MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2009 IN THE CAVENDISH ROOM

AT THE SOCIAL CENTRE, COMMENCING AT 6.15PM.

Present:           Cllr.P. Richardson, Chair.

               Cllrs. P.Colbert, J.Clifton, E.Glassey, R.Glassey, C.Gilfillan, C.Hearnshaw,

                        D.McGregor, N.Sanders, S.Smith.

               Cty.Cllr. K.Stevenson,

               Officers – W.Elliott, Clerk.    P.Walters, R.F.O.

Apologies:      Cllr. R.Turner

                        PC. James Shirley, Bolsover Police.

Public Participation:   There were two members of the public present.

Mr.Morton asked for the assistance of the Council’s  Maintenance Team to cut the grass on the public footpath at the top of Elmton Road Creswell leading to Williamson’s Farm and if possible to cut the hedge back to make access easier. This would be undertaken. The Council also thanked Mr. Morton and his son for their help on the Cricket Ground during the  Foundation‘s Festival of Sport during August Bank Holiday weekend. Mrs Wheeler asked whether funding might be available from the Foundation for the Adult TaiChi Group who meet at the Social Centre as they need assistance. Cllr.McGregor asked the Group to write to himself as Chairman of the Foundation, and said the Group would be welcome to join the Foundation which may lead to financial assistance becoming available. Mrs. Wheeler then asked why the Council was not assisting Creswell Colliery Brass Band to rebuild rather than trying to form a Creswell Community Band as advertised. Cllr. McGregor who was involved with the appeal for players to form the Community Band, stated that the Council had always supported the Colliery Brass Band and would continue to do so, but the opportunity to purchase instruments and train players was being sponsored by Bolsover District Council as part of their Arts Support.  This is in partnership with our Foundation’s aims for Art and Culture. 

Police Report:    PC Shirley having tendered his apology supplied the Council with a copy of the Crime Statistical Report. This was handed to the Clerk for adding to the website. Operation “Relentness” was being carried out on Welbeck Street.Cllr. McGregor reported that following the request from the Police at an earlier meeting he had met with Mr. Robin Green of Welbeck Estates to offer the Council’s assistance for a barrier to be erected on Colliery Road to stop un warranted vehicles causing nuisance and problems near the colliery site and at the rear of Model Village.  Cllr.R.Glassey has designed a barrier which our maintenance men can make and erect and this is offered to Mr. Green at a cost of £480.  

County Councillor’s Report:       Cllr. Stevenson reported that the Derby Food and Drink Festival is being moved from Bolsover back to Derby.  He was sorry about this move as the Festival had helped with regeneration.Local Press has reported that £40m is to be spent on Roads in the County.  This money had been budgeted and allocated before the recent election, and he encouraged Councils to phone in with any problems on the roads and request money to repair from that allocated by the previous County Council, ask for a reference No, and then advise Cllr. Stevenson of the reply. 

Delegate Reports:

Allotments-    Cllr. S.Smith reported that he had attended the AGM meeting of the Association in July . Only 8 were present for the meeting however the meeting went ahead. The books have been audited and the Chairman stated there were no empty allotments. Cllr. Smith said that he would have been happier to have seen a qualified Audit.  Three allotments are empty but are being used by members to dump rubbish. Tenants in general are concerned at this situation. Cllr. McGregor said that he had written some months ago offering to meet with a delegation of the Association’s Committee (our team consisted of Cllrs. R.Glassey, S.Smith and himself). Nothing had resulted but he now asks them to select a date to meet giving due notice – this suggestion to go to the Chairman of the Association.

Roads and Pavements:   Cllr. R.Glassey reported that he had received complaints of noise in the tunnel under the Elmton Rd Railway bridge, caused by children kicking the art boards.  His view is that the boards are now looking tired and suggested that the School teachers ask the kids to be more quiet when passing through the subway. He also suggested that we ascertain who owns the passage way- County or Railway. He supplied his monthly list of defects on the roads and pavements.

East Midlands in Bloom:  Cllr.R.Glassey reported on a comment by the judges that we should liaison with Bolsover DC on better care of the grass verges.

Playing Fields: On the way in to East Street Field an adjoining property had cut their side of the hedge and left the cuttings on the path into the field. He suggested we write to Bolsover DC to clear the path and reprimand the culprits.  He reported that regularly broken glass is evident on Welbeck Street Play ground.

East Midlands in Bloom Competition: Cllr. R.Glassey is proud to announce that we have secured the best results yet with Silver Guilt for Creswell , Silver for Elmton, Judges Award for the best portfolio presentation, Certificates for the Infants School, Rose and Crown Pub and Elmtree Inn., two Allotments and Landmarks having showed great enthusiasm would also receive a certificate. Creswell also received a cut crystal vase and engraved plinth.

Whitwell Quarry Parish Liaison: Cllr. Turner had provided a written report of the meeting she had attended on behalf of the Council.  Clr. Smith read the report to this meeting. There is concern over the re sited Tommy Moore Lane also the effect of recent firings on Creswell Crags for which the Rangers are carrying out checks. The Quarry Manager hopes that trade will soon pick up and will allow him to re employ more people on the workforce.

Creswell Foundation for Sport and Cultural Arts:  Cllr.McGregor thanked all who helped with the Festival of Sport August Bank Holiday weekend. It was a good event and the biggest attractions were the Football matches, Dancing displays, and the Cricket matches.Names of more people who expressed an interest in joining the various Groups and this will be followed up. He expressed his special thanks to Mr. Jack Slack for his great assistance throughout the event. Regretfully St. John’s Ambulance Brigade didn’t come to the event in spite of a written invitation being sent. A fishing club is about to be set up with the help of  the Police and Alan Hayes of BDC and this will be linked up with Shirebrook club. A Creswell Rugby Club is being formed and they will be working with the nearby schools to try and form a Sunday morning Club. The Junior school has about 20 children who have shown interest. With regard to Art, a Film Club is to be started with the financial assistance from S106 monies at BDC  to enable the purchase of the equipment for the Social Centre. It is hoped that the first performance will be held before the end of October.  The “way to operate the Club membership” to be discussed at the October meeting of the Council.Cllr. E.Glassey proposed, unanimously endorsed that a letter of thanks for their help with the Festival be sent to Mr. Slack, the Maintenance team, and all who help make this a success.

Police and Parish Councils Liaison at Ripley: Cllrs. E.Glassey and R.Turner had attended on behalf of the Parish Council.   The County Police are to lose £11m off their budget for next year and this may effect the manpower.  A new project  “Criminal to meet Victim” is to be introduced. 

28. Approval of Minutes:   Cllr.R.Glassey proposed , seconded by Cllr.S.Smith, that the Minutes of the Council Meeting  held 23rd July 2009 be approved a true record Resolved this motion is approved. Cllr. E.Glassey proposed, seconded by Cllr. Gilfillan, the Minutes of the Meeting of the Management Committee held 16th September be approved as a true record Resolved this motion is approved. The Clerk is to seek a Road closure for the Armistice Day Parade, with regard to the Creswell Colliery Band fee for playing, Cllr. Glassey is still trying to make contact with the Band. Name badges for Mrs Pat Watson and Sarah are to be purchased. With regard to the complaint on the standard of the food for a recent wedding, it is agreed the Council does not offer any compensation. At this point Cllr. Clifton left the meeting. 

29.       Financial Matters.  Mr. Walters presented his report for the month and year to date. He was asked for the next months report to show the figures for the Foundation separate to those for Council budget. Cllr.McGregor proposed, seconded by Cllr. Smith the report be accepted and the Accounts for payment be paid. Cheques were then signed. 

30.      Planning:  Cllr. McGregor declared Interest but stayed in the room and took no part in this item of agenda. There were no objections to Applications – 09/00456/FUL; 09/00435/FUL; 09/00402/FUL;09/00403/FUL;09/00385/TCON; The results of other past applications were read. 

31.     Applications for assistance:   Cllr  Colbert proposed seconded by  Cllr. Smith that Elmton with Creswell Village Company Community Association be granted a 50% reduction in the hiring fee for their event 25th October.  Resolved this motion is carried. 

32.    Recommendations from the Management Committee meeting: The cost of providing notice boards to be sought locally. Display of none Public Notices in the Elmton Notice Board to stop and the Clerk is to write Elmton Community Association  (the other key holders)  to prevent such occurrences.Widening of the entrance to East Street Play Ground to allow double push chairs access not to be followed up as it is not considered practical. 

33.   Items of expenditure to be considered for implementation: Advertising in the Worksop Guardian booklet – do not proceed. Reinforcement of doors and windows of portakabins cost £1300 – approved. Two cricketers on course for ground maintenance – cost £140 proceed. Visit of RAF Band in November - cost £400  proceed. Cost of Posters and leaflets for History Society event – cost £113 proceed. Clerks books of Burial Board records and Minute Book -  purchase approved cost £570. 

34.   Approval to make Bid for Funding for Launch of Arts projects: It is agreed the Clerk make a bid for Funding from Awards for All  to cover part of the costs of December events of a Cultural Art nature. 

35.  Fidelity Guarantee Insurance:    The Clerk reported on the view of the Government Auditor as to the level of cover and the Clerk’s opinion as to what level is sufficient considering the increased precept. It is agreed that the level of cover be increased from £50,000 to £100,000,  thus doubling the premium. 

36.   Clerk’s matters:  BDC scheme to support Apprenticeships. Cllr. McGregor gave outline report on the scheme and suggested this council seek two places  in 2010. He has filed interest in the scheme and proposed, seconded by Cllr. Gilfillan that the Council approve in principle our taking part subject to a further report that we comply with the rules for providing the tuition. Resolved this motion be approved. Clearance of stored items and dismantling Scout Hut at Fox Green. It is agreed the Clerk write the Scouts and ask them to start implementation with the added comment that this Council may be able to assist with the dismantling the building. The Clerk reported to the Council on the other items listed in the agenda and circulated the correspondence dealing with the various matters.  Members wishing to receive copies are to initial same. 

37.      Other correspondence: Circulars from DALC were  passed around the table to members and those wishing to have copies to initial same. Other items of correspondence and magazines are displayed on the table for selection by members.