February 2012

WICKLEWOOD PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF A MEETING HELD AT WICKLEWOOD VILLAGE HALL ON MONDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2012 AT 7.45 P.M.

The following Councillors were present:- Mike Gamble (chairman), Andrew Goodings, Alan Goodings, Richard Goodings, John Hipperson, Simon Moore and Lorraine Long. The Clerk, District Councillor Michael Edney, PCSO Albinagorta and 9 members of the public were also in attendance.

Public Comments: District Councillor Edney reported that South Council had set their budget and were financially well set for the future, with money in reserves and an effective use of capital. There had been no cuts to services for residents and no redundancies, with staff savings being made through retirement and redeployment. Council tax had been frozen. PCSO Albinagorta was welcomed to the meeting and reported that there had been two crimes in January in Wicklewood, both of which had been domestics. There had been three calls to the Police, two domestics and one of an attempt to gain access to a property.

Action 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies for absence were received from County Councillor Steve Dorrington.

2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS Cllr Moore declared a personal interest in item 14 as the tenant on the land.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Council considered the minutes of the meeting held on Monday 9 January 2012 and agreed that they were an accurate record. The Chairman signed the minutes.

4. MATTERS ARISING 4.1 Swings – The Clerk reported that she had heard nothing further with the grant application and that a decision was due in March. 4.2 Insulation – a quotation had been received from a contractor near Diss who had quoted for laying composite on top of the existing roof (after a structural survey), or to remove and re-lay with composite. Cllr Long agreed to forward these quotations to the Clerk. LL 4.3 Village Hall Repairs – the kitchen repairs had been completed, the lavatory seats had been replaced, the lights had been rectified and the downpipe was in progress. The Parish Council thanked Mr Whitehead for carrying out this work. 4.4 Water Grups – the Clerk reported that despite chasing Norfolk County Council, she had not received an answer and would continue to chase this. Clerk 4.5 Tree in memory of Roger Worman – Cllr R Goodings was discussing this with Mr Carver.

5. TO RECEIVE ANY ITEMS OF BUSINESS WHICH THE CHAIRMAN DECIDES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A MATTER OF URGENCY. There were no items of urgent business.

6. CORRESPONDENCE

6.1 INCOMING CORRESPONDENCE 6.1.1 Email from Mrs Bardwell of Hillside Crescent suggesting that the Parish Council should visit the play area for inspiration for new play equipment. 6.1.2 Email from Council regarding Master Composter scheme.

Parish Clerk: Catherine Moore, 2 Low Road, Carleton Forehoe, , NR9 4AP Tel: 01603 758148. email: [email protected] 501

February 2012 6.1.3 Letter from Norfolk County Council outlining second consultation for The Willows proposed Power and Recycling Centre (more information at http://norfolk.jdi- consult.net/majordevelopments/) 6.1.4 Letter from Norfolk County Council introducing opportunities for learning and development for people with learning difficulties and disabilities. 6.1.5 Letter from Fenland Leisure Products introducing services offered. 6.1.6 Letter from Greater Norwich Development Partnership noting publication of the Draft Charging Schedules for Broadland, Norwich and South Norfolk. 6.1.7 Letter from Information Commissioner’s Office confirming registration. 6.1.8 Letter and newsletter from The Willows Power and Recycling Centre. 6.1.9 Email from PCSO Marie Albinagorta introducing as new PCSO for Wicklewood, working alongside PCSO Chris Shutt. 6.1.10 Electrical Inspection certificate from Kimberley Electrical. 6.1.11 Email from Norfolk RCC inviting Parish Council to attend ‘Localism, Sustainability and Kick Starting Community Activity’ event on Thursday 1 March at Mattishall. 6.1.12 Email from Norfolk ALC inviting Parish Council to attend ‘Neighbourhood Planning – How can we make it work’ session (various dates). 6.1.13 Email from Action Community Enterprises outlining motor vehicle mechanics taster sessions. 6.1.14 Email from Norfolk Constabulary highlighting that Norfolk is the safest county in and getting safer. 6.1.15 Email from MAK Ceilings and Partitions advertising services to install new suspended ceilings. 6.1.16 Email from South Norfolk Council asking for details of activities for older people in the area (on behalf of Norfolk Older People’s Forum). 6.1.17 Email introducing the ‘Yes to Better Broadband’ campaign and asking residents to register their interest.

6.2 OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE 6.2.1 Letter to Mid Norfolk Railway requesting line put onto website regarding considerate parking when taking photographs. 6.2.2 Email to PCSO Albinagorta requesting review of parking at Low Street, Crownthorpe during next Mid Norfolk Railway special event. 6.2.3 Letter to resident in Low Street, Crownthorpe explaining action taken in relation to inconsiderate parking.

Cllr Gamble noted that he would view the play area at Bracon Ash. It was noted that MG Hingham also had a very good play area. The Clerk was asked to monitor the Mid Norfolk Railway situation. PCSO Albinagorta noted Clerk that there was an event being held on 18th February and she would arrange for a colleague to review the situation then.

7. ACCOUNTS

7.1 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT Cllr R Goodings proposed and Cllr Long seconded and the Council resolved that the following items be passed for payment:

7.1.1 Catherine Moore Clerk’s Salary £142.40 7.1.2&3 Karen Bush Cleaner and Booking Clerk Salary £229.00 7.1.4 HMRC PAYE £37.00 7.1.5 Hugh Crane Cleaning Cleaning materials £78.13 Equipment 7.1.6 ESPO Stationery £15.73

Parish Clerk: Catherine Moore, 2 Low Road, Carleton Forehoe, Norwich, NR9 4AP Tel: 01603 758148. email: [email protected] 502

February 2012

7.1.7 Kimberley Electrical Remedial works at Village Hall £360.00 TOTAL £862.26

Current Deposit Total

Balance B/Fwd 1/01/12 3,663.28 16,308.36 19,971.64

Total Receipts January 2012 810.95 0.00 810.95

4,474.23 16,308.36 20,782.59

Total Payments January 2012 (1,036.18) 0.00 (1,036.18)

Inter Account Transfers January 2012 0.00 0.00 0.00

Closing Balances 31st January 2012 3,438.05 16,308.36 19,746.41

There were £563.00 earmarked funds (play area). Therefore the free funds were £19,183.41.

8. HIGHWAYS 8.1 Highway Officer’s Report Cllr Alan Goodings reported that the grit bins had been placed in the agreed locations.

8.1 Verge Cutting Quotations It was suggested that the verge cutting contact should be awarded on an annual basis to ensure that it was completed within the specification. The Parish Council agreed that the rural cuts would be awarded to B Clarke Contracting at £340 per cut. It was agreed that CGM would be asked whether their price for the urban cuts still remained if they did not have the rural cuts, and D Watson Contracting would be asked to submit a price for the urban cuts. The Clerk was asked to place the on the next agenda. Clerk

9. PLANNING

9.1 APPLICATIONS

9.1.1 2012/0123 23 High Street, Wicklewood To demolish existing old outbuildings and stable & to replace with a new kitchen extension - also to include a new garden workshop. No views or comments.

9.2 DECISIONS 9.2.1 2011/1782 Rose Cottage, The Green Wicklewood Existing 6 bedroom 2 storey house divided into 2 dwellings. New pitched roofs to replace a flat roof at ground and first floor levels. Approved with conditions. 9.2.2 2011/1917 29 High Street, Wicklewood Erection of single storey extension to rear and alterations to adjacent annexe/garage block. Approved with conditions.

10. PLAYING FIELD

10.1 Playing Field Officer’s Report Cllr Richard Goodings reported that he had inspected the play area on 25th January and that there had been no issues. Cllr Goodings reported concern that the hedge on the playing

Parish Clerk: Catherine Moore, 2 Low Road, Carleton Forehoe, Norwich, NR9 4AP Tel: 01603 758148. email: [email protected] 503

February 2012 field had been cut in the wet using a tractor with new agricultural tyres which had left deep ruts. He reported that Dale Watson had been asked for a price to vertidrain the affected area and that Brian Clarke had agreed to pay to repair the damage.

10.2 RoSPA Play Area Inspection Report –

Item Risk Action or Control Action Action Score Date Owner Swing 6 The distance between the seat side and the Swing 6 support is insufficient. Unable to gauge the structural integrity, advise an internal inspection of all fittings and components, or replacement. Grant funding being sought to replace the swings

11. WICKLEWOOD VILLAGE HALL 11.1 Receive monthly report on Village Hall from Caretaker The repairs had been carried out and there was nothing new to report. The bottle bank had been reported twice before it was emptied and South Norfolk Council had apologised for the delay. The gutter pipe was still awaiting repair and the fan had not been covered. 11.2 Village Hall PAT testing It was agreed that Richard Carver would be asked to carry this out. Clerk 11.3 Black out blinds in the Hall Cllr Andrew Goodings reported that the Cinema Group had asked for permission to put black out blinds into the village hall and had asked for a grant of £155.00 (50% of the cost) towards the blinds. It was agreed that this was acceptable and that the Parish Council would pay for the blinds, with the Cinema Group contributing the remaining cost to the Parish Council.

12. RECEIVE MONTHLY REPORT FROM BOOKING CLERK There had been several new bookings including parties on 3rd, 10th, 11th, 17th, 25th and 31st March, and 22nd April and possibly 12th May for Jitsu grading. All regulars were paid up to date.

13. TO RECEIVE CONSULTATION ‘ 2026 – SHAPING THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR TOWN’ AND CONSIDER PARISH COUNCIL RESPONSE TO SURVEY The survey was circulated and it was agreed that this would be placed on the next agenda. Clerk

14. TO RECEIVE AND AGREE AMENDED WAYLEAVE AGREEMENT FROM FREEDOM GROUP The wayleave agreement was received and agreed, and signed by the Chairman and witnessed by the Clerk.

15. TO RECEIVE SOUTH NORFOLK LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT POLICIES – FIRST REGULATION 25 CONSULTATION AND CONSIDER COMMENTS The document was circulated and it was agreed that this would be placed on the next agenda. Clerk

16. QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE 16.1 Beacon lighting / celebration event Various options for a celebratory village event were discussed, and it was agreed that an event would be held on the playing field / in the village hall on Monday 4 June 2012, culminating in the beacon lighting. It was agreed that the bar would be open and that free food would be offered. Cllr Gamble agreed to look into prices for a hog roast. It was proposed by Cllr MG

Parish Clerk: Catherine Moore, 2 Low Road, Carleton Forehoe, Norwich, NR9 4AP Tel: 01603 758148. email: [email protected] 504

February 2012 Gamble and seconded by Cllr Long that the Church Beacon be purchased at a cost of Clerk £299.00, all in favour. Consideration would be given to whether the event should be ticketed to ensure that village residents were given priority. The Booking Clerk was asked to inform KB Donna that the hall would not be available that evening. The Clerk was asked to advertise the event in the next newsletter, and to draft an advert for The Net for approval at the next meeting Clerk (deadline 10th March). It was suggested that a catering van could be invited to come to cater for those who did not want hog roast. It was suggested that an ice-cream van could be hired MG for the children. Cllr Gamble agreed to look into these. It was noted that Mr Carver had planted some flower pots in red, white and blue and would donate these to the Parish Council for the event, the Parish Council could then donate them on to a care home or other suitable recipient. Mr Carver was thanked for this. It was suggested that the EDP should be invited to cover the event. 16.2 Commemorative item for children It was noted that the Friends of Wicklewood School were to be asked to pay for half of the cost of commemorative items so that they could be distributed to children within the school who were not resident in Wicklewood. The question of children who were younger than school age, and those who were home-educated, was raised. There were 156 children in the school, 40% were from Wicklewood. Mrs Bush agreed to find out how many were home educated and also how many were in the toddler group. It was proposed by Cllr Andrew Goodings and seconded by Cllr Long that 400 mugs were purchased, with half the cost of the mugs for the school children being met by the Friends of Wicklewood School. Cost would be 400 x £2.25 plus £29.00 origination plus delivery. Any remaining mugs could be sold at the Beacon event.

17. TO CONSIDER ANY ITEMS OF BUSINESS THAT THE CHAIRMAN DECIDES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A MATTER OF URGENCY There were no matters of urgency.

18. VOTE TO EXCLUDE PUBLIC & PRESS FROM DISCUSSIONS ON STAFF SALARIES AND RECRUITMENT TO VACANT POST Due to the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, the press and public were excluded from the remainder of the meeting.

19. CONSIDER SALARY REVIEWS FROM 1ST APRIL 2012: 18.1 Booking Clerk – the NJC salary scales were considered and it was agreed that the Booking Clerk would be appointed to NJC scale 7 (currently £6.646 per hour) and that any future national pay awards would be implemented as required. 18.2 Caretaker – the NJC salary scales were considered and it was agreed that the Caretaker (and associated cover staff) would be appointed to NJC scale 7 (currently £6.646 per hour) and that any future national pay awards would be implemented as required. The Clerk was asked to write to Mrs Bush and Miss McGiveron to inform them of this change. Clerk

20. VACANT POSITION OF CLERK 19.1 To receive and sift applications – the applications were sifted and it was agreed that the following applicants would be offered interviews (in no particular order): Verity Pelton, Anne Panella, Mark Jones, Phillip Brooks and Sandra Dibben. Reasons for not inviting other applicants to interview were recorded. The Clerk was asked to write to interviewees offering Clerk them an interview on the evening of 16th February, and to write to the unsuccessful candidates. 19.3 To agree interview questions – the interview questions were received and agreed. 19.4 To agree when references should be taken up – it was agreed that references Clerk would be requested prior to interview, and considered when making the appointment following interview.

14. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING:

Parish Clerk: Catherine Moore, 2 Low Road, Carleton Forehoe, Norwich, NR9 4AP Tel: 01603 758148. email: [email protected] 505

February 2012

MONDAY 5 MARCH 2012 AT 7.45PM (agenda items to Clerk by Friday 24 February 2012)

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.25pm

Public Participation:

It was confirmed that the grit bins were for residents to use on the highway and pavement but not use on drives etc.

SIGNED…………………………………………… DATED………………

Parish Clerk: Catherine Moore, 2 Low Road, Carleton Forehoe, Norwich, NR9 4AP Tel: 01603 758148. email: [email protected] 506