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MINUTES OF BOLTON-LE-SANDS PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 7 th JANUARY 2008
Present: Councillor K Budden (in the Chair)
Councillors: M Archer, J Bailey, S Briggs, B Patrick, C. Pollitt, B Stockdale.
PC Lowe.
The Chairman opened the meeting by wishing everyone present a very happy new year. Cllr Patrick congratulated the Chairman on becoming Mayor of Lancaster in 2008.
PACT (Police and Communities Together)
PC Lowe reported on the 4 crimes for the past month which included damage to a fence, a vehicle interfered with but no entry made, damage to a vehicle and a driver off from Irvine's Garage where fuel was taken. Comparisons for the 12 month period in 2005 were 127, 2006 81 and 2007 82.
Youth related incidents there have been only 2 incidents reported within the last month. Police patrols have been prevalent and the village has been very quiet.
Apologies Cllr T Bell (holiday).
Minutes Minutes of the meeting held on 3rd December 2007 were distributed prior to the meeting. After slight amendment, Cllr. Bailey proposed acceptance seconded Cllr. Briggs carried.
5994 Environmental Matters
Parish Lengthsman Scheme Mike moved the light switch in the lock-up garage. With the help of Cllr Budden he put the newly painted bench back rest in place at the bowling green. He started clearing the stream on St Michael's and will complete the task next month; however it is still a mess at the back of the Far Pavilion restaurant as mentioned last year. He threaded some steel flat bar through the tennis court side of the netting where youngsters had forced it up to get under it and bolted it down to hold it in place. A new halogen bulb was fitted to the outside security light at the bowling greens. Some rights of way work was carried out and there are still items outstanding including working with the owner at Sandside Caravan Park to improve signage and access on the footpath through the site. Some urgent tree work was required at Thwaite Brow Woods, as there was a tree in a dangerous condition next to the path. The path had to be closed until the work was complete and he was able to remove the barriers just before Christmas. Litter picking continues every month including emptying the litter bin at School Croft.
A meeting will be arranged with all parties of the Parish Lengthsman Scheme in the near future.
Fly tipping opposite Parson's Moss reported where two gas fires had been left.
Encroachment of hedges along Bye-Pass Road was reported where the width of pavements in some areas have been reduced to half.
Telephone Box at the junction of Slyne Road and Bye-Pass Road has not been replaced satisfactorily and the Clerk was directed to contact the Chairman of BT to resolve the matter.
5995 CCTV .Councillors have been unable to make contact with Phil Corris of Lancashire Constabulary on the matter.
5996 Bowling Pavilion Deferred.
5997 Morecambe Lodge Car Park An offer of £1500 from United Utilities for this parish council to complete the refurbishment works at the site of the new sewer was made and accepted by Council.
5998 Booster Station at Mount Pleasant Lane Deferred.
5999 Land adj. A6 Deferred.
6000 Tennis Courts No comment received from the tennis club.
6001 Tree Warden This vacancy will be highlighted at the Parish Assembly.
6002 Annual Assembly The date has been confirmed Thursday 27 th March 08. Cllr Pollitt will design the leaflet, Cllr Bell will arrange the copying, and Cllr Bailey will arrange its distribution around the village. The Clerk will ask the Ladies of the WI to provide the refreshments and invite a representative from Lancashire Constabulary to speak. It was also agreed that the Annual Assembly for 2009 should be held on Thursday 26 th March.
6003 Reports by Members
Village Hall Management Committee Cllr Budden attended the meeting on the 6 th of December. Funds are healthy and fund-raising is on-going for the new kitchen alterations. They are due to hear about the £10,000 grant applied to the Community Initiative towards the cost of these works which is the vast majority of monies needed. The Hall continues to be popular and most of December is booked. General maintenance work is on-going which much help given by Mr Geoff Forrest. A review of the charge made to the bowling club for electricity will be made direct to the club. The next meeting will be held on February 7 th at 7.30pm.
St George's Day Parade and Service Cllr Bailey reported on discussions made with various youth organisations on a proposal for a Parade on Sunday 20 th April through the village to the church. This project is in its infancy stage but the idea was unanimously supported by the parish council.
Beach Clean is organised for Saturday 12 th January from 10.00-12noon at VVV.
6004 Correspondence
Lancaster City Council advised that although there have been changes to electoral arrangements in certain authority areas in England, there have been no changes in the Lancaster district.
City Contract Services identified areas of concern at the Play Area, a copy of which will be forwarded to Mike Ashton for attention where necessary.
Memorial Seat Mrs Freeman asked permission for a seat to be placed on the shore within close proximity to Red Bank Farm in memory of her husband. Permission was granted and Cllr Archer will assist in its location. In the meantime, the Clerk will arrange for a seat catalogue to be sent to Mrs Freeman for her to purchase from.
Lancashire County Council wrote to all parish councils updating them on the work to develop the Parish Charter over the coming months.
6005 Donation to Abbeyfield A donation of £40 was given to the Friends of Abbeyfield in recognition for the use of the electricity whilst the Christmas tree was in the grounds of Bolton Lodge.
6006 Accounts Payable
Councillor Patrick proposed that the following accounts should be paid. Seconded by Councillor Bailey - carried.
Payee / Description Amount Cheque No.
M Ashton ( Lengthsman x 4 parishes) £649.00 701319
A Swindlehurst (Greensman) £200.00 701320
P. Bradley ( Clerk's salary + petty cash ) £553.83 701321
Inland Revenue (PAYE) £17.92 701322
Ardus ( domain registration) £18.80 701323
SLCC (subscription) £91.00 701324
Travis Perkins (materials) £7.38 701325
T.I.C. (insurance) £783.79 701326
B.L.S. Fr. Grammar School (room hire) £54.00 701327
Abbeyfield (donation) £40.00 701328
T & C Planning:
Application No. 07/01407/FUL
Proposal: Conversion of former children's home to 2 No. dwellings, demolition of staff dwelling and erection of 2 No. dwellings Amended to 1 new build house.
Site Address: 119 Main Road, Bolton-le-Sands.
Comments: Council was opposed to the proposed new access which would be dangerous to all road users as the site lines to the south would be well below the minimum standard. It was also considered unnecessary to re-align the wall and all the works associated with the new access for three properties. The access at present served those using the main building as well as the staff house and therefore it was felt the proposed houses should use the present access in the interests of public safety.
The conversion of the children's home itself was supported; however concern was raised in respect of the new build which may be unneighbourly to the properties in Cross Hill Court.
IN COMMITTEE
6007 Budget 2008-2009 The budget for 2008-2009 was agreed and a Precept of £32,862 would be set making a 6 ¼ % increase on last year which included a 1 ¼ % increase due to the change in tax base.
6008 Vacancies Due to ill health, Cllr Moncaster tendered her resignation from the Council. Members accepted her resignation with reluctance and reflected on the time she spent on the council and the good works she did on behalf of the community. Members wished her a speedy recovery.
Cllr Val Histed no longer qualified as a councillor due to her inability to attend meetings for the last six month period, due to work commitments on Lancaster City Council.
The Clerk will notify Administrative Services of Lancaster City Council and the vacancies will be filled in the usual manner.
Signed: ..................................................... Chairman
4 th February 2008
MINUTES OF BOLTON-LE-SANDS PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 2 nd JULY 2007
Present: Councillor K Budden (in the Chair); Councillors: T. Bell, Bailey, S. Briggs, V. Histed, A. Moncaster, B. Patrick, C. Pollitt & B Stockdale.
P.C. Dave Lowe & Geographic Inspector Gary Roberts.
PACT (Police and Communities Together)
PC Lowe reported on 8 crimes recorded for June which included theft of a handbag, theft of a high powered vehicle from Croftland Gardens, distracted burglary at Byron Avenue, assault on Bye-Pass Road, common assault, damage to the railings at the school, damage to a vehicle and a minor assault. For the last three months, 21 crimes have been recorded compared to 28 for the same period last year.
Anti-social behaviour incidents for the last three months were 26 compared with 23 last year.
With regards to the pedestrian refuge on By-pass Road, the safety audit has been carried out. The signage has been altered slightly, but apart from that no more improvements will be made. It was disappointing that the concerns raised have been ignored, however PC Lowe urged members that if any vehicle is seen overtaking the refuge on the wrong side of the road, the registration number should be taken and reported to him.
Cllr Bailey expressed his concern that young people congregating outside the Scout Hall on Tuesdays are intimidating the younger children. PC Lowe said that Operation Summer Nights will be underway soon and this will take care of this anti-social behaviour.
Geographic Inspector Gary Roberts introduced himself to the council and gave brief details of his police background. He hoped he will be in post for at least the next two years and is delighted to be posted to Morecambe.
Cllr Briggs voiced his concern that despite the fact that he reports situations to the police, there is never any follow-up. Insp. Roberts apologised for this and promised to look at the situation and make sure resources are deployed in the rural areas.
Apologies Cllr. Archer, Cllr. Thomas.
Minutes Minutes of the meeting held on 4 th June 2007 were distributed prior to the meeting. Cllr. Pollitt proposed acceptance seconded Cllr. Bell carried.
5910 Environmental Matters
Parish Lengthsman Scheme The thorn trees cut out of the roadside boundary on School Croft have been taken to the bonfire site on the playing fields and burnt. Some Rights of Way were strimmed, though there are plenty more to do! The goal posts have been chained up behind the garage. The roadside hedge near Whin Grove has been cut back. The grass around the bowling greens and in the play area has been cut twice or more during the last month. Litter is picked on the play area almost daily. All the way round the playing field, buildings and fittings were strimmed and given a good tidy-up for Gala Day. The hedge on the school path was also cut. He congratulated the organisers of the Gala for the excellent job they made of tidying up afterwards. Following a complaint, the catch was removed from the tennis court gate and replaced with a new one of a safer design. He also strimmed the grassed round-a-bout at the junction of Pasture Lane with The Shore. With the assistance of Keith and David Budden, the rocking horse was dismantled and re-set in concrete to be used as a seat in the Play Area.
Play Area Playdale returned to site and installed the large swing which is disability compliant. Re-instatement works had to be carried out to the concrete which it is hoped has now been rectified. A little repair job needs to be carried out to the fence. The small gate was not wide enough for the large machinery to get through so a panel had to be removed. Cllr Budden voiced his disappointment with the way the installation has been carried out.
Tennis Courts A complaint had been received regarding the closing mechanism on the door of the tennis courts which has been rectified. It was asked that Mike look at the footpath alongside the tennis courts to school to see if works can be carried out to drain the water away as the area has been flooded with the recent bad weather.
Monkswell Avenue/Drive It was reported that the small grassed area at this junction is in need of cutting.
Bus Stop Flags Cllr Moncaster reported that these are completely hidden in some places by roadside hedges. Cllr Budden reported that these have now been exposed.
5911 Bowling Pavilion Deferred. Cllr Budden has tried to obtain further advice and estimate of costs to rectify the situation with regards to the pavilion roof without success. Cllr Patrick will make enquiries.
5912 Toilet Facilities in the Village Following the last meeting the Clerk reported that she has informed City Contract Services of the donation offered by this parish council and works will take place as soon as possible.
5913 Morecambe Lodge Car Park A response was received from Melvin Dawson of United Utilities. Their Landscape Architect has advised that it is not practicable to re-plant at this time of year. For the planted areas, they would like to remove all the fencing, prune off any dead growth and remove any dead trees/shrubs, strim / remove the weed and apply glyphosate to any weed regrowth and overseed by scratching in birds foot trefoil at a rate to cover the ground. Councillors raised their concern at the application of glyphosate as the neighbouring farm, that has grazing rights on the shore, is fully organic and this may have an adverse effect on their business. The Clerk will inform the farmer and Melvin Dawson accordingly.
5914 Booster Station at Mount Pleasant Lane Deferred.
5915 Land adj. A6 A letter from a local resident was received complaining about the fact the parish council is mowing the unadopted land opposite his house. The Clerk responded to the letter by explaining that the parish council has taken the view that any grassed area which is not owned by an individual, will be mown to keep the village looking respectable. The Clerk assured the resident that the parish council has no plans' for the land other than to retain a green area' within the village and sees it as a service to the community to mow these areas until such time as ownership is established.
5916 Pumping Station at St Nicholas Lane Whilst there have been no further incidents, the Clerk did try to contact United Utilities to ascertain if works have been carried out to reduce the incidence of flooding and awaits a response.
5917 Signage on the Foreshore The artwork is now with the manufacturer and the signs should be ready this week.
5918 Grange View Still awaiting a response from Lancashire County Council.
5919 Tennis Courts A meeting was set up with representatives of the tennis club to discuss the surface. It was identified that a complete resurface is ultimately required. The tennis club will explore the possibility of getting funding and the Clerk will approach three companies for advice and prices.
5920 Bus Shelters Cllr. Budden confirmed that Fr Diskin had no objection to the replacement of the bus shelter outside his church. Works will be scheduled by Lancashire County Council in due course. With the removal of the existing shelter, the notice board must be relocated. It was accepted that the notice board at Crosshill is a focal point of the village and therefore will be re-located either behind the new shelter or on the site of the library.
5921 Tree Warden The Clerk will make enquiries with Maxine Knagg of Lancaster City Council.
5922 Website The Clerk has managed to obtain the password and user name for the website from the hosting company. Cllr Pollitt will now attempt to get the website updated.
5923 Reports by Members
• Bowling Greens Management Committee A meeting was called by the Committee on Friday 22 nd June to discuss the length of the grass on the greens. Club members asked for the greens to run faster so Alan Swindlehurst agreed to scarify the green at the first possible opportunity, after which he will lower the cutting blade of the mower to 3mm. He agreed to monitor the situation to ensure that this does not have an adverse effect on the general state of the greens. Cllr. Patrick will liaise with the Sports Turf Research Institute to arrange a site visit and a report. Whilst the problem of watering is not an issue at present, for the future Alan Swindlehurst will advise members of the Bowling Greens Management Committee when watering should commence . Cllr Patrick voiced the opinion that the majority of bowling club members felt the greens were superb to play on as they were before and they did not need to be cut so low. He was encouraged to ensure the club members appointed to represent the club on the Management Committee spoke for all the club members and not just a few.
• One Voice Cllr Moncaster attended a recent meeting at their new premises The Cornerstone. Joanna (Jo) Williams is the co-ordinator and can be contacted on 382800. One Voice helps people with all sorts of disabilities and Cllr Moncaster said that it was good to know that these organisations exist.
• A Parish Charter for Lancashire Cllr Budden attended a roadshow run by Lancashire County Council at Lancaster Town Hall on June 25 th and explained that Lancashire County Council is now wishing to develop a charter and will work alongside a number of volunteer test parishes over the following 12 months to further develop it.
• Sports Pavilion The Committee met to discuss finances. The biggest item was the cleaning of the building. It was reported that the cleaner has now left and the cleaning materials are now being purchased at trade. There is an amount of £100 which has only just been billed for electricity which will certainly help with funds for the time being. However, vandalism is an on-going problem there, the cost for which is unknown.
• Brookfield Surgery Cllr Pollitt recalled that this was an item on the agenda which it was thought had been resolved. However, two members of the public have brought it to his attention that the usage of the Brookfield Surgery still falls short of what is required in the area. He pointed out that Carnforth, which benefits from two doctors surgeries, has a population of 5350 plus Warton makes a total of 7665. The population of Bolton-le-Sands, Slyne with Hest and Nether Kellet, amounts to 7907 and has the use of one surgery at Brookfield. Ash Trees Surgery in Carnforth has a total of 122.5 doctor's hours whereas Bolton-le-Sands has 29. It is also felt that the village is suffering a loss of 16% in local cover compared with that two years ago. It is not reasonable to expect sick and sometimes elderly patients so often to suffer the prolonged difficulties of bus travel and those patients who are handicapped and forced to travel by taxi face a very considerable expense, reportedly £7 each way. It is felt the practice is run for the benefit of the doctors and not the benefit of the patients. The Clerk was directed to write to the Practice with a copy to Geraldine Smith MP and the Primary Care Trust on the matter.
5924 Correspondence
An e-mail from the Clerk to Slyne with Hest parish council was received asking whether this council had made any comment about the teddy bear placed near to Whitendale Drive in memory of the boy who was killed there. This parish council has received no complaint about the toy but referred the matter to Lancashire County Council. There was also a letter received from City Council (Direct) Services offering to purchase bulbs on behalf of the parish. It was decided that an order be placed for 500 daffodil bulbs and that a request would be made to the Scouts for assistance in planting them. It was also considered a possibility that some bulbs could be planted at the spot where the boy was killed, the subject of the above e-mail.
5925 2006-2007 Accounts
The Clerk tabled a Balance Sheet and summary of Income and Expenditure for the year ended 31 st March 2007. The Annual Return was also submitted and duly signed by the Chairman. The Statement of Assurance was also approved and signed accordingly.
5926 Accounts Payable
Councillor Patrick proposed that the following accounts should be paid. Seconded by Councillor Bell - carried.
P. Bradley (clerk's salary + p/cash) £552.17 701264
Inland Revenue (PAYE) £18.02 701265
Lancaster City Council £494.84 701266
P McGaffigan £23.50 701267
STRI (subscription) £381.88 701268
A Swindlehurst (greensman) £200.00 701269
Alliance Cornhill £38.00 701270
Mike Ashton (lengthsman x 4 parishes) £1105.50 701271
T & C Planning:
Application No: 07/00844/LB: Proposal: Provision of a retractable awning to the rear. The Blue Anchor Hotel, 68 Main Road, Bolton-le-Sands. Comments: My Council was unhappy that the structure is attached to the existing building and felt it should be a separate building in order to ensure there is no infiltration of smoke.
Application No: 07/00759/FUL: Proposal: Extension to existing rear dormer window. 45 Sunnybank Road, Bolton-le-Sands. Comments: The location plan provided was out of date and did not show a number of houses that this particular development would have overlooked and therefore my Council is not aware what effect this extension will make to the adjacent properties. It would be most helpful if you could ensure an up-to-date location plan is provided for all future applications taking into account the developments on and around Tennyson and Keats Avenue.
Results of a Planning meeting held on August 6 th 2007.
Application No. 07/00766/FUL & 07/00765/LB: Proposal: Alterations to form ground floor disabled wc compartment, raised terrace extension to side with covered area and installation of platform lift. Packet Boat Hotel, 95 Main Road, Bolton-le-Sands. Comments: Concerns were raised by Council at the blocking off of the wall giving access to Packet Lane as this does give an alternative route for vehicles using Packet Lane should it be blocked by delivery wagons to replenish stocks at the pub. Packet Lane is only a single track road giving access to the car park for the use of those using the Community Centre, Playgroup and Bowling Greens as well as the collection and delivering of children to the local primary school. There is parking for vehicles at the forked junction with Packet Lane and Main Road at the present time. If the access through the car park is blocked, Council would suggest that this issue be looked at as this parking makes it very difficult for vehicles to access Packet Lane going southbound along Main Road and this proposal does appear to reduce the amount of parking within the car park.
Application No. 07/00857/LB: Proposal: Listed building consent for the replacement of windows and patio door. 12 The Nook, Bolton-le-Sands. Comments: No adverse comment.
Application No. 07/00957/FUL: Proposal: Erection of a conservatory to the rear. 46 Lowlands Road, Bolton-le-Sands. Comments: No adverse comment.
Application No. 07/00974/RENU Proposal: Renewal of appl. 02/00849/FUL for the erection of two storey extensions to rear of cottages.1-4 Packet Lane, Bolton-le-Sands. Comments: No adverse comment.
Application No. 07/01012/FUL: Proposal: Alterations to roof inc. dormer windows to rear and velux windows to front and rear. 22 Pinewood Avenue, Bolton-le-Sands. Comments: No adverse comment.
Application No. 07/01045/FUL
Proposal: Erection of two storey side extension. 115 Slyne Road, Bolton-le-Sands. Comments: No adverse comment.
Application No: 07/01073/FUL: Proposal: Erection of a retractable canvas awning. The Blue Anchor Hotel, 68 Main Road, Bolton-le-Sands. Comments: The comments of this parish council on the previous application still stand. Council is unhappy that the structure is attached to the listed building. It is felt there should be a separate building as concerns were raised that people being served through the rear door of the pub will have to go through this smoke filled structure where smoke can also enter the pub. Therefore any structure to assist the smoke free regulation should be away from the main building.
MINUTES BOLTON-LE-SANDS PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 4 TH JUNE 2007
Present: Councillor K Budden (in the Chair) Councillors: T. Bell, S. Briggs, A. Moncaster, B. Patrick, C. Pollitt.
Cllr M. Thomas and P.C. Dave Lowe.
PACT (Police and Communities Together)
PC Lowe reported on recent crimes which included theft of milk from a couple of addresses, theft of scrap metal, criminal damage, theft of a vehicle from outside the Blue Anchor as well as two domestic incidents. Since 1 st March 2007, there have been 20 crimes reported compared with 30 last year. PC Lowe also warned members that Sneak in' burglaries have occurred in the area and asked permission to place notices warning such crime to members of the public on parish council notice boards. Anti-social behaviour incidents for the last three months were 26 compared with 28 last year. He reported that this last month, only 4 incidents were reported compared with 14 during the same period last year. With regards to the pedestrian refuge on By-pass Road, he has not received any results from the safety audit carried out recently and will chase the matter up.
Concern was raised about under-age drinking on School Croft. It was reported a large tent had appeared where youths were known to be congregating.
The Geographic Inspector of Lancashire Constabulary, Mr Gary Roberts, will attend the July meeting.
Apologies Cllr. Archer, Cllr. Bailey, Cllr. S. Fishwick, Cllr Histed, & Cllr Stockdale.
Minutes Minutes of the meeting held on 14 th May 2007 were distributed prior to the meeting. Cllr. Pollitt proposed acceptance seconded Cllr. Moncaster carried.
Election of Officers:
CARP : Cllr. Moncaster proposed Cllr. Archer seconded Cllr. Bell carried.
5890 Environmental Matters
The Parish Lengthsman did not table a report.
Works highlighted for the Lengthsman were:• Hedges obscuring the bus stop flags' to be trimmed.• 2 shelters bad with graffiti to be painted out. (Whilst on the matter of bus shelters, it was noted that the parish council has replaced 8 perspex windows in the bus shelters costing in the region of around £50 each).
5891 Parish Council Zones Zone 1 Cllr Patrick; Zone 2 Cllr Histed; Zone 3 Cllr Moncaster; Zone 4 Cllr Archer; Zone 5 Cllr Briggs; Zone 6 Cllr Stockdale; Zone 7 Cllr Bailey; Zone 8 Cllr Pollitt; Zone 9 Cllr Budden; Zone 10 Cllr Bell.
5892 Bowling Pavilion Deferred.
5893 Toilet Facilities in the Village An estimate of £2480.00 + VAT to revamp the toilets in the village was received from City Council (Direct) Services. Cllr. Pollitt proposed that a 50% donation be made towards this cost seconded Cllr Bell carried.
5894 Morecambe Lodge Car Park The Clerk has yet again sent an e-mail to Mr Dawson of United Utilities advising him that unless she receives a response within the next seven days, she will refer the matter to the Chief Executive of United Utilities.
5895 Booster Station at Mount Pleasant Lane Deferred.
5896 Land adj. A6 It was noted that City Contract Services are cutting this area. However it was suggested the Clerk write to Lancashire County Council, the authority that would be able to adopt this land as the land either side of its boundaries is highway land, and the parish council will rent it.
5897 Pumping Station at St Nicholas Lane Nothing to report.
5898 Signage on the Foreshore The proof of the signs was accepted.
5899 Grange View Still awaiting a response from Lancashire County Council.
5900 Tennis Courts The Parish Council requested a meeting to be arranged with representatives of the tennis club to discuss the state of the courts surface.
5901 Bus Shelters Main Road A set of plans has been sent to the Clerk today to be accepted by the parish council. By-Pass Road A cantilever shelter (the same range as Brookfield) will cost around £2000. However there is criteria which must be met with regards to its size and Lancashire County Council will look at its feasibility when they erect the shelter at Main Road. If it does meet the criteria, the parish council can ask for this one to be accepted on the Scheme but there will be a twelve month wait.
5902 Insurances The Insurance premium was authorised for payment. However, the clerk was asked to query the personal accident insurance and to ascertain exactly what that covers. It was also noted that the play equipment must be looked at once the new equipment has been installed to ensure it is adequately covered.
5903 Horses on the Canal A response from British Waterways was received. British Waterways entered into an agreement with North Lancashire Bridleways Society for a trial period whereby members of the local pony clubs could use the section of towpath between bridge 125 (Bolton Cinder Ovens Bridge) and 127 (Thwaite End Bridge) on Lancaster Canal with their horses. The trial commenced on 15 th August 2005 and was completed on 30 th September 2005. Throughout this period, customer feedback was monitored and they received very little objection. There is now a rolling agreement between the Society and British Waterways who meet on an annual basis. They log and feedback all issues that are raised in connection with horses on the Lancaster Canal towpath in this area. The terms of the agreement include the removal of horse waste from the path of other towpath users. British Waterways also insist that safe practice is maintained and request that consideration is always shown to other people using the area. For this reason, they strongly encourage all of its customers to call and write with feedback of their experiences. All customer correspondence is kept on file to be raised the next time a review is conducted.
5904 Tree Warden Unfortunately Fraser Smith is unable to continue in this capacity. The Clerk will liaise with Steve Edwards regarding the current criteria for this job.
5905 Website Cllr Pollitt is unable to further this without the information to be supplied by Andrew Martin. The Clerk has e-mailed and written to him without success and will continue to try and obtain the relevant information.
5906 Model Code of Conduct This was formally adopted by the parish council by a proposal from Cllr Pollitt seconded Cllr Moncaster carried.
5907 Reports by Members: Works have started within the grounds of 119 Main Road and the trees will be subject to inspection for their safety.
5908 Correspondence
• A request was received from Bolton-le-Sands F.C. to use the soccer pitch on the playing fields for the forthcoming 2007-2008 season for both Bolton-le-Sands and Bolton-le-Sands Reserves. This request was considered and Cllr Briggs proposed it be granted as in previous years. Seconded Cllr Bell carried. Cllr Budden also reported that the pitch is in need of some intense maintenance work. To top dress the whole of the football pitch would cost in the region of £1100. However the area would have to be closed 4/6 weeks. It could therefore not be done until 2008 but in the meantime if a price be obtained, the works could be programmed in at the end of the soccer season.
5909 Accounts Payable
Councillor Patrick proposed that the following accounts should be paid. Seconded by Councillor Bell - carried.
BT (telephone) £53.80 701257
P. Bradley (clerk's salary + p/cash) £561.04 701258
Inland Revenue (PAYE) £18.13 701259
A Swindlehurst (greensman) £200.00 701260
Lancaster City Council (grnds. Maint.) £534.79 701261
Alliance Cornhill (insurance) £2463.67 701262
Mike Ashton (lengthsman x 4 parishes) £1474.00 701263
T & C Planning:
None
MINUTES OF BOLTON-LE-SANDS PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 14 TH MAY 2007
Present:Councillors: M. Archer, J. Bailey, K. Budden, A. Moncaster, B. Patrick, C. Pollitt, B. StockdaleCllr. V. Histed, Cllr J M Thomas, Cllr S Fishwick
Chairman - The Clerk opened the meeting requesting nominations for Chairperson. Cllr. Pollitt proposed Cllr Budden, seconded Cllr Bailey - carried unanimously. Cllr. Budden took the Chair.
PACT (Police and Communities Together) No report.
Cllr Bailey reported that vandalism continues to be a problem around the Community Centre and Scouts & Sports Pavilion. Lights are continually being broken costing £150 to replace them and to provide security shields. The vandalism has continued over the past two week-ends and is a matter that must be highlighted to the police. It was also reported that the back of a concrete form had been removed and placed in the middle of the bowling green.
Councillor Budden produced a letter he has received from Inspector Gary Roberts, the new Geographic Inspector for the Morecambe Area. An invitation to a future parish council meeting was extended to him.
Apologies : PC Dave Lowe.
Minutes : Minutes of the Meeting held on 2nd April 2007 were distributed prior to the meeting. Cllr. Pollitt proposed acceptance - seconded Cllr. Patrick carried.
Election of Officers
Vice Chairman - Cllr Pollitt proposed Cllr Bailey - seconded Cllr Stockdale - carried.
Community Centre Management Committee : Cllr Stockdale proposed Cllr Moncaster - seconded Cllr Patrick - carried.
Bowling Greens Management Committee: Cllr Archer proposed Cllrs Budden, Pollitt and Stockdale - seconded Cllr Patrick - carried.
Sports Centre Management Committee: Cllr Patrick proposed Cllrs Archer and Pollitt - seconded Cllr Bailey - carried.
Parish Lengthsman Representative : Cllr Pollitt proposed Cllr Budden - seconded Cllr Patrick - carried.
C.P.R.E: There is no local committee now, so no representation was put forward.
C.A.R.P. - Cllr Archer offered to attend the AGM on behalf of the Council and a representative will be selected at the June meeting.
Lancashire Local - Lancaster District Cllr Pollitt proposed Cllr Patrick seconded Cllr Archer.
Website Cllr Pollitt offered to take over the running of the parish council's website from Andrew Martin. Unfortunately Mr Martin has not responded to the Clerk's e-mail asking for the information required to access the web-site. She will contact him again. In the meantime, an invoice for 1 year's hosting was agreed for payment.
5873 Environmental Matters: Parish Lengthsman Scheme - Matters Reported for his attention were: Bus flags to be exposed when hidden by the hedges. Brambles creeping across the pavement from the hedge on the main A6 by Whin Grove to be pruned. It was also reported that flooding is occurring on the main A6 just past Thwaite End Farm a matter for the attention of Lancashire Highways.
Parish Councillor Zones Cllrs retained their previous zones. When remaining vacancies are filled, this matter will be finalized.
Matters Arising:
5874 Bowling Pavilion Roof Repairs Deferred until June for three quotes to be obtained.
5875 Toilet Facilities in the Village Deferred until June for price to be obtained from City Contract Services.
5876 Reinstatement of Morecambe Lodge Car Park It was noted that the tarmac has been repaired but no planting taken place. The Clerk will take the matter up with the Chief Executive of United Utilities and copy Geraldine Smith MP into the correspondence.
5877 Booster Station Mount Pleasant Lane The Clerk attended a meeting with the solicitor appointed to act on behalf of the Council who advised her that in the first instance the land needs to be registered. In this respect he requires the Chairman to write a statement in his own words in relation to the historic use of the land upon which the booster station is situated.
5878 Land adj. A6 Nothing further to report. Requested once again, details of ownership from the Planning Department.
5879 Pumping Station St Nicholas Lane Nothing to report.
5880 Signage on the foreshore The signs should be ready in approximately three weeks time.
5881 Grange View Still no response from Lancashire County Council.
5882 Tennis Courts Surface The Clerk is arranging a site visit with a contractor.
5883 Bus Shelters The Clerk will make enquiries with Lancashire County Council regarding the suitability of a shelter opposite The Far Pavilion Restaurant.
5884 Best Kept Garden Competition Cllr Stockwell offered to accompany the Judges on the Best Kept Garden Competition. The cup given by the parish council to the Horticultural Society for this competition will be to mark Arthur Briggs' 100 th year.
5885 Brookfield Surgery The Clerk spoke with the Surgery Administrator regarding the limited use of the Brookfield Surgery in Bolton-le-Sands. She was advised that the new computer system is now in place which alleviates the delays caused to doctors who write up their case notes after seeing a patient there. Therefore the surgery will be open every day with afternoon surgeries three days a week. However, she emphasized that the Brookfield Surgery is only a branch surgery and therefore Ash Trees, which is the main surgery based in Carnforth, does take priority when faced with shortage of staff and therefore the branch surgery may be subject to change. The appointment system remains in place and members of the public should request an appointment at Bolton-le-Sands where possible. It must be remembered, however, that their particular doctor may only be at the branch surgery certain days of the week and when appointments are full, they will be offered an appointment at Ash Trees.
5886 Insurances Deferred. Cllr. Pollitt will look at this for the next meeting.
5887 Reports By Members
5888 Correspondence
5889 Accounts Payable
Councillor Patrick proposed that the following accounts should be paid. Seconded by Councillor Pollitt - carried.
P Bradley (Clerk's wages + petty cash) £542.45 701247Inland Revenue (PAYE) £17.81 701248
A Swindlehurst (greensman) £200.00 701249
James Stewart (fencing) £35.84 701250
M Ashton (Lengthsman) £1281.50 701251
Travis Perkins (materials) £4.11 701252
United Utilities (water) £16.87 701253
P. McGaffigan (materials) £17.63 701254
Ardus (website hosting) £52.88 701255
K. Budden (Chairman's expenses) £125.00 701256
T & C Planning:
Application No: 07/00501/FU : Proposal: Erection of a single storey side extension. Greystones, St Michael's Lane, Bolton-le-Sands. Comments: No adverse comment.
Application No: 07/00559/FUL: Proposal: Extension of existing kitchen with erection of first floor extension above. 8 Whitendale Drive, Bolton-le-Sands. Comments: No adverse comment.
Application No: 07/00621/CU: Proposal: Change of use of land from agricultural to include breeding and rearing of horses. Land to North West side of Thwaite Brow Lane, Bolton-le-Sands. Comments: No objection.
In Committee
In view of the fact that it was an Uncontested Election in respect of this parish, three vacancies remained. By virtue of Section 1 of the Representation of the People Act 1985, the parish council may fill the remaining vacancies by co-option. These vacancies were made known by advertisement in the three local papers and four applications were received by the Clerk. Copies of the applications were distributed to the council and a secret ballot took place. Mrs Tracy Bell, Mr Stephen Briggs and Ms Val Histed were thereby co-opted onto the parish council with effect from 4 th June 2007.