The Parish Council Meeting was held in the Carter Institute on Monday 21 January 2002

at 7:30pm

Top and Index

Present – Cllr ‘s James, Cole, Willmer, Smith, Gaertner & Harris and County Cllr Hayward

Apologies – were received from District Cllr Mary Neale

1 The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 17 December 2001 were

read and signed as being correct after the following amendment

· Page 76/01 Minute 591 – Delete ‘Chairman’s Expenses’ – insert ‘Cable Ties’.

2 Minute 536 – Village Clock – Wiring still o/s

3 Minute 537 – Large Playing Field – Creation of Rear Entrances from Mill Lane Properties –. Matter still o/s Cllr’s Harris & Smith still to co-ordinate list of properties to enable Cllr Jackson to send out letter.

4 Minute 538 – Transport/Road Issues – Damage to Bus Shelter Roof – still o/s

Cllr James to contact Police

5 Minute 539 - Annual Inspection and Clearance of Village Ponds – Cllr James had contacted the Environment Agency who had promised to take a look at the ponds in the New Year.

6 Minute 540 – Transport/Road Issues -

a) Sewerage Backup in Main Street– Letter had been sent to the WODC Planning Dept and a reply had been received – see minute 23

b) Thames Water -Manhole cover on the Black Bourton Road (4102) – New Type Sealing Plate. -work still outstanding – Council agreed that the Clerk should send a further letter.

c) OCC Environmental Services – Highways Department - Road Drains Cleaned and Verge Grips - Work still outstanding – Council agreed that the Clerk should contact again for update on situation

d) Damaged Drain in Car Park at Queens Crescent –Report received that the drain presented a safety problem – Council agreed that the Clerk should write a further letter asking that the drain be made safe.

7 Minute 541 – Rusting Vehicles Abandoned in Farmers Field – Adjoining the

Highway – Cllr Willmer reported that vehicles would be moved shortly. NFA

8 Minute 542 – Lower Green – Potholes on Access Path around The Green – Matter still outstanding – Clerk reported that OALC had said that the OCC had mislaid the original enquiry regarding the status of the land, and the process had been restarted. Cllr Willmer reported that he was obtaining quotes for the proposed work on the Withy Bed Lorry Park. Safety signs had still not been erected. Cllr Willmer to action urgently. Cllr Harris to contact local contractor to fill the main potholes for safety reasons and without prejudice, until the status issue has been resolved.

9 Minute 543 - Parishioners Letter – re: Bus Route between Clanfield & Faringdon – Timetable received – one bus on Friday mornings.

10 Minute 544 - Playing Fields -

· Large Playing Field – Tree maintenance still outstanding

· Small Playing Field – Cllr James reported that he had now been referred to the West Oxfordshire Housing Co, who had taken over from WODC, and that he would pursue the matter.

11 Minute 545 – Bank Erosion outside Tincknells – situation to be monitored.

12 Minute 546- Trimming of Dogwood near Tincknells –scheduled for trimming 23 February 2002

13 Minute 547 - Village Signs – Flaking Paintwork - Clerk confirmed that a letter of complaint had been sent – no reply to date.

14 Minute 548- Lower Village Green – Report of Dead Trees – maintenance to be carried out in spring 2002- when easily identifiable. Still o/s

15 Minute 549- Speeding Traffic in Mill Lane – to be monitored see also

minute 54

16 Minute 550- Old Minute Books –to be Taken to OCC Archives - still o/s

17 Minute 551 - Petrol Hover Mower – after discussion the Council agreed to accept the quote from Buscot Mowers and to purchase a petrol Hover Mower for £200.

18 Minute 553- OCC – Newsletters – Speedwatch – Cllr James to remove signs and return.

19 Minute 554- Dog Litter Bins – All bins had now been erected. No reply to date regarding the emptying schedule of the one erected on the large playing field.

20 Minute 555 - Safety Reports –Bridge Repair Near Entrance to Friars Court Farm- Report received that the maintenance work was still not complete and still causing problems for motorists. After discussion the Council agreed to wait until work completed and then check to ensure the road edges and verges were repaired.

21 Minute 556 - Playing Fields –Renewal of the Lease on the Large Playing Field – Cllr James to contact Cllr Jackson urgently to resolve this matter, and enable negotiations to start.

22 Minute 557 - Parking of Vehicles on Registered Village Green – Karen Cahill (Schools Representative) had sent a report to the meeting that following the Governors Meeting in November 2001 a note to all parents had been placed in the school newsletter reminding them of where to park when picking up a delivering children to school. Letters in response had been received from several parents and the Clerk was asked to reply. Cllr James confirmed that the concrete bollards would be placed on the edge of the registered village green to prevent vehicles from parking and causing damage, and that the potholes on the Withy Bed Lorry Park, and surrounding areas and accesses (for safety reasons and without prejudice) are to be filled shortly. Also, it was agreed by Council to offer the residents who use the gated access to their properties, a combination lock so that the gate, restricting access, can be secured. Some concern was expressed that emergency service vehicles would not be able to gain access quickly, however it was reported that when the gate was erected these were consulted and the Parish Council was assured that if access were needed it would not be a problem.

23 Minute 558 - W2001/1680– Demolition of Existing Storage Buildings and Erection of Four Terraced Houses at Stonecroft, Main Street, Clanfield. – No decision to date – letter received from WODC Planning confirming that Thames Water had been consulted and had, made no representations.

24 Minute 560 - NALC – National Training Strategy for Parish & Town Councils– Update & DTLR – Quality Town & Parish Councils – Consultation Paper – It was noted that only Cllr’s James & Cole attended the meeting arranged on Monday 14 January 2002 to draft a reply to the consultation paper. After discussion, it was agreed that Cllrs should continue to circulate these documents and send a draft reply to the Clerk before the 31 January 2002, for her to action.

25 Minute 565 - Housing of the Village Mowers 2002 Season- No storage had been found yet, Councillors still making enquiries.

26 Minute 567 - Safety Reports –Building debris and soil was being dumped in the Playing Field – Clerk confirmed letter had been sent to the skip contractors and it was reported that the skip had been removed, however there was still damage to the playing field surface, which needed to be repaired. Council agreed to monitor the situation until the ground was dryer.

27 Minute 568 - Playing Fields – ROSPA - Report received – contents were read

- no major risk problems – Cllr James to co-ordinate minor repairs needed – still o/s

28 Minute 569 - Representative on Carter Institute Management Committee –Cllr James still to contact regarding the Parish Councils decision

29 Minute 575 - WODC – Playground Inspections 2002 – Clerk confirmed request sent. NFA

30 Minute 576 - DTLR – Model Code of Conduct Order 2001 for Parish Councils Clerk confirmed that all Councillors had received a copy of the new code and it was agreed that it would be placed on the agenda of the February Meeting to be adopted.

31 Minute 581- The Countryside Agency – Thames Path Management Strategy 2001 – 2006 –Cllr Willmer had viewed the document. NFA

32 Minute 584 - OCC Raising our Performance Strategic Action Plan 2001 – 2005 – Cllr Gaertner gave a short overview to the meeting. NFA

33 Minute 588 - WODC – Briefing Meeting regarding the New Code of Conduct for Members of Parish & Town Councils – the Clerk confirmed that she and Cllr James were booked to attend a briefing on 7 February 2002.

34 Minute 589 - Clanfield Primary School – Long Term Drugs Prevention Programme – Clerk to send letter, enclosing cheque for £50 as agreed

35 Minute 593 - Playing Fields – Clanfield Primary Schools Ideas to Improve the Facilities in the Large Playing Field – Cllr James reported to the meeting, on the support by the children to keep the playing field and many suggested a seated picnic area – Cllrs to consider placing the seat, to be donated by WODC for the Golden Jubilee, in the area.

 

 

36 Oxfordshire County Council – Oxfordshire County Councillor Steve Hayward addressed the meeting on the following

· Budget Negotiations - which would mean an increase in Council Tax for the coming year of around 9½ %, and regrettably cuts in Social Services Budgets.

· The Green Paper on Planning – which could mean the introduction of regional planning areas, and Oxfordshire County Councils strong objections to these proposals.

· Radcot Bridge Traffic Priorities – asking the Parish Council for their opinions on whether the traffic flow priorities should be reversed. After discussion the Parish Council asked that they be left as they are at present, but suggested signs ‘Beware of Oncoming Vehicles’ be erected.

 

37 No Other Reports received

Planning Applications:    Top and Index

38 W2001/1998 – Erection of Single Storey Rear Infill Extension and Formation of Two Rear Dormers, Cladding of Existing Wall with Reconstructed Stone at The Old Bakery, Bakery Lane, Clanfield – viewed between meetings – no representations received or made

39 W2001/2026 – Single Storey Extensions to Library and to Utility Room at Turkey House, Pound Lane, Clanfield - viewed between meetings – no representations received or made, however it was noted that the Council would prefer to see the extensions built of the same materials as the main dwelling.

40 OCC – Changes to Subsidised Bus Services from 10 February 2002 notification of the changes in the bus service. Clerk to place timetable on the village noticeboard. New contract secured which would maintain the service, however passengers would need to change buses at Bampton to travel to Witney. After discussion the Parish Council decided to withhold any representations on this new service until it has been operating for a few weeks. The Clerk reported that a parishioner had contacted her, after receiving abuse from a bus driver when they asked the bus to stop near Manor Lane. The matter was discussed, and the Clerk was asked to write to OCC Public Transport Officer to clarify whether the new service was hail & ride and to point out that there were two official stopping places in Clanfield.

41 DTLR – Local Elections (Declaration of Acceptance of Office) Order – Noted

42 WODC – Periodic Electoral Review – Changes Order – contents noted

43 OALC – County Circular – December 2001 – contents read and noted

44 WODC – Electoral Register 2002 – placed on file

45 OCC – Planning Green Paper- Views – Cllr James apologised that he had forgotten to bring the document to the meeting. To be discussed at next months meeting.

46 WODC Survey of Contaminated Land – Areas identified and Clerk asked to complete.

47 WODC – Public Entertainments Licences – contents read and Council had no

representations to make.

48 Others – Various – all read and noted NFA

49 Cllr Cole presented the following report to the Meeting: -

Balances in the Bank Accounts as at 21 January 2002 were

Bank of Ireland a/c £15613.89

HSBC - Treasurers a/c £ 846.47

HSBS - No Notice a/c £ 0 .89

Receipts:-

Scottish & Southern Energy – Wayleaves £ 48.60

Payments:- the following payments were approved by Council and the cheques written and signed:-

I Smith – Clerks Expenses £ 27.73

Carter Institute Management – Hire of Hall £ 30.00

Christchurch – Playing Field Rent £ 312.50

WODC – Playing Fields Inspection £ 44.65

Clanfield School – Donation to Drugs Programme £ 50.00

50 Safety Reports – Councillors had inspected their areas and the following points were raised

· Marsh Lane & Stocks Lane – Potholes continue to be a problem – OCC aware

· Cats Eyes missing from road centre in many areas – Clerk to contact OCC and stress the importance of these in rural areas where the road edges are not defined by white lining

· Mill Lane & Little Clanfield Road – Potholes still a problem – OCC aware.

51 Playing Fields – Grass Cutting Schedule Arrangements for 2002 – Council discussed and agreed to ask Patrick Edwards if he would again volunteer his services. Volunteers from the village, as in previous years, would maintain other areas around the village.

52 Her Majesty the Queens Golden Jubilee – 3 June 2002 – details were discussed

53 Clanfield Parish Council – Code of Conduct – See minute 30

54 Speed Restrictions – Mill Lane – Clerk reported to the meeting that she had contacted OCC Highways and signs depicting children playing were available for the road surface. Cost approx £250 - £300 per sign, if two signs purchased OCC would be happy to contribute 50% of cost. Council agreed to go ahead with the scheme. Cllr Harris to co-ordinate.

55 Clerks Annual Contract Review – The Clerk was asked to leave the hall whilst the matter was discussed. Council agreed on an increase in salary of £250 per annum, to reflect the added workload, total salary now £1500 per annum. Thanks were expressed to the Clerk.

56 Proposed Date for February Meeting – 18 February 2002 - Agreed

57 Arrangements for Annual Parish Meeting – 15 April 2002 – Some discussion took place, format agreed for the same as previous years. Thames Valley Police to be invited and reports from other village organisations.

58 Bonfires – Complaints were received from parishioners regarding burning of garden hedge trimmings and the damage caused by this. Council discussed and agreed that an entry in the village magazine the ’What’, would be appropriate.

59 Bus Shelter – Graffiti – Cllr Gaertner to remove

60 Burglaries – Report received of several burglaries in the village recently, to be noted in the ‘What’ for parishioners to be vigilant

61 Elderly Residents – Golden Jubilee Party - Date fixed for May 18^th to be discussed further at the next meeting under Other Proper Business.

62 Apologies received – Cllr Willmer apologised that he would not be at the next meeting or at the dogwood trimming.

Having no further business to discuss the meeting was closed at 9-45pm