MINUTES OF A MEETING OF SNITTERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL ON MONDAY 12TH JULY 2004

PRESENT
Councillor Mrs. S. Morlidge (Chairman)
Councillor W.A. Collett
Councillor R.J. Fitchford
Councillor J. Jacobs
Councillor Miss C. Kimberley
County and District Councillor R.G. Hobbs
Clerk of the Council, I.A. Wilkins
2 Members of public

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Councillor G.J. Stammers

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None

3. MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 14th June, 2004, having been previously circulated, were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

4. MATTERS ARISING

a) Planning Procedures
The Clerk reported that he had contacted Mrs. Jane Truelove, Democratic Support Services, and she had stated that the revised procedures had not yet been finalised. The decision to have two Planning Committees had been overturned by full Council; boundaries for three Committees were now being resolved.
The interest of the Parish Council had been noted and a full response would be forwarded in due course.

(b) Payment of Utility Services to Village Hall
Councillor Jacobs undertook to arrange a meeting with the Village Hall Management Committee.

(c) Flooding- Kings Lane
The Clerk reported that he had spoken with Mr. Elbourne, Wellesbourne Depot, who stated that an initial survey had not produced a solution to the problem. Arrangements were in hand for a more detailed survey of the site and results would be reported in due course.
Councillor Jacobs referred to a problem of excessive surface water in Ingon Lane, following heavy rainfall. He said that a contributory factor was water running from adjacent fields onto the highway.
The Chairman undertook to take up the matter with Councillor Hobbs.

(d) Animal Hygiene Bin - Bell Lane
It was noted that a replacement bin was now insitu.

5. FINANCE
Receipts

6. PLANNING MATTERS

Applications

No Objection - will not impact upon neighbours and is an acceptable design in a Conservation Area

Erection of first floor pitched roof side extension

Objection - comments on previous application 03/01137/FUL remain applicable; no improvement made to reduce impact upon the neighbouring property

(c) Maxwell Behan, 4, Shakespeare Cottages, Park Lane

No objection - an acceptable proposal

No objection - will not impact upon neighbouring properties and is acceptable

Submission deferred

Permission with conditions

7. CORRESPONDENCE

Warwickshire County Council
Operation Ragwort 12th - 30th July
The Clerk reported that he had placed leaflets in the Shop and a poster on the Notice Board.
Councillor Fitchford raised the matter of giant hogweed in the brook. He said that this weed was dangerous and could cause a serious allergic reaction. He undertook to place a warning notice adjacent to the brook.

Harry Stebbings
Notice Board - Confirmation of order
The Clerk gave details of the confirmation letter, including a delivery date of seven/eight months from date of order.
Concern was expressed about the delay in delivery, but it was agreed to proceed with the order. The Clerk undertook to press for an earlier delivery date.
It was noted that an offer had been made by Mr. Lee Hillier and Mr. David Stephens to replace the free standing notice board in Smiths Lane. Permission had been given to affix the notice board to the adjacent wall.

ACT (Transmission Masts) Notice of Public Meeting 22nd July
Councillor Miss Kimberley expressed an interest to attend.

8. STREET LIGHTING

(a) Hurdlers Lane
Note was taken of the response from ABB Limited undertaking to maintain the four street lights as from 1st July, with the proviso that no guarantee would be offered on existing components for a period of 6 months. This would mean that an invoice would be issued for any lamp failure during that period.

(b) Outside Village Hall
Note was taken of the response from ABB Limited indicating that the leaning concrete column had been inspected and appeared to be undamaged. A Quotation of £200, plus VAT was submitted to restore the column to a vertical position.

Proposed Councillor Jacobs, Seconded Councillor Fitchford
'that instructions be given to ABB Limited to carry out the work for the sum quoted'
So resolved, nem con.

9. PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNTS

The Clerk presented the Balance Sheet and explained details of Income and Expenditure. There were no questions.

Proposed Councillor Mrs. Morlidge, Seconded Councillor Jacobs
'that the accounts be approved for internal audit and that the Chairman be authorised to sign the Statement of Assurance in the Annual Report'
So resolved, nem con.

10. VILLAGE APPRAISAL FINANCES

The Chairman introduced the subject and said that, after finalising all expenditure for the completed Village Appraisal, the sum of £204.77 remained in a bank account. She pointed to two grants of £250 each made by the Parish Council in 2000 and 2002 for the purposes of the project.

She proposed, Councillor Fitchford seconded
'that the sum of £204.77 be returned to the Parish Council account for possible future use in producing the Parish Plan'
So resolved, nem con.

11. TO RECEIVE COMMENTS / OBSERVATIONS FROM COUNCILLORS

Councillor Fitchford
Reported that he had been in contact with Bob Foster, who had confirmed his resignation as Co-ordinator of the Footpath Group. He had since approached Ken Chatland, who had expressed a willingness to take on the responsibility.
Referred to the need to obtain a second quotation for the arboricultural work in the Cemetery. He said that there had been a problem, but he anticipated that it would be resolved for consideration of the matter at the September Meeting.
Asked about the current position with regard to the offer by Mr and Mrs Rendell to transfer to the Parish Council a piece of land adjacent to the Cemetery.
The Clerk said that he was concerned about the proposed re-routing of the path in relation to existing graves. He suggested a site meeting of the Cemetery Representatives before responding.

Councillor Mrs. Morlidge
Submitted information of a Home Wood Chipping Service provided by Warwickshire County Council. She added that she would publicise the service in the 'LINK' magazine.
Reported that moles had apparently returned to the area adjacent to the War.Memorial
It was agreed to re-engage the services of the mole catcher.
Introduced to the Council the newly appointed editor of 'Snipe' magazine, Ms. Ginny Crow.

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the Meeting closed at 9.52 p.m.