Minutes of Full Council Meeting held on
Present: Mrs L Tavener (Chairman)
Mrs M Edwards (Vice Chairman)
Mr J Caswell
Mr David Huffadine-Smith
Mr M Pepper
Mrs Y Sharpe
Mr L Bruley
Mr J Knights
Mrs P Crane
Mr P Herbert
Mr P Riches
Sgt Paul Beard
Caroline Standring, Neighbourhood Warden
A number of residents
Mrs E Gascoyne (Clerk)
.
Mrs Tavener welcomed all the residents from Duston and wishes everyone a Happy New Year. A welcome was extended to Paul Beard the Safer Community Team Sergeant and a special welcome to our replacement Neighbourhood Warden, Caroline Standring.
It was established that the majority of the residents intended to ask questions on St Luke’s School site and Playing Fields and Mrs Tavener requested these be tabled first. The majority expressed concerns that the playing fields were being sold off. The residents found this difficult to understand as it has long been known that Mr Garrett gifted the playing fields to the children of Duston.
Mrs Clark expressed concern in respect of the playing fields which Mr Garrett had left to the children of Duston and wanted an update and in particular wanted to know if it had it been sold off and if so by whom and how this managed to be done.
Mrs Barbara Walden expressed concern that many youngsters play on the field on a daily basis and in attendance was one of her son’s who does this. Mrs Walden was equally concerned that the playing fields were being sold off reducing the open spaces in Duston.
Mr Ingram advised the meeting that he has a
history of fighting for open spaces in Duston securing
Mr Clements question to the meeting was ‘who actually owns the field?’
Mrs Tavener advised the residents that she is unable to make any comment on St Luke’s and will pass over to Mrs Edwards the Vice Chairman who has taken the lead on this project.
Mrs Edwards duly responded by saying how pleased she was to see so many people in attendance.
Mrs Edwards told the meeting that the field has been a big problem for the project group as numerous people have mentioned that Mr Garrett gave the field to the children of Duston and whilst this has been investigated with the Education and Legal Department of Northamptonshire County Council and the Peterborough Diocese no trace of any legal documents concerning this field has been found. Legally when ownership is transferred a person or group are taken on as Trustees but there is no trace of anybody.
The field has been used by the school at a peppercorn rent and is now part of the school. The school site was with the local church until 2005 then passed over to the Peterborough Diocese in 2005.
With the reorganisation of schools in
On contacting the Land Registry Mrs Edwards was advised that the school and field was only registered in April 2007 and had never been registered before and will be transferred in the near future. Barratts have bought an option on the land. Neither the building site nor the field site has planning permission for houses. It is the only redundant school site not to have one for the development of houses. St Luke’s School is in a conservation area.
The nature trail is part of the spinney that Mr Garratt bequeathed to the children of Duston and this will not be touched as there is a Tree Preservation Order on it.
Sport
Insofar as the project’s request for a loan is concerned Parish Councils are able to borrow money from the Public Works Loan Board which is purely for Small District Councils and Parish Councils and we are able to borrow for a period of 50 years to enable the site be purchased and converted into a different use. The rate could be fixed or variable at 4.8%.
With the plans for St Luke’s School the Parish Council would be able to pay out of the revenue for the site paying interest on this for approximately 5 years. After this period it would become self-financing.
Mrs Edwards advised that the deed is with the Land Registry and states that the site should be for the benefit of the poor forthwith for eternity. However any covenant can be revoked over a period of time and the Land Registry have made it clear that the covenant is no longer valid.
A member of the public stated that Lord Palmerston left the school and Mr Garret left the field for the children of Duston.
Mrs Edwards advised that the Peterborough Diocese have ownership of that land and therefore the question should be directed to them. Documents do no exist anymore. Nobody has been able to trace any legal documents.
The residents expressed their concern at this and stated they were quoting from the Chronicle and Echo. The Chairman called for order at this point.
The meeting was advised that the Parish Council does not have any control over the Chronicle and Echo and that Mrs Edwards has explained that the Parish has fought long and hard and is on the way to at least achieving something for Duston.
Mrs Edwards said that the Land Registry advised that we could challenge this but it was likely not to be unsuccessful and that would make it more costly. Mrs Edwards advised that the field would be a continual drain on the Parish Council.
A member of the public suggested knocking the building down and making it one big field.
Mrs Edwards
advised that the building couldn’t be knocked down.
The public asked how much Barratts had put on the value of the playing field.
Mrs Edwards
advised that their response to this question had been that ‘it is out of our
reach’.
A member of the public asked ‘in the event of taking out the loan how do you intend paying it back. Will it be on the rates?
Mrs Edwards
advised this would come from the precept but cannot do anything without the
support of the residents. The
newsletter had been delivered before Christmas and the enclosed filer invited
residents to complete this. Once
returned to the Parish office they will be analysed to establish if the
residents of Duston support a loan and that there will also be an exhibition
showing exactly what will happen.
Mrs Edwards
stated that whilst those present tonight may not support this individually
there is a lot more in support of this.
The question was raised as to what were the plans for the building.
Mrs Edwards
replied that none of the buildings would be knocked down. The mobile classrooms
will be removed by the
§
§
Two
classrooms facing the back with the garden will be a day nursery
§
Hall
and two classrooms facing drive for community use.
Concern was expressed that this was a big financial commitment for the community only to have two classrooms for use.
Mrs Edwards
duly reported that she wanted to make it absolutely clear that we wanted to
purchase the whole of the site and that we can generate an income which will
pay for the loan and the running of the site.
Mrs Clark requested that no further progress should go ahead by the Parish Council until they have they the opportunity to sort out the ownership.
Mr Ingram advised the meeting that he had a family connection with the land.
He asked the Parish Council for their views if the land is not retained.
The response
was that in respect of the open space the Parish Council has done its best
without success but that there is no reason why people should not object. There will be an outline planning
application made within the next few months when everyone will have an
opportunity to object.
The Parish
Council has a planning committee; Mike Pepper is the Chairman he will be going
to the relevant Planning Committee to put forward the Parish Council’s views on
this, which we have not discussed yet. The St Luke’s Project Team desperately
wanted to keep that as a field. Mrs
Edwards added that with regard to the field it is extremely unusual not to have
to pay for the use of these as most
Schools make a
charge for this.
Mrs Tavener
summed up at by saying that Mrs Edwards has done her very best tonight. It is not a decision that this Council has
made to sell off the school and land.
Mrs Edwards and her team of Councillors and members of the community
have been working very hard.
A member of the public asked whom they should get in touch with to make their own enquiries on the ownership of the school site and playing field.
They were
advised the Peterborough Diocese and the Legal and Education Department of
Northamptonshire County Council.
Anyone wishing contact details of the Diocese should contact the Parish
Clerk for this information.
The Chairman
duly drew to a close to the discussion on St Luke’s School and Playing Fields
advising the residents that the wheels grind very slowly but the final decision
will be made at a Full Council meeting when a bigger room will be booked to
accommodate the residents.
Mrs Solomon
expressed concern that it is proposed Millway will have a 20mph limit going one
way and a 30mph limit the other way. Mr
Caswell assured her it will be 20pmh both ways.
Mrs Solomon raised concern in respect of Millway Playing fields at the
exit at the top of the field there is a green rail where the brook has been
filled in and feels this is very dangerous for the children and would it be
possible to move the fence.
Residents
expressed concern in respect of the d rains in
FC/01/142 Apologies: Mr D Harrison
FC/01/143 Declarations of Interest:
Mrs L Tavener
in St Luke’s School as Cabinet Member for Northamptonshire County Council and
Duston Girl Guiding
Mr M Pepper in
Bellway Homes as his grandson works for them
Mr D Huffadine-Smith
in Anglian Water as his employer
Mr L Bruley
non-pecuniary interest in Barclays Bank
FC/01/144 Police Report
Mrs Tavener
duly reported she would like to incorporate the police report with our new
Neighbourhood Warden, Caroline Standring who is part of the Safer Community
Team and invited Caroline to speak first.
Caroline duly
reported to the meeting that she attended this evening’s meeting to introduce
herself and to make available her contact telephone number at Northampton
Borough Council 01604 653083. Caroline
advised that this is the call centre number as she is out and about in the
Community for most of the time but details of any calls will be passed to her.
Caroline
advised the meeting that she is part of the Safer Community Team and accredited
by the police and that her duties cover such areas as:
§
Graffiti
§
Flying
tipping
§
Anti
social behaviour
§
Street
lamps
§
Dog
fouling
Carline is
building up her contacts in Duston and looks forward to working with other
Agencies.
Mrs Tavener
thanked Caroline and welcomed her to Duston.
Sergeant Paul
Baird duly presented the police report.
A report was duly circulated to the meeting, which focused on the three
priority areas:
§
Duston
Wildes Quarry – juvenile nuisance
§
§
The report
discharges these areas and it is now intended to move on to three new
priorities over the next 12 weeks.
Juvenile nuisance and parking and speeding issues crop up continually
and we need to decide what we are going to adopt.
Mrs Tavener
duly reported that there has been a spat of garage break-ins and invite the
Councillors to ask Paul questions.
Sgt Beard
reported that the juvenile nuisance at the Quarry,
§
§
St
Cripins
§
Mr Pepper
reported that the traffic in
Mrs Tavener
duly reported that the speeding boards have been obtained in response to a
young student at
§
Northfield
Road/Firsview
§
§
These will go
up within the next few days, it is anticipated to rotate these and they will go
up in
The meeting
was advised that on more than one occasion when a speedvan was used to monitor
the speed of vehicles in
FC/01/145 Minutes of Previous Meeting
Mrs Tavener
asked the meeting if it was their wish that the Minutes of the previous meeting
be accepted as a true record. Mrs
Tavener proposed Mrs Sharpe seconded.
All Agreed. There were no
dissensions.
FC/0/146 Matters arising (for information only)
Mrs Tavener duly reported that the
Precept Letter had been received from Northampton Borough Council and that this
had been completed and returned.
Mrs Tavener
duly reported that a letter had been sent to Northampton Borough Council
advising that Duston Parish Council no longer wish the Special Expenses item to
be added to our Precept.
Mr
Huffadine-Smith asked if confirmation has been received that Northampton
Borough Council were in receipt of this letter.
Mrs Tavener responded that they have confirmed this.
Mrs Tavener
advised the meeting that a Statement will be prepared for inclusion in
Northampton Borough Council’s Council Tax booklet and this will include that
the precept works out at 50p a week for each resident and that the precept has
increased next year by no more than the rate of inflation.
FC/01/147 St Luke’s School Project
Mrs Tavener
was advised by Mrs Edwards that there would be no need for her to leave the
room at this point.
Mrs Edwards
advised we have received most of the slips back from the flier that went out
with the newsletter asking for support for the loan. Mrs Edwards stated that as the meeting was
already aware at least 1000 newsletters were not delivered. 6000 were delivered and we have had 1200
returns, which are about 16% of these, which is a very good percentage, and we
have no finished counting them yet.
The support is
very high about 10 no’s. Mrs Edwards
advised that she felt that as part of the design of the form quite a few who
did not circle yes or no these have been put aside as spoilt papers. The meeting was advised that for the people
who said no it was very evident and therefore it is possible we could argue the
case for those who did not circle yes or no that they are in favour.
Mrs Edwards
reported that David Babister is having a meeting with Mick Tilley of
Northamptonshire County Council and WNDC and is expecting to be advised on the
outcome of this on Friday.
FC/01/148 Duston Sports and Leisure Complex
Mr Huffadine-Smith
advised the meeting that Gotch, Surridge and Saunders, the new architects
produced a plan, which included everything the user Groups had asked for but
unfortunately this came over our budget.
After a meeting with them modifications were made to the plans and put
before the User Groups for their approval.
A discussion
took place on the possibility of 5A-side football and after a discussion the
meeting agreed that with the installation of the MUGA in
Minor
alterations will be required in the bar area and a meeting is planned with GSS
to advise them of these and then take forward for a planning application. GSS will negotiate with WNDC prior to the
planning application.
On Saturday
March 15th between
The meeting
was advised that a formal letter from Bellway offering us the transfer of land
had been received; this has been forwarded to Hewistons to ask them to act on
our behalf with some very important conditions that will have to be made before
we bring it to Full Council prior to the completion of the transfer. One of the conditions is a security fence
around the perimeter as once the transfer goes ahead we become responsible for
the insurance.
Mr Pepper
asked the meeting if St Crispin Cricket Club had been in touch with regard to
coming on board. Mr Huffadine-Smith
advised that they had but unfortunately due to the change of level of the
embankment the area is not suitable for cricket, only adult or junior net
practice but even this may be too close to residents for hard balls.
The meeting
was advised that David Clarke is the contact on the Shadow Board for all new
groups wishing to make enquiries to join.
FC/01/149 Youth Worker
Mr Riches
advised that due to the Christmas break there is not much to report on Raine’s
activities. Raine is now established at
the Folk Centre.
Mr Riches
advised that he had to send two letters to Spurgeons due to the lack of support
Raine has been receiving from them since Helen Mason the co-ordinator left last
year. The meeting was advised that he is
looking at the Agreement between Spurgeons and the Parish Council, which is up
for renewal in March and once this has been done proposes to bring to the Finance
Meeting in February then on to Full Council with full proposals and a business
case which will request that the Parish Council considers employing Raine. It is anticipated that the money saved on the
Agreement with Spurgeons will allow for extra hours for Raine to work with the
Duston youngsters.
Mr
Huffadine-Smith expressed that whilst he is not opposed to this his concern is
that with Raine working with young people some kind of supervision needs to be
brought into the appointment.
FC/01/150 Children’s Centre
Mrs Tavener told
the meeting that Mrs Edwards would advise them on the proposed Children’s
Centre and congratulated her, as she had been the catalyst in
persuading
Eric to agree to this, as he was concerned about the increased heating costs,
caretaking and insurance. NCC has taken
all this on board and a Service Level Agreement setting out their commitment to
a contribution allowed these problems to be overcome.
The meeting
were asked to look at the plans for the Community Centre, which had been
circulated to them. Northamptonshire
County Council will run the Scheme in collaboration with the Library and will
be paid by central government.
The Children’s
Centre will be a drop in centre for children and families to come in with any
problems, there will be activities, playgroups and in order to accommodate this
there will be changes in the main area as indicated on the plan circulated.
The green room
will have an office put in and the windows looking out to the main entrance
will be removed and doors installed.
The Cotswold Room will be partitioned.
The entrance area will be refurbished with a reception and toilets and
all areas used will receive refurbishment and will improve the look of the
community centre.
The meeting
was advised that this will be in use two days a week and that all Parish
Council meetings in the Cotswold Rooms will not be affected.
This will be
discussed at the Duston Community Association meeting on
Mrs Tavener
advised the community centre would open for longer and more accessible. The Library will open for longer and there
are new ideas for the Library.
With the
increased usage for the Community Centre and young mums particularly in
deprived areas this would mean we could intervene and provide support for the
benefit of the people of Duston.
CCTV will be
installed in the foyer. Mrs Edwards will
ask the Library to display the plans for the centre.
Reports from Working Parties
FC/01/151Environment
The meeting
was advised that over the Christmas break there was a flurry of emails
exchanged concerning the MUGA and it had also been confirmed by the Borough
Council that the football pitches were well used in
The residents
who attended the site meeting have been advised that the MUGA will go ahead and
that they are in the minority against it.
It will be installed before the Easter holidays. The Safer Community Teams will be proactive in
monitoring the MUGA.
Mrs Crane
advised that at the Full Council on 6th December it was proposed
acceptance of the quote from Northampton Borough Council to carry out this
work.
Unfortunately
their quote did not include the hire of a pavier, which they stated was
necessary to carry out this work. Mr J
Caswell advised the meeting that this piece of equipment was not necessary for
the type of work quoted for.
Mr Caswell
offered his expertise to the Environment Working Party on this type of work and
asked to be advised when any tenders are being invited when he will personally
attend the site meeting to ensure the specification meets the criteria of the
Parish Council.
Mrs Crane
agreed that this confusion must not happen again however proposed to the
meeting that in order for this work to be undertaken that Full Council approve
selecting the next best price which is £2,640.00 from Raybell and Son.
All Agreed
with two abstention, Mr David Huffadine-Smith and Mr J Caswell.
Emergency work
£ 200 for
emergency work in January. Mrs Crane
proposed and Mr Knights seconded. All
Agreed. There were no dissensions.
Marseilles/Velocette Close
Mr
Huffadine-Smith was pleased to report that this area was looking very clear
over the past few weeks. The meeting was
pleased to have this reported as it has proved an area for concern over the
past few months.
FC/01/152 Newsletter
Mrs Edwards
reported that over the Christmas period a great deal of work had been done to
ascertain from the royal mail doortodoor service the post codes of the areas
they did not deliver the newsletter to as the St Luke’s Project Team were
prepared to complete the delivery. The
Project Team were very much aware that this was a huge community task putting
the flier and newsletter together and therefore wanted to make sure that all
residents received not only the newsletter keeping them informed of the
Parish’s news but the opportunity to vote in respect of the proposed purchase
of St Luke’s School. Unfortunately the
list the produced is incorrect, as it has become apparent that some areas we
have targeted have already received their copy. Whilst a credit has been received for
non-delivery it is still felt that a letter of complaint will be sent. Mrs
Edwards to do.
FC/01/153 Community Date
A meeting for
the first Duston Show will take place on Tuesday 15th January at Mrs
Crane’s house at
FC/01/154 Finance Working Party
INVOICES FOR PAYMENT JANUARY
|
No. |
Invoice |
£ |
VAT |
|
100001 |
Mrs E Gascoyne – salary |
1027.99 |
|
|
100002 |
T Walden Landscape contract Emergency work |
£455.83 £166.25 |
|
|
100003 |
D C A Rent
£125.00 plus £125.00 additional rent as agreed (second payment £250.00 increase per annum) 6311 6305 6317 6326 – Youth Worker Total = £582.12 |
£250.00 £16.42 £10.10 £35.60 £216.00 |
|
|
100004 |
Currie and Browne – St Luke’s project |
£4500.00 |
£787.50 |
|
100005 |
H M inspector of Taxes nic £202.61 tax £164.69 |
£367.30 |
|
|
100006 |
Merland - flier
St Luke’s |
£250.00 |
|
|
100007 |
Peddar and Summers
- office furniture for Raine – Youth worker |
£326.66 |
£57.17 |
|
100009 |
|
£1187.00 |
£34.12 |
|
100010 |
N R G – lease plus copies |
£117.67 |
£20.59 |
|
100011 |
|
£98.00 |
|
|
100012 |
Duston Girl Guiding – Section 137 |
£881.00 |
|
TOTAL |
|
£9905.82 |
£899.38 |
|
CURRENT |
(as at (Bank
statement £19864.56) Natwest |
|
|
|
RES |
As at (Bank
statement - £262911.37) Barclays |
|
|
|
CAP RESERVE |
(as at 2 4/
12/2007 ( Bank
Statement £292309.03 ) Barclays |
|
|
Mrs Tavener proposed. Mrs Edward seconded to pay all invoices. All Agreed. There were no dissensions.
Mrs Tavener advised the meeting that the transfer of our account has been successfully moved to Barclays Bank. There is £19,864.56 in our current account with NATWest to ensure all cheques have been cleared. It is anticipate this to be complete by the end of the month when the balance of the current account will be moved to Barclays Bank.
Mrs Tavener proposed and Mrs Edwards seconded a transfer of £20,000 from the Instant Access Saver Account to the Current Account. All Agreed. There were no dissensions.
FC/01/155
Grants 2007/2008
Outstanding
|
DOPW |
Party
Coach
trip |
|
√ |
490.00 772.41
(this is after deducting fares of 626.00 |
|
Northamptonshire
Fire and Rescue |
1
week diversionary course up to 12 people |
|
|
3400.00 |
The meeting was advised that there are two
outstanding grants. One for DOPW and it
is agreed that the party and coach trip will be paid for after March 2008.
Northampton Fire and Rescue – Mrs Tavener advised that this one week course for up to 12 youngsters which have been identified as at risk by the Police, Young Offenders Team and Raine will be completed by March 2008.
Mrs Tavener advised that Councillor Malpas, Billing applied through the Empowering Councillors Allowance for this course for 12 youngsters in his area.
On discussions with Gavin, who runs this
course, it was felt that it would be in the best interests of the youngsters if
the two courses could be run with 6 youngsters from Billing and 6 youngsters
from Duston. The first course will take
place in half term week and the second a couple of weeks later. Mrs Tavener advised that representatives
from the Parish will attend the Passing our Parades.
Dates of Finance Working Party Meetings
Mrs Tavener
reported that the dates of the Finance Meetings were being changed to avoid in
the future the minutes being tabled at Full Council.
VAT Registration
Mrs Tavener
reported that NALC has been contacted on advice in respect of whether we should
be considering registering for VAT.
Website
It was duly
reported that work on the website is nearly completed.
Spurgeons
As Mr Riches
reported consideration is being given to employing Raine.
Task and Finish Group
Mrs Tavener
reported that due to bereavement Mr Harrison has not been able to move this
forward. It is hope to present a full
proposal at the February meeting.
FC/01/156 Planning Meeting
Mr Pepper
reported that minutes had been circulated and is self explanatory. There are two items of particular interest:
§
A
letter of complaint was sent to Northampton Borough Council stating that
insufficient time is not always allowed to us to make our observations.
§
Mr Pepper
reported that he attended his first ever Northampton Borough Council Planning
meeting. This was in respect of
The planning chairman
decided was was happening and members of his party followed his course of
action. It was perceived that the
members of this party allowed this.
Unfortunately
there was one other objection on safety, cars speeding, but there was nothing
to back it up. Three committee members had gone to look but could not find any
danger adding ‘it is up to the people of Duston to drive better’.
The Chairman
said: ‘if there is a problem on this due to traffic it is time the Parish
Council sorted it out’.
FC/01/157 Correspondence
FC/01/158 Date
of next meeting
There being no further business the
meeting closed at