Charleton Parish Council.

Minutes of a Meeting of Charleton Parish Council, held on Thursday 4^th November 2004, at 7:30 pm., at Charleton Village Hall.

Present were:-            Mr. Hoggart (Chairman, presiding) Wg. Cdr. Leigh,  Mrs Hawkes, Mr. Smith, Mr. Faulkner, Mr. Brown  and Mr. Conboy.

Also present were:-    Mr. Brazil (SHDC), Mrs Gross (Press Correspondent), PC Steve Mutton (Neighbourhood Beat Manager), Mrs Raymond (Clerk), and one member of the public, Mr. Owen Morgan. 

The Chairman Mr. Hoggart welcomed PC Mutton, newly appointed Neighbourhood Beat Officer, who was attending the Meeting during his off-duty time, and Mr. Owen Morgan, a newcomer to the village who is keen to become involved in village life. 

1. APOLOGIES for absence were received from Mr. Owen Masters (DCC). 

2. The MINUTES of the previous Meeting, held on Thursday 7^th October 2004, had been circulated prior to the Meeting, were approved and signed as correct.  Due to an oversight, Mrs Gross had not received a copy of the  Minutes of the Meeting, and so the Clerk will ensure that she receives copies each month in future. 

3. MATTERS ARISING:- 

a) The Casual Vacancy:- Wg. Cdr. Leigh’s letter of resignation was received by the Clerk, and so the statutory notice advising the electors of their right to request an election will be posted in the Notice Board shortly.

This resignation also leaves the post of Vice-Chairman vacant.  Mr. Conboy proposed that Mrs Hawkes be elected Vice-Chairman, the proposal was seconded by Wg. Cdr. Leigh, and passed unanimously. 

There are now two Casual Vacancies.  The statutory notice regarding one was posted some time ago, and so that Vacancy can be filled by co-option immediately.  Efforts will be made to find a suitable person for the post by the next Meeting. 

b) The Community Travel Plan:- Mr. Hoggart, Mrs Hawkes and Mr. Conboy met recently to collate the suggestions for the Travel Plan.  Copies of the notes made by Mr. Conboy will be circulated to all Parish Councillors with the Minutes of this Meeting.  Mr. Hubbard of SHDC will be informed of what has been done so far, and another Meeting will be arranged for further discussions. 

c) Trafalgar 2005:- Mr. Brown has returned the form requesting further details of the celebrations in which the parish can participate. 

d) Village Flower beds:- No work has yet been carried out, but Mr. Hoggart will investigate the acquisition of wall flower plants, and work should be done before Christmas. 

4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:- None. 

5. CORRESPONDENCE:- 

6. PLANNING:- 

The following Notices were received:- 

Withdrawal of Application 09/1650/04/F, Erection of conservatory,

Middle Barn, Charleton Court Barns, West Charleton. 

Refusal of Planning Permission, Application No. 09/1383/04/F, Alteration and extension of

existing dwelling to create 2 no. residential units, with independent curtilage, garaging and parking,

Herondyke, Curlew Drive, West Charleton. 

7. REPORTS:- 

a) School:- Mr. Smith read a brief written report from the Headteacher, Mrs Evans, stating that consultation with parents, staff and children will take place shortly to produce a School Travel Plan, which it is hoped will lead to an increase in car-sharing and a consequent decrease in congestion outside the school,  and describing the recent alterations as very successful.

The alterations have provided greatly improved facilities, and the school’s reputation is encouraging applications from prospective parents. 

b) Footpaths:- Mr. Conboy had nothing to report at present.  No reply has been received from Mr. Beesly concerning meeting with the Chairman to discuss the entrance to the footpath across Mr. Beesly’s land, so the Chairman will call on him personally. 

c) Village Hall:- Mr. Smith said that he is  awaiting confirmation of when  the punishment group will be able to continue work on the painting of the Village Hall.

When the Luncheon Club was closed, funds were still held, and so a free Christmas lunch will be provided for former luncheon club clients at the Hall. 

d) Coleridge Association:- Mr. Hoggart attended the recent meeting at which Chris Lucas gave a talk on recycling, outlining the plans which SHDC have to increase the total percentage of rubbish which is recycled.  It is estimated that nationally 28% of all rubbish is recycled, the national target  is 35%,  but SHDC have such limited landfill facilities that a target of 45% must be achieved. 

e) Saltstone Group:- Nothing to report. 

8. FINANCE:- 

The Clerk reported that the second element of the Precept was received on 29^th September, and the current account at 8^th October held £3368.86. 

There were no cheques for approval for payment. 

A receipt was received for the subscription paid to the Coleridge Association in July. 

9. HIGHWAY AND COMMUNITY:- 

Mr. Smith reported that Lyte Lane steps are becoming increasingly dangerous due to dead leaves and encroaching vegetation.  The matter has been reported to DCC, who claim that this is not a matter for the Parish Lengthman but for the street cleaner, and therefore the responsibility of the Local Services Group of SHDC, who have been informed.  The street cleaner needs to be made aware of the matter, and so Mr. Smith will try to see him on Monday to instruct him to sweep the steps, the bus stop and the bus shelter.  If the matter is not resolved, the Clerk will write to the Local Services Group again, pointing out that the danger of pedestrians being injured is very real, especially the elderly and children, by many of whom these steps are used daily, and this could lead to litigation against SHDC. 

Mr. Brown discussed the possibility of  dedicated footpaths between East and West Charleton, and between Sicklemans Close and Church Lane,  with Mr. Paul Rogers, the main landowner who would be involved.  They both felt that there is very little need indicated by the number of pedestrians using these stretches of road, but since both are extremely dangerous for walkers, the current use by pedestrians gives no clue as to the demand.  Mr. Rogers would not be opposed to such paths being created, and so the Clerk will write to request that further consideration be given to the scheme. 

Complaints have been received about the overgrown state of the hedge at the corner of Croft Lane.  The Clerk will contact the owner of the Gatehouse, whose hedge it is, and request that it be trimmed. 

PC Steve Mutton spoke of his new role as Neighbourhood Beat Manager, and pointed out that since he will not be on response at the local station he will be able to be more flexible with his time, and attend Parish Council meetings fairly frequently.  He will shortly be providing business cards, with several telephone numbers,  so that he can be contacted readily for any reason, and hopes to be able to meet the public by patrolling the villages in his area on foot.  

10. MATTERS OF URGENCY,  at the Chairman’s discretion. 

The Village Christmas Tree:- Mr. Hoggart will enquire about the availability of a tree, as the planted tree is still too small.  Then he, Mr. Conboy and Mr. Smith will fix the tree on the roof of the Village Hall porch.   

11.  ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING:- 

            The Casual Vacancies

            Programme of Meetings for 2005   

12. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING:- Thursday 2^nd December 2004., at 7:30 pm., in the Committee Room at the rear of the Village Hall, West Charleton.