Parish Council Meeting 18th April, 2001

The meeting was opened by Cllr. Hirst, apologies were received from Cllrs. Gregory and Cox, the previous minutes were accepted, with one matter arising, that of the new clerk. The Chairman welcomed the new clerk, Sarah Stokes and thanked the retiring clerk, Paul Dalton for his work over the past 3 years.

There was no update on Backdale Quarry. DDDC Cllr. Mrs. Crowther reported on the PPPB’s consideration of the Glebe Mines planning application: the Board has requested an independent geological survey and additional environmental, ecological and archaeological information. All the additional information will be distributed to all interested parties for consideration and comments and no decision will be made until all this is completed.

There was one planning application, for the addition of vehicular access to part of Castcliffe Barn. This was approved. Approvals were noted for access to a paddock on Station Road, erection of a stone garden shed at The Shackerley Building and the addition of a detached garage to Ash House.

Finance: A payment of Ł416 to the Council’s solicitors for legal work related to land on Moor Road was approved, along with other several minor payments. The current balances noted as Ł1000 in the current account, Ł1174.58 in the deposit account.

A reply has been received from the Environmental Health Officer about the pollution in the stream through the old sewage works. The Council is prepared to investigate this further, and has requested a list of properties to be considered for dye testing. However they have warning this testing is a slow process and the program will take a considerable time. The Council resolved to write and ascertain the cost before agreeing to continue the investigation.

There was no update as regards grant aid for the landscaping of the field next to the allotments. The Council decided to investigate alternative sources of funds. It was resolved to weedkiller the field again, before the weeds started their spring growth.

DDDC have responded to the Council’s request for information about dog-waste bins. The Council considered this subject again, in light of the on-going foot and mouth issue, and resolved to go ahead with the purchase of six bins, at a total cost of Ł 318.42. If the bins were a success, more would be obtained. The special dog-waste plastic bags are expected to be in the shops by the end of the week.

Maintenance: the work on the small slide on the play area has not yet been completed, due to unsatisfactory weather for painting. It is in hand. Cllr. Bowering raised the issue of dirty road signs in the area and it was decided to write to the Highways Department to see who was responsible for cleaning them, and whether it could be arranged.

Correspondence: A letter from the playgroup thanking the Council for their donation, a letter from DDDC noting the date of the local elections as 3rd May (!), notification of the presentation by the CPRE about the achievements of and threats to the PDNPA (May 19th, 11am, Calver Village Hall), news of a DTI study into the future of Post Offices, best value performance plans from Derbyshire Fire Authority and PDNPA, an offer of a free village website and a request from the Derbyshire Police Authority for the Council’s opinion on their preferred ‘stop and search’ policy.

The next meeting is Wednesday May 16th at 7:30pm in the Village Hall. All are welcome to attend. The Annual meeting will also take place on this date, at 7:00pm. At this meeting, members of the public are invited to raise any issues with the Council

The meeting closed at 8:20pm – is this a record for brevity?