Jan 06

Council meeting minutes: March 2006

Minutes of the Meeting of Old Bolsover Town Council held at 6.45pm on Tuesday 14th March 2006 at the Town Hall, Cotton Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield

Present:

Coun. R Bowler – Chair

Councillors L. Anderson, T Bennett, K. Bowman, D. Bratt, J Dixon,

T. Rodda, J Timmins, J. Woodhead

In attendance:

D Kee – Town Clerk

Sergeant Bownes,

P.C. Painter

Derbyshire Times Reporter

Mansfield CHAD Reporter

Open ForumNo members of the public were present.

84.Apologies for absence

There were no apologies for absence

85.Members’ Interests

Members were reminded by the Chair of the need to complete the Register in-keeping with the Town Clerk's letter.

86. Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 14th February 2006 were presented as circulated.

Resolved

That the above minutes be accepted as a true record subject to the following:-

Page 75 - Item 7

Clarification of DCC intentions: To create a Civic Amenity Site for the disposal of household waste, no recycling or contaminated materials. £500,000 of investment to remove existing contaminants, raise concrete level complete with a tree planning scheme. No hazardous waste to be allowed on the site, which will be open 7 days per week, the actual opening hours restricted. Will address present issues of fly tipping. Expected that it will be established towards end of 2006.

Judged as good news for the people of Bolsover, with high grade facilities.

87.Police Matters

Attention was drawn to the large groups of children gathering and being intimidating on land near to the Hudson Bay Public House. The police explained that Special Constables had been detailed to problem areas and would be patrolling over the next two evenings.

Incidents of parking and obstructing entrances to properties on Bolsover Hill were referred to. The police explained details of their powers to issue fixed penalty notices and urged members of the public to telephone the police to report such obstructions. It was confirmed that "no waiting" cones could not be issued to private house holders.

Concerns of motorbikes and riders without helmets in the Stratton Road Area at 2am in the early morning were brought to the attention of the police. The police advised that similar problems had been encountered in the Shirebrook Area and confirmed that the matter would be investigated and reported upon by the Community Constable, P.C. Hind.

Long standing issues of parking at the Cenotaph; with particular reference to no action being taken in the evenings or at night were referred to.

The police representative promised to, based upon priorities, pay attention to the problem in the evening and night periods. It was confirmed that fixed penalty notices were being issued.

Questions were raised about the frequency of car thefts in Bolsover.

The police advised that although a young Bolsover person had been arrested with regard to several events and others would be put to him, there were no particular concerns regarding this subject.

The police were asked about a burnt out vehicle, observed as still smouldering on the Stockely Trail. The police had no information regarding this incident.

Complaints of a large white van parking adjacent to Somerfield, making deliveries and collections to the fruiterers were referred to causing congestion and possible danger to children. This was seen as a regular daily event for long periods.

The police confirmed they would investigate the matter and speak to the person involved. They also confirmed their policy in respect of highway, double yellow line delivery parking.

The police presented information in respect of crimes reported and detected during the previous 3 months.

14th February to 13th March 2006 - 52 crimes, 7 detected.

14th January to 12th February 2006 - 95 crimes, 8 detected.

14th December 2005 to 13th January 2006 - 53 crimes, 11 detected.

The improvement in the latest period was seen as due to high visibility policing and the activities of Community Constable Hind, who had established a rapport with children in the area.

A query regarding domestic abuse assaults was raised. The police advised that there had been one serious assault of stabbing and several matters were under investigation. They confirmed that a series of measures operated involving the domestic violence unit and regular beat officers.

The police were asked if a previously used leaflet made available to females was still in print providing details of what to do in an emergency situation.

It was observed that any leaflet should perhaps address the concerns of both genders.

The police promised to establish if such a leaflet was or could be made available.

ResolvedThe information be noted and the Constables thanked for his time in attending.

88. Town Clerk’s Report

(1)Bainbridge Hall

The Clerk advised that all Disabled access grant snagging work would be completed this week and that, as a compensatory measure for the delays etc, the top car park had been resurfaced, the car park wall rebuilt and an area of the pedestrian path resurfaced.

It was confirmed that the Citizens' Advice Bureau Call Centre would be operational, operating from rooms 6 and 7 from mid April 2006. The Clerk also advised that the Youth Club had still not returned to the building and that the Management Committee were pursuing reasonable policies and procedures to facilitate the club's return. It was confirmed that the DCC (Focus) Cyber Café was a different organisation, unrelated to the Youth Club Volunteers.

Resolved

The report and refurbishment situation be noted.

(2)Assembly Hall

The Clerk confirmed that the District Council had approved a 50% historic grant contribution and that the replacement window works would be carried out towards the end of April 2006. Further that the necessary painting works would then follow.

ResolvedThe report and action to be taken be noted.

(3)Cenotaph

The Clerk reported on the proposed siting, to the front edge of the site, of vehicular access prevention bollards as well as the proposed reinstatement of kerb edges. All works to be carried out as a complete project towards the end of July 2006. Actual damage to the kerb stones by vehicles and frost damage was referred to.

Resolved

The action to be taken be approved.

(4)Hornscroft Park

The Partnership minutes of the meeting held Monday 13th March 2006 were circulated.

The Clerk referred to the continuing problems of debris being deposited in the entrenchments and the removal of the drinking dens. The Clerk also advised of complaints received from tenants on Portland Crescent regarding access via their gardens and the use of the site by trial bikes.

The Clerk advised that the CEO, Bolsover District Council had indicated that a "Green Flag" lottery funding bid could be appropriate.

It was observed that the Leisure Officer, Bolsover District Council, had been requested to explore Camelot funding of a swimming baths development. Further that all possible funding streams should be pursued to this end, given that local members, together with the Member of Parliament, had continuously pushed to achieve swimming baths.

Resolved

(1)The notes of the Partnership Meeting be noted.

(2)The continuing exploration of swimming baths funding be pursued and acknowledged as part of the Beacon Park Scheme.

(5)Winter Festival

The Clerk confirmed that a grant funding bid totalling £4,500 had been submitted to Awards for All and that the outcome was awaited. Further that an outline bid had been agended to be discussed at the next LSP liaison meeting.

The Clerk also advised that the District Council had confirmed that no monies would be made available from either the Tourism or Leisure Budgets.

Resolved

The outcome of the Awards for All bid and LSP discussions be awaited and the matter agended for further discussion.

(6)Shuttlewood, Stanfree and Oxcroft

The Clerk advised that an outline grant bid had been submitted to Involve in respect of Grot 2 Green funding. The bid focused on the upgrade of play areas, litter collection and allotment sites, providing a focus for volunteer involvement.

Resolved

(1)The possibilities of both funding and community involvement to carry out the proposed schemes be pursued.

(2)That the publicity meeting to be held at Glapwell Community Centre 30th March 2006, open to all members be attended if possible.

(7)Workforce

The Clerk advised that members of the workforce had been engaged in the winter work programme, focusing on capitalised improvement works to play areas. In addition that monthly site inspections had been carried out.

Resolved

The report be noted.

(8)Filing and Storage Areas

The Clerk advised that a new filing and computer folder register was being established and that the filing system had been reviewed.

Also that the recent sort out had identified a wooden butter/cheese barrel and stand was surplus to the Council's needs.

Resolved

(1)The establishment of the new register be supported.

(2)That the surplus butter/cheese barrel and stand be offered to Leeds Museum Service.

(9)Incidents

The Clerk outlined the incidents for the month of February 2006. An incident of fly tipping on an allotment site was referred to.

Resolved

The report be received.

89.Correspondence Received

1.Bolsover District Council Local Development Framework (LDF)

The District Council have indicated that they may undertake a further consultation based upon the strategic option. In addition we are advised that Consultants have been commissioned to undertake an interim sustainability appraisal. This Council has been invited to make comments by 3rd April 2006 in respect of the core strategy and site allocation development plans document.

The Clerk also referred to further correspondence and Draft Sustainable Community Strategy papers received.

Resolved

The Clerk make suitable comments on the strategy documents on behalf of the Council outlining the following issues:-

(1)The Winter Festival and Continental Market Event.

(2)The need to highlight the benefits of Town and Parish Council role in the community

(3)The proposed developments at the Market Place and Hornscroft "Beacon" Park.

(4)The benefits of partnership working, via management and trustee groups illustrated by Bainbridge and the Assembly Hall. The use of the Halls and the projects ongoing with all members of society.

(5)Investment in Community Halls to ensure effective use and increase of opportunities for disabled users.

(6)The issue of security and the introduction of private security provision at various sites.

(7)The Involve and Grot 2 Green project funding.

(8)The incidents of mindless vandalism at Hornscroft, Back Hills, Community Halls and the Bus Shelters.

2.Letter from Bolsover District Council regarding an appeal to the Secretary of State re Planning Application 05/00618/RETRO, Change of use to residential garden and siting of a caravan, 10 Oxcroft Estate, Mansfield Road, Oxcroft to be heard 22nd February 2006.

ResolvedThe hearing date be noted.

3.Letter from Bolsover District Council regarding an appeal to the Secretary of State re Planning Application 05/00435/FUL, Two storey extension 82 New Station Road, Bolsover to be heard 21st February 2006.

Resolved

The hearing date be noted.

4.E-mail correspondence from Derbyshire County Council regarding the importation of waste material, CD5/1016/163, Oxcroft Lane. Planning Control have confirmed that 385m³ have already been imported, advising that if the Environmental Agency has reason to doubt the type of waste material trial, pits will be dug. The scheme to protect against future slippages has been rejected.

Resolved

(1)That the notification that the Environment Agency will determine the materials used be noted.

(2)That DCC rejection of the planting scheme be noted.

5.Letter from Derbyshire Victoria County History Trust regarding an "Englands Past for Everyone" event taking place at Bolsover Library on 18th May 2006 at 10.30. EPE has received £3,374,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding and a total of six million pounds overall.

Resolved

The date of the event be noted.

6.Report from the Bolsover Community Economic Development Team setting out the various funding streams attracted, a total of £143,282.

Councillor J Dixon declared a level 1 interest in this matter.

Resolved

The efforts of the CED be noted.

7.Letter from D.C.C. re Section 278 and 72 Agreement, Highways Act 1980 work at Woodhouse Lane, Bolsover accepted as "part of the publicly maintainable highway".

Councillor J Dixon declared a level 1 interest in this matter.

Resolved

The adoption of highway notices be noted.

8.Letter from Vitalise, Skylarks Appeals Office, Nottingham requesting a Section 137 donation (See Appendix I).

Resolved

That the Clerk write to the Appeals Office to determine how the Charity benefits persons in the Parish. To subsequently determine by a separate agenda item if a Section 137 payment would be appropriate.

9.Circular from DALC no 11/2006 headed Urgent - Gratuities and the new taxation regime for pension schemes after 6th April 2006.

The Council should consider before the 5th April 2006 whether it is appropriate to formally exercise their discretion to pay a lump sum gratuity on the future retirement of the present staff.

If a decision to exercise the discretion is taken then the revenue should be informed so that the existing rights (time served to 5th April 2006) will be subject to protection and that part of the lump sum can be paid tax free.

If the existing contract, or other arrangements, include provision for the right to a pension commencement lump sum or gratuity then the revenue should be informed so that the existing rights (time served to 5th April 2006) will be subject to protection and that part of the lump sum can be paid in full and tax free.

It is recommended that the Council formally adopt this advice.

Resolved

That the advice and recommendation from DALC be accepted and that the Clerk write on behalf of the Council advising the Inland Revenue accordingly, by deadline date 5th April 2006.

Additional

10. Letter received from the Government Office for the East Midlands regarding a Section 251 T & C P Act 1990 notice to extinguish public rights of way Markham Employment and Growth Zone - Footpaths - No 13 & 37.

Councillor J Dixon declared a level 1 interest in this matter.

ResolvedThat the notice and its contents be noted.

11. Letter from DCC regarding a site meeting at Rotherham Road, Bolsover Moor in respect of an existing landfill proposal number CW5/0905/105 13th March 2006. The Clerk advised of information received by telephone 10th March 2006 advising that the application had been withdrawn and the meeting(s) cancelled.

Councillor J Dixon declared a level 1 interest in this matter.

Resolved

The matter and change of arrangements be noted.

12. Letter from the Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership - Parish Council Liaison Group regarding the importance and relevance of the partnership and the role of Parish/Town Councils.

Resolved

(1)The Council, through its nominated representative, continues to support the partnership effort.

(2)That all quarterly meetings, revised schedule, be attended.

(3)That a separate item appears on the Town Council's agenda to facilitate feedback and discussion of all relevant matters.

(4)That the importance of accessing funding resources be acknowledged and taken advantage of wherever and whenever possible. The Winter Festival to form an example of this thinking.

(5)That the Council influence, wherever possible, the work of the LSP through its nominated representative.

13. E-Mail from BDC regarding a letter of complaint received via Dennis Skinner MP regarding litter and fly tipping on Town Council owned land.

Resolved

The action of the Clerk to address the issue be supported, acknowledging the responsibilities of the community to not litter and the remedies available via the District Council's Pollution Officer.

14. Letter received from Rainbows East Midlands Children's Hospice regarding the choice of Rainbows as a nominated Charity.

Resolved

(1)The Clerk write to Rainbows to advise that it is not the council's practice to nominate a Charity.

(2)The Clerk clarify the Charity's position in respect of the help provided to local children in respect of a potential Section 137.

(3)The matter be agended based upon the response provided.

90.Planning

1.06/00072/TPO30% crown reduction to sycamore (BOL/32) garden land to front of 16-18 Moor Lane, Bolsover by Paul Lakin - Ground Maintenance and Cleansing Manager

Resolved

No objections

2.06/00086/FULErection of a conservatory to side of 26 Woodthorpe Road, Shuttlewood by Raymond Yapp

Resolved

No objections

3.06/00096/FULLoft conversion including formation of dormer windows to front and rear and insertion of first floor rear window to 15 Hill Top, Bolsover by Mr A Marples

Resolved

No objections

4.06/00102/FULSingle storey extensions to side and rear of Richton, Langstone Avenue, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Murray-Carr

Councillors T Bennett and J Dixon declared a level 1 interest in this matter.

Resolved

No objections

5.06/00107/TCONReduce height of trees, to fell 4 trees and to fell trees/shrubs alongside road at Jaquest Promotions 21 Station Road, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Jaquest.

Resolved

No objections, subject to TPO complications.

6.06/00128/TPO30% crown reduction on Whitebeam tree, 9 Portland Avenue, Bolsover

by P Lakin - Grounds Maintenance and Cleansing Manager

Resolved

No objections

7. 06/00124/OUTResidential development on land on the north side of 28 Church Road, Stanfree by Andrew Dunham

With the approval of the meeting the Chair presented two additional applications.

8.06/00132/OUTResidential Development, garden land to the front of no 28 Church Road, Stanfree by Andrew Dunham

Resolved

No objections

9.06/00133/FULSingle Storey disabled extension to rear of 45 Moorfield Avenue, Bolsover by Bolsover District Council