06.07.1

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE OXTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 11^th JULY 2006

Meeting commenced at 7.30p.m

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Present: Mesdames Cooper, Bennett, Jacobs and Roe, Mr. Johnson. Clerk Mr. B Machin. County Councillors Stewart (part).

Apologies for absence: Apologies for absence were received from Mr. Bayliss Dr. Kilpatrick and Councillor Laughton.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 23^RD MAY 2006

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The minutes having been circulated prior to the meeting were confirmed and signed as a true record.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF 23^RD MAY 2006

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Utility Cabin Main Street: The Clerk reported that Dr.Fitzpatrick had inspected the cabin and found it to be unsafe due to its condition and the fact it contained electrical equipment, he had reported this to operatives working at the site. Councillor Stewart agreed to pursue the matter.

4

Ringmaster: The Clerk reported that no invoice had yet been received. Mrs. Bennett reported that she does not receive any reports from Ringmaster; Mrs. Jacobs thought there may be an issue with the cost of receiving and printing emails. It was agreed to discuss the matter at the next meeting.

5

Play Area Repairs: The Clerk reported this work had been done.

6

Chiropody: The Chairman reported that the Oxton Social Committee had agreed to donate £300 towards the chiropody service; she had not yet received the money.

7

Best Kept Village: The Clerk reported that the village had progressed to the final round of judging.

8

Oxton Hill Sweeping and Blocked Drains: Mrs. Jacobs reported that the sweeping had been done but the drains remained blocked.

9

Blind Lane Pot Holes: Mrs. Jacobs reported that the pot hole on the pavement outside Orchard Court had not been repaired and was dangerous.

10

Beanford Lane Dumping: Mr. Johnson reported that the cuttings had not been cleared.

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Dunn Line Buses: Councillor Stewart reported that comments from the Woodborough meeting had been passed to Dunn Line; the current contract runs until the end of March 2007, consultation would take place with parish councils.

06.07.2

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Affordable Housing: The Chairman reported on the site meeting with representatives of N&SDC Planning and Notts. RCC to inspect the suggested sites behind the Olde Bridge Inne and the field opposite. She reported that she had subsequently been informed that Everards were now unwilling to release land at the Olde Bridge Inne, also Notts RCC think that the planners may suggest an extension from Elmcroft as an alternative; a formal response from the planners is awaited. Mr. Johnson declared an interest in the land behind Elmcroft. The Chairman suggested another alternative site was the paddock alongside Holly Tree Cottage.

The Chairman pointed out that the site inspection had highlighted the fact that the 30mph sign on Nottingham Road should be moved close to Oxton Roundabout for safety reasons, it was agreed to suggest this to Notts. CC.

COMMUNICATIONS:

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Fiskerton HWRC Closure: Notts. CC has asked Council to comment on the proposed closure, documents outlining the advantages and disadvantages of the proposal were considered by Council. Councillor Stewart said he was against closure but recognised that this was expensive, Mrs. Jacobs said the facility should remain open at least until the impact of the proposed green collection service was known. It was agreed Council object to the proposed closure.

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Raise your Local Profile: An invitation has been received from the CPRE to attend a seminar on 22^nd July; no one is able to attend.

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Notts. RCC AGM: Notice was received of the AGM on 1^st November and for nomination to office, Council had no nominations.

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Nottinghamshire Concessionary Fare Scheme Agreement: The County Council has issued a new form of agreement covering the Oxton Flyer, it was agreed to accept the new agreement which was signed by the Chairman.

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Notts. Statement of Community Involvement – Submission Draft 2006: Receipt of this document was noted without comment.

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Seasonal Decoration License: Notts. CC has changed the application process and this was noted.

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Choice Based Lettings Review: The review by Newark & Sherwood Homes was noted without comment.

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Notts. Fire & Rescue Service Performance Plan 2006-2007: Receipt of the plan was noted without comment.

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Consultation re. Police Force Mergers: Receipt of this consultation document was noted but as the Government are about to scrap the proposed merger it was agreed to make no additional comment.

06.07.3

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Lower Trent Abstraction Management Strategy: Receipt of the strategy from the Environment Agency was noted without comment.

HIGHWAYS:

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Oxton Roundabout: Councillor Stewart introduced proposed safety measures for the roundabout, as a result of accident statistics indicating seven injuries four of which were serious, including road markings and ‘flicker boards’. Mr. Johnson pointed out the recent fatal accident at the junction of Oakes Lane and suggested the money could be better spent at other locations in the parish. It was agreed to arrange a site meeting with Notts. CC.

3

Oxton Hill Milestone: Councillor Stewart pointed out that the stone was presently at the engravers and would be installed shortly; he asked if Council wished to have publicity to mark the occasion, this was agreed.

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A6097 Tractor Signs: Councillor Stewart informed the meeting that, in view of the proposed increase use of the junction by recycling traffic, the Highways Dept. were to reconsider the appropriate type of signage for the junction.

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Whinbush Lane: The street name sign has been knocked down, Councillor Stewart agreed to arrange re-erection.

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Nottingham Road Calverton Lay-bys: Mrs. Jacobs pointed out that these lay bys beyond Whinbush Lane had no waste bin facilities and a lot of rubbish collected there.

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New Road Manhole Cover: Miss Roe reported that the manhole cover on the pavement outside Dolphin’s Barn Was dangerous, Councillor Stewart agreed to pursue.

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Hedges Overgrowing Footpaths: It was noted that in several locations in the village hedges were overgrowing and interfering with the use of roads and footpaths. It was agreed the Clerk put an item in the Dover Beck.

PLANNING:

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8/9 New Road Conversion to Two Single Dwellings: The Clerk reported on this application which had been circulated for comment between meetings. No objections had been raised to the proposal.

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Elmfield Main Street Extensions & Redesigned Swimming Pool: N&SDC has granted full approval to this proposal.

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Grange Farm Oxton Composting Scheme Extension: Notice was received that Notts. CC is to consider the proposal on 27th June and was recommending approval.

06.07.4

FINANCIAL MATTERS:

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Invoices and Payments:

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The Clerk pointed out that he had incorrectly submitted a cheque for £6.00 for the Best Kept Village competition, the correct fee being £5.00 he had therefore cancelled the Council cheque and for convenience submitted his personal cheque.

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Financial Report to 30^th June: The Clerk reported a current account balance of £5149.15 with receipts of £4235.31 and payments of £2545.96 and a balance of £7752.84 in the sinking fund.

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Internal Audit Report: The Clerk presented the internal auditors report which identified a minor discrepancy resulting in an underpayment of two pence; a discrepancy in the end of year tax return which required resolution with the Inland Revenue and a problem resolving the amounts received for the Oxton Flyer which are caused by late receipt of fares, claims to and repayments from Notts. CC; the auditor suggested more timely and regular claims submissions. Otherwise the auditor has signed the accounts as correct.

The Clerk was concerned that timely and more regular submission of Oxton Flyer accounts would create more work for little actual benefit, this was agreed by Council; he would double check the end of year tax return.

The Clerk suggested that Council should recognise the work that Mr. Perkins puts into the audit voluntarily, it was agreed that the Clerk should arrange a gift voucher for £25 to be given to Mr. Perkins.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:

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Monthly Report: Mrs. Jacobs reported that both swing seats were splitting.

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ROSPA Report: Council considered the report which highlighted mainly low risk issues, in view of the impending improvements to the equipment it was agreed that nothing required immediate attention and concentration would be to deal with items as necessary following monthly reports.

06.07.5

MATTERS ARISING FROM ANNUAL PARISH MEETING:

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Bigger Litter Bin Forest Road Car Park: Concern was expressed that a bigger bin e.g. a wheelie bin would encourage dumping. It Was agreed the Clerk confirm that N&SDC empty the bin regularly and ask there advice on any changes necessary.

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New Light Bridge Inne: It was agreed that the street light may have been better located but Council agreed not to take any action.

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Flooding Calverton Road: This appeared to be an issue around the water levels in Thorndale Plantation of which the Highways Dept. are aware. Mr. Johnson reported that a drain in the road side kerb was blocked which was exacerbating the situation.

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Grass Cutting: The feeling of the Parish Meeting was that grass cutting should continue at its current level to maintain the tidiness and image of the village. Mrs. Cooper remained concerned about the cost involved and Councils responsibility for some of the cutting. It was agreed to review the grass cutting requirements at budget time.

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Forest Road Footpath: Concern had been expressed that the footpath was overgrown. It was agreed that as the footpath is little used Council would take no action but would maintain a watching brief.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS?

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Playing Field Hut: Mrs. Jacobs suggested that as there would be no football team using the pitch next year the hut should be removed at the earliest opportunity for safety reasons, this was agreed.

7

School Bus Stop: The Chairman expressed concern that the school bus picks up outside the Green Dragon and that this is potentially dangerous. She suggested that Council expedite the provision of the second bus shelter and arrange for the school bus pick up to be moved when the shelter is installed, this was agreed.

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Date of Next Meeting: The Chairman asked if the August meeting could be changed from the15th to 17th, this was agreed.

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Ragwort: Mr. Johnson reported that he had received complaints about Ragwort on highway verges and asked what the regulations are regarding its removal by the Highways Dept. The Clerk was asked to bring the problem to the attention of the Highways Dept.

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Oakes Lane Dumping: Mr. Johnson reported a freezer dumped at the end of Oakes Lane.

Meeting closed 21.25

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