Minutes of the Maresfield Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 20^th February 2007

held in the Village Hall, Fairwarp

Present:            Cllr W King (Chairman), Cllr H Fry, Cllr R Galley, Cllr J Gutteridge, Cllr J Handley,

   Cllr G Hardy, Cllr K Ogden, Cllr R Street, Cllr P Tester, Cllr R Tester, DCllr F Brown,

   DCllr J Hollins, DCllr Mrs S Martin, CCllr T Reid, Mr T Allen (Clerk) and Mrs C Goossens (Asst Clerk).

Public:             Mr Michael Harvey

A.         Public Session

A.1             Co-option of a Councillor to fill the vacancy created by

                  the resignation of Cllr Charlie Stevenson.

Mr Barlow made the following comments:

o     He has been a resident in Nutley since 1987 but has lived in the area since 1981. 

o     Since retirement from full time employment he has continued to carry out consultancy work but feels he has not really contributed to the village or the area in which he lives.

o     There are many things he would like to be able to contribute towards. 

o     He previously held the position of Chairman on the Parish Council’s Traffic and Transport Committee when there was no Councillor available to fill the role. 

o     He has recently joined the Nutley Fete Committee. 

o     He volunteered to take on the role of project managing the North Wealden Community Transport Partnership, replacing Barry Coward who has moved out of the area. 

o     He feels that by taking on such duties he will be able to give something back to the local community.

A.2       Any other public matters.

Mr Harvey stated that he has two concerns:

o      Light pollution:

§           He lives near Browns Brook and has been a resident of Fairwarp since 2000.

§           He has concerns regarding light pollution and is keen to ascertain whether there are any rules and regulations governing such problems of which Councillors are aware.

§           He particularly suffers from light pollution from other households along the track where he lives, in particular from the property opposite him.  The property in question has a security light on the front of the garage which although not on all night reacts to any small movement and automatically turns on.  Every morning it comes on at approximately 4.00am and floods through Mr Harvey’s bedroom window and all over the front of his house and garden.

o      Upkeep and maintenance of access tracks on the Forest:

§           The Conservators state that the maintenance of the track running from Oldlands up to Browns Brook is the responsibility of those households situated along it.

§           This has been a subject of annoyance and conflict amongst those who live along the track.

§           Some property holders have taken charge and have made undemocratic decisions as to how the track is maintained.

§           He feels that the Ashdown Forest Conservators have washed their hands of the situation.

§           How can the Parish Council help to resolve these issues?

Councillors made the following responses:

o     Cllr Hardy supports Mr Harvey regarding the issue of light pollution.  This arises very often particularly due to frequent planning permission approvals for conservatories, etc.  He does believe that there is enforcement potential.

o     DCllr Brown had a similar issue reported to him by the Clerk relating to a property in Clockhouse Lane, Nutley.  DCllr Brown confirmed that he will check with the Environmental team at Wealden District Council as to what measures can be taken by affected neighbours.  ACTION:  DCllr Brown to report back to the Clerk.

o     Cllr P Tester noted that security lighting does not need to be a flood light and could be reduced in intensity.

o     CCllr Reid stated that tracks accessing properties across the Forest are licensed to the private individual(s) living along them and maintenance is the responsibility of these individuals.

o     Cllr Street lives down a similar track which is also a public bridle path.  When this path was recently maintained, the eight properties served by it shared the costs, along with ESCC footpaths department which also paid a share.

o     Cllr P Tester stated that when the property was purchased, the searches would have highlighted the need to pay for the upkeep of the track.

o     Cllr Street accepted that getting all the residents who have a common responsibility for the maintenance and repair of a particular track to agree to do something about it may be difficult.  The rate paid by such householders for crossing the Forest is paid directly to the Forest.  It might be sensible for the Management of the Forest to take on responsibility for maintaining such tracks and rate / charge properties accordingly.

ACTION:  Clerk to write to the Superintendent of the Forest to see if the Conservators will consider this issue and possible solutions.

1208.   To vote for the co-option of a new Councillor to fill the vacancy created by

             the resignation of Cllr Charlie Stevenson.

The Chairman proposed that Mr Barlow be co-opted to Council to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Cllr Charlie Stevenson. This was seconded by Cllr P Tester and Agreed unanimously.

1209.   To approve apologies for absence and to note other non-attendance.

Cllr Mrs V Taylor, Cllr M Cranfield, Cllr C Stephens, DCllr Norman Buck and
CCllr F Whetstone. The Chairman stated that he will be speaking to Cllr Cranfield concerning Cllr Cranfield’s ability to continue as a Councillor in view of his heavy work commitments.

1210.            Declarations of interest – Cllr King in respect of item 1218 as Secretary of Nutley PCC,

Cllr Street in respect of item 1218, as his wife is the Bookings Manager for Fairwarp Village Hall and Cllr P Tester in respect of item1213.1.i, having a business relationship with “The Complete Garden Service – Sussex Tree Surgeons”.

1211.            Minutes:-

1.      Minutes of the previous Meeting (16^th January 2007) for adoption.

It was noted that DCllr Hollins had sent his apologies for the last Council meeting. 

The minutes were Approved subject to this amendment.

Cllr Fry stated that he was concerned about references such as “it was noted in discussion” and that he feels it is highly desirable and required from a Quality Council that all minutes on key issues should specifically state who said what.

The Chairman stated that when important issues are mentioned the minutes should record which Councillors raised them as he feels it is important that the public can see specifically who said what.

Cllr Fry suggested that the minutes could be reviewed by one or two Councillors once produced by the Clerk. The Clerk stated that the minutes are his responsibility, and that whilst he does sometimes review them with the Chairman of Council/Committees, he will not be submitting them for ‘marking’.

Cllr Hardy raised the question as to what is defined as “important” and stated that surely Councillors must rely on the Clerk and the Assistant Clerk to relay the substance of meetings in the minutes.

The Clerk reported that in comparison with many other Councils our minutes are very full and even lengthy.  If at any point in a meeting Councillors feel they want their comments recorded they must simply request that the Clerk or Assistant Clerk make the necessary minute.

Cllr Street raised a point of order in so much as this item was not on the agenda and therefore should not be discussed further..

2.      Matters arising from those minutes.

Cllr Fry stated that he had spoken with Ian Johnson, ESCC Highways, who had made it quite clear that despite his professional judgement, he would accede to the wishes of the Parish Council with regard to the siting of the signage in Fairwarp relating to the unsuitability of The Street for HGV’s. The Chairman noted that this action had not been given to Cllr Fry.

Cllr Hardy re. Pg 3, Item 1200.2 (second to last paragraph) feels that it is important to note that the substance of this paragraph seems to directly contradict with the impression he has had to date i.e. that the Conservators Clerk has encouraged tourism on the Forest since taking over his role.

DCllr Brown noted that there are both pros and cons to increased tourism on the Forest.

CCllr Reid highlighted the fact that there is a committee, the Ashdown Forest Visitors Management Partnership of which the Forest is a member, working on the promotion of tourism on the Forest

1197.1 – The Chairman confirmed that he has spoken with Cllr Stevenson and found this to be useful.

1201.2 – Cllr Ogden confirmed that the antique light at the entrance to Maresfield Recreation Ground has kindly been repaired by Mr T Godden, but that another on the church wall has since been damaged.

1206.2 – The Chairman confirmed that all Councillors have received a copy of the prospectus intended to go out to people who are of influence in our villages with a view to them informing and encouraging people in their groups and others to stand for election.  Thus far, comments have only been received from one councillor and the Chairman confirmed (after Councillors had indicated support for this) that he will proceed unless he receives feedback to the contrary from Councillors within the next few days.

Cllr Fry commented that there are many other people in the villages who are not part of a group and would need approaching on an individual basis.

It was noted that it is important to make it clear that anyone wishing to stand for Parish Council will do so as an individual and as a representative for the whole Parish.

1206.3 – It was noted that the Annual Assembly follows immediately after the election, there will doubtless be some new Councillors and the Parish Council is about to undertake a review of the Parish Plan.  The Annual Assembly will be an opportunity to ask Parishioners for their views with regard to the Parish Plan. Although a review of the Parish Plan as the theme of the Annual Assembly is a good idea, Cllr Fry suggested that we should try to think of something additional which will provide greater publicity.

1212.            Reports by and questions to:-

1.      County Councillors.

CCllr Reid made the following points:-

o ESCC today agreed its budget for the coming financial year.

o Council tax will increase by 4.3% i.e. an increase in ESCC’s spend of £12million.

o The budget magnifies the importance of County Council working together with local communities and understanding their needs.

o It is important for communities to have a strong opinion as to what they would like and what their priorities are, not just in the next five years but also longer term.

o ESCC will provide continuing support for Age Concern.

o Funds are in place to maintain the village maintenance teams; one for each of the highway regions i.e. East and West and they will now be available for 12 months of the year.

o With regard to speed management, there will be a conference on 4^th April to discuss this item.  The official view is that it will take five years and cost £2 million to carry out speed limit reviews in the villages.  ESCC has budgeted some funds to begin the review immediately.

o Representatives from the Police Authority state that the police have been encouraged to double their traffic force and to working more closely with local government to make improvements.

o A small sum has been budgeted for focussing on young members of the community particularly in relation to work coming out of the Youth Parliament.

o Approximately £100,000 has been budgeted towards efforts to upgrade ESCC’s carbon profile and management.

With regard to local issues:-

o Work has begun at the Maresfield Waste Site.  CCllr Reid would like to meet the crew on site with a view to creating a local dialogue and he would be happy for the Clerk and Chairman of the Parish Council to join him should they wish.

o The Freshfield Lane enquiry is progressing well.

o ESCC’s Planning Committee will tomorrow hear the application for the incinerator at Newhaven.

The following points were noted in discussion relating to CCllr Reid’s report:-

o ESCC’s budget is available for the public both on its website and at County Hall.

o If the Newhaven incinerator is given the go-ahead, it will be built paying attention to Carbon Management and will generate electricity from the waste heat.

o At the Maresfield Waste Site, porta-cabins and amenities for staff have been moved onto the site which should be ready for occupation by the end of 2008.

o A case had been made to the Government for a bigger share of the funding available to County Councils, but this had been refused without negotiation.

o The Chairman referred to his letter as published in The Times on Monday 19^th February 2007.  ACTION: Clerk to circulate to all Councillors and District Councillors.

The Chairman thanked CCllr Reid for attending the meeting especially in light of what must have been an extremely busy day for him at County Council.

2.      District Councillors.

DCllr Mrs S Martin made the following report:-

o Community Grants – the grant budget available for 2007/08 is £387,000, although Service Level Agreement commitments from previous grant rounds leaves an available budget of £151,000.  79 applications were received and 37 were recommended for awards.  Ashdown Forest Tourist Association received £2,000, the Conservators of the Ashdown Forest received £13,000 and the North Wealden Community Transport Partnership received £6,500 for the second year of their three year service level agreement.

o Council Tax – WDC share of Council Tax has been set at an increase of 4.2% which means that the Wealden element of Council Tax for a Band D property will rise from £150.71 to £157.03 in 2007/08, an increase of 12 pence per week.

o The Freshfield Lane Waste Site enquiry is ongoing; all three councils have produced their reports.  Due to end on Thursday of this week because the inspector will be making site visits on Friday , Tuesday and Wednesday of next week – both at the site in Danehill and at other sites too.  The Inspector is expected to take two months to produce his report.

DCllr Hollins made the following report:

o Congratulations to Maresfield Parish Council for attaining Quality Status.

o Affordable Housing – there are 240 households on Wealden’s Housing Register waiting for Affordable Housing.  The rural housing needs survey concluded that the great majority of households in need cannot afford to purchase or rent property on the open market.

o WDC operates a free collection and removal service for abandoned cars.

o Planning Delegation will be discussed at WDC on 21^st February 2007.  A new pro-forma system will ensure that a formal process is established between District Councillors and Officers.

DCllr F Brown made the following report:

o Community Awards – Mr Peter Easton from Nutley last week received a Community Award in recognition of all his hard work in and around the community.

PCSO Karen Juniper joined the meeting.

The following points were noted in discussion relating to the District Councillors’ reports:-

o One local gentleman lost a very valuable classic car which was removed from his garden as a result of WDC being over-zealous in relation to the removal of what they thought was an abandoned car.

o It is thought that only one family of the five housed in the new Affordable Homes at Piltdown actually came from Fletching Parish.  ACTION:  DCllrs to look into this.

o Whitehouse Farm – This is an example of how diversification policy does not work.  The policy was put in place to enable people who work in agriculture to continue to do so.  Although the first five units which were an old turkey house were developed according to this policy, subsequent development at this site has not been carried out in accordance with it.  There are now approximately 15 families living on the site which suggests an abuse of the system.

PCSO Juniper reported the following:

o Further to the damage to the antique lamp at the entrance to Maresfield Recreation Ground she has alerted several patrols in the area.

o She will look into the complaint regarding residents parking at the bus stop heading to Uckfield just past the A272 turn off at Budletts Roundabout.

1213.            Council bodies:  Actions, minutes and reports by, and questions to, Chairmen:-

1.                        Environment:-

Cllr Ogden thanked the Assistant Clerk for driving Councillors forward with a view to progressing tasks. 

A request was made to Cllr R Tester that he replaces the roundabout at Fords Green Play Area as soon as possible.

Cllr Ogden stated that it is with great regret but with no malice intended that he must report his concern that correct procedure had not been followed with regard to the recent ordering of the Parklands Play Area replacement equipment. 

He feels that as an environmental issue coming under the Environment budget, that the final decision making as to what was ordered and when should have stood with the Environment Committee.  However, he accepted that the issue had been discussed at the

Finance and Administration (F&A) Committee meeting on 14^th February 2007 to ensure that the necessary funds were indeed available but feels that from F&A the matter should have been referred back to the Environment Committee to progress.  Cllr Ogden asked that the ordering of the equipment is put on hold until the matter can be considered by the Environment Committee at its next meeting on 27^th February 2007.

It was confirmed by Cllr Ogden that he was not suggesting that the F&A Committee was responsible for giving the go-ahead to place the order for the play equipment.

The following points were noted in discussion:

o The Chairman stated that he thought Cllr Ogden was referring to his actions when stating that correct procedure had not been followed.  He said that, once F&A had confirmed the availability of the necessary funding, he had suggested to the Clerk that the order for the play equipment should be placed. The agreement had been signed by NPRA and Forest Park (as agreed by Council after approval by the Environment Committee) so ordering the equipment was the next job. 

o Cllr Ogden confirmed that he was proposing to Councillors that the order be cancelled until the matter has been discussed by the Environment Committee.

o Cllr P Tester referred to the minutes of the last Council meeting which state, “…..signed agreement has been received from the Forest Park Residents……..Once the second agreement has been received, the play equipment provider will visit the site to carry out a formal survey prior to the new equipment being ordered.”

o Cllr Street reported that the draft F&A minutes from the meeting on the 14^th February 2007 state that Councillors agree to the expenditure subject to agreement from both parties prior to the articles being ordered.

o Cllr P Tester reported that he previously informed Mr & Mrs Woodgate that they would be consulted regarding all proposed equipment for the play area.  It now seems that there are two items on which they have not been consulted.

o The Chairman confirmed that there had been only minor changes to the plan which accompanied the agreement signed by both parties i.e. that the “seal pup springer” was now labelled whereas it had not been so on the original plan, the basket swing has been rotated by 90° and finally, a balance beam has replaced the stepping logs nearest to the Forest Park Fences. None of these changes materially affect the agreement as signed by both parties.

o The Chairman confirmed that after the order had been placed, he immediately wrote to all concerned explaining what the changes were and asking that anyone with concerns call should call him. One resident of Forest Park did call citing concern regarding the balance beam and the possibility of it being used as a seat.  The Chairman explained to the resident concerned why this couldn’t be the case and subsequently wrote again to all Forest Park residents addressing this specific issue.

o As far as the changes are concerned, the Chairman said that he believes that they are trivial and even beneficial to Forest Park residents and do not require further approval by them.

o Delivery and installation has been confirmed for the week commencing 2^nd April. Cllr P Tester stated that there may be penalties if the order is now cancelled.

o Cllr Ogden stated that Mrs Battell has told him that the Chairman has not addressed her concerns.

The Chairman said (as concerns Cllr Ogden’s proposal that the matter be referred to Environment Ctee to comply with correct procedure) that in the absence of copies of all relevant minutes, Council will be taking Cllr Ogden’s word for it that the procedure followed had been incorrect, and he was unsure that Cllr Ogden was right about this.

The Clerk reported that prior to any further decision making he would like time to check the previous minutes for Council and both the Environment and  Finance and Administration Committees.  He believes this matter came from Environment to Council because of the ongoing problems and delays and Council subsequently convened a small working party to look at this issue.  Before any motion is put to Council, Councillors need to be completely clear on the issue.

Cllr Ogden said that he felt the Clerk was excluding him from discussions and proceedings relating to the resolution of the matter. The Clerk replied that with respect to Cllr Ogden, he will not have off-the-cuff accusations made against him at full Council.  Any complaints relating to him should be put in writing and addressed to the Chairman of Council.

ACTION:  Clerk to check Environment, F&A and Council minutes to see if they show whether approval to proceed is required from the Environment Committee.  If so, approval must be sought at the next meeting of the Environment Committee.

The Clerk reminded Councillors that the Environment Committee can only authorise individual amounts up to £500 and to a total not exceeding £2000 in any one year.

Cllr Street stated that he feels a matter of this magnitude must be agreed by Council.

Cllr R Tester confirmed that he has been asked to diarise clearance of the Maresfield Recreation Ground play area in readiness for the delivery and installation of the new equipment.

DCllr Hollins and DCllr Mrs Martin left the meeting.

                                                                    I.      Approve quote for Maresfield Recreation Ground tree works.

The Clerk informed Councillors that estimates/quotations were requested from five companies although the Council is duty bound to obtain just three according to its Financial Regulations.

The quotation received from Bamford Fraser does include an element for the road closure cost but Mr Bamford has yet to revert to the Clerk with a final figure.  It is expected that the final estimate will be approximately £400 more expensive than his original quotation.

Therefore the only full and final quotation before Council is that from The Complete Garden Service - Sussex Tree Surgeons, totalling £3050.

Cllr R Tester stated that 12 months ago when he had made enquiries as to the cost of road closure orders, ESCC informed him that the advertising costs alone were £600 and that a period of approximately 6 weeks notice was required.

The Clerk stated that there is currently only £2000 in the budget against MRG tree works. Cllr Street commented that the budget was set over a year ago when that probably would have been the cost if the Council had got on with arranging the works, however, the additional funding could be found by virement from another budget.

It was noted that if the matter is delayed until the firm quotation is received from Bamford Fraser, the season may be lost, an ideal time to carry out the work being the Easter holidays.

Cllr Hardy stated that he doesn’t perceive any imminent danger and feels that the work could be deferred for a year.  However, Councillors noted that quotations may be more expensive next year and also that there is no provision in the budget.

It was Agreed by majority that The Complete Garden Service – Sussex Tree Surgeons should be instructed to carry out the works.  ACTION:  Clerk

Cllr P Tester abstained from the vote.

CCllr Reid, DCllr Brown and Mr Harvey left the meeting.

                                                                  II.      Parklands Play Area – update.  See above.

2.                        Finance & Administration:-

                                                                    I.      Month 10 Financial Reports.

There were no questions to Cllr Street regarding the month 10 financial reports.

PCSO Juniper left the meeting.

                                                                  II.      Revised contracts for Clerk and Assistant Clerk.

The Clerk and the Assistant Clerk withdrew from the meeting.

Cllr Ogden stated that concerns had been expressed in the community about the increasing amount of Precept that is being spent on salaries.

Cllr Street made the following points:-

• Salaries are based on the agreed NALC/SALC/SLCC recommended pay scales.
• The intention is that the model contract will be mandatory for Quality Councils to adopt for its Clerks/Assistant Clerks.

• These pay scales were adopted by Council; the Clerk’s current agreed range is LC 24-28 and he is currently at point LC26; and the Assistant Clerk is currently at point LC15.
• About a year ago Council agreed to review existing contracts against the NALC model, which includes membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and sick pay arrangements.
• The LGPS is administered by ESCC and the Parish Council’s contribution is 11% of gross salary.
• To finance any payment of sick pay, the Council can insure against this and a quote of approximately £700.00 has been obtained.
• The F&A Committee likened this to an increment to salary and Cllr Street was asked to negotiate with the Clerk and Assistant Clerk on foregoing a salary scale point increase to finance the pension contributions should they wish to join the LGPS.
• The Clerk had indicated his wish to join the LGPS, and acceptance of the foregoing of a salary scale point; the Assistant Clerk had declined this offer. The approximate additional cost to Council will be £1660.00. Cllr Street said that this is provided for in the budget.
• The issue before Council is whether the Clerk and Assistant Clerk should be offered a variation of their employment terms to accord with the NALC Model Code, thus allowing them  the sick pay scheme and membership of LGPS. It was agreed that any changes to the Clerk’s contract would also apply to the Assistant Clerk’s contract.

Cllr P Tester stated that it should not be assumed that the Clerk would have moved up a point on the salary scale, as this is subject to his annual performance review.

Cllr R Tester raised an NI issue; if the insurance cover provides cash to the Council so that it can continue to pay salary to the sick employee (or afford to pay a locum in addition to paying the employee), the Council will have to pay NI – is this covered? ACTION Clerk to investigate.

Cllr Street proposed that the Clerk and Assistant Clerk are offered the sick pay scheme and membership of the LGPS as set out in the NALC model contract. This was seconded by Cllr Galley and agreed.

Cllr Street proposed that the Clerk’s offer to forego a salary scale point increase to join the LGPS be accepted. This was seconded by Cllr King and agreed.

Cllr Galley suggested that a future discussion is held concerning whether salary costs have become too great.

The Clerk and Assistant Clerk returned to the meeting.

3.                        Planning.

There were no questions to members of the Planning Committee.

4.                        Policy – Governance of the Ashdown Forest - recommendation to Council.

The Chairman referred to Item 5 of Policy Committee minutes of 22^nd January 2006, as circulated with the meeting papers i.e. that due to the infrequency of Policy meetings and their ad-hoc nature, minutes should be adopted at full Council by the members of the committee.  The minutes were Approved by them.

All Councillors were in favour of the recommendation by the Policy Committee as per the note circulated with the meeting papers.

It was Agreed that the Clerk would write to the Clerk of the Conservators in this regard with a copy to the Chair of the Ashdown Forest Parishes.  Prior to sending the letter
Cllr Hardy and Cllr Street wish to consult with the Clerk.  ACTION:  Clerk.

It was felt that the reference to modern principles is a little vague and would need expanding on.

Cllr Galley left the meeting.

5.                        Strategy (to receive reports on Traffic, Youth, Health & Transport).

Cllr Ogden reported the following:

o This is a very exciting committee with a great deal of cooperation from non-councillor members to whom he is very grateful. 

o Traffic - DCllr Kennedy has organised a private meeting with ESCC Officers to discuss traffic management in the Parish on 22^nd February 2006.  This meeting will be attended by the Chairman and the Clerk. The Strategy Committee clearly recognises the need for consultation on all matters relating to traffic within the Parish. 
Another non-councillor Traffic Working Group member is required.

            o Transport – due to inaccurate timetables passengers have been stranded on buses in Uckfield when the bus has been marked for East Grinstead but not continued its onward journey.

o Youth – the committee is currently looking for a mobile classroom for installation on the Nutley school playing field to serve the youngsters within the village.

o LDF – there is now a working group established.

Cllr Fry reported with regard to Sussex Police that the Government has officially announced that the Speedwatch programme is going to be reinstated.  Further information relating to this topic is detailed in the Chairman’s report as circulated with the meeting papers.

1214.            Outside bodies’ reports.

Cllr Street reported that he will be attending a meeting of WDALC on Wednesday 21^st February at 7.30pm at Uckfield Civic Centre, and invited other Councillors to attend.  The agenda for this meeting includes a discussion on the subject of Clustering.

1215.            Chairman’s Report – followed by questions to Chairman.

Re. item 2 – The Chairman reported that the letter from ESCC is not about speed management but rather about speed limits.  To date he has received no reply from the Police to his letter of some four or five weeks ago.  However, as detailed in his Chairman’s report, the Chairman recently had a conversation with Inspector Allum, who described in some detail the new Speedwatch pilot scheme.

Cllr P Tester noted that the Police have recently been active in Nutley carrying out both Northbound and Southbound speed checks.

Cllr Ogden reported in relation to the application for planning permission by Mr Selby at the Parade in Maresfield, that WDC misconstrued the Parish Council’s response thinking that it was the shop rather than the Post Office which was of such importance to the village.

1216.            Clerk's Report – followed by questions to Clerk.  There were no questions to the Clerk.

1217.            Consultation on revised Model Code of Conduct.

It was noted that the response date is 9^th March 2007.  The Clerk confirmed that he would provide a summary of the changes for Councillors. ACTION:  Clerk.  It was agreed that no further action was required.

1218.            Approval of payments to be made.

Payments totalling £6060.92 were Agreed.

1219.            Communications.

1.            Quality Council function.

The Assistant Clerk reported that invitations have been sent out to some 150 people and that the Maresfield and Nutley WI have agreed to help with the catering for the event.

It was noted that Councillors had not been in receipt of a copy of the final formal invitation.

ACTION:  Asst Clerk to distribute to all Councillors.

Councillors and their partners are invited to a private dinner at their expense at the Chequers’ Inn after the formal presentation.  A menu selection form was distributed to all prior to the meeting and should be returned to the Parish Office together with payment by no later than 9^th March 2007. ACTION: All Councillors.

2.            Election – 3^rd May 2007.

The Chairman asked all Councillors to encourage as many Parishioners as possible to take an interest in the Election and consider standing.  Nominations must be submitted by Noon on 4^th April 2007.

3.            Annual Assembly – 18^th May 2007 – proposed theme ‘Parish Plan Review’.

As discussed under item 1211.2.

Cllr P Tester proposed Cllr Barlow be co-opted to the Environment Committee, this was seconded by Cllr Ogden and agreed by all.  ACTION:  Clerk to send Cllr Barlow Environment papers.

1220.      Date of next meeting, 20^th March 2007 (Nutley).

There being no further business the meeting closed at 22.25.