MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, WIXFORD
8th September 2009 AT 7.30 P.M.
Present: Councillor Jack Fryer (in the Chair)
Councillors Colin Hales, Jon Haworth and Angela Ballard
Clerk: Karen Parnell
In attendance: District Councillors Brian Slaughter and Kim James
Plus 2 members of the public
Apologies: County Councillor Peter Barnes
The chairman opened the meeting by noting the passing of George Haines, who had lived in the village for fifty years and played an active role with the parish council. He expressed condolences to George?s family and friends on behalf of the council.
Comments from the Public
None
1) Apologies
Cllr Peter Barnes notified the Clerk of his unavailability in good time.
2) Disclosure of Interests
There were no disclosures of interests.
3) Minutes
Minutes having been circulated were confirmed as an accurate record of the Parish Council Meeting in July 2009 and were duly signed by the Chairman.
4) Matters arising therefrom
All covered elsewhere on the agenda.
5) District and County Councillor's report
Cllr Kim James was asked by Cllr Peter Barnes to report a few county matters:
The community forum brought about the result that ten speed checks will now be carried out by the police in Wixford. He offered to meet with WCC officers and the parish council to progress the speeding issue.
The closure of Bidford fire station will be announced in the next few days. An article will go in the newsletter urging residents to make representations to the chief executive of WCC (Jim Graham). A presentation will take place on the review in Bidford on the 17th of September between 2.00pm and 6.30pm. Cost is not the key issue but lives will be put at risk.
Kim spoke of the well attended community forum and action being taken by the police regarding speeding.
He had attended the recent local councils conference where severe cuts in district and county council finance was predicted over years. The parishes will have to meet this shortfall.
On the 20th of October the Long Marston master plan will be unveiled incorporating 500 homes as well as industrial and leisure facilities.
6) Village maintenance
Policing, speeding and traffic calming in Wixford. Featured heavily at the community forum and preventative action is being taken by the police. Karen has been liaising with Peter Johnson of Johnsons coaches regarding speeding buses, she also has regular correspondence with the police on the speed checks.
Signage was discussed notably speed visors and how effective they are. The use of the power of Wellbeing and increasing the precept were considered as a means of facilitating the provision of a speed visor.
Drainage of field causing road surface damage.
This is under the jurisdiction of Arrow Parish Council. Karen will write to Ragley Home Farms and WCC Cllr Mike Gittus regarding the matter. Ennister lane is affected by run off water from their land which is directly affecting the highway. This falls to Ragley as Wellpit are in administration.
BT Proposed Pay Phone Removals
This is a K6 listed building, so different from the norm.
The answers to the questions posed by SDC?s consultation were established as:
1) We do not object to the removal of the telephony service. The box is rarely used.
2) We are willing to adopt the phone box and put it to a different use. Concerns were expressed about upkeep costs being transferred to the council, ergo the taxpayer, but it is considered part of the villages heritage and the locals want it to be retained.
To adopt the box the electricity costs for the box are transferred to the parish council at around £20.00 per year, or the council can pay a one off £160 to cut the service off.
It was decided by majority vote that the phone box be retained.
7 ) Planning
Reference: 09/00911/FUL
Proposed Alterations to form additional accommodation over existing garage including steeper roof and closing in of drive through access. Form new gated access to rear yard.
At Icknield House, Wixford, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 6DD. For: Mr And Mrs Turner.
GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS
Reference: 09/01443/LBC
Proposed:
Replacement of oak and elm timbers to rear of property and relevant panels.
At:Horseshoe Cottage, Wixford, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 6DA For:Mr M Kent
Planning appeal - Mr Brookhouse - Change of use of land
04/00157/PR2ENF and 08/00169/PR2ENF
Mr Brookhouse lost a previous appeal on this and this case spans eight years. A fine of £12,000 was imposed for being in breach of conditions, reduced from £20,000 for pleading guilty.
Karen will write to the planning inspectorate to the effect that Wixford Parish Council acknowledges Mr Brookhouse is a leading provider of employment in the parish and as a council we support the need to encourage business and employment opportunities. A representative from Wixford Parish Council will attend the inquiry.
8) Environment and Safety
Calor Village of the year competition 2009
The awards ceremony takes place tonight so no result is known as yet.
Meeting dates for 2010
Were distributed to councillors and are agreed, they will now be published to the website.
Emergency Plan Update
As this requires local knowledge, Cllr Hales was asked to update where necessary and return to the clerk to put the changes in place.
Village Hall Questionnaire
These have been sent out and been returned. The results are currently being analysed. Many new events are being promoted at the village hall.
Bidford Community Forum Update
Speeding featured high on the agenda and received much publicity. The police have provided a greater presence in the village and many speed checks have been undertaken with warning letters being sent out to offenders.
The next community forum will take place in Aston Cantlow on the 10th of November 2009. This will be publicised in the newsletter.
9) Finance
External Audit
The external audit had been forwarded - We received an unqualified audit return.
The relevant notice re elector's rights - end of year accounts has been displayed.
Bank Reconciliation
Was produced, and expounded upon by the Clerk.
We have received a VAT reclaim of £ 113.11
Payments between meetings
None.
10) Accounts for payment
Cheque No 323 Clerks Salary/Expenses £ 440.81
Cheque No 324 Karen Parnell (NALC Bursary) £ 100.00
Cheque No 325 Webbenefit (Hosting of website) £ 138.00
Cheque No 326 Colin Hales (Broadband) £ 117.36
Cheque No 327 Clement Keys £ 138.00
Accounts authorised for payment:
Proposed: Cllr Haworth - Seconded Cllr Ballard
Cheques Signed: Cllr Ballard - Countersigned Cllr Haworth
11) Correspondence
22/07/09 Response from Environment Agency regarding weir.
17/08/09 Consultation from SDC on BT Proposed Pay Phone Removals.
17/08/09 Letter from Bryan Knight re Highways maintenance.
22/08/09 WCC Warwickshire Advisory Lorry Route Map
24/08/09 WCC - Chairman at home - invite re 19/09/09
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.40 pm
Jack Fryer - Chairman
3rd November 2009
3rd November, 2009