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St Goran Parish Minutes for July 2009 |
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MINUTES OF A MEETING of the St Goran Parish Council held on 2nd July 2009 in the St Goran Church Schoolrooms at 7.30p.m. with Mr P Grose in the Chair. Present were Messrs Ayres, Bullen, Church, Husband, Lobb, Trevarton, Mrs Crouch, Mrs Gouldsmith, County Councillor Mrs D Mutton and two members of the public. 1. PUBLIC SESSION There was further concern regarding the future of the Church and the Church Schoolrooms. The point was raised that the Church is a holy place steeped in history, an important focus in the middle of the village. Concern was expressed by a resident that it should remain as a place of worship and not an entertainment venue, the removal of the pews and the proposed kitchen and toilets is a matter of great concern. Questions were also asked as to the moving of the font and whether any consideration had been made to the accessibility in its new position for wheelchairs, for example. Advice had been sought from the Diocese of Truro who stated that the thoughts of residents are most important and this need not be purely the thoughts of regular Church-goers, indeed, all residents of the Parish. Therefore, it was suggested that it be most important for any residents to individually write to the Diocese with their concerns. There was more discussion surrounding the future of the Church Schoolrooms. The question was asked whether the piece in last month's Parish Magazine was full in detail and there was concern that it is not clear whether the residents of the Parish have the opportunity to object to the plans to sell the schoolrooms and indeed to the Church alterations. Mr Grose stated that unfortunately the schoolrooms were no longer a viable business due to lack of use. The expenditure for the upkeep of the building is far in excess of the income. He also explained that there was no longer a Management Committee and so the rooms had been handed back to the P.C.C. to run/subsidise. He went on to say that notice has been served to sell and this notice would take the form of 12 months, however there are circumstances which could enable this notice to be shortened. A point was raised that the cubs/scouts had left the building due to the knowledge of the future sale of the building and had this not been the case would still be using the hall for their meetings. It was believed that they had obtained a grant of £1000 to assist with the maintenance of the building but this had subsequently been withdrawn when they moved to St Ewe. A further question was asked as to who would be paying for the plans and solicitors for this proposed work and whether parking and access had been considered should the schoolrooms be sold. Mr Grose stated that the P.C. must work on behalf of the concerns of the residents of the Parish and to date very few concerns and comments had been received. In the past, when matters of general concern were arising such as the sewerage works, the P.C. had received a multitude of complaints. In reply to this, it was suggested that the details being published in the Parish Magazine was not the best medium for circulation of the plans as the question was raised as to the amount of copies sold in relation to the whole population of the Parish. Mr Grose stated that any member of the Parish is within their rights to call a public meeting to discuss the matter further to establish whether there is a strong public feeling against the proposals. The footpath between Mennagwins and Gorran has now been cleared. However, the tarmac needs clearing on the path as there are already weeds growing through the debris. Also there is a bolt missing from the barrier at the bottom of the footpath. The need for 'Footpath' signs at the top and bottom of this path was discussed. The clerk will contact Highways on these matters. Mr Grose thanked the members of the public present and the P.C. then went into formal session.
2. APOLOGIES Mrs Stokes 3(a). GIFT DECLARATIONS None 3(b). DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST None 4. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE 11th June 2009 The minutes were agreed. 5. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 5.1 Cornwall Council: Council Tax. Reply received from C.C. with an explanation of the Council Tax charges for this current year. The charge is calculated using the (base) number of properties in the Parish in the previous year which is a constantly changing number. Therefore the base calculated in October 2008 is the basis for the Council Tax charge in 2009/10. The number calculated in 2008 was lower than that calculated in 2007 which meant that the charge for each property would have to be higher this year to raise the same amount of money for the parish as in the previous year (as there are less households to collect from). It was agreed to follow up this reply with a request to confirm whether this would mean that there is a rolling fund which ultimately balances. 5.2 Refuse bins. Quote received from Broxap for three new bins for Gorran Haven beach – two for the Platt and one for the harbour. The quote was for £374.85 plus VAT. It was resolved to accept this quote and to go ahead with the purchase. 5.3 Parking on Gorran Highlanes. PCSO Hemmings will monitor the parking in the road for obstruction. C.C. Local Maintenance Partnership. Email received stating that the grant due for the footpath maintenance within the parish has been reviewed. The amount due to the P.C. will be increased. Details of the exact amount will follow within the next two weeks. Boswinger Directional Sign. The repairs to the sign will be completed by 3rd July 2009. Speed Sign, Boswinger to Gorran. Mr Church reported on a site meeting between himself, Teresa Frost, Area Highways Manager and C.C. Mrs D Mutton. The ongoing situation was discussed in full at this meeting to confirm previous problems to the new County Councillor. During the meeting there had been two potentially dangerous incidents which stood as evidence to reiterate the concerns of the P.C. C.C. Mrs Mutton understood the need for the signs to be altered and agreed to continue with action to aide this to happen.
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS. 6.1 Footpaths. The cutting of The Slips has been completed by Mr Husband. The footpath to Little Perhaver is very overgrown at present. Mr Husband will address this. The stile on the footpath between Treveor and Rescassa is broken. The Clerk had contacted C.C. who will take a stile-kit to the landowner. The footpath is also very overgrown and so it was agreed for the clerk to ask C.C. to follow up whether the stile had been done and also to request that the landowner maintain the footpath. 6.2 Beach. The separation buoys are now in place, with thanks to Mr Wilkinson. Mr Trevarton reported on his findings regarding Mr Storey's Risk Assessment for the Kayaks. He stated that overall ten possible hazards had been perceived. The risks had been identified and control measures put in place and so the assessment complies with legislation. However, there is no evidence to support that action is being taken as a result of the Risk Assessment. It was agreed that a log should be taken daily showing compliance of the Assessment. A log should also be kept of any incidents or accidents. This would then act as a diary should any complaints be received by the P.C. in the future. It was also agreed that booking forms should be kept by Mr Storey as stipulated within the Assessment. It was also agreed to remind Mr Storey that the kayaks should be numbered as per the contract. It was agreed that Mrs Mutton will speak to Mr Bowles, Mevagissey Harbour Master to establish which kayaks were inspected and how they would be identified without numbering. Ultimately, it was agreed that enforcement of the watersports licence and risk assessment would be the responsibility of the Licensing Department of C.C. and any incidents should be reported to them. There would need to be an actual report and not just hearsay. 6.3 General Purposes. The public seat in Canton Street has been smashed. Mr Hurst has volunteered to make the necessary repairs which include repairs to the metal work. This would cost between £140 to £160. It was agreed to accept. The condition of all of the seats within the Parish was discussed and it was agreed that all were in need of renovation and cleaning. Mr Hurst would be prepared to complete these works on an annual basis but it was agreed that due to the Minor Maintenance contract, our contractor should be offered the opportunity first. It was therefore agreed to contact Mr Crook to request a quote for the renovation and cleaning of the benches with a time-scale for completion within his prescribed hourly rate. Mr Williams had reported that whilst cutting the grass by the public toilets, human faeces had been found which are an obvious health hazard. The cactus' in the new flower bed on the Triangle will be removed as it was agreed that the dangerous spikes on the leaves were unsuitable for a public place. Mr Lobb reported that Gorran Haven Institute had been forwarded to the next stage of the Calor Village of the Year Competition. He stated that he had a number of under-water photographs depicting the sea life in the bay surrounding Gorran Haven which would be suitable to place in the glass noticeboard in Gorran Haven. Agreed. It was also agreed for Mrs Gouldsmith to ask the Cubs and Scouts for artwork also. The hedges around the Parish have been cut recently but the cuttings have been left and ditches have not been cleared causing the roads to become narrower. It was agreed to contact Highways to ask why this work is no longer completed. The drains in Church Street are filled up with debris – clerk to contact Highways. The new bench for the cemetery is now ready for delivery. Mr Grose will lay the concrete base ready for its delivery.
7. CORRESPONDENCE 7.1 C.C. - Travel Awareness Team. E-mail received regarding the proposed footpath from Gorran Haven to the School. The Travel Awareness Officer has requested a meeting with the Playing Fields Trust, Gorran School and the Parish Council to discuss the progress of the footpath consultations. This meeting will be held on 3rd July 2009. Mr Lobb and Mrs Gouldsmith will attend on behalf of the P.C. 7.2 Rural Services Network. Newsletter received. 7.3 East Cornwall Council for Voluntary Service. Newsletter received. 7.4 Cornwall Ancient Tree Forum. Events list received. 7.5 C.C. Planning Liaison Group. Details received regarding the planning process and training available to councils. 7.6 SLCC. Details of the next National Conference received. 7.7 C.C. Details of road closure in Gorran Haven for the Street Market on 25th July 2009. Roads effected will be closed between 9am and 3.30pm. These are Church Street, Canton Street between the carpark and Church Street and Foxhole Lane between Canton Street and Quilver Close. Gorran Haven Institute. The Institute have moved on to the next stage of the Calor Village of the Year Competition. Judges will be coming to the Institute on 16th July. Gorran Haven Institute. Letter received requesting permission to use the part of the beach which is the responsibility of the P.C. to hold their Day in the Sand event on Monday 31 August 2009 on Gorran Haven Beach. Agreed.
8. PLANNING MATTERS. 09/00785: Mr C Trew. Building of a dwelling in garden at Penamaen, Lamledra Hill, Gorran Haven. Full Planning. No objections. There was one abstention from this motion.
9. BILLS FOR PAYMENT RECEIPTS
Mrs Brewster Clerk’s salary 356.63 Tourism Brochure 30.00 Mrs Brewster Clerk’s Expenses 56.45 Mr Storey Kayaks 275.00 Mrs Brewster Clerk’s Purchases 38.03 Mrs Gouldsmith Flower Display 20.00 Beavers Grant 90.00 Cubs Grant 90.00 Cricket Club Grant 90.00 Gorran FC Grant 90.00 St Goran PCC Grant 200.00 Gorran PreSchool Grant 90.00 Institute Grant 90.00 Rainbows Grant 90.00 Playing Fields Grant 90.00 Rowing Club Grant 90.00 Schoolrooms Grant 90.00 Schoolrooms Hall Hire 22.00 Mr Williams Grasscutting 98.75 Mr Crook Grasscutting 154.00 TOTAL £1845.86 TOTAL £305.00
All the bills for June have been paid. Agreed to pay the bills for July and to transfer £1000.00 from the deposit account to the current account to cover next months bills. Due to the late arrival of the new chequebook, some cheques were not signed during the meeting. Their payment was agreed and these will be sent when the book is received. Last month a cheque for £275.00 was received and banked from Mr Storey representing the payment for the Kayak Tender. This was subsequently returned this month by the bank as unpaid, thus incurring a £4.00 bank charge. The cheque has been replaced by Mr Storey this month and has been banked again. He has also paid the £4.00 bank charge.
10. EXTERNAL AUDIT – COMPLETION OF AUDIT. The Annual External Audit has been returned and accepted as meeting the Audit Commissions requirements and showing no matters for concern. Notices have been displayed on all Parish Noticeboards and will remain in place for at least 14 days.
11. PARISH PROBLEMS Vehicles stopping at Mennagwins to purchase fruit and vegetables is causing a potential hazard. It was agreed that the sale of the produce offers a good service to the community but residents should park responsibly when making their purchases. Mr Grose will ask Mr Bulled whether a sign could be placed to ask people to park sensibly. Concern was expressed for the safety of the children when leaving the school bus on Bell Hill. They are walking up the hill often in the middle of the road. It was agreed to ask PCSO Hemmings to visit the area to advise the children of the danger of the on-coming traffic. The condition of the middle section leading off Canton Street, below Cakebreads of Rattle Street was discussed. This section was not part of the original restorations. It was agreed to obtain quotes from Cormac and May Guerney for the completion of this work. The potholes have been repaired on Bodrugan Hill, but the surface is still in a very poor condition.
The meeting closed at 9.30pm. |