to local councils from NALC & the Lord Lieutenant it is suggested that Beacons be lit and as Ditchling Beacon is in our parish, enquiries will be made as to whether the National Trust will be organising this. To be referred to next agenda.
15. Date of next meeting: Tuesday 8th March at 7.30pm.
Signed......
Chairman.
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