Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Monday 1 February 2010, at 7.00 pm in the Town Hall

Present                    Cllrs Adams, Barnes, Barrington, Burton, Faichney, Heigh, Hurtley, Marshall, Wills & Yaman and DCllr Camacho & CCllr Ireton. Also the Clerk, Mrs Burton & 11 parishioners

Prior to the start of the actual Council meeting members met with Sharon Sunter of Craven District Council and Paul Hodgson of Bowman Riley Architects for an update on the Station Road car park project. Mr Hodgson explained that they had discovered that Network Rail owned a strip of land to the road side at the lower end of the proposed car park, such that the proposed layout had been redesigned. The proposed entrance was now opposite Kidde Products top gate, and would be served by a mini-roundabout. This in turn had necessitated moving the proposed parking spaces and the picnic area, which would now be adjacent to the Auction Mart field and in the far bottom corner respectively. It was confirmed that the proposed island would be a hump in the road and not impede HGVs turning to Kiddes, whilst slowing other vehicles on Station Road. The potential access into the Auction Mart would be maintained.

Network Rail will not relinquish ownership of the whole strip in order to maintain their access to the railway. Also listed marker posts on this plot mean that the whole strip could not be used even if it was available.

The aim is now to apply for outline planning permission and then to find a developer for the site. It was emphasised that, once developed parking on this car park may well not be free.

Cllr Adams thanked Ms Sunter and Mr Hodgson for their presentation.

189.  To Receive Apologies from members unable to attend

Cllr Taylor

190.  To Receive Declarations of Interest from members present

Cllr Marshall declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 201, land for allotments, as the owner of one of the potential sites.

191.  To Receive Comment & Concerns - none

192.  To Confirm the minutes of the previous meetings

RESOLVED:                That the minutes of the Council meeting on 4 January and the Precept meeting on 11 January be signed

193.  To Receive the Clerks Report (for information only) – see end of these minutes

The clerk was asked to follow up the request to the Fourstones Estate for permission to erect signage at the Big Stone layby.

194.  To Receive the Police Report & allow members to ask questions for information

PC Martin said there had been 54 reported incidents in Bentham in the past month of which 7 were classed as crimes. The Newsagents had been broken into, there were 4 incidents of criminal damage and 2 acts of violence. Several arrests had been made.

Asking for questions from the Council, PC Martin said that he had only just become aware of the parking problem near the Victoria Institute but that he would be contacting the perpetrator following the meeting.

195.  To Receive Reports from CCllr & DCllrs (for information only)

CCllr Ireton announced that the CEO, John Marsden, will leave NYCC on 17 March. Interviews for his replacement will be held on 13 to 15 May.

The NY Police Budget consultation (item 203.2) had been poorly received with only 38 replies from the whole county, and 31% of these had made no choice of percentage increase in precept. He confirmed that the likely increase is to be in the region on 2.7 to 2.9% as the previously agreed wage settlement for the year if 2.5%, and the true inflation rate of the force (including fuel costs etc.) is 2.9%. CCllr Ireton asked to be informed of the Council’s view following the meeting.

The current poor state of the roads following the recent spate of bad weather was discussed. CCllr Ireton was able to dispel the rumour that council tax payers were to be levied £30 each to pay for road repairs, but confirmed that the costs would need to be found from somewhere.

Asked about the new school he confirmed that negotiations had broken down. Cllr Marshall declared an interest, but was asked for a statement. He confirmed that negotiations had taken place based on a map of the required land and a price agreed, the agents had then admitted to making a mistake and wanted twice the amount of land for the same fee which was unacceptable.        CCllr Ireton left the meeting.

DCllr Camacho informed the meeting that he had met with the service manager for United Utilities (item 197.2) but not with the illusive Janine Hawkins. The service manager had been shocked by the amount of damage caused by the UU wagons but has no budget for repair. He had departed the meeting agreeing to ask for a repair budget in order to be able repair potholes as they occur.

He also reported that Helen Signol, Head of Planning Development Control had died . DCllr Camacho left the meeting

DCllr Barrington reported that the contact problems over Christmas had been passed to Lindsay Quinn who was looking into the problem and would come up with a procedure to ensure that there was emergency cover at all times. She confirmed that the Hillcroft Garage site was on the next Craven Auction list and that she had been in contact with the residents currently using the site for their comments. The BEST give and take event had been very successful.

196.  Planning

196.1.                     To Consider and Comment upon New Applications - none

196.2.                     To Receive Planning Decisions

- If any (see Clerks Report)

196.3.                     To Receive Correspondence on Planning Issues

 – If any (see Clerks Report)

197.  Highways Matters

197.1.      To discuss the problems of cars using the Alley below Abbeyfield, and consider a way forward.

The signage on the alley had been checked and was confirmed as correct (blue sign with ‘car park’ and a walking person to signify a pedestrian route). As several properties do have a legal access a bollard is out of the question. It was agreed that the problem should be monitored.

RESOLVED:                  That the problem of cars using the Abbeyfield Alley be monitored

197.2.      To receive an update on Wenning Avenue following the meeting with United Utilities – see item 195 above

197.3.      To receive correspondence regarding the lack of gritting provision on Mewith Lane - received

197.4.      To consider a request for better Disabled Parking in Bentham

A request for better policing of the disabled parking at the rear of the Town Hall was considered. Council pointed out that the car park is privately owned and therefore outside it’s control. It was agreed that the regulations for disabled parking on Station Road should be clarified, and that the request should be passed to the Black Bull, with the respondent’s permission.

RESOLVED:                  That NYCC be asked to clarify the regulations for the disabled parking on Station Road

RESOLVED:                  That the request be passed to the Black Bull, with the permission of the respondent.

197.5.      To receive an invitation to the NW Craven Service Centre Transportation Strategy workshop, and decide a representative

              RESOLVED:                  That Cllr Barnes attend the workshop on behalf of the Council

197.6.      To receive a response from NYCC Highways regarding the concerns raised at the January meeting

NYCC Highways aims to replace all salt heaps with bins eventually and has agreed that Tatterthorn Road end should be a priority. Regarding the salting and gritting of pavements priority is given to urban areas and town centres and cannot be extended. It is not seen as cost effective to maintain local resources for road clearance given the lack of snow in the last 15 to 20 years.

197.7.      To Consider and Note Highway Matters for Information

Concern was expressed about the state of the B6480 between Wennington and Bentham, particularly near to Ravensclose Road. The road surface is breaking up badly and there are still problems with water – possibly from blocked drains despite repeated requests for maintenance over the last year

RESOLVED:                  That LCC be asked to make repairs to the B6480 between Wennington and Bentham as a matter of some urgency.

The sand and grit used on the roads in Low Bentham has blocked some of the drains on Main Street leaving the low lying houses in danger of flooding

RESOLVED:                  That NYCC be asked to check and clean the drains on Main Street, Low Bentham as soon as possible

A deep pothole has developed on Dumb Toms Lane approx 200yds west of Overaigill.

RESOLVED:                  That NYCC be asked fill the pothole on Dumb Toms Lane as soon as possible.

198.  To receive correspondence regarding the proposed Barriers on School Hill and agree a response

Letters had been received from the Library and Mrs Barron’s solicitors regarding the proposed barriers. Council reiterated the fact that the barrier would replace what was there previously, and being staggered would not affect pedestrian access at all. Vehicular access would be maintained for United Utilities and others who have a legal right.

RESOLVED:               That replies be sent explaining the Council’s position regarding the replacement barriers.

199.  To receive an update on the Community Youth project

The purchase should be completed in late February / early March and the Council committee should consider meeting prior to this to discuss the next steps of the project now that a start date is potentially in sight. A decision on the grant funding is expected by the end of February.

199.1.      To consider letters received from the Council solicitor regarding the searches

RESOLVED:        That the Council agree to the Local and Other Searches, but not the Drainage, Coal or Environmental searches

199.2.      To agree a meeting date for the Community Youth committee

RESOLVED:        That the committee meet on 22 February 2010, venue to be agreed

199.3.      To receive a further letter regarding the purchase of the Community Centre – received

Council commented on the fact that, with the exception of the detailed financial negotiations with NYCC, all discussions regarding the Community Centre had been done within open Council meetings and minuted. However there did appear to be a few misconceptions regarding the purchase of the building. The aim is to provide a dedicated building for the youth of Bentham – from ‘17 weeks to 17 years’, not just the Youth Café youngsters, although their management committee would lease and run the building to ensure that the ongoing costs do not fall on the Council and hence the residents. Also it had been stated, right from the decision to purchase, that the building would be an asset to the town that could be sold in the future if necessary.

200.  To consider the working group meeting on 27 January regarding the appointment of a Parish Caretaker, and agree a way forward

The working group had suggested that the proposed Parish Caretaker should be a self employed individual, contracted initially for 12 months with an extension of up to 3 years. The main project for the first year should be the maintenance of the public benches around the parish, with other smaller tasks added accordingly, with the other larger ideas being left for years 2 and 3. The position should be advertised in Bentham News and on the parish notice boards.

RESOLVED:                That the clerk produce an advert and description for the parish caretaker as soon as possible

RESOLVED:                That the position of self employed Parish Caretaker be advertised in Bentham News and on the parish notice boards, to start on 1 April 2010

201.  To note the offer of land for allotments, and agree a process to move forward

Cllr Marshall declared an interest and left the room.

After a long period of searching the Council has received two offers of land for allotments, one on Robin Lane and the other at Linghaw. The clerk had spoken to Craven Planning Department who had confirmed that planning permission for change of use would be required and may not be given on some sites. It was agreed that an Allotment Committee should be formed to discuss the offers with the landowners and look at potential ways forward as quickly as possible.

        RESOLVED:                That an allotment committee of Cllrs Adams, Barrington, Burton & Yaman be formed to take this project forward

RESOLVED:                That the allotment committee meet with the landowners to discuss the offers

202.  To Agree the Accounts for Payment

         RESOLVED:               That the accounts for payment are agreed

203.  To consider items of Correspondence

203.1.      To further consider the appointment of a Neighbourhood Profile Guide Volunteer

RESOLVED:                  That Cllr Barnes be appointed as Bentham’s Neighbourhood Profile Guide volunteer

203.2.      To consider the NY Police Authority budget consultation

See item 195. It was proposed that the Council support a 2.5% increase in the NYPA precept for 2010/2011. No amendments received sufficient support and a vote on the proposal was passed with 7 votes and 3 abstentions.

      RESOLVED:                  That the Council support a 2.5% increase in the NYPA precept for 2010/11.

203.3.      To note the requirement to hold an Annual Parish Meeting, and to confirm that Bentham’s APM will be held on Wednesday, 28 April 2010 - confirmed

203.4.      To consider a request for information about War Memorial Playing Fields

      RESOLVED:                  That the Council is not aware of any War Memorial Playing Fields in Craven

203.5.      To receive more information on the Community Governance Review of all Parishes in Craven, and to note that this will now start in March 2010 - received

204.  To Receive Reports from Councillors who represent the Council on other bodies (for information only)

Cllr Barrington had attended a Joint Access & Rights of Way Committee meeting about blocked footpaths.

Cllr Wills informed the Council that LASRUG was losing their secretary. He had also attended a school governors meeting. He confirmed that he had requested a meeting of Bentham Common Lands Charity

Cllr Heigh had attended the Playing Fields AGM. Nearly £117K of the £125K required for phase 3 has now been raised. She added that this was a small group of people working extremely hard and that they could do with more support at meetings.

205.  Items for next meeting and minor items only - none

There being no further business, the meeting was closed at 9.10pm

AGENDA ITEM 193)

CLERK’ S REPORT TO BENTHAM TOWN COUNCIL, 1 February 2010.

1.       Planning Decisions Received Since Last Meeting

1.1.      GRANTED - none

1.2.    REFUSED - none

2.       Planning Correspondence

2.1.      LCC consultation on possible minerals & waste site allocations & development management policies (7/1 – 19/2/10)

3.       Information Regarding Items Discussed at last Council Meeting

3.1.      Comments on gritting service sent to NYCC Highways 5 January.

3.2.      Cleveland Square – Letter to Paul Shevlin 27 January

3.3.      Leader bid confirmed received 8/1/2010, response expected by end of February

3.4.      NYCC budget consultation – comments sent 18/1/10  (information folder)

3.5.      Email from Craven confirming continuing Outreach Service in the Town Hall (information folder)

4.       Items for Information – see information folder

4.1.      YLCA Craven Branch minutes, 10 October 2009

4.2.      YLCA joint executive board minutes, 17 October 2009.

4.3.      Country Air, Winter 2010

4.4.      NY Rural Housing Enablers Newsletter, Dec 2009.

5.       Items circulated by email

5.1.      Alternate Week Collection mailing

5.2.      Severe Weather Update, NYCC Highways

5.3.      Refuse Collection, bad weather – press release

5.4.      Disability Working Group Notes, 21/1/10

5.5.      Craven DC Parish Newsletter, Dec 09.

5.6.      Rural Services Network Parish News 11 January.

5.7.      Rural Service Network / Action for Market Towns – call for Service Provision project information

5.8.      WPS Insurance Scheme Newsletter

5.9.      The Queens Diamond Jubilee

5.10.   Rural Services Network – Asset Transfer Unit, free service.

5.11.   Craven Area Committee Meeting, 8/2/10, Herriotts Hotel Skipton

6.       Progress on Outstanding Matters

6.1.      Low Bentham School Playing Field lease – with NYCC Legal, chased January 2010

6.2.      Street Lighting problems by Methodist Cemetery – Dec 09 confirmed need new poles, work to be timetabled.

6.3.      Letter to Fourstones Estate asking for agreement on signage – chasing letter sent 5/11/09

6.4.      Grasmere Drive Parking Charges, still waiting response from Craven District Council

6.5.      Outstanding Highways matters reviewed November 2009 to be chased March 2010.

6.6.      Legion Hut Lease – response awaited from Jonathan Kerr – chased 20 April 09