MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF PORTSKEWETT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
HELD AT SUDBROOK CLUB TUESDAY 20th APRIL 2010
Councillors present: |
Mr. P. Nurcombe (Chair) Mr. I. Standing Mr. B. Richards Mr. A. Whiteley Mr. G. Parker |
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1. SIGN THE ATTENDANCE BOOK
The Attendance Book was duly signed.
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
All Councillors were in attendance.
3. REPORT FROM LOCAL POLICE REPRESENTATIVES
PCSO Withers attended the meeting with Sgt Giles who had recently taken over at Caldicot.
PCSO Withers gave the following Police report:
Over the last month there had been a general increase on criminal activity which was expected owing to the starting of large construction projects and the rise in scrap metal prices.
There were a total of 36 reports to the police of which nine are worth reporting.
Post Box in Sudbrook knocked over by vehicle. Insurance details passed to Post Office.
Public order offence in The Close, under investigation.
Attempt theft of moped from Seaview, under investigation.
Cement mixer stolen from the old Welsh school, Sudbrook, under investigation.
“No Fear” vehicle breakers at Parkwall were broken into, a laptop computer and snap on tools stolen, under investigation.
Satellite Navigation equipment stolen from a vehicle in Manor Way, no sign of entry. Under investigation.
CD/Radio player stolen from an unlocked vehicle in Harold’s View. Under investigation.
Barrett building site entered and roof lead flashings stolen from various buildings. Under investigation.
Various reports concerning the parking of untaxed and damaged vehicles around the Park Wall area. Confirmation of the public road areas was received from Highways and the manager of No Fear has been suitably advised. The owner has informed PC 737 that the business will move to another area on or around 28th April.
Sgt Giles then gave a brief update to members of the recent Gwent Police restructuring and how it affected the area. He advised that changes to internal structures had taken place due to budget constraints. The benefits were that there were now more neighbourhood Police and a dedicated Serious Crime Team. In Monmouthshire there is a fear of crime but the reality is there are, on average, 15 crimes a day in the County, typically drug possession, car crime, property theft, criminal damage and nuisance behaviour. Councillor Fox asked how this compared to other areas. Caldicot and Chepstow have an average of 1,000 crimes in a year, with Cwmbran and Pontypool areas having 5,000.
The response time had been improved with a new ‘hub’ in Chepstow. Fifty new Officers were now in place throughout Monmouthshire, giving improved response times. A single radio channel had been reinstated. There are no plans to close any Police Stations in the major towns. Public satisfaction had risen by 8% in the past year.
In response to Councillor Nurcombe’s question, Sgt Giles advised that Caldicot Police Station is now open from 12 noon to 5pm on Monday to Friday. Mobile Police offices could soon be operating in the more rural areas.
Councillor Richards asked why the recent case involving pyramid selling was tried at Crown Court. As it was fraud, this was permissible.
In response to Councillor Griffiths’ question regarding a recent stolen sat nav system, Sgt Giles advised that ‘Capture Cars’ could soon be introduced. Sgt Giles also advised that there is an increase in vehicle crime at present and Officers would be working different shifts to be able to monitor the area.
The Chairman thanked Sgt Giles and PCSO Withers for attending the meeting.
It was proposed by Councillor Whiteley and seconded by Councillor Richards and agreed that the minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record.
5. MATTERS ARISING
a)Traffic Calming and Warning Signs for School
Revised plans had been prepared and an agreement was currently being drawn up between the Church and MCC to allow MCC Highways to carry out the work. The intention is to proceed with the main works over the summer holidays with completion prior to school returning in the autumn term. Councillor Fox advised that it may be possible for Manor Way to be resurfaced at the same time as the works. He also asked the Clerk to contact MCC to ask if the surface of Crick Road near to the school could be attended to at the same time as it would be more cost efficient to do this.
Designation of Bridleway
Councillor Watkins advised that he had spoken to the Coastal Access Officer who was waiting for one landowner to agree to the designation along the Black Rock to Sudbrook route.
Future of Mill Site.
No progress to report.
Noticeboard Near Treetops (Church Hall)
The noticeboard has been installed. No further comments.
Telegraph Pole and Pavement outside Old Smithy
It was likely that MCC would have to take formal action against the developer who continued to ignore requests to do the work.
Overgrown Hedges on Crick Road
Councillor Watkins advised that he had cut some of the branches but more major works were needed. Clerk to write to MCC Highways.
Bench on Foreshore at Black Rock
The Field Warden would have the bench installed in the near future – when he had the volunteers to do it.
Barratts Development
Nothing to report.
Dropped Kerb at Canterbury Way
This has been completed along with the Barratts works. No further comments.
Bin on Camp Field
Councillor Watkins has removed the bin and would repair it before the May meeting.
ACTION P.W.
Recreation Hall
It was hoped that with Councillors Nurcombe and Watkins now co-opted onto the committee that better relationships would be formed.
Lease at The Quest
Awaiting new lease from MCC.
Missing Fence on Footpath 13
Clerk had received a reply stating that the Coastal Access Officer would leave the gap there unless there is an issue with horses using the route. Councillor Watkins reported that a new gate had been installed near to the bridge, which was prohibiting people using disabled scooters. Clerk to contact Coastal Access Officer and MCC Rights of Way.
NY254
Despite several reports being made via One Stop Shop and Highways, the streetlight had not been fixed. Clerk to contact Street Lighting at MCC directly.
Potential Purchase of Speed Monitoring Equipment
This would be discussed at the next meeting that PC Turner was able to attend.
Use of Network Rail Land
Clerk had sent the plan and photograph to Network Rail and had received a reply advising that a long term lease would not be possible as it was wanted to be for public use. It may be possible to allow a 3 year lease but the cable serving the pumping station that lies beneath the area could prohibit this. The cost of the process would be £1,500 (plus VAT) which the Community Council would have to bear. Clerk would inform Network Rail that the Community Council are interested but would have to investigate funding before committing.
LDP Consultation
Letter of receipt received from MCC of Community Council’s official response. Councillor Fox distributed copies of the LDP timetable to members. The same would be given to the Action Group. A public meeting had been arranged for 14th May, 6.30pm at ARW School.
Community Fun Day
The event would be held on 3rd July between 12 noon and 5pm. The Recreation Hall would have to be vacated by 5pm at the latest due to another event using it during the evening. A further meeting would be held on 4th May.
Obstructed Sign on Junction of Middle Lane
Clerk had written to the owner of the tree and it had been cut back. No further comments.
Clerks and Caretaker’s Contract of Employment.
The Clerk had confirmed that she and the Caretaker both had relevant, up to date contracts that had been taken from the Society of Local Council Clerks model contracts. The Caretaker had been given relevant training and risk assessment when he was appointed to the post. No further comments.
Litter in Layby by Cropthorne Farm
Litter had been removed. No further comments.
‘No Fear’ Valeting
Clerk had contacted the Police regarding the untaxed vehicles that were being left on the highway in the area surrounding the company. PC Turner and PCSO Withers had spoken to the manager at ‘No Fear’ and suitably advised. The manager advised that the company were relocating at the end of April. Vehicles continued to be parked illegally, therefore DVLA had been contacted and vehicles clamped.
Summer Playscheme
Clerk had received an email from Mike Moran giving a breakdown of how many children in the electoral area had attended the Playscheme last year. It was agreed by all Councillors that the Community Council should contribute as last year.
6. PRESENTATION OF ACCOUNTS 2009 – 2010 FOR APPROVAL
Councillors had all received a copy of the statement of account. It was proposed by Councillor Fox and seconded by Councillor Griffiths that the accounts be approved. The Chairman and the Clerk, as RFO signed the accounts book, the Annual Return (including the Annual Governance Statement) and the statement of accounts. The accounts would now be passed to the Internal Auditor.
7. APPOINTMENT OF INTERNAL AUDITOR
Clerk had contacted Black Rock Business and Consultancy Services who had agreed to internally audit the accounts. It was proposed by Councillor Whiteley and seconded by Councillor Parker that the appointment be made.
8. APPROVAL OF MEMBERSHIP FEE TO SOCIETY OF LOCAL COUNCIL CLERKS
The Clerk had received the annual renewal form, the fee being 95.00. She advised that she found the Society to be very helpful in various matters. The cost of membership was much less than the One Voice Wales, although the issues dealt with were similar. It was proposed by Councillor Nurcombe and seconded by Councillor Whiteley that the amount be approved.
9. APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF ANNUAL INSURANCE PREMIUM
The Clerk had received the annual premium renewal. She advised that the insurance was still provided by Allianz Insurance PLC but was now under the larger umbrella of The Local Council Team within Aon Insurance. There have been no changes to the cover. The cost of the premium for the coming year was £857.74. It was proposed by Councillor Watkikns and seconded by Councillor Parker that this amount be paid.
10. REPORT FROM REPRESENTATIVE ON ARCHBISHOP ROWAN WILLIAMS SCHOOL
No meeting had been held recently.
11. DISCUSSION WITH COUNTY COUNCILLOR
Councillor Fox reported that he had not received any negative feedback regarding the highways works at the Barratts site. It was worrying that traffic seemed to be ‘thrown’ into the opposite side of the road as it exited the junction with Main Road.
He went on to say that after the election MCC will be looking at budgets earlier than usual because of the necessary cuts. These would be challenging times. Councillor Fox had been meeting with other Authorities to look at collaborative working.
County Hall needs to be vacated by Spring 2013, with agile working being introduced, with employees working from home, area offices etc. with the new HQ at Usk having room for 200 members of staff. Local Service Board (LSB) are looking at ways to streamline working under the ‘10/10’ initiative, to reduce the carbon footprint.
The new school in Rogiet will be officially opened in the next few weeks. It is very ‘green’ in terms of sustainability.
12. NEW CORRESPONDENCE
MCC Planning Committee Agenda. Circulation.
NHS Business Services Centre. Two letters regarding the application for preliminary consent to provide pharmaceutical services within Portskewett. One approved and one refused. No specific premises have been identified.
MCC Special Mor Hafren Area Committee. Agenda. Circulation.
MCC General Election 2010. Asking councillors to assist residents who wish to register for postal votes.
GAVO Volunteer Achievement Awards. Nomination form for anyone who has been seen to make a valuable contribution to others in the community. Discussed.
MCC Countryside Newsletter. Circulation.
GLFDA Agenda and Minutes. Circulation.
Planning Applications Received
00212 Extension on rear of property. 9 Treetops. Approve
00216 Vary condition from being personal only to general traveller condition. Old telephone exchange Crick. Refuse
00213 Vary to condition to allow sale of second hand furniture. 42 Leechpool. Approve
00302 Proposed temporary 132kv overhead line. Southbrook Farm Sudbrook. Approve. (Councillor Parker declared an interest, signed the book and did not take part in the discussion.)
00293 Domestic garage. The Long Barn Main Road. Approve.
00304 Demolish existing lean to and erect new conservatory and ancillary works. Approve.
00246 Four dwellings, following outline planning. Land adj 1 Manor Way. Approve.
Planning Applications Approved
01198 Tiled roof conservatory. 4 Orchard Gardens.
01105 Demolish outbuilding and replace with garage/store. Severn Farm, Leechpool
Planning Applications Refused
None this month.
13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor Whiteley asked if an agreement would be made with the Recreation Hall Committee regarding payment of rent etc. It was hoped that now two Councillors had been co-opted onto the Committee, stronger relationships will be formed.
Councillor Griffiths advised that the Play Area Committee had re-turfed the area near the equipment themselves.
Councillor Fawcitt reported that the recent ‘Beach Clean-up’ that approximately 100 local people and some Councillors had taken part in had been very successful, with a large amount of rubbish removed. As a result, the area looked very much better. The Chairman gave his thanks to all involved. Clerk to write to Sam Dunford, Maggs Evans and Bev Underwood to thank them for arranging the event.
Councillor Richards asked if the piece of land belonging to the MOD near to Dinham Bridge would be cut. He was advised that there was no money available to do this. If the narrow lane alongside it got overgrown, the Caretaker could strim it back.
Councillor Watkins advised that he had been asked by numerous residents if dog waste bins could be installed in Sudbrook. Due to the prohibitive cost of installation and emptying by a specialist firm, it would not be possible. However, residents could put wrapped waste into the ordinary bins and Councillor Watkins would empty them if needed.
Councillor Turner advised that the local family in Treetops had once again cleared the verge along Crick Road.
Clerk asked if Members wanted Harold’s Park to be cut by Mr Bartlett again this year. All agreed that Mr Bartlett did a good job and were happy for him to do the work. Clerk to contact him.
14. FINANCE
15. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and gave the date and time of the next meeting as Tuesday 18th May at ARW School, the meeting was then declared closed at 9.00pm.