BURSCOUGH PARISH COUNCIL

To: Cllrs Atherton, Bailey, Bell, Bullen, Crawford, Hardisty, Kennedy, Leyland, Mackrell, Makin, Reade, Sutherland, Taylor and Warrilow,

You are summoned to attend an Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council to be held on Wednesday 9 th November 2016 at 7.00pm at the Grove. AGENDA 1. Apologies for Absence: To receive apologies for absence. 2. Disclosure of Pecuniary and Non Pecuniary Interests: Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest in respect of matters contained in this Agenda, or brought up at any point in this Meeting. 3. Minutes of Previous Meetings: To approve and sign the Minutes of the ordinary meeting held on 12th October 2016 4. Residents’ Points of Interest: To receive any issues raised or comments from members of the public present. 5. To receive report from Police 6. To receive a report from County Councillor Dereli 7. To receive a report from Borough Councillor(s) 8. Presentation by George Pratt regarding Community bid for Library Building and Stables 9. To consider support for a community initiative to acquire the Library and Stables as a community asset 10.Finance: a. To approve the following items for payment: employee 2 s a la ry £ 285.37 employee 5 s a la ry £ 1,507.16 HMRC tax a nd NI £ 518.16 Peoples pens ion pens ion £ 414.42 NRE office lea s e £ 460.00 Hanna hryan Computer Services IT repa ir/check £ 40.00 Wa ring Colli ns news letter £ 777.60 Burs cough Heritage Group grant £ 618.00 ICO regis tration renewa l £ 35.00 CA Traffic ba ckpla tes for SPIDS £ 393.60 P & R Electrica l s upply/fit lights St Johns £ 1,778.40 Alpha Bus ines s Products photocopier June £ 74.84 Alpha Bus ines s Products photocopier Sept £ 107.69 RBL grant £ 500.00 Emp 5 reimburs ement weebly webs ite renewal £ 47.42 AA Tra ns cription Services flood group report £ 60.00 Des k Top NW s tationery £ 28.43 Emp 5 reimburs ement s undries £ 15.48 Emp 5 expens es milea ge £ 126.10 total £ 7,787.67

11.To consider a request from Nexus Planning to meet with members. 12.To consider taking ownership of the Village Clock, subject to WLBC bringing it back into good repair. 13.Mere Ave Tender for Play Equipment – to agree a panel to consider tenders, and to agree dates for community consultation and representations from shortlisted bidders and final approval. 14.Street Scene Meeting: to note the minutes of the street scene meeting and to consider its recommendations as follows: a. Hanging Baskets and displays: To agree in principle to increase number of floral displays, tiered planters, hanging baskets and barrier baskets, particularly in Burscough Town

b. Tollgate Road Roundabout: That in order to keep it tidy, to consider the adoption of the Tollgate Road roundabout subject to Burscough PC being able to arrange for sponsorship and its management

c. Tree at St Johns: that a further set of stars is purchased to hang on tree.

15.Outside Committees: To receive Reports on outside committees and events attended by members 16.To consider membership of committees and working groups 17.Interim Review of Polling Places and Polling Stations for Burscough East Ward district BEC: to consider response to consultation. 18.Time and date of next meeting

Signed Tess Reddington Clerk to Burscough Parish Council 3rd November 2016

Note: Members of the Public are very welcome to attend Parish Council meetings, listen to proceedings, and address the meeting about items relating to Parish Council business. Time allowed for residents to speak may be limited and is at the Chairman’s discretion. Please advise the Chairman if you intend to record any part of the meeting. Recording of residents’ comments is allowed only with residents’ express permission. If you would like to receive electronic copies of agendas for future meetings please contact the Parish Council Clerk, Burscough Parish Council, Martland Mill, Mart Lane, Burscough, L40 0SD or email [email protected]

Item 5 Police Report for October

26 reported crimes

1 X arson, industrial estate 4 X burglary in a dwelling, Moss La, Peters Ave, Rivington Dr and Liverpool Rd South 1 X attempt burglary in a dwelling on Rivington Dr 1 X fraud 1 X harassment 3 X assault 2 X theft from vehicle 4 X criminal damage, locks glued Jack Parkers, damage to tree on Smithy Wks, property damage by paying guest School La, 4 X damage to vehicles, one of which was committed by a young person who has been dealt with by means of Restorative intervention. 1 X interfering with a motor vehicle, motor bike parked off New La. 1 X public order 2 X stealing of a motor vehicle, both vehicles in poor state of repair 1 X shoplifting, SPAR

17 reported incidents of ASB

10 of which were personal for advice/info 1 x Parking issues on Ellerbrook Rd, a taxi driver having difficulties with a passenger, a report of travellers on the Ind Estate, report that someone walking around Rees Park Estate with a mask on, young people causing issues outside The Sinners Club and a report of suspicious people seen on Burscough Bridge train station.

Same period last year 31 reported crimes and 22 incidents of ASB

Item 11 Meeting with Nexus Planning Consultants

Nexus Planning are engaged by Taylor Wimpey (developers of the most recent 31 new homes at Heathfields) and wish to speak to the Parish Council about future plans for the WCF site.

We had offered Nexus a slot at the beginning of the Planning Meeting, as this maintained the general practice of meeting with developers in public meetings only. The consultancy would prefer to meet privately and advise that is because it is at a very early stage in their plan and that it would be premature to share in a public forum. The site is not presently earmarked for housing development.

I took advice from Peter Hamilton at CASS. His thoughts were that so long as meetings were properly minuted, and there is a public record, and can be shown to be transparent it can be useful to meet. His view is that a smaller meeting is sometimes better, with a small group, that can be more accurately minuted. He suggests that as an alternative to inviting them to a public meeting, the Parish Council could invite them to a meeting of the Neighbourhood Planning group or group of nominated members.

Item 12 To consider taking ownership of the Village Clock

Below is copy of email from Horologist to Rachael Kneale, head of property services. WLBC will change the mechanism if we are prepared to take it on afterwards. I have asked the Horologist for estimates of maintenance costs/guarantees and I hope to have that information in time for the meeting. WLBC have advised they have no funds to improve the look of the clock or to repair or replace the failed resin images – We would have to find funding to do that ourselves.

Initial response from Horologist is that a maintenance contract including annual service would cost approximately £250 per annum (I have asked for more information about what is and what is not included and will provide full details as soon as I have them)

I write further to our recent communications and am pleased to confirm that the visit was carried out on as planned on Sat 2nd April. Please find my invoice attached.

Report The clock consists of two Stainless Steel dials with Acrylic backing discs mounted in a circular Grp drum. A single circular fluorescent tube coupled to a photo-electric cell is used to provide internal illumination. A junction box for the photo cell which was secured to the internal face of the drum has come away and is hanging loose. The clock operating system is in three parts: A Belgium made, radio signal, minute impulse controller is housed in the feeder column adjacent to the Pillar Clock. This is hard wired to a relay box housed inside the drum. The relay box then feeds the two independent slave mechanisms where the motors are operated via double cams and micro switches to drive the hands. Access into the drum is only possible by removing the South facing dial.

Work carried out. Removal of the South dial was not simple even though it appeared to be a case of removing four set screws. There was no clearance in the dial holes and the set screws appeared to have been ‘forced’ home. They were eventually removed one at a time and the dial holes were then carefully drilled out to 6.5mm. The threads in the drum were then carefully re-tapped to M6. The dial is now much easier to remove and re-fit.

Once access into the drum was achieved, it was difficult to work on the system as the dial, along with the mechanism and hands only has a short lead and needs to be continually supported. It was also raining heavily and I had to ensure water was kept clear of all the electrical components. I did find that the mechanism on the North facing side would only working intermittently. The fault is electrical related and more than likely down to a fault in one (or both) of the operating micro switches. It could also be down to faulty connections or a relay issue. Due to the nature of the installation it was not possible to be able to identify the exact cause as this can only be done properly in workshop environment with all components together and the micro switches removed for testing.

I managed to get the North facing dial running again and set both dials to the correct time. After completion I waited another half hour and everything was still working fine.

Whilst I hope the clock will continue to run, I somehow feel this will only be a temporary fix and believe the way forward will be to bring the complete system into the works for a full overhaul and test. I can only guess at the time and potential cost that will be incurred however I would suggest a budget cost of £900 (including the cost of replacement micro switches) would be realistic.

I do not know how long the clock has been in position however I would be surprised if it has ever been a good timekeeper as the receiver is mounted inside the metal feeder pillar and close to power cables. Both of these are extremely detrimental for signal reception, which is paramount for consistent timekeeping.

With this in mind, an alternative, and potentially longer term approach, would be to fit a completely different type of system. For this installation I would recommend two new hard wired mains synchronous mechanisms and a controller that has a ‘built in’ memory and so does not rely on continuous signal reception. I would estimate the cost to upgrade to this type of system would be in the region of £2,200. With this equipment, time keeping would be ‘simplified’ and I would also be able to offer a full 12 months, on site, parts and labour warranty as well as ongoing maintenance.

I realise there is a lot to digest and hope I have set it out in a way that you can easily understand. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further clarification on any matters arising from my visit.

I look forward to hearing further from you in due course.

Kind Regards

Les Kirk Item 13 Mere Avenue Tender

Tender for Mere Ave Play Equipment is now posted on Contract Finder Website and we have interest from several play equiipment providers.  Tenders will be opened on 28th November. Please agree a panel for that meeting, commencing 2 pm  Provisionally, a Community Consultation is scheduled for 30th November, when each bidders design will be displayed and members of the public will be able to comment. Comments will be taken into account in the scoring process. Please confirm or rearrange date, and please consider whether or not you would like to volunteer to help on that afternoon. It would probably be helpful if the panel was present to hear first hand members of the publics views.  Panel members may need to meet again to review scoring in the light of community comments.  Finally, the panel will then invite shortlisted bidders to deliver a presentation and discuss their bid. Please agree a date for shortlisted bidders to present to the panel  If all goes to plan, a recommendation will be brought to the December meeting for approval.

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Dear All, Please see the attached template letter which you may wish to adapt for your council and send to your MP. At the recent NALC AGM there was an overwhelming vote to oppose the government suggestion which in effect caps parish council precepts and would involve extra expense at a time when Principal Authorities are reducing services and devolving them to town and parish councils. Regards, Marion ______Marion Gelder, Chief Executive Officer Lancashire Association of Local Councils 01772 750900 www.lalc.org.uk

Supporting Councils in the Palatine Dear [insert name of MP], Member of Parliament for [insert name of constituency], I am writing on behalf of [insert name of Council/county association] about the Local Government Finance Settlement Technical Consultation, in particular proposals by the government to extend council tax referendum principles to local parish and town councils. Our council/county association very much welcomed the government’s decisions over the last few years not to introduce referenda principles for local councils. Local councils account for just 1.7% of the £26 billion raised through council tax in England and have demonstrated fiscal responsibility in recent years with overall increases in precepts going down, rising this year by just 6 pence per week on average as a result of local councils taking on services from principal councils and funding not being passed on to them. We are therefore extremely concerned indeed about the proposals set out in the consultation, proposals which will be greeted by England’s 80,000 local councillors as a real blow to local democracy and their democratic role to make decisions on spending priorities and work with the local community to identify and meet local needs. Right across the country local councils are doing a brilliant job improving their areas; whether it’s by building community resilience, increasing house building through neighbourhood planning, providing local transport solutions, supporting the local economy and businesses, organising community events and festivals, helping meet social care needs and making places dementia friendly or giving grants to help local groups and organisations – all this and often more for an average cost to residents of just over a pound a week. [insert name of Council] plays a vital role in supporting the community through [insert examples of how your Council is meeting local needs and adding value in your community, how you are working together with others in support of devolution etc]. [insert name of Council] takes its financial management responsibilities seriously and fully recognises the importance of reducing costs and making efficiency savings so that we can continue to deliver and improve services, at the same time as minimising the tax burden. [or] [insert localised examples from Councils in the county association area] Unlike principal councils, local councils do not receive grant funding from central government or a share of business rates and are primarily financed through the parish precept. Therefore we really do believe these proposals amount to a centralist sledgehammer to crack a nut, at a time when the government should be supporting not undermining councillors and their important role improving communities. Introducing these new rules will also seriously damage the ability of smaller communities to help themselves and very much threatens the government’s previous commitments to localism and devolution. It is vital local councils continue to have the freedom and flexibility to raise the resources they need to invest in local services, especially at a time when they are taking on services and assets from principal councils, often much valued services which would otherwise cease completely and which communities want to see continue. So given their important and growing role, local councils should be celebrated and supported, not hindered by central government. The town and parish sector has taken up the challenge of delivering the localism agenda and the National Association of Local Councils is currently developing a devolution toolkit along with other resources which supports government policy on empowering local communities. Ultimately we want more people to get involved in local decision making and to be engaged within the communities they live – to be actively involved in local elections. Effectively ‘capping’ parish precepts and forcing councils to hold costly referenda sends out a negative message about the first tier of local government which is meant to underpin the localism agenda. In addition we are concerned about the unintended impact putting into question whether local councils would be able to take on a greater role including taking over services from principal authorities or taking advantage of community rights legislation such as neighbourhood planning. There is also the significant public cost that could arise from referendums, which in certain circumstances could be triggered by changes outside of our control such as increases in business rates or national insurance. In summary these proposals will damage communities and local services as well as undermine local democracy and the role of local councillors and we would request you support us and also write to the local government minister Marcus Jones MP to oppose these proposals. Yours sincerely [Council/county association chairman]

Item 14 Street Scene Recommendations

Burscough Parish Council Street Scene Working Group held on Tuesday 1 st November 2016

Minutes

Members present: Cllrs Makin, Taylor, Reade

1. Apologies: Bullen, Sutherland, Warrilow and Leyland.

2. Disclosure of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests: None

3. Cllr Taylor gave apologies that he would be unlikely to be able to attend all meetings for the next few months, or be involved in much of the work outside of meetings. It was unanimously agreed that until Cllr Taylor was able to return to taking a full part, the vice Chair will chair the meetings, but that Cllr Taylor should resume the chair when he is able.

4. To note the Minutes of last working group held on 27th September 2016: agreed as a correct record

5. Hanging Baskets and displays: It was recommended to continue the same theme next year but to have more barrier baskets and tiered planters, trying particularly to do more in Burscough Town. It was recommended, that while twice weekly watering was a significant cost, it was recommended that this be continued if necessary because it had worked well.

6. Tollgate Road roundabout: order is given out for tidying roundabout – it will be cleaned before 11th November and weed killer used, and then after 11th November, when the weedkiller has taken affect, it will be raked out and completed. We should ensure that LCC are aware that is a one-off clean up. If arrangements can be made for its adoption subject to Burscough PC being able to arrange for sponsorship and its management, then this committee would recommend that to full council.

7. SPID deployment: progress – backplates received. Awaiting LCC to pick them up and install. All plates to be marked as sample, “property of Burscough PC” etc. It was noted that businesses at the Business Watch meeting had suggested they might volunteer to help with the SPID on the estate. It was recommended that a letter be circulated to businesses asking if they would like to volunteer alongside the Parish Council news letter. 8. Speed restrictions/Road Safety: Discussed need for crossing near to Bull and Dog/Retail Park. Police /LCC advise that there is no road traffic accident record for that stretch so are not prepared to do anything to move it forward. If opportunity arises to move it forward do so. Ask WLBC to consider moving forward with the crossing which eventually would be part of the YTF/Grove Farm funded linear path.

9. Christmas decorations: Tree at St Johns looks better now its semi-permanently wrapped, rather than draped. Recommend buy more stars to hang on it. Awaiting Price for that and for Star for War Memorial tree

10.Mere Avenue Tender has been uploaded to Contracts Finder website and sent out to known interested parties. There will be a special tender meeting on 28th November when tenders will be opened, followed by a community consultation, and representation from up to three bidders. It is hoped that the final decision can be made at the December meeting or in January and that first phase of the build can be completed during first quarter 2017.

11.Review of budget requirements for 2017/18: It was note that the budget in the current year is likely to be stretched, and that next year it will be insufficient if good floral displays are included.

12.Other business: opportunity for members to raise issues not on the agenda. A member raised the issue that vinyl banners put up in several locations by the Packet steamer were making the main road look untidy, and it was likely that other banners would follow. Clerk has met with owners and explained. It is hoped they will take any action to work with us.

13.Date of next meeting to be 29th November 2016

Item 16 Nominations for Membership of Committees

Membership of Committees and Working Groups

This is a request to consider nomination for Cllr Makin to join the Finance Group. This may require the Finance Group to be held in the evening rather than during daytime.

Item 17 Review of Polling Stations

Notice of Interim Review of Polling Places and Polling Stations for Burscough East Ward district BEC and Wrightington Ward district WRD The Representation of the People Act 1983 (as amended) enables local authorities to review some or all of the Polling Districts, Polling Places and Stations within its area, outside of the compulsory timetable for whole borough reviews. As such, the Council has decided to review its arrangements for the BEC and WRD Polling District areas within Burscough East and Wrightington Wards, to make sure that electors are able to vote conveniently and efficiently. The Council review of the BEC & WRD Polling Places and Polling Stations will commence on Thursday 3 November 2016. Electors within Polling District areas BEC & WRD may make representations to the Council about the current arrangements. Where changes are suggested then representations should, if possible, give alternative places that may be used as polling places. Local political parties, Councillors and the MP will be consulted and views are invited from electors. The Authority also welcomes any person or body with expertise in access for persons with any type of disability to make representations or to comment on the Council’s proposals, the Returning Officer’s representations, or any other matter. Information on the current polling places and plans of the BEC & WRD districts can be obtained from Electoral and Administration Services at the address provided below or by visiting www.westlancs.gov.uk/elections Representations should be sent to Thomas Lynan, Electoral and Administration Services Manager, either by email to [email protected] or in writing to the address below. Representations are to arrive no later than Thursday 17 November 2016. Once proposals have been developed for future provision of the BEC & WRD Polling District following this consultation and input from the Returning Officer, a further opportunity will be given for interested persons to make representations. This will include an opportunity to review the input of the Returning Officer. This stage will commence on Thursday 24 November 2016. Terry Broderick - Borough Solicitor Council Offices 52 Derby Street Ormskirk L39 2DF Date: 3 November 2016 TEL: 01695 585013 - [email protected] - www.westlancs.gov.uk