Parish of Long Melford s1

Minutes of Long Melford Parish Council Meeting held in the Library, Hall Street, Long Melford on Tuesday 15 th October 2013

Present: Chairman: Councillor P Turner (Chair) Councillors: M Brabner, T Coll, R Kemp, C. Michette, R Michette, J Lines, J Nunn, H Spear, D Walters and J Watts

Also Present: Three members of the public.

Attending: Gifford Lewis (Clerk)

The meeting commenced at 7.30 p.m.

01/10/13 Chairperson’s announcements Prior to the announcements the Chairman allowed consideration of the following two matters:-  Cllr Brabner had been advised that Greene King were considering painting the adopted BT phone box outside The Hare. The Clerk confirmed that the company had agreed to this job as a one-off but that it had to remain BT red.  Cllr Spear informed Council of the appeal for former Fleetwood Caravan site and the extended rights of the Fleetwood Action Group. Depending on the appeal hearing date Cllr Kemp would be a witness for the Planning Authority.

The Chairman gave the following announcements:-  On 24th September 2013 the Chairman attended the Annual General Meeting of the Sudbury and District Citizens Advice Bureau. Not surprisingly there has been a significant increase in clients contacting the Bureau with financial problems. Also there has been a substantial rise in the number of clients from Long Melford. He proposed that the Council may wish to recommend that an appropriate Long Melford Charity should make a donation to the Bureau. The Council endorsed this request.

 On 26th September 2013 the Chairman attended the Annual General Meeting of the Suffolk County Scout Council again at the Long Melford Village Hall. The County Commissioner Jenny Mullen spoke of the importance of local scout groups and town and parish councils working in partnership. The Chairman took the opportunity to inform her of the good work that has taken place in this village.

 On 4th October 2013 the Chairman, Cllr John Nunn and Clerk met with representatives of Babergh District Council. A follow up visit on 25 th October, to include Long Melford Open Spaces representatives, is to be held at the Country Park to explore opportunities and ideas.

 On 6th October 2013 Cllr John Nunn and his wife Sylvia represented the Parish Council at the annual civic service organised by Sudbury Town Council.

 David Burr Estate Agents have reaffirmed their sponsorship of bulb planting at the southern approach to the village. An order has been placed with the contractor with the potential planting week commencing Monday 4th November 2013. Consideration is being given to a similar sponsored approach on the Harefield Road green. Cllr Nunn referred to the planting of annuals on the A134 roundabout promoted by Sudbury Town Council and the request for volunteers to grow seeds.

 The Chairman, Cllr John Nunn and Clerk met with representatives of the business association on 8th October 2013 to explore a way forward to better promote the village with a particular focus on the website. A further meeting is planned to include the webmaster.

 On Saturday 7th December 2013 the Christmas Fair will be held with a number of festive attractions along Hall Street.

 The Chairman referred to further donations to the War Memorial restoration fund including a further anonymous one for £200 and £150 from the Lee Stock Music Festival 2013. The Silver Band Concert in the Village Hall on 21st September 2013 raised £719. The Chairman again thanked the Long Melford Silver Band and Village Hall Management Committee and all those that contributed towards the event. The Fund now stands at £4738.50.

 Police Special Constables carried out a speed check along the High Street on Tuesday 1st October 2013 and four drivers were cautioned. Incidentally there seems to be a spate of ‘missing’ SIDs with further ones being stolen in Hintlesham and Ashbocking.

 On a related issue of speeding in Bull Lane the County Council is currently re-considering the Policy on new 20mph limits and extensions to 30mph. In requesting feedback the Chairman felt that the reality of such low speeds and the extent of coverage need to be considered. Cllr Spear proposed and Cllr Kemp seconded that the current 30 mph should remain. This was endorsed with two abstentions.

 Suffolk County Council is considering its response to the proliferation of advertising signs in Hall Street and the Chairman referred to the circulated advice note ESE 01. The Council regarded any formal action as inappropriate but in feeding back to the Highway Authority would inform the Long Melford Business Association of the situation.

 With the clocks going back on Sunday 27th October residents are being encouraged by the Police to play their part by switching on to some simple crime prevention tactics. As darkness will descend earlier in the day, Suffolk Constabulary’s ‘Lights on Timers’ week (21- 25th October) aims to encourage people not to advertise their homes to thieves by leaving their property in darkness.

 In reminding the Council of the Remembrance Day Parade and Service on Sunday 10th November the Chairman stated that seats would be reserved for councillors and their partners. If you wish to be included then please advise the Clerk as soon as possible. As always a wreath will be laid on behalf of the Parish Council.

 Thanks to Rob Simpson a grant of £779.18 has been awarded by Babergh District Council to fund items for the Heritage Centre.

02/10/13 Apologies for absence

Apologies were received from Cllr C Spraggons.

03/10/13 To Agree the Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on 17th September 2013 These were agreed as a true record.

04/10/13 Declarations of interest or hospitality Cllrs Kemp and Nunn declared an interest in agenda item 12/10/13.

05/10/13 Application for Dispensations None declared.

06/10/13 To Receive the Minutes and Approve Recommendations of:- (i) Planning Committee Meeting of 17th September 2013 (separately attached) (ii) Finance Committee Meeting of 10th September 2013 including Amendments to the Council’s Financial Regulations (separately attached as minutes and Amended Regulations ) Cllr Spear proposed and Cllr Nunn seconded that these minutes and documents be moved. The Council endorsed this proposition.

07/10/13 To Receive the Following Reports and Comments:-  District Council - Cllr Kemp confirmed that with Section 6 status the Fleetwood Action Group would be able to address the Hearing for the former Fleetwood Caravan site appeal. The date of the Hearing may be changed which would allow him to act on behalf of Babergh District Council.

 County Council - In presenting his circulated report Cllr Kemp drew attention to:- o Broadband in Suffolk – the focus was on improving broadband speed and connections. o Save Local Pubs – the valuable role played by a local public house and the proposals for action under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007. The Chairman thanked Cllr Kemp for his reports.  Police – PC Darren Marshall introduced himself and explained his role in supporting PC Enise Bala and PCSO Hannah Partington. In addition he stated that Inspector Crick’s role had changed and that Sgt Horton was acting up. In referring to a circulated report he drew attention to the lower number of crimes compared with the same period last year. Police presence would be appropriate for both Halloween and the Big Night Out. He explained that the Police appreciated information including that relating to vulnerable members of the public. Cllr Brabner drew PC Marshall’s attention to parking behind The Bull in Cordell Road. Before PC Marshall left the meeting the Chairman thanked him for the report.

08/10/13 To Adjourn the Meeting for a Public Forum Related to Matters within Long Melford The Council agreed that Standing Orders be suspended in order that that the member of the public may ask questions regarding Long Melford and/or the business about to be transacted.

One member of the public drew the Council’s attention to the state of top part of Chemist Lane and the need for repairs. Whilst there would be some re-instatement by an abutting property owner the Village Hall Committee could not meet the whole of the quoted works of £2450. Cllr Kemp stated that he would be prepared, upon written request to the Parish Council, to provide £1000 from his Locality Budget.

The other remaining member of the public requested feedback on the previously raised nuisance issue. Cllr Kemp would confirm the situation.

09/10/13 To Reconvene the Meeting Following the Public Forum The Council agreed that Standing Orders be enforced at the conclusion of the public forum.

10/10/13 To Receive the List of Presented Cheques for September 2013 In noting the listed payments in September 2013 Cllr Kemp enquired about cheque number 502239 for £2790.00. It was confirmed that, as previously agreed, that this was part payment for an outstanding amount for the power supply for the floodlights in Cordell Place Play Area. Cllr Watts explained the proposal that lead to this Section 106 application and its support by the Safer Neighbourhood Team. Council noted that the remaining payment for the poles and lights was the subject of discussion and would be raised at Finance Committee.

11/10/13 To Receive the Following Reports and Comments:-  The Village Hall Committee – Cllr Watts stated that the Committee was managing affairs in an efficient and effective manner. With the kitchen refurbishment and pending action in Chemist Lane proven measures were being taken. In answer to a question from Cllr C Michette regarding the state of the kitchen on the night of the Silver Band Concert the Committee would be enforcing more control of the renter with a returnable deposit.  Community Association – Cllr Nunn circulated a report from the Chairman of the Long Melford Community Association that covered the last six months.  Police Liaison – The Council noted that this met as and when that there were no major issues. Cllr Spear left the meeting at this point.

 Long Melford Open Spaces - The Council accepted the circulated report.  Friends of the Holy Trinity Building Trust / Holy Trinity Hospital – In taking these reports together Cllr R Michette reported that all tenancies were let and that the building was in good repair.  The Suffolk Association of Local Councils (SALC) – The Chairman advised the Council that he was not able to attend the last SALC meeting.

Cllrs Brabner, Kemp and Nunn left the meeting at this point.

12/10/13 To Consider the Surrender of the Lease for Cordell Place Recreational Area and The Green Public Conveniences In reviewing the Clerk’s report Cllr Watts considered that it was important that the present recreational provision remained regardless of any transfer of lease. The Chairman confirmed this principle and his vision for the future. Cllr Walters proposed and Cllr Lines seconded the following:- (a) The termination of the lease with Babergh District Council for Cordell Road Play Area with the proviso that the recreational provision of this area remains; (b) Liaises, as necessary, with all parties including Long Melford Community Association, contractor and the Land Registry; (c) Requests that the Public Toilet Working Group reports back to the Council on the operation, use and/or disposal of the three public toilets in the parish. The Council endorsed this proposal.

13/10/13 Closure The meeting closed at 9.44 pm.