MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 8 JANUARY, 2001, IN THE VILLAGE HALL, AMPNEY CRUCIS.
Present: Councillors Peter Kelly, Gerald Gaden, Fran Huckle, David Vessey, Adrian Grazebrook, and John Dear.
District Councillor Bruce Evans
Presiding: Councillor Peter Kelly
Clerk: Mrs H Tonks
The meeting commenced at 7.00pm. There were 2 members of the public present.
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from County Councillor David Gayler and Councillor Sally Hebbs
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 13 November, 2000
The Minutes were amended to show that the meeting started at 7.00pm, rather than 7.30pm.
Resolution 1/01 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the minutes, as amended, of the meeting held on 13 November, 2000, be signed and adopted.
3. Matters arising from the meeting held on 13 November 2000
3.1 Repairs to the benches, and replanting at the War Memorial
The Clerk reported that two benches remained incomplete. One, near the telephone box was irreparable; the second needed further wood. Ringway has assured the Clerk that the repairs would be completed as soon as possible.
As the irreparable bench was next to the telephone box and bus stop, it is in use more often than other benches in the village. It was agreed therefore that the Clerk investigates the costs of replacing the bench. An application for funding would also be made to the Ward Projects Fund.
Resolution 2/01 The Chairman proposed and the council resolved that a replacement bench is purchased at a cost not to exceed £275.
There was also some concern that some of the benches were unsecured.
Resolution 3/01The Chairman proposed and the council resolved that unsecured benches are made secure, at a cost not to exceed £50
No further planting has been done at the War Memorial.
3.2 County Council matters
It was reported that
q The drains on Hunt’s Hill were in need of replacement. It was agreed to write to Lawrence Elcocks at GCC, asking for this work to be carried out. Essential repairs to the footpath at this area were also required.
q Two large settlement chambers will be built on the Waterton Lane side of the A417 near the Crown of Crucis
q The ditches at the back of Durncoat Cottages had been cleared of debris.
Following some discussion it was agreed that the Clerk would contact those responsible for hedgerow cutting, to ask them to clear the ditches after the hedges have been cut. Most of the ditches are now full, and require clearing before next autumn.
It was also agreed that the Clerk should write to the County Council asking if the sign at the junction with Akeman Street and Riding’s Lane could be amended to show the correct distance to Cirencester.
3.3 Land at the edge of the Donkey Field.
Gloucestershire County Council Highway Records sent a photocopied letter, written to the County Council, by the Parish Council in March 1973, in which the Parish Council ask for permission to plant a tree on the Donkey Field, which was adopted by the County Council in August 1972. The County Council appeared unwilling to be involved at this stage, however, the Parish Council Minute Book shows some correspondence took place between April and June, 1973, culminating in the County Council planting a maple tree in the Donkey Field. The Council agreed that this matter be pursued further, as, should any future claim for compensation be made to the Parish Council, it would be essential that ownership of the tree be known.
It was agreed therefore that the Clerk would check the accounts for this period, to see if any payment for the tree had been made, or whether the tree was planted, and paid for by the County Council. The Clerk would then contact County Highways again.
3.4 Repairs to the Praying Cross
An application has been made to English Heritage for scheduled monument consent, and an application has also been made to Cotswold District Council for a grant from the Historic areas and buildings fund.
The Clerk informed the Council that following the query to Cornhill Insurance (minutes, page 295), the insurers had asked that a fence be erected around the Cross until the repairs were completed. It was finally agreed that a temporary fence be erected until the end of January, 2001, when further arrangements must be made.
English Heritage had also suggested that they would not be in favour of a fence being erected around the Cross, and that more substantial works could be required than the conservation work planned by the Parish Council.
It was agreed that the Clerk would
q Write to Cornhill, explaining the work to be done, and enclosing photographs of the Cross, to illustrate that the Cross would not be dangerous to passing pedestrians.
q Also ask whether the Council would continue to be insured in the event of vandalism to the Cross, making it more unstable.
q Ensure that English Heritage are aware of ongoing discussions. If English Heritage insist that a fence would not be allowed, then Cornhill must be made aware of this.
q If railings do have to be erected around the Cross, then a local ironmaker in Ampney St Peter will be approached to provide a quote.
3.5 Possible playground in the village
Mrs K Hartshorne has agreed to act as co-ordinator for this project, and the school has agreed to enter discussions on the possibility of using school land for the scheme. It was suggested that a preliminary meeting be set up between the school, the Chairman, Councillor Huckle, and Mrs Hartshorne.
4. Report from District Councillor
Councillor Evans reported that
q The government had introduced a fourth option for the political management of local Councils, and that public consultation would take place towards the end of January, and early February.
q £595 was still available in the Ward Projects Fund.
q The District Council’s Council Tax would rise by a maximum of 5%. It was anticipated that the County Council and Police Authority precepts would be between 9% and 11%
5. Questions from the Public
Mr J Ducker suggested that the electorate be asked whether they would wish fencing or railings to be erected around the Praying Cross. However, it was explained that this decision would have to lie with the Parish Council, subject to the outcome of future discussions with English Heritage and Cornhill Insurance.
6. Burial Ground matters
6.1 Burial Ground Reservations.
Another press release will be sent to Paddy Thompson, for inclusion in the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Standard.
It was also suggested that a notice be placed in the Church porch.
6.2 Repairs to the Lych Gate window
The Clerk reported that she had had difficulty getting quotes for the repairs to the window. Other companies will be approached.
6.3 Grass cutting contract.
Three tenders were received for this work, and it was agreed that the tender be awarded to Jeremy Simmons Landscapes. A list of suggested cutting dates would be requested.
Resolution 4/01 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the grass cutting contract for 1 April 2001 – 31 March 2002 is awarded to Jeremy Simmons Landscapes.
6.4 Maintenance in the Burial Ground.
Councillor Vessey suggested that a full inspection of the Burial Ground be undertaken, and grave- stones lowered if necessary, to minimise the risk of injury should they fall. The Chairman and Councillor Vessey agreed to undertake this inspection.
Christopher Bishop, a specialist in Cotswold buildings, had responded to S P Beard and Sons, and suggested remedial measures for the flaking paintwork. It was suggested that these suggestions are compared with the original report, and if they differed, then the matter be discussed at the next meeting. If these measures were recommended in the initial report, then the Clerk would instruct S P Beard and Sons to remedy the problem.
7. Planning matters
7.1 Decisions
160 CT 4710/C 1 The Lake Permits
146 CT 3317/H Gillhayes Permits
155 CT4784/E Lost Elm Permits
159 CT 7246/D Chantry Permits
7.2 Outstanding applications
156 CT 7739/D Ampney Field No objection
164 CT 7739/C Ampney Sheephouse Cottage No objection
165 CT 1762/Z The Old School House No objections
166 CT 7493/G 8 Ampney Crucis No comment
7.3 Minor Amendments
7.4 Tree works
157 Contr 702/3 8 Ampney Crucis No objection
It was agreed that the Clerk would write to CDC planning explaining that the Council had no comment to make on CT 7493/G, 8 Ampney Crucis, as the application was for listed building consent, and somewhat technical for the members to provide comments. However, it was requested that the letter reiterate that the Council still had objections to the earlier applications, to which this application refers, on policy grounds.
The appeal for Sheephouse Barn (CT 6523/A) has been allowed and planning permission granted.
The informal hearing for the Builder’s Yard application (CT 2905/K) will be held on 16 January, 2001. The Council approved the Chairman to speak on behalf of the Council at this hearing.
7.5 Ownership of land in the village
There was still some uncertainty about the ownership of that part of Back Lane leading up to the old Builder's Yard. It is possible that it is still in the ownership of the Lord of the Manor.
8. Village Update
8.1 Village Design statement.
No action taken.
8.2 Setts on Church Lane
The Parochial Church Council paid £250 towards the repairs to the Church path, on the understanding that any excess would be used towards placing setts on Church Lane. The Clerk would contact Ringway to ask for a quote.
8.3 Ampney Crucis Times
It was agreed that the Parish Council would pay for half of the envelopes and postage for the newsletters posted by the PCC.
8.4 Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
Following a burglary and damage to 2 cars, residents were urged to be more vigilant
(After note: There were two more incidents on Tuesday and Wednesday following the meeting, involving theft from a car and theft of a car)
8.5 Village Spring Clean
It was agreed that a Village Spring Clean take place in the spring, to coincide with the District Council’s Spring Clean day. The Clerk would notify Councillor Vessey of the weekend this would take place to co-ordinate the burial ground clean up
8.6 Village telephone directory.
Councillor Vessey explained that the directory would be published again this year, at a suggested price of £1 per copy. It would concentrate on Ampney Crucis only, and would include surnames, addresses, and telephone numbers, (if not ex-directory). In view of the new rights in European law, people will have the opportunity to have their names withheld.
Parliamentary and Council representatives and club secretaries will continue to be included. Following feedback from the Village Appraisal, the directory will include a map of the village plus a list of people who wish to advertise their services, (e.g., bed and breakfast).
An item in the February edition of ACT will askrecent arrivals in the village to give their details to their local Councillor, or request an ex-directory entry.
8.7 Older residents
It was suggested that Councillors undertake to ‘look after’ their local elderly residents. It was felt that this was already done as a neighbourly gesture. It was suggested that an article encouraging this is placed in the Ampney Crucis Times, and the Neighbourhood Watch schemes be encouraged to include this role.
8.8 Parish Annual Meeting.
It was suggested that this take place at 7.30pm. This will be discussed again at the next meeting.
9. Financial matters.
9.1 Current financial position
A set of papers had been circulated with the agenda.
Resolution 6/01 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the financial statements as prepared by the Responsible Financial Officer, were an accurate reflection of the Council’s financial position as at 13 December, 2000
Resolution 7/01 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that £400 be transferred to the imprest account.
9.2 Agreement of payments
None
9.3 Formation of policy for awarding grants and donations
It was agreed that future donations would only generally be made to village led enterprises that will be of benefit to the village community and where active encouragement from the Parish Council would help such enterprises to get additional funding from other sources.
9.4 Draft budget for 2001/02, and precept request for 2001/02
Details were circulated showing proposed expenditure for the financial year, 2001/02. The details shown on page 308 of the minutes were agreed as the budgeted expenditure for the financial year. These details show proposed expenditure from the different elements of the Council’s accounts: precept, estimated income, anticipated grants and spending from the reserves.
Resolution 8/01 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved to accept the figures shown on page 308 of the minutes, and submit a precept request of £4477 for the financial year 2001/02.
Following some discussion on the Audit, it was also agreed that a letter be sent to Gloucestershire Association of Parish and Town Councils asking for their support in seeking a substantial increase of the level at which councils will no longer be classed as the smallest councils. The current upper limit for the smallest council (£5,000) is roughly 25% of the average annual income.
It was agreed that the Clerk and Councillor Vessey would review the Council’s insurance cover to ensure that it is satisfactory.
10. Footpath matters
Councillor Vessey reported that, under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, all roads used as public paths (RUPP’s) will eventually change their status to ‘restricted byway’, which will only allow access to pedestrians, horses and riders. Vehicular access will be available only to adjacent landowners and tenants requiring access to their land. The changes are unlikely to come into effect for two years and will only affect one footpath in the parish (BAC 21).
It was suggested that the Clerk write to the owner of Birch House asking if he would remove the remains of a tree that had fallen on the path BAC21.
It was also suggested that the Clerk write to the County Council asking if a footway could be created on land between Riding’s Lane and the Old London Road.
11. Queen’s Golden Jubilee
It was agreed that the Clerk would write to other organisations in the village asking if they would wish to help to organise an event on the occasion of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee between 1 – 4 June, 2002.
12. Correspondence Received
Gloucestershire Police made a request for support for the Junior Citizenship course. As discouraging crime would benefit the Community, the Council agreed to make a donation of £2.50 for every child from Ampney Crucis School who will be attending.
Resolution 9/01The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the following item of expenditure be authorised as a S137 payment under the Local Government Act 1972, it being the opinion of the Council that the expenditure will be in the interests of all or part of the community: a donation of £2.50 to Gloucestershire Constabulary for every Year6 child from Ampney Crucis School attending the Junior Citizenship course.
13. Matters outstanding
None
14. Dates, time and place of future meetings.
All meetings will be held at 7.00pm, in the Village Hall, on the following dates:12 March, 14 May, 9 July, 10 September and 12 November, 2001.
The meeting closed at 9.20pm.
Signed: ……………………………………………. Date: ……………………………