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The meeting was opened promptly at 7:30, with Cllr. Cox in the chair. There were only four councillors present, apologies being received from Cllrs. Askew, Finney and Hirst. The minutes were approved, with one matter arising: DDDC Cllr. Mrs. Crowther reported that she had raised the issue of the fence between the bungalows and the recreation ground with DDDC and a repair has been promised. There was only one planning application to consider, the creation of a new door and converting a door to a window at The Farm, Main Street. This was rapidly approved. PPPB approvals for the new West Green, alterations at the Gardeners Lodge, Thornbridge, a design change for a new conservatory at The Gables, Main Street and the new school hall at Great Longstone were noted. On the topic of finance, the balances were noted as £1,000 and £12,531.65 in the deposit account. Numerous payments were approved, including £800 of donations to local charities and voluntary organisations, £1,408 for grass cutting on the green etc. and £433 for insurance for the Village Hall. One of the donations was for the Under Fives group and Cllr. Mrs. Gregory raised the issue that although this organisation had been in need of assistance in the past, it now appeared to be a business rather than any form of charitable organisation, and she felt the matter of future donations should be more carefully considered. Although not much has happened on the ground, Cllr. Bowering reported on many developments in the West Green saga. As mentioned above, the planning permission has come through from the PPPB, and the PDNPA have agreed a grant of 25% towards the cost of the new walling etc. around the allotments proper. The PPPB have asked for several changes to the original plan (even though the original plan came from them!): the footpath has been extended, the benches moved and an additional gate added, through to the allotments. The PC felt the changes were an improvement. A grant application to WREN has also been approved and the sum of £1,300 has been promised. Glebe Mines have contributed the 10% 'key' to enable this grant. On a slightly less encouraging note, Cllr. Bowering reported that the total cost had now risen to an estimated £9,200, mainly due to changes to the original plan and extra requirements imposed by the PPPB. However, this was the gross cost, and grants and donations to the value of £4,600 had already been promised and more aid may be forthcoming. Cllr. Mrs. Gregory raised the issue of whether this was an acceptable use of so much public money, but the remainder of the Council felt that it was. A letter from Chris and Sally Raynor was read out, saying how much better the allotments looked with the new wall, and asking if this winter the Council could mark out the 'offical' boundaries of the plots and ensure that all footpaths were maintained. This was agreed in principle. The vacant plots had been weed-killered and strimmed, as decided last meeting. Maintenance: The subject of the signs on the recreation ground was discussed again. The Council noted that the law is that a dog can be taken on any public footpath providing it is kept under control. As the signs on the recreation ground actually ask that dogs not be allowed on the recreation ground, and make no mention of footpaths, initially the Council felt that nothing needed to be done; the signs do not contravene any laws and say exactly what is - quite legally - requested. However, on further discussion the Council felt that for what it would cost, it may be better to add a suffix with words to the effect of 'except on paths' to avoid the issue recurring. It was resolved to ask DDDC and/or DCC for their advice on suitable wording and to obtain and fix the new signs. A replacement bin had been obtained for the children's play area, but not fitted
yet. The fencing by the bungalows would be repaired. A quote or £4,188 for a new
climbing frame had been received, and as a 50% grant was available, the Council
resolved to proceed. The lime tree on the green had been trimmed back, as had
the overgrown footpaths. It was resolved to proceed with repairs to and
repainting of the bus shelter. It was reported that the seat opposite the
shelter had collapsed, unfortunately tipping someone off it. Cllr. Cox had
removed the broken seat, and proposed replacing it with a memorial seat he had
intended to donate to the West Green. This was approved. The Clerk reported that the PPPB have ignored all his attempts to contact them regarding Glebe Court. Cllr. Mrs. Crowther offered to take up the challenge. New audit procedures for Parish Councils some into force shortly, and the Clerk reported on a Training Day he had attended. Unusually, the changes seem to be an improvement. It will no longer be necessary to have an (expensive) external audit every year, appointing an internal auditor will suffice. Every year a random selection of Councils will be subject to an external audit, but even this will be cheaper than the previous external audits. However, one extra requirement that has come to light is that the Council ensure that the necessary PAYE and NI is paid on the Clerk's salary. The Clerk suggested that being self-employed he bill the Council quarterly and put the payments though his books as any other, and this proposal was accepted. An anonymous donation of £500 has been received to enable the electrical box on the green (used by the Christmas tree lights) to be buried. This will be done shortly. There were 26 items of correspondence received, those considered included: a donation of £250 for the West Green from Markovitz Ltd, information about grants available from the Countryside Agency for local transport and parish plans (an information pack has been requested), an offer from Friends of War Memorials to do landscaping and renovation - it was felt the actual memorial was fine, but this was passed onto the PCC, an invitation to a presentation by Derbyshire Constabulary and a form to complete for the Charity Commission. The next meeting will be on 21st August, a change to the previously published date. CHRIS RAYNOR |