241. Public Participation
Cat Lake, Managing Editor and Keith Jay, Station Manager for New Forest Community Media gave a presentation explaining that The Park provided an online radio news service and online news service.
They had been informed by OFCOM today that they had been awarded a licence and hoped to launch a radio service to cover the New Forest area next Spring.
They must start broadcasting within two years or the licence award would expire. They now need to raise funds, find larger premises, build new studios and install a transmitter before FM broadcasting can begin.
242. Disclosures of Interest
None.
243. Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence had been received from Mr F Alexander, Mr M Böckle and Mr I Clark.
244. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 14 July 2009, having been circulated, were signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.
245. Matters Arising
Headstones considered dangerous
Mr Boyes agreed to purchase equipment to test the safety of headstones.
ACTION BY: Mr P Boyes
246. Correspondence
NFDC – Ethical Governance Bulletin.
Age Concern – Invitation to AGM on 10 September 2009 at 1.00 pm in St Andrews Church Hall, Dibden Purlieu.
NFALC – Special General meeting on Thursday, 17 September at 7.30 pm, ATC.
HCC – Information regarding subsidy for young newly qualified drivers (Pass Plus).
HCC/Amey – Inroads Bulletin.
Hampshire Playing Fields Association – Newsletter
NF NPA – New Forest National Park Housing Land Availability Assessment Update (copied to all Councillors).
HALC – Invitation to AGM on Saturday 10 October at 11.00 am at the Performing Arts Centre, St Swithun’s School, Alresford Road, Winchester.
RESOLVED: That the Vice Chairman attend.
ACTION BY: Mrs Klaassen
HCC – Invitation from Mel Kendal to Community Led Planning Pilot Launch on 29 September at 6.00 pm in Minstead Village Hall (emailed to all Councillors).
Mr Raymond Hill – Correspondence concerning proposed footway reconstruction works, Pikes Hill Avenue.
RESOLVED: That a letter be sent to Hampshire County Council asking that more consultation with local residents take place in instances such as these.
ACTION BY: The Clerk
247. Minutes of Committee Meetings
The minutes of the following Committee meeting held since the date of the last meeting were received:
Planning Committees – 28 July and 25 August
The Chairman stated that there was a need to review the structure of planning committee meetings and that a time limit should be enforced during public participation.
ACTION BY: Mr Abbott
248. Speed Indicator Device
The Clerk had now received information from several companies regarding the possibility and cost implications of providing speed indicator devices in the village.
RESOLVED: That this matter receive further discussion at the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting.
249. Speed Restrictions on New Forest Roads
Councillor Wyeth reported that several groups would like to see a speed restriction of 30 mph on New Forest roads. Discussion took place but it was not felt that this would be a practical measure.
RESOLVED: That the Clerk write to Mrs Wyeth, in her capacity as Chairman of the New Forest Road Safety Council to recommend that the speed limit remain as at present but with adjustments where this was thought appropriate.
ACTION BY: The Clerk
250. Accounts
(a) The Clerk submitted accounts which had become due for payment since the date of the last meeting, as detailed in Appendix A and these were approved.
(b) The Clerk submitted details of Parish Council spending for the period 14 April 2009 to 8 September 2009.
(c) Auditor’s Recommendations
The Clerk reported that the internal auditor had been satisfied with the Parish Council accounts but had made several suggestions regarding a suitable tender form and an expense form for completion by councillors submitting invoices for materials. Copies of proposed forms had been circulated to all Councillors.
Mr Boyes asked that it be noted that Anthony Todd of Greenfingers continued to do an excellent job of work in the Cemetery. These sentiments were echoed by the Chairman regarding work undertaken in the Recreation Ground.
RESOLVED: That the Auditor’s recommendations be followed and that the Clerk write to Mr Todd thanking him for the work he had undertaken.
ACTION BY: The Clerk
Mr Boyes also reported on the work being undertaken by Mr Michael Grant in the Cemetery. This included compiling a new cemetery map and meeting with Mr Boyes on site to measure out the sections and mark them up.
RESOLVED: That a letter of thanks be sent to Mr Grant for the work he had undertaken on a voluntary basis.
ACTION BY: The Clerk
251. Reports from Representatives of Outside Bodies
PC White reported that there had been 89 incidents in the previous month. A car had been damaged at Lyndhurst Park Hotel and there had been thefts from motor vehicles in the area, the most difficult to police being the car park at Andrews Mare, Stoney Cross.
The Sunglasses Shop had been a victim of a distraction theft and there had been an armed robbery at the bookmakers. PCSO Quinn was now based at Lyndhurst and had been patrolling the car park advising motorists not to leave valuables in cars.
Mrs Trend reported on up and coming Alice events, which included a cricket match at Swan Green, a play in the church and the Grand Draw.
Mr Charlesworth reported that work at the Community Centre was ahead of schedule. A shortfall has been covered from European funding. He reported that bookings had increased and craft classes would commence in September and would be subsidised.
Mr Boyes asked if it would be possible to site a Parish Council noticeboard at the entrance to the Community Centre. Mr Charlesworth said that this could be accommodated.
RESOLVED: That provision of a new noticeboard be considered at the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting.
Mr Bisson reported that the twentieth anniversary of the Twinning Committee would take place in 2010.
252. Future Planning
Mr Boyes said he felt that plans should be made to extend the Cemetery when the necessity arose and that a decision should be made on the length of time graves could be owned before they reverted back to become the responsibility of the Parish Council.
RESOLVED: That the Clerk approach the Forestry Commission to ascertain whether it would be possible to purchase additional land to extend the Cemetery.
ACTION BY: The Clerk
The Clerk reminded Councillors that Remembrance Sunday this year would be held on 8 November and that it was the Parish Council’s responsibility to undertake arrangements for the parade that followed the service.
RESOLVED: That the Vice Chairman make enquiries regarding the services of a bugler.
ACTION BY: Mrs Klaassen
253. Dates for Future Committee Meetings
Cemetery Committee – 13 September, St Margaret’s Chapel 6.00 pm
Planning Committee – 22 September, Community Centre 7.15 pm
254. Items for Discussion at the Next Meeting
Items brought forward from the Agenda for the September meeting.
Any other items brought to the Clerk’s attention by 5 October 2009.
255. Rumour Corner
The Chairman stated that Dr Balfour would shortly be retiring.
RESOLVED: That a letter of appreciation be sent.
ACTION BY: Mr Rollé
In the absence of any other business the Chairman thanked those present for attending and closed the meeting. |
