Parish Council Meeting 16^th February 2000

A Great Longstone Parish Council Meeting was held in the Village Hall on 16th February 2000. Present were Councillors Cox, Fawcett, Bowering, Casey, Finney, Gregory and Askew. Also present was District Councillor Crowther. Apologies were received from PC Chairman, Mike Hirst and Vice Chairman Cox took the chair.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved and there were no matters arising.

BACKDALE
There were no matters referring to Backdale Quarry.

PLANNING
Planning approval had been given to 1/ Erect a conservatory at 1, Glebe Court, 2/ Extension to dwelling, alterations to access and parking area at Fernlea, Station Road, 3/ Extension and alteration to dwelling and demolition of garage at Longstone Garage, Main Street. However there was some discussion about the latter and Clr Casey raised the point that the PC’s comments had not been received by the Peak Park. The Clerk read out the letter that had been sent and which reflected the views of the PC. District Councillor Crowther pointed out that the letter had in fact been in front of the Peak Park Planning Authority when the application was being considered and that she had personally emphasised the views of the PC. The Clerk then read out the details of the approval and the conditions attached. Mainly the concerns seemed to be about the height of terrace and boundary fence.

FINANCE
The deposit account stood at £3051.44 and the current at £1 000. A VAT refund had been applied for. Payments were approved to D Askew £75 and CPL Fuels £10 (charity voucher).

VILLAGE HALL
The hall was now redecorated and received enthusiastic approval. There was also improved external lighting. The proposal to improve the kitchen facilities had been abandoned due to cost.

MILLENNIUM
Colour proofs had been received and were not as requested. Mr. Edwards had visited the factory, asked for changes and these were to be forwarded in 'colour chip' form for approval. A sports and social event was to be held, either on the final day of the designated week or on a Summer Saturday when the recreation ground was free. Note was made that there may be just too many functions taking place around the same time. A sub-committee was to be formed at the March meeting to progress the event.

ALLOTMENT LAND
The PC resolved to formalise the allotment tenancy agreements. The Councillors were to visit the site and discuss proposals for improvements to the allotments and to the adjoining croft. Two alternative ideas were mooted: either leaving the wall alongside the road, or removing it to leave an open green. Suggestions included a circular seat around the main tree and appropriate planting. The main ideas would be incorporated in sketches to be published in UNDER THE EDGE for April, and hopefully the views of residents would be forthcoming.

MAINTENANCE
The drainage in the dip on Beggarway Lane had been improved to reduce flooding. Concerns were expressed by Clr Finney regarding the faulty lighting on Station Road and several telephone calls had elicited no replies or action. The PC was to write.

NEW NOTICE BOARD
The builders have been instructed to complete work by the end of the financial year.
RECYCLING The bottle bank has been moved to a safer location away from the school wall but still in the White Lion car park. However the recycling unit could not be accommodated and a new site was to be sought for this occasional facility. The proposal was to use the car park to the bungalows on Croft Road for a six-month trial. The small unit is brought for a few hours each month and is for recycling cans and plastic.

BUSINESS PARK
No discussion

CORRESPONDANCE
There were various items and good news from Clr Crowther who stated that resident’s free parking in Bakewell was to be extended to 11 am. The Great Longstone Under 5s had written to thank the PC for their financial aid and the PC resolved to write back, congratulating them on their Ofsted Report success.