Précis from the draft minutes of the Worlingham Parish Council meeting held on 9^th February 2010.

Report from SCC Chris Punt

· Re Network Rail works – Cllr Punt has not received any direct complaints regarding the works and the resulting level crossing closures. The original idea was to complete the works at Ingate and Station Road by 12^th Feb and then start work on the crossing by Morrisons from 12^th Feb. However it is not clear whether the works at the Morrisons crossing have already been done as this crossing was closed prior to 5^th Feb.

· Cllr Punt advised that there had been a lack of advertising about the works and the closures and he has asked for a meeting with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty after the works are complete to discuss what went right/wrong especially with regard to communication.

· Cllr Punt advised that North Cove Parish councillors felt aggrieved that they do not have an outlet for communication with parishioners once WNCB finishes. A resident advised that a printer has offered to continue with some form of magazine and Rev Ellis has been contacted about this. The Chairman confirmed that the Parish Council had not been consulted or formally advised that the WNCB intended to finish.

· The WDC share of the Council tax is to increase.

· There are proposals to increase the car parking charges by 10p per hour – this is deemed necessary due to a decrease in funding for concessionary fares.

The Chairman advised;

a) Parish Plan consultation progress – The Good Neighbour Meeting date has been arranged for 2nd March. The Chairman advised that the Parish Council had noted its interest in being involved in any discussions about the future of the Primary School site and that Cllr Punt and Cllr Bee had been advised of this too.

b) Communications – Residents advised that the first copy of ‘Insight’ had been well received, especially as it had advised the details of the closures of the level crossings.

c)Cllr Tuckers vacancy has been advertised through the information sheet and on the boards and no election has been called. The Parish Council is therefore able to co-opt to this vacancy.

d)Dog Foul – the clerk advised that several residents had been in contact over recent weeks concerning the extent to which dog foul was an issue in the parish. However, although the PCSO and the Environmental Officer had powers to issue FPN, the dog owner has to be seen walking away and not picking up the dog foul. It was suggested that more stickers could be placed on posts and WDC are to be requested for these. It was acknowledged that the situation was worse at present due to the dark mornings and nights.

 

e) 2 letters had been received from residents re ball games being played on the grass in Ash Tree Close. Council were advised that there had used to be a sign in the close saying ‘No Ball Games’. Enquiries to be made at WDC.

f) Zebra Crossing - Drawings had been received for the proposed zebra crossing at Lowestoft Road/ Kempton’s Cross, together with plans for Sandpit Lane vehicle restriction and for an extension to the cycle way by Fair Close, Beccles. All plans approved by Council.

g)Re QPS – Council has nearly achieved sufficient evidence for the mandatory sections. Booklet on the work of the Parish Council is required.

h)Youth Councils – Felixstowe advised that they have a very successful youth council consisting of all schools in the Town. The schools send 2 representatives to the youth council meetings which are held in the Council Chamber after school. 3 Town councillors also attend. The children chair the meeting on a rotational basis. A formal agenda is prepared and there are often guest speakers.

i) New dog bin for Woodfield Park and a grit bin have been applied for under Locality budget as requested at last meeting.

 

j) 52 Rectory Lane. Planning application for single storey rear extension approved.

k) Re wind Turbines – the plans were available for the application at Devonshire Farm, Ringsfield. After due discussion it was decided that council would not respond to these applications as they were outside the parish.

l) SNT – The next meeting of the SNT team is on Tuesday 16^th February 2010 at Beccles Town Hall at 4pm. This is a public meeting and residents are encouraged to attend. Cllr Rogers had attended the previous meeting.

m)Re the dog bin at Garden Lane - the post is tipping over. WDC to be asked to repair.

n) Potholes – add Woodland Ave, Garden Lane/Lowestoft Road, Pepys Ave – next to the keep left signs. All to be reported to SCC.

o) Vegetation on cycle/ pedestrian pathway behind 5 Fairmile Close still not cut back. WDC to be chased on this matter.