Minutes

Burton-in-Lonsdale Parish Council Meeting

Thursday 29th July 2010, in the Village Hall

Present: Cllrs. Handley (Chairman),  Hird, and Mason; County Councillor Ireton; four members of public.

In attendance: The Clerk.

Apologies: Cllrs  Burns and Salrein, District Cllr Barrington.

 

1.          Declarations of interest (if any) re this meeting; signing of Declarations Book; changes to be updated on Register of Members’ Interests

 

The Chairman proposed item 9a be brought forward to the beginning of the meeting, as the four members of public were attending the meeting in relation to the item.

 

2.          Craven District Council

9a) Planning Matters

15/2009/10098: refusal re Brentwood Farm Cottages; applicant’s letter to

 parish council; council’s response.

The applicant wrote to the parish council requesting particular comments in respect of the above application be withdrawn, with an apology, as they were considered to be personal rather than planning-related comments; if the remarks were not withdrawn, the applicant saw no option but to report the matter to the Craven District Council Standards Committee. The Clerk sought YLCA advice which was to make no further comment, forwarding the CDC Standards Committee contact details.  The applicant again offered not to take the matter further if the specific comments were withdrawn and an apology was forthcoming. After a short discussion, the Chairman proposed and it was

Resolved

Further advice be sought from the YLCA upon receipt of which a short meeting may be convened to progress the matter.

 

15/2010/10709: single storey extension at 2 Brookland, LA6 3ND

Resolved

There are no objections to the application; advise materials to be in keeping with local existing buildings.

 

15/2010/10792: garage conversion with extension to southwest elevation at

 Harringforth House, Brentwood Farm, Barnoldswick lane, LA6 3LZ

There appear to be no local objections to the proposed development.

Resolved

No objections to the proposed development; materials to be in keeping with the existing building.

 

15/2010/10639: permission granted: stone porch to rear, etc, 3 High St., LA6 3JU. Noted.

 

15/2010/10694: permission granted for roofed area, entrance to Burton Under Fives room at Richard Thornton’s C of E School. Noted.

 

 

3.          Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting of 24th June 2010 and the Finance Committee meeting of 26th July 2010

The Minutes for the 24th June meeting were circulated to all councillors prior to this meeting and taken as read.(The Finance Committee meeting was postponed as only two councillors were available)

Resolved

The Minutes for the meeting of 24th June 2010 were accepted as a fair record.  The Chairman signed and dated the Minutes. Copies of the Minutes were made available for the Village Hall Notice Board.

 

4.          Public Questions or Statements

There were no public questions or statements save those for item 9a (above).

 

5.          Matters Arising from Minutes 24th June and 26th July 2010, if not on Agenda

There were no matters arising.

 

6.          Police matters

Consultation re proposal to close Skipton Magistrates’ Court, relocating to Harrogate; CDC letter; parish council response.

County Councillor Ireton gave details of the Skipton courts closure proposal, and of the journey being undertaken by the local MP between Bentham and Harrogate on 30th July, using local public transport to demonstrate the poor public transport access from Bentham to Harrogate.  It was agreed the usual journey-time to Harrogate by private transport was a little over 1 ½ hours. A journey between Bentham and Harrogate, using public transport would be between 2 ½ and 3 ½ hours, depending on the train timetable; the return journey relies on court proceedings being completed by 3.30pm in order to catch the last train connecting to Bentham on the same day. Cllr. Ireton also highlighted the additional pressures on police time involved in taking people charged with offences from Skipton (where holding cells will be maintained) to Harrogate for a court hearing.

Resolved

The parish council to make strong objections to the proposal, citing poor use of police time, together with inaccessibility from this area, due to poor public transport links, for all those involved in the judicial processes.

 

7.          Finance Matters

a)   Bank balances, including receipts as at 19th July 2010

The Clerk presented the bank balances as at 18th July 2010. The statement includes a schedule of commitments and payments. (Appendix 1).  The Clerk noted the large items of expenditure committed to recently (new seats at the Village Green and a new street light) have not yet been installed/invoiced (approx £3,800).

 

b)   First quarter accounts

The Clerk circulated to all councillors prior to the meeting a copy of the first quarter’s receipts and payments and bank reconciliation (including cheques written at the beginning of July).(Appendix 2). 

 

c)   Payments of budgeted and non budgeted items

Resolved

To authorise payments on behalf of the Parish Council as per Appendix 1

 

d)   Street light replacement programme: progress report

The Clerk reported there had been no further progress, either with the new light at Town End, nor with a draft village-wide plan for replacement lights.  The Clerk undertook to investigate further.

 

e)   Risk assessment: action points,  responsible councillors

The Clerk drew up a list of actions points, circulating it to all councillors before the meeting. It was

Resolved

Councillors would be assigned to designated action points at the September meeting, when a full compliment of councillors will be present.

 

8.          Reports

County, District and Parish Councillors

County Councillor Ireton reported the junction at Chapel and Leeming Lanes will be closed for a week, probably week beginning 16th August. A leaflet has been posted to all residents about the closure and works; a shuttle bus service has been mentioned, but not yet confirmed.  Clerk to investigate.

Bentham’s new primary school plans will be shown to the public in September; capital funding is assured until 2011, however it may be in doubt after this date, as there is a central government review of primary school capital funding in progress.  It is hoped to obtain planning permission by the end of 2010 so that the project may start as soon as possible in 2011.

 

Highways: financial cuts totalling £7.7 million  will be made, ensuring a lot of capital projects will not now go ahead.

 

The above cuts reflect recent statements regarding public spending, as the Government intends to decrease expenditure significantly in the next few years in order to reduce the country’s large deficit.

 

Traffic calming: Cllr. Ireton believes the 20mph limit is enforceable, as the signs have a red border, indicating an enforceable speed limit.  He will make further enquiries.

 

Councillor Ireton left the meeting at 8.20pm.

 

There were no reports from the District or Parish Councillors.

 

Clerk, YLCA

Training event for new councillors 17th August, Bentham Town Hall 7.15

9.45pm: as the councillors present are unable to attend, it was agreed the

Clerk should attend on their behalf, and report back to the council at the

September meeting.

 

Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust has agreed to inspect and repair the boundary fence;

advice has been received regarding cutting back branches of trees on the land

leased by the Woodland Trust: the trees are protected under a tree preservation order; any work should be approved by Craven District Council beforehand (see appendix 3 for email text).

Resolved

To inform the adjacent landowners of the advice, and enquire how they would like to proceed.

 

Village Hall Committee Report: the following was received:

Recent Events: Bryan Woolnough's talk on his Commando experiences was absolutely enthralling and the WI have said they hope to have him back to talk about his subsequent experiences in the police force. The John Denver tribute evening with singer Chris Bannister was attended by 60 people and lived up to the high expectations of this well known performer; we are very grateful for his donation to the Village Hall. An event photo is on our webpage.

• Village Hall Autumn Coffee Morning: Saturday 11 September.

• Burton Millennium History Group Exhibition 2010: This will be open for viewing throughout the week 18-25 September, Contact: Susan Gregory 62863 or by email sbgregory@btinternet.com

• Annual Craft and Gift Fair: There will be the Annual Village Hall Craft and Gift Fair on 6 November, 10-3pm. To book a table contact Ruth Gill, 62014 or by email ruthatbodkins@btopenworld.com

• VH Webpage http://northcravenhistoricalresearch.co.uk/BVH/BurtonVH.htm The Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) Report on Rural Community Buildings and the Charity Commission Newsletter are available via the VH webpage. Also, there is the calendar of bookings for July and August and email link to check availability for booking requests and to give us any feedback and suggestions. Frances Dodson.

 

Joint Access and Rights of Way Committee: no report.

 

Bentham Common Lands Charity: 12th July 2010 meeting.

Cllr Mason’s reported the Trustees met on 12th July 2010, the first meeting since December 2008. The chairman and secretary resigned at the end of the meeting; a new chairman, B Wills, was appointed; he agreed to look for another secretary, and hoped to call another meeting shortly.  It was also reported there is a little more than £400 in the bank, as well as the land currently in BCLC’s hands.

 

9.          Recreation Field

a) Play Area Maintenance: risk assessment action points; swing chains/seats.

Resolved

To order both new cradle seats and chains for the swings, cost as reported at the May meeting (£280 per set, max total £590).

To request advice regarding the main chain links for the tractor tyre swing from Playdale.

 

The risk assessment action points to await the annual safety inspection, due to take place very shortly. In the meantime, the Clerk will circulate play equipment literature received during the last year.

 

b) Grass cutting: main field and Burton Community Sports area.

The Clerk reported a local farmer has cut the grass on the main Recreation Field area, collecting 14 big bales. Burton Community Sports area: the Clerk has arranged with the parish council’s contractor to cut the grass either side of the access path and around the edges of the sports pitch outside the fencing, the invoice being sent to BCS.

 

 

 

10.      Craven District Council

a) Planning Matters: see minute above

b) Proposed court closure at Skipton:  see minute above

 

11.     North Yorkshire County Council

a) Consideration of proposed NYCC Waste Disposal contract, letter from Marton cum Grafton Parish Council; parish council response.

A detailed discussion of arguments both for and against (length of contract vs. centralised economies of scale, etc) were discussed; a final response to the proposal will be considered at the September meeting.

 

b) Concessionary Fares Scheme proposed changes: parish council response

This item will be discussed in full and a response given at the September meeting.

 

c) Parish Charter proposal by NYCC

The item will be discussed in full and a response given at the September meeting.

 

12.     Correspondence

The Clerk received a NYCC letter detailing the proposed winter service re salt bin provision.

Resolved

Parish Council to consider details and respond after the September meeting.

 

13.     Items to be included by Clerk in press release re the meeting

Clerk to write a report and submit to newspapers as soon as possible.

 

14.      Date, time and venue of next monthly Parish Council Meeting

The next scheduled meeting will be on Thursday 23rd September 2010, at a venue to be confirmed (as the week-long history exhibition will be taking place during the same week, at the Village Hall).

 

 

The meeting closed at 9.15pm

 

 

 

 

Signed……………………………………                     Date……………………….

Appendix 1

Bank Balances, Commitments and Payments for July 2010

 

 

 

NatWest Current Account at 18.06.10

300.00

NatWest Business Reserve Account at 18.06.10

13,524.02

Receipts                                                                                    21.89                    

NatWest Bonus Saver Account at 31.03.10

7,210.96

 

21,034.98

Less: unpresented cheque(s)

0.00

 

21,034.98

Commitments at 19th July 2010

 

Contingency Fund

1,400.00

Loan to Village Shop Association (re PO counter) (£900)

 

Play Equipment (2006/7:£900; 2009/10: £919)

1,819.00

Street Lighting replacements (from 2006/7, 2009/10 budget / precept)

2,000.00

Burton Regeneration Group set aside in 2005/6, 2006/7

3,334.00

Very Old & Separate Churchyard Lych Gate Restoration (200 +500)

700.00

VOSCY Safety Notice

150.00

VOSCY memorial safety inspections

600.00

c/f from 2007-8 budget                                   Travel

50.00

                                                                       Minute Book binding

50.00

                                                                       Parish Plan Expenses

100.00

Clerk's Retirement Gratuity & pension provision starting 2007/8

1,649.00

Village Transport Needs Survey grant money

202.00

Sundries (from 2009/10)

143.00

Budget remaining  at 24.06.10: approx. inc unspent items

8,772.45

Underspend from 2009-10 (approx)

3,400.00

 

 

 

24,369.45

 

 

Cash at Bank 31.03.11

-3,334.47

Add 2nd tranche precept (total £11,500)

5,750.00

 

 

Cash at Bank 31.03.11

2,415.53

 

 

Parish Council - Payments July 2010

 

1520 E.On (street lighting1.4.10 - 30.6.10)

159.55

1521 E.On (portacabin 4.5.10 - 5.7.10)

19.42

1522 S Gregory (clerks salary July 2010)

170.90

1523 E On (portacabin)

 

 

349.87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 2

 

 

Receipts and Payments

 

 

Period Ended 30th June 2010

 

year end

 

 

 

 

period

31.03.10

 

 

 

 

30.06.10

 

 

Receipts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,500.00

 

Precept

 

 

5,750.00

256.45

 

Bank Interest

 

0.00

594.03

 

Sundry Income

 

300.00

0.00

 

Grants

 

 

0.00

0.00

 

Hire Fees

 

 

20.00

0.00

 

Miscellaneous

 

0.00

339.86

 

VAT Received

 

192.20

11,690.34

 

Total Income

 

6,262.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,965.12

 

Administration

 

785.95

900.00

 

Section 137 Payments

 

800.00

777.21

 

Utilities excl Rec Field

 

151.95

0.00

 

Street Lights Maintenance

98.59

1,010.79

 

Maintenance

 

56.00

762.25

 

Rec Field committee

 

147.01

424.50

 

Subscriptions

 

47.50

646.83

 

Insurances

 

 

738.65

150.00

 

Room Hire

 

 

0.00

285.00

 

Audit Fees

 

 

210.00

75.00

 

Donations

 

 

0.00

200.00

 

Sundries

 

 

0.00

760.50

 

Miscellaneous

 

0.00

25.00

 

Petty Cash

 

 

0.00

370.51

 

VAT Paid

 

 

64.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,352.71

 

Total Expenditure

 

3,100.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative Fund Balance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,421.84

 

Balance brought forward

 

17,672.14

12,510.64

 

Add total receipts

 

6,262.20

0.00

 

Add unpresented cheque

 

 

25,932.48

 

 

 

 

23,934.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,260.34

 

Less total payments

 

3,100.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,672.14

 

Balance carried forward

 

20,834.12

 

 

 

Appendix 2 (cont’d)

 

Bank Accounts Reconciliation for period 1st April to 30th June 2010

 

Balance brought forward:

 

 

 

Current Account

 

1.4.10

300.00

 

Business Reserve A/c

1.4.10

11,036.44

 

Bonus Saver Account

1.4.10

7,210.96

 

O/S cheques

 

1.4.10

-875.26

17,672.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add:

Receipts

 

 

6,262.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,262.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23,934.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments

 

 

 

 

 

 

April-June

2,921.25

 

 

 

July Sept

 

178.97

 

 

 

Oct - Dec

 

 

 

 

Jan - Mar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,100.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

balance c/f

 

20,834.12

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bank Reconciliation at 18th June 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current a/c

 

300.00

 

 

Business Reserve a/c

14,503.79

 

 

Bonus Saver a/c

 

7,210.96

 

 

 

 

 

22,014.75

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less o/s cheques

-1,180.63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,834.12

 

 

 

Appendix 3

 

Text of email received by Clerk in respect of land leased to the Woodland Trust on the Recreation Field.

 

From Alistair Nash (WT) to S Gregory (Clerk) 22nd July 2010

 

I have passed the report onto my contractors to assess and quote, so I can get the boundary works completed as soon as possible. The only work that won’t be covered by the WT is in relation to overhanging branches – it is not our policy to undertake such work, whether it be farmland, private gardens or otherwise. However we are happy for the landowner to take the appropriate branches off themselves, subject to the necessary permissions through the Tree Preservation Orders, TPO No. 19 administered by Craven District Council – info provided below, applications for which are reasonably straightforward and usually take a few weeks to authorise.

The branches ideally should be cut back to the main trunk rather than being cut off at the boundary, however, any contractor/ landowner undertaking such work on Woodland Trust property, should also have the relevant certification (chainsaw certificates), protective clothing, public liability insurance and a current first aid certificate as are the Woodland Trusts  minimum requirements for contractors. We can provide the details of contractors who have current up to date certification should that be required.

I would envisage we would be able to complete the necessary repairs by the end of August, to fit in with our existing timetable of works across the county.

The courts have powers to fine anyone contravening a TPO. The maximum fines are £20,000 for destroying a tree and up to £2,500 for anyone who does not completely destroy a tree but has carried out some other works without consent (– this a fine PER OFFENCE and so if 30 trees were trimmed it could be construed as 30 offences!). It is no defence for a defendant to plead that they were unaware that a TPO existed on a particular tree.

 

Alistair Nash

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