MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF RIBBY WITH WREA PARISH COUNCIL
Held at Wrea Green Institute
On 1 December 2008 at 20.08 Hours
Present: Councillor J.W. Dobson (Chairman), Cllrs. D. Diggle,
Mrs. L. Greening (arrived at 20.17 Hours), Mrs. P.A. Naylor,
Mrs. J.L. Wardell, Mrs. C.E. Wheatman, Mrs. S. White, and
Cty. Cllr. B. Whittle.
09/92 APOLOGIES and DECLARATION of INTERESTS.
1. Apologies: None received other than Cllr. Mrs. L. Greening
advising that she would be late following a Fylde Borough Council
commitment.
2. Declaration of interest – Cllr. Mrs. A.E. Uphill declared a personal
interest in 09/98. 6. and did not vote.
3. There were no residents in attendance.
09/93 The MINUTES of the meetings of the 20 & 27 October 2008,
which had been circulated to all councillors prior to the meeting,
were approved and signed by the Chairman.
09/94 POLICE/CRIME and DISORDER.
1. Community Beat Officer’s Report – PC Graham Jackson was
pleased to advise that there had only been one reported crime since
the last full parish council meeting and in fact since 11 September
2008. This crime was the theft of an unattended mobile phone at
Ribby Leisure Village. Pavement parking is being looked at on an
ongoing basis both by PC Jackson and the PCSO. One fixed penalty
fine had recently been issued to a visitor to the village.
Cllr. Mrs. L. Greening arrived during this report.
09/95 PLANNING MATTERS
1. Application:
08/0169 61 Ribby Road Appeal against New vehicle Access Refusal
It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council’s objections of the
12 May 2008 (09/11 1.1.) remain pertinent so there was no need to
add any further comment.
2, Village Design Statement – The Clerk advised that with the
introduction of the Fylde Borough Interim Housing Strategy, it
would be prudent to revisit the village design statement. It was
RESOLVED that a meeting should be arranged and Cllrs. Dobson,
Mrs. Naylor, Mrs. Wheatman, Mrs. Greening, the Clerk and Gerrie
Willox would form the group to undertake this work.
Cllr. Mrs. L. Greening reported that she had had a discussion with
John Hodgson at the LCC conference relating to village plans and
the new spatial policy. He advised Cllr. Mrs. Greening that village
plans should be taken notice of and legislation is, in fact, in the
pipeline to emphasis this requirement.
09/96 RECREATION GROUNDS and OPEN SPACES
Open Spaces and Greens:
1) Station Road Toilets (09/81.1)– The clerk advised that although the
modest improvements have now been undertaken, despite reminders
Fylde Borough Council (FBC) has still not furnished this Council
with the lease document or details of insurance cover. The
1 December hand over date has passed and the Parish Council’s
employment of a cleansing operative has been arranged together with
a contract with a hygiene company, Principal Hygiene Limited, both
geared to this timing of hand over. The hygiene company has quoted
£130-00 for one ladies hygiene receptacle and £ £52-00 for two soap
dispensers, both per annum, also ongoing toilet supplies will be
purchased from this source. The Council is now committed to this
project and RESOLVED that payments should be made as an when
necessary.
It was RESOLVED that the Chairman and the Clerk would sign the
cleansing operative and the hygiene company’s contracts, and if
necessary with Cllr. Mrs. C.E. Wheatman, would enter into a lease. If
considered appropriate to obtain legal advice, it can be obtained
from NALC via LALC.
Cllr. D. Diggle raised the question of having wooden gates for the
toilets so that they can be secured at night and during cleaning times.
It was RESOLVED that this action was prudent and approved. The
Clerk will approach J. Wareing & Son (Wrea Green) Limited to
undertake this work. It was also RESOLVED that the Clerk is also to
arrange to purchase “a cleaning being undertaken” sign for the
toilets.
Cllr. Mrs. L. Greening volunteered to contact the Grapes’
management to re-affirm the previous oral commitment of use of that
establishment by disabled people precluded from utilising the Station
Road facilities.
2) Land Adjacent to Wray Crescent Play Area (09/81.2) – The Clerk
advised that real progress had been made with the FBC cabinet
agreeing to the transfer of the land. The next step will be the Parish
Council negotiating arrangements with the FBC officers. It was
RESOLVED that Cllrs. Dobson, Mrs. Greening and the Clerk would
be involved in the FBC discussions. Cllr. Mrs. L. Greening advised
that she had already contacted the officer responsible requesting a
date for the initial discussions.
3) Conservation Area Review (09/81 4.) – The Clerk had furnished all
councillors with a draft letter to be submitted to the householders
affected by the proposed alteration to article 4 (2) prior to the
meeting, which was approved. It was RESOLVED that a Council
Conservation committee meeting should take place on 7 January
prior to an open meeting on 9 February 2009.
4. Junior Football Nets at Wray Crescent Play Area – The recent risk
review highlighted the need to replace the existing nets. The Clerk
has approached Dennis Halliday of the football club who is looking
for an appropriate source. It was RESOLVED that the nets should
be replaced and paid for out of the play area budget.
5. Tree Surgery – The recent Risk review also identified trees in open
spaces that needed attention. Quotes from Mark Garner Tree
Services have been received £85-00 Cherry Tree at First Avenue,
£95-00 Cherry tree at Wray Crescent and £120-00 Silver Birch at
The Brooklands/Brookway. It was RESOLVED that this work
should be undertaken and met from the open spaces budget.
6. Wray Crescent Open Space – The Clerk advised that the lease
from New Fylde Housing had expired and a new five year lease is
required. It was RESOLVED that the Council should try to obtain a
longer lease to obviate unnecessary cost and that the Chairman and
Clerk would sign on behalf of the Council.
7. Miscellaneous –
a) Wild Flower Area on Green – Cllr. Mrs. C.E. Wheatman was
annoyed that the wild flower area by the Dub had been cut, and felt
that this would prevent many of the flowers from prospering. Also
this site was intended as an area to encourage butterflies, bees,
beatles, bugs and even frogs. Cllr. Mrs. P.A. Naylor felt that the Wild
Life Trust should be approached for assistance and advice. It was
RESOLVED that the Clerk would contact the Wild Life Trust at
Cuerden Park in this respect.
09/097 HIGHWAY MATTERS
1. The SpID situation – The Clerk advised that there had been major
problems with our SpID. Ean Lewin, Dave Diggle and his brotherin-
law had been trying for sometime to sort out the problems. Cllr.
Diggle reported that after numerous e-mails the supplier had
replaced our SpID which is a vast improvement. Also a technical
expert from the company had had a meeting with Mr. Lewin and
Cllr. Diggle to explain the very complicated programme. However,
all is now well and a vast amount of technical information can be
produced. The Chairman thanked Cllr. Diggle and his brother-inlaw
for all the time spent on solving what were major problems. It
was also RESOLVED that the Clerk would formally thank Ean
Lewin.
09/98 FINANCIAL and STANDING ORDERS MATTERS
1. Structure of Parish Council Committeews/Groups (09/86 2) –
Following the decision to include a specific statement in the standing
orders it was RESOLVED that the following should be included:-
“In line with current Central Government philosophy committees
should wherever legally possible include a representation of noncouncillor
residents of the parish so that grass root democracy is
evident”.
2. Review of Parish Council Asset Depreciation Policy – The Clerk
advised that the current policy was:-
a) All low value items of £100 or less were written off as soon as they
were purchased.
b) Cups and regalia were valued at purchase price and/or insurance
valuation.
c) Playground Equipment 12 ½% per annum, i.e 8 years.
d) Christmas Lights 20% per annum.
e) Benches written off in year of purchase.
f) Other larger purchases 20%
It was RESOLVED that the Christmas lights level of depreciation
should really be more in line with the normal life of these assets i.e. 3
years and future depreciation should be at 33%. All other
arrangements to remain.
3. Lancashire Playing Fields Association Annual Subscription – The
Clerk advised that as the annual subscription is only £15-00 and
membership could be advantageous in identifying sources of grants
when the play area is expanded at Wray Crescent, it would be
prudent to join. It was RESOLVED that the Council should apply
for membership.
4. National Interim Salary Award from 1 April 2008 – The Clerk
reported that in line with the current Council policy the Clerk’s
salary is linked to the national awards which on SCP 23 has
increased to £10.364 per hour. It was RESOLVED that this interim
increase in the Clerk’s salary should be back dated to 1 April 2008 in
line with NALC guidelines.
5. Parish Council Budget 2008/09 Comparisons to November 2008
(Appendix 6) –
1. The Clerk analysed the budget situation for the period ending
30 November 2008 and the report was accepted.
2. It was RESOLVED that the following budgets could be altered as
following:-
a) Salaries increased to £8084, up £1075, with the toilets budget being
reduced by £900 to cover the cleansing operative’s salary, and £175
from the photocopying budget.
b) Chairman’s Newsletter budget to £800, up £300, by reducing
National Conference budget by £300.
c) Play Area Maintenance budget increased to £1900, up £300, by
clearing the residual National Conference budget,
d) Other village Activities budget increased to £1350, the addition is
more than covered by the income not included in the budget from
Bonfire Night.
6. Tenders for Contractors – The Clerk advised that the tender
letters covering the next three years had been received and it was
RESOLVED that as their tenders were the cheapest the current
contractors would keep the grass cutting contracts.
7. Payment of Accounts:-
1. As previously resolved on 20 October, it was RESOLVED that in
pursuance of the powers conferred in section 137 of LGA 1972 (as
amended) and being of the opinion that the expenditure relating to
the Remembrance Day bugler satisfies the requirements of this
section.
2. Confrirm the following payments:-
1576 H.J. Gigg October Salary £503-64 net
1577 Inland Revenue Tax/Nat. Insurance £180-08 net
1578 Jonathan Widish October grass cutg. £190-00 net £223-26 gr
Landscapes.
3. Approve the Payment of the following:-
1579 Wrea Green Instite. Grant in lieu of cost £100-00 net
of Room Hire.
1580 H.J. Gigg December salary & £603-76 net
back Payment.
1581 S.L. Rawsthorne December salary £170-52 net
1582 Inland Revenue Tax & Natonal I. £286-01 net
1583 H.J. Gigg Computr cartridgs £ 42-47 net £ 49-60 gr
1583 H.J. Gigg Remembrance Day £ 20-00 net
Bugler
1584 VOID
1585 H.J. Gigg Expenses £ 159-61 net
Postage £ 6-48
Telephone £ 3-80
Broadband £53-97
Mileage £95-36
1586 SLCC Annual Subscription £105-00 net
1587 R.Lancaster & Son Watering Contract £290-00 net£335-00 gr
Adjustment
1588 Sport Media Chairman’s Newsletter£130-00 net
1589 VOID
1590 Stuart Walker Christmas Tree £100-00 net £117-50 gr
Timber Haulage delivery
1591 P.A. Naylor Rope for Tree £ 26-45 net £ 31-08 gr
09/99 FYLDE BOROUGH/LANCASHIRE COUNTY COUNCILS
1. Fylde Borough Councillor’s Report (Appendix 2) – Cllr. Mrs. L.
Greening’ report, which had been circulated to all councillors prior
to the meeting, was noted.
2. Fylde Vision – District Liaison Meeting 22 October 2008
(Appendix 3)- The Clerk’s report was noted.
3. Lancashire County Councillor’s Report Cty. Cllr. B. Whittle
advised that the County budget review was well underway and, at
this stage, it is likely that there will be a 3. 5% increase, generating
circa £2 m extra income. If a 4.5% increase is supported the
additional revenue will be used exclusively for the highways. LCC
also programming £1.5m efficiency savings none directed to Wrea
Green. In answer to Cllr. J.L. Wardell’s question, Cty. Cllr. Whittle
said that he had no knowledge of the rumours about reducing the
opening hours at the Lytham waste collection unit, He confirmed
that he would strongly oppose such measures.
4. Lancashire Review of Common Land and Town and Parish
Greens –The Clerk reported that a review of parish greens is
requested and he will respond accordingly.
09/100 VILAGE ACTIVITIES –
1. Christmas Festivities Committee – The Minutes of the Meetings on
23 September & 6 November 2008 (Appendices 4 & 5) – The minutes
were noted. The Council Chairman advised that Peter O’Callaghan
had informed him that the cost of mulled wine is now expected to be
£40/50.
2. Bonfire Night 5 November 2008 (09/85 6.)– The Clerk advised that
the event had been highly successful. The bucket collection raised
£724-52 of which £100-00 was given to the Institute. In addition the
Millennium Group made a donation of £149-94 from the food sale.
It was RESOLVED that an official thank you letter should be sent to
the Institute.
3. Campaign to Save the Village Red Phone Box (09/85 8.) – The
Clerk advised that our red phone box was not on the threat list. It
was RESOLVED that the Council should keep the situation under
observation and in the meantime look, during the conservation area
review, to try to list it and the village pump. In the absence of the
aforementioned the cost of £500 per annum to maintain it would have
to be considered.
09/101 PARISH COUNCIL
1. Views of the Parish Council in the Eyes of The Public – Cllr. Mrs.
L. Greening produced a paper which was circulated to all councillors
prior to the meeting. Cllr. Mrs. Greening felt that it was very
important for the full Council to be elected and that this was
normally achieved by the Council’s activities and members being
better known in the parish. It was RESOLVED that to improve the
awareness of the Council within the community photographs of all
the councillors should be included with the contact details on the
notice board, web site and included with the church welcome pack. It
was also RESOLVED that Cllr. Mrs. L. Greening would write an
article in the Neil Withington produced Village magazine and the
Council would also take a half page advertisement therein.
2 Alternative Name and Style for the Parish Council – Changes
Introduced by the Local Government and Public Involvement in
Health Act 2007 (09/86 3) – A very long discussion took place and the
Council was minded to a name change. However, as members could
not decide whether to use the village name Wrea Green or
Community name Ribby with Wrea the Chairman deferred the
matter until the next meeting on the basis that this would give time
for further reflection.
3. Communities in Control: Real people, real power – Codes of
Conduct for Local Authority Members and Employees – This
consultation was circulated prior to the meeting, and the Council’s
response was agreed.
4. Freedom of Information Act – Operation of information
Availability – The Clerk advised that the new standard comes into
being on 1 January 2009 – there is no alternative. The Clerk will
ensure the Parish Council is compliant.
5. Sustainable Communities Act 2007 – Submission of Proposals –
This document had been circulated prior to the meeting and it was
decided that there was no need for the Council to respond.
09/102 Clerk’s Report (Appendix 1)
The Clerk’s report was noted and accepted.
09/103 The Meeting Closed at 22.40 hours. The Next Meeting is on
12 January 2009.
Cllr. Jack Dobson 12 January 2009
Chairman