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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE OXTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 11^TH SEPTEMBER 2007

Meeting commenced at 7.30p.m

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Present: Mesdames Cooper and Jones. Messrs. Johnson, Wilkes and Kilpatrick. Clerk Mr. B Machin.  County Councillors Stewart (part).

Apologies for absence: There were no apologies for absence.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14^TH AUGUST 2007:

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

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF 14^TH AUGUST 2007:

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Flooding: It was agreed that all matters relating to flooding would be dealt with together under Communications.

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Best Kept Village: The village has not been placed in this year’s competition.

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Affordable Housing: It was agreed that the subject of affordable housing would be reviewed at the next meeting now that a full Council has been appointed.

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Crash Course on Planning: Mr. Wilkes will also attend.

COMMUNICATIONS:

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Health Issues in Rural Communities: This meeting on 27^th September was noted.

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Private Sewers – Proposed Change of Responsibilities: The Clerk reported on a letter from N&SDC updating Council on Government proposals to make Water Companies responsible for private sewers. The change is likely to happen on 1^st April 2010 but the precise details have yet to be resolved; it is likely to result in a small increase in everyone’s water charges.

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NALC – Conference: The Conference on 5^th-7^th October was noted.

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Flooding: The Clerk reported on a letter received from Notts. CC responding to the issues raised following Councils schedule of works and queries of 5^th July; in essence the County Council will maintain those structures whose principle purpose is dedicated to the functioning of the road e.g. retaining walls to streams, otherwise watercourses are the responsibility of adjoining owners the principal being that the land on which the highway is constructed is normally not owned by the County Council who act only to maintain the fabric of the road and the ability of persons to “pass and re-pass” over it.

Water Lane: Notts CC are to inspect the watercourse fronting its land.

Honeyknab Lane: Most water coming down the lane is emanating from adjoining land; an inspection is to be undertaken to determine the condition of the ditching and the need for some grips to be cut to return water to ditches.

Main Street: Drains in the vicinity of The Garden House have been inspected

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during heavy rain and were found to be functioning adequately to cope with highway run-off; a lot of this water is coming from as far away as Honeyknab Lane and highway drains are not designed to cope with surges from land run-off. Some silted gullies near to Manor House are to be cleared but will have little or no effect on the drainage near to The Garden House.

The policy for routine cleansing and problem sites is currently under review; this will include the frequency of routine cleansing.

It was noted that the definitive position regarding riparian responsibilities should be on the deeds of individual properties.

Mr. Johnson said that the problems on Honeyknab Lane are exacerbated because the pipe under the road is not large enough and so backs up and overflows.

Dr. Kilpatrick expressed concern that the works to the flood channel promised by N&SDC had not been carried out. Mr. Johnson responded that he had met N&SDC and the contractors on site; the contractors are to work upstream to Sandy Lane and tip the silt on the field at the rear of Meadow View. They are to regrade the channel on Sandy Lane to flow away from Water Lane and also clear the ditches towards Southwell Road commencing this week with a view to completion it two weeks, silt would then be removed from site. Mr. Johnson also asked N&SDC to clear the culvert under the by-pass.

Mrs. Jones suggested that Council should undertake an annual inspection of the flood channel. Councillor Stewart suggested Council should undertake an annual inspection of road gullies. The Clerk cautioned that this would be a transfer of responsibilities without resources etc.

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Summer Floods and Risk and Resilience Conference: This conference on 4^th October is to be attended by Messrs. Johnson, Wilkes and possibly the newly co-opted Councillor.

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Flash Flooding: Following a request from N&SDC Council identified on plan areas affected by the recent floods and contributing streams etc.

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Post Office Closures: The Clerk reported on a letter received form Notts CC. regarding the intention of the Post Office to close 2500 branches nationally highlighting three web sites relevant to the proposals and seeking Councils views. It was agreed Council respond outlining concerns about the possible consequences of the closure of Oxton Post Office which is a widely used and essential community facility and the viability of the attached village stores if the closure goes ahead. Mrs. Jones expressed her concern that the transfer of the licence had not yet been carried out by the Post Office.

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Training Opportunities: NALC and Notts. RCC has produced a list of training opportunities for Councils which will be circulated; the Clerk will make booking arrangements for anyone interested. A refundable deposit of £10 will be required for all courses booked.

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River Corridor Survey: The Chairman asked the Clerk to respond asking what proposed action is to be taken regarding Japanese Knotweed and loss of flow in the Thorndale section of the Dover Beck.

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HIGHWAYS:

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Oxton Hill – Slow Sign: Mrs. Jones reported a slow sign which appeared to be unofficial; Councillor Stewart to enquire.

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Review of Speed Limits: The Chairman said she had received requests from residents for extension of the 30mph limit on Forest Road, Blind Lane and Sandy Lane; Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Jones were not in agreement with these suggestions and were concerned that extending limits which would be ignored was pointless, Mrs. Jones asked if it was actually speed or noise that was concerning residents. Mr. Wilkes thought the speed limits on Nottingham Road were in the correct position and traffic turning onto Main Street was unlikely to be exceeding 20mph. Councillor Stewart reiterated that 20mph limits were only likely to be applied near schools; currently a pilot scheme is running in Bleasby for 12 months ending in April. Residents there have objected to raised platforms for traffic calming and may therefore only have warning lights. Dr. Kilpatrick thought it was useful to have a view on speed limits despite the unlikelihood of anything being done. The Chairman thought that speed limits should be correctly designated irrespective of whether motorists obeyed them. Mr. Wilkes thinks the current signs are sensible following the residential areas; bringing the speed limit down to 20mph in the centre of the village would be sensible.

It was agreed to suspend any decisions until such time as the National Review is available.

The Chairman changed the order of the meeting at this point.

BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES:

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It was suggested that two schemes submitted in previous bids be re-submitted namely Village Interpretation Boards and Sandy Lane to Park Lane footpath. It was agreed that the footpath would require the lease of land from Oxton Estates by agreement; Mr. Johnson suggested an alternative route through the fields opposite the end of Sandy Lane following field margins to Park Lane. It was agreed either route for the footpath would be acceptable.

Mr. Johnson suggested changes to the water slash on New Road to reduce traffic speed would be a useful bid, Councillor Stewart said this proposal was already in hand.

SPEEDWATCH:

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The Clerk reported on an e-mail from Chief Inspector Charlton who is happy for PC Thompson to assist in Speedwatch provided it is recognised that his time is limited and should therefore be focused and also that the scheme has approval of the community as the likelihood was that a resident could be prosecuted.

It was agreed that sufficient support had been shown at Annual Parish Meetings for speed reduction in the village and that Council should contact the Police and arrange Police involvement.

Councillor Stewart left at this point.

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PLANNING:

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Blidworth Lane Rainworth – Wind Farm: N&SDC Planning Committee is to discuss this proposal on 18^th September, the scheme is recommended for approval and Councils previous comments are included in the officer report. Council had no further comment.

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2 Manor Close – Boundary Wall: N&SDC has granted full approval.

FINANCIAL MATTERS:

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Invoices and Payments: The following were approved for payment:

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Financial report for August: The Clerk reported a current account balance at the end of August of £2293.30 with outstanding cheques for payment of £336.94; receipts of ££71.08 and payments of £1017.46 and a balance of £8414.92 in the sinking fund.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES:

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Monthly Report: As Mrs. Jacobs was not present there was no report presented.

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Access to Cricket Ground: Mr. Johnson noted that Oxton Cricket Club was accessing their facilities via. the village hall gate and asked if this was permitted. The Clerk reported that the Cricket Club had been given a gate key to facilitate access for grounds maintenance equipment only. It was agree to ask the Club to stop using this access.

The Clerk reported it was advisable to buy a new padlock for which additional keys are easily obtainable, this was agreed.

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Play area litter: The Clerk reported that large amounts of rubbish was being left in the play area rubbish bin.

CO-OPTION:

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Council considered the letters of application for the vacancy from Judge Jonathon Teare, and Mr. R Aldridge. After discussion and on a vote Mr. R Aldridge was co-opted unanimously.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS?

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Dumping: Mr. Johnson reported dumping of roofing felt near water splash on Beanford Lane; The Chairman reported dumping on Old Epperstone Road.

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Water Lane – Overgrown Hedge: The Chairman reported the hedge outside Elmfield was encroaching onto the road; Dr. Kilpatrick is to speak to the occupiers.

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Water Lane: The Clerk was asked to report the safety barrier alongside the stream is defective.

Meeting closed at 21.35

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