Bestwood St. Albans Parish Council

Minutes of a meeting of the Bestwood St. Albans Parish Council held on Tuesday, 2 nd December 2014, at 7.30pm, in the Hawthorne Primary School, Bestwood Village, Nottingham. Councillors: D.N. Beeston MBE - Chairman A. Fox-Smith - Vice-Chairman Mrs. M.A. Gee W.F. Beckwith Mrs. D.M. Stevenson - (a) T. Binks - (a) D.M. Marshall - (a) Mrs. S. Stewart Cllr. Mrs. J. Pauley Present: Jack Ashworth/Portia Newling Village Vision Cllr. Barnfather Nottinghamshire County Councillor Sue Jablonskas and Andrea Bernnington Chairman and Vice-Chair WAG 2 Members of the Public Jonathan Marritt Guest Speaker Guest Speaker Jonathan Marritt Active Lifestyles The Chairman introduced Jonathan Marritt to Councillors Mr Marritt reported that he had recently moved into the village and had noticed the lack of facilities for fitness and was a Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor and Director for Active Lifestyles, which is a non-profit making company. He pointed out that by working with the local community, working with young and the older generation, he could sauce funding from various different organisations, mentioning the Coal Regeneration funding in particular. He wanted to come to the meeting this evening to obtain the Parish Councils support and having already spoken with the Developer, who would be building on the old colliery site within the next eighteen months, he felt there was possibly an opportunity to build a specialised unit within that development. He also mentioned the old ball courts at the rear of the Bestwood Community Centre. It was pointed out that these were owned by CISWO, who help to run the Social Club, but the Social Club were not closed to new ideas. After a short question and answer session the Chairman summed up by stating that he would contact The Coal Board and arrange a meeting, Contact CISWO and also arrange a meeting with the Bestwood Social Club. Andrea Bernnington of WAG asked if he could come along to their meeting on 8 th December 2015. He agreed. The Chairman thanked Mr. Marritt for attending the meeting. Mr Merritt left at 8.05pm. Apologies: Cllr. Marshall Work Commitments Cllr. Doreen Stevenson Illness Minutes: The minutes of a meeting held on Tuesday, 4 th November 2014, at 7.30pm, previously circulated, were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. Short Silence: Signed..The Chairman. Date: 13 th January 2015 Page 1 of 6

The Chairman pointed out that the Remembrance Service went very well and thanked Cllr. Fox-Smith for raising the flag and also Stuart Athol for assisting in the laying of the wreath. At this stage the Chairman asked Council to observe a short silence in remembrance of Parishioners recently deceased. Matters Arising: Archive of Records The Clerk telephoned the Nottinghamshire Archives and they informed her that they will not be taking any new items until the Spring of 2015, all staff have been relocated for the time being until the refurbishment works have been completed. They suggested that the Clerk email a list of items that Council want them to keep and they will get back to her. This will be done in the New Year now. Declarations of Interest : Cllr. Mrs Gee & Cllr. Mrs Stewart Christmas Tree Committee District Cllr. Beeston s Report: Bus Stop Bewcastle with Stockdale Warren Hill The Clerk was stopped by a member of the public asking if a bus timetable could be put up in the shelter notice board. Cllr. Beeston emailed Nott s City Transport and they inform him that they can confirm that one will be printed, but could be a few weeks before it is ready to insert due to catching up from the summer changes. Land Opposite the Country Park Park Road At the last meeting there were complaints about residents parking outside their homes on Park Road opposite the Country Park and suggestions were put forward that if the builder had put lighting to the rear of the properties perhaps residents would use the designated area. Cllr. Beeston wrote to GBC asking who the Developer was, they report:- Regarding the residential development opposite the winding house the original developers were Standen but on the latest application the applicant was Moorbridge development. Land Beeston Close A question was raised about land at the rear of properties on Beeston Close, Jack Ashworth reported that the Hawthorne Primary School Head Teacher had asked if it could be used for environmental studies. Cllr. Beeston and Cllr. Barnfather both reported that the area in question was privately owned, but felt, if approached, the land owner would not have any objections. Cllr. Beeston stated that he would go into the School and see the Head Teacher. Bestwood Hotel Cllr. Beeston reported that he had arranged for a clean-up of the area which was now completed. Adjourn for Parishioner s Questions 15 minutes Equipment and Safety Surface The Play Area Bestwood Village a) New Equipment Council were very pleased with the new equipment It was reported that teenagers were still causing a nuisance at night by using the boat swing in the early hours of the morning. The Clerk reported that she had asked Michael Prince the Park Keeper to chain it up and would ask him again if this was the case. Bestwood Country Park/Winding Engine House: A member of the public reported that they thought that Drugs activity was operating again in the Country Park car Park. This was reported to the Police. Policing in the Parish Nothing to report at this time. Proposed Development Off Park Road and Open Space Requirement (Ball Courts): Signed..The Chairman. Date: 13 th January 2015 Page 2 of 6

The Chairman, Cllr. Mrs. Gee and the Clerk met with Melvyn Cryer during November and he reports that, although it could be a few weeks, the funding will be in the region of 50,000 and it is hoped that this money will be paid directly to the Parish Council for the Ball Court. Jack Ashworth informs the Clerk that he had submitted an LIS Bid to Nott s County Council. In a short discussion Cllr. Barnfather reported that he had been in touch with the Chief Executive of GBC and reported that the offer from Taylor Wimpy was in the region of 50-60K and with Councils permission he would be only too happy to accept the offer on their behalf. The chairman proposed that Council accept the offer. The Chairman reported that he had also asked about the Muirfield Road playing field, to which Melvyn Cryer reported that Jane Richardson had held a meeting with the WAG Committee regarding funding sources. The Chairman also reported that the small play area was to be upgraded. S106 Money from new Development: St. Modwen Proposed Development Bestwood Village Langridge Homes Proposed Development Bestwood Village Sycamores Bestwood Village The Chairman reported that he had made some inquiries about the Sycamores and GBC Planning report:- Regarding your enquiry about the Sycamores, conditional planning permission was granted in January 2014. The developers have 3 years from this date to implement the permission but they have conditions to discharge prior to commencing any works on site. Lengthmans Scheme: WAG - Path from Muirfield Road towards the school Donation Cllr. Mrs. Gee and The Chairman visited the site and pointed out that it would benefit from a footpath across the field to the school gates. A Petition was received, signed by approx. 69 residents from Fenchurch Close, Boniface Gardens, Jermyn Drive, and Augustine Gardens supporting a footpath. Copies of estimated were previously received showing an approximate cost of between 12,000 and 14500. Resolved: In principal - a Donation of 4,000, subject to all other monies being raised. Proposed: The Chairman Seconded: Cllr. Mrs. Pauley Donations a) Christmas Tree Committee Cllr. Mrs Gee and Cllr. Mrs. Stewart declared an interest It was pointed out that The Christmas Tree not only gives pleasure to the Village, but also people passing through on their travels. It was proposed to give a donation of 200 Proposed: The Chairman Seconded: Cllr. Fox-Smith Cllr. Mrs Gee and Mrs. Stewart too no part in the voting. Signed..The Chairman. Date: 13 th January 2015 Page 3 of 6

b) Bestwood Social Club The Bestwood Social Club have requested some assistance towards purchasing a new mower for the grounds. The grounds are a central feature of the main road leading into the Village. The Social Club do not charge the Council for meetings, they allow the Bonfire to go ahead, any events that are held by Village Vision along with the church and PTA events by the school. They also support the new health initiative in the Community Centre and the Village Christmas tree on the land. The Social Club is run by CISWO, which is a Charitable Organisation and the Finance Committee propose a sum of 300 towards a new mower. Proposed: Cllr. Fox-Smith Seconded: Cllr. Beckwith Budget/Finance Meeting Report: All Councillors have been circulated with a copy of the proposed budget for 2015/16, which at present is a small increase of 2,291 on last year s budget. Council were advised not to agree the budget until it was known in January 2015, what the base rate will be from GBC, which could alter the figure slightly. Any Other Item The Chairman Considers Urgent Grit Bin - Andrea Bennington of WAG informs the Clerk that they have just received a bag of grit for the grit bin on Fenchurch Close. Residents have noticed that sometimes neighbours take some of the grit to use on their drive. We understood the purpose of the grit bin is to help with the road surface, which benefits all. Residents have asked if you could investigate the following: * A label or poster stating the grit bin is for use on the road only, taking grit for personal use is theft and liable to prosecution * A security system, e.g. padlock A short discussion was held and it was agreed that WAG could place a notice. Plans: Ashfield District Council Forge Mill, Mill Lane, Bestwood village. Propose: Internal and External renovations of former mill building to create residential training and education facility, incorporating first floor workshop and overnight residential accommodation. Ground floor cafe and worship area, second floor Manager s residential apartment and office (Sui Generis) Observations: Presently being circulated. A short discussion was held on this item and it was pointed out by Portia Newling that she had heard this property was to be used by ex-offenders. The Clerk was asked to request a deferment on the comments date so that further investigations could be made. Council also felt that the application was very spare on details and could not comment until further information obtained. GBC Plans 7 Church View Close, Arnold, Nottingham Propose: Dismantle/fell 4 birch (T1,T2,T3,T4) excessive shading, low amenity value and age/condition. Lift crown of 2 oaks (T5, T6) lift crown to a maximum of 5.2m. Observations: No objections subject to any comments that might be received from local residents. 6 Church View Close, Bestwood, Nottingham Signed..The Chairman. Date: 13 th January 2015 Page 4 of 6

Propose: Fell one tree (Silver Birch) and lift crown of 2 oaks. Observations: No objections subject to any comments that might be received from local residents. 3 Church View Close, Bestwood, Nottingham. Propose: Felling of oak tree protected by TPO 44 (Church Plantation- Woodland 1) which has been condemned by the arboriculturalist adviser to the Council Arboricultral Officer. Observations: No objections subject to any comments that might be received from local residents. Notice of Permission 30 The Spinney, Bestwood Village, Nottingham Erection of 3 Bedroom detached dwelling 1 Benedict Court, Bestwood, Nottingham Conversion of communal residents lounge area and warden flat into 3 bungalows, flat and office. 7 The Spinney, Bestwood Village, Nottingham Single Storey extension Correspondence: All correspondence received relates to items on the Agenda. Finance: Bank Accounts as at 28 th November 2014 Current Account 29407.75. Savings Account 3534.57 Income Bank Interest untaxed 5.98 Accounts: The accounts, previously circulated, were signed by the Chairman and it was agreed to pay the following. W F Beckwith 301912 13.92 Council Mileage NCC 301913 20.00 School Hire Proludic 301914 13,200.00 Play Equipment SLCC ` 301916 131.00 Subs Mrs. P.M Hall 301917 325.00 Domestic Allowance Michael Prince 301918 563.25 Park Keeper/Bus Shelter/Flag Keeper/Cenotaph P.M Hall 301919 41.18 Clerks Mileage Petty Cash 301920 20.00 Petty Cash P.M Hall 301921 698.15 Wages Date & Venue of the next meeting: It was reported that due to how the holidays fall, the next meeting is will to take place on Tuesday, 13 th January 2014, in the Hawthorne Primary School, Bestwood Village, Nottingham at 7.30pm. Signed..The Chairman. Date: 13 th January 2015 Page 5 of 6

This concluded the meeting which closed at 8.40pm Signed..The Chairman. Date: 13 th January 2015 Page 6 of 6