Pakenham Parish Council : Minutes - 6th March 2000

PAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on MONDAY 6th MARCH 2000
AT THE PAVILION AT 7.30p.m.

Present: Cllr. D. Dorling Chairman; Cllr. B. Chester; Cllr. L. Couper; Cllr. A. Cox; Cllr. H. Painter; Cllr. P. Smith; Mrs V. White, Borough Councillor; Mrs. P. Griffiths, Clerk.

1 - APOLOGIES: Apologies were received from Cllr. J. Mangnall.

2 - MINUTES:-
The minutes of the meeting held on 24th January 2000 were signed as a true record.

3 - MATTERS ARISING:-

i) Councillor Smith reported that he had attended the SALC meeting and various issues had been discussed including the lack of rural policing. Parish councils were invited to submit resolutions for the forthcoming National Conference.

ii) Land at Church Green: Councillor Chester said that he had obtained a quotation for strimming the path area and putting in posts to mark the boundary. It would cost about £250 for deal posts, which were cheaper than oak and about nine or ten would be needed. However the vehicles which obstructed the entrance path would have to be removed before any work could commence. Councillor Painter had obtained a price for a hard-based plastic information sign to be placed at the end of the drive, by the footpath. It was agreed that the size of the sign should be small enough not to require planning permission. Councillor Cox asked whether the cost could be recouped from St. Edmundsbury Borough Council, since they were the owners of the land. Mrs. White suggested that funding might come from Suffolk County Council who had money set aside for new footways. She agreed to co-ordinate with Councillor Chester and Councillor Painter on what was needed and decide how to approach the Council.

iii) A quotation of £25 had been obtained from Cornhill Insurance to add cover for libel and slander to the parish council’s current insurance policy. It was agreed that this should be done.

4 - BOROUGH COUNCILLOR’S REPORT:-
Following the public meeting held on 24th January on road traffic matters in Pakenham, a letter had been received from Mr. D. Watson, Rural Traffic Manager, outlining his proposals for making improvements. Further letters of concern from villagers had also been sent to him. The Buggy Club were still reviewing their viability in the village and were putting in a claim for a rent rebate and a possible appeal against the rateable value. Councillor Dorling mentioned that the Bowls Club were also currently discussing whether to continue their association with the village. As there was no lease agreement they were not under any obligation to the parish council. Councillor Chester suggested that if the club was wound up, they should be asked to remove their sheds and restore the site to what it was originally. Failing that, the sheds might be offered to the Buggy Club at no extra charge.

5 - PLANNING APPLICATIONS:-

Application had been made to erect a single storey rear extension at Meadow Garth, Mill Road, Pakenham. There were no objections.

6 - THE MILLS TRAIL – INFORMATION BOARD:-
Councillor Dorling had received a verbal quotation of approximately £250-£300 for a main information board, plus £30 for each copy. Mills Day was on 14th May and the signs needed to be in place by then. It was decided that Councillor Dorling, Councillor Mangnall and Councillor Smith should form a sub-committee and make the necessary plans. Councillor Dorling had received a letter from St. Edmundsbury Council Tourist Development Officer stating that they were proposing to erect seven brown information signs to highlight the Mills Trail. The council felt this would serve a useful purpose.

7 - FINANCE:-

8 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS:-

i) SALC had organised a seminar on Saturday 11th March on running a burial ground and Councillor Cox agreed to attend.

ii) Councillor Dorling said that no application had been received in response to the advertisement for a village street cleaner.

iii) It was agreed that the document outlining the St. Edmundsbury Local Plan should be circulated to each councillor and the item be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

iv) The Toad sign nearest to Bull Corner had disappeared and the clerk was asked to write to Mr. Nunn at Suffolk County Council to request a replacement.

v) Councillor Chester said that he had obtained a quotation for grasscutting for the coming season but this did not include the old churchyard burial ground. The clerk was asked to write to Reverend Hooper and ascertain whether the burial ground was “closed” or not, so that a decision could be made on its upkeep.

vi) Councillor Painter said that Mr. Bacon at the post office was always very willing to let the council place advertisements in his shop, which in fact took up space which could be used for other purposes. He felt that some reimbursement should be made to Mr. Bacon to show appreciation. The parish council agreed that Mr. Bacon made a good contribution to village life and that the sum of £50 should be paid to him annually in return for the use of advertising space.

vii) A letter had been received from a village resident, Mr. Jim Culley, complaining about dog mess in the village. The council did not feel that there was a particular problem in Pakenham, but decided to put the matter on the agenda of the next meeting.

9 - DATE OF NEXT MEETING:-
The date of the next meeting was confirmed at 17th April 2000, but in the absence of Councillor Mangnall no further dates were set.