Minutes of the meeting of Maresfield Parish Council held on Tuesday

21^st March 2006, in the Village Hall, Fairwarp

Present:         Cllr W King (Chairman), Cllr P Tester, Cllr H Fry, Cllr J Gutteridge, Cllr S Leaney, Cllr K Ogden, Cllr T Sparrow, Cllr C Stephens, Cllr R Street, Cllr R Tester, DCllr F Brown, DCllr J Hollins, DCllr Mrs S Martin, CCllr A Reid, CCllr F Whetstone, Clerk Mr T Allen.

1052    Public Session – Mrs Flittner attended to observe the meeting.

Mr & Mrs Maynard attended to ask Council about the latest position with regard to Mr Watts’s stated intention to block public access to the Maresfield Recreation Ground via the Park Farm access track. The following points were noted in discussions with Councillors:-

• The Recreation Ground land is owned by the Parish Council as Trustee
• The Park Farm access track is owned by Mr Watts, but over the years its route has deviated in places onto Recreation Ground land
• The Village would not be happy if Mr Watts blocked this access, as it is currently the only vehicle access to the Recreation Ground car park on the left side of the track
• It is public access that is at stake, not just Parish Council access
• The Parish Council is in the course of legally establishing a Right-Of-Way across the track, as it has been used as such for at least the past 40 years
• There can be large numbers of vehicles and parking problems at peak times

Mr & Mrs Maynard and Mrs Flittner left the meeting.

 1053    Apologies for absence – Cllr G Hardy, Cllr C Stevenson, DCllr N Buck, Cllr Mrs S Weekes.

 1054    Declarations of interest – Cllr Sparrow as a consultant to Water UK, re. Item 1056/2.

 1055    Minutes:-

1.      Minutes of the Council meeting (21 February 2006) for adoption – Re. Item 1043, 2, ii, it was agreed to delete the Action in the first bullet point (top of Page 3). The minutes were adopted, as amended. The Assistant Clerk was praised in her absence for being able to take the minuting role in the Clerk's absence.

2.      Matters arising from these minutes – None.

1056    Reports by and questions to:-

1.      County Councillors – CCllr Reid made the following report:-

·         The Onyx application for waste facilities at Maresfield Camp, approved by the ESCC Plans Sub-Committee on 22^nd February 2006, was now with GOSE for review by the First Secretary of State. The review period for this ended on 20^th March 2006, but GOSE had stated that more time was being allocated for the review. Through the efforts of County Councillors, the Maresfield Camp site was not included in the Waste Plan in recognition of the fact that a site in Uckfield Town was preferable

·         ESCC proposes to use budget profiling for the next four years, as a means to help staff and the public understand cash allocations to each spending/service section. The public pay 72p in the £ for ESCC services and ESCC still need to strip £21m from spending forecasts

                                                              i.      Definition of adult social care – CCllr Whetstone and CCllr Reid made the following report:-

·         The ESCC budget for 2006/07 does not allow for the continued financial support for adult social care at current levels as demand is outstripping the ability to increase funding

·         East Sussex has the highest number of over 85 year olds compared to other Counties, and this is a great burden on the budget

·         ESCC have tried to explain the situation to Government without success

·         ESCC prefers to be honest with the public about the situation, rather than cover it up and have long waiting lists

·         In 2006/07 the adult social care budget will be £117m (41% of the ESCC revenue budget). This is an increase of  8% over 2005/06, but demand/cost for these services is increasing at 10%-15%

·         ESCC has a statutory responsibility to spend on adult social care and to state in clear terms the services that are offered

·         The most  vulnerable will be protected as far as possible in any reduction of services

 2.      District Councillors – DCllr Mrs S Martin reported on the following items:-

·         Proposed Local Government changes led by The Rt Hon David Miliband MP, noting that the speed of change will be quite rapid

·         WDC review of water infrastructure in the District.

The full text of DCllr Mrs S Martin’s report is appended to these minutes.

 Mrs Flittner returned to the meeting.

 DCllr Hollins reported on the following items:-

·         DCllr Hollins had attended a Chartered Institute of Housing conference recently regarding urban housing design and affordable housing, noting that the inclusion of an element of social housing in developments is not a new idea

·         A recent accident on the A26, involving a lady Parishioner of Hartfield, had prompted her father, who is a highways engineer, to make several good points and suggest solutions. ACTION: DCllr Hollins to copy this email to the Clerk. A large number of accidents on the A26 occur between Barnsgate Manor and Five Ash Down.

DCllr Hollins passed an additional written report to the Clerk and this is appended to these minutes.

 The following points were noted in discussion:-

·         Cllr Sparrow stated that he is a consultant to Water UK which looks after the water companies. ACTION: Cllr Sparrow to discuss this matter with DCllr Mrs S Martin prior to the WDC review meeting

·         In a recent meeting of water industry stakeholders, no issues were raised regarding the current drought, and that recently the water companies had told ESCC staff that there were no problems regarding this drought

·         Water companies have a statutory duty to supply, and they never raise problems regarding supply to new developments, e.g. proposed 80 houses at Park Farm, Maresfield. DCllr Hollins noted that assessment of water provision must in future (LDF) be on an evidential basis

·         The 0800 contact number in a recently circulated WDC leaflet on home insulation was not responding. ACTION: DCllr Brown to investigate with WDC Officers and report to the Clerk.

 1057    Council bodies: Actions, minutes and reports by, and questions to, Chairmen:-

1.   Civil Protection – Cllr Gutteridge stated that the next meeting of the Committee would be on 30^th March 2006, at which John Wood, WDC Emergency Co-ordination Officer, would be a guest speaker; following the issue of a new questionnaire, the Committee is currently reviewing the skills and equipment that Parishioners can offer in an emergency.

2.   Environment & Maintenance

                                                  i.      Parklands Play Area – At the request of Mr & Mrs Woodgate, Parishioners of Forest Park, Maresfield, the issue of apparatus siting and screening will be a formal Agenda Item at Council’s meeting on 18^th April 2006. Issues of concern are that the screen erected is not a success and that control of users of the Play Area is not working. It was noted that Cllr Hardy is looking at a tree screening solution.

                                                ii.      Access to Maresfield Recreation ground – Cllr Street stated that the Parish Council had taken advice and had informed the solicitors that the establishment of a Right-Of-Way was the one aim at present.

                                              iii.      Play areas policy – The Clerk stated that a Special meeting of the E&M Committee will be called in April 2006 to review his Paper on Play Areas. Attendance at this meeting to be widened out to non Committee members. It was agreed to also discuss at this meeting the use of this Paper by the Fairwarp Village Hall Committee for the Fairwarp Play Area, and whether the Parish Office ‘phone number can be used as an emergency contact number.

3.   Finance & Administration

                                                  i.      Month 11 Financial Reports – Cllr Street stated that spending was generally on target, although the end-of-year underspend may be slightly lower than forecast (c. £8k vs. £11k); the knock-on effect of this would be that the end-of-year reserves for 2006/07 would be £2.5k lower than forecast. The balance in the Council's accounts at 31/03/2006 would be approximately £31k, £10k of which goes forward to the 2006/07 budget.

The calculation of the Budget and Precept percentage increases was discussed.

Cllr King gave a comparison of the cost per elector of the Parish Council’s Precept vs. those of some other local Parishes. It was agreed that an explanatory article should appear in the next issue of ‘The Parish Matters’. ACTION: Cllr Street.

                                                ii.      Review of Risk Assessments and Asset Register – Cllr Street stated that the current Risk Assessment and Asset Register was being circulated to all Committees/Councillors for updating prior to the Council’s Annual Meeting in May 2006.

                                              iii.      Fairwarp Recreation Ground issues – Cllr Street stated that the Fairwarp Recreation Ground Committee (FRGC) had asked the Parish Council to become more involved with the long-term running and development of this facility; FRGC are to detail their requirements.

4.    Planning – Cllr Ogden stated that it appeared that the provision of affordable housing depended almost entirely on allocations from new builds and that he will be developing solutions with the Planning Committee.

Cllr Ogden reported that Mr Watts preparations for a housing scheme on his land in Maresfield were continuing and that a Village consultation meeting was expected in April 2006.

                                                  i.      Onyx proposed waste facility at Maresfield Camp – update – Cllr Ogden stated that the outcome of the review of this application by the First Secretary of State was awaited.

Cllr King reported that he would be meeting with Ian Kay, WDC on 22 March 2006, to discuss WDC’s contribution to the First Secretary of State’s review.

5.    Policy Committee – The Clerk stated that the next meeting of the Committee would be on the 4^th April 2006.

                                                  i.      Review of Committees (number, structure & effective quorum) – This subject, referred from Council, will be discussed at the Committee’s next meeting. Attendance at this meeting to be widened out to non Committee members.

6.    Strategy Sub-Committee – Councillor Sparrow made the following report:-

·         The Clerk had information on the ‘Village of the Year’ competition, which some local groups may wish to enter

·         Cllr P Tester will be holding a meeting on 22^nd March 2006 with two key Nutley Parishioners to move the Nutley Youth project forward

·         Discussions are continuing regarding having a branch surgery in the Parish

·         An application to the WDC Community Grants Scheme had been made for the continued running of the EasyLink bus service and the development of a North Wealden Community Transport Scheme; this would be a three year Service Level Agreement, and an amount of approximately £20k had been recommended for approval by the WDC Cabinet

·         An Accessibility Audit for the Parish was being conducted for the Parish, funded by a Countryside Agency grant; questionnaires to Parishioners and analysis by a consultant to identify access issues to various services

                                                  i.      Proposal for the sign-off of Phase 1 of the web site development – The Clerk stated that he and the Assistant Clerk had completed their training sessions and now considered that Phase 1 of the web site was completed; a view shared by Cllr Stevenson. Cllr Sparrow proposed that Phase 1 of the web site development should be signed-off and Mr Coxon paid the final part of his development fee. This was seconded by Cllr P Tester and agreed unanimously.

7.    Traffic & Transport Committee – Cllr R Tester reported that only two Members were present at the meeting on 16^th March 2006, so a full Committee meeting was not held; a short review of outstanding items was conducted, the notes of which were circulated with the meeting papers for Council.

                                                  i.      Nutley School pedestrian crossing – Cllr Sparrow’s email of 2^nd March 2006 (circulated with the meeting papers) concerning the dangers at this crossing was discussed. Cllr Sparrow stated that he had enlisted the help of CCllr Reid and that the matter was now with ESCC Highways Officers for attention.

Cllr Ogden reported that the impending highways works to Budletts roundabout in Maresfield, which would include new coloured road surfaces and new lining, were going ahead without any input from the Parish Council or other local bodies. ACTION: CCllr Reid to ascertain why the Parish Council was not involved, as local knowledge could help ESCC avoid problems.

Cllr Fry informed the meeting that the Sussex Police Authority (SPA) had now accepted that speeding in rural areas is a main issue for inclusion in the new Policing Plan, which also supports local community Speedwatch exercises which are now to be backed by enforcement. Cllr Fry is trying to get hold of a copy of the new Plan and hopes that Sussex Police take full heed of these new provisions. Cllr Fry was thanked and congratulated by all for his hard work on this matter.

Cllr Sparrow reported that the new Police District Commander, CI Tony Blaker, will be making a presentation at a meeting on 27^th March 2006 concerning neighbourhood policing, at which Cllr Fry and the Clerk will be present, and that this would be a good opportunity to raise the involvement of PCSOs in dealing with speeding issues.

DCllr Hollins left the meeting.

1058    Outside bodies’ reports – The Clerk reported that the Environment & Maintenance Committee will take reports for groups such as the Fords Green Management Committee, and the Maresfield Recreation Ground Committee, and feed items into Council as necessary.

Cllr Sparrow stated that he had supplied the Clerk with his report on Sussex Association of Local Councils, Local Strategic Partnership, Action in Rural Sussex and the Community Rail Partnership, and this is appended to these minutes.

1059    Chairman’s Report – oral report followed by questions to Chairman – The Chairman stated that his past month had been taken up with a holiday and dealing with a family bereavement. Cllr King made the following report:-

• He will be meeting with Ian Kay, WDC, on 22^nd March 2006, to discuss the Onyx application for waste facilities at Maresfield Camp
• He had written to Andrew Wallace concerning Mr Wallace’s resignation from the Council
• He has talked to Cllr Mrs S Weekes who is going to start getting back into Council work
• He will be attending a meeting on 24^th March 2006 with The Rt Hon David Miliband MP to discuss changes to Local Government structures

1060    Clerk's Report – oral report followed by questions to Clerk – The Clerk stated that his past month had been taken up with a virus illness and a family bereavement, and praised the Assistant Clerk for her hard work in his absence.

1.      Review of Remits and Standing Orders – The Clerk stated that Remits will need to be reviewed following the proposed review of Committee structures, and that Standing Orders should also be reviewed.

2.      Councillor vacancy – The Clerk reported that no Parishioners had requested an election to appoint a Councillor to fill the vacancy created by Mr Wallace’s resignation, and that therefore the vacancy would be filled by co-option. ACTION: All to encourage interested parties to register with the Clerk before 21^st April 2006.

3.      Changes to Electoral Law (WDC memo. to note) – Noted.

1061    Payments to be made for approval – Cllr Street proposed that the schedule of payments, amounting to £2961.87, be approved. This was seconded by Cllr Sparrow and agreed unanimously.

1062    Quality Council submission – progress update – The Clerk reported that his initial CiLCA submission had gained 10 distinctions, 14 passes and 2 fails, and that as all sections of this assessment must be passed, the two failed items had been resubmitted.

The Clerk stated that due to his recent absence, the dates for the Council’s application programme for Quality Status had moved out; and were shown on the schedule circulated with the meeting papers. He advised that the number of co-opted vs elected councillors is not an impediment to Quality Status.

1063    Village Fetes – organisation and content – The following ideas were discussed and considered suitable:-

• Local clubs to have space in the Parish Council’s marquee to promote their activities
• Major focus on youth/young people
  • A youth led presentation at the Nutley Fete
• Fairwarp youth involvement for the Fairwarp Fete, using Fairwarp Recreation Ground
• A rota of Councillors on Parish Council recruiting duty

It was agreed that the Assistant Clerk should lead on organising the Parish Council element of the three Fetes.

Cllr Sparrow stated that AiRS/SALC have funding available to help Parish Councils' recruitment drives. ACTION: Cllr Sparrow to obtain details.

 1064    Annual Assembly – guest speaker, organisation and content – The following ideas were discussed:-

• Forest Superintendent as a guest speaker, to talk about the relationship of the Parish with the Forest and its management
• An open session on the Fairwarp Recreation Ground, with a display by the Recreation ground Committee before the main Assembly, including a barbecue. ACTION: Cllr Street to discuss with Russell Davison
• A talk on democracy and local government (for which a very good speaker would be needed). ACTION Cllr King and Cllr Fry to develop this theme

1065    ODPM Consultation Paper ‘Empowerment and the Deal for Devolution’ – Noted.

1066    Communications

1.      The Parish Matters – Spring edition production timetable – The Clerk stated that the end of April 2006 is the deadline for contributions to the next issue. ACTION: Cllr Street to write an article on budget/precept calculations and comparisons, and Cllr King to write an article on the Onyx application for waste facilities at Maresfield Camp.

The Clerk sought Council’s agreement for an urgent matter to be raised, but not for discussion as it was not on the Agenda. This was agreed. The Clerk stated that a written complaint had been received from Mrs M Jephcott, of Fern Hill, Fairwarp, concerning input by the Parish Council to WDC relating to her recent planning application. It was agreed that the complaint should be reviewed by a panel to be formed of the Clerk, Cllr Stephens, Cllr Ogden, Cllr Fry and Cllr P Tester; with the aim of resolving the matter speedily and to the satisfaction of all parties.

Date of next meeting, 18 April 2006 (Maresfield)

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 21.30.

Council Minutes 21 March 2006                             APPENDIX                                                    

WEALDEN DISTRICT COUNCIL – March 2006

 Local Government changes

On 15 March your Wealden DC gave a presentation to Members of the proposed Local Government changes by David Miliband, Minister for Communities and Local Government.  These are far reaching changes proposed for County, District and Parish Councils.  There will not be a Green Paper, i.e. a discussion document, on the changes but will go straight to a White Paper in June, i.e. proposed legislation to Parliament at earliest opportunity.   Basically the proposals are for Unitary Authorities instead of County & District Councils.  The proposed timetable is:

            Local Government White Paper         -           mid summer 2006

            Elections to new administration          -           2007

            Shadow administration                       -           2008

            New administration takes over           -           1 April 2009

The key objectives of the proposals would be improved outcomes/value for money; Empowered citizens and better local leadership; Improved equity; Sustainable finance system; Better economic growth for cities/city regions.

This will lead to improved local leadership.  Other options considered are directly elected Executives (Cabinets) and directly elected mayors; single member wards; all out elections (instead of some Councils have third of their Members elected each year); changes to the role of the Councillor, e.g. pay etc.

 The size of the Unitary Authorities is seen to be between 250 and 400K population (East Sussex is 520,000).  At the moment the government is unclear as to the cost of these changes.

 It is envisaged that each Parish Councils will have an electorate of about 5,000 and they could possibly have more local planning powers.

 Various questions arise here such as this will entail full-time Unitary Authority Councillors responsible for larger areas and on considerably increased pay;  and Parish Councillors with increased responsibility, which could be difficult as many Parish Councillors are not elected due to lack of interest from the general public.

 Nigel Coltman, Leader of Wealden DC will be attending a meeting with other Council Leaders with David Miliband on Friday 24 March, and his feeling is that there will be a watering down of these government proposals.

 Water

The Wealden DC Select Committee will be making a detailed Review of Water Infrastructure in the District.  Our next meeting is on Wednesday 25 April at Wealden’s Hailsham offices when we shall have representatives from the Water Companies telling us about their role in the forthcoming water crisis.  If any Parish Council member, or member of the public would like to put a question to the water company please let me know.

 Cllr Sylvia Martin

WEALDEN DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT March 2006

CAREFUL FISCAL CONTROL KEEPS COUNCIL TAX RISES DOWN TO 4.5%

By making savings of over £300,000 in senior management costs Wealden District Council has been able

to keep its Council Tax rise down to 4.5 per cent for the second successive year. This is in line with a

strict three-year financial strategy that is specifically designed to keep Council Tax increases to

a minimum whilst protecting key services to the public.  This prudent will keep extra cost of the

Council Tax for Wealden District Council down to £6.47 for a band D taxpayer during the whole year.

Wealden’s £17 million budget pays for refuse and recycling, protection of the environment through the

planning process, one of the best housing services in the country, four leisure centres, environmental

health, support for businesses and tourism and the administration of benefits.

 This year the Council will also be looking to develop new quality of life projects making Wealden a Cleaner, Greener, Brighter place; and improving rail and road links within the district. The Budget was approved at the meeting of Wealden District Council on Wednesday, February 22.

 As a reminder – Wealden District Council is responsible for the following functions: Refuse Collection; Planning; Housing & Benefits; Car Parks; Open Spaces; Elections; Licensing; Grants; Leisure

Centres; Pest Control; Emergency Planning.  ESCC is responsible for: Education; Social Services;

Libraries; Museums; Refuse Disposal;     

 AVIAN ‘FLU – WEALDEN DC ROLE

In partnership with County Councils, unitary authorities, metropolitan and London boroughs, Wealden

DC would be responsible for enforcing legislation relating to the health and welfare of farmed animals,

including:

·            Enforcement of preventative measures

·            Enforcement of legislation of a disease outbreak

·            Enforcing movement restrictions & signposting restricted areas  

·            Possible closure of footpaths

·            Cleansing and disinfection duties

·            Gathering information on bird owners and providing guidance

·            Working with other disease control partners

·            Engage with regional & national emergency planning structures

·            Manage media arrangements and assist with public queries

·            Ensure accurate information is available for elected Members

·            Wealden DC would work closely with key delivery partners (Police, vets, hospitals, doctors etc).

 If Avian ‘flu become a human pandemic ‘flu it might affect up to 25% of the population and every age may be at risk of serious illness.  Pandemic ‘flu may occur in two waves several months apart, with each

wave lasting two to three months which will cause intense pressure on health services, disruption to

many aspects of daily life and many deaths as very few people will have any immunity.  The virus is spread through the air when people cough or sneeze.  Avoid non-essential travel and large crowds of people, maintain good hygiene – washing hands frequently in soap and water.  For more information contact: www.dh.gov.uk/pandemicflu or NHS Direct 0845 4647. If you would like to discuss a Council matter or view the Wealden web site on www.wealden.gov.uk or contact cllr.jim.hollins@wealden.gov.uk or phone me on 01892 770175

 AWARD FOR SUSTAINABLE ENTERPRISE IN WEALDEN

An innovative local enterprise has received a new award from Wealden District Council to acknowledge its role in creating sustainable business in rural Wealden. Marc Koska, the President and Founder of Star Syringe, based at Pippingford, between Forest Row and Nutley, was presented with the Achievement Award was for Sustainable Enterprise by the chairman of Wealden District Council, Councillor Mrs Pat Kennedy.  Later, Marc also received an OBE in recognition for saving over a million lives by helping to avoid the spread of infectious diseases like AIDS.

 PLANNING

 There have been some significant changes in the Planning  Dept; new director; new direction.  The

Agent’s Panel met in January.  Parish Planning Conference in February was well attended, almost oversubscribed, with interesting ideas coming from the ‘workshops’. 

 BUS PASSES

 The Government, in their budget in April 2005, introduced free bus passes for all over the age of 60

as from April 2006.  Free bus passes, therefore, will be available within the Wealden DC area and adjoining Council areas.  For more detail please contact: 01892 653311.

 WEALDEN YOUTH SERVICES

The new Public Health & Community Development Service is now up and running.  As nearly a quarter of Wealden’s population is under 19 the Service is promoting the new Wealden Youth website, funded by the Wealden Strategic Partnership has been developed to provide information, advice and dialogue with young people aged between 10 and 19. This website is seen as a key method to communicate with this traditionally hard to reach group. Do visit the site on www.w4y.co.uk or contact Jeremy Leach on: 01892 653311 ex 3305.

 Cllr Jim Hollins

SALC

At a recent meeting of the executive committee of the Sussex Association of Local Councils, the following issues were discussed:

• Local government reform.  More information slowly emerging (elsewhere on the Maresfield Parish Council agenda).  Probable legislation this Autumn and no elections in 2007.  Does that mean no county elections or no local government (i.e. including Parishes) elections?
• Local Area Agreement includes a tough quality parish target.  Therefore Maresfield can help by obtaining theirs.
• Public liability insurance.  SALC is petitioning East and West Sussex County Council to lower their public liability insurance level.  They are the only two counties in the country that insist on £10m.
• Training for Parish Councillors.  SALC are keen to provide training more locally and want to encourage Parishes to "cluster" for training purposes.
• Police.  A merger of Surrey and Sussex is the latest idea.

Local Strategic Partnership

The Wealden LSP has had to agree to not provide further funding for local partnership initiatives following the cut in funding by County.

Action in rural Sussex

The latest newsletter has been published – copies are available at the Maresfield Parish Council meeting.

Community Rail Partnership

I have been asked to serve on the Southern Railway Stakeholder Board.  Therefore any rail issues can be channelled through me (though not just specific train delays etc. please; they are better dealt with by direct action with the Southern helpline!!).

Cllr T Sparrow