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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE OXTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 11^TH NOVEMBER 2003.

Meeting commenced at 7.30p.m

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Present: Mesdames Cooper, Jacobs, Roe and Bennett. Messrs. Johnson and Bayliss. County Councillor Mr. Stewart. Clerk Mr. B Machin.

Apologies for absence: Received from Mr. Colston (ill) District Councillors Mrs. Armstrong (at N&SDC Planning Meeting) and Mr. Laughton.

Mr. Bayliss tendered his apologies for the October meeting

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14^TH OCTOBER 2003:

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Mrs. Jacobs asked it be minuted she had indicated that the Quality Parish proposals, were in her opinion, likely to reduce the numbers of residents willing to serve as Clerks and Parish Councillors and as such were a threat to local democracy. Otherwise the minutes, having been circulated prior to the meeting, were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF 14TH OCTOBER 2003:

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Thorndale plantation: The Clerk reported that he had arranged a meeting with the Environment Agency for 11.00 on the 8^th December meeting at the Olde Bridge car park. Mr. Johnson informed the meeting that a further problem in the plantation was an underground fire, started by vandals lighting fires, efforts to extinguish the fire were having a detrimental effect on some of the trees.

Honeyknab Lane: Councillor Stewart reported that he had inspected the lane and was in agreement that it will soon be impassable beyond the residential stretch, unfortunately repairs will be very expensive and no money is currently available.

Burntstump Cross Roads: Councillor Stewart reported that work would be undertaken by Gedling BC as agents for the County Council, next years programme had not yet been agreed so he could give no indication when the work would be done. It was noted that at the time of de-trunking Council had received an assurance from the Highways Agency that finance would be transferred to Notts. CC to carry out the improvements to this junction.

Loath Hill Orange Telecoms Mast: The Clerk reported that the application would be considered by today’s meeting of N&CDC Planning Committee and that the application was being recommended for approval by the Planning Officer. The Chairman reported that she had been in attendance at the meeting to express Councils concerns but that she had to leave before the item was discussed to attend this meeting; however, in her absence District Councillor Armstrong had agreed to stay behind and outline Councils objections against the mast to the meeting.

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Best Kept Village: The Chairman asked that the Councils appreciation of the efforts of the Clerk and Mrs. Machin in making the unveiling a success be recorded.

Neglected Dog: Mrs. Bennett reported that the dog Warden had left a note at the house concerned and that she had not seen the dog loose for a while.

COMMUNICATIONS:

N&SDC Open Space Forum: The first meeting of the forum on 25^th November was noted; Mrs. Jacobs could not attend this meeting but would like to attend future meetings the Clerk to arrange.

NALC – AQA Certificate Training: A introductory seminar to the certificate required by Clerks as part of the Quality Council Scheme is to be held on 20^th November, the Clerk may attend. Councillor Stewart informed the meeting that an initiative to get Learn Direct to provide training via. the web was being investigated, the Clerk was of the opinion he should have received ‘Grandfather Rights’.

NALC Annual General Meeting: The meeting on 12^th November was noted, Miss Roe to attend.

Post Office Off Licence Application: The application to be heard on 14^th November was noted without comment.

Notts. County Council – Partners Feedback Forum: A pilot scheme whereby comments, suggestions etc. good or bad is being introduced for a period of six months was noted. It was agreed to review this nearer the end of the pilot.

Oxton Village Hall Management Committee – AGM: Council is entitled to nominate two representatives to the management committee. It was agreed Mrs. Bennett be Councils representative.

Nottinghamshire Draft Structure Plan: The draft covers the period 2011 to 2021and comments are invited by 19^th December. It was agreed the Clerk obtain copy for examination and comment.

HIGHWAYS:

Oxton Roundabout – Chevrons: Mr. Johnson pointed out that the recently installed chevrons reduced visibility to the right for traffic approaching the island from the North and created a potential hazard. Councillor Stewart pointed out that the chevrons were specifically sited to slow traffic down on approach to the roundabout.

Beanford Lane: The Clerk reported that the approach road to the splash on the Gedling side was virtually impassable. Councillor Stewart agreed to pursue.

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Councillor Stewart left the meeting at this point.

PLANNING:

Holly Bush House Windmill Hill: N&SDC has approved the felling of one Horse Chestnut tree.

6 Manor Close – Retention of Brick Boundary Wall: N&SDC has refused permission to retain the wall as detrimental to the appearance and character of the Conservation Area and therefore contrary to the Local Plan.

The Police House Nottingham Road – Detached Double Garage and Storeroom: Council approved this application without comment.

Tansley House Main St. – Removal of Tree: It was noted that a tree had been removed apparently without permission. The Clerk was asked to clarify the position.

FINANCIAL MATTERS:

Invoices and Payments: The following were approved for payment.

Financial Report for October: The Clerk reported a current account balance of £4233.25 plus £3527.62 in the sinking fund with receipts of £3092.00 and payments of £1582.22.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:

Monthly Inspection Report: Mrs. Jacobs reported that she had been unable to carry out the inspection as yet.

Handrail to Steps at Rear of Village Hall:  Mrs. Bennett reported that the Village Hall Management Committee were concerned that the steps without a handrail constituted a hazard and asked if Council would assist with the cost of providing this. The Clerk reminded Council that this and the hazard created by the embankment were identified in its Risk Assessment and programmed for inclusion in the Budget for next year; ideally both jobs should be done at the same time. Mr. Johnson suggested rather than handrails and fences the slope could be graded out to remove the hazard. It was agreed to progress the work

next year, Mrs. Bennett to report back to the VHMC.

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Hedge Laying: The Clerk reported that BTCV intended to carry out the work on 25^th and 26^th November and 7^th December their quoted costs are £162 per day plus £213.15 materials. The Chairman and Clerk had met with BTCV who would accept and train volunteers on the first day, hedge cuttings would be burnt on the site of the bonfire. It was agreed the work go ahead, Mrs. Jacobs agreed to the cutting back the hedge on her side of the boundary.

BUDGET 2004/2005:

The Clerk reminded Council that the Budget had to be agreed by the January meeting and asked that Council identify any variations to this years Budget at the December meeting so that he had time to cost them and recommend a Budget figure for consideration at the January meeting. This was agreed.

DOVER BECK CONTRIBUTION:

Mrs. Jacobs requested a contribution to the Dover Beck publication costs suggesting £100 as in previous years. It was agreed that whilst not in the Budget this payment be met from the working balance.

TREE ELMCROFT:

Mr. Bayliss reported he had received indicative prices of £25 to £35 on to which would be added delivery costs which he is still trying to determine. It was agreed Mr. Bayliss determines delivery costs and the Clerk gets approval to the planting of tree from N&SDC in accordance with the lease.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS?

Litter Bin Outside Village Hall Mrs. Cooper reported that this bin is being used for the disposal of dog mess and is not very hygienic. It was agreed to consider provision of extra poop scoop bins as part of the Budget exercise.

Emergency Planning: Mrs. Jacobs reported that Mark Henry was the Emergency Planning Co-coordinator for N&SDC; he had addressed the Crime & Disorder Group.

Meeting closed at 21.25

       Signed

Chairman

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