MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, WIXFORD
3rd November 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
County Councillor Peter Barnes
Plus 2 members of the public
Apologies: None
1) Co-option of a parish councillor - To fill Casual vacancy for parish councillor
The only applicant, who was invited to attend this meeting, was not present. The vacancy will be re-advertised with a view to co-opting at the January 2010 meeting.
Comments from the Public
It was noted the parish council are attempting to solve the problem of speeding with limited funds. The chairman reported the meeting with Chris Fossey WCC went well and we will have a police camera van presence, speed visor for six months and posters displayed in the village with a view to calming the traffic.
Support was requested with regard to the provision of a 40mph sign prior to the 30mph sign on the Bidford approach to Wixford by the 'Horses' sign, or possibly moving the 30mph sign say 20 yards nearer Bidford. It was observed the current sign obscures the view, doesn't slow traffic and presents a problem regarding the movement of caravans.
Cllr Barnes suggested the issue be raised at the community forum.
Public participation was discussed and will remain in its current agenda position; however councillors would be happy to talk to the public at the end of the meeting.
2) Apologies
None
3) Disclosure of Interests
There were no disclosures of interests.
4) Minutes
Minutes having been circulated were confirmed as an accurate record of the Parish Council Meeting in September 2009 and were duly signed by the Chairman.
5) Matters arising therefrom
Bidford fire station consultation
The community forum on this issue taking place on 10/11/09 will be promoted throughout the village and on the website.
It was noted consultation materials were misleading and the form provided for comments dangerously so as it contained so many leading questions. After much debate about response times, recruitment of full-time staff, increased farming insurance costs and the need for a business case for the retention of Bidford as oppose to an emotional case it was resolved: Councillors will read the auditor's report, which does not back up the information given, meet at the chairman's house in one weeks time and the clerk will send a letter outlining valid objections within a fortnight.
Land drainage in Ennister lane causing highway damage
Cllr Haworth and WCC Cllr Mike Gittus met regarding the matter. Ennister lane is affected by blocked drains on the curve of the road by run off from the field. Both the drains and road surfacing have been earmarked for action.
Speeding in Wixford / Traffic calming - Meeting with WCC
The meeting with Chris Fossey WCC on 06/10/09 went well and we will have a police camera van presence, speed visor for six months (which this council will provide a post for) and posters displayed on telegraph poles in the village, with a view to calming the traffic.
BT Phone box adoption
The consultation ends on 07/11/09 after which time the phone box ownership will be transferred to the parish council as will its electricity supply. Once adopted this will be added to the fixed assets and the insurance policy.
6) District and County Councillor's report
Cllr Peter Barnes spoke in support of the campaign to save Bidford fire station. A march will take place in Bidford on this issue. Cllr Barnes spoke of the success with regard to speeding in Wixford.
A Long Marston planning application incorporating 500 homes as well as industrial and leisure facilities has been deferred until a 07/12/09 meeting at Stratford town hall. This would facilitate a s106 agreement involving an island, camera and much work on the B4232. The application number is 09/00835/ful and comments are due by 20/11/09.
Cllr Kim James spoke of the well attended fire service consultations in Bidford and less well attended Alcester meeting. He said the new chief fire officer seemed willing to listen. The community forum on 10/11/09 will be dedicated to the fire service consultation. John Maples MP and the fire brigades union have been invited to attend.
SDC are currently undertaking budget consultation meetings, and the need to save £2 million is still evident. Staffing has been reduced considerably due to loss of income.
Kim suggested the parish council could hire a speed visor from Salford Priors PC.
7) Village maintenance
Covered elsewhere on this agenda.
8 ) Planning
Reference: 09/01443/LBC
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 SUPPORT - Granted with conditions
Reference: 09/01491/COUNTY
Extraction of minerals with restoration to agriculture and a pond.
At: Marsh Farm, Quarry Land North Of, Broom Lane, Dunnington
For: Cemex UK Materials Ltd OBJECT
Reference: 09/01756/LBC
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.
Listed building consent - Granted with conditions
Planning appeal - Mr Brookhouse - Change of use of land
04/00157/PR2ENF and 08/00169/PR2ENF
Enforcement will be sought from Tony Horton SDC regarding:
Application No: 08/02446/FUL
Mr B White, Fish Inn: Change of use for stationing of an outside kitchen.
Due to the breach of planning conditions regarding the kitchens mobility.
Building control will be sought regarding:
Application No: 05/03842/FUL
Corner Cottage (Willow Farm) Wixford Alcester Warwickshire B49 6DA:
Demolition of existing dwelling. Construct new replacement dwelling and carports.
Part change of use to provide driveway to carports.
Due to the scale of the development as compared to the submitted proposal.
9) Environment and Safety
Newsletter - Progress report
A pre-Christmas edition will be published incorporating the vacancy on the council and news from the village hall committee.
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.
Sustainable Communities Act - request for SDC to adopt by Bidford and Wixford Parish Councils - This went before council on 19/10/09
Wellbeing Training
Training from WALC on the Power of wellbeing will be obtained for the council at a cost of £ 30.00.
10) Finance
Budget - Precept 2010/11
The budget was expounded upon by the Clerk and the precept for 2010 - 2011 was agreed unanimously by the Council to be increased to £ 6000. A lack of available grants from other councils was a consideration when deciding on the precept.
Proposed: Cllr Ballard - Seconded Cllr Haworth
Bank Reconciliation
Was produced, and expounded upon by the Clerk.
SDC £ 2500 50% Precept paid in
Payments between meetings
None.
11) Accounts for payment
Cheque No 328 Clerks Salary/Expenses £ 432.15
Cheque No 329 1.25% Pay award back-dated to April 2009 £ 18.30
Accounts authorised for payment:
Proposed: Cllr Haworth - Seconded Cllr Ballard
Cheques Signed: Cllr Ballard - Countersigned Cllr Haworth
12) Correspondence
21/09/09 Fire Service consultation regarding closures
24/09/09 Available training courses facilitated by WALC
28/09/09 CPRE letter objecting to further quarrying at Dunnington
10/10/09 WCC Primary gritting routes in Warwickshire winter 2009/10
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.50 pm
Jack Fryer Chairman
12th January 2010
12th January, 2010