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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE OXTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 11^TH MARCH 2008

Meeting commenced at 7.30p.m

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Present: Mesdames Cooper and Jacobs. Messrs. Johnson, Aldridge, Wilkes and Kilpatrick. Clerk Mr. B Machin.  County Councillor Stewart (part) District Councillor Laughton (part).

Apologies for absence: Apology for absence was received from Mrs. Jones.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12^TH FEBRUARY 2008:

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Dr. Kilpatrick requested that minute 08.02.4.9 should be amended to read “that Council is in favour of supporting Affordable Housing” this was agreed.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF 12^TH FEBRUARY 2008:

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Footpaths Leaflet: Dr. Kilpatrick and Mr. Wilkes presented their proposals for the redesign of the leaflet, these were accepted.

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Blind Lane Flooding: The Clerk reported that the Chairman, Mr. Johnson and he had met with Notts. CC Highways which has agreed to carry out clearance of the culvert;

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Southwell Road – Change of Priorities: The Clerk reported a letter of 5^th March from the County Council giving its reasoning for the refusal to carry out the modifications already agreed. Councillor Stewart said that the County Council appear to have lost sight of the purpose of the scheme i.e. to reduce ‘rat running’ through the village and that there is a political issue behind this decision, he suggested that pressure be maintained to deal with the ‘rat run’ issue and guidance from an independent source would be useful.

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Oxton Hill: Mrs. Jacobs reported that the hill had been swept but was disappointed that it had taken three months from the original report.

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Flooding: The Clerk reported that the Chairman, Mr. Johnson and he had met with Notts. CC Highways to inspect the drainage problems on Honeyknab Lane it was agreed it will carry out further investigation and remedial work.

At this point with agreement the Chairman changed the order of the meeting.

HIGHWAYS:

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Highways Complaints: Councillor Stewart informed the meeting of a new central call centre telephone number for reporting complaints as 0844 9808080.

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Oxton Bypass Highway Lighting: Mr. Johnson asked why this work had commenced before Council had a chance to comment on any revised proposals. Councillor Stewart is to pursue.

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Greaves lane Passing Places: The Chairman reported she had received a suggestion that passing places be provided similar to the ones installed on the narrow access road to Maplebeck. Mr. Johnson said that he thought the verges would be too narrow to allow such provision.

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Nottingham Road – Overhanging Branches etc: The Chairman reported branches etc. growing out of the stream and overhanging the verge; Councillor Stewart suggested these be reported to Ian Harrison. The Chairman also reported again the loose kerb stone in the same vicinity, Councillor Stewart agreed to pursue.

Mr. Laughton arrived at this point.

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Gravelly Hollow Road Closure: The Chairman asked what is proposed to reverse the temporary closure of this junction. Councillor Stewart replied that it was permanent. The Chairman said that now traffic diverts along Whinbush Lane, which with its bends is unsuitable, or along the B6386 to the junction with the A614 which is unsatisfactory and will become even more so with the opening of the Arnold Football Ground. Mrs. Jacobs said this junction needs major improvements which she understood the County Council is considering; Councillor Stewart said the latter junction was outside his area and he could not therefore respond he suggested a letter of complaint to Notts.CC. Corporate Complaints this was agreed. The Chairman said two issues here need resolution the improvements to the junction at Gravelly Hill which Council had been promised and the A614/B6386 junction the Clerk should write to Notts. CC accordingly, this was agreed.

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Oxton Hill: The Clerk reported a letter from Mrs. A Smith complaining about overhanging branches making it dangerous for horse riders on Oxton Hill, Councillor Stewart agreed to pursue getting them cut back.

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Councillors Stewart and Laughton left at this point.

COMMUNICATIONS:

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Green Dragon – Caravan Storage: The Clerk reported an email from Miss. Pearson thanking Council for its actions in getting caravans removed but more have now arrived. It was noted that the Green Dragon is now for sale and further action should await completion of the sale.

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Charity Commissioners: The Clerk reported he had received further reminders about outstanding annual accounts. He also reported a letter from Duncan Maclaren, a former chairman of the Council, who had received a similar reminder to which he has responded and copied his letter to Council. He has further offered to assist Council in finding a final resolution to this issue. The Clerk reminded Council that historically it had been unwilling to push for a resolution as this may impose additional obligations on the Village Hall MC he is uncomfortable allowing the issue to run and run without resolution. It was agreed the Clerk ask Mr. Maclaren to assist in finding a final resolution and also get an indication of any

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likely costs involved.

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Training – Local Council Administration: This NALC course was noted no-one is to attend.

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Training – Council as Employer: This NALC course was noted no-one is to attend.

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Civil Parking Enforcement: Receipt of a fact sheet was noted, this has already been published in the Dover Beck.

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Elmcroft Agreement: The new agreement was received and signed on behalf of the Council by the Chairman and Mr. Wilkes.

PLANNING:

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Garden House Main St. – Flood Barrier: N&SDC has granted planning and listed building consent.

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Sunnyside Cottage Water Lane – Conservatory: N&SDC has granted planning consent.

FINANCIAL MATTERS:

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Invoices and Payments: The following were approved for payment:

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Financial Report for February: The Clerk reported a current account balance at the end of February of £3451.97 with outstanding cheques of £138.00 and outstanding receipts of £43.00 and payments of £679.60 and receipts of £59.25 and a balance of £8914.92 in the sinking fund.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:

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Monthly Report: Mrs. Jacobs reported that the fence wire is loose in places and plugs missing from screw holes. She also drew attention to the safety of the tree overhanging the play area from Oxton Estates land, Mr. Johnson agreed to inspect.

It was agreed remedial works on the play area be deferred until the ROSPA inspection is carried out in May.

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE:

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Mr. Aldridge reported that no meeting had yet taken place between N&SDC and Oxton Estates regarding the works required to the weir at the head of Water Lane which he regarded as an important issue yet to be resolved; it was agreed the Clerk

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write to Ian Harrison expressing Councils concern over the lack of progress.

Mr. Johnson said he was also concerned over the flooding of Blind Lane and Meadow View which should also be brought to the attention of N&SDC.

Mr. Aldridge reported he was to meet N&SDC regarding the resilience store which it appears keen to deploy; he would also be discussing removal of sand bags left around the village.

Mrs. Jacobs reported a traffic cone and roll of wire on the flood channel embankment which could potentially fall into the channel and cause a blockage, the Clerk was asked to inform Ian Harrison.

TREE WARDEN:

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Mr. Johnson volunteered to be Councils Tree Warden.

BODY MOT’S:

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The Chairman outlined the activity day arranged with N&SDC for which Council is asked to pay for the hire of the village hall at a cost of £35.00 some of which may be recovered. This was agreed

ANY OTHER BUSINESS?

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Beanford Lane – Litter: The Clerk was asked to contact both N&SDC and Gedling Borough about litter clearance whilst the road is closed.

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Dog Stile: The Chairman asked that this be included as an agenda item at the next meeting.

Meeting closed at 21.30

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