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The Annual Parish Council meeting was held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 20th May 2008 at 8.00 pm.
PRESENT
Mrs S Saunders, Mr D Lanning, Mr N R Pridmore, Mrs K Humphries, Mrs Emma Clarke, Mrs R Roberts, Prof N Witts, Dr H E G Rees County Councillor for the Ketton ward, Mr B Roper County Councillor for the Ketton ward (arrived later), Mrs G M Wilkinson Clerk, Mrs I Harvey Practice Manager, Uppingham Surgery, Dr C McElroy Practice Partner, Mr M Ibrahim Supervisor Pharmacist
Approximately 15 members of the public were also present.
Councillor Saunders welcomed everyone to the meeting, and said that the Council meeting would be preceded by a presentation of the current and future plans for the Barrowden Surgery and Pharmacy. She introduced Mrs Harvey, Dr McElroy and Mr Mohammed Ibrahim to the meeting, and invited Mrs Harvey to speak first.
Mrs Harvey thanked the Parish Council for inviting them, and gave an overview of the future of the NHS, particularly in view of the recent Darzi report, which proposed measures which would lead to the disappearance of many dispensing practices. She explained that the main purpose of the application for a retail pharmacy was to ensure that the surgery in Barrowden would continue, as rural surgeries such as Barrowden were only viable if they could dispense. She said that the pharmacy would be open Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings, and that the pharmacist would be able to deal with minor ailments and give advice to patients with chronic illness. Mr Ibrahim said that both existing patients and non-patients would be able to purchase over-the-counter medicines for minor ailments, but that they would not be stocking non-medicinal goods such as toiletries. Dr McElroy said that it would also improve facilities for Barrowden and the surrounding villages, and that the pharmacist would be giving advice on medication.
Councillor Saunders thanked them for their presentation and asked if there were any questions from members of the public.
The following questions were raised:
1. Have they done any market research to see if the pharmacy was a viable proposition? Believe it is the best way to secure the future of the branch surgeries. A questionnaire will be used to assess patient needs and service requirements. 2. Health & safety aspects - amount of medication being accessible on the shelves, even to children. The pharmacist would be in attendance. 3. Will the security of the surgery be increased? They have upgraded the burglar alarm, and linked it to a security service. 4. Will there be enough customers to warrant a full time pharmacist? Has to be full time to secure a pharmacy licence. 5. Will there be enough room for patients to sit? New, washable, narrower chairs would ensure there was still adequate seating. 6. What will happen if it is not cost effective, and would the cost of the cost of drugs be competitive with Boots? 7. What would the basic stock be? Cures for minor ailments, allergies, etc. 8. Asked whether Ketton would be developed in the same way. The meeting was told that it was hoped to do so in the future, and premises were being sought.
Mrs Harvey said they were in discussions with Burghley Estate and the health authority to extend the surgery, or to build a brand new surgery so as to be able to offer other services here besides a pharmacy. She understood that the Trustees of the Burghley Estate would have to schedule it in their financial plan, and how much extra rent the health authority were prepared to pay would have a bearing. She anticipated this would take up to three years to reach decisions from both Burghley and the Primary care Trust.
As there were no more questions, Councillor Saunders thanked them for coming.
1. APOLOGIES None.
2. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Councillor Saunders read her report for the last year, copy attached to the minutes.
3. TO ELECT A CHAIRMAN (for the year to May 2009) The Clerk asked for nominations for Chairman for the next year. Councillor Lanning proposed Councillor Saunders; this was then seconded by Councillor Pridmore and agreed unanimously. Councillor Saunders agreed to take the chair.
4. TO ELECT A VICE-CHAIRMAN (for the year to May 2009) Councillor Saunders asked for nominations for Vice-Chairman. Councillor Pridmore proposed Councillor Lanning, seconded by Councillor Clarke, agreed unanimously, and Councillor Lanning accepted.
5. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST None.
6. MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD ON 2nd APRIL 2008 Councillor Humphries proposed, seconded by Councillor Witts that the minutes were correct. Agreed by all, and duly signed as a true record.
7. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES (a) Name for the new development on Back Road After discussion the Council decided that they would like ‘drift’ to be incorporated in the name, and Councillor Pridmore proposed it should be named Drift Close. This was seconded by Councillor Lanning and agreed unanimously. (b) Dog Signs Councillor Humphries said that the Dog Warden had told her that Rutland County Council only do sticky back signs. She hoped to be able to get Barkers Signs to enlarge this design, but wondered whether or not it was legal. Councillor Roper said that he would speak to Mr Trow tomorrow. (c) Electricity on the village green Councillor Pridmore said that Barry Long had agreed to check the electricity point on the green before the village fete. It was agreed to write to Mr Preston to inform him. (d) Public right of way, Mill Lane Councillor Saunders said that the Parish Council had saved a lot of money as Councillor Pridmore had repaired the pond fence for £35, and felt that they should contribute toward the cost of the information board and seat in the mill pond area. Councillor Saunders proposed donating £200, to match the proposed funding from RCC, and this was seconded by Councillor Lanning and agreed by a majority. The Clerk to inform Stuart Crook at RCC, as they may match the Parish Council’s contribution. Councillor Pridmore was thanked for his work on the pond fence. (e) Insurance Councillor Roberts said that she had checked the insurance policy and the Clerk had spoken to Allianz, who had said to detail each extra item which needs to be insured, and they would be added to the insurance. Some Councillors queried whether it was worth insuring such sturdy items, although others pointed out that the play equipment, for example, was much more expensive than in the past. It was agreed to determine what the cost would be to add the play equipment, new seat and notice board to the insurance policy, and then decide. The Clerk would enquire from Allianz. (f) Water supply A letter was received from Storm Geomatics, which Councillor Saunders proposed to send to the insurance company to find out the premium to insure it. It was noted that although Burghley Estate has verbally agreed to the water supply to the mill pond, no written confirmation has been received. (g) Hey Court Some of the houses in Hey Court are now occupied, and it has been noticed that a four wheel drive vehicle is often parked on the new lay-by there. Councillor Saunders said that she had taken this up with the Highways who informed her that it could be used by anyone, and we could not reserve it for the allotment holders. (h) Signage Mr Lanning said that he had written to Mr Ainley regarding the reduction of signage in the village. He felt it was important to keep the warning signs, but further consultation was needed.
8. APPOINTMENT OF RESPONSIBLE COUNCILLORS FOR SPECIFIC TASKS Planning Matters Councillors Witts agreed to continue with planning matters, with help from Councillors Humphries and Clarke when necessary. Supervision of grass cutting Councillor Humphries agreed to continue with the responsibility for grass cutting and management of PC trees. Finance Councillor Pridmore agreed to assist the Chairman and Clerk with the Parish Council finance. Practical jobs Councillor Clarke was happy to continue assisting Councillor Pridmore with the practical jobs. Liaison with County Council Councillor Lanning agreed to liaise with the County Council. Meetings – Rutland County Council Councillors Saunders & Lanning agreed to attend meetings. Councillors Witts and Roberts have also attended several meetings during the last year when appropriate. Representative for Village Hall Committee Councillor Lanning agreed to continue representing the Parish Council on the Village Hall Committee. Representative for Environmental Committee Councillor Roberts agreed to continue to represent the Council on the environment group. Representative for Cricket Club Councillor Humphries agreed to continue this task and attend their meetings.
9. PLANNING APPLICATIONS Councillor Witts said that he attended a meeting in Oakham along with Councillors Roberts and Lanning, where Mrs Cartwright explained how Rutland County Council make their decision on planning applications. They felt the meeting had been manipulated to exclude any contentious issues. The Parish Council was concerned that Barrowden is not on the list of restraint villages. It may be pointless to request that Barrowden become a restraint village, as it is already a limited growth village and we have more than four facilities, but public transport is rather limited. Councillor Rees suggested that a letter requesting restraint village status could do no harm, and it was agreed that Councillor Witts would do this.
Councillor Witts read letters that he and Councillor Lanning had sent to Mrs Cartwright after the meeting in Oakham expressing their misgivings.
(a) To consider planning applications since the last meeting None. (b) To minute planning applications received since the last meeting 1. Red Bricks, Wakerley Road, for two 2-storey houses and double garages, to which the Parish Council had objected. 2. Fell two leylandii trees, 9 Morcott Road, Barrowden. (c) Results from previous planning applications 1. 14 Main Street, full planning permission given. 2. Seaton Road, two 2-storey houses on bungalow site, full planning permission.
It was suggested by Mrs Last that the affordable houses appeared to be built nearer to the road than the plans submitted. Mrs Last would be meeting Mrs Cartwright regarding this.
It was proposed by Councillor Witts, seconded by Councillor Clarke and agreed that a letter should be written by Councillor Witts to the local MP, Alan Duncan, about the Parish Council’s concern about over-development in the village.
10. FINANCE (a) Current balances Parish Council £15,579.08 Recreation Land £135.17 Defibrillator £578.70 Water for allotments £150.00 Water for Trees £150.00 b) Accounts to be considered for payment None. (c) To minute any payments made since the last meeting 1. 03.4.08 R & AJ Rose, for posts & rails to repair pond fence £35.12 2. 13.5.08 Gardens & Greens, grass cutting £300.00 (d) To consider accounts for 2007/2008 The Clerk circulated a copy of the accounts for the year 2007/08 to each member of the Council. Councillor Lanning proposed that the accounts be accepted, this was seconded by Councillor Pridmore, all in favour.
11. TREE WORK BY JAMES BURTON, AND TREE NURSERY Councillor Humphries said that she thought that James Burton had done a good job in felling and tidying up the trees. He had also tidied up a couple of trees in the recreation ground in front of Mr & Mrs Clayton’s property which were not on the original list. One tree due to be felled had only been pruned due to birds nesting in the tree. Money had been promised for the tree fund. Mrs Bonner had written with concerns about the red chestnut trees which were getting damaged by lorries, probably the refuse lorries. It was proposed to write to Mr Chase, RCC Waste & Amenities, regarding this.
It was also reported that the greens had not been cut very satisfactorily as they may have been using a different mower, and Councillor Humphries said that she would ring Mr Wood regarding this.
It was noted that the Cricket Club were concerned that they lose their cricket balls in the long grass at the top of the recreation ground, and had asked if part of this could be cut. It is much too long to be cut by the contractor so Councillor Pridmore said that he would ask the Roberts family if they would cut it for hay.
12. TO CONSIDER SPECIFIC CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED 1. Spring Clean Week: Councillor Clarke said that she was organising this in Barrowden for Saturday 14th June from 10 – 12am, helpers to meet on the village green. She said that Jo Wade hoped to get the Chaos group involved (which would take place on the Friday evening when they meet). Jackets, gloves and sacks would be provided. There was concern that the grass was very long in Seaton Road; Councillor Lanning said that he had asked for this to be cut before the 14th June.
2. A letter was received from Mr & Mrs Clayton with their objections to the Red Bricks development.
4. A letter received from Rutland County Council regarding re-siting the bus shelter, which at present gives little shelter from rain in the prevailing wind. The cost would be £600. At present the RCC had no money to do this, and would require half the cost from the Parish Council.
5. CPRE, inviting Parish Councillors to their annual meeting and summer drinks party afterward in Manton. Councillor Humphries and Councillor Lanning said that they would like to go.
6. A letter from Alison Last, parish magazine, with cheques of £150 each for the tree group and water for allotments. A letter of thanks to the magazine group for this.
13. ENVIRONMENT Councillor Roberts’s seat: the seat has been constructed and is awaiting the base, the notice board has also been constructed but is waiting for the plinth. Burghley has kindly repaired the fence. The area has been prepared for reseeding using top soil. Burghley have not cleared round the pond area and have only cleared the shrubs where the seat and board are to be situated.
14. TO CONSIDER ANY ITEM PUT FORWARD FOR THE BENEFIT OR IMPROVEMENT OF THE PARISH 1. Councillor Lanning to remind Rutland County Council to cut down the shrubs from the overgrown public footpath from recreation ground to the Drift.
2. Councillor Pridmore said that rebuilding a length of about 8 feet of the wall on the west side of the recreation ground near Mr & Mrs Johnson-Copas’s property was too big a task for him to do, and it was suggested the Clerk write to Mr Desjardin (the builder who restored the wall in 2000) to ask him to meet Mr Pridmore about a quotation to repair the wall, all agreed.
3. Councillor Lanning said that he met Mr Logue (RCC) regarding various highway problems in the village including the obstacle on the Morcott Road, which they would repair. Mr Logue said that the Council would be able to replace soil where verges have been damaged. He also pointed out the ruts in the road from Corner Stones and right up to the Seaton Road, these repairs would be done when funds allowed.
4. Councillor Saunders was concerned that although Mr & Mrs Chapman grew up in Barrowden and still had family here, there was no guarantee that they would be eligible for one of the low cost houses. She felt that the Parish Council had been led to believe that people in their situation would be on top of the list for one of these houses, and it was on this basis that the (previous) PC had supported low cost houses. Councillor Rees said that if it goes on the standard points rating, anyone who has lived or worked in the village for 9 out of the last 12 months would be high on the list. He would email the housing list rules. Councillor Witts said that a letter of protest should be written, but no public protest.
15. ANY OTHER BUSINESS 1. Quarry It was felt that there would be little effect on Barrowden, and the plans were a great improvement on the ones produced in 1990. Concern was still felt about noise, and queried whether noise tests had been carried out all around the quarry, including the Barrowden side. Airborne dust was still a concern too.
2. Village Hall Councillor Lanning said that the Village Hall Committee had asked whether the Parish Council would be prepared to pay for the hire of the hall for their meetings. They have had to put up their charges as they made a £579.04 loss last year. Councillor Saunders felt that a one-off contribution would be more appropriate at this time. Councillor Humphries proposed £100.00, this was seconded by Councillor Clarke and agreed unanimously.
16. DATE & TIME OF NEXT MEETING
It was agreed that the next meeting should be held on Thursday 17th July 2008.
There being no other business, the Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance and the meeting closed.
…………………………………………..Chairman ………………………Date
Last updated: 22nd July 2008
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For details of other minutes, please click on the appropriate date |
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2nd April 2008 (APM) |
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