Jan 06

Council meeting minutes: April 2006

Minutes of the Meeting of Old Bolsover Town Council held at 6.45pm on Tuesday 11th April 2006 at the Town Hall, Cotton Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield

Present:

Coun. R Bowler – Chair

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

L. Harley, T. Rodda, J. Woodhead

In attendance:

D Kee – Town Clerk

P.C. Downes

Derbyshire Times Reporter

Mansfield CHAD Reporter

Open ForumTwo members of the public were present.

Councillor B Murray-Carr - BDC

92. Apologies for absence

Councillors T. Bennett, C Elwell and J Timmins.

93. Members’ Interests

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

94. Confirmation of Minutes

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

ResolvedThat the above minutes be accepted as a true record.

95. Police Matters

Attention was drawn to teenagers who are currently off school, climbing trees in the grounds surrounding the Castle. Concern was expressed that accidents had occurred in the past.

The police constable advised that they had attended and advised children of the dangers.

Incidents of teenagers gathering at Craggs Road, adjacent to the Hudson Bay, drinking alcohol were referred to.

The police constable promised to investigate the matter further.

Concerns regarding speeding vehicles at Bolsover Hill in the late evening, Saturdays and particularly Sunday were referred to.

The police constable advised that speed cameras had been active in the area and that appropriate follow up action would follow.

With the permission of the Chair, the meeting reverted, with the late attendance of members of the public, to the open forum.

With Councillor Murray-Carr, representing the Community Safety Partnership, in attendance, members of the public addressed the meeting to register concerns regarding the behaviour of children in the vicinity of Moorfield Avenue. The problem was seen as longstanding, having taken place over two to three years, involving ongoing damage and the need to protect property.

Reassurance was provided that under the provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act, Section 17, it was the duty of the Town Council to review and to oversee any event that might impinge on public well being. In addition members of the public were encouraged to play their part in the process. It was acknowledged that the matter had been scheduled for review, including the impact of events by the Community Constable, P.C. Hind.

Resolved

It was resolved that:-

(i)In the first instance, the Council write to Bolsover District Council outlining the concerns raised to prompt a co-ordinated and updated response to all matters.

(ii)Members of the public be advised of the Council's Crime & Disorder Act 1998, Section 17, partnership responsibilities.

The meeting returned to Police Matters.

The recent events in Bolsover, which resulted in the closure of several Public Houses, were referred to.

The police constable confirmed that one public house, the Cavendish, was closed by the local police who were supported by police officers from Chesterfield and Dronfield Divisions. The constable confirmed that the problems were created by "local citizens" together with persons from New Houghton. The officer commented that the actions undertaken were seen as an appropriate response. The problems were not attributable to late opening and occurred at 8pm as a consequence of extended drinking during the day. The White Swan and Black Bull were closed by their respective Landlords.

The Chair read out a letter from Councillor Murray-Carr, which updated Members in respect of the Cross Keys Public House, which had been boarded up. It was confirmed that the public house was not closed by the police, who were investigating and gathering evidence regarding the incident leading to its closure. In addition, Members were advised that they would be kept informed of developments. It was explained that the window boards had been fitted in response to the owner's instructions.

Members stated a view that the closure of public houses in Bolsover was unprecedented. As spokesperson for the public Members found it necessary to express disgrace at what was happening in today's society, persons not caring for others or themselves. Such events must be stopped, persons given a right to decent lives; the police are not to blame and are coping with stretched resources.

Councillor Murray Carr commented that a number of measures need now to be addressed by Members of the District Council's Licence Committee, namely, effective Pub Watch and Alcohol Control regimes.

Resolved

(i)The District Council's Licencing Committee be asked to address and to progress these matters as a matter of priority.

(ii)The matter be agended on the Town Centre Management Group.

The police were made aware of the ongoing concerns of Carr Vale residents concerning cars with out of date tax discs preventing access, if required, by emergency vehicles. The police constable confirmed that the concern would be investigated.

The police constable provided a detailed analysis of the crime statistics for March 2006,

57 committed, 9 detected.

Figures for April to date

26 committed, no information of detection rates was available.

The police constable advised that complaints regarding illegal parking around the Cenotaph were continuing to be addressed.

The constable also confirmed that patrols would take place on the Castle Estate and at Carr Vale to address ongoing issues.

Resolved

All of the information provided be noted and the constable thanked for his time in attending.

96. Town Clerk’s Report

(1)Bainbridge Hall

Members were made aware of the information technology opportunities available, via the Cyber Café installation, to the wider community, especially local school children and the Citizens' Advice Bureau. The erection of new signage and an Easter Bazaar organised by the Hall's Management Committee were referred to.

Resolved

(i)The potential I.T. development opportunities and Management Committee activities be noted.

(ii)The Citizens' Advice Bureau be asked to publicise via the Council and other means, the Call Centre Contact phone number.

(2)Assembly Hall

The Clerk advised that the Trustees had placed an order for internal redecoration of all communal areas in July 2006. In addition it was expected that the replacement gothic style window will be installed within the next 4 weeks.

ResolvedThe redecoration works and installation of a replacement gothic style window works timescale be noted.

(3)Hornscroft Park

The Clerk advised that a Heritage Lottery Fund pre-application funding bid had been submitted and that the outcome was expected during the next two weeks. In addition, the partnership had suggested that the bowling green and surrounding area be removed, subject to consultation. The Friends of the Park initiative was under active development. It was also reported that this year's Gala may not take place, unless volunteers can be found.

Resolved

(i)The HLF bid be noted.

(ii)The bowling green be retained until the HLF funding bid outcome and consultation period had been completed and further information determined.

(iii)The Gala difficulties be noted and the Clerk endeavour to determine if the event might be facilitated.

(4)Winter Festival

The Clerk advised that the Awards for All funding bid had not been successful because the event has been established over many years and is ongoing. However, the Festival is to be supported by the Local Strategic Partnership by the sum of £2,155 subject to specific conditions.

Resolved

(i)The outcome of the funding bids be noted and the LSP thanked for their support.

(ii)The funding be utilised in keeping with the conditions set and monies available.

(iii)Future festival events be subject to budget review.

(5)Shuttlewood, Stanfree and Oxcroft

The Clerk explained that no further information was available from Involve, Grot 2 Green to date.

Resolved

(i)The Clerk continue to endeavour to enlist volunteer support.

(ii)Involve be formally asked to update their position.

(6)Town Centre Management

The Clerk advised that a number of parties had expressed an interest and that further persons were to be approached.

Resolved

(i)The activities of the Clerk be approved.

(ii)That a meeting be agended to take place in June 2006, or earlier if possible.

(7)Workforce

The Clerk indicated that attention had now turned to grounds' maintenance works and that all three "outside" contracts had been confirmed.

ResolvedThe report be accepted.

(8)Incidents

The clerk referred to the incidents occurring, in March 2006.

Resolved

The report be noted.

97. Correspondence Received

1.Letter from Highway Agency - M1 Widening Junctions 21 to 30. Notice of Public Exhibitions and Consultation period 30th March 2006 to 28th June 2006 and associated questionnaire.

Resolved

The contents of the letter be noted.

2.Pamphlet from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service. Integrated Risk Management Action Pan 2006/07 together with Spring 2006 Newsletter.

Resolved

The availability of the Plan be noted.

3.Letter from N.E.D.D.C, Statement of Community Involvement, Consultation on the Development Plan, Core Strategy, Housing Allocations and Employment Allocations document. Returned date 28th April 2006.

Resolved

The Consultation timescale be noted.

4.Letter from Defra, Clean Neighbourhoods and Environmental Act 2005, a parish council guide to environmental enforcement powers.

Ability to issue fixed penalty notices, littering, graffiti, fly posting and dog fouling. Download information from www.defra.gov.uk/environment/localenv/legislation/cnea.

Resolved

A further detailed report be provided.

5.DALC

5.1 Circular 12/2006 - Accounts and Audit (Amendment) England Regulations 2006 SI2006 No 564.

Resolved

(i)Revisions to Regulations be noted and acted upon accordingly.

(ii)The remainder of the circulars' advices be discussed at the next meeting.

5.2 Circular 13/2006 - What does your Council do for your Community?

Resolved

The Council submit appropriate award applications.

5.3 Circular 14/2006(1)Clean Neighbourhoods & Environmental Act 2005.

(2)OfCom - Final Report on the Review of the universal service obligation Power of Vito on Public Phone Boxes withdrawn from Town Council. Consultation period extended to 90 days. New Rules from 14th March 2006.

(3)Increase to Statutory Sick Pay and Maternity Pay.

(4)Good Councillor Guide - Guide reprinted, total cost £26.

Resolved

(1)In conjunction with the letter received from Defra, a further detailed report be prepared.

(2)A letter be sent to Ofcom stating the Council's disquiet and concern in respect of the new rules, evidencing the Council's reasons for such concerns.

(3)The increase be noted.

(4)Thirteen Good Councillors Guides be purchased at a total cost of £26.

6.Reply letter from Vitalise regarding a possible Section 137 donation. Information provided in respect of use of the charities services.

Resolved

A letter be sent detailing the Council's rejection of the Section 137 application.

7.Letter from BDC in respect of the Bolsover Food Fair and the Continental Market Weekend, referring to arrangements to steward the street closure and castle entrance location.

Resolved

(i)The street closure amendment arrangements be noted.

(ii)Concerns be expressed by appropriate members in respect of the £2 entrance fee proposed to D.C.C. and B.D.C. and further explanatory information sought from D.C.C.

Additional

8.DALC Circular - Local Vision Conference 2 days 1st and 2nd June £280 and travel.

Resolved

(i)The Clerk attend the two day conference if other commitments and time pressures allow.

(ii) All related costs and expenses be reimbursed.

9.Letter from a Stanfree resident regarding concerns about the village in which he resides.

Resolved

(i)A copy of the letter be sent to BDC for action.

(ii)The complainant be asked to join the volunteer panel forums, part of the Involve Grot 2 Green funding possibilities.

(iii)The situation regarding Town Council owned sites be made known.

10.Letter from Bolsover Civic Society.

10.1 Possible provision of fencing to public footpath to side of 1 Castle Lane, Bolsover.

Resolved

(i)The secretary to the Civic Society be advised that the Council will not financially support fence repair or replacement.

(ii)That the secretary be advised to seek advice from the DCC Bolsover Partnership Officer.

10.2Copy letter received from the Civic Society to the Chief Constable regarding use of the area surrounding the Cenotaph.

Resolved

The Society be advised of the installation of bollards, by D.C.C. Highway Authority, police action to date and letters sent to the Castle Cars and Restaurant proprietors, as well as the overall concerns of the Council.

98.Planning

1.05/00615/FULErection of 5 detached two storey dwellings and one detached garage on Land at Junction of Chapel Road and New Station Road, Bolsover by Mr I Godley

Resolved

No objections.

2.06/00097/TCON Prune one ash, one cherry, one lime and two sycamore trees at Earthworks to rear of 15 to 21 Hides Green, Bolsover by Bolsover District Council

Resolved

No objections.

3.06/00116/FULMixed use of land and buildings including car valeting and domestic use at 47 High Street, Bolsover by Mr M Ordidge

Resolved

No objections.

4.06/00161/FULVariation of house type for Plot 20 to include second floor level in roof space at 2 Oxcroft View, Stanfree by Mr and Mrs J Badmin

Resolved

The matter be referred to the District Council's Planning Committee for decision.

5.06/00184/FULConversion of existing garage to domestic use and erection of single storey extension to side of 7 Elm Close, Bolsover by Mr and Mrs Minchin

Resolved

No objections.

6.06/00187/FULErection of conservatory to rear of 9 Rutland Avenue, Bolsover

by Mr Michael Bluff

Councillor R Bowler declared a Level 1 interest in this matter.

Resolved

No objections.

With the approval of the meeting the Chair read out one additional planning application

7. 06/00206/FULTwo storey extension to side and rear of 53B Welbeck Road, Bolsover

by Mr and Mrs Godfrey.

Resolved

No objections.

99. Licences

There were no licence applications.

CHAIR

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