81/05. The MINUTES of the meeting of the 27h. September 2004, which had previously been circulated to all members, were approved and signed by the Chairman. 
82/05. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.

83/05. REPORT BY PC. ANDREW SERGEANT.
PC. Sergeant reported that since the last Parish Council meeting there had been eight reported incidents. At Ribby Hall a set of garden furniture had been stolen from outside a caravan and there was an attempted break in at the laundrette. In the village there was a common assault outside the Grapes- linked to the previous months’ reported incident, 3 caravans burnt out at Cooksons’ Farm, 3 burglaries at 27 The Brooklands, 6 McCall Close and Orchard Cottage, Moss Side Lane. 
Cllr. Mrs. C.E. Wheatman arrived at this stage.
PC. Sergeant advised that the three burglaries had a different modus operandi to the other recent incidents in the Village, which were believed to be Manchester orientated. 

84/05. HIGHWAY ISSUES – ROAD TRAFFIC and SAFETY.
1. Highway Issues – Karen Galloway, Lancashire County Council (LCC), Environment Directorate, Chief Traffic and Development Engineer (North) – Cty. Cllr. Mrs. J. Stuart arrived at this time.
A full debate followed which included the following :-
1.1. The Chairman advised Mrs. Galloway that the Parish Council felt that there was little evidence to support the County’s current partnership policy which purported to incorporate better communication. Mrs. Galloway promised to contact LCC’s Divisional Office in the hope of improving matters. Also the Chairman felt that Mrs. Galloway’s response to the Parish Council’s wish list had been very negative.
1.2. Cllr. P.C. O’Callaghan felt that LCC’s attitude was reactive rather than pro-active. Cllr. O’Callaghan felt that the County was distancing itself from parish/town councils as well as district councils. The Ribby Road/Browns Lane flooding problem has recently been looked at but the situation has not been improved. Consequently, Cllr. O’Callaghan felt the new culvert had been a waste of money. Mrs. Galloway reported that the culvert had been inspected and passed as satisfactory. Cty. Cllr. J. Stuart agreed to take matters further in this respect.
1.3. Gateway 30 mph Roundels – Mrs. Galloway explained the ramifications of this exercise and that as the Station Road speed limit sign was well within Westby with Plumptons Parish (Westby), that council’s permission would be needed. The Clerk advised that oral support had already been given. Mrs. Galloway hoped that this exercise could be installed within this financial year. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk would now write to Westby in this respect. Also any twinning signage would need to be included. It was also RESOLVED that the Clerk would inform LCC as soon as the Westby agreement was received. 
1.4. Village 30mph Signage being moved to Moss Side side of "The Villa" – Mrs. Galloway informed the Parish Council that in view of the fact that there had been only 1 serious accident over the last year it would take 6/12 months before agreement could be forthcoming. As this would delay the gateway signage position it was RESOLVED that this matter should be left in abeyance for the time being.
1.5. Extension of the 40 mph speed limit from Moss Side to the existing 30 mph village gateway sign – Mrs. Galloway reported that she was sticking closely to Government policy in this matter. However, new guidelines were expected in November 2004. In the circumstances, it was RESOLVED that this issue should be shelved for the time being.
1.6. Signage on the A583 at Ribby Hall corner – As the B5259 was a strategic road in the network, Mrs. Galloway advised that there was no logical reason to change the Lytham signage. It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council could not do any more and matters should be left in abeyance.
1.7. 20mph Speed limit around the School area - Mrs. Galloway advised the Council that 5 Fylde Borough sites were being considered by LCC, Environment Directorate officers next week. One would be selected and put to the Cabinet for ratification. It was RESOLVED that no more could be done for the time being. If successful, Mrs. Galloway confirmed that any layout plans would first be sighted for consideration by the Parish Council.
1.8. The Spar Sprig Road – Cllr. J.W. Dobson informed Mrs. Galloway that, in view of the "rat run" nature of this road, the PACT meeting had discussed the possibility of making this road "access only." Mrs. Galloway advised that it was difficult to enforce this type of restriction. She would, however, give it consideration. 
1.9. The Brooklands/Green – Cllr. Dobson advised Mrs. Galloway that this exit was being dangerously hampered by parked cars. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk would write to LCC on this matter.
1.10. Elms Drive/Station Road - The meeting was opened from 20.14 hours to 20.16 hours. Mrs. A. Hubbard raised the question of the dangerous situation caused at this junction by parked cars, primarily at school time, but in the Summer all day. Mrs. Galloway advised that she would again look at this issue, with possibly introducing a temporary arrangement, whereby the village policeman would put out cones at prescribed times.

2. Other Highway Matters
2.1. Village Waste Bins (72/05 1.3.) – Cllr. J.W. Dobson advised that the Greenlands farm/Ribby Road waste bin has still not been replaced. The Clerk advised that FBC had advised that an order was in place for new waste receptacles. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk would chase FBC again.
2.2. Wray Crescent Playground Entrance Area Speed Limit (72/05 1.5.) - The Clerk advised that he was still awaiting a reply from New Fylde Housing.
2.3. Ribby Road Footpath from Wray Crescent to Blackburn’s Farm (72/05 1.6.) – The Clerk reported that he had contacted LCC.
2.4. The Church Sprig Road – Cllr. J.W. Dobson reported that the road was breaking up outside the Grapes and it was RESOLVED that the Clerk would contact LCC, Environment Directorate.
3. General Correspondence – None received.

85/05. PLANNING MATTERS
1. Applications. 
1.1. 04/0982 Ribby Hall Leisure Village Alteration and Extensions to Existing Bar, Including 
Raising Roof.
No Objection.
1.2. 04/1019 4 The Brooklands  Single Storey Rear Extension to Form a Granny Annexe.
No Specific Observation. Leave to the Officers. 
2. Miscellaneous Planning Matters
2.1. Since the last Parish Council meeting application 04/0824 Ribby Hall Leisure village (Substitution of 18 previously approved holiday dwellings with 40 holiday apartments) has been approved.
2.2. Budock, Meadow Close (71/05 2.2.) – Cllrs. Mrs. L. Greening and J.W. Dobson had a site meeting on the 1 October 2004 and felt that the proposed development, in normal circumstances, would not be a problem. However, with the current stringent planning criteria the property would fall outside regulations. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk should write to Mr. Shepherd, Fylde Borough Council (FBC), The Built Environment Unit along these lines.
2.3. CPRE Fylde District Group Newsletter – The Chairman advised the Council about this document which was very critical of FBC’s officers’ actions with regard to the production of the Deposit Plan Document. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk would circulate a copy to all councillors. 

86/05 RECREATION GROUNDS & OPEN SPACES 
1. The Greens – General Issues - 
1.1. Millennium Clock (73/05 1.1.) – The Clerk reported that J. Wareing & Son (Wrea Green) Limited had now placed the clock on a plinth ready for the walled floral area. The Clerk had also contacted J.M. Services, who had promised to expedite the connection of the power supply. Whilst the end of this long drawn out saga was nearing fruition, it was RESOLVED that in the absence of the work being carried out by the 15 November 2004, the Clerk should contact FBC. 
1.2. Football on The Green (73/05 1.3.) – The Chairman referred to an article which had appeared in the Gazette about this problem. It had given a wrong impression of the situation and resulted in a letter of complaint from Clifton Co-op F.C., the opponents on the day in question. The article had informed the readers that parish councillors had contacted the newspaper, but this was apparently not the case. The Chairman reminded the Council that any official Parish Council business passed to the media had to go through the Chairman or Clerk, when an official Parish Council statement would be made. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk respond to Clifton Co-op FC, advising them that the Council did not approach the Gazette but that there had been problems on that day.
1.3. Duck Population (73/05 1.6) – Cllr. D.E. Lancaster advised that he had approached Harry Kirkham about relocation of at least half of the ducks on the Dub. The Clerk reported that he had had a head count today and the numbers had already been reduced.
1.4. Weed around the Dub (73/05 1.7.) – Cllr. J.W. Dobson reported that R. Lancaster & Son had this matter in hand.
1.5. War Memorial Flag Rope (73/05 1.8.) – The Clerk advised that Cllr. J.S. Eastham had this issue in hand.
Cllr. A.L. Whiteside left at this stage to meet the French twinning visitors - 20.50 Hours.
1.6. Hedges (73/05 1.9) – The Clerk reported that all the reported hedges had been flailed.
1.7. Ribby Road Cottages – The Chairman advised that since Ribby Hall Leisure Village had purchased these cottages they had begun to look unkempt. It was, however, RESOLVED that this was not a council issue. 
2. Open Spaces And Wray Crescent Playground
2.1. Wray Crescent Open Space Parking (73/05 2.2.) – The Chairman advised that this matter was progressing.
2.2. Review of the Open Spaces and Need for Additional Work The Clerk reported that Beverley Close, First Avenue, Willow Drive and Wray Crescent were basically satisfactory but The Brooklands/Brookway still needed a thorough weeding treatment and the paving stones were covered in algae. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk would contact J.W. Landscapes Limited to complete this work, for which they had already been commissioned to undertake.
2.3. Other Matters – None.
3. Wray Crescent Playground Issues – The Clerk informed the Council that the weekly inspection report had recently added that there was a large lump of concrete in one of the corners, which needed removal. Cllr. J.W. Dobson advised that it was a very large lump and would need to be removed professionally. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk would contact Wareings to undertake this work. 

87/05. FINANCIAL MATTERS 
1. General Financial Matters and Financial Resolutions.
1.1. Since the last meeting £70-00 has been received in respect of Tub Sponsorship, £20-00 for a Fishing Permit, £60-36 NatWest Bank Interest, £732-29 from Customs and Excise in respect of the refund of Vat for the period 1 July to 30 September 2004, and £7452-00 Fylde Borough Council in respect of £3500-00 Precept, £3014-00 Open Spaces Grant and £938-00 Administration allowance. 
1.2. The current bank balances are £26530-83 NatWest current account £7679-31, business reserve account £7916-65 and Co-operative Bank current account £934-07 and £10000-80 Deposit Bond.
1.3. It was RESOLVED that Web Site Expenses up to £250-00 would be met during the current financial year.
1.4. It was RESOLVED that the budgeted grant of £300-00 should be paid to St. Nicholas Church PCC to assist with Churchyard expenses.
1.5. It was agreed that the budgeted grant of £100-00 would be made to Wrea Green Young People’s Club to assist with their insurance cost. 
1.6. It was RESOLVED that the cost of the engraving of the Best kept Garden Competition cups and trophies in the sum of £38-30 should be met. 
1.7. The Half Year financial figures to 30 September 2004 (Appendix 1) were circulated to all councillors.

2. APPROVAL OF PAYMENT of ACCOUNTS –
2.1. Confirmation of Payment of Accounts
The following payment was confirmed :-
1287 Richard Eaves  VLEC – Fylde in Bloom Competition £ 46-20 net £ 54-28 gross
    Copying of Presentation Handbook. 
2.2. Payment of Accounts
The following accounts were approved for payment –
1288 Cole    VLEC -BKGC –Engraving of Trophies£ 38-30 net £ 45-00 gross
1289 J.W. Landscapes Ltd Grasscutting Contract   £ 148-00 net £ 173-90 gross
1290 WestWindMoves Website Domain – Cost for 2 years £ 27-98 net
1291 Coronet Hire Service VLEC- Fylde in Bloom Presentation £ 19-00 net £ 22-32 gross
1292 Ribby with Wrea  Vital Villages – Hire of Hall re Open £ 100-00 net
 Endowed CE Primary Day Presentation
1293 Lyndsay Greening      £ 65-32 net £ 75-00 gross
Chairman’s Newsletter £ 55-32 net £ 65-00 gross  VLEC – Fylde in Bloom Presentation £ 10-00 net
1294 St. Nicholas Church PCC Grant for Churchyard Maintenance £ 300-00 net
1295 R. Lancaster & Son      £4845-00 net £5692-87 gross
    Grass Cutting Contract   £ 540-00 net £ 634-50 gross 
    Grass Cutting Contract   £3285-00 net £3859-87 gross 
    VLEC -Watering Hanging Baskets £1020-00 net £1198-50 gross
1296 J.W. Dobson  War Memorial    £ 72-96 net £ 85-73 gross
    Dobbies Gardening World  £ 8-50 net £ 9-99 gross
    Wyevale Garden Centre   £ 25-40 net £ 29-85 gross 
    Wyevale Garden Centre   £ 18-63 net £ 21-89 gross
    Baguleys    £ 20-43 net £ 24-00 gross
1297 M. M. Gigg  VLEC – Fylde in Bloom Presentation £ 9-11 net
    Tea, Coffee, Sugar etc (Tesco)  £ 6-11 net
    Baking Cakes – Materials.  £ 3-00 net 
1298 L. Greening  Chairman’s Newsletter – Annual  £ 77-45 net £ 91-00 gross 
    Report and Financial Accounts. 

3. 2005/06 Financial Budget.
3.1. The following budgets were prepared by the Clerk, and scrutinised and recommended to the full Council by the Financial Sub Committee of Cllrs. J.W. Dobson, J.S. Eastham and 
Miss A.E. Lancaster. 
3.2. The Open Spaces Budgets (Appendix 2) – It was RESOLVED that the Open Spaces Grant Budgets were ACCEPTED.
3.3. Administration Budget (Appendix 3) – It was RESOLVED that the Administration Budget was ACCEPTED. However, Cllr. J.W. Dobson voted against the Chairman’s Allowance Budget of 
£1000-00 as he felt £500-00 was sufficient.
3.4. Precept – It was RESOLVED that the precept should be maintained at £7000-00 in the financial year 2005/06: £3500-00 to help to cover the Village Landscape Enhancement Sub Committee’s budget, and £3500-00 to cover Village amenities/activities, including a £1000-00 Village Hall reserve.
 
 
 
 
88/05. FYLDE BOROUGH COUNCIL – 
1. Borough Councillor’s Report –Cllr. D.E. Lancaster reported that the Executive Committee and new allowance system had now been approved by the full Council. Cllr. Lancaster had been appointed as the Health and Safety Champion for the Council. The one stop shop was now established at Kirkham. 
The meeting was opened from 21.35 hours to 21.38 hours to welcome the French Twinning Visitors. 
2. Parish/Town Liaison Meeting 15 November 2004 at Boys Brigade Headquarters, Treales – It was RESOLVED that the Chairman, and Cllrs. P.C. O’Callaghan and D.E. Lancaster would attend this meeting. 
3. General Borough Correspondence.
3.1. Fylde Borough Council – Housing Strategy Forum 14 December 2004 at Lytham Assembly Rooms – It was RESOLVED that the Chairman and the Clerk would attend.
3.2. Kirkham Rural Parishes Forum – Cllr. D.E. Lancaster had attended the latest meeting and reported that it was well received with our Community Beat manager, Andy Sergeant, making an excellent contribution. 

89/05. MODERNISATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 
1. Vital Villages/Village Plan – The Chairman reported that the progress of the steering group had slowed appreciably and Cllr. Mrs. Greening was to see the Chairman of the committee to ensure the final presentation was expedited, so that the final plan could be published within the agreed timescale. Cllr. Mrs. Greening was also concerned that FBC had still not responded, after seven months, to the request for the adjacent field to the Wray Crescent playground to be transferred to the Parish Council. 
2. Presentation and Acceptance of the Vital Villages Steering Croup – this was, at the very latest, deferred until the January 2005 Council meeting.
3. Lancashire County Council – Parish and Town Council Conference – 23 November 2004 – It was RESOLVED that the Chairman and Cllr. J.W. Dobson would represent the Council at the Conference. 

89/05. VILLAGE ACTIVITIES.
1. Village Landscape Enhancement Sub Committee (VLEC) -
1.1. The minutes of the last meeting had been circulated to all councillors prior to the Council meeting (Appendix 4) and were accepted. The Clerk advised the Council that there were still some tub sponsorship that needed collecting. 
2. Second Tranche of Christmas Lights Expenditure (77/05 4.1.) - The Clerk reminded the Council that the remaining "committed" budget for this expenditure was £854-05. It was RESOLVED that Cllrs. Mrs. L. Greening and Mrs. C.E. Wheatman should bring a specific project to the Council before any moneys are spent.
3. Twinning Group and Funding – It was RESOLVED that, whilst the Council was fully in support of this project, the group should fund raise to cover any expenses.
4. Other Village Activities.
4.1. Ribby with Wrea Endowed CE Primary School Governor – The Chairman reported that the vicar had resigned as Chairman of Governors and Mrs. Janet Wardell had been elected in her place. Cllr. Mrs. Greening also congratulated Cllr. J.W. Dobson on being elected as the new Vice Chairman of Governors.
4.2. Conservation Award – Cllr. J. W. Dobson declared an interest. It was RESOLVED that the Chairman’s suggestion that the Council should apply for a Conservation Award for the new school extension. The Clerk is to obtain the necessary documentation.
4.3. Lancashire Best Kept Village Competition – The Chairman congratulated Cllr. J.W. Dobson on his recent appointment to take over as Competition Organiser on the retirement of Bill Watkinson.

90/05. LAPTC/NALC/COMMUNITY FUTURES.
1. LAPTC 
1.1. Correspondence – It was RESOLVED that Cllr. Mrs. L. Greening would attend the "Better Meetings" training event on the 4 December 2004 at a cost of £25-00.
1.2. The Chairman advised that she was no longer able to attend the AGM on the 6 November 2004, and unfortunately there was no alternative councillor available. 
Cllr. D.E. Lancaster left at 22.00 hours due to work commitments.
2. NALC 
2.1. Annual General Meeting 1-3 October 2004 – The Clerk reported that the feedback of the Scarborough Annual Conference had indicated it had been very successful. Unfortunately. there was not a Council representative at the event, and, as it is considered important to keep up to date with the present rapidly changing local government world, it is imperative that the Parish Council is represented next year. At this stage the venue is unknown but the Conference will be the first weekend in October 2005.
2.2. Correspondence – Employment Update – In view of the recent changes in employment law it was RESOLVED that Cllrs. Mrs. L. Greening and P.C. O’Callaghan should review the Clerk’s employment contract with the Clerk. A report will be put before the full Council by the January 2005 meeting.
3 Community Futures – no correspondence.

91/05. GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE 
1. General Correspondence -
1.1. Lancashire County Council – Review of The Lancashire Minerals and Waste Plan – No Council comment was considered necessary.
1.2. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) – Consultation on 1) A Draft Code of Conduct for Local Government Employees and 2) A Review of Restrictions on the Political Activities of Local Authority Employees and Pay of Political Assistants – These documents had previously been circulated to all councillors and were fully discussed at the meeting resulting in the Council’s response (Appendix 5).
1.3. Carr Hill 11-18 High School – Community Learning Partnership – It was RESOLVED that Cllrs. Mrs. L. Greening and Mrs. C.E. Wheatman will attend the meeting at the Birley Arms on 
17 November 2004 at 19.00 hours.
1.4. Joint Advisory Committee – Proposed Modifications to the Joint Lancashire Structure Plan and SPG "Access and Parking" Public Consultation – The Clerk advised that this document was available on www.lancashire2016.com. 
1.5. DEFRA – Clean Neighbourhoods – Councillors did not require a drawdown document, but it is available on http//www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/clean-ntighbourhood/index.htm.
2. Miscellaneous Correspondence for Councillor Circulation.
2.1. Lancashire Combined Fire Authority – Draft Year Two Action Plan 2005-06.
2.2. Environment Agency – British Nuclear Fuels plc, Springfields Nuclear Site – Waste Disposal Arrangements.
2.3. The CPRE Newsletter – Countrywise September 2004.

92/05. The MEETING CLOSED at 22.10 hours. The next Parish Council meeting is on 29 November 2004 at 19.30 Hours.
 
 
 
 
Chairman 29 November 2004