BLACKWELL  PARISH  COUNCIL

 

Minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting of the Blackwell Parish Council held at Hilcote Community Centre, New Street, Hilcote on Monday 14 May 2007 at 7.00 p.m.

 

                   PRESENT

 

                   Councillors D G B Bullock:  I G Cox:  D Hemingray:  J Lomas:  C R Moesby:  I J              A Newham:  R J Sainsbury:  A F Tomlinson:  Mrs P R Wilkinson and N J B                                 Willens.

 

22/2007     ALSO PRESENT

 

                   PCSO Clare Pass, Derbyshire Constabulary and twenty four Parishioners.

 

                   In the absence of the outgoing Chairman former Councillor Mrs C Munks,                                  Councillor A F Tomlinson opened the Meeting.

 

                   Councillor Tomlinson thanked outgoing Council Members for all their hard work              and effort they had given in the last four years for the residents of the Parish of                Blackwell.

 

                   He also thanked the outgoing Chairman, former Councillor Mrs C Munks, for her                       financial success regarding the complete rebuilding of the Hilcote Community              Centre.

 

23/2007     ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

 

                   Proposed by Councillor I J A Newham and seconded by Councillor Mrs P R                              Wilkinson that Councillor D G B Bullock be elected Chairman of Blackwell                                Parish Council for the year 2007/2008.

 

                   Councillor D G B Bullock in the Chair and he signed the Declaration of                           Acceptance of Office.

                           

                   Councillor Bullock also thanked former Chairman Mrs Clare Munks and all                                 outgoing Council Members for all their work on behalf of the residents of the                             Parish of Blackwell.

 

24/2007     ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN

 

                   Proposed by Councillor Mrs P R Wilkinson and seconded by Councillor I G Cox                         that Councillor N J B Willens be elected Vice-Chairman of the Blackwell Parish                Council for the year 2007/2008.

 

                   Councillor N J B Willens signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

 

25/2007     NEWTON/BLACKWELL ALLOTMENT AND LEISURE GARDENERS                                 ASSOCATION

 

                   RESOLVED Councillor N J B Willens be the Councils representative on the                             Newton/Blackwell Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Association.

 

26/2007     DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE

 

                   The Chairman of the Council, Councillor D G B Bullock welcomed all Members               of the Council and invited them to sign their Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

 

27/2007     OPEN FORUM

 

                   Mrs L Hounsell, Newton asked Council Members if action could be taken to                          stop fly tipping on an area of land, thought to be owned by Derbyshire County               Council, opposite St Werburghs Church, Old Blackwell.

 

                   It was agreed the Clerk contact the Highways Department, Derbyshire County                Council to ascertain the ownership of the land concerned.

 

                   Mrs Housell further asked if there was any further information with regard to the               proposed Children’s Centre at Blackwell/Newton Community Centre.

 

                   She was advised by the Chairman there was an Agenda item for this matter to               be discussed later in the Meeting.

 

                   Mrs D Price, Hilcote requested consideration be given to removing weeds etc.                      from the Council owned bus shelter at Hilcote Lane, Hilcote.

 

                   It was agreed this be dealt with as soon as possible.

 

                   Mrs D Willens, Newton Community Association thanked all outgoing Council                     Members for the support which they had given towards the establishment of the                     Association and of the financial assistance that had been given towards various                      projects within the village of Newton.

 

                   Mrs C Bush, Blackwell advised Council Members that the new shed which                               had been erected for the Blackwell Parent and Toddler Group adjacent to                          Blackwell Community Centre had been broken into and would the Council                                consider providing a security light.

 

                   Mrs Bush was informed by the Clerk that a security light was in place and in                              working order.

 

                   Following a suggestion from Councillor A F Tomlinson, it was agreed to request                         the Bolsover District Council Ranger Service and the Police to regularly patrol                 the area.

 

                   Mr A Mumford, Newton requested that additional speed restrictions be                                   installed on Hall Lane (outside Newton Primary School) to slow down speeding                        motorists at that location.

 

                   Councillor C R Moesby, in his capacity as County Councillor, advised Mr                                   Mumford he would speak with the Highways Engineer, Derbyshire County                                 Council regarding Mr Mumford’s concerns and advise him accordingly.

 

                   Mr R Key, Newton, advised Council Members that the as yet unopened                                   Teversal Link to the Five Pits Trail at Newton was being used by                                               motorists/motor cyclists etc.

 

                   Police Community Support Officer, Clare Pass, Derbyshire Constabulary,                                 informed Mr Key the Police were aware of the situation and a joint operation to                        combat the problem was imminent involving the Police and the Ranger Service,                      Derbyshire County Council.

 

28/2007     POLICE MATTERS

 

                   Police Support Community Officer, Clare Pass, Derbyshire Constabulary,                                 attended the Meeting and advised Council Members:

 

                            1.     Crime Figures for the Parish of Blackwell to 30 April 2007.

 

                            2.     An additional Police Community Support Officer, Liz Revill had                                               also been appointed together with PC Amanda Clark who was Beat                                          Manager for the area.

 

                   RESOLVED  that PCSO Clare Pass be thanked for her attendance and report.

 

29/2007     COUNTY COUNCILLOR C R MOESBY

 

                   County Councillor Clive Moesby advised Council Members:

 

                            1.     His non-attendance at any of the Public Consultation Meetings with                                                 regard to the proposed establishment of Children’s Centre at either                                                        Blackwell or Newton Community Centre.  This was in keeping with a                                          Code of Recommended Practice issued by the Secretary of State in                                          2001 which said “that in attending such an event in an area for which                                             the Councillor is a candidate that the resources of the County Council                                         are being used for electioneering for the District and Parish Councils.                                            In light of this it is recommended that participation in such events is                                                 declined for the Purdah period”.

 

                            2.     The provision of a pedestrian crossing at High Street, Tibshelf in                                                     connection with the Five Pits Trail.

 

                            3.     Shipley Park Visitor Centre, events which had been organised for                                                   2007, information could be obtained on 01773 719961.

 

                            4.     Bolsover Food and Drink Festival, Bolsover Castle, 19/20 May 2007.

 

                            5.     The Annual General Meeting of Derbyshire County Council was held                                      on 25 April 2007 and Councillor Moesby had been appointed Cabinet                                       Member for Community Safety.

 

                   RESOLVED County Councillor Clive Moesby be thanked for his report.

 

30/2007     APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

 

                   Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs S A Gray and E P                Newell.

 

31/2007     CODE OF CONDUCT OF REGISTER OF MEMBERS                                                               INTEREST/HOSPITALITY REGISTER

 

                   The Chairman of the Council, Councillor D G Bullock, 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.

 

32/2007     MINUTES

 

                   The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 2 April 2007 were approved and      signed as a correct record.

 

33/2007     HILCOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AND LEISURE PROJECT (HELP)

 

                   The Chairman welcomed to the Meeting Mr M Davis, who advised Council          Members that a number of residents from the village of Hilcote had formed         themselves in to the Hilcote Environmental and Leisure Project.

 

                   He further advised Council Members that a successful “Litter Pick” had been      held and he thanked the District Council Members for their assistance in      clearing away all the bagged rubbish.

 

                   The Chairman advised Mr Davis he would be invited to the September Meeting             of the Council to give a progress report on the activities of the Leisure Project.

 

34/2007     CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

                   1.      The Chairman reported an invitation had been received to celebrate the                                    official launch of Community Voluntary Partners at Langwith Bassett                                        Community Hall, Upper Langwith on 16 May 2007.

 

                   RESOLVED that Councillor N J B Willens be authorized to attend the official      launch of the Community Voluntary Partners.

 

                   2.      The Clerk reported that the Community Voluntary Partners bus would be                 in the Car Park at Blackwell Community Centre on 15 May 2007 from 1.00                       p.m.     – 3.00 p.m.

 

                   Councillor A F Tomlinson expressed concern that no publicity material had been            received from Community Voluntary Partners with regard to the bus being at      Blackwell Community Centre.

 

                   Following a request from the Chairman of the Council the Clerk agreed to            contact Community Voluntary Partners to ascertain the availability of the bus for          the annual Newton Carnival.

 

35/2007     ALLOTMENTS

 

                   There were no reports with regard to Allotments.

 

36/2007     HIGHWAYS

 

                   The Clerk reported receipt of a letter from Severn Trent Water Limited and his    subsequent telephone conversation with them regarding water leaks along Alfreton Road, Newton/Blackwell.  Several Council Members commented that       the said water leaks had all now been dealt with.

 

                   Following a request from Councillor Mrs P R Wilkinson

 

                   RESOLVED the Clerk write to the Highways Engineer, Derbyshire County          Council, requesting a traffic census be carried out at Tibshelf Road/Alfreton      Road, Westhouses.

 

                   Councillor I G Cox expressed concern with regard to the siting of the pedestrian             crossing at the junction of Main Street/Littlemoor Lane, Newton.

 

                   RESOLVED the Clerk write to the Highways Engineer, Derbyshire County          Council requesting his views with regard to the pedestrian crossing at the         junction of Littlemoor Lane/Main Street, Newton.

 

37/2007     PLAYING FIELDS

 

                   The Clerk reported for information there was still some minor work to be carried             out at the Bamford Street Play Area, Newton by the Contractors Groundwork      Creswell but it was anticipated the Play Area would be open in time for the     Spring Bank Holiday.

 

                   The Clerk also reported that following reports from local residents, and after        consulting the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council, arrangements had          been made for the demolition of the vandalised Sports Pavilion at Tibshelf Road         Playing Field, Westhouses by R B Allfree and Company Limited.

 

                   RESOLVED the Clerks action be approved.

 

38/2007     FOOTPATHS

 

                   The Clerk reported for information receipt of two letters from the Public Rights of            Way Officer, Derbyshire County Council advising the Council:

 

                            1.      Proposed temporary stopping up of Public Footpath Number 1 for a                                 period of six months to enable Shires Developments Limited to                                         extract minerals and carry out any necessary related works within the                           vicinity known as the Engine House Site, Westhouses.

 

                            2.      The proposed permanent diversion of Public Footpath Number 9 to                                  enable Shire Developments Limited to extract minerals and carry out                               any necessary related operations on the Engine House Site,                                                Westhouses.

 

                   RESOLVED that both letters be noted.

 

                   Following a request from Councillor I G Cox

 

                   RESOLVED the Clerk contact the Footpaths Officer, Derbyshire County Council           with regard to the possibility of barriers being erected on the Public Footpath 15   at its junction with Littlemoor Lane, Newton.

 

39/2007     ACCOUNTS

 

                   The Clerk submitted a list of accounts for payment totaling £23,193.14 and it      was agreed that these be paid.

 

                   The Clerk also furnished for Members information

 

                            1.      Copy of the Councils reconciliation statement

 

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

 

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

 

40/2007     BOLSOVER LOCAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

 

                   The Clerk reported the next Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership and Parish      Council Liaison Meeting would be held at Whaley Thorns Village Hall, Portland Road, Whaley Thorns on 15 May 2007.

 

                   RESOLVED Councillor N J B Willens be the Councils representative at the        Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership and Parish Council Liaison Meeting to be           held at Whaley Thorns Village Hall, Portland Road, Whaley Thorns on 15 May             2007.

 

41/2007     DERBYSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS

 

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

 

                            1.      10/2007 – Model Contract of Employment.

 

                            2.      11/2007 – Training

 

                            3.     12/2007 –General Circular – Section 137 Monies.

 

42/2007     QUALITY PARISH AND TOWN COUNCIL SCHEME

 

                   1.      Councillor I J A Newham reported for information he was continuing to                                          redesign the Councils Web Site and anticipated giving an up to date report                              at the next Meeting.

 

                   2.      Following a report from the Clerk, it was agreed the Chairman of the                                             Council produce the next Council Newsletter.

 

43/2007     PLANS

 

                   The following Plans were submitted and determined as indicated:

 

                            1.     Mr B Mills, 37 Alfreton Road, Newton – replacement of flat roof with a                                    pitched roof to dormer – no objections.

 

                            2.     Briar Estates Limited, South Wingfield – erection of one 2-storey                                                    dwelling land to east side of 26 Alfreton Road, Newton – no                                                                     objections.

 

44/2007     BLACKWELL/NEWTON COMMUNITY CENTRES

 

                   1.      The Clerk reported receipt of a report from Derbyshire County Council                                          following its Public Consultation with local residents regarding the possible                             establishment of a Children’s Centre at either Blackwell or Newton                                           Community Centre which conclusively indicated that Blackwell Community                                Centre was the resident’s choice for the possible establishment of a                                        Children’s Centre.

 

                   2.      The Clerk also reported a letter had been received from Mrs K Childs,                                          Blackwell Parent and Toddler Group also supporting the siting of a                                             Children’s Centre at Blackwell Community Centre.

 

                   3.      A letter was also received from Councillor Mrs S A Gray who indicated she                                  had spoken with a number of residents within the Parish Blackwell, all of                                    whom had indicated that the choice for the proposed Children’s Centre                                         should be Blackwell Community Centre.

 

                   Following additional comments from Councillor A F Tomlinson, it was                                         unanimously RESOLVED that the proposed establishment of a Children’s                                Centre by Derbyshire County Council should be at Blackwell Community                          Centre.

 

                   Councillor C R Moesby declared a personal interest in the aforegoing item and              left the room whilst the discussion and decision was taken thereon.

 

45/2007     CORRESPONDENCE

 

                   The Clerk reported receipt of a letter from the Solicitor to Bolsover District                                 Council with regard to the new Code of Conduct which became effective on 3              May 2007.

 

                   RESOLVED the new Code of Conduct be discussed at the next Meeting of the              Council to be held on 4 June 2007.

 

                   The Clerk also reported for information that notice had been received from the                District Auditor that the annual Audit of the Council’s accounts would take place                      on 31 July 2007.

 

50/2007     PART TIME PARISH HANDY PERSON

 

                   Following a report from Councillor A F Tomlinson and the Clerk

 

                   RESOLVED

 

                            1.     Subject to satisfactory references and Criminal Records Bureau                                                     check, Mr Richard Walker, 66 New Street, South Normanton be                                                  appointed the Council’s Part Time Parish Handy Person (the                                                     appointment to be subject to review after six months).

 

                            2.     The number of hours to be worked weekly increased from 16 to 22.

 

                            3.     An ex-gratia payment of £16.00 be made for each Saturday evening                                     opening/closing of Newton Community Centre.

 

                   It was also agreed that Councillor A F Tomlinson, in his capacity as a District                            Councillor and the Clerk liaise with the Direct Services Manager, Bolsover                                District Council with regard to training etc. of Mr Walker.

 

                   It was also agreed the Clerk make enquiries of reputable commercial vehicle                            dealers with regard to the purchase/lease of a 3.5 ton vehicle to enable the part                       time Parish Council Handy Person to carry out his duties.

 

                   Councillor C R Moesby declared a personal interest in the aforegoing item and              left the room whilst the discussion and decision was taken thereon.

 

51/2007     BANK MANDATE

 

                   Following a report from the Clerk

 

                   RESOLVED that Councillors C R Moesby and A F Tomlinson remain the                                  Councils signatories on the cheque book.

 

52/2007     MEETING

 

                   RESOLVED the next Meeting of the Blackwell Parish Council be held at                                   Blackwell Community Centre, Woburn Close, Blackwell on Monday 4 June 2007                      at 7.00 p.m.

 

                   The Meeting concluded at 8.45.pm.