MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 12 MARCH, 2001 IN THE VILLAGE HALL, AMPNEY CRUCIS.
Present: Councillors Peter Kelly, Gerald Gaden, Fran Huckle, David Vessey, Adrian Grazebrook, Sally Hebbs and John Dear.
District Councillor Bruce Evans
Presiding: Councillor Peter Kelly
Clerk: Mrs H Tonks
The meeting commenced at 7.00pm. There were 4 members of the public present.
1. Apologies for Absence
None
2. Presentation by representatives from the Environment Agency
The Chairman welcomed Mark Ormrod and Ben Marsh to the meeting. Mr Ormrod explained that the role of the Environment Agency is to enhance and protect the environment whilst allowing sustainable development. They enforce Section 33 of the Environment Protection Act, and deal with illegal dumping of hazardous waste, pollution, risks to wildlife, flooding and pollution to watercourses. Penalties can be as much as a £20,000 fine or six month’s imprisonment, although the usual penalty is in the region of £1,500.
There was some discussion about the nature of fly tipping, and Mr Ormrod confirmed that if waste were deposited on land that did not benefit from a waste management licence, it would be regarded as fly tipping, and action could be taken by the Agency. If the Agency is consulted about an incident of fly tipping, they have a duty to investigate and prosecute.
A particular problem in rural areas is leaking oil tanks that can eventually pollute the watercourse. In this case, the polluter must pay for the clean-up operation, and for the costs incurred by the Environment Agency.
Anyone can call the Environment Agency on 0645 333111, or on 0800 807060 (24 hours).
3. Minutes of the meeting held on 8 January, 2001
Resolution 10/01 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 8 January, 2001 be signed and adopted.
4. Matters arising
4.1 Repairs to benches in the village, and replanting at the War Memorial.
Ringway informed the Council that two benches in the village were irreparable, and had sent in a final invoice for the work.
The two irreparable benches will be removed, Gerald Gaden will liase with Harold Stevens, and one bench will be moved from the bottom of the Pleydells to the top, to replace one of the benches. The Clerk will continue to find prices for replacement benches. The Clerk will advise the surviving relatives of those who donated these benches, if they can be located.
Gerald Gaden will also liase with Mr and Mrs Trotman, as the bench they donated to the Burial Ground needs repainting.
The replanting has now been completed at the War Memorial. All receipts have now been received, therefore an application will be made to CDC for the payment of the ward projects fund.
4.2 County Council matters
The drains on Hunts Hill appear to have been cleaned in the last week, and GCC have confirmed that an application for funding for the repairs to the paths on Hunts Hill will be made in the next financial year.
A path cannot be made from the Old London Road to the bottom of Riding Lane as funding is not available.
The Clerk explained that the drainage ditch between the school and the Burial Ground has not been filled in yet, as drainage engineers have had more pressing problems. It was agreed that the Clerk would write to GCC again.
The mileage sign at the junction of Akeman Street and Riding Lane has been amended.
4.3 Land at the edge of the Donkey Field
County Highways have acknowledged that the tree on this piece of ground belongs to the County Council, and following inspection, have decided that the tree shows signs of decay, and should be cut down.
Gerald Gaden suggested that the tree is not rotten, and is quite sound.
4.4 Setts on Church Lane
A quote of £875 will be charged for 25 metres of setts on Church Lane. Councillors thought that they could not justify spending this amount of electors’ money on this scheme, and agreed to put an article in the Ampney Crucis Times explaining this. In the meantime, the Clerk would contact the County Council, to ask if they would donate the setts, and the Council would install them.
5. Report from District Councillor Evans
District Councillor Evans made the following report:
q The planning committee have, whilst discussing the draft local plan, approved the recommendation that 600 new homes should be built in Cirencester and Siddington. The remaining 600 homes will be in other major settlements in the District.
q CDC have increased their Council Tax by 6.7%. If the increase had been 5%, as hoped, then Council reserves would have to be used.
q The houses on School Lane would be started in August 2001, and would last for one year. The two units on the Pleydells will be built between April 2001 – September 2002
q Recycling by the District Council must be increased to 33% in the future
q The MORI poll asking for comments about the proposed political management scheme in the District was limited to asking questions in the urban areas only, as foot and mouth disease prohibited easy access to rural dwellings.
q The Spring Clean in April could be delayed to minimise the risk of spreading foot and mouth.
6. Questions from the public
It was confirmed that 5 units of accommodation would be built on School Lane, for Jephson Housing Association.
7. Burial Ground matters
7.1 Reservations in the Burial Ground.
The Clerk confirmed that she had not received any comments about the reservations in the Burial Ground. It was agreed that the Clerk investigate the costs involved in clearing the bank of earth and spoil at the end of the Burial Ground.
7.2 Repairs to the Lych Gate window
This window has now been repaired. After the invoice has been paid, the Clerk can submit a claim to the Insurers.
7.3 Maintenance in the Burial Ground
Peter Kelly and David Vessey had inspected the gravestones in the Burial Ground, and found only one that could fall if pushed hard. This would be laid flat at the Village Spring Clean in April.
The Clerk would write again to S P Beard to ask them to remedy the warped door on the Lych Gate. The flaking paint would be assessed in the summer when it has dried.
8. Planning matters
8.1 Decisions
164 CT 7739/C Ampney Sheephouse Cottage Permits
167 CT 5079/J Waterton Lodge Permits
166 CT 7493/G 8 Ampney Crucis Consent
165 CT 1762/Z The Old School House Refuses
The appeal by BTA drilling at the Builder’s Yard has been dismissed.
8.2 Outstanding applications
156 CT 7739/D Ampney Field No objection
168 CT 2672/K Naracott House No objection
169 CT 8114 1 Wiggold Cottages No objection
8.3 Minor amendments
None
8.4 Tree works
The Clerk had received notice that some dead trees were to be removed in the Old Rectory.
8.5 Village Design statement
Peter Kelly and David Vessey visited Down Ampney to discuss their design statement, and noted that the document commented on all architectural features in the village. District Councillor Evans explained that a conservation statement would be made of Ampney Crucis in the next few years, which would identify all architectural styles in the village. After some discussion, it was agreed that a village design statement would be difficult in Ampney Crucis, as the village comprises new and old buildings. Therefore a statement would not be made by Ampney Crucis Parish Council.
8.6 Ownership of land in the village.
David Vessey reported that no more could be done to identify parcels of land in the village.
9. Financial matters
9.1 Current financial position
Resolution 11/01 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved the financial statements as provided by the Responsible Financial Officer were an accurate reflection of the Council’s financial position on 1 March, 2001
9.2 Agreement of payments
The following payments were authorised:
q CW Neal for repairs to window of Lych Gate: £232.89
q Helen Tonks, expenses: £57.96
q Audit Commission: £242.52
q Ringway Highway Services: £407.73
q Roy Dunford, for replanting at the War Memorial: £47.08
q Harold Stevens, for new bolt for the noticeboard: £6.51
Resolution 12/01 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the above amounts, totalling £994.69, be paid.
9.3 Audit
The audit report has been received, and the Auditors wished the following points to be raised:
a) They point out that the Council is very close to losing its status as a triennial parish due to the current level of income and its diversity. The fact that burial income is a regular source of cash flow would tend to suggest that triennial status no longer applies. They suggest that any decision in this respect be deferred until the submission of your accounts for next year.
b) The use of the term “Capital Reserve” raises some questions. This term is actually reserved for the proceeds of sale of assets, which can only be used for further purchases of a capital nature. They suggest that this may in fact be purely an earmarked fund for capital purchases. The question is academic at this point however it might be borne in mind in future.
c) Earmarked funds should be the subject of a note, which covers their movements during the year. Such movements should also be formally minuted.
d) They point out that the donation (for the CAB) is actually covered by another section and therefore need not come under S 137.
e) A further note is also required on Contingent Liabilities if only by way of a nil return.
f) In line with current practice they suggest that the Council consider setting up its own Standing Orders and Financial Regulations in connection with tenders and quotes for work to be done.
g) Finally they wish signed copies of the 1998 and 1999 accounts for their filing records.
The Council noted points a). b), c), d) and g). However, they wished to note that at this stage, in reference to a), that there had been no burial income for this year.
The Clerk would inform the Auditor that the existing Standing Orders, and the Council’s Financial Regulations had been sent to the Auditor at the time of the Audit, and ask whether a note about Contingent liabilities was required for the smaller councils.
10. Village Update
10.1Praying Cross repairs
The Clerk explained that verbal permission had been given for scheduled monument consent, and that the contract could now be awarded. The Clerk would contact Wells Masonry to inform them that the contract will be awarded to them.
Resolution 13/00 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved to carry out repairs to the Praying Cross, as outlined to, and by, English Heritage at a cost not to exceed £771.00
In line with the discussions with Cornhill Insurance, now that the contract has been awarded, the public liability insurance for the Praying Cross would continue to be valid.
The Clerk will write to the Insurers to confirm that the contract has now been awarded.
10.2Playground in the village
Fran Huckle reported that discussions with the school had taken place, and the school were happy to allow discussions to proceed for possible play equipment on the playing field at Allotment Lane. Although more secluded, it was felt that this space would allow a playground for smaller children at one end and a skateboard ramp at the other side for older children. The Governors will contact the Education Authority to ask for guidance on allowing school grounds to be used for a playground.
Kim Hartshorne, the co-ordinator for the group hoping to set up a playground, was introduced to the Council, and explained that she had had a useful meeting with the Field Officer for Gloucestershire Rural Community Council.
The Clerk will find out potential figures for maintenance and insurance.
10.3Ampney Crucis Times
Fran Huckle reported that the Ampney Crucis Times now had another editor, Elizabeth Gerver.
A request had been received for Ampney St Mary to receive the ACT. It was agreed that a top copy should be sent to the village for them to copy if they wish.
10.4Neighbourhood watch
A fourth scheme will shortly be operating in the village. Charlotte Pink would be co-ordinator.
There was some concern that a hypodermic needle had been found in the village. This will be a Police matter, however the Neighbourhood watch groups should be aware of the problem.
10.5Spring Clean.
There was some concern that the CDC Spring Clean may be postponed to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease. If so, then, the Ampney Crucis scheme will also be postponed. The Clerk will contact CDC to find out if the Spring Clean has been postponed.
10.6Village telephone directory.
A map will be included with the directory. Copies will be available for £1. Copies will be sold to the PCC for 50p, for sale in the Church for £1.
Resolution 14/00 The Chairman proposed and the council resolved that the Village Telephone Directory be printed, in April, 2001 at a cost not to exceed £50.
11. Footpath matters
David Vessey reported that most footpaths in the village had been closed, with signs fixed, to prevent the spread of foot and mouth. The only paths not affected are BAC 22 and Church walk.
12. Queen’s Golden Jubilee
Sally Hebbs will co-ordinate a group of interested residents to organise this event. The Governors of the school have already expressed interest in taking part.
The Clerk would look in the old minute books to see what action was taken for the Silver Jubilee in 1977.
Sally Hebbs had also contacted the PCC and the Village Hall committee to confirm that they would need to set up a committee to organise this year’s fete.
13. Correspondence received.
13.1Transfer of licence for the Crown of Crucis.
Noted
13.2Changes to Council Structure
The Council agreed to leave this decision to the District Council.
13.3Babtie: Road Management Strategy.
The Clerk explained that if Councillors had comments they should contact the Clerk.
13.4Gloucestershire Playing Field Association.
A request for funding was refused.
13.5CDC: meetings with the County Council’s Director of Environment and Gloucestershire Police
This meeting has been postponed form April to June/July, 2001.
13.6Rural Access Forum, 22 March, 2001
Peter Kelly to attend.
13.7Code of Conduct draft document.
This document requires comments by 12 April, 2001. Councillors should contact the Clerk if they wish to comment.
13.8Twinning
A request to be twinned with Moyaux, in Normandy, had been received. Councillors will discuss this at later date.
13.9 CDC Street Cleansing Contract.
Noted.
14. Matters outstanding
David Vessey had found some mistakes in the Electoral Roll. The Council agreed that he contact the Electoral Officer.
The Clerk will contact CDC to ask for some fly tipping to be removed from Granny Freeman’s Lane, and GCC to ask that the no tipping sign is repaired on Old London Road.
15. Date, Time and Place of next meeting
The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Monday 14 May at 7.30pm, in the Village Hall. The Annual Parish Council meeting will be held immediately afterwards.