Minutes of Full Council Meeting held on
Present: Mrs L Tavener (Chairman)
Mr David Huffadine-Smith
Mrs Y Sharpe
Mr L Bruley
Mr J Knights
Mr P Herbert
Mr P Riches
Mr J Caswell
Mr M Pepper
Mrs P Crane
PCSO Maz Stretton
PC Vicky Howe
Caroline Standring (Neighbourhood Warden)
9 Residents
Mrs E Gascoyne (Clerk)
Mr Barringer
Question:
what is the Parish Council going to do about the motor cycles at the bottom
corner of
Mrs Tavener invited PCSO Maz Stretton to response.
PCSO Stretton’s answer: the police are aware if motorcycles in the area and the route they take also Caroline Standring our Neighbourhood Warden has been involved in this on which she will be addressing later on what can be done in the area Mr Barringer is concerned.
Residents have been asked if they can safely take, photographs which would allow the police to trace these. It would be possible to put in the local newspaper and the Parish website that they are illegal and the police will confiscate these and the second time they will be crushed. It is clear the parents do no understand that they are not road legal.
Mr Ingram:
Mr Ingram referred to an email he had sent to the Parish Council asking
for their view on the playing fields but noticed it was not included on the
minutes.
Mr Ingram asked what the Parish Council’s view on the retention of the
playfields for members of the public and if so what is their view.
The meeting was advised that Margaret Edwards, Chairman of St Luke’s School Project was not in attendance to reply but that Mr David Huffadine-Smith who is a member of the Project Team would speak.
Mr Huffadine-Smith advised that at the last Parish Council meeting there was an item on the Agenda for St Luke’s School site which covered the whole of the site; discussing negotiations of the transfer of the school and spinney into Parish Council ownership to use as a community centre and that we have always made it very clear we are not in negotiations in respect of the playing fields. We have very good reasons it was a business decision some time ago that we would not include the playfields with the school providing benefits to the community on a cost effective basis.
At the Parish Council meeting a Position Statement was approved by a marginal majority. Mr Huffadine-Smith quoted from the as follows:
“The Parish Council is sympathetic to this
desire to retain the playing field for the community, as is clear from the
above. However, due to its involvement
in attempting to acquire the rest of the site from the developer, it is not in
a position to support this action. Any such support could well jeopardise the
successful conclusion of the present negotiations and the Parish Council need
to maintain a neutral stance”.
Rod James: Mr James thanked the Parish Council for a donation to their fund and
added that it is appreciated. Mr James
wanted to confirm what had been quoted from the Position Statement that the
Parish Council “would adopt a neutral approach to this?”
David Green: At the meeting on Saturday 29th March at URC you did appear
to indicate that the Parish Council was definitely against the playing fields
but you have read out that the Parish Council is neutral, neither for nor
against.
Mr Huffadine-Smith apologised if he had given the wrong
impression but as a result of the Parish Council’s vote they are not in a
position to actively support the retention of the playing fields.
Rod James: Raised the question on whether Mr Caswell to speak as the elected
member but was advised that not at the Parish Council meeting. Mr James expressed his concern and was
advised that he could speak to Mrs Michelle Hoare and Mr John Caswell as
Borough Councillors.
Mr White,
Mrs Tavener
asked Caroline to identify this area to her and she would contact Northamptonshire
County Council and ask them to deal with it in the morning.
Caroline Standring, Neighbourhood
Warden: Caroline requested to report on
Mrs Tavener
advised the meeting was advised that they are not motorcycle barriers but motor
cycle deterrents that is the law. A
decision whether it is worthwhile would have to be considered and Mrs Tavener
advised Caroline she would only be too pleased to be involved in any ongoing
discussions as the only answer is to block off they alley and this is extremely
difficult to do as someone else could challenge this.
FC/04/01 Apologies: Mrs M
Edwards
Mr D Harrison
FC/0/02 Declaration of Interests: Mr David Huffadine-Smith in Anglian Water as his employers.
Mrs L Tavener in St Luke’s School as a member of the Cabinet for Northamptonshire County Council.
FC/04/03 Police Report
Vicky reported that over the last
couple of days some unusual activity has occurred; 4 lads on two mopeds, hooded up no helmets are breaking
into cars and would ask for everyone
to be vigilant and to report activities and descriptions to the police.
Mrs Tavener asked if the
Neighbourhood Warden had been advised of this and Vicky thanked Mrs Tavener for pointing this out and will do
it after the meeting. It was reported
that there seems that they have a vendetta and looking for some Duston kids and breaking into cars. It was reported that they are very bold and
had even broke into a car
with a huge Alsatian dog inside.
It was
reported at the meeting that at around 7pm-8pm on Tuesday evening these mopeds
with the description of the riders had been witnessed using the rat run on
Chardonnay Close/ Quarry Road/Port Road/ Main Road but as it was not known that
they are causing criminal damage this sighting was not reported. Vicky asked
anyone seeing these mopeds to phone 700700 for an immediate response or to
email the SCT with any comments.
Vicky was
asked if the fair at Sixfields had caused much trouble and in particular were
the residents in Millway disturbed by any nuisance, as this is the route used
to come from the fair into Duston. It
was reported that there were no problems to report in respect of the youngsters
in Duston, some girls got drunk and they are known to the police as it is
always the same ones but as a Section 60 was in place (search anyone at and
anything) this may have helped the situation.
Vicky
reported as part of their new priorities for the coming months and that
hopefully the residents of Bordeaux Close will see an improvement in anti
social behaviour as every Friday and Saturday as a bus load of specials
together with the PCSO are on duty in this vicinity and they will include
Vicky
reported that not many calls had been received in respect of the MUGA as was
pleased that it would appear that it is running as it should be. The police are happy with the high railings
surrounding it as it is felt it would make it difficult for the youths to run
away quickly when they were aware the police were responding to anti social
behaviour there.
Vicky thanked Raine for
all the work she is doing with the Youth of Duston and advised
that Lucille Hayes had attended a one day Boxing Course through Raine and was now able to train
youngsters. It was reported that
Drinking of alcohol by
juveniles is being targeted and confiscated from them
Youths
who are drunk are being taken home to their parents and putting them onus on
them to deal with. Vicky advised that a
secret operation is being undertaken regarding juvenile activities.
FC/04/04 Minutes of previous
meeting
Mrs Tavener asked if it is the meetings wish that she approve the previous meetings as a true record.
Mr Huffadine-Smith that whilst attending at meeting at the URC on Saturday 29th March 2008 the question was raised that the two matters under Matters Arising were being challenged as lawful as decisions had been made against these and that the correct Procedure would have been to discuss these and agree to move them to an Agenda item for the next meeting to allow any decisions be made.
It was agreed that this should have been the procedure and will be included on the next Agenda for ratification.
Mrs Tavener asked the meeting that with those changes was it their wish that the Minutes be approved.
Mrs Tavener proposed Mr Huffadine-Smith seconded. All agreed there were no dissensions.
FC/04/05 Youth Worker
Raine reported:
It was agreed that Age Concern let the Intergeneration Day down as no one attended
It was reported that on the 13th of April
an inter brigade competition which will be turned into Road Safety Day from
FC/04/06 St
Luke’s School Centre
In Mrs Edward’s absence Mr Huffadine-Smith reported that the minutes of the meeting on 12th March had been circulated and that there was no other business to add.
Mr Huffadine-Smith apologies that there was no written report presented but that thee was not a lot to report and that it since the last Full Council the Exhibiton of the Sports Leisure Complex was held on 15th March 2008. It was estimated at 450 people attended.
Further activities include:
It was reported that the cladding on the existing buildings appears to be peeling off much more than had been at that Bellway will be required to be contacted as this could lead to further deterioration.
Mr Huffadine-Smith has looked at the football pitch areas and reported that only a couple of black sports and that the drainage is generally good
Working Parties
Mrs Crane reported that the MUGA has now been completed and after discussion with Northampton Borough Council it was agreed to hold back £500 until the last cutting of the grass and the removal of stones surround the MUGA has been completed.
Mrs Crane proposed £200 for emergency work for the month of April. Mr Knights seconded. All Agreed. There were no dissensions.
Mrs Tavener requested permission to update the meeting on some of the items on the Environment working Party meetings that she felt she was able to assist with:
Concern was expressed by Mrs Tavener that Northampton Borough Council would be invited to tender for the work to keep the MUGA clear of glass and debris as she felt it inappropriate that they should be involved as they have already been asked to advise on how often, in their opinion, would it require to be monitored to clear debris and it has been reported they advised three days a week.
The Environment Working Party agreed to give this their consideration.
It was reported that Zurich Insurance does not have a stipulation under the terms of the insurance cover on how often this should be cleared. They have been advised that at the moment this has been done daily for the past month and agreed that this exercise would a good benchmark for any decision on the regularity of cleaning this. The Environment Working Party will study Tim Walden’s Daily reports at the next Environment meeting at make their recommendations for approval at the next Full Council Meeting.
Mrs Tavener advised that two trees had been planted at the shops at Eldean and both had been vandalised and asked for this consideration to be taken into account before planting a further one. Mrs Crane felt that it was many years since this had happened but would discuss this at the next Environment Working Party meeting.
Mr Huffadine-Smith advised that as from
The same act governs the work on the Highways not only roads but grass verges and very strict rules and fines apply. The Highways Authority will manage utility companies to work together to minimise traffic disruption.
Mrs Tavener reported that whilst always an anxious time the budget prediction for 2008/2009 fell within a few hundred and out thanks to the Clerk for her input into this.
INVOICES FOR PAYMENT APRIL 2008
|
No. |
Invoice |
£ |
VAT |
|
|
100033 |
Raine New – reimbursement from Youth Grant |
£96.45 |
|
|
|
100034 |
P Hubberson – reimbursement Wackies from Youth Grant |
£332.97 |
|
|
|
100035 |
DRPFS – donation Playing Fields |
£150.00 |
|
|
|
100036 |
Additional petty cash for dslc exhibition |
£100.00 |
|
|
|
100037 |
T J Walden – Landscape Maintenance Contract Tidy some tees in |
£341.25 £175.00 |
|
|
|
100038 |
|
£1027.97 |
|
|
|
100039 |
Petty Cash – stamps, top up copying, dslc exhibition |
£97.42 |
|
|
|
100040 |
Petty Cash – stamps, top up, cartridge, refreshments,
printing, dslc exh |
£93.03 |
|
|
|
100041 |
H M inspector of Taxes nic £202.61 tax £164.71 |
£367.32 |
|
|
|
100042 |
D C A Rent -
rent 6366 Affiliation fee 6375 room hire 6373 exhibition hire |
£125.00 £40.40 £133.06 £164.15 |
|
|
|
100043 |
E S P O8297662 E S P O8297663 ESPO8277060 |
£39.05 £6.80 £42.69 |
£6.85 £1.20 £7.48 |
|
|
100044 |
Lightmain Company Ltd - MUGA £70100.00 less £500.00 contingency |
£69700.00 |
£12267.50 |
|
|
100045 |
CVS
Northamptonshire – St Lukes Funding Alert
Service subscription per annum |
£30.00 |
|
|
|
100046 |
CEM Fencing – remainder fence Bramhall Rise Empowering Councillors allowance |
£1851.70 |
£324.05 |
|
|
100047 |
Circle Services – Duston Show A6 leaflets |
£99.00 |
|
|
|
100048 |
Raybell & Sons – resurfacing footpath |
2640.00 |
£462.00 |
|
TOTAL |
|
£77693.66 |
£13069.08 |
|
|
CURRENT |
(NATWest as
at 20.3.08 (Bank
statement £23083.03 Barclays Bank Statement as at 19.3.08
£14372.95 |
|
|
|
|
RES |
As at 31.3.08 (Bank
statement - £265134.41 Section 106 |
|
|
|
|
CAP RESERVE |
(as at 31.3.08 ( Bank
Statement £264628.38 |
|
|
|
Mrs Tavener advised that £500has been deducted from the Lightmain Company Ltd invoice, with their approval, as retention in respect of grass cutting and removal of stones around the MUGA. Mrs Tavener proposed payment of the invoices. Mr Pepper seconded. All Agreed. There were no dissensions.
Mrs Tavener proposed transfer of £80,000 from the Business Premium Account to Community Account.
Mr Pepper seconded. All Agreed. There were no dissensions.
Mrs Tavener advised that the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue and Duston Old People’s Welfare grant would be carried forward.
In Mrs Edwards absence Mrs Tavener advised the meeting that it was a subject of great sadness that Northamptonshire County Council and Duston Community Centre would no longer be working together to provide facilities at the Community Centre for this project.
Duston Parish Council is deeply concerned that the community would lose out on the benefits of this. Mrs Tavener asked the meeting for approval to allow Mrs Edwards and her to write a letter to the Community Centre expressing the Parish Council’s disappointment. All Agreed. There were no dissensions.
Mr Riches took the lead on this and advised that a meeting had taken place with Raine New, Mrs L Tavener, Helen Mason, Consultant and himself to discuss the transfer of Raine New from the employment of Duston Parish Council. Mr Riches advised that Spurgeons had responded to a letter sent to them from the Parish Council advising that a new contract after the 31st March would not be entered into. A reply had been received accepting this. Helen Mason was invited to advise the Parish on this transfer as Helen had previously worked for Spurgeons, as is a fully qualified Social Worker.
Concern had been expressed that on transferring to the employment of Duston Parish Council, Raine would not have the necessary support required for her post. The meeting was advised that Helen would be able to provide this support to Raine.
It was duly reported that Spurgeons had
advised that it would take 3 months to TUPE but an agreement has been reached
and Raine will join the Parish Council on
Mrs Tavener proposed that the Parish
Council employ Helen Mason for two hours per h at £45.00 per hour plus
travelling expenses. Mr Riches seconded.
Mr Riches advised that as in the past a three way-meeting format will continue with Raine as this has proved to be successful.
FC/4/110 Website
Mr
Knights advised that as he had sent the link to everyone to access the website
to allow them get a feel for it and encouraged everyone to navigate the site as
there is now quite a lot on there; completion of the website is not far
off.
Mr
Herbert circulated a map indicting the areas the Herald and Post would be
delivering the newsletter for the Parish Council but advised that the map
clearly indicates those areas that will still need to be covered.
Mr
Herbert thought that the Parish Council might take on this duty and invited
everyone to advise after consulting the map the areas they would be able to
cover.
Mrs
Tavener and Mr Caswell both advised that they felt that Jay the son of a local
newsagent and who has previously assisted the Parish in delivering
consultations letters etc would be more than happy to take this task on for the
Parish Council. It was agreed Mr Caswell
will liase with Mr Herbert on this.
Mrs Crane reported that the Minutes had been circulated and that work is progressing well and Phil Herbett has contacted all of the schools that, with the exception of one, are very happy to participate on the Day.
AA signs, Firs Aid and Litters Pickers have all been booked.
Raine will be present with her Youths
FC/04/14 Planning
Committee of
Mr Pepper
advised the meeting that the minutes had been circulated and are self
explanatory with no contentious items.
Mr Pepper pointed out that a decision to refuse planning permission on
the old bookies on land at
Correspondence had between the Planning Committee of Duston Parish Council and Northampton Borough Council on their new Limehouse system had taken place with the Parish Council advising and the Borough Council agreeing, that all planning applications be sent to the Clerk in paper form and not electronically. As a Statutory Regulation Body we need to make observations on these.
FC/04/15 Correspondence
The correspondence was
made available to the meeting.
FC/04/16 Date
of next meeting