AMPNEY CRUCIS PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 12 NOVEMBER, 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
County Councillor Raymond Theodoulou
Presiding: Councillor Peter Kelly
Clerk: Mrs H Tonks
The meeting commenced at 7.15pm. There were 6 members of the public present.
1. Apologies for Absence
None
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 10 September, 2001
Resolution 32/01 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the minute, of the meeting held on 10 September, 2001 be signed and adopted.
3. Matters arising from the meeting held on 10 September, 2001
3.1 Benches in the Village
Harold Stevens repaired the bench in The Pleydells. Unfortunately, it has been damaged again, and requires further repairs.
3.2 Burial Ground gates.
Roland Hunt hasrepaired the gates to the Burial Ground. They are now much better, but cannot be expected to last indefinitely.
It was suggested that a pair of gates be bought to commemorate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. David Vessey will seek quotes.
3.3 Village Notice Board.
It was agreed that the Clerk would write to the Village Hall Management Committee, to confirm costs of a new notice board for the Village Hall and Parish Council.
4. Reports from County and District Councillors.
County Councillor Raymond Theodoulou made the following report:
q That he has been involved in discussions about possible changes to the A417 in Fairford.
q Ampney Crucis School still needs a new School governor
q That the County Council had not yet finalised the budget.
A number of questions were raised, and Councillor Theodoulou agreed to investigate:
q Repairs to pavements on Hunt’s Hill
q The changes to the bus service to Ampney Crucis. The timetable has been changed, meaning a long wait for a return trip from Cirencester in the morning, and a lengthy wait in the afternoon, between 4pm and 6pm. The size of the bus has also been reduced.
The Clerk was tasked to write to the Rural Transport Co-ordinator, raising the concerns raised at this meeting.
Councillor Evans made the following report:
q The prompt reaction of the County Council has led to two large drainage chambers being placed in the road near the Crown of Crucis. These will be emptied on a regular basis, hopefully solving the recurrent flooding in that area.
q CDC have been concentrating on the budget strategy: £½ million has been imposed by new waste management schemes, e-government and revaluation of the pension scheme will mean an estimated increase of 10% on the District’s proportion of Council Tax. ((£9.82 for a band D property) This figure may be decreased slightly.
q It is hoped that the new Sports Centre at Kingshill will proceed.
Following a question, Councillor Evans agreed to check on the progress of the new houses on School Lane.
5. Questions from the Public.
A recent article in the Ampney Crucis Times had asked residents to write to Babtie, the company responsible for Route Management on the A417/419. It was requested that the Parish Council brief residents on how to reply. Councillor Vessey confirmed that he had attended a presentation at Kingshill School and would pass on information gained at this presentation in the next issue of the ACT.
Confirmation of an open meeting was requested. The Chairman explained that this matter would be discussed later in the meeting, when discussing planning.
6. Finance matters.
6.1 Current financial position
Copies of the accounts had been circulated to all Councillors prior to the meeting.
Resolution 33/01 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 25 October, 2001
6.2 Agreement of payments.
Stones had been thrown through the windows of the Lych Gate. A quote from Turbo Glass for £157.10, plus Vat, had been received. The Council can claim from insurance, but will have to pay the excess of £75.
GCC have now sent the bill for the work to the drainage ditch adjacent to the Burial Ground. The Council agreed that the invoice is paid.
Resolution 35/01 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved the invoice for £587.50 from GCC is paid, with funds from the drainage and ditch reserve and the Village Maintenance reserve.
Resolution 36/01 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that the Clerk’s expenses, totalling £39.56, be paid.
Resolution 37/01 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that £500 is transferred from the current account to the imprest account
6.3 Audit
An internal audit was carried out by the Council’s Internal Auditor, who was satisfied that the accounts are a fair and accurate reflection of the Council’s finances.
Councillor Vessey reported that the accounts and reserves should be simpler next year, as a more simplified audit will be required, as regulations have changed.
6.4 Budget 2002/03
A draft budget was circulated, suggesting a precept of £5000. It was agreed that Councillors would look at the details and discuss them at the January meeting.
7. Burial Ground matters
7.1 Clear up day in the Burial Ground.
This was extremely successful, with 12 members of the public present.
It was agreed that a cheque be sent to Don Underwood to compensate him for the extra work he did to dispose of the rubbish.
Resolution 38/01 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that a cheque for £25 is sent to Mr Underwood.
7.2 Burial Ground wall.
The drystone wall at the front of the Burial Ground collapsed during October. Following discussions during October with the Chairman and Councillor Vessey, the Clerk authorised expenditure of £100 from the imprest account, under section 3.2 of the Council’s financial regulations, for David Ockwell to repair the wall.
More work was done than was expected, and a further corner of the wall will be repaired. It was agreed that a further payment of £25 is made to David Ockwell to cover any extra costs.
Resolution 39/01 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that a cheque for £25 is sent to Mr Ockwell.
7.3 Repairs to the Lych gate window.
It was felt that vandalism in the village was increasing. Villagers were urged to be more vigilant. Villagers with information on the recent damage to the Lych Gate were urged to contact the Crimestoppers number. (0800 555 111) The Police crime reference number is 043646/01.
8. Planning matters
8.1 Decisions
8.2 Outstanding applications
156 CT 7739/D Ampney Field No objection
182 CT 8177 Heathfield Cottage No objection
186 CT 1762/1/B Kate’s Cottage No objection
188 CT 6523/C Sheepfold Barn On circulation
189 CT 1762/1/C Kate’s Cottage No objection
190 CT 4170/D 1 Lake Cottages On circulation
191 CT 7365/A Land west of Allotment Lane On circulation
192 CT 8194 Land at The Pleydells On circulation
193 CT 8195 Land west of School Lane On circulation
194 CT 2872/F Land opposite Gorston House On circulation
195 CT 8196 Land north of London Road and
east of School lane On circulation
196 CT 0434/L Abbey Home Farm On circulation
Councillor Vessey declared an interest in planning applicationsCT 7365/A, CT 8194, CT 8195, CT 2872/F and CT 8196 and took no further part in this discussion.
Planning applicationsCT 7365/A, CT 8194, CT 8195, CT 2872/F and CT 8196 require very detailed consideration, and Councillors will need time to read the documents carefully.
Resolution 40/01 The Chairman proposed and the Council resolved that discussion on planning applications CT 7365/A, CT 8194, CT 8195, CT 2872/F and CT 8196 be postponed until an extraordinary Parish Council meeting at 7.30pm on Friday 23 November, 2001. The agenda for this meeting will be as follows:
1. Apologies for Absence
2. Public Forum
3. Discussion of planning applications CT 7365/A, CT8194, CT 8195, CT 2872/F and CT 8196, and response to be made by Ampney Crucis Parish Council.
The Public Forum will be limited to one hour, members of the electorate will be allowed to speak twice, for a maximum of 3 minutes each time. No repetition of arguments will be allowed.
This meeting will be publicised with a flyer, and notices in the village.
8.3 Tree works
187 Contr 1147 Sterries Mill No objections
197 Contr 1161 Pippin with Tree Warden
8.4 Minor amendments
None
9. Village Update
9.1 Praying Cross Repairs
Wells Masonry have ‘weathered’ the copingstone that was unsatisfactory, and remortared an area. The Clerk will contact English Heritage to see if they are happy with the work.
9.2 Playground in the Village
No further information is available. Fran Huckle will contact the Head Teacher to see if he has more details.
9.3 Double white lines.
Councillor Vessey reported that he felt the A417 near Ampney Park was dangerous, and that County Highways should consider placing double white lines in this area. The Clerk will write to the Police and County Highways on this matter.
10. Footpath matters
The paths at the rear of Dudley farm are not marked properly. Councillor Vessey reported that this matter was in hand.
The Right to Roam was being trialled in two areas of the Country. Ampney Crucis will not be affected until mapping is complete in 2005.
11. Queen’s Golden Jubilee
Sally Hebbs reported that the band and venue for the Saturday night were now confirmed. Activities with the Church will be confirmed soon, and the reminiscences project has been approved.
12. Matters outstanding
Gerald Gaden reported that a Thames Water inspection cover was broken. The Clerk will report this.
The ACT had been running for 2 years, and it was agreed that the publication should continue.
Leaflets explaining telephone numbers that can be called in case of nuisance are available in the Church.
13. Correspondence Received.
13.1 Twinning
Further requests had been made for a twinning arrangement with Margaux in Normandy. It was agreed that details would be placed in the ACT, looking for anyone interested in setting up or joining a small working party.
13.2 Area Liaison Panel
Councillor Kelly to attend
13.3 Citizen Advice Bureau, Victim Support and The Spring Centre.
Requests for funding were made. As the Council agreed to fund only local projects, these requests were refused.
13.4 Cirencester Hospital league of friends.
Cirencester Hospital league of friends would like the Parish Council to write to Alan Milburn about the possible closure of parts of the Hospital. Councillor Kelly will respond.
13.5 Application for grant of Annual Theatre Licence for Village Hall
No objections
13.6 Crime and Disorder seminar
This seminar will be held on 3 December. Councillor Vessey will attend if possible.
13.7 Rural Access Forum
This will be held on 12 December. Councillor Hebbs to attend if possible.
13.8 Babtie Route Management Strategy
It was felt that the strategies mentioned in this consultation document did not cover the main concerns about the need for resurfacing and the missing link at Nettleton Bottom. Councillor Grazebrook had drafted a letter to be sent to Babtie, and the Council agreed that this would be sent.
13.9 Standards Board for England
A draft code of conduct for Parish Councils will shortly be available. When it is, Councillors will then have to sign to agree to the Code within two months, or lose their positions as Councillors.
13.10 Quality Parish and Town councils, Consultation paper
David Vessey to draft response.
13. Date time and place of next meeting
An extraordinary meeting of the Parish Council will be held at 7.30pm on Friday 23 November in the Village Hall. The next ordinary meeting of the Parish Council will be on Monday 14 January, 2002, 7.15pm in the Village Hall. Meetings for the rest of the year will then be held on 11 March, 13 May, 8 July, 9 September, and 11 November, 2002 at 7.15pm.