Baydon Parish Council
Draft Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 26 October 2015 held at the BYPA Hall
PRESENT: Cllr Andrew Knowles, Chairman, Cllr Kevin Howell, Cllr Tony Prior, Cllr Tamsin Witt, 12 residents.
1. APOLOGIES
None
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None
3. MINUTES OF LAST PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
The Minutes of the meeting dated 21 September 2015 were approved.
4. POLICE REPORT
No report sent.
5 .SUSPENSION OF MEETING FOR PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
The only subject was the use and location of build-outs at the west end of the village. Personal and general comments were made by residents. Some of the opinions had been previously expressed. (1) the existing chicane was not effective (2) the proposed build outs will be in the wrong locations (3) will adversely affect particular householders’ entrance into/exit from properties (4) parking options will also adversely affect householders and businesses (5) speed bumps would be more effective and should be installed in preference to build outs. (6) a roundabout would be more effect (7 the chicane should be further out from the village. The unanimous conclusion from residents was that some form of consultation should take place before any further progress.
The Chairman opened his reply by stating that measurements had shown that the chicane had reduced the average speed and it was only the first stage of the traffic calming project. He explained that WC Highways had considered options, which have to be in the existing 30mph zone, for the two proposed build-outs in terms of junctions, driveways, shop/pub parking, services and had concluded the locations shown on the draft layout met the necessary standards. The Parish Council had previously enquired about Items (5), (6) and (7) and the three had been turned down.
A change in WC contractors meant that the work was now scheduled for summer 2016. In view of the concern of residents present and time available the Chairman agreed to arrange for WC Highways to attend a public consultation in the New Year.
Cllr Witt said there was a possibility of speed bumps being reconsidered by Highways after completion of the build-outs (noise being a factor). Additional funding would be required.
6. CORRESPONDENCE
WC Operational Flood Working Group advice – undated (rec’d 24 Sept)
Defined Contributions Pension Scheme governance standards (not relevant to BPC)
Parish Newsletter 30/9/15 (Telephone scams using WC name)
WALC Transparency Code Grants (not applicable, no PC expenditure due to Code)
WALC Annual report/newsletter
WC Letter, dated 6 Oct, to Michael Wood acting for Mr B Johnson re BAYD11.
WC letter about Speed Indication Devices (SIDs) (Transfer to Parish Councils on a shared basis)
7. PLANNING
15/09132/PNTEL Antennas on water tower. Approved..
8. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
8.1 Purchase of laptop &printer
The policy document would be completed in draft for the next meeting. Action Cllr Cockcroft
8.2 Second Event Tent
Trolley quotes were in the region of £30. It was agreed to purchase from one of them. Action Cllr Cockcroft
8.3 Traffic calming measures
Cllr Witts repeated the reasoning for the delay in installation of build outs until next year in more detail. Action Cllr Witt
8.4 Footpath off Manor Lane – handrail
The Chairman said the work would take place in November. Action Cllr Knowles
8.5 Purchase of litter pickers and additional Equipment
It was agreed to purchase four litter pickers, making a total of ten available. Action Cllr Cockcroft
Cllr Howell had brought a sign frame to the meeting together with two signs, one being detachable. Four had been purchased for use when litter picking was taking place or when there were pedestrians on the road (bonfire night).
The question of storage was raised and it was decided to ask the BYPA committee whether pickers and signs could be stored in the hall. Action Cllr Witt
8.6 Playground
Cllr Prior offered to carry out the benching repainting. It was agreed to ask the existing playground equipment supplier (Miracle) if they could supply some paint of the required colour. Action Witt/Prior
Cllr Witt described background to the s106 fund arising from the Newtons Walk development and explained that some of the money had already been used for the refurbishment of the BYPA Hall and for the cricket club. The remaining £10000 approx had to be spent by April 2016. Two sets of swings for toddlers and older children had been already agreed and within budget constraints a roundabout and a see-saw could be purchased. It was agreed that Miracle should be the supplier, for competitiveness and continuity, for the swings (2), roundabout and see-saw, the total being £8154.45. A high slide would be included in the planning application to enable purchase when funds permitted. Action Cllr Witt
8.7 BAYD 2 & 11 part Diversion Order, Modification Order 2015
Cllr Prior, within his duty of consideration and advice on footpath matters for the PC, read out a statement explaining his view of the situation now under process with WC ROW department. His main points were (1) WC ROW have the power of creation of new ROWs but that in this instance it would be “unlikely at this time to be the subject of any creation Order promoted by the Council”.
(2) He noted that the four objectors could mean the Order was not a burning issue in the village.
(3) He had written a personal letter of support for the Diversion Order and explained that WC ROW had approved the recommendation for the Order, only qualified if objections were forthcoming.
He concluded that the outcome could be the existing blocked BAYD 11 in the field would not be re-opened, no new ROW would be established and the Diversion Order could be rejected. He questioned who would lose in that situation.
In view of the WC ROW letter, dated 6 October 2015, he proposed that the PC could write a response to the Diversion Order as presented. The Modification Order data was not complete enough for comment.
It was agreed that a letter of PC support for the Diversion Order be sent. Action Cllr Knowles
8.8 PC Notice Board
The notice board window had been replaced and the frame refitted.
8.9 Playground Inspection
The Chairman reported on the 2015 inspection. No significant faults had been found and the equipment was in good working order.
8.10 Manor Lane/ Ermin Close footpath
Cllr Prior explained the final stage of householders’ hedge/tree control was for WC to do the work, if they agreed it was a valid request, and charge the householder with the cost. He felt this to be a very significant step and that every opportunity should be given to a householder to avoid it. He proposed that two visits should be made to request pruning/cutting before the PC considered sending a letter emphasising the need for action and the consequence of no action.
Councillors agreed on this as the correct procedure to follow. Action Cllr Prior
8.11 Painting Maintenance
Cllr Prior suggested that the railings on Ermin Street, the village gates and Downsmead notice board would benefit from re-painting.
It was agreed he should obtain quotes for the work. Action Cllr Prior
8.12 Bonfire night
The Chairman reported that the 2015 Risk Assessment had been done and approved by the insurance company.
The donations for the firework cost were below last year at this time but accumulating slowly.
Attendance in 2013 had been 770, in 2014 650 approx. This led to speculation about the 2015 result. The PC had agreed some years ago to cover any cash shortfall in the first year it occurred but any repeated occurrence would be subject a PC agenda item. The cost of fireworks was in the region of £2000 and £200 approx remained as the balance towards this year.
The Chairman said the display was the best in the district and should be well supported again.
Thanks were expressed by the PC for the preparatory work and training undertaken by the fireworks team.
Mr Dominy reported that the field had been closed again because unacceptable product had been put on the bonfire pile.
8.13 Baydon Welcome Pack
The PCC has decided to re-introduce the document for new householders in the village and had asked for support from the PC in funding the booklet. Cllrs agreed to fund the printing after consideration of quotes and a sample document.
9. FINANCE
9.1 Income 25.21
9.2 Bank statements @ 15 October
RBS Treasurers a/c 31436.96
Reserve a/c 4555.34 (1200 ring fenced)
Barclays 964.00 (Account now established and in operation)
Petty cash 16.58
36972.88 PC direct funds 35772.88
9.3 Payments approved meetings
Playsafety (RoSPA) 78.00
Pittams (BYPA) 36.00 (first internet payment).
Cllrs endorsed these payments
9.4 Payments for approval
A N Prior (Petty Cash) 20.00 (transfer own cash)
BYPA hall hire (to 2015 end) 110.00
A N Prior (notice board) 26.40 (window) & 10.48 (adhesive tape)
Thames Water (to 13 Oct) 13.22
Cllrs approved these payments
10. Items to Note
A litter pick will take place on Sat 21 November at 10am.
Mr B Johnson will be approached about donating a Christmas tree. (Cllr Knowles)
(If it becomes necessary to purchase a tree the limit will be £200)
Tree erection will be on Saturday 5 December.
Carols on the Green will be on Friday 18 December at 7pm
Refreshments and music will be arranged by Cllr Witt.
11. Items for next meeting
Budget and Precept.
SID discussion.
The meeting was closed at 9.26 pm. Signed…………………............ Cllr Knowles, Chairman Date…………………………
Date of next meeting Monday 30 November 2015
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