DALSTON PARISH COUNCIL Minutes of the Monthly Meeting held at Forge Green, Dalston on Tuesday 8 th February 2011. PRESENT Cllr R Auld Mrs F Kaye-Krzeczkowski Mr T Baxter Mr J Kelsey Mr B Craig (Chairman) Mr I Newton Mrs P Dalton Mr R Potter Mr C Drouet Mr O Rickerby Mr P Ebbatson Mr O Roberts 189. APOLOGIES Cllr D Cowen & C Millar. 190. MINUTES The minutes of the meeting held on the 11 th January 2011 were agreed and signed. Cllr Baxter requested that Matters Arising be included on future agendas. Clerk explained that the inclusion of this item was not considered good practice and suggested that an alternative Clerk s Report is included. Agreed: Future Agendas to incorporate Clerk s Report, on a trial basis. 191. DECLARATION OF INTEREST Cllr P Dalston recorded a personal interest in planning application No. 11/0004 Glave Hill House and item 14 (c) donation to Great North Air Ambulance. Cllr O Rickerby recorded a personal interest in planning application No. 11/0032 Bluebell House. Cllr O Roberts recorded a personal interest in planning application No. 11/0026 Land at Nook Lane, Dalston. 192. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION No members of the public were in attendance. DCI Diane Bradbury, Police Inspector for Brampton and Alston attended to advise on the new policing strategy for the area. Advised that:- PCSO Emma Tonge had been transferred back into the area; publicised cuts would not impact frontline Policing teams. Inspector Bradbury advising that the changes will increase the presence of the Police, at ground level; time and resources will be invested where priorities are deemed to be high; currently no plans to shut the office at Dalston; all officers i.e. PC Colin Hird & PCSO Emma Tonge will start at Brampton, undertake a structured briefing, before driving to Dalston in Police vehicles. This will increase the visibility of Police on the roads. DCI Bradbury advised that she had been previously based in the City and it was a welcome change to be working in the countryside. Cllr Kelsey raised the issue of parking on the corner of the Post Office and asked if the Police have powers to do anything about vehicles parked on the pavement at this area. DCI Bradbury advised that unfortunately they have limited powers to ticket offending vehicles and that it had to be reported to the Police as a genuine obstruction i.e. no-one being able to get past. However, she would brief PC Hird on this issue. Inspector D Bradbury left the meeting at 7:35 p.m. Cllr Allison attended the meeting and reported that:- Parking Enforcement Officer to visit the area 15 times/annum an increase from the 7 visits/annum previously; Locality Working Paper had been withdrawn; experimental Traffic Regulation Orders for Carlisle Road were in the process of being formalised; request for an area on Carlisle Road to be resident parking permit only, had been recently submitted. 46
Cllr Allison left the meeting at 7:38 p.m. Cllr N Clarke reported that:- Neighbourhood Watch - working with Cllr Dalton to establish the scheme in Dalston; rubbish in Peter Lane area at the entrance to the village - is progressing this issue through Committee and would also welcome feedback as to whether the Council or individual Cllrs are interested in revitalising Keep Britain Tidy in the area. Cllr Craig advised that the Dalston Festival Committee were organising a Royal Wedding street party to take place on Friday 29 th April. Volunteers are requested to contact Alan Dinning if they are interested in volunteering to help. It was also agreed that an item should be incorporated on the web site to publicise the event. Hazel Broatch, Chair of Brampton Economic Partnership (BEC) attended the meeting to give an insight into the work that it is currently ongoing in Brampton. Information provided included that:- The partnership has currently been going for over one year and encompasses Brampton and the rural area, including twenty Parishes; geared to boosting the local economy by bringing the public, private and voluntary sectors together and representing all areas; currently pulling together an economic action plan for the area; BEC currently funded by local businesses, lottery funding and Parish Council precept; Hadrian s Wall Heritage Group currently bidding for money to increase visitor numbers to the area and requested ideas for increased signage, tourism ideas, etc; questioned if Dalston would be interested in forming a partnership with Brampton and Longtown? 193. PLANNING APPLICATIONS 1/11/9005 Fire Service Workshops, Barras Lane Industrial Estate, Dalston 2 no. Portacabins with associated access ramps. Resolved: no observations. 11/0004 Glave Hill House, Townhead Road, Dalston fell larch tree in rear garden. Resolved: no observations. 10/1103 Mobile Mini (UK) Ltd, Barras Lane Industrial Estate, Dalston erection of modular blueline building for use as repair building for cabins and containers (amended information). Resolved: no observations. 10/1142 1 Ninerigg, Dalston demolition of existing garage/utility room and erection of single storey garage and enlarged kitchen together with pitched roof over existing porch and bay window (amended information). Resolved: no observations. 11/0013 16 Nook Lane Close, Dalston erection of first floor extension above existing garage to provide bedroom and bathroom together with single storey rear extension to provide sun room. Resolved: no observations. 11/0032 Bluebell House, Green Lane, Dalston erection of detached double garage and erection of 1.2 metre boundary wall. Resolved: no observations. 11/0026 Land at Nook Lane, Dalston erection of agricultural building for cattle together with concrete hard standing area. Resolved: to comment that:- reservations expressed regarding the impact that the building may have on the landscape, in an area of open countryside; on the ability of the area to absorb surface water drainage from the development and the impact this may have on local watercourses. 194. PLANNING DECISONS 09/0358 Land adjacent to Dalston Service Station formation of car parking area to serve the proposed convenience store and two residential units subject of planning application ref. 08/1254 granted, subject to legal agreement, 15 conditions. 10/0885 Blue Bell Inn, Dalston change of use from function room on first floor to 2no. en-suite guest bedrooms application withdrawn. 10/0917 Land south west of Ellesmere Way and adjacent to Wigton Road erection of district centre including food store; petrol station; restaurant/cafe; hot food takeaway; and crèche, landscaping and car park approved 37 conditions. 10/1036 14 Orton Grange Park, Orton Grange proposed store/workshop approved 4 conditions. 47
10/1070 & 1071 Low Flanders, Dalston proposed two storey extension to the side elevation to provide lounge/kitchen at ground level and en-suite bedroom at first floor level (revised application) approved 3 conditions. 195. BRAMPTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP The presentation by Hazel Broatch was considered. Agreed: to request that Dalston Parish Council is notified of future developments/initiatives of the partnership. Cllr Auld also advised that the boundaries of Neighbourhood Forum areas were changing and requested that this was included as an agenda item for the March meeting. 196. HIMALAYAN BALSAM Chairman reported that he had attended a meeting of the Eden Rivers Trust. The ERT is aiming to establish voluntary groups to help in the control and eradication of Himalayan Balsam. Highlighted how action to fully eradicate the plant must begin at the start of the watercourse tributary which for the river Caldew is the Caldbeck area but any form of removal at the appropriate time will obviously help in keeping the area of encroachment to a minimum. Agreed: Cllr Kelsey nominated as lead Cllr for the establishment of a volunteer group within Dalston. Clerk to forward minutes of the meeting held by ERT to Cllr Kelsey and place piece in the Parish Paper requesting interested volunteers to contact the Parish Council. 197. KINGSWAY PLEDGED BENCH A request for a pledged bench to be placed beside the White Bridge area on the Kingsway was considered. Discussion undertaken on how secure the bench would be in this position, prior to the Kingsway being closed off to traffic and if it should be temporarily sited in the Churchyard, until the Kingsway is closed. Resolved: to ask that a design is submitted to the Council for approval and that the bench is sited in the Churchyard prior to the Kingsway being closed to traffic. 198. INSERTION OF PLANTERS BRIDGE END HIGHWAY VERGE The insertion of planters on the verge at Bridge End was considered. It was discussed that a clearance from the road of 1.2 metres needs to be maintained and that planters would be approximately 4 ft high by 3 ft wide. Resolved: That this project should go ahead in principle. Gardens & Maintenance Committee to hold site meeting. 199. REFURBISHMENT OF THE LAMP Consideration was given to estimates received to re-furbish the Lamp. Clerk advised that additional costs for a replacement planter may be required, but this would not be known until the Lamp was dismantled. Caldew School pupils to refurbish the seat on the bottom of the Lamp. Resolved: costs totalling 790.00 + VAT for the refurbishment of Lamp and seat approved. 200. CORRESPONDENCE 1 Carlisle City Council forward plan of key decisions 1 st February to 31 st May 2011 noted. 2 Cumbria county Council Budget Meeting Paper circulated by Cllr Dalton, who attended the meeting 3 The Royal British Legion information on Great Poppy Weekend noted. 4 Dalston F.C. letter of thanks for grant received. 5 Cumdivock Art Group receipts for good purchased through grant funding. 6 Dalston Ladies Choir receipts for goods purchased through grant funding. 7 Cumbria Highways correspondence regarding road re-surfacing at Bridge End. It was explained that remedial works are due to be undertaken by Cumbria Highways in Spring. 201. GARDENS AND MAINTENANCE a) Replacement of the office safe. Consideration was given to the replacement of the office safe at a cost of 695 + VAT. Resolved: Clerk to purchase. The digitisation of burial records was also considered, the Clerk advising that according to the Archives Office this was last done in 1996 and stored on microfilm. The digitisation of the records would cost approximately 500. Agreed: digitisation of records to be considered at the next Policy & Resources Committee meeting. b) Rabbit Control in Cemetery it was suggested that a payment may be made to cover travel costs for those performing rabbit control in the Cemetery. Resolved: not to authorise travel expenses, as many other residents perform services throughout the Parish, on a voluntary basis. 48
c) Replacement of 2 Forge Green Kitchen. Clerk advised on quotes received ranging from 2,450 to 3,850. Additional costs would also be incurred for tiling, electrics and possible flooring replacement. Resolved: to consider this item in April when revised budget is presented and accounts for 2010/11 approved. 202. JUBILEE GARDEN & GLAVE HILL CAR PARK Consideration was given to the acknowledgement of a resident s efforts in maintaining these areas. Resolved: Chairman to visit resident and thank him for his efforts, on behalf of the Council. 203. ACCOUNTS It was resolved to approve the monthly expenditure and record of income. Expenditure: 1 O2 - Mobile Phone D/D 26.32 2 Andrea McCallum Salary 648.61 & Reimbursements 70.96 719.57 3 Orchard Grounds Maintenance January Cemetery maintenance 377.66 4 Orchard Grounds Maintenance January grounds maintenance 291.66 5 Orchard Grounds Maintenance Tree work in Cemetery & Parish 2,208.00 6 Staples Stamps 12.30 7 Carlisle Business Supplies Box Paper 16.32 8 N Dalton Forge Green Flat Water tank inspection 25.00 9 Cumbrian Newspapers Advert for Clerk 265.06 10 H & E Trotter Septic Tank Emptied Forge Green 240.00 11 Buckle & Jones Safe mended 96.00 Total 4,277.89 Income: 1 C Collins Rent 2 Forge Green January 410.00 2 L Watson - Rent 1 Forge Green January 251.33 3 Electricity North West Mobile phone re-charge 59.00 4 Geo Hudson - Interment fee 200.00 5 Walkers Funeral Directors Interment fee 350.00 6 Carlisle City Council City Cllr Grant towards Kingsway 800.00 7 Electricity North West Wayleaves The Green & Hawksdale 41.89 Total 2,112.22 Community a/c balance 31/01/11 3,267.30 ( 510.00 un-cashed) Business Premium Step Saver a/c balance 36,719.96 Income to 31 st January 2011 = 61,512.26 Expenditure to 31st January 2011 = 36,179.91 b) Cheque signatories of Cllr T Baxter and O Roberts were approved by the Council and necessary paperwork completed and signed by members. c) Donation request to the Great North Air Ambulance. Resolved: no donation to be given on this occasion and to be advised on grant procedures for future reference. 204. ASSET REGISTER A copy of the Councils asset register for the year 2011 was circulated. Resolved: register approved. 205. CLERK VACANCY Clerk advised that 78 application packs had been sent to interested parties with 20 completed application forms received to date. Short listing to take place on Tuesday 15 th February 2011 with interviews scheduled for Tuesday 1 st March 2011. 206. COUNCILLOR VACANCY Clerk advised that no formal applications had been received for the vacant position. However, Mr S Carruthers who was present at the meeting, advised that he was interested in the position. 49
Resolved: voted unanimously that Mr S Carruthers be co-opted to the vacant position. 207. CEMETERY GREENS MAINTENANCE CONTRACT A resident of Dalston was reported as raising concerns to two members of the Council that not all contracted works for the year 2010/11 had been completed in the Cemetery. A letter was circulated from Orchard Grounds Maintenance refuting this claim and advising of discontent with these comments. Agreed: Gardens & Maintenance Committee members to hold site meeting in Cemetery on Thursday 10 th February at 10:00 a.m. Resident and Orchard Grounds Maintenance to be invited to attend. Schedule of grass cutting and ground works for Parish and Cemetery to be circulated to Committee members. Orchard Grounds Maintenance to be asked to compile list of contracted works still to be completed for 2010/11 and list of additional works completed free of charge over the period 2009/10 & 2010/11. Cllr N Clarke left at 9:07 p.m. 208. CEMETERY MATTERS a) Interments; Interment of C Niven undertaken 20 th January 2011 - Ward 5, Sect I, Space 24. Interment of E Metcalfe undertaken 20 th January 2011 Ward 5, Section I, Space 42. b) Headstone Application; Cumbria Memorials Black Granite inscribed to read in loving memory of Adrian Wilson (Adder) 25/10/63 26/4/10. Precious dad loved by all. Approved. c) Fallen Tree; Following the recent bad weather the Clerk reported that a large tree had fallen in the riverbank area of the Cemetery. This had also destroyed a gate. Charles Bennett, Tree Officer had been consulted and was happy for complete removal to be undertaken. Clerk had obtained one estimate for removal from Orchard Grounds, who were currently working on site. Resolved: Clerk to obtain further quote from N Park then authorised to accept the lowest quote received. Logs to be left lying, for collection by Parishioners. d) Grave digging fee increase; Clerk reported that E Davidson had increased charges for full body interment to 260, from 240. Resolved: to accept fee of 260. e) Woodland Burial Area; Clerk advised on a request by a resident to provide a woodland burial area. Resolved: due to lack of space and the provision of a facility at Carlisle Crematorium, it was decided that this request could not be progressed. 209. COUNCILLOR MATTERS Cllr Kelsey advised that refreshments should be ordered for the Annual General Meeting in May. Chairman to action. Cllr Drouet reported that trees washed downstream, were lodged against the White Bridge.. Chairman advised that this had been reported to the Environment Agency. Cllr Potter reported on parking on the pavement on Crumbs Corner. Agreed: No further action required at the current time. 210. DATE OF NEXT MEETING Next meeting to take place on Tuesday 8 th March 2011, 7:15 pm at Forge Green. The meeting closed at 9.40 p.m. 50