Stanhoe Parish Council

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 7th November 2013 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:
Mr. T. Austin (TA)
Mrs. P. Austin (PA)
Mr. D. Bridge (DB)
Mr. J. Seedhouse (JS)

Absent:
Mrs. R. Brown (RB)
Mr. M. Roche (MR)
Mrs. P. Roche (PR)

1. To consider apologies for absence
Apologies had been offered in advance by all absentees and were accepted.

2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the last meeting
Minutes were passed and signed by the Chairman.

3. To record declarations of interest from members in any item to be discussed
No declarations made.

4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation
No public present.

5. SNAP
A SNAP meeting was also in progress this evening so TA was unable to attend. During discussions at the last parish council meeting, it had been suggested that an article should go into Saints Alive stating that Stanhoe was a largely crime free area. On reflection it was felt that this might give a false sense of security and discourage residents from being vigilant especially as there had been some evidence of outside gates and property being disturbed by strangers.

Following on from the last SNAP meeting, TA had requested clarification from the police on rules governing agricultural vehicles on the highway. Any vehicle wider than 2.55 m is limited to a speed of 20 mph. Wider and larger vehicles have a further reduced speed limit and require notification to the police of when and where they are travelling. In some cases, a smaller warning vehicle must accompany the extremely large one.

6. Adoption of Policy Documents
Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and a Freedom of Information Policy had all been circulated to councillors in recent weeks. No alterations were suggested and DB proposed acceptance of all three documents. This was seconded by PA and unanimously agreed.

7. Village Playground
Following the usual fortnightly inspection, TA had reported wear and tear on some plastic joints on the pyramid net tower and on some shackles attaching chain links to wooden beams. An estimate for supply and fitting of replacement parts had been obtained from Joy Playgrounds, who had carried out work previously. The cost including a prior inspection visit would be £690 plus VAT. This was considered to be expensive and the clerk was asked to try to obtain some alternative quotes but it was suggested that repairs could be done by Joy Playgrounds if no better alternative could be found. TA pointed out that we are bound by insurance obligations to ensure that all the equipment is in good order and that future provision should be made in annual budgets to cover the cost. Should future repairs and maintenance prove too costly, consideration would have to be given to removing the play items completely. It was thought that a sizeable increase in precept to cover costs, which would result in a substantial increase in council tax would not be acceptable to residents.

As part of health and safety requirements for the playground a new notice is required showing ownership, location and contact details in case of emergencies. The clerk had obtained quotes for two options; one in moulded polyurethane at a cost of £432 plus VAT and one in digitally printed aluminium at £77.08 plus VAT. It was proposed by PA that the council should proceed with the repair work and the supply of an aluminium sign. This was seconded by JS and agreed unanimously.

8. Jack’s Lane Wind Farm
Prior to construction work commencing, Community Liaison Group (CLG) meetings would take place with the first meeting being held on Wednesday, 4th December 2013 at 7.00pm. in the village hall.

9. Speed Signs on Bircham Road
The clerk had contacted the County Council to request that the 40 mph stretch of Bircham Road should be reduced to 30 mph and the electronic speed sign altered accordingly. This suggestion was rejected but an offer was made to move the electronic sign to the 30 mph boundary to flash a warning at that speed. The cost would be approximately £2000 but under the Parish Partnership Scheme, the village would pay 50% of the cost with the balance being paid by the County. Councillors agreed that this was a matter for future discussion depending on finance.

10. Water mains leakages on Bircham Road
As requested, the clerk had written to Anglian Water regarding the recent substantial mains leakages on this road. A reply had been received which set out future plans for the upgrading of mains water supplies in the area. This reply had been put in the bundle of circulation documents.

11. Highways
Highways Department was aware of the recent vehicle crashes into the palisade fence opposite the pond and damage to road signs. Repair work would be carried out in due course but, in the meantime, roadside shrubbery had been severely cut back to enable the road junction warning sign to be clearly visible on the approach to the pond area.

12. Planning Matters
Permission had been granted for the erection of a two storey extension to the property ‘Leo’ on Docking Road which would replace the existing single storey one.

Two revised applications had been received. An original application for change of use for the scrap site at the corner of Bircham Road and Docking Road and the erection of two bungalows had been rejected as it included only part of the site. A revised application now included the full site for change of use. Although not in Stanhoe Parish, the Borough Council had asked for comments. Councillors were happy to agree to a change of use and erection of two bungalows provided all evidence of scrap was removed from the site. Comments would be submitted accordingly. The second application referred to the demolition of Mill House on Burnham Road and erection of a replacement building. Some modifications had been made to the design of the new building but all were found to be acceptable by councillors.

13. Possible planting of poppy seeds
PA reported that packets of poppy seeds were on sale at B&Q in aid of the British Legion to encourage people to plant seeds as part of the First World War centenary events of 2014. It was agreed that the clerk would purchase some packets for use around the village.

14. Update on ongoing matters
a) Cross Lane traffic control – no developments

b) Geese on the pond – no problems

c) Repairs to the shed beside the village hall – work to be undertaken by MEHM Trust.

15. Change of date for Annual Parish Meeting
This had been previously arranged for 22nd May 2014 but this coincided with the village hall being used as a polling station for European elections. The following Thursday, 29th May 2014 was agreed.

16. Financial Reports and Approval of payments
The clerk presented an up to date income and expenditure report together with copy bank statements and a budget to date report. She pointed out that some budget areas would probably be underspent in the current financial year and those spare funds could be put towards the cost of playground repairs. No questions were raised and approval was given for the usual payment of the clerk’s salary.

17. To receive items for the next Agenda – meeting of 8th January 2014
The following items were suggested:

Playground repairs & sign
Wind Farm CLG meetings
SNAP
Budget Proposals for 2014/15
Update on ongoing matters
No other matters were discussed and the meeting closed at 8. 50pm.

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 12th September 2013 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:
Mr. T. Austin (TA)
Mr. D. Bridge (DB)
Mrs. R. Brown (RB)
Mr. M. Roche (MR)
Mrs. P. Roche (PR)
Mr. J. Seedhouse (JS)

Absent:
Mrs. P. Austin (PA)

1. To consider apologies for absence
PA had offered an apology for not being able to attend and this was accepted.

2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the last meeting
RB pointed out an error in Item 10. Mill House is situated on Burnham Road not Bircham Road as stated. This was corrected and the Minutes were passed and signed by the Chairman.

3. To record declarations of interest from members in any item to be discussed
No declarations made.

4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation
One member of the public was present and welcomed to the meeting.

5. SNAP
TA had attended a recent meeting. There had been fewer instances of anti-social behaviour in Hunstanton, however, there had been 17 cases of criminal damage partly due to some poor behaviour of those attending the annual tennis week. The vast majority was well behaved. There had been rumours of break-ins in Stanhoe but these were false. There were no reported crimes in Stanhoe.

The previous 2-month period had shown a 4% reduction in crime on the same period last year. 18 violent crimes had been reported, of which 12 were domestic and the remainder of various types. Most recorded burglaries had been to outbuildings. TA agreed to place an article in Saints Alive informing residents of the lack of any crime in Stanhoe and the general reduction elsewhere in the North West Norfolk area.

6. Jack’s Lane Wind Farm
RES, the company constructing the wind farm, is currently appointing the necessary contractors to be involved. Work is due to commence within the next few months from September 2013. A press release has been placed on the Stanhoe website by a public relations company on behalf of RES, setting out a proposed timetable of the work and giving some details of the community fund which will be paid by RES to the communities affected by the wind farm. As part of a government initiative, there would also be some electricity discounts given by RES to a certain number of households based on post codes in relation to the wind farm site. Exact details of all these payments will emerge in due course.

7. Village Playground
Following an agreement with parish council insurers, inspections can be done fortnightly instead of the original requirement for weekly inspections. TA and the clerk had each carried out recent inspections. Some minor repairs were required and supplies were on order.

a) New signs were required at the entrance to the playground area showing the name of the owners with a contact telephone number, the address and postcode of the playground. There should also be a statement to the effect that no kites should be flown in the playground area (due to overhead power cables). TA and clerk to organise necessary signs.

b) Participation by councillors in the inspection rota would be appreciated. Some training could be given by TA and the clerk or more formal training could be arranged with a RoSPA representative. The clerk would circulate the inspection form for information.

c) Once supplies have been delivered, repairs will be carried out by TA, DB & JS. This will include removal of existing fence.

8. Results of individual inspection village
MR & PR reported damage to overhanging trees on Church Lane caused by heavy lorries. This lane is totally unsuitable for heavy traffic and it was hoped Highways department could enforce some form of restriction. JS reported the following:

untidy area around the war memorial
public rubbish bin at eastern end of the pond has the housing door open
hedge adjacent to village hall requires trimming
car park to village hall needs weeding
broken glass and rubbish on the ground beside the bottle bank needs to be removed
mounds of grass clipping on play area (it was explained by MR that this was a result of preparing a cricket pitch prior to matches)
untidy area around the Diamond Jubilee tree
bins of soil next to the play are being used as rubbish bins. This soil is kept there to fill potentially hazardous rabbit holes on play area.
grass area around village cross needs to be trimmed
newest area of churchyard needs to be weeded and tidied.
It was agreed that all the above items would be dealt with and were the responsibility of the Parish Council, the MEHM Trust and the PCC.

9. Electronic speed sign on Bircham Road and possible pedestrian signs
A suggestion had been made that signs could be placed on Bircham Road stating “No footpath” OR “Pedestrians on road” which might encourage motorists to take more care when driving along this stretch of road into the village. It had been noted by the speed watch team that drivers took very little notice of the 30mph signs on Bircham Road. One reason for this could be the normal 40mph sign and the flashing electronic 40mph sign at the village boundary on Bircham Road which drivers possibly mistook for the speed limit governing the whole village. Two alternative suggestions were made; firstly, that the speed limit on Bircham Road should be reduced to 30mph and the signs altered accordingly or secondly, that the electronic flashing sign should be moved to the starting point of the 30mph limit and be changed to show that speed limit. It was noted that the other two main access roads into the village, Docking Road and Burnham Road, had no 40mph sections but that only 30mph applied. The clerk would contact Highways department to discuss all of the above possibilities.

10. Scrap site planning
The situation at the scrap site on the corner of Fakenham Road and Bircham Road was unchanged but no action could be taken regarding its unsightly appearance as the site was perfectly legal. The owners had recently submitted a planning application for change of use from scrap site to residential site with two bungalows. A decision was awaited.

11. Water leakages on Bircham Road
A resident had complained about the number of leaks which occurred on this road it; was agreed that the clerk would write to Anglian Water to establish if something could be done to reduce the number of leaks and possibly renew the ageing mains pipes.

12. Updates on ongoing matters
a) Cross Lane traffic control – no developments
b) Geese on the pond – no reported problems
c) Storage shed at village hall – some rotten timbers need to be replaced. Work will be carried out by MEHM Trust.

13. Standing Orders & Financial Regulations
As a result of the recent external audit, it was established that the Parish Council needed to have a customized version of these in place. TA had amended the model documents accordingly and these would be circulated to all councillors for comments. The clerk had drawn up a “Freedom of Information” policy which would also be circulated. It was hope that all these documents could be formally adopted at the next parish council meeting in November. Councillors thanked TA for all the work done on these matters.

14. Financial Update and approval of payments
The clerk presented an up to date income and expenditure report together with copy bank statements and a budget to date report. No questions were raised. Approval was given for payment of the clerk’s salary and payment of the supplies for playground repairs.

15. Future meeting dates & times
After some discussion, it was agreed to maintain the meeting time of 7.00pm for all parish council meetings. Dates for 2014 were set as:

8th January
13th March
22nd May
10th July
11th September
13th November
The Annual Parish Meeting may also be held on 22nd May 2014, in which case the council meeting would commence at 6. 00pm to be followed by the open parish meeting at 7. 30pm. The clerk would contact the MEHM Trust regarding the availability and hire of the village hall for these dates.

No other matters were discussed and the meeting closed at 9.20pm.

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 11th July 2013 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:
Mr. T. Austin (TA)
Mrs. R. Brown (RB)
Mr. M. Roche (MR)
Mrs. P. Roche (PR)
Mr. J. Seedhouse (JS)

Absent:
Mrs. P. Austin (PA)
Mr. D. Bridge (DB)

1. To consider apologies for absence
Both absentees had offered apologies for not being able to attend and these were accepted.

2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the last meeting
JS queried why there was no “Matters Arising from previous Minutes” as an Agenda item. TA explained that under parish council rules, a general heading such as this was not good practice. Any specific item which a member wanted to raise following on from a previous meeting should be notified to the Clerk for inclusion in the Agenda. The previous Minutes were then passed and signed by the Chairman.

3. To record declarations of interest from members in any item to be discussed
No declarations made.

4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation
No members of public present.

5. SNAP
TA had attended a meeting on 4th July. As usual and unsurprisingly, all matters discussed related to the Hunstanton and Heacham areas where there were ongoing problems of anti-social behaviour and parking restrictions. The police reported that there had been no burglaries of domestic properties within the SNAP area during the preceding 2 months. There had been a number of thefts from beach huts and various types of outbuilding, 9 shoplifting incidents, 2 handbag thefts and the theft of a memorial bench in Thornham. During a speed monitoring session by police in Stanhoe in the month of June, 8 drivers had been caught speeding on Docking Road. All would be liable for prosecution.

6. Playground Inspection course
TA and the clerk had attended a playground inspection course run by RoSPA. This had proved very informative and included a visit to an outdoor playground to carry out a practical inspection. It was recommended that an inspection should be carried out every 1–2 weeks using a common sense approach to obvious hazards and signs of wear and tear.

An annual inspection by a fully qualified inspector with accreditation from RPII (Register of Play Inspectors International) should be done.

It was recommended that signs should be erected showing clearly the ownership of the playground, its exact location with postcode and contact details for the owners. This signage would be an Agenda item for the next meting.

It had also been clarified that perimeter fencing was not required unless the playground adjoined a potentially dangerous area such as a main road. There was some discussion in relation to Stanhoe’s playground where the perimeter fencing of the infant section had deteriorated badly. The play items for older children were not fenced and both areas were well away from roads and formed part of the main playing field. It was proposed by PR that the infant section fencing be removed completely. This was seconded by JS and unanimously agreed.

7. Possible change to meeting times and setting of future dates
Various suggestions were put forward for an earlier start to the evening meeting or a change to morning meetings. No agreement was reached and it was decided to postpone any decision until the next meeting when, hopefully, all members would be present.

8. Annual village inspection
There was discussion on whether an inspection should take place annually or not at all. It was agreed on this occasion that individuals should should take a walk round the village and note any items of concern which should then be brought to the next meeting as an Agenda item.

9. Updates on ongoing matters:
a) Cross Lane traffic control: County Council still unwilling to take any action.

b) Refurbishment of village sign and notice boards: The internal board had been replaced on the notice board beside the village hall. The woodwork on both notice boards would be re-stained in the coming days.

c) The Village Cross: The clerk had asked Mr. Shackcloth, a local builder, to inspect the flint base of the Cross and give his opinion on any repairs to be carried out. Mr. Shackcloth replied that he thought the base was sound and no repairs were needed.

d) Geese on the pond: No reported problems.

e) Visit to CITB: The clerk had received a response from the College just prior to the meeting offering two alternative dates for a visit – 1st OR 2nd August. It was agreed that 1st August suited most people with the visit starting at 12.30pm.

10. Planning decisions
The clerk reported that permission had been granted for a replacement dwelling at Mill House on Burnham Road and for the construction of an indoor swimming pool and enclosure at No. 3 Ivy Farm Barns.

11. To receive items for the next Agenda – meeting of 12th September
The following items were put forward:

Meeting times and dates
Comments on village following individual inspections
Signs for playground
Inspection schedule and rota for playground inspections
Parish Council standing orders
12. Financial update and approval of payments
The clerk presented an up to date income and expenditure report together with copy bank statements. No questions were raised. Approval was given for payment of PAYE tax due to HMRC, the clerk’s normal salary payment and reimbursement to the clerk of the cost of new notice board material.

No further items were discussed and the meeting closed at 8. 45pm.

Following the meeting, TA congratulated MR (Chairman of the MEHM Trust) on his organization of the inter-village cricket match held on the playing field on 7th July between Docking and Stanhoe. It had been well supported and a very enjoyable day for all concerned. It was hoped that there would be more such occasions in future.

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 9th May 2013 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:
Mr. T. Austin (TA)
Mrs. P. Austin (PA)
Mr. D. Bridge (DB)
Mrs. R. Brown (RB)
Mr. J. Seedhouse (JS)

Absent:
Mr. M. Roche (MR)
Mrs. P. Roche (PR)

1. Election of Chairman and Vice-chairman
TA, Chairman, and DB, Vice-chairman, indicated that they would be willing to serve another term. TA was proposed as chairman by PA and seconded by RB. DB was then proposed as Vice-chair by PA and seconded by RB. Both accepted their positions for a further year and were thanked by remaining councillors for agreeing to continue their work.

2. To consider apologies for absence
Apologies had been offered by MR and PR and were accepted.

3. To consider approval of the Minutes of the last meeting
These were passed and signed by the Chairman.

4. To record declarations of interest from members in any item to be discussed
No declarations made.

5. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation
No public present.

6. SNAP Report
Due to a clash of dates with the County Council elections, the recently scheduled meeting had been postponed with a date yet to be announced. **

7. Annual Parish Meeting
Despite being widely advertised within the village and residents being encouraged to attend, only one resident attended together with 5 parish councillors. An interesting presentation had been given by the guest speakers from the National Construction College setting out their plans for the future and a report was given by the parish council chairman on the previous year’s workings of the council. It was suggested that, in future, the Annual Parish Meeting should be held on the same evening as a normal parish council meeting and follow on from the close of parish business. It was also suggested that an item should be placed in –Saints Alive’ asking residents to propose topics for discussion at the Annual Parish Meeting and to suggest possible speakers. It was agreed that this item should be on the Agenda again for the meeting in January 2014.

8. Possible change to Parish Council meeting times
Currently, all councillors are retired from full time employment so morning meetings could be possible. This item would be on the Agenda again in July 2013 for further discussion.

9. Possible rabbit-proof fencing to children’s play area
To be discussed as part of Item 16 on the Agenda.

10. Village Cross
In spite of work being done last year, the lime mortar on the base of the Cross seemed to be cracking and flints would eventually come loose. It was agreed that the clerk would contact the builder, Mr. Shackcloth, for advice on conservation.

11. Cars parked on Docking Road
There had been concerns about some cars parked close to junctions on Docking Road. The police have confirmed that a minimum of 15 yards of clear space should be left between a junction and a parked car. There are no other parking restrictions on Docking Road. The local PCSO said he would check out the parking situation when in Stanhoe.

12. Litter Bins
The housing for one of the public litter bins by the pond has come loose from its fixings but can probably be repaired. TA and DB to investigate. Also, the clerk would contact the Borough Council as bins had not been emptied for over a week.

13. Updates on ongoing matters
a) Cross Lane traffic – no developments

b) Refurbishment of village sign and notice boards – still ongoing but hopefully will be accomplished soon.

c) Food waste bins – replacement bags were available from the Borough Council at their offices but it was agreed that the clerk would obtain a stock of these to be sold on to residents. A notice would be placed in –Saints Alive’.

d) Geese on the pond – no problems reported. Many eggs had been removed from nests and sent to a farm for incubation.

14. Planning Decisions
Permissions had been granted for alterations to –The Old Stores’ and for a variation to the conditions of a previous permission for –The Chantry’.

15. Councillors visit to the CITB
The clerk had requested available dates from the college and was awaiting a reply.

16. Insurance renewal and playground inspections
Annual parish council insurance would be renewed with Came & Co. as part of a 3 year agreement. The premium had been reduced due to a –no claims discount’ being applied. One stipulation of the insurance cover was for a weekly inspection of playground equipment. The clerk would clarify with the insurers as to the level of expertise required for this inspection. The MEHM Trust would also be asked to clarify their position on playground insurance as the playing field was leased to the Trust. There was some concern about the extent of councillors’ liability in the event of an accident and the clerk agreed to check with NALC on this matter. Some areas of the infants’ play area fencing needed to be replaced. TA and DB agreed to undertake this and to install some rabbit proof netting at the same time.

17. Year end accounts, financial update and approval of payments
The clerk circulated copies of the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2013. It was noted that some savings had been made and that the reserve fund had increased by approximately £500 and was approaching the target of a sum equivalent to one year’s precept. No queries were raised and DB proposed acceptance of the accounts which was seconded by JS and unanimously approved. The clerk also circulated a financial update for the period from 1st April 2013 to the date of the meeting. Payments were approved for expenses incurred for refreshments for the Annual Parish Meeting and for the clerk’s salary. There was some discussion on charitable donations for the financial year 2013/14 and it was agreed that this should be limited to organizations which could be of direct benefit to local residents.

18. Future meeting dates and times
It was agreed to postpone this item until the meeting in July (see also Item 8). DB and PA offered apologies for not being able to attend the July meeting because of other commitments.

19. To receive items for the next Agenda – meeting of 11th July 2013
The following items to be included:-

Meeting dates and times
Possible litter pick and clarification on Borough Council litter collection
Usual updates on ongoing matters
No other items were discussed and the meeting closed at 9.30pm.

** A meeting date of 23rd May 2013 was subsequently set for SNAP but TA was unable to attend due to a prior arrangement.

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 14th March 2013 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:
Mr. T. Austin (TA)
Mrs. P. Austin (PA)
Mr. D. Bridge (DB)
Mrs. R. Brown (RB)
Mr. M. Roche (MR)
Mrs. P. Roche (PR)
Mr. J. Seedhouse (JS)

Two members of the public were also present.
1. To consider accepting apologies for absence
All present.

2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 8th November 2012
Re: Item 9, JS asked for reassurance that the traffic problems associated with Cross Lane were still being discussed with the County Council. The clerk said this was the case but there was still very little hope of any action. JS also pointed out a typographical error in Item 12 (iii) which showed the precept figure of £5,000 in stead of £5,500. This error was amended and Minutes were then passed and signed by the Chairman.

3. To record declarations of interest from members in any item to be discussed
No declarations made.

4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation
One member of the public was present and raised the matter of accountability of the MEHM Trust to the parish council and if the Trust’s AGM should be open to members of the public. The chairman stated that the parish council had no special right to information of any kind from the Trust as the two organizations were entirely separate. He invited MR (chairman of the MEHM Trust) to comment. MR stated that the Trust was a registered charity and complied with the rules laid down by the Charity Commission. The Trust’s AGM was not an open public meeting and, from experience, he had found that village residents showed a minimal interest in the Trust but in future he would endeavour to keep local people better informed. A regular update in each publication of “Saints Alive” could be possible. The member of public thanked MR for his input.

5. SNAP
TA had attended the last meeting on 7th March but no Minutes were yet available. As usual, most of the discussion centred on Hunstanton and Heacham area with ongoing problems of some anti-social behaviour. Some youths had been arrested and had been given curfew restrictions. Crime statistics for the whole area covered by SNAP were:3 house burglaries, 9 shed and outhouse burglaries, 3 thefts from locked cars, 14 assaults (mostly domestic) and 5 arrests in connection with illegal drugs. Clarification has been given on the parking rules associated with double yellow lines. In general, these mean –no parking at any time’, however this is overridden by any notice displayed in the area of double yellow lines which may limit the restriction to certain times or dates. It was also clarified that any cars with a –For Sale’ notice which had been left parked on verges should be reported to the Highways Dept. on 0300 1235000 and not the police. Highways would contact the registered owner and ask for the car to be removed. If the owner did not comply, Highways would remove the car.

6. Speed Watch statistics
TA reported the Stanhoe statistics for previous six months. 8 speed watch sessions had taken place, 34 vehicles were reported for speeding, of which, 29 had received letters from the police. Three vehicles could not be traced and one was a leasehold vehicle for which the driver could not be identified. SAM speed monitors are in place for two weeks every six weeks approximately.

7. Wind Farms update
No further developments since the end of the appeal hearing when the objections were not upheld. TA stressed that the parish council should be vigilant once construction starts to ensure that everything is done according to the conditions of the planning permission. No information is yet available regarding the community fund due to the villages affected by the turbines.

8. Reading Room refurbishment
Following on from comments in Item 4 of the Minutes, MR was asked to report on any progress made towards the refurbishment of the Reading Room by the MEHM Trust. Despite great efforts by the Trustees, an application for Lottery funding had been rejected. Bank loans had been considered but these were not really a viable option. Trustees were still working towards a complete refurbishment, including an efficient heating system. JS queried the use of funds donated by the now defunct Social Club. MR assured him that these funds were in the Trust’s bank account but were insufficient in themselves to finance all that needed to be done.

9. Condition of the shed adjacent to the Reading Room
The shed was originally purchased by a grant given to the then existing village youth club but now belongs to the village in general. It is in need of repairs which MR said the MEHM Trust could probably undertake but perhaps with help from the parish council. MR would put this matter on the Agenda for the next MEHM Trust meeting.

10. Refurbishment of village sign and notice boards
This work was all in hand and would proceed as soon as weather improved.

11. Dogs on the playing field
There continued to be dog fouling on the playing field with some dog owners not picking up dog mess. Another notice would be put in “Saints Alive” and TA would make a comment in his annual report to the village at the annual parish meeting in April. It should be noted by local residents that attempts are being made to create a cricket pitch on the playing field in order to hold matches with local clubs, therefore, dog fouling would be a health risk to players.

12. Annual Parish Meeting
This is arranged for the evening of 11th April 2013. PR will organise wine and glasses although neither she nor MR will be able to attend. JS suggested that a selection of bread and cheese would the easiest type of catering to offer. PA would organize the food and JS offered to help. The clerk apologised since she too would be unable to attend due to conflicting holiday dates.

13. Update on ongoing matters
a) Cross Lane traffic – no developments (see also Item 4)

b) Geese on the village pond – no reported problems

c) Weed problems – DB is greatly concerned about the problem of ragwort in particular. According to DEFRA, ragwort is not a notifiable weed but DB would like to know the opinion of the CPRE. Clerk agreed to write to CPRE for their viewpoint. The patch of ground, between the rear of the village hall and the playing field, where snowdrops are growing needs to be cleared of weeds. Clerk would organize this.

14. Financial update and approval of payments
The clerk circulated an up to date income and expenditure statement with copy bank statements. No questions were raised. Approval was given for payment of clerk’s salary.

15. To receive items for the next Agenda – meeting of 9th May 2013
Consideration of change to meeting times
Possible rabbit proof fencing of children’s play area
Village Cross
Cars parked outside Baker’s Cottage on Docking Road
Councillors’ visit to the CITB
No other matters were raised and the meeting closed at 8.40pm.

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 10th January 2013 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:
Mr. T. Austin (TA)
Mrs. P. Austin (PA)
Mr. D. Bridge (DB)
Mrs. R. Brown (RB)
Mr M Roche (MR)
Mrs. P. Roche (PR)
Mr. J. Seedhouse (JS)

Two members of the public were also present.
1. To consider accepting apologies for absence
MR and PR apologised for their late arrival.

2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 8th November 2012
Minutes passed and signed by the chairman.

3. To record declarations of interest from members in any item to be discussed
No declarations made.

4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation
No public present.

5. SNAP & Speedwatch
TA had attended a SNAP meeting on 3rd January. Crime figures were similar to the previous report but with a continuing downward trend. Some anti-social behaviour problems persisted in Hunstanton. TA mentioned to officers at the meeting that someone had attempted to force entry to his property through the side gate. The person had not succeeded and no theft or other damage had occurred. The police confirmed that they are always keen to know about such incidents.

TA also attended a Speedwatch seminar in Dereham at which the Assistant Chief Constable and a senior officer from Norfolk Police were present. There are 55 speedwatch teams in Norfolk involving approximately 600 volunteers from a total of 900 volunteers working for Norfolk Police in various capacities. In future there will be a new smaller and less obtrusive speed radar vehicle operating in the County. Across England, there are 16 Counties taking part in the Speedwatch scheme. Death and serious injury statistics came down in 2012 although in Norfolk there were a number of deaths over the Christmas period. 500 speeding infringements had been recorded by Norfolk speedwatch teams with 400 letters being sent out by police to the car owners involved. During 2012, 17,000 drivers had attended speed awareness courses as a result of speeding offences.

The clerk reported that 40 “Go Slow in our Village” bin stickers were due to arrive and would be available on request.

6. Wind Farms Update
A result is imminent of the court hearing which took place before Christmas. This would decide if the permission for development granted after the public hearing had been lawfully given.

7. Local Crime Concerns
This had been covered in Item 5 in regard to the attempt to enter TA’s property.

8. Refurbishment of village sign & notice boards
This matter is in hand and work will be accomplished when weather is more suitable for outdoor work.

9. Update on ongoing matters:
a) Cross Lane traffic control – no developments.

b) Blacksmith’s workshop – it has been established that the building is not in danger of collapse. Attempts to encourage the owner to carry out repairs had not been successful. It was agreed that nothing further could be done by councillors.

c) Ragwort – according to DEFRA, this is not a notifiable weed. The onus is on landowners to control it on their own land. Highways would cut any ragwort on verges during normal verge maintenance.

d) Geese on the pond – numbers have reduced from 5 to 4 but no problems reported.

10. Proposed visit to the National Construction College
It was agreed this would be left until the Spring. The Principal had confirmed that he would attend the Annual Parish Meeting and give a presentation on current and future developments at the college.

11. Annual Parish Meeting
Confirmed for 11th April 2013 at 7.30pm. PR kindly agreed again to supply refreshments. Speaker – see above, Item 10.

12. Financial Matters
The clerk circulated an up to date income and expenditure statement with copy bank statements. No questions were raised.
The clerk circulated a budget variance report for 2012/13 with the projected outcome at 31st March 2013. This was in line with planned expenditure. She also circulated a draft Budget for 2013/14 based on a precept of £5,500 which reflected no increase on the previous year.
After discussion of all the above and bearing in mind that the parish reserve fund was on target, the chairman gave the opinion that there should be no increase in precept level. DB therefore proposed a precept figure of £5,500 for 2013/14. This was seconded by PR and unanimously agreed.
Payments were approved for Hall rental charges, PAYE tax to Inland Revenue, the clerk’s salary and cost of bin stickers.
13. Planning permissions granted
Permission had been granted for year round operation of caravan facilities at The Rickles and for the extension to a property in Parsons Lane.

14. To receive items for the next Agenda of meeting to be held on 14th March 2013
The following items were suggested:

Usual update of ongoing matters
Refurbishment of village sign and notice boards
Wind Farms
SNAP
Annual Parish Meeting
No other matters were discussed and the meeting closed at 8.40pm.