Denton Parish Council
Minutes of the Meeting Held on 10th June 2008 at 8pm at Denton Village Hall
Present: Terry Hanner (Vice Chairman), Roger Gibson, Peter Hill, Eddie Winter Pauline Sandell (Clerk) Also Present: One member of the public
1. Apologies: Adrian Hipwell, Liz Cargill, Clare Valori, Murray Gray.
2. Declaration of Interest: None.
3. Minutes of the Last Meeting:
The minutes were agreed and signed.
4. Matters Arising:
a. Playing Field: The report had been completed by Eddie Winter who had nothing to report. Peter Hill reported that the plywood on the Chicken seems to be delaminating and a 1/2" gap has appeared that a child could get its hand into. Terry will look at it. Terry was thanked for repairing the Chicken. Liz Cargill to do the next report. With regard to the play area equipment for under fives, Liz Cargill had spoken to a mother with a small child who suggested a wooden train and half-sunken tractor tyres for slightly older children. A pipe was suggested, but the last pipe was moved because of health and safety issues. This could be looked at again. After some discussion it was agreed that Terry and Eddie would look at the equipment at Alburgh School. The Clerk was asked to find out about grants to add to the donation. Roger said that more bark chippings are needed. Malcolm had not started the car park yet. Terry will speak to him and if he cannot do it Terry and Eddie will do it themselves.
b. Highways: Peter Hill had walked the candlestick during last week's rain and said that everywhere was draining despite the heavy rain. The only exception was Misery Corner where there was water right across the road. With regard to the grups they were mostly working well but the main problem is that there are too many, some no more than 10ft apart. Roger reported that the road still floods in front of Grove Farm, Middle Road. The Clerk was asked to speak to Highways to ask him to come out and look at the above problems.
c. Pride of Norfolk Competition: It was agreed that everything went well and Peter was thanked for writing the initial piece. The expenses incurred amounted to over £100 and it was agreed to put this under finance on next month's agenda.
d. Pocket Park: Has now been cut.
e. Replacement for Mr. Nobbs: John Carslake has volunteered. However, he does not own a strimmer. Terry said that he had a spare one that could be used and that he would be willing to do the strimming if John did the main cutting.
f. Any Other Matters Arising: The Clerk reported that she had spoken to Edward Stocker about the pile of grass clippings and he said that they would be moved shortly and that this year the tractor will collect cuttings as it mows to encourage better growth of wildflowers. The Clerk read out a letter from the Audit Commission regarding the audit fees. To summarize, the audit fee cannot be changed as they are unable to make exceptions.
5. District and County Council Matters: It was noted that the new sewage system had been started and the roadway is in.
6. Questions from the Public: A member of the public was concerned about speeding along Low Road. In a short space of time three cats had been run over along the road and he was very worried that it might be a child next time. There was also concern that people travelling down Roundhouse Hill to the Low Road junction have to edge out to see along Low Road and if there is a speeding motorist coming along at the same time this could result in an accident. A home made sign had been put up to make people aware that there are children along that road. The Councillors agreed to put a piece into the Parish Magazine to ask people to drive slower along that road and it will be discussed with Highways when they come. It was noted that the School Bus and Public Service buses all drive very fast along that road.
7. Affordable Housing: Liz Cargill had spoken to Abigail at SNC about the £25,000 salary threshold and was told that the scheme is in conjunction with Broadland District Council and Norwich City Council and therefore cannot be changed. The method of banding also cannot be altered and does apply to any scheme Denton Parish Council is involved in. The results of the survey will be presented at the July parish meeting but Denton Parish Council will receive the details before the meeting.
8. Denton Phone Box The Clerk informed the Councillors that it was the intention of BT to remove 63 phone boxes from the South Norfolk Area, Denton being one of them. It was agreed to write a letter of objection saying that because of the poor reception for mobile phones in Denton it was essential to have a pay phone.
9. Globe Close: The situation has improved although there are still tins piling up on the bonfire in the front garden. It was agreed to just keep an eye on the matter. The problem with excessive vehicles, diesel tank and general untidiness at No.6 Chapelfield was discussed. The problem seems to have got worse recently. Eddie Winter had spoken to the occupier on various occasions and the Enforcement Officer had visited, but the occupier does nothing about it. The security light that is on all night is also a problem to neighbours and causes light pollution. It was agreed to put this on next months agenda and ask Murray Gray for his help.
10. Planning: None.
11. Correspondence:
Norfolk Police Authority - NPA's Policing Plan 2008/9 will be circulated.
Norfolk Foundation - Grants available to address a variety of social needs within the community. The Clerk was asked to speak to them to see if Play Areas came under this scheme.
12. Finance:
a. Financial Monthly Summary: the summary was circulated and explained by the Clerk. No action taken.
b. The annual governance statement was completed and signed by the Vice Chairman.
c. Pay the Clerk £85.95 for June 2008
Proposal: Pay c. Proposed by Eddie Winter, seconded by Roger Gibson, unanimously agreed.
13. Any Other Business: The Clerk reminded the Councillors that there was a joint parish council meeting at Earsham on Friday 13th June at 7.30pm.
The meeting closed at 9.35pm