05.07.1

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE OXTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY 7^TH JULY 2005

Meeting commenced at 7.30p.m

Present: Mesdames Cooper, Bennett, Roe and Jacobs. Messrs. Johnson and Kilpatrick. Clerk Mr. B Machin.

Apologies for absence: Apologies for absence were received from Mr. Bayliss.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14^TH JUNE 2005

1

Mrs. Jacobs pointed out that the defective post on Water Lane that she reported had not been minuted; the Clerk reported that the defect had been reported to the County Council; otherwise the minutes having been circulated prior the meeting were confirmed and signed as a true record.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF 14^TH JUNE 2005

2

Community Physical Activity Officer: The Clerk reported he had received a Community Physical Activity Plan which he would circulate and include on the next agenda for discussion. In the meantime several dates had been suggested in July for the body MOT. Council was concerned that the short notice would not allow time to inform residents and therefore dates of 10^th 11^th 17^th 18^th September was suggested as more suitable.

3

Speed Watch: Dr. Kilpatrick reported on the signs that would be erected as part of the scheme, it was agreed he would bring a sample sign to the next meeting.

4

Pavement Outside 15 Elmcroft: The Clerk reported that the County Council is to inspect the site and he had therefore deferred speaking to Mike Catchpole, this action was agreed.

5

Consultation on Planning Applications: No one was able to attend the meeting.

6

Grass Cutting: Miss Roe reminded the meeting that now Les Strutt was unable to cut the grass outside Holly Tree Cottage the area had become overgrown and complaints had been made. Mr. Johnson reported that the Estate had cut the grass once and was willing to do it once more but would not be willing to carry out the work on a continuing basis.

7

Chiropody: The Chairman reported that she had opened a bookings list and had so far had one applicant.

COMMUNICATIONS:

8

Nottingham & District Gun Club: An application to transfer the licence was noted.

05.07.2

1

Anti Social Behaviour – High Hedges: The Clerk reported the procedures to be adopted by N&SDC in respect complaints regarding high hedges, the Clerk was asked to copy this to all Councillors.

2

Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act: The Clerk notified Council that the Act came into force on 7^th April the provisions of the Act allow Parish Councils to:

• To issue fixed penalty notices for litter, graffiti, fly posting and dog offences.
• To introduce dog control orders.

The Act allows for these measures to be introduced by Ministerial order commencing in the Spring of 2006 following further consultation.

3

BT Payphone Main Street: BT has identified the payphone as having low use but that still may be needed by the community they are proposing to keep the payphone but convert it to a cashless payment option; Council are asked for comment before a final decision is taken. Council is of the view that the payphone should be retained and with a cash payment facility for the benefit of the elderly of Elmcroft. The Clerk was asked to respond accordingly.

4

Water Lane – Overgrown Water Course: A letter from Mrs. Neal drawing Councils attention to the overgrown nature of the water course was considered, discussion took place on the responsibility for maintenance and the advantages for wildlife if left in its current state. It was agreed this needed to be handled sensitively and should be included on the next agenda to allow Councillors opportunity to inspect the site beforehand.

5

Recreation Field – Hedgelaying: The Clerk reported that BTCV are willing to complete the hedge and replant the end section at a cost of £145.14 including VAT, plants and accessories are being provided at cost and no charge for labour will be made, Council would have to deal with the cuttings.

It was agreed to ask BTCV to carry out the work preferably before bonfire night so that cuttings could be placed on the bonfire.

HIGHWAYS:

6

Southwell Road o/s Hollybeck Nurseries: Mrs. Jacobs reported that the shoulder of the road had broken away and required urgent attention, the Clerk was asked to report the problem.

PLANNING:

7

8

Birkhouse Oxton Hill – Agricultural Storage Barn: This application was approved subject to a condition being attached preventing commercial use.

05.07.3

FINANCIAL MATTERS:

1

Invoices and Payments: The following were approved for payment:

2

Financial Report for June: The Clerk reported a current account balance of £5203.38 with receipts of £76.80 and payments of £293.62 and a balance of £7116.78 in the sinking fund.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:

3

Monthly Inspection Report: Mrs. Jacobs presented the report the only item was overgrowing branches near the spring motorcycle. Mr. Johnson agreed to cut back the branches.

4

Safety Surfaces – Re gluing: The Clerk reported that FT Redfearn were willing to give an estimate for the work but that he had been unable to source a suitable glue ROSPA being unwilling to offer any suggestions other than tiles providers, the Clerk was asked to pursue the glue with ROSPA pointing out our dissatisfaction with previous work undertaken by contract.

RISK ASSESSMENT:

5

It was agreed this item be deferred to the next meeting with a site inspection on the playing field, in the meantime the Clerk highlighted the changes from the last assessment.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS?

6

Village Hall Car Park – Trees: Mrs. Bennett reported that the grass cutters were having difficulties due to low branches. It was agreed the Clerk look at the deeds to determine responsibility and ask Ulyetts for a price for cutting the branches.

7

Playing Field – Broken Gate: Mrs. Bennett reported that the gate had not yet been repaired. The Clerk said he had arranged with FT Refearn to repair the gate.

8

Village Benches: It was noted that the Millennium bench had been resited it was also agreed that the bench should receive no timber treatment but be allowed to age naturally. The Clerk reported that FT Redfearn had attempted to site the new bench on Windmill Hill in the position agreed but that substantial tree routes had prevented this. As no one was available it was agreed the Clerk ask Mr. Redfearn and Mr. Palmer to agree an alternative siting.

05.07.4

1

Street Lights: Mrs. Bennett reported that the street light on the Bridge House was inoperative.

2

Timecapsule: Dr. Kilpatrick suggested ideas as to what should be in the capsule should be sought via. the Dover Beck.

3

Dover Beck: It was noted that the Dover Beck had received a commendation for local newsletters, it was agreed the Clerk write and congratulate the Editor.

Meeting closed at 21.15

Signed..............................................Chairman.    Date.........................................