Pages 1285 to 1287
March 2009
Minutes of the Meeting of Sherington Parish Council held on Tuesday 3rd March 2009 in Sherington Village Hall commencing at 7.30pm.
PRESENT: Peter Burton (Chair), David Keene, David Hyde, Peter Cook and Ian Thomson
ALSO ATTENDING: Wendy Austyn (Clerk), and four members of the public
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Cllr Wright. The chairman reported that Cllr Wright has announced his intention to resign after the April meeting; Cllr Thomson announced that he has decided to withdraw his resignation and stay on the parish council.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.
3. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
The minutes of the meeting held on 3rd February 2009 were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
4. CLERK’S REPORT
Bus shelter. This has now been signed off by MKC and the granite kerbs are in stock. An installation date is now awaited. ACTION: Clerk
Complaint re Land adj. to 10 Crofts End. David Hackforth, Head of MKC Planning has sent his written response which concluded that he considered that MKC officers had acted correctly and in line with government advice. Councillors agreed to continue to monitor the issue, especially as a retaining wall is now being built which would appear to further reduce vehicular access to the rear of the building.
5. STONEPITS CLOSE WOODLAND PROJECT
Cllr Keene reported that almost the entire basic planting framework is now in place including a hedge, these may need watering in the summer if it is very dry. Other items like paths, seating, stile, bins etc still to be decided but the footbridge needs urgent repair. The community involvement has been put back to November and this is when the bulbs will be planted too. ACTION: Cllr Cook, Cllr Keene
6. MKC STRATEGIC LAND AVAILABILITY ASSESSMENT
Cllr Keene commented on this current consultation which proposes to implement a scheme that will enforce footway and verge parking contraventions.
7. FINANCE
Monthly balances. £14669.50; Treasurer Account £16221.31
Cheques for payment were as follows:
| 03/03/2009 | Wendy Austyn | Clerk’s salary | £356.23 | 101680 |
| 03/03/2009 | Wendy Austyn | Clerk’s expenses | £30.66 | 101661 |
| 03/03/2009 | Sherington Village Hall | Hall hire | £44.00 | 101662 |
| 03/03/2009 | Milton Keynes Flooring Company Ltd | Pavilion extension floor | £862.50 | 101663 |
| 03/03/2009 | Kash-N-Karry Fabrics | Pavilion curtains | £1,080.88 | 101664 |
| 03/03/2009 | A H Contracts | Dog bins | £82.43 | 101665 |
| 03/03/2009 | R C Builders & Contractors | Pavilion extension | £12,673.00 | 101666 |
| 03/03/2009 | Wendy Austyn | Pavilion extension items | £95.33 | 101667 |
| 03/03/2009 | Nina Beal | Pavilion cleaner | £28.00 | 101668 |
| 03/03/2009 | Colin Scowen | Perry Lane caretaker | £50.00 | 101669 |
Football pitch mowing. The continued price of £69 per time to mow the football pitch by Sports Ground Services was agreed. ACTION: Clerk
8. PLANNING
09/00106/FUL 16 Crofts End – convert outbuildings plus rear extension – No adverse comment.
08/02118/FULEIS Bozeat Wind Farm – no adverse comments.
Decisions Applications from Bridge House, Sherington Road and 45 High St have been permitted; the application from Alban Hill nursery has been refused.
9. SHERINGTON SPORTS GROUND
9.1. Pavilion building project. Cllr Burton reported that the new extension phase is now being signed off with the architect’s completion certificate awaited and there is now a 3 month defects period to report any problems. Funding is still being sought for the refurbishment with an application to BIFFA about to be submitted. The application to Co-op was unsuccessful. ACTION: Cllr Burton, Clerk
9.2. Pavilion management group. Cllr Thomson reported from the meeting held on 25th February. Salient points: water is pooling outside the front entrance; adverts are going out and a few bookings are coming in; strict instructions regarding hire to be issued and displayed; 80 people can be seated; financial transactions to be processed through the parish council as normal. The clerk confirmed that there is no licence to sell alcohol on the premises, but visitors may bring their own. ACTION: Cllr Thomson, Masters, Clerk
9.3. Pitch maintenance. It was agreed to employ MKC to carry out much needed pitch maintenance, Cllr Burton will meet with Euan Darling to devise a plan. The proposal to install a junior pitch was agreed, either with or without having to relocate the full size pitch, Cllr Burton to discuss options with MKC. ACTION: Cllr Burton
9.4. Pavilion showers. Cllr Burton reported that the refurbishment to the showers is now complete. Instructions with regards to switching the water heater on and off to prevent very high utility bills need to be clarified. ACTION: Cllr Burton, Clerk
10. EXTERNAL MEETINGS
10.1. MKNECAF Wed 4th March Cllr Hyde will attend
11. CORRESPONDENCE
11.1 Post Office. A letter has been received from a resident to support a request for a larger posting box in the village.
11.2 The Manor House planning application. A copy of a letter to MKC has been received expressing concern over the presence of great crested newts in the area being considered for development.
12. PUBLIC COMMENTS
12.1. A mobile speed camera was reported on the High St. The clerk will endeavour to obtain some feedback from TVP. ACTION: Clerk
12.2. Further to last month, there was more discussion about ditches and gullies at the Sherington Bridge turn. The clerk and Cllr Cook will contact MKC to try and resolve the underlying issues. Cllr Thomson reported flooding on the Chicheley Hill roundabout. ACTION: Clerk, Cllr Cook
12.3. There are still some broken kerb setts at the bottom of Crofts End. ACTION: Clerk
13. COUNCILLORS ITEMS
13.1. Cllr Cook raised concern over the amount of paperwork and emails that councillors are expected to sift through. The clerk suggested that this be brought up for discussion at the MKNECAF. ACTION: Clerk
13.2. Cllr Cook expressed concern again over the blocked ditches in High St. A resident offered information about the ditches and gullies in Gun Lane which are likely to be exacerbating the problem. Cllr Cook to contact MKC.
13.3. Cllr Keene reported the further erosion of verges on Bedford Road.
13.4. Cllr Hyde noted that The Swan pub is now up for sale.
13.5. Cllr Hyde asked for an update on the post office. It was agreed to contact Ray and Teddy in the first instance. ACTION: Cllr Hyde
13.6. Cllr Burton reported that £252 was raised for the MK Community Foundation car raffle, half of which the parish council receives back for its own funds.
13.7. Cllr Burton reported that a complaint has been received about hedge trimmings being left on the road on Water Lane. He has contacted the resident concerned.
13.8. Cllr Burton asked for an update on Anglian Water’s intention to commence work on the ditch behind Smiths Yard. Cllr Cook reported that he has not yet been contacted with an intended start date.
14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 7th April 2009 at the Village Hall commencing at 7.30pm. There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.05pm
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