Lanner Parish Council.

Subject to Approval. 

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 28 July 2011 in the Village Hall commencing 7.30pm.

Present:  Cllr Wood (Chairman), Cllr. Allen, Cllr. Bray, Cllr. Deady, Cllr. Martin

Pat Willmore, Clerk.

Cornwall Councillor Kaczmarek

2 members of the public

PC11/121: Apologies:

Cllr. Thomas, Cllr. Anson

PC11/122: To accept declarations of personal and prejudicial interest relating to items on the agenda.

Cllr. Allen – prejudicial interest in an item to be raised under ‘Footpaths’

Cllr. Wood – personal interest in same item as he has a business connection to Cllr. Allen

PC11/123: To accept minutes of the meeting held on 30 June 2011

It was resolved that the Chairman sign the minutes as being a true record.

PC11/124: Matters arising from the minutes of the meeting held on 30 June 2011

None

PC11/125: Report of the Community Liaison Officer

No report

PC11/126: Report from Councillor Kaczmarek, Cornwall Councillor

From his local member’s budget he will have a speed visor installed at the lower end of the village advising motorists of the 30mph limit. Highways will not agree to reduce the speed limit from 50mph to 40mph.

Following complaints from the residents of Henscol about parking during events being held in the village hall he will look into the possible provision of yellow lines.

Plans are being drawn up to move Redruth Fire Station to a new fully manned station at Tolvaddon. He has voiced concerns over a possible increase in response times although these may be obviated by the fact that the new station will be manned full-time rather than by retained firefighters as is the case at present.

Despite cutbacks in policing, Lanner will continue to have 3 PCSOs. PC Stuart Church will remain as the neighbourhood beat manager although working a different shift pattern.

Cllr. Kaczmarek will be leading a walk around Lanner as part of the Lanner Festival on 14 August starting at 3pm.

In response to a question from Cllr. Wood about funding for footpath cutting, for which Cornwall Council has a statutory responsibility, he responded that Cornwall Council is cutting funding across the board and there is no more money for parishes.

PC11/127: Tree Warden’s Report

Cllr. Allen reported that ragwort is spreading in the village. Clerk to speak to Cornwall Council about clearing it from their land.

There are also more infestation sites of Japanese knotweed. This should be logged and reported to Cornwall Council for eradication.

Cllr. Allen will arrange with Kehelland to supply vouchers as prizes for the Garden Competition and will make arrangements with Mr Scamp to supply bulbs. Clerk to write to prize winners. Cllr. Allen to ask the judge of the competition to present the awards.

PC11/128: Footpath Officer’s report
* Cllr. Bray reported that there are 3 fence rails missing on Church Green and that the churchyard is overgrown and poorly kept on the left side of the path. The Clerk has received a bill for one cut and will speak to Malcolm Heather to ensure that the work is carried out to a satisfactory standard in accordance with the approved cutting plan before he is paid.

Cllr. Bray has received a report of stones in the pathway opposite the church but could not find anything that would cause a problem.

The gate at the reservoir end of the Tresavean Trail has been further damaged – Clerk to report this to Gavin Henderson.

The slate surround of the diorama has been badly scratched. Unfortunately this started to happen as soon as the diorama was installed and it is not clear what, if anything, can be done to prevent it happening.

Mr Strick has collected the key to enable him to cut the Tresavean Trail.  He reported that footpaths 10, 11 and 15 have become overgrown in places as landowners have fenced in livestock preventing them from grazing the paths down. These are not well used paths and given the economic situation the Parish Council is not in a position to cut them. If the Clerk can establish who owns the land she will write to them to ask them if they would be prepared to cut the paths on a voluntary basis.

* A response has been received from Mike Eastwood – Countryside Access Team Leader at Cornwall Council – regarding the disparity between Lanner’s cost to keep the paths cut and the amount of the grant. There is no provision for increasing the basis of the grant calculation. It was suggested that Lanner’s rate for cutting is higher than average. The Parish Plan survey indicated that parishioners wish to see the paths maintained at the present level even if it means increasing the precept to cover the cost. The Parish Council may have to consider setting a limit to its expenditure above the amount received from Cornwall Council as a grant. This will very likely mean that some paths are no longer cut. A meeting will be arranged with Penny Hodgson to discuss the cutting schedule.

* Following concerns that there had been no meetings of the Mineral Tramways Project steering group, Deborah Boden has offered to meet the Mining Villages Community Network to discuss the future of the scheme as part of the World Heritage site. Cllr. Kaczmarek has indicated that he may call a steering group meeting in October. The next management plan is currently being drawn up.

It appears that LAG funding may be available again in October. This will enable an application to be made for funding to set up the Mining Trails Enhancement Project. An early decision will need to be made by the mining villages as to whether they wish to participate. The Clerk will enquire as to whether they have budgeted for a contribution to this project. Lanner Parish Council is still willing to participate, having agreed a contribution, but would not fund enhancements for other villages

* Cllr Wood gave a statement to the Council regarding the lockable post on the mining trail at Carn Marth, discussed during public participation. This matter has been raised by Cllr. Kaczmarek. As the trail is owned by Cornwall Council it is a matter of rights of access between the owner of the trail and interested landowners – in particular Keith and Carole Allen. It is not a matter for the Parish Council. To clarify some points raised:  the original discussion concerning the post arose due to objections from Mrs Bennett and was brought up at a site meeting between Gary Jago, an officer of Cornwall Council, and Cllrs Allen and Wood - the meeting having been primarily called to discuss run off of rainwater from the Trails at the Carn. Mr Jago agreed to the removal of the post. This was reported to the council meeting of June 2009 and minuted PC09/261. Any further consultations should have been carried out by Cornwall Council as owner. Comparisons with the Tresavean Trail are not valid. This trail is regularly used by unauthorised vehicles. No authorised access has been compromised and the trail is managed by Gavin Henderson who consults with the Parish Council. Cllr. Wood then left the meeting.

Cllr. Allen reiterated that this trail forms the main entrance to the farm of Mrs Bennett. Cllr. Allen also left the meeting.

The remaining members considered that this is a civil matter to be resolved between the landowners and the owners of the trail, Cornwall Council. It is not the responsibility of Lanner Parish Council. However, if a formal complaint regarding a highways matter is received the Parish Council will always pass it on to the relevant officer or member.

Cllr. Wood and Cllr. Allen returned to the meeting.

PC11/129: Tresavean/Coastline Development
Cornwall Council has still not responded as to whether it will permit the Parish Council to view the Home Choice Register. Until the decision notice is issued the Parish Council cannot progress the matter.

PC11/130: Gala Weekend 2011
A report had been submitted by Lee Rouse. The Carnival was well supported by the village although overall the entries were down. The Parish Council cup for the best entry went to the Lanner Brass Academy. Gala Day took place in glorious weather on the playing field. Despite lots of red tape it was a very successful day opened by Cllr John Thomas. Clearly the newly formed Academy has brought a lot of fresh blood to the band and provided additional much needed help at such events. For more information go to the band’s website www.lannerband.co.uk.

Having attended a meeting on the playing field on the Tuesday morning following Gala Day the Clerk commended the band for the excellent condition of the park.

PC11/131: Making the most of our Heritage – meeting with George Eustice MP

Cllr. Wood attended this event which was designed to consider how the area can exploit its World Heritage status particularly in regard to tourism. A survey of holidaymakers revealed that there is little understanding of what the World Heritage status of the area actually means. Therefore attempts are being made to improve perceptions with schemes such as Heartlands. It was considered important that money be invested in smaller, local schemes and in improving the relevant knowledge of local people involved in promoting tourism. MVRG and the Historic Churchyards Group are relevant projects.

PC11/132: Arrangements for Annual Parish Meeting – August 15 at 7pm

The Clerk will write to the winners of the Garden Competition inviting them to attend to receive their prizes.

Cllr. Wood will get some A3 copies of the parish plan results to display – these will be left in the hall for the photographic exhibition.

Pat Williams on behalf of the Lanner Village Festival and a representative of the Carn Marth Trust have agreed to do a short presentation about their events/organisation.

If the Village Hall committee is unable to provide refreshments the Clerk will make teas and coffees.
 

PC11/133: Toilets and Playing Field
The Clerk and Cllr. Thomas met Paul Newing from Cornwall Council to look at the play equipment. A list of defects was drawn up and Paul Newing is currently considering whether Cornwall Council will undertake remedial work as many of these defects would have existed before the transfer of ownership. The main area of concern is the older multi-play unit. To remove and replace this would cost around £30,000. It can probably be repaired and the Clerk will make enquiries of specialist companies and also look at the possibility of individual tradesmen carrying out the work.

The Clerk attended a ROSPA training course and gained a valuable insight into the requirements for maintaining a safe and stimulating environment for children. The Clerk will meet Cllr. Deady on site to set up a program for regular weekly inspections. She will also look into the possibility of some training.

Playground inspections will be discussed at the forthcoming MVRG and CNP meetings.

PC11/134: Highways

Cllr. Wood attended a site meeting at South Downs with Cllr. Kaczmarek and residents aggrieved at people parking on the wide pavement. As there was no consensus as to what the residents would like to see it was agreed that local householders will receive a letter politely requesting them not to park there. Letters will also be left on the windscreens of parked vehicles. Another solution would be for the Parish Council to pass a bye-law which would then enable fixed penalty notices to be issued. The Parish Council was disinclined to take that step.

PC11/135: Lawn Cemetery

There have been no interments in July

PC11/136: Village Hall

Cllr. Wood has passed information gleaned from the parish plan survey to Elaine Youlton. She will look into setting up an ‘events’ day to try to organise some of the suggested activities. In particular, the hall trustees are contacting the Blood Donor Service in the light of the number of potential donors responding to the survey.

There is still no news on the license agreement.                                                   

PC11/137: Future of the Code of Conduct
If the Localism Bill is enacted as drafted the National Code of Conduct for members will be removed. Whilst a register of interests will be needed – and failure to comply will be a criminal offence – local authorities will have the discretion to adopt a code of conduct relating to its members’ behaviour. The Parish Council is invited to respond to a questionnaire from Cornwall Council.
The Parish Council indicated that it plans to adopt a voluntary Code of Conduct but would not be seeking assistance from Cornwall Council. The Parish Council will draft a code of conduct for adoption for when the Localism Bill is passed.

PC11/138: Financial Matters and Accounts for Payment

Mrs P Willmore                      July 2011 salary                      102590                        697.72

The Post Office                      PAYE July 2011                       102591                          87.01

Mrs Moon                                Keyholder duties July             102592                          56.00

Mr Hall                                     Cleaning & litter picking July 102593                       212.00

Mrs Moon                                Keyholder duties August        102594                         64.00

Mr Hall                                    Cleaning & litter picking Aug  102595                       228.00

Mr Heather                             Grass cutting/wall repair         102596                    2101.00 (see PC11/128)

Resolved these accounts be paid.

2011/12 Budget Performance
By the end of June (1^st quarter) it already seems likely that there will be a considerable annual overspend on the playing field as against the budget. This is due to vandalism and essential repairs. This will be closely monitored. Notwithstanding that, the overall expenditure both to date and projected is broadly in line with the budget.

A letter authorising a transfer of £4000 from the instant access to the community account was signed.

PC11/139: Correspondence

An expression of interest in becoming a parish councillor when a vacancy occurs.

Requests for grants from Crimestoppers and Tanya’s Trust

Invitation to the Community Action Through Sport launch party.

PC11/140: Items for next agenda

Planning requirements for solar and photovoltaic panels.

Development in Pennance Road. (These two items to be taken at the next Planning Committee meeting)

PC11/141: Date of next meeting

29 September 2011.

The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on August 15^th.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 21.30.

Pat Willmore 01209 200551. lannerpc@aol.com