MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF LOSTOCK GRALAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 11 JANUARY 2011 AT ST. JOHN’S CHURCH HALL, LOSTOCK GRALAM
Part I
The meeting commenced at 7.30 p.m.
PRESENT: Parish Councillors M Litton, A McEllin, D Woodward, P Kelly
and N Goulding
IN ATTENDANCE: N Clarke, Clerk
ALSO PRESENT: CWAC Cllr N Wright (from 8.00 p.m.), PCSO P Hambleton,
and members of the public
PUBLIC FORUM
Mr Hargreaves made several comments:
%uF0B7 Why CWAC is taking the government to court regarding the decision to scrap the PFI funding? The meeting was unaware of why but presumed that it was because CWAC had already spent a great deal of money pursuing the PFI contracts.
%uF0B7 Is it true that Brunner Mond is having a meeting on 18 January? This is yet to be confirmed.
%uF0B7 Despite a sign saying ‘Unsuitable for HGV’s’ trucks are still using Birches Lane. PSCO Hambleton replied that unless it said ‘No HGV’s’ the police are unable to prosecute.
%uF0B7 The shields over the lights at the back of Jack Richards have still not been fitted. Mr Hargreaves should contact the EHO, and the Clerk will also pursue.
%uF0B7 The traffic lights on the business park are still on; Cllr. Kelly said that he has also reported the matter to highways.
%uF0B7 Cars are repeatedly parking on the pavements along Manchester Road, which is impeding traffic.
%uF0B7 Cars are stopping on the brow or just over the hill on Station Road to drop off rail passengers, which could cause an accident for oncoming cars.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
RESOLVED to accept apologies from Cllrs. Beasant, Foster, and Wells, and Borough Councillors M Byram and M Stocks
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of the council held on 6 December 2010, having been copied to members, was taken as read and confirmed and signed as being a correct record.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 1 NOVEMBER 2010.
The Clerk reported on the following:
a) Edelchemie UK Local Liaison meeting – a provisional date for a meeting is 20 January from 11 – 1.00 p.m. The Clerk will attend.
b) The Clerk has collated comments following the closure of the Birches Lane junctions during the road works. There are 5 for a permanent closure and 3 against (this is only via written comments). The junctions will be closed again for a further 5 weeks in January as the work has been delayed.
REPORT FROM PCSO P HAMBLETON
PCSO Hambleton reported that he has carried out several speed checks on Manchester Road over the past month. There have been a spate of burglaries around the parish recently, both residential and commercial properties. He has continued to be a visible presence around the parish.
REPORT FROM CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER COUNILLORS
CWAC Councillor Wright reported on the following:
1. The residential planning application for the Triangle will be heard at Strategic Planning on 20 January 2011. The Clerk reported that Marshall’s had asked if someone from the Parish Council would speak for the application. This was discussed and it was RESOLVED that the Parish Council should not speak but leave the decision to the planning meeting since there was such mixed reaction to the application from both the public and the Parish Council.
2. It is probable that the Brunner Mond application will be heard on 10 February 2011, hopefully in the Northwich area.
3. Cllr. Wright discussed the s.106 money still waiting to be spent from the Triangle development. He asked the Clerk to forward comments to himself to push the matter forward.
PLAY AREAS AND INSPECTIONS
1. The play areas have raised the following issues
%uF0B7 The fencing around the Stubbs Lane play area needs mending,
%uF0B7 The multi-play unit has a finger trap on one of the climbing boards at the top.
The Clerk to monitor. Cllr. Litton reported that Cllr. Stocks had indicated that he has some grant money available for the Parish Council to bid for. It was agreed that it might be useful for new fencing around Stubbs Lane and that some quotes should be obtained.
2. The Clerk is waiting to hear from Fiona Cowley regarding grant funding for Birches Lane play area and will arrange a meeting with her for an update prior to the next Parish Council meeting.
REPORT FROM THE CLERK
The Clerk reported on the following:
1. There is a presentation on Airspace on 14 January 2011 at Manchester Airport.
2. The Clerk has booked onto a half-day seminar on 22 February 2011 run by ChALC and CWAC regarding devolution of services at a cost of £30.
3. There is a meeting with Parish and Town Councils at Cheshire West and Chester offices in Chester on Monday 17 January 2011 regarding budgets.
4. The Northwich and Rural Area Team have contacted the Clerk with a view to meeting to see how they can assist the Parish Council.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS & DECISIONS
Planning Applications
None
Planning Decisions
10/01113/FUL Brine Purification Plant, Griffiths Road, Lostock Gralam
Renewal of planning permission 07-1477-FUL – single storey laboratory building constructed on a steel frame at first floor level.
GRANTED
TO APPROVE THE PRECEPT FOR 2011-12
Following a discussion on financial reports provided by the Clerk, it was RESOLVED to approve a precept of £32,463.00 (a nil increase).
It was also RESOLVED that the Clerk should close the NSI savings account and transfer the money to the deposit account held with the Co-op. The Clerk to prepare a letter for signing.
PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS
It was RESOLVED to accept payment of the following accounts including a s.137 donation to St. Luke’s Hospice following a request letter for grants and donations.
Chq no. Payee Amount
91 NL Clarke – salary and expenses Oct – Dec 10 1171.37
92 s.137 donation to St. Luke’s Hospice 100.00
93 Membership 2011 14.00
SO Freeola – charges 26/12/10 – 25/03/11 10.81
The meeting finished at 8.30 p.m.
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting will be held on Monday 7 February 2011 at Lostock Gralam Church Hall at 7.30 p.m.