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EVERTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of a meeting of the Council
held in the Village Hall on Monday 4th October, 2004
Present:-
Councillor E. M. Jefferies, Chairman. Councillors Bacon, Bardsley, de Bel, Dunn, Maclagan, Marsh, Troop and Woods
04/05/144
APOLOGIES
Councillor Dunn informed Members that District Councillor Martin was on holiday.
04/05/145
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest at the start of the meeting, although Councillor Woods later declared a prejudicial interest at agenda item 23 (Planning Applications) in respect of a planning application in respect of his home, Stonegate Cottage, Mattersey Road, Everton, and left the meeting during consideration of the application. The application had arrived after the agenda was printed.
Later in the meeting Councillors Bardsley and Troop each declared a personal interest at agenda item 17 (Metcalfe Recreation Committee)
04/05/146
NALC/AON CLERK OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
Members congratulated the Clerk on being awarded the runner-up prize in the above national competition, after being jointly nominated by Everton, Gringley on the Hill and Misterton Parish Councils. The Clerk was presented with his certificate at the NALC Annual Conference dinner at Scarborough on Saturday 2nd October, 2004.
The Clerk thanked Members for their support and expressed the opinion that it was only possible to do well in this competition by working for a quality parish council. The Clerk was trebly fortunate to work for three such parish councils which were all preparing to apply for quality accreditation.
04/05/147
MINUTES OF THE LAST ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL, HELD ON 6TH SEPTEMBER, 2004
The Minutes of the last meeting of the Council, held on 6th September, 2004, were approved as a correct record.
04/05/148
MATTERS ARISING
Members referred to Minute No. 04/05/127(c) (Highway Matters), and observed with satisfaction that pavement works at Mattersey Road had been carried out expeditiously. Furthermore, the promised pavement resurfacing at Long Meadows had also been completed.
Resolved:- That a letter of appreciation be sent to Nottinghamshire County Council Highways Department.
04/05/149
PUBLIC DISCUSSION AND COMMUNITY SHOPS
No members of the Everton public were present, but Mr. Chris Fitzpatrick, Retail Development Officer at Nottinghamshire Rural Community Council (RCC), gave a presentation on community shops, followed by discussion. Councillor Gordon Shepherd, Chairman of Gringley on the Hill Parish Council, was in attendance for this item as it related to rural areas generally, and had been invited to attend by the Clerk. Mr. Fitzpatrick's presentation covered the following:
the demise of the village shop and post office which, coupled with limited public transport, produced great difficulties for the disadvantaged in rural communities, and dramatically increased social exclusion;
development by the RCC of the Community Co-operative Action Plan to help communities provide themselves with a community shop;
the shop in a box concept, which was a community shop located in a portable building kept on a community site, with a paid manager and voluntary staff. As well as selling groceries, etc., it could provide Internet access to enable residents to place orders to supermarkets for home delivery, and could act as a drop-in point for a range of other community services. It would also have a small community area with tables, chairs, kettle, etc;
economic targets, with an example being given of sustainability being achieved with a population of 450 where every resident spent £3 per week;
funding possibilities towards the purchase of a portable building, from the Alliance SSP and other bodies;
assistance in local consultation and project development which could be provided by the RCC.
Mr. Fitzpatrick's presentation prompted considerable discussion, when it was agreed that the matter would be included on the agenda of the next meeting. Councillor Bardsley also undertook to request Mrs. Sue Hughes (Parish Plan - Facilities) to discuss community shops with Mr. Fitzpatrick.
Mr. Fitzpatrick was thanked for his excellent, thought-provoking presentation.
04/05/150
ACCOUNTS
Resolved:- That the October Accounts be approved for payment.
04/05/151
BANK RECONCILIATION
Members received the bank reconciliation statement to 31st August, 2004.
04/05/152
BUDGET MONITORING
There were no changes which needed reporting.
04/05/153
RISK
There were no changes to the Parish Council's risk profile since the last meeting. However, pursuant to Minute No. 04/05/121 of September, 2004, the Clerk informed Members that he had obtained a risk assessment package from the Parish Council's external auditors, which he would study and then report further to a future meeting.
04/05/154
MEMBERS' SURGERIES
Councillors Bacon and Woods held a surgery on 18th September, 2004. No members of the public attended.
04/05/155
QUALITY PARISH COUNCIL ACCREDITATION
(a) The Clerk informed Members that he had been informed that a speaker at one of the NALC workshops had said that it was possible to apply for quality accreditation after publishing just one quarterly newsletter, on the basis that an assurance was given to the accreditation panel that future quarterly newsletters would be produced.
The quarterly newsletter was a mandatory accreditation requirement, and so, in the circumstances, the Clerk had written to the County Secretary of Nottinghamshire Association of Local Councils, asking whether it was possible to obtain relaxation of another mandatory requirement, namely the 80% electoral mandate.
If relaxation could be achieved, it would mean that the Parish Council could immediately apply for accreditation instead of waiting until May, 2006. Members thanked the Clerk for his initiative.
(b) Members confirmed that the text of the October newsletter was at an advanced state of preparation.
(c) The Chairman informed Members that, at the recent Standards Board conference, much of the discussion had been about quality accreditation.
04/05/156
PARISH PATHS PARTNERSHIP
(a) Pursuant to Minute No. 04/05/124(a) of September, 2004, an E-mail was submitted from Nottinghamshire County Council, explaining the steps that would need to be taken to apply for a public path creation order on Old Mattersey Road from Eel Pool Road to the footbridge over the River Idle. The Clerk had requested the necessary documentation, and was awaiting its arrival.
(b) Letter was submitted from Mr. & Mrs. G. Norton, complaining about the condition of bridleways 7 and 8 which had been repaired with crushed, recycled building material, consisting of broken bricks, shredded cables, cans, plastic bottles and drainpipes and possibly broken pallets.
Councillor Dunn had already acted on the letter by contacting Mr. Bob Knowles at Nottinghamshire County Council, who had said that the matter would be raised with Lovedon Estates.
Councillor Troop expressed the view that the complaint was greatly exaggerated and that these rights of way were in the best condition they had been in for years. Nevertheless, Councillor Dunn pointed out that it was very difficult to ride a bicycle over them because of large pieces of brick, etc.
Members agreed to await developments.
(c) Councillor Marsh reported that the problem of cycling on Pinfold Lane had increased considerably recently, although she accepted the fact that the Parish Council had done everything in its power to draw the attention of the public to the danger and illegality of this practice.
Members noted a further, defiant letter in October HEDS Together from a local resident, responding to the Chairman's letter in September HEDS Together in which she had further discussed the issue of cycling on this public footpath and also the issue of ramps in Barrow Hills woods.
(d) Councillor Dunn produced a draft of the Everton P3 leaflet and drew attention to the contribution by Messrs. Alan Berry and Brian Charles.
Resolved:- That the Clerk send letters of appreciation to these two gentlemen.
04/05/157
PARISH PLAN
(a) The Minutes of a meeting between the Facilities Group and the Metcalfe Charitable Trustees held on 22nd September, 2004 were submitted as follows:
Minutes of a Meeting Held on Wednesday, 22nd September 2004, in Tea Rooms
Present: Trustees: Harold Simpson, R. Maclagan, Barbara de Bel, Chris Hickman - Sec. to Trustees.
Parish Council: Liz Jefferies.
Facilities Group: Simon Lord - Chair, Sue Hughes, (Steering Group Rep.) Chris Bailey, Sue Ross, Krys Martin, Joan Pennington: (also representing Recreation Committee.)
Apologies from Jane Hartley, Trish Eley. Bob Moore.
The Meeting was called to look at outline drawings demonstrating possibilities for the refurbishment of the village hall. It was the first opportunity the Trustees had had of seeing the drawings. Simon had added a couple of ideas to the drawings since the last Facilities Meeting. He explained that these were not done from a measured survey but were based on plans deposited at local Authority in 1976, so were not to be considered as working plans. These were suggestions only; he has not been able to check legally and is unaware of where the boundary lines are and does not seek professional involvement in this project.
SL went through the plans with the meeting pointing out various options. The village hall was last refurbished in the 70's, so much is coming/has come to end of life expectancy, e.g. toilets, central heating, boiler. The electrics are tested every year and they were upgraded last year but there could still be room for improvement.
SH queried the possibility of extending behind Stones Cottage.
CH commented that to take part of the land belonging to Stones Cottage would devalue it further. There has been interest in buying the cottage from various sources - market value has been quoted as £80 - 90,000. Access still remains a problem.
There was a sewer running 2 feet down from the top and an oil tank situated on the site.
As a Grade 11 listed property, Bassetlaw Planners did not look favourably at adapting cottage for public use.
It was agreed that the kitchen, toilets and storage were the biggest problems. The kitchen would probably not meet Health & Safety standards and needs enlarging and updating to make it more workable. Moving the boiler and cupboards would free up valuable space. Access needed other than through kitchen when in use and when stage is set up and in use.
CH said the false ceiling over the snooker room and main hall must be properly surveyed before any "internal structural" work was done - made of lath and plaster which SL agreed with but said it was not difficult to put in a modern suspended ceiling which would also be acoustically favourable. Questions were asked about the feasibility of removing internal load bearing wall and SL said it could be achieved by steel supports and new beam subject to structural engineers confirmation.
The toilets need replacing. SL produced various brochures. Not difficult to replace and update toilet facilities and to build in one for disabled persons. SL confirmed adequate number of cubicles for size of hall if extended. He can provide information on B.S. if required.
The Tea rooms, built 50 years ago need extensive refurbishment (probably new build). The Trustees had had discussions on refurbishing village hall, improving and extending tea rooms to house the play group - with a small outside area for them, building a car park on the playground, improving existing car park, etc. The play group needs a large storage area so it would free up space in the hall. The Trustees are considering a staged programme phased over a period of time. LJ suggested renovating tea rooms first allowing play group and meetings to take place there whilst refurbishing village hall.
Trustees felt villagers would have a sense of ownership, if they helped to raise funds, etc.; it was felt that the Trustees were seen as having a bottomless purse. Cost of insurance, maintenance, repairing damage, etc. had risen fast over the past few years. Income from rent on agricultural land is falling. It takes £50,000 p.a. to run the Recreation side and that can only be done by having a reasonable sum of capital. This needs to be explained to the residents.
It was suggested for funding purposes a change to multiple-use, citing Health (Govt. keen on latter). Also SL suggested putting in for smaller projects rather than one large one - it would probably be looked on more favourably. CH had had good experience with WREN - Waste Recycling Environment, 11% of funds has to be raised by a Third Party and project has to be within 10 miles of a landfill site, we meet the last criteria. Installing energy saving systems (e.g. toilets, boiler, central heating) could help in accessing funding.
SL said obviously it is up to the Trustees now to discuss and decide what the next step should be - but when they were ready to instruct professionals a quantity surveyor would furnish them with figures so that they would be in a better position to go forward.
Agreed:
JP will feed back to the Recreation Committee.
The Metcalfe Trust will keep the Facilities Group informed of outcomes of further discussions.
SH and LJ thanked SL for all the time and effort she had put in.
(b) Discussion took place on a public meeting held in the Village Hall on 28th September, 2004 on policing issues and crime in Everton. The meeting was organised by the Community Group and was chaired by Councillor Bardsley. P.c. Gregson was in attendance and there was a reasonable public attendance. Mrs. Jan Bailey and P.c. Gregson were to write a report on the meeting for inclusion in HEDS Together, and to include in it the telephone number of the Bassetlaw Neighbourhood Watch office in Worksop.
Two issues in particular were submitted to the Parish Council for consideration. The first issue related to the need for better lighting for the rear bungalows on Carr View.
Resolved:- That the Clerk write to Bassetlaw District Council Housing Department, requesting wall-mounted lighting at this location.
The second issue related to the ongoing difficulty in making telephone contact with Nottinghamshire Police - both locally (delays) and using the 999 service. A problem relating to 999 was the fact that callers were sometimes erroneously connected to the South Yorkshire operations room. Members expressed the view that this could possibly be caused by the fact that Everton had a Doncaster, South Yorkshire postal address.
Resolved:-
(a) That the Clerk draft a letter to the Chief Constable about the telecommunications problem, in consultation with Councillor Bardsley and P.c. Gregson.
(b) That the Clerk write to Mr. John Mann, MP, enquiring whether he was able to help in achieving a more-appropriate post code regime locally.
04/05/158
GUIDANCE NOTES IN COMPLETING THE REGISTER OF INTERESTS FORM
The Clerk had furnished Members with a copy of the above, which had been produced by Bassetlaw District Council.
04/05/159
HIGHWAY MATTERS
The Clerk agreed to remind Nottinghamshire County Council about its bid for 2005/06 funding for two permanent interactive signs on the A631
04/05/160
TUNNELTECH NORTH LTD.
Councillor Marsh reported that there had been two particularly smelly days recently.
04/05/161
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER - CONSULTATIONS ON (1) A DRAFT CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AND (2) A REVIEW OF RESTRICTIONS ON THE POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF LOCAL AUTHORITY EMPLOYEES AND PAY OF POLITICAL ASSISTANTS
Consideration of this item would be deferred until the November meeting.
04/05/162
HEDS TOGETHER
Pursuant to Minute No. 04/05/130 of September, 2004, a letter was submitted from HEDS Together, stating that, at present, the Editorial Team did not intend to approach the Metcalfe Charitable Trust for additional funding. This decision would be reviewed at the next meeting of the Editorial Team when the costs of printing and distributing the new Welcome Booklet were known.
The Editorial Team also expressed the opinion that advertising charges were both fair and reasonable and did not require alteration at present.
Resolved:- That the Clerk write to HEDS Together, referring to the original basis of grant-aid to HEDS Together in which both the Parish Council and the Metcalfe Charitable Trust contributed equally, and asking for the views of the Editorial Team on how the original basis of grant-aid had altered.
04/05/163
METCALFE RECREATION COMMITTEE - HIRE BOOKING AGREEMENT
Councillor Troop produced a hire booking agreement which the Metcalfe Recreation Committee required the Parish Council to sign.
Resolved:- That the Chairman peruse the document prior to possible amendment and signature at the next meeting.
04/05/164
SNOW WARDENS
There was no interest shown in acting as Snow Warden for Everton. The Clerk reminded Members that he had written an item for HEDS Together in 2003 inviting expressions of interest, but no-one had volunteered.
04/05/165
BARROW HILLS SSSI
Pursuant to Minute No. 04/05/134 of September, 2004, a letter was submitted from Thornely Taylor Estates Company, stating that keys to the gate at Pinfold Lane had been in the Estates' possession for over 16 years. It was also stressed that the Estates had utilised the Pinfold Lane access for timber management purposes for as long as anyone could remember.
The Estates appreciated the Parish Council's desire to avoid damage to the SSSI, and it was only because the trackway had become overgrown that the Estates sought approval to carry out thinning works. Such works were carried out approximately on a ten yearly cycle, and were due again. Within the last five years two areas of land accessed from Pinfold Lane had been replanted.
The letter also stated that the temporary diversion of the footpath was only relevant if extensive thinning and felling works were being carried out. Although this had been recently contemplated, the poor timber market had caused the operation to be scaled down.
04/05/166
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - COUNTY HALL - TUESDAY 19TH OCTOBER,
2004.
Members noted the above.
04/05/167
NORTH EAST BASSETLAW FORUM
A brief report was submitted on the recent meeting of the above. A matter of particular interest related to reported crime, when it had become apparent that there was a need for standard statistical reporting. Councillor Bardsley intended to work with P.c. Gregson and Mrs. Jan Bailey in researching crime statistics for Everton.
04/05/168
OVERGROWN LAND ON MATTERSEY ROAD
Members noted an area of overgrown land on Mattersey Road, and agreed to keep the matter in mind in view of the 2005 Best Kept Village Competition.
04/05/169
CRIME STATISTICS
The September crime statistics were submitted.
04/05/170
SCHOOL GATE HOUSE, CHAPEL LANE, EVERTON
Letter was submitted from Bassetlaw District Council, stating that planning permission for change of use of a room from domestic to business had been granted, and there was no longer a breach of planning control.
04/05/171
DEMOLITION OF GRADE II LISTED PIGEONCOTE AND UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT AT MANOR FARM, HARWELL
Pursuant to Minute No. 04/05/141 of September, 2004, the Clerk reported that Bassetlaw District Council had promised to furnish the Parish Council with a copy of its response to English Heritage.
Members expressed serious concern over the delay in this matter, and also over the fact that unauthorised development had continued at Manor Farm despite Bassetlaw District Council being fully-aware.
Resolved:- That the assistance of District Councillor Martin be sought, with copies of the Clerk's letter being also sent to the Head of Planning Services at Bassetlaw District Council and English Heritage.
04/05/172
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
1/19/04/32 - amended application
Mrs. Belshaw
Erect single storey rear extension and porch extension at 20 Windy Ridge, Everton
Resolved:- That no adverse comment be made.
1/19/04/34
Mr. M. Dyson
Erect garage extension, side and rear extensions, remove existing dormers and construct new roof to incorporate new dormers at Everglades, Mattersey Road, Everton
Resolved:- That no adverse comment be made.
1/19/04/36 - renewal of 1/19/01/27
Mr. & Mrs. M. E. Hartley
Erect house and garage and construct new access on land rear The Malthouse, High Street, Everton
Resolved:- That Bassetlaw District Council be informed that the objections lodged in connection with 1/19/01/27 remained extant.
1/19/04/37
Mr. & Mrs. P. M. Woods
Erect two storey extension and carry out loft conversion at Stonegate Cottage, Mattersey Road, Everton
Resolved:- That no adverse comment be made.
04/05/173
PLANNING DETERMINATION
1/19/04/28
Mr. & Mrs. P. Wiles
Erect kitchen extension (amendment to 1/19/02/6), convert loft to form two further bedrooms and erect side extension to form veranda at Copsewood, Sluice Lane, Everton
Permission Granted
04/05/174
PLANNING APPEAL
1/19/03/38
Mr. A. Chapman
Erect residential dwelling on land off Mattersey Road, Everton
Appeal Dismissed
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