MINUTES OF A MEETING OF SNITTERFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL ON MONDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2004

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

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillor Mrs. S. Morlidge

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None

3. MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 13th September 2004, having been previously circulated, were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

4. MATTERS ARISING

a) Planning Procedures
The revised arrangements for Area Planning Committees had been received and noted.
Councillor Hobbs said that the boundaries had since been amended and that Snitterfield Parish would be in the jurisdiction of the Central Area Planning Committee.

(b) Payment of Utility Services to Village Hall
Councillor Jacobs gave details of his research into the matter of a revised Deed of Trust.
He said that he had been in contact with the Secretary of the Village Hall Management Committee and he would attend the next Meeting of the Committee to be held on 12th October.
It was agreed to arrange a Meeting of the Village Hall Trustees on Thursday 23rd September to discuss the matter in detail.

(c) Surface Water - Ingon Lane
Councillor Hobbs said that he had spoken to the County Council on the matter
It was noted that there had been no improvement in the situation.
Councillor Hobbs undertook to follow up.

(d)Transfer of Land at Cemetery
The Clerk reported that, following a site meeting attended by the Chairman and Cemetery representatives, the
re-routing of the footpath had been agreed, but concerns had been expressed about accepting ownership of the piece of land.
He had written to Mr and Mrs Rendell accordingly and suggested a site meeting with them.
The suggestion had been agreed and arrangements would be put in hand.

(e) Moles at War Memorial
Councillor Stammers reported that the matter was in hand, but there had been a delay due to illness of the contractor.

5. FINANCE
Receipts

6. PLANNING MATTERS

Applications

Use of land for religious festival. Erection of four marquees, toilets, temporary office tent and caravans in August each year

(c) Brenda Bainbridge, Dawnedge, Church Road

No objection

No objection

Consent given

7. CORRESPONDENCE

Office of Deputy Prime Minister

(a) Draft Code of Conduct for Local Government employees
(b) Review of restrictions on the political activities of Local Authority employees
Circulated for consideration of response

Warwickshire County Council

(a) Your views about access to the countryside
Councillor Fitchford to complete questionnaire

Stratford on Avon District Council

(a) Licensing Act, 2003
Councillors Fitchford and Stammers to consider response

(b) Sports and Leisure Directory Update
To Snitterfield Sports Club for completion

(c) Grounds Maintenance Contract
Noted - retain for information

(d) Council Year Planner 2004 - 05
Noted - retain for information

Warwickshire Association of Local Councils

(a) Notice of Annual General Meeting - 27th October
No Member to attend

(b) Annual Report 2003-2004
Circulated for information

Highways Agency

(a) A46 Statford on Avon Northern Bypass
Noted - follow up letter in due course

8. TO CONSIDER POSITION OP YOUTH CLUB PREMISES

The Chairman introduced the subject and referred to the proposal made by Mr. Lee Hillier during the period of public participation to use the Youth Club premises for the benefit of the Cricket and Football Clubs. Mr. Hillier had spoken of the need for changing and showering facilities The premises had not been used for Youth Club activities for a number of years; the only current activity was a Ladies Keep Fit group. The maintenance of the premises was subsidised by the Parish Council

The Clerk said that the Youth Club was registered with the Charity Commission; the Councillors were Trustees

Councillor Jacobs introduced an Information Sheet on the Charities Acts 1992 and 1993 produced by ACRE. This contained advice that the 1993 Act enabled Trustees to dispose of charity land or property, whether by sale or lease, without seeking the Commission's consent, subject to certain conditions.
It was agreed to discuss the matter further at a meeting of the Youth Club Trustees to be held on Thursday 23rd September

At this point, Councillor Hobbs stated his intention to retire from the meeting and asked if members had any matter to bring to his attention.

Councillor Stammers

Said that he had seen two car transporters unloading cars at Glebe Farm, destined for Mr Jonathan Heynes, of Wolverton Manor Farm. He produced photographic evidence. He queried whether Mr. Heynes had permission to carry on a car distribution business.

Councillor Fitchford

Drew attention to the camber of the footpath in Church Road, both at the junction of Bell Lane and at the surgery Councillor Hobbs undertook to give attention to both matters. He then left the meeting

9. LITTER BIN - BELL LANE

The Chairman introduced the subject and said that the matter had been raised daring the period of public participation at the July Meeting

The Clerk said that Stratford on Avon District Council would supply and install a litter bin, the cost, dependent on size, would be £150 - £200
During discussion, it was agreed that litter was a problem at this site

Proposed Councillor Stammers, Seconded Councillor Jacobs 'that an order be placed with Stratford on Avon District Council for supply an installation of a litter bin at a cost of £150'
So resolved, hem con

10. PROVISION OF SPACE IN CEMETERY FOR CREMATED REMAINS

The Clerk introduced the subject and said that the suggestion arose from correspondence received from
Mr and Mr Grant, Park lane.

He said that there were no existing provisions for the separate burial of cremated remains, although such remains could be placed in a purchased burial plot.

He added that a number of cemeteries had provision for the burial of cremated remains; this was usually in an area not suitable for a full burial plot, for example, at the path side adjacent to a tree.
In discussion, it was suggested that a small memorial would be permitted, but only of local stone.

Proposed Councillor Stammers, Seconded Councillor Fitchford 'that the provision of a space for the burial of cremated remains be approved in principle, subject to setting appropriate conditions'
So resolved, nem con

Councillor Collett raised the matter of the deplorable condition of the paths in the cemetery

The Clerk said that instructions had been given to Mir. Peter Robinson to spray with weedkiller and rake.
Councillor Collett also asked for conditions to be applied to prevent kerbing of graves to allow improved maintenance.

It was agreed to give further consideration to this matter.

11. TO RECEIVE COMMENTS / OBSERVATIONS FROM COUNCILLORS

Councillor Miss Kimberley
Reported that a sofa had been dumped in Gospel Oak lane, near to Comyns Farm
Gave an update on progress to install a water supply to the Allotments.
Alternative routes for the supply are to be explored
Reported on her attendance at the Public Meeting of ACT (Transmission Masts) on 22nd July

Councillor Stammers
Complained of delays in circulation of correspondence between Councillors and asked for it to be expedited.
Commented on the importance of the Regional Special Strategy Groups and Planning Policy Statements, as outlined in the CPRE Dublications.
Gave an update on the progress of the Parish Plan

Councillor Fitchford
Submitted an invoice for goods supplied to the Football Club, totalling £540-50. The invoice had been paid, but a request was made for assistance from the Parish Council.

The matter was deferred for further consideration.

The Chairman closed the Meeting for a 3 minute period of public participation

The Chairman re-opened the meeting and proposed, Councillor Miss Kimberley seconded 'that the following matters be considered in closed session by reason of the confidential nature of the business'
So resolved, nom con

12. PROPOSED ARBORICULTURAL WORK IN CEMETERY

It was noted that a second quotation had not been received.
The matter was deferred for consideration at the October Meeting

13. CLERK'S SALARY

The Clerk said that the National Salary Scale was made jointly by the National Association of Local Councils and the Soclety of Local Council Clerks.
He gave details of his current salary and hours worked. He pointed out that the salary had not been increased for a number of years and was now substantially below the recommended figure.
After discussion, proposed councillor Stammers, Seconded Councillor Fitchford 'that the Clerk?S Salary be increased to £2,700 per annum , back dated to lst April 2004.
So resolved, nem con

There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9 - 34 p.m.