The Parish Council Meeting of the Elstead Parish Council
was held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Elstead
Monday 6 December 2010, commencing at 7.30pm
Present: Messrs D Holmes (Chairman), A Jones, R C Terry
M Jeffery, P Murphy, R Holroyd, Mrs A Thomas, Mrs S Place
also attending Cllr D Harmer SCC and 4 parishioners.
Apologies for absence: Mr B Morgan,
1.0 MINUTES:
The minutes of the last meeting were agreed and signed.
2.0 MATTERS ARISING
1731 Gateways to village – Following the demolition of the village gateway in Thursley Road, SCC to resolve the matter. The replacement gateway is progressing slowly.
2029 Elstead, Royal & Bagmoor Commons - It was reported that agreement had been reached with the MOD and SCC on the works required to Bridleway 69, which would be undertaken subject to an ecological survey being undertaken by Natural England. Mr Murphy has e-mailed James Taylor, SCC, to progress the matter further and it was hoped that the survey would be undertaken by the end of October, this would then be agreed with Natural England.
2091 Thursley Road Recreation Ground – Football Club – Following the previous issue raised by Mr Chivers on possible damage to his property by footballs,
Mr Murphy, Mr Jeffery and Dr P O’Donnell, the Sharks’ representative, met on site to resolve the matter and discussed the proposal with Mr Chivers. The measures proposed were agreed in principle. A letter has also been received from Mr Chivers’ Solicitors regarding the matter, setting out the position based on nuisance, possible damage to his property and what has been suggested. This concern has again been reviewed with all parties and a principle has been agreed. Mr Chivers’ Solicitors would be written to on the matter of assurance as requested.
2094 Burford Lodge Recreation Ground Car Park – Due to the recent heavy period of rain, the new car park is causing concern that it is getting waterlogged. Members considered what action should be taken. It was agreed to lay an area of “road plainings” down the centre of the car park. The 4 nr bollards have been installed together with a safety chain.
2104 Website Position -The Clerk has approached a web-builder to progress the new website for the Parish Council.
3.0 CROFT NURSERIES – PLAYGROUND
2122 The Parish Council have been approached by the Croft Nurseries Residents Association regarding the taking over of the play area.
The Croft Residents Association has put in for permission to rescind a playground condition C25 attached to the croft playground so that it can revert to grass. In six months time the Residents Association have to take over the playground, but the problem is that simply only 8 houses make up the Residents Association. Thames Valley Homes run the other 22 houses and won’t invite their tenants/part-owners to join, so only 8 houses will share the playground cost when they have to take it over.
The 8 households, whilst they like the playground being there, have a problem
with the financing. Waverley has declined to take on the playground.
Before the Parish Council consider the request, we are looking at maintenance, insurance and public liability and safety checks added to our existing commitments. In addition to the above, we are also reviewing and investigating the legal implications on such a transfer. When all items have been reviewed the information will be passed to the Council’s solicitors for comment prior to any decision being made.
4.0 BURFORD RECREATION GROUND – SKATEBOARD/RAMP APPRAISAL
2123 Following the approach by the Elstead Scout Group for the support to consider a skateboard area at Burford Recreation Ground, a report was prepared as appendix A and reviewed by Members. It was noted that a consultation would be undertaken and run by the Parish Council to gauge local residents’ views before any decision was made on such a facility. It was also stated that the Parish Council would not be funding the facility, the costs would be raised by the Scout group by obtaining grants and the current costs could be between
£30-40,000, depending on size and design. Additional items to be considered were planning requirements, drainage and insurance liabilities on the Parish Council as land owners.
5.0 PLAYGROUND CONSULTATIONS
2124 Mrs Thomas gave a general update on the proposals of the public consultation that was held on 4 December 2010 in the Thursley Road Pavilion. The turn out was not as hoped for and was considered poor. However, those that did attend were enthusiastic for the proposals. A review consultation would be held at the school. The position would be ongoing; as yet no additional funding has been obtained from outside bodies.
6.0 AGE CONCERN REPORT
2125 Mr Jones attended the Age Concern meeting held on the 26 November 2010 and gave a brief synopsis of that meeting. Funding was causing concern as uncertainty was stated due to the various cuts now imposed by Central Government. The facilities provided are well used by various local communities and was needed in the area as it gave general support to those that needed help and assistance.
7.0 ENVIRONMENT AGENCY – EXERCISE WATERMARK 2011
2126 The Parish Council has registered its interest in the scheme and would review nearer the time as to its participation.
8.0 ALLOTMENT DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS
2127 Mr Murphy reported that the additional drainage had been completed and was working well.
9.0 FINANCE COMMITTEE
2128 The minutes of the finance committee were reviewed and it was agreed to increase the allowance for contingencies from £1,500 to £3,500. This was due to the current uncertainty of the compensatory grant and what additional items may be imposed by SCC or Waverley onto the Parish Council. The current precept level for the year 2011 – 2012 was now £29,188.00. It was however noted that should SCC or WBC delegate additional items to the Parish Council the precept may need to be raised again.
10.0 PLANNING COMMITTEE
2129 The minutes of the planning committee held on the 30 November 2010 were noted.
11.0 PARISH & TOWN COUNCIL PLANNING FORUM
2130 Mr Holroyd agreed to attend the meeting to be held on 8 December 2010.
12.0 REPORTS, CONSULTATIONS AND REVIEW OF DOCUMENTS
2131 The reports received were noted.
13.0 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
2132 Accounts for payment:
The following accounts for December are presented for payment £
* C P Newman - Salary December, meetings, copies, mileage, 620.65
* Southern Electric – Burford Lodge Rec 7.94
* Daniel Ciran – Village maintenance 148.12
* South East Water – Burford Lodge, Cemetery 422.90
* United Reformed Church – Hire charges 56.00
* Blue Sky Tree Care – Thursley Road Rec tree works 493.75
* Mr D Holmes – Chairman’s allowance 107.50
* Mr R Stacey – Burial attendance 24.20
* Elstead Allotment Association – Grant aid 500.00
* Smith Charity – Christmas donation 20 @ £70.00 1,400.00
14.0 CORRESPONDENCE
15.0 MATTERS RAISED BY MEMBERS (FOR NOTING)
2133 A number of items were noted on maintenance issues; these will be dealt with and included on the maintenance schedule.
2134 It was requested that the plaque on Guardian Court would be requested to be given to the Parish Council if the building was finally demolished.
16.0 MATTERS RAISED BY PARISHIONERS
2135 Mr Rothwell, the Croft Nurseries Residents Association representative, gave a view of the playground position and was asking that the Parish Council take it over. The matter was reviewed above at item 2122.
2136 Cllr Harmer raised the matter of a possible transfer of SCC Highways “horticulture” matters and to seek whether the Parish Council would be prepared to participate in such a scheme. Whilst the Parish Council would be interested, funding would need to be considered. A meeting would be set up with all interested parties and hosted by Waverley Western Villages Transportation Task Group.
2137 A question was raised relative to gritting of pavements and roads during the recent bad weather conditions. Cllr Harmer responded that gritting was prioritised under categories 1 schools and hospitals and 2 major A roads and artery roads between villages. It was noted that the grit bins in Elstead were empty, this was considered as not related to item 1 or 2, they would be refilled when available and not deemed a priority.
Meeting closed 22.15