Parish Council Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting of the Full Council held on Tuesday 15th September 2009 at the Village Hall Great Barford.
Present: Derrick Folbigg (Chair) James Rudgley, Stuart Southall, Di Ames, Jeff Brandon, Tina Brandon, Ann Lovesey, Adam Clements, Siobhan Vincent, and Carole Ellis
Clerk: Mrs Sharon Kingham
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- To receive and approve APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE –      received from Trevor Cooper
-           Declarations of interest in any matter - being prejudicial or      personal – there were none
- Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â To confirm the MINUTES of the
          Full Council Meeting held on 21st July 2009
          Planning on 5th August and 2nd September 2009
          Parks and Opens Spaces 2nd September 2009 – all minutes from                the above meetings were approved by the members and signed                by the Chair
Adjourned for public session 7.33pm reconvened at 8.05pm
Zaria Beynon attended the meeting to introduce herself as the right of way officer for Great Barford. She handed out the current maps of the public right of ways and gave councillors her contact details. She advised that the sign posts will be up dated and she was looking at replacing the styles.
A petition was presented to the Council from Karen Orosky. Karen Orosky also asked questions relating to the changes that had been made to the bus shelter. Ms Brown also expressed her concerns relating to the lack of shelter that the current canopies provide. It was agreed that the bus shelter would be an item for the agenda at the next meeting in order to discuss the matter and address the concerns raised.
Concerns relating to the lack of disabled parking outside the doctors was raised. The Clerk will contact the Borough to find out if the bus lay by can be used as parking.
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4.     To receive report from Carole Ellis Borough Councillor –      Carole reported that crime was up in the Village, legal advice had      been sought from Counsel regarding the HGV weight restriction      and the boundary wards were under review as some wards were      too large for the Councillor serving them.
5.     To report HIGHWAYS ISSUES including Weight Limit
Update – still awaiting response from the Borough regarding the concerns that had been raised with them. It was reported the Birchfield Road was in an appalling state – Jeff Brandon will look into it.
6.          Graveyard – a meeting was agreed for 14th October to review      the regulations.
7.          Garden Competition – recommendation from Parks and Open
Spaces committee to invite winners to a presentation at Roxton
Garden Centre on 2nd October at 3.00pm. Di Ames to organize the Shields and engraving. Gift Vouchers to be purchased for 1st and 2nd prizes. all in favour.
8.     Village Sign – to agree the location of the Village Logo – it was      agreed that the logo be placed at the top of the sign. Clerk to      place order with manufacturer.
9.     To discuss problems with Anti-Social Behavior in the village      and policing – Adam had attended a meeting re policing and      advised that we can change the priorities by email. Another      meeting had been arranged for the 11th November at Wilden      Village Hall 7.30pm.
10.     Chapel Field Play area – to consider quotation received for
     CCTV and to consider replacing the fencing – proposal to      purchase the CCTV from Ace and have it radio linked to the one      at the village hall. Clerk to seek quotes for renewing the      fencing. Agenda next month.
11.     To discuss S106 money and to consider further earmarking.
12.     Land rear of Alban – concerns raised about the land in view of
     The recent talks about the future of the school. – deferred till      next month.
13.     Correspondences received and Clerk Report
     It was agreed that the request from resident on Bedford Road      to add the grass verge in question to the contract.
     Village Hall committee request for help with funding for work to      ceiling and flooring to village hall. Clerk to request further      information and accounts and discuss at next meeting.
     Clerk to write to Mrs Brown advising her the concerns she raised      in her letter re bus shelter will be discussed a the next meeting.
14.     To receive finance report and to approve and authorise      invoices received – it was proposed that invoices that had      been presented are paid.
Meeting closed at 10.15pm
                              Signed By Chairman 20 October 2009
Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 21st July 2009 at the Village Hall Great Barford.
Present: Tina Brandon, Jeff Brandon, Derrick Folbigg, Jim Rudgley, Siobhan Vincent, Adam Clements, Di Ames, Stuart Southall, and Ann Lovesey
Clerk: Mrs Sharon Kingham
1.          To receive and approve APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
          Received from Carole Ellis who would be arriving late from a                prior meeting. No apologies from Trevor Cooper
2.          Declarations of interest in any matter - being prejudicial or      personal. There were none
3.          To confirm the MINUTES of the
          Full Council Meeting held on 16th June 2009
          Parks and Open Spaces 1st July 2009
          Allotments 1st July 2009
          All minutes were approved by the members and signed as a                true record by the Chairman.
Adjourned for Public session at 7.32pm and reconvened at 8.35pm
The Mayor of Bedford Frank Branston and Mr. John Goldsmith of the Education Authority were in attendance. The Mayor reported that the change to the new unitary had gone as well as can be expected. A 2million contingency fund forced an increased of 0.9% in the council tax but it is hoped that a reduction will be implemented next year. The Mayor reported that radical changes are to be made to the public transport system which could include the introduction of the oyster card system. School buses will be used for wider use and park and ride will become more available.
When questioned about the 7.5 tonne signage the Mayor advised that the new portfolio holder was Mr Charles Royden who would be able tell us what was happening. The Mayor understood that the signage was ready to be installed but could not be specific as to the date.
Concerns relating to the consultation for the change to a 2 tier education system were raised. The Mayor advised that when a definite decision had been made following the processes that included consultation and meetings by the executive committee and full council, he would visit the affected areas.
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When asked about the state of the roads he advised that all councils will be asked to make a list of maintenance required for all areas and a priority list will be compiled.
4.          To receive finance report and to approve and authorise      invoices received – it was proposed that all invoices were paid      all in favour.
5.          Planning
     a) 09/01334/FUL Mill House 4 Birchfield Road – replacement      dwelling and garages following demolition of existing house.      Covered swimming pool with changing area and ancillary      accommodation. resolved no objection
     b) Consider application for Street Trading Consent Eastbound           A421 leading to Black cat Roundabout – resolved no objection
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Meeting closed at 9.00pm
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Full Council held on 16th June 2009 at the Village Hall Great Barford.
Present: Adam Clements, Di Ames, James Rudgley, Stuart Southall, Trevor Cooper, Ann Lovesey, Derrick Folbigg, Siobhan Vincent, Carole Ellis
Clerk: Mrs Sharon Kingham
1.          To receive and approve APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
          Apologies received from Jeff Brandon and Tina Brandon
2.          Declarations of interest in any matter - being prejudicial or personal. Ann Lovesey declared personal interest in Graveyard matters
3.          To confirm the MINUTES of the Full Council Meeting held
on 19th May 2009 – the minutes of the meeting were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair
          Adjourned 7.35 reconvened at 8.05pm
Members of public in attendance from Willoughby Close handed in a petition signed by 74 people that were against play equipment being placed on the open space at Willoughby. The Chairman advised that the item would be discussed at the meeting of the Parks and Open Spaces committee.
4.          To receive update on HIGHWAYS ISSUES – report was from Jeff Brandon and Highways maintenance surveyor as follows:-
Gamblings Footpath
·     approx 90% to be resurfaced
High Street
·     Footpath to be resurfaced – Post Office to Pyms
·     Sign and post to be replaced adjacent to No.2/Crossways
·     Overgrowth to be removed at traffic lights at Blunham side of bridge
·     Bridge gullies to be cleaned
New Road
·     road to be repaired from No.4 to graveyard entrance
Roxton Road
·     Level off lay-by verge opposite No.26 – remove bricks and debris and reseed
·     eye to be kept on footpath by Penwrights Lane
·     Ditch has been cleared by Simon Bath and culvert between 53 and plant hire to be cleared
Green End Road
·     Kerb and footpath reinstatement adjacent No.6
·     Bridge over brook up to No.20 Householder to be written to regarding repair
·     Footpath at number 37 to be repaired
Bedford Road
·     Hole in verge at 58 to be filled
·     Street sign on verge adjacent to number 60 – relevant department to be informed and request remount.
The “cross� stone on corner of Sliver Street/High Street
Highways had received a complaint from a visitor to village who tripped and fell (with superficial injuries) over the cross stone. A bollard was suggested and discounted as it would be ugly and take up room on a narrow footpath. Highways are looking into perhaps a metal tailor make grill to which Parish Council could attach a notice – no decision will be made by highways without consultation.
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5.          Graveyard – receive quotes for concrete grass creates – it was proposed that the work to be carried out by Mr. R Gillett – all in favour.
6.          Graveyard – request for a plaque to be placed in Garden of Remembrance – it was proposed that blank brass plaques be purchased and fixed to the benches by the handy man. It was also agreed that Mrs. White be offered the option of either using one of the plaques to be engraved or to purchase an Ashes Plot.
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     A letter had been received concerning the removal of a rose bush from a grave that breached regulations. After much debate it was agreed that the Clerk order a notice board for the Graveyard to display the rules and regulations.
7.          Garden Competition – councillors areas for short listing as follows; Jeff and Tina – Bedford Road Roxton Road; Ann
Lovesey Maltings and Willoughby; Derrick Folbigg – High
St and New Road; Di Ames – Chapel Field area; Trevor
Cooper – Pyms Close area; Adam Clements – Addingtons
Road; Siobhan Vincent – Brook Lane area; Carole Ellis and Jim Rudgley – Green End inc Peasehill, Strawberry Fields, Fisher Close. All lists to be brought to next full council meeting.
8.          Remembrance Service – Clerk to write to Vicar to confirm time of service, Derrick to speak to Mrs Hall re list of names on memorial, Di to organise the Bugler.
9.          Barford Bugle – to received update from meeting on 8th June. Everything is running okay, although there are some concerns regarding the advertising the advertisers are using a magazine that covers a larger area. It was requested that all councillors make recommendations to businesses at every opportunity.
10.     CCTV – to consider upgrading in order to cover the Play area. It was agreed that a quote from Ace should be sought before a decision is made.
11.     Correspondences and Information relation to business
     from previous meetings.
     A further drawing had be produced for the village sign. All agreed with the draft with the addition of a boat.
     Clerk to contact Home Watch as the scheme is not active in the Village.
12.     To receive finance report and to approve and authorise  invoices received – (councillors will receive a copy of invoice payments and an up to date reconciliation at the meeting).
     All invoices were approved for payment.
Meeting closed at 10.05pm
Signed
D Folbigg, Chairman
16 February:-Minutes of the Meeting of the Full Council held on 16th February 2010 at the Village Hall Great Barford.
Present: Derrick Folbigg , Ann Lovesey, Carole Ellis, Jim Rudgley, Jeff Brandon Tina Brandon, Stuart Southall, Siobhan Vincent, Trevor Cooper and James Rudgley.
Clerk: Mrs Sharon Kingham
- To receive and approve APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – received from Adam Clements
- Declarations of interest in any matter - being prejudicial or personal - none
- To confirm the MINUTES of the
Full Council Meeting held on 19th January 2010 were confirmed as a true record by the members and signed by the Chair
4. Borough Councillor Report – Carole would be attending a meeting with the Mayor with councillors from other parishes that are affected by the weight limit; dog waste bin on Penwrights lane needs repositioning as it is on currently on private land; bins not being emptied AGAIN on Brook Lane – clerk to write to Mike Tyler.
5. Highways – to report on Highways matters – Jeff reported that potholes had been reported and will be dealt with in order of priority, Birchfield Road will be considered in the next financial year and the council will be consulted re options that are available.
6. Graveyard – to discuss any work needed and be updated of ongoing work. Sam had put in the line markers but some were in the wrong place. Tina reported that a parishioner had congratulated the Parish Council on how nice the Graveyard/Memorial Garden was looking.
7. To receive finance report and to approve and authorise invoices received – (councillors will receive a copy of invoice payments and an up to date reconciliation at the meeting). All payments submitted were authorised for payment.
8. To receive information from councillors.
Tree/Shrubs – Stuart advise the Borough what we would like for next autumn planting.
9. To agree dates for this years meetings.
Full Council:
16th March, 20th April, 11th May, 15th June, 20th July, 21st Sept, 19th Oct, 16th Nov. No meetings in August or December. All meetings to start at 7.30pm
Committees:
5th May, 7th July, 1st Sept, 3rd Nov. Meetings to start at 7.00pm
Annual Parish Meeting will be held on 27th April at 7.00pm
Part 2
In view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted, it is advisable that the press and public be excluded from the following items and are asked to withdraw. This in accordance with the LGA schedule 12.
1. To discuss issues relating to the office. It was agreed that the current accommodation was no longer suitable due to lack of space. Clerk to write to Ann Cheverals to confirm the Parish Council would like to rescind the agreement and to ask for the £5k last was paid into the building. Alternative office space will be sought and until then the Clerk will work from home.
Meeting Closed at 9.10pm
16 March 2010:-Minutes of the Meeting of the Full Council held on 16th March 2010 at the Village Hall Great Barford.
Present: Derrick Folbigg, Ann Lovesey, Jim Rudgley, Jeff Brandon, Tina Brandon, Stuart Southall, Siobhan Vincent, Trevor Cooper, and James Rudgley.
Clerk: Mrs Sharon Kingham
AGENDA
1. To receive and approve APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE –
Received from Adam Clements and Carole Ellis
2. Declarations of interest in any matter - being prejudicial or personal.
3. To confirm the MINUTES of the
Full Council Meeting held on 16th February 2010
Sports Committee 3rd March
Parks and open Spaces 3rd March
All the minutes were confirmed as a true record and signed by the chair.
4. Borough Councillor Report – in the absence of the Borough Councillor a report was read out and is attached to these minutes
5. Highways – to report on Highways matters
Proposals for the resurfacing of Birchfield were discussed. The work will take place in the next financial year- the parish council will be consulted on again nearer the time regarding what surface will be used.
New gates had been installed on New Road which included the 30ph sign being moved, the same for Addingtons Road, This means extra work to be added to the verge cutting. Clerk to write to Borough requesting and increase in the allowance for this work.
A consultation had been received regarding a proposed Bus Route linked from Sandy, Blunham to Great Barford. Concerns were raised regarding the movements on Silver Street. It was agreed that we agree with the proposal in principle but would like the route around Great Barford to be changed so it does not use Silver Street. Clerk to write the Mid Beds asking for a site visit.
6. Parish Plan – to receive update. The action plan will be distributed for the next full council meeting.
7. Cricket Square – request from Cricket Club to insure the cricket square on Councils insurance. It was proposed that we write to the Cricket Club advising them that we can not carry out this request under current legislation. And to advise them to apply to the council for a grant under the section 137. It was agreed that the work for the water supply be done as already agreed.
8. Garden Seat – Parks and Open Spaces committee proposal to install garden seats around the 2 mature trees on the playing field.It was agreed I that we purchase a garden seat to fit around the existing tree and to purchase another mature tree and place a seat around it. Quotes were needed.
9. New Netting – to consider proposal to purchase new netting for the boundary of playing field. All in favour of purchasing the new netting.
10. Correspondences and Information relation to business from previous meetings. All information on file had been discussed already on the agenda.
11. To receive finance report and to approve and authorise invoices received – (councillors will receive a copy of invoice payments and an up to date reconciliation at the meeting). All invoices received were approved for payment.
Date for next meeting 20th April at 7.30pm. Meeting closed at 9.00pm
Signed
Minutes of the Meeting of the Full Council held on 20th April 2010 at the Village Hall Great Barford.
Present: Derrick Folbigg, Ann Lovesey, Jim Rudgley, Jeff Brandon, Tina Brandon, Stuart Southall, Siobhan Vincent, Carole Ellis and James Rudgley.
Clerk: Mrs Sharon Kingham
1. To receive and approve APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Adam Clements, Siobhan Vincent apologies for leaving at 8pm for prior engagement. Trevor Cooper absent
2. Declarations of interest in any matter - being prejudicial or personal. No declarations were received.
3. To confirm the MINUTES of the
Full Council Meeting held on 16th March 2010 – the minutes were confirmed by the members as a true record and signed by the Chair.
adjourned 7.32 reconvened at 7.38pm
4. Parish Plan – to confirm action plan – the draft plan was presented to the council who thanked the group for their hard work. Siobhan advised that this was not the final document and a further draft will be presented at a later date for the councils approval.
5. Highways – to report on Highways matters – a copy of the main road scheme was given out. Birchfield Road was down as a complete resurface, clerk to ensure the council is consulted on prior to the work.
6. Borough Councillor Report – Carole reported that she was still working on having a VA sign placed permanently on Green End Road. The funding for this would come from her allocation. Carole also reported that the Executive Committee were meeting on Wednesday 21st and the item regarding the possible Gypsie site allocation was on the agenda. She would keep us informed. She advised the council that they should look into asking for dispensation in relation to this business – Linda Stevens would contact the clerk.
7. Allotments – to receive a report from Clerk. It was reported that all allotments were now let and most of the fees had been paid. A few allotments had been divided in 2 in order to reduce the waiting list. Stuart Southall suggested that some tenants were ‘creeping’ over the boundary to the field rented by Steve
Bumstead. It was agreed to wait to speak to Steve to identify whether there was a problem or not. The access road to the field may also have the same problem.
8. Proposed Bus Service – to be updated on consultation – to confirm that the first proposal met challenges not only from Great Barford but also other affected villages. A site visit will be arranged for sometime in May to discuss a further proposal.
9. Pyms Close Planting Scheme – email from Steve Adams. This will be discussed again at the next full council meeting. Carole Ellis suggested speaking to Nick Chadwick for advise on the landscaping/planting as he is a professional that works in the village.
10. To approve policy for CCTV – the policy was agreed and approved.
11. Correspondences and Information relation to business from previous meetings – letter from the Mayor re ‘pints in parishes’ was discussed. I was agreed that the parish clerk suggest the hiring of the village hall as it had a bar and would not be interested in initiating meetings in the local pub.
12. To receive finance report and to approve and authorise invoices received – accounts were approved for payment. Clerk advised that the yearend was complete, last year’s audit had been signed off and this years was now being started.
13. To receive information from councilors. – It was agreed that the village walk would take place on 5th May instead of holding Parks and Open Spaces meeting in the hall. To meet at Pym’s for 6.30pm. All councilors welcome to attend.
Grass verge on Bedford Road had been missed by contractors.
Grass in grave/church yard had not been cut – clerk advised that Sam had informed her that his mower had been out of action but he would be cutting this week.
A meeting of the Graveyard committee would be arranged when Jim returned from holidays.
meeting closed 9.00pm
Signed (by the chairman)