The Minutes of the Meeting of Bolney Parish Council Meeting held on

Tuesday 19 February 2008

PRESENT:

Mr E Hazel (Chairman) (EH)

Mr D H Williams (DHW)

Mr F White (FW)

Mr K Mayer (KM)

Mrs A Moir (AM)

Mrs J Dennis (JD)

Mr P Hopgood (PH)
 

Mrs D Thomas (Clerk) (DT)
 

5 members of the public

Mr P Griffiths (WSCC)

Questions/Comments from Members of the Public

1.   The plan distributed by Southern Water but is not in agreement with the dates given
      the meeting.  Another circulation has since been sent with corrected dates.

2.   Comment was made about the route of the sewage works at the lower end of The
      Street.  It was advised that the final route has not been decided as yet as they are
      considering the best option. 

3.   Water coming out of a manhole across the pavement on the corner of Paynesfield,
      which requires investigation and attention.

4.   Footpath no. 44 towards the vineyard appears to be collapsing.  PH agreed to action.

5.   It was asked if the Local Action Plan is to be resurrected.  FW confirmed that this was
      being addressed, the next step to be fresh consultation to determine the needs of the
      Parish/Village followed by working groups to move the process forward.

Report from County Councillor

A number of subjects cross refer to Agenda items and are indicated as (#)

Adult Services

A.  Village Hall (Rawson Hall) now has a Sure Start Childrens Centre Information point.
 

B.   Day Services in MSDC Locality review. Handout issued: WSCC wants to know what        Parish Councillors think of Day Services. Q9 should read "how can West Sussex
      County Council best engage and communicate with the whole Community about Day           Services?  Responses to DT by the end of February, to be passed onto         Peter Griffiths.

Health Update

A. A&E is likely to be retained but this message needs to get out to the public. People

B.   A lot of ongoing work and liaison being carried out between the PCTs, the Hospital
      Trusts and Ambulance Services in terms of the financial modelling behind the‘Fit for
      the Future’ options.  
C. There is still lack of information on maternity services particularly the proposed        midwife led birthing units
D. The West Sussex PCT Board is due to formally agreed its own timetable at its         meeting 14^th February. Likely decision by early June and final review by Joint Health   Scrutiny in July

Highways

A. Footpaths: 2 reported stiles have been repaired. Re (#6) new Access Ranger for     Bolney, Barry Wildish, PH to contact Jon Perks (01243 777621).
B.   Potholes; please use the number 01243 642105 to report items.
C.  New Sewer (#11) alias 'Flood Relief'  : PG has been in touch concerning 8 Bells      'diversion' of pipeline. Ryecroft Road temporary lighting still outstanding.
D. Piccadilly Wood (#12) At the next 'event' a WSCC Highways representative will be
      present to monitor and report on activities.  
E.   Post Box (#15) contact made with appropriate person and being addressed (EH).
F.   A272 junction with A23 north off ramp ; Highways Agency consider have a new

      configuration to present at CLC Meeting on 12th March. A23 Re-surfacing should
      be discussed at the same
G. A23 widening; consultation with Parish Councillors (separate to Reference Group 7 meetings already attended by Chr and V/ Chr ) on 27 February 7.00pm, at Handcross      Sports Pavilion.
 

CLCs (County Local Committee) 12 Mar 08

CLCs deal with:
1.   Local issues including 'Social Services' and Health
2.   Highways matters: has decision making powers e.g. speed limits and parking such
      as Controlled Parking Zones (Residents Zones)
3.   School : Governor appointments and OFSTED report comment (only to note)
4.   Grants: Note; currently has £3000 for year ending 31/3/08 left. Rules . PC may
      consider approaching CLC for funding - within Rules - for (#5.3) Bolney Youth Club,
      (#13) Benches. Need to make application by return
 

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Mr P George and Mrs S Seward (MSDC).

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 18 DECEMBER 2007

It was agreed by all that the Minutes of the meeting held on 15^th January 2008 be approved and signed by the Chairman.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Peter Hopgood declared an interest in item 13 on the agenda and left the meeting at, and for, the appropriate time.

4. MATTERS ARISING (for information only)

None.

5. FINANCE

5.1       Finance working group report

            No report given in the absence of PG

5.2       List of Accounts for payment

            The February list of accounts was agreed, proposed by FW and seconded by JD.  5.3  Requests for Grants

            Sussex Air Ambulance Fund – FW proposed we support this but time needed to
            give more thought to this.

            West Sussex Mediation Service – Similar consideration needed as for the
             previous item.

            Bolney Youth Club – It was agreed to donate the same amount as given
            previously.
            It was suggested that a schedule of all of the donations given by the Parish
            Council be drawn up, showing amounts and dates, to allow consistency to be
            established in this area.

 

6. FOOTPATHS WORKING GROUP REPORT

PH confirmed that the electric fence previously checked was not obstructing the footpath.

EH had distributed a copy of the footpath to all councillors.

There is a possibility that small lanes could be designated as ‘green lanes’.  This would mean that access is restricted.

EH advised that a Roads and Highways Working Group had been put in place, headed by KM supported by DHW
 

7. EMERGENCY SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT 

No report given in the absence of  PG.
 

8. COMMUNICATION 

FW advised that communication tied in with the Action Plan.  The Parish Council have started putting information into the Parish magazine and are looking at different channels that can be used.  Consultations will take place and communication will come out of that.
 

9. PROGRESS ON RECRUITMENT OF A NEW PARISH CLERK

EH announced that Debbie Thomas was appointed as the new Clerk on 1^st February 2008
 

10. VILLAGE HALL

10.1     Project Progress

            Lease agreement is being progressed.  Seeking to appoint a contractor. The contract
          length of 40 weeks is thought to be realistic and the works are still expected to
          commence in April.

          Southern Water have undertaken to connect the new sewage to the village hall site
          without charge.        

10.2     Finance

            Grant of £10,000 towards costs of new hall has now been paid.
 

11. NEW SEWER 

Dealt with in the Report from PG.  Further discussion took place about how businesses and individuals are being affected by the works. Another meeting with the contractors was suggested to get a written progress report each month.
 

12. 4x4 EVENTS AT PICCADILLY WOOD  

KM has received numerous verbal complaints due to mud on the road. PG had already confirmed the attendance of WSCC Highways at next event. Environmental Agency involvement a consideration.
 

13. INSTALLATION  BENCH SEATS ‘LONDON ROAD’ BUS STOPS

PH, having declared an interest left the room for this discussion.

Two quotes were received to install the bench seats.  It was agreed that Peter Hopgoods quote would be accepted on the basis that he was available to do the work sooner.

DT to write and confirm.
 

14. PAVEMENT CONDITION ON OLD A23

FW confirmed that the old gorse bushes need to be cut back. Highway Rangers to be advised.
 

15. POST BOX AT JUCTION OF COLWOOD LANE/JEREMY’S LANE

This has been covered by EH in PG’S report under Highways E.
 

16.CORRESPONDENCE

16.1     Action in Rural Sussex newletter

            FW will speak to village association to see if they would like a copy.

16.2     Consultation on orders and regulations relating to the conduct of local
             authority members in England

            DW is still reviewing this item.
 

17. MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION 

AM – Increasing numbers for Bolney School.
 

18. DATE OF NEXT MEETING 

Tuesday 18^TH March 2008, following the Planning Meeting at 8pm

There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.05pm.

Signed:…………………………………………………..

                                    CHAIRMAN

Date:…………………………