BLACKWELL  PARISH  COUNCIL

 

Minutes of a Meeting of the Blackwell Parish Council held at the Hilcote Community Centre, Hilcote on Monday 3 March 2008 at 7.10 p.m.

 

                            PRESENT                  

                            Councillor D G B Bullock (Chairman)

 

                            Councillors:  I G Cox:  Mrs S A  Gray:  J Lomas:  C R Moesby:  E P                             Newell:  I J A Newham:  S J Thorpe:  A F Tomlinson:  Mrs P R Wilkinson              and N J B Willens:

 

249/2007            ALSO PRESENT

 

                            PC A Podham and PCSO C Pass, Derbyshire Constabulary and 18            Parishioners.

 

250/2007            POLICE

 

                            PC Adam Podham, Derbyshire Constabulary advised Council Members     he was the new Beat Officer for the Parish of Blackwell, also in attendance         was PCSO Clare Pass.

 

                            PC Podham advised Council Members of:

 

1.                                Action being currently considered with regard to off-road motorcyclists.

 

                            PC Podham noted Members concerns regarding:

 

1.                                Off-road motorcyclists using the Westhouses/New Hucknall Trail.

2.                                Car parking during school time outside Newton Primary School.

3.                                Teenagers causing noise, nuisance etc. outside the Council’s Newton Community Centre.

 

                            RESOLVED that PC Podham be thanked for his attendance and report.

 

251/2007            OPEN FORUM

 

                            Mrs G Smith, Newton thanked Council Members for their support in objecting to the proposals by Godwin Developments Limited at Alfreton Road, Newton but further advised Members a Planning Application had now been submitted to Bolsover District Council for the erection of 56 dwellings on the aforementioned land.

 

              Mrs J Smith, Newton also expressed concerns with regard to the               proposed development and the likely increase in the number of children

 

              who would be accessing North Street/South Street Play area and that both                roads were unadopted.

 

Mr G Rollinson, Newton advised Council Members of teenagers causing noise, nuisance etc. at Meadow Grove, Newton and requested Police action be taken with regard to this particular matter.

 

He further advised Council Members he had been the recipient of various threats at Littlemoor Lane Allotments.

 

The Chairman of the Council advised Mr Rawlinson that further in the Agenda there was an item with regard to the Littlemoor Lane Allotments.

 

Mrs A Riley, Newton requested consideration be given to the provision of a litter bin outside Newton Primary School and it was agreed the Clerk contact Bolsover District Council with regard to the possible provision of same.

 

Mrs C Adams, Hilcote advised Council Members of the difficulties experienced at School time trying to cross New Lane, Hilcote for the school bus, and of the number of occasions that her children had been late for school.

 

Councillor C R Moesby, in his capacity as a County Councillor, advised Mrs Adams that a Traffic Survey would be undertaken towards the end of the month at New Lane, Hilcote and further consideration would be given to Mrs Adams comments.

 

Mrs L Fowkes, Hilcote asked Councillor C R Moesby if the Traffic Survey would cover all aspects of vehicles using New Lane, Hilcote and she was assured this would be so.

 

252/2007            COUNTY COUNCILLOR C R MOESBY

 

                            County Councillor Clive Moesby advised Council Members:

 

1.                                Loves Lane, Tibshelf – plans were still awaited by Derbyshire County Council from H J Banks and Son Limited.

2.                                Construction of the Rail Head at the Engine Shed Reclamation Site, Westhouses.

3.                                Traffic problems, Fordbridge Lane – H W Martin Limited.

4.                                Proposed Children’s Centre at Blackwell School – consultation to be held on 12 March 2008.

5.                                Rearrangement of the 30 mph signs at Fordbridge Lane, South Normanton.

6.                                Consultation by Derbyshire County Council regarding road side tributes.

7.                                The cost to Derbyshire County Council for clearing fly tipping in the financial year 2006/2007 was £900,00.00.

 

8.                                Tibshelf School to be expanded at a cost of £17 million pounds and the pupils from the former Tupton and Danecourt Schools were being transferred to Tibshelf School.

 

9.                                Work carried out by the Trading Standards Department.

 

Councillor E P Newell requested consideration be given to extending the 30 mph signs to the South Normanton side of the railway bridge at New Lane, Hilcote but County Councillor Moesby explained to Councillor Newell as there was no residential development at that particular point the County Council had no legal powers to install 30 mph signs at that location.

 

                            RESOLVED County Councillor Clive Moesby be thanked for his report.

 

253/2007            NEWTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

 

Mrs D Willens, Newton Community Association advised Council Members of activities undertaken by the Association which included:

 

1.                                Facilitated the setting up of a Neighbourhood Watch Area on Alfreton Road, Newton.

2.                                The Association had received a Grant of £59.00 from the Derbyshire Community Foundation Rural Solutions for the cost of a Film Licence.

3.                                The next Film Show would be held at Newton Community Centre on Thursday 27 March.  The film had not yet been decided.

4.                                A Meeting to be held at Newton Community Centre on Thursday 13 March 2008 which was open to all Newton residents to discuss the proposed Multi-Use Games Area to be located at Charnwood Crescent Playing Field, Newton.

 

                            RESOLVED Mrs Willens be thanked for her attendance and report.

 

254/2007            WESTHOUSES RESIDENTS ACTION GROUP

 

There was no report from the Westhouses Residents Action Group.

 

255/2007            HILCOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AND LEISURE GROUP

 

Mrs M Helm, Hilcote Environmental and Leisure Group advised Council Members of activities undertaken by the Group and further informed the Council of the proposed raised flower beds to be installed at various locations within the village.

 

Following a suggestion from the Chairman of the Council Mrs Helm agreed to forward plans to the Council for their consideration.

 

 

Following a suggestion from Councillor A F Tomlinson it was agreed the Clerk speak with the Highways Department, Derbyshire County Council with regard to insurance etc. with regard to the proposed planters.

 

256/2007            BLACKWELL RESIDENTS ACTION GROUP

 

Mrs K Childs, Blackwell Residents Action Group thanked Council Members for their positive support with regard to the Association and outlined activities that the Group had undertaken:

 

1.                                Shed and Tools had been purchased.

2.                                The Website was up and running and to date a total of 600 hits had been recorded.

3.                                Blackwell in Bloom.

4.                                Educational Projects.

5.                                Poster Competition “Keep Blackwell Tidy”.

6.                                Litter Pick that had taken place on 24 February 2008.

7.                                Bolsover District Council had given permission to the Group to plant bulbs on the island on Demon Street and alongside the pathway between Alfreton Road and Victoria Drive, Blackwell.

8.                                Provision of a Planter could be installed adjacent to Woburn House, Blackwell.

9.                                A survey of residents to ascertain their views, expectations etc.

10.                           The Annual General Meeting of the Group would take place on 13 May 2008.

 

RESOLVED that Mrs K Childs, Blackwell Residents Action Group be thanked for her attendance and report.

 

257/2007            APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

 

Apologies for Absence were received from Councillor R J Sainsbury.

 

258/2007                  CODE OF CONDUCT/REGISTER OF MEMBERS    INTERESTS/HOSPITALITY REGISTER

 

The Chairman of the Council, Councillor reminded Council Members of the principals of those holding public office which were selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership and these principles form part of the new ethical framework guidance issued by the Standards Board for England. The Chairman also reminded Council Members that Members must, within twenty-eight days of receiving any gift or hospitality or materials, benefits or advantage over the value of £25.00 relating to or arising out of their position as a Member, provide written notification to the District of Bolsover Monitoring Officer of the existence and nature of that gift or hospitality, material, benefit or advantage.

 

259/2007             MINUTES

 

                            The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 4 February 2008 were approved and signed as a correct record.

 

260/2007             CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

The Clerk reported his recent conversation with the organizer of Blackwell Youth Club, Mrs K Mitchell who had advised him on 21/24 March 2008, 25 Youth Club Members, plus 4 volunteers were attending for four days, Kingswood Educational Activity Centre in Staffordshire.

 

Full board had been provided for all participants and the activities would be between 9.00 a.m and 9.00 p.m.

 

Mrs Mitchell also advised the Clerk there had been an increase in the number of youngsters attending the Youth Club and this was much appreciated.

 

Councillor A F Tomlinson praised the work of the Youth Club Organiser and all of the volunteers.

 

261/2007             ALLOTMENTS

 

The Clerk reported to Council Members that following Minute 246/2007 the Committee Meeting of the Newton and Blackwell Allotment Gardner’s Association had been held on 6 February 2008 and not 13 February 2008 as originally stated.

 

The Clerk further reported that following consultation with the Chairman of the Council, he had written to the Secretary of the Association outlining the concerns of the Council with regard to conduct of Allotment Holders towards each other and on 2 March 2007 he had received the resignations of the Association Secretary and two Committee Members.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.                                The Clerks report be noted.

2.                                An urgent Meeting be arranged with the remaining Committee Members of the Newton and Blackwell Allotment Gardeners Association to clarify a number of outstanding issues.

 

It was agreed the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Councillor S J Thorpe and the Clerk meet with the remaining Committee Members.

 

The Clerk also reported a letter had been handed to him prior to the commencement of the Meeting by an Allotment Holder and he suggested this letter be discussed at the next Meeting of the Council.

 

Following a suggestion from Councillor A F Tomlinson it was further agreed that the matter be an exempt item.

 

262/2007             HIGHWAYS

 

 

                            There were no reports with regard to Highways.

 

263/2007             PLAYING FIELDS

 

 

The Clerk reported for information he had been in contact with the

 

Charity Commission who had advised him there were no objections with regard to the extension of the footpath at Tibshelf Road Playing Field, Westhouses and the proposed installation of a multi-sports unit at Charnwood Crescent Playing Field, Newton.

 

The Clerk further reported that only one estimate had been received for grass-cutting for the year 2008/2009 and this was from Bolsover District Council in the sum of £2409.06 plus VAT.

 

                            RESOLVED the estimate for grass-cutting for the year 2008/2009 from Bolsover District Council in the sum of £2409.06  plus VAT be accepted.

 

Councillors Mrs S A Gray and A F Tomlinson declared an interest in the aforegoing item and took no part in the discussion and decision thereon.

 

264/2007             FOOTPATHS

 

The Clerk reported for information the temporary closure of Public Footpath 34/41 from 25 February to 16 March 2008.

 

Councillor I J A Newham requested that consideration be given to the tidying up of the Footpath at the rear of Demon Street to the garages located in the same area.

 

RESOLVED the Clerk write to Bolsover District Council as owners of that particular stretch of land requesting the Footpath be cleared.

 

265/2007             ACCOUNTS

 

                            The Clerk submitted a list of accounts for payment totaling £8253.71                    and it was agreed these be paid.  The Clerk also furnished for Members information:

 

1.                                Copy of the Council’s Bank Reconciliation Statement.

 

2.                                Copy of the Council’s Audit Form confirming the Councils current financial position.

 

3.                                Copy of the Council’s Bank Statement.

 

The aforegoing documents conform to the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003 (SI No. 553).

 

266/2007             BOLSOVER LOCAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

 

                            The Clerk reported for information the first Bolsover Fairtrade would be

 

                            held at the Assembly Hall, Bolsover on 6 March 2008 between 8.30 a.m.             and 3.00 p.m.  The Clerk further reported receipt of the following       documents from the Partnership Communication and Information Officer

 

1.                                The New Geography of Wealth and Poverty.

2.                                Worklessness, Talking Youth Crime etc.

 

 

Councillor N J B Willens reported for information on his attendance at a Parish Council Liaison Meeting held on 25 February 2008 and of the presentations given by County Councillor T Trafford and Mr R Bennett, Bolsover District Council.

 

267/2007             DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS

 

                            The Clerk reported receipt of the following Derbyshire Association of Local Councils Circulars:

 

                            10/2008 – Annual Parish Councils Evening Night January 2008.

                            11/2008 – Local Council Review Subscriber Form.

                            12/2008 – Consultation in respect of Orders and Regulations relating to              the conduct of Local Authority Members in England.

 

268/2007             QUALITY PARISH AND TOWN COUNCIL SCHEME

 

1.      Councillor I J A Newham advised Council Members that              he was waiting for further inclusions on the Councils             Website.

2.      Councillor D G B Bullock advised Council Members the Councils Newsletter would be printed by the weekend and distributed week commencing.

 

269/2007             PLANS

 

The following Plans were submitted and determined as indicated:

 

1.      Mr J Leigh, 512 New Street, Hilcote – two-storey extension to side and rear of property – no objections.

2.      Grontmij, Grove House, Mansiongate Drive, Leeds – removal of 2 x 5m sections of hedgerow for access to Pumping Station Works and replanting – land east of Park Mill Pumping Station, Park Mill Drive, Westhouses – no objections.

 

Councillor Mrs S A Gray declared an interest in the aforegoing items and left the room during the discussion and decision thereon.

 

270/2007             PARISH CARETAKER

 

Councillor N J B Willens reported for information the Contract for the Council’s Parish Caretaker Mr R Walker was in the course of preparation.

 

271/2007             CORRESPONDENCE

 

The Clerk reported for information:

 

1.      Derbyshire Rural Community Council - Mr M Harris resigned as Chief Officer with effect from 18 January 2008 and Mrs H Lidgett was currently Acting Chief Officer.

2.      Audit Commission - Mrs J Bellard from the Audit Commissions Limited Assurance Specialist Unit had

 

           been appointed Auditor to Blackwell Parish Council for a                   five year period commending with the 2007/2008                            Accounts.

3.      Request for financial assistance Section 137 Local Government Act 1972 - St. Werburghs Parochial Church Council for Churchyard maintenance in the sum of £400.00.

 

RESOLVED a Grant of £400.00 be paid to St Werburghs Parochial Church Council for the maintenance of the Churchyard in the year 2008/2009.

 

Councillor I G Cox declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the aforegoing item and left the room during the discussion and decision thereon.

 

4.      Bolsover District Council – permission had been granted for the Parish Council to erect a notice board on land at the junction of Primrose Hill/Alfreton Road, Blackwell.

5.      Bolsover District Council Community Forums-

a.      South Normanton Community Centre – 13 March 2008 6.30 p.m.

b.      Bolsover Assembly Rooms – 23 April 2008 6.30 p.m.

c.      Shirebrook Miners Welfare – 10 May 2008 9.30 a.m. 

6.      Co-operative Bank PLC – the change of signatories had now been effected.

7.      Request for financial assistance – Miss A Jones, 187 Alfreton Road, Newton.

   

RESOLVED the application for financial assistance towards “Project Sri Lanka”,  by Miss A Jones, 187 Alfreton Road, Newton, be declined as it did not conform to Section 137 – Local Government Act 1972.

 

272/2007             MEMORIAL SEATS

 

Following a short discussion on the provision of possible Memorial Seats within the Parish of Blackwell

 

RESOLVED                  1.  That the provision of possible memorial seats                                          be discussed at the Precept Meeting in                                                    January 2009.

                                      2.  Consideration be given to the provision of a

 

                                           Memorial Plaque to past Members of the                                                      Council.

 

273/2007             POLICE

 

Councillor A F Tomlinson expressed serious concerns with regard to a document recently circulated by the Derbyshire Constabulary relating to the Key Individual Network.  Councillor Tomlinson considered the document to be an affront to Council Members in that it was addressed in general terms i.e. “to whom it may concern” and not

to any specific individual.  He further reminded Members the Local

Police Inspector was the only one within the Bolsover District who would not allow Officers to attend Council Meetings.  This was despite an assurance be given by the Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent D Kelly that Police Officers were able to attend Council Meetings.

 

RESOLVED the Clerk write to the Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent D Kelly, advising her that the Council would not be participating in the Key Individual Network, and also the lack of Police presence at Council Meetings.

 

The Clerk reported for information the next Meeting of the Safer Neighbourhood Team would take place at Morton Rectory Rooms on Monday 17 March 2008 at 6.00 p.m.  He further reported the crime figures for the Parish of Blackwell to 28 February 2008.

 

274/2007             MEETING

 

                            RESOLVED the next Meeting of the Blackwell Parish Council would include the Annual Parish Meeting and be held at Blackwell Community Centre, Woburn Close, Blackwell on Monday 7 April 2008 at 7.00 p.m.

 

                            The Meeting concluded at 9.00 p.m.