RUSTINGTON PARISH MEETING. MINUTES: of the Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held on 19 April 2018

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1 RUSTINGTON PARISH MEETING MINUTES: of the Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held on 19 April 2018 PRESENT: Rustington Parish Councillors J Bennett (In the Chair), Mrs A Cooper, A Cooper (also representing Rustington Chamber of Trade and Commerce), T Field, M Jones, Mrs S Partridge, D Rogers, J Street, G Tyler and P Warren, Mrs C Ward, Mrs E Lamb and Mrs C Harris (Rustington Parish Council), County Councillors D Purchese and Dr J Walsh, District Councillors Mrs P Bower, R Bower, T Chapman, M Clayden, Mrs P Harrison-Horn and Mrs E Neno, Mrs G Ali (Rustington and District Twinning Association), Mrs J Buckland, Ms D Cleal (Rustington W.I.), Miss A Bowers and Mrs R Cornish (Georgian Gardens Community Primary School), Mrs B Crowter (Summerlea Community Primary School), M Eagle (Sussex Coast Talking News), Mrs P Field, A Gess (Woodlands Table Tennis Club), D Herbert (Rustington Otters Football Club), G Leigh-Jones (Sea Estate Residents' Association), Ms C Kelly (Rustington Residents Association), Mrs L May (Rustington Short Mat Bowls), D Moyle, Ms M Powell, N Smith, J Taylor (Littlehampton District Lions Club) APOLOGIES: Rustington Parish Councillors Mrs C Broomfield, Mrs K Callaghan, J Ceiriog-Hughes, R Grevett, Mrs P Gregory and A Jones, E Bridges (Rustington and District Twinning Association), P Cavell (Rustington Residents Association), S Liley (The Angmering School) and Ms S Richardson (NADFAS) Prior to the commencement of the formal business of the Meeting, the Chairman paid tribute to Mrs Alma Leonard, who had sadly passed away on 28 March He said that Mrs Leonard had been a Parish Councillor for many years and held the position of Chairman of the Council from 1992 to 2000, and had, throughout that time, been a most dedicated and loyal Member. She was a well-known and most popular member of the local community, who played a pivotal role with many community Groups, Clubs and Organisations. The Council then observed a one-minute period of silence in memory of Mrs Leonard. 1. MINUTES The Minutes of the Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting held on 20 April 2017 were approved by the Meeting and signed by the Chairman as a correct record. 2. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE RUSTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL The Chairman, Councillor Bennett, reported on the activities of the Parish Council during the preceding year. A copy of this Report is attached and forms a part of these Minutes. 3. AUDITED STATEMENT OF THE PARISH COUNCIL'S ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2017 The Meeting received the Audited Statement of the Parish Council's Accounts for the year ended 31 March The Clerk reported that the External Auditors, PKF Littlejohn, had stated that the information contained in the Council s Annual Return was in accordance with proper practices and no matters had come to their attention to give cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements had not been met. The Clerk said that these Accounts were available for inspection in the Council Offices.

2 4. FINANCES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2018 AND 31 MARCH 2019 The Meeting received a Report from Councillor Rogers, Chairman of the Parish Council's Finance and General Purposes Committee, on the Council's finances for the year ending 31 March 2018 and 31 March A copy of this Report is attached and forms a part of these Minutes. 5. LOCAL SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES The Chairman advised the Meeting that the Chairmen of the Governing Bodies from each of the three Primary Schools in Rustington were invited to attend the Meeting to provide a brief Annual Report in respect of the individual Schools. He then confirmed that written Reports had been received from Mrs Rosemary Cornish, Chairman of Governors, Georgian Gardens Community Primary School, Mr Nick White, Executive Headteacher, Rustington Community Primary School and Mrs Beverley Crowter, Chairman of Governors, Summerlea Community Primary School. Mrs Cornish, Chairman of Governors proceeded to present her Report on Georgian Gardens Community Primary School. Mrs Crowter, Chairman of Governors, then presented her Report on Summerlea Community Primary School. Councillor Peter Warren followed by presenting the Report on behalf of Rustington Community Primary School. Transcripts of all of the aforementioned Reports are attached and form a part of these Minutes. A Report received from Simon Liley, Headteacher, The Angmering School, was presented to the Meeting by Councillor Jon Street. A transcript of the Report is also attached and forms a part of these Minutes. 6. REPORT FROM SUSSEX POLICE AUTHORITY In the absence of any representatives from the Sussex Police Authority, there was no Police Report available for the Meeting. 7. REPORTS FROM DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS The Meeting received the following Reports from the District Councillors and County Councillors:- (a) Councillor Mike Clayden on behalf of the Arun District Councillors Councillor Clayden then proceeded to report on behalf of the District Councillors for Rustington as follows:- He commenced by reporting that the Arun District Council had had a good year with many achievements, including:- Littlehampton Leisure Centre and Arun Leisure Centre - To open in the Spring of M plus cost, which had been borne without the need to borrow, coupled with a reduction in the payment to Freedom Leisure. This would most certainly help and encourage residents to maintain a healthy lifestyle. He said that after all, the new super drug was exercise. Improvements were also being carried out at the Arun Leisure Centre. Weekly Bin/General Waste Collections Contract - Extended to The Recycling rates could be better, so he urged everyone to recycle as much as possible and make sure they were up-to-date with the current list of what was recyclable (Full details available on ADC s Website).

3 Support for Homeless - It was a misconception that the street homeless issue could be solved with just finding a home for someone. It was just the start of a journey. Arun District Council had a Street Community Outreach Team who supported people living on the street to move into accommodation. For many clients, their problems made it hard for them to sustain a tenancy and they need intensive support, together with help to access other agencies and the daily administration of life. Temporary Accommodation - The District Council was also actively increasing its Temporary Accommodation portfolio with the refurbishment of Howard House in Bognor Regis and the purchase of eleven housing units in Wick. This would provide more good quality Temporary Accommodation for people that found themselves homeless while their case was assessed. It was also reducing the cost of providing commercial bed and breakfast accommodation with a more suitable alternative. Council Houses - The District Council was actively building new Council houses again, with 30 in planning at the present time. This, with the houses repossessed by the Fraud Team, 26 and the 12 purchased with Right to Buy monies, was helping to maintain and increase the housing stock. Litter and Dog Fouling - The Council s Litter and Dog Fouling Contractor was doing a sterling work reducing the problems in the District. The Contract was costing nothing, as fines paid the running costs. In the case of any issues, the Cleansing Department could be contacted by , telephone and the Website had an e-form that could be completed. Savings of 2.7M made - Without affecting front line services. Balanced Budget - And all for 3.39 a week for a Band D household - 10p per week increase - While maintaining a reserve of 8M. Councillor Clayden said that more details of the District Council s achievements could be found in the Arun Times which was delivered recently to all households in Rustington. He concluded by thanking the Parish Council, on behalf of all of the Rustington District Councillors for all of its hard work in maintaining the Village as a great place to live. Councillors Bower and Chapman then echoed their thanks and appreciation to the Parish Council conveyed by Councillor Clayden and mentioned the following issues:- Overwhelming traffic issues being experienced in all areas Congratulations to the local Schools for taking Eco issues seriously Update on District Council s Local Plan - Currently waiting for Planning Inspector to provide Council with his Report, which would be anticipated to be considered by the Local Plan Sub-Committee in June 2018 and adopted by Full Council in July (b) County Councillor Daniel Purchese on behalf of Councillor Dr James Walsh and himself County Councillor Purchese presented the above Report to the Meeting as follows:- County Councillors Daniel Purchese and Dr James Walsh are pleased to present their joint Report of the County Council s work over the last twelve months and, in particular, to highlight issues affecting Rustington. Traffic and Parking Issues - Traffic and parking issues remain the single biggest set of issues that Rustington's County Councillors take up on behalf of local residents and groups. Many issues are taken up through the Highways and Transport Sub-Group of the Joint East Arun Area Committee, as well as being taken up directly with Officers. One continuing problem is the cut in the number of TROs (Traffic Regulation Orders) that are able to come through in each area - the East Arun Committee area can only now vote through two TROs (or groups of TROs) each year.

4 Both Councillors have also raised concerns about cuts in the County s new Highways Maintenance Contract, which is transferring from Contractors Balfour Beatty to Ringway, in June Daniel and James are working with a number of residents groups within the Village to help push forward and resolve some longstanding and some newer parking and traffic related issues, and meet and speak regularly with the Highways Manager for the Arun area. Both Daniel and James supported the proposed 5a route for the new A27 bypass at Arundel, with a suggested tweak to move it slightly further north around Binsted, whilst requesting junction provision with the Ford Road south of Arundel, and that construction materials be landed at Littlehampton Harbour and barged upstream to Arundel. Two other major highway schemes are starting on the A259, the first will deliver the cycle and footpath from Climping to Felpham, and the survey works for the dualling of the A259 between Angmering By-Pass and Rustington, and from the Body Shop roundabout to the soon to be built Lyminster by-pass and bridge over the railway. Funding issues in key services county-wide and 2018/19 Budget - The County Council has one of the lowest government funding levels per pupil in England, leading to increasing class sizes, reduced curriculum options, and amongst the lowest achievement by pupils in England. It is also grossly underfunded for Adult Social Care, meaning many residents lose out on Services, which has led to a growing number of Care Home closures. The whole Council has been supporting lobbying Government through our MPs, so far without success, to get this changed and put right. At the Budget Meeting the County Council s share of Council Tax was increased by 4.95%, which includes 2% ring-fenced for Adult Social Care. Community Initiative Funding - Change to crowdfunding Model - James and Daniel have campaigned against the County Council s Big Society Fund and Community Initiative Fund being rolled into a new crowdfunding Model, which has potential to undermine smaller community groups in their attempts to secure much-needed funding for their work in our communities. There was also the concern about costs involved and transaction costs as well. There was a successful 'Call-In' on this issue and we would like to once again thank Rustington Parish Council for supporting this Call-In. The Call-in Meeting took place and it was agreed that proposals should be stopped until they could be properly reviewed and the process trialled. Unfortunately, the Cabinet Member disagreed and has pressed ahead with the decision anyway. The new Crowdfunding System has now begun. Health and Adult Social Care - The Health and Adult Services Select Committee (HASC) has in the last year been concerned about mental health provision, patient transport services, and delayed transfers of care (bed blocking). I am pleased to report that all have been improving significantly. We are pressing for more local and accessible radiotherapy Services than Brighton, Guildford and Portsmouth, hopefully at Chichester. Last summer, a report was received on the absence of any radiotherapy services in West Sussex, with patients especially from the Arun District facing long and repeated journeys to Brighton, Guildford or Portsmouth. The County Council s Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee ( HASC ) called for NHS England to approve two LINAC (linear accelerator) units for St Richard's Hospital, Chichester as soon as possible. We remain very concerned at GP and primary care services, as some surgeries have closed and waiting times lengthened. Littlehampton, Rustington and East Preston remain under great pressure, and we have been pressing for a comprehensive plan to replace Littlehampton Hospital and Health Centre, and Pepperville House, as well as providing a surgery to replace the closed Arun Medical Group surgery in East Street, preferably in the new North Littlehampton development area. Local Household Waste and Recycling Sites - Daniel and James have welcomed as a small (but positive) step forward the County Council's decision to extend the opening hours of the rubbish tip at Littlehampton, which benefits Rustington residents also. During the Summer months, the tip is now open between 8.30 am and 6.00 pm on weekdays and between 9.00 am and 6.00 pm on weekends and bank holidays. During the

5 Winter months, the tip is now open between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm on weekdays and between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm on weekends and bank holidays. We will continue to campaign to get the tips re-opened on a Tuesday and Wednesday, when they still remain closed. We have also welcomed the decision to stop charging residents for the disposal of certain DIY and other waste materials. Police and Fire Service - The County Council unanimously welcomed the Police and Crime Commissioner s decision not to take on fire services in Sussex, which means the service stays under the purview of the County Council. However, this decision can be reviewed in two years time, so this needs to be kept under careful review. We are, however, concerned about potential cutbacks to crewing levels and other issues relating to our local Fire Service through the current consultation on the future of the Fire Service - and will continue to campaign to protect frontline services in this area. 8. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Questions/matters raised by Members of the Public present included the following subjects:- (a) Possibility of installing Charging Points for Electric Cars (Mr N Smith) District Councillors Tyler and Clayden reported that the District Council and County Council was installing Charging Points for Electric Cars in new Developments and in some of its Car Parks. District Councillor Bower said that there was a Policy in the new Local Plan in this regard (b) Current Plans for A259 (Mr G Leigh-Jones) County Councillor Purchase and District Councillor Bower provided progress reports on all major works being undertaken on the A259 and other roads in the District, but emphasised that the disruption to motorists would be likely to continue for the next two years (c) Suggestion that minor road works could be undertaken in School holidays to reduce congestion - Possible liaison between Schools and County Council and extent of road widening programme from the A259 Station Road (Mrs B Crowter) County Councillor Purchese to submit this suggestion to the County Council District Councillor Bower confirmed that the road widening works on the A259 were due to start towards the end of 2018 at a cost of 14M - From the River Arun to Goring Cross - All of road to be dualled Councillor Purchese advised that a Cycle Path and Footpath were also being installed along the A259 at the present time (d) Uptake by passengers of the No. 12 Bus Service (Mr N Smith) The Chairman of the Council advised that the Bus Service was certainly being well-used at the present time, and it was hoped that this would increase even further over time. He said that Compass Travel the Bus Operator was currently happy with the usage (e) (f) Thanks to Mr David Moyle, who had recently retired as the Council s Grounds and Maintenance Person/External Health and Safety Officer from Rustington Otters Youth Football Club (Mr D Herbert) Thank you for provision of The Garden Room and Community Garden for the Arun Well-Being Walkers, and sadness that facility was now closing with no alternative venue for walkers to socialise at end of walks (Walking for Health Group Member)

6 (g) (h) Thank you to Council for its continued hard work and efforts for the benefit of the local community (Mr G Leigh-Jones) Possibility of making Cafes and Restaurants use recyclable materials (Mr N Smith). The Meeting concluded at 8.50 pm. Chairman:... Date:...