1
PENWORTHAM TOWN COUNCIL
Meeting of the Council held atthe Penwortham Community Centre, Kingsfold Drive, Penwortham at7.00pmon Tuesday6June2017.
Present:The Mayor, CouncillorJ Patten
CouncillorsD Bennett, A Best, G Crewe, H Hancock,Mrs M Hancock, D Howarth, K Martin, AE Pimblett,D Shaw, R Taylor,
I Watkinson, T Young,D Wooldridge
and Mrs C Wooldridge.
Members of
the public: 12
In attendance:Steve Caswell - Town Manager
Marie Dardis-Democratic Services Officer
18.Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor’s D Bretherton, Ms S Prynn and Miss A Turner.
19.Minutes of the Last Meeting
RESOLVED:that the minutes of the meeting heldon2May 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.
20.Declarations of Interest
Councillor Howarth declared a non personal and prejudicial interest in the ‘Community Centre’s item within the Town Manager’s Report’ (minute no.22) as an elected member of Lancashire County Council; but was able, under the Members’ Code of Conduct, to remain in the meeting and take part in the discussion and voting.
21.Communications by the Town Mayor
The Mayor thanked everyone that had attended his inauguration on 2 May, 2017 and reported on the following events he had recently attended:
i)MiddleforthCofEPrimary School May Day Celebration.
ii)Stacey’s Brave the Shave event in aid of Macmillan Cancer support at Penwortham Community Centre on 6 May 2017.
iii)An indoor film screening and cast making of memory items hosted by ‘They Eat Culture’ in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association at Penwortham Community Centre.
iv)South Ribble Mayoral Civic Banquet – Friday 19 May 2017
v)‘Penwortham Live’ – Saturday 20 May 2017
vi)South Ribble Mayoral Civic Sunday – 4 June 2017
22.Town Manager’s Report
i)CEMETERY & WAR MEMORIAL
The original Garden of Remembrance area at Hill Road cemetery is currently undergoing a makeover. The memorial stones are being lifted and reset as new chippings are being laid in the area. As this area is now full it is anticipated that once these renovation works have been completed the upkeep for this area of the cemetery should become less laborious.
HillRoadCemetery now has four “friends” who meet regularly to carry out lightweight works on the site. If any members knows of anyone that would like to join this group could you ask them in the first instance to contact the Town Council officers to ensure that their names are recorded within the register of volunteers.
Memorial Tree are still proving very popular at Hill Road with further trees being ordered for the Woodland Burial Site. There is now very limited space for memorial trees in the main cemetery area at Hill Road.
Penwortham War Memorial is in excellent condition with the friends working hard over the last months to bring the site up to the state that it currently is. The lawned area will be replaced with artificial turf over the next few months but will be laid before the Remembrance Day Parade in November.
ii)COMMUNITY CENTRES
Penwortham Community Centre is still very busy with a new dance class starting on Wednesday evenings. Homestart and the Baby Sensory sessions are proving very popular and the gentle exercise classes are as busy as ever. There is still capacity for further classes/events/ groups to meet on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday afternoons.
The large office space upstairs at Penwortham CC is still available to let.
Penwortham Young People’s Centre at Priory Lane is still under the ownership of Lancashire County Council but is being managed, in the interim period whilst the asset transfer is completed, by Penwortham Town Council. The Town Council are currently looking after the cleaning and hygiene services within the building and running the youth clubs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
The PenworthamLibraryBuilding is still closed and the asset transfer of the building is currently with the LCC legal services department awaiting the completion of the asset transfer.
iii)PENWORTHAM TOWN LENGTHSMAN
Penwortham Town Council employs a Town Lengthsman whose role it is to improve the visual impact of the town. This may be simply by litter picking an area or helping an established group within the town to complete an environmental project.
Any elected members or members of the public should contact Penwortham Town Council officers in the first instance should they feel works needed could be carried out by the town’s Lengthsman.
The Town Lengthsman can help residents improve their own areas and with the support of the Town Council could also look for funding sources to carry out these works.
The role of the Lengthsman is to carry out works over and above the statutory obligations of the borough and county councils.
iv)POLICE “In the Know” updates
To register for “in the know” updates to receive regular information via email please go to the address below and complete the on line form.
An example of a current update from the “in the know” team:
Message sent byAction Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
There has been a series of recent incidents reported to Action Fraud where a lone fraudster has approached victims whom they believe to be unfamiliar with the local area. They make an excuse to talk to the victims such as enquiring about directions or offering a recommendation for a good hotel.
After this interaction, several other fraudsters will intervene purporting to be police officers in plain clothes and will sometimes present false identification as proof. The fake officers will then give a reason to examine the victims’ wallet, purse or personal items. They may also examine the first fraudster’s items or try to tell victims that the first fraudster is suspicious in order to gain victim trust and appear more realistic in their guise.
After all the fake police ‘checks’ are finished, victims have then reported being handed back their personal items only to later realise that a quantity of money or valuables were missing.
How to protect yourself:
- If an individual claims to be a police officer ask for their name and rank, force, and examine any identification presented; this is always good practice but especially important if they are not wearing a uniform.
- The Police will never ask for your passwords or PIN details. Do not give this information to anyone.
- The Police will never request that you withdraw/transfer any money to them or to a ‘safe’ account.
- If you have been affected by this, or any other fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting
v)Further Updates;
Tesco – Government Buildings Cop Lane
South Ribble Borough Council are currently considering the Tesco application for a foodstore and petrol station on the Government Buildings Site. Once a date has been set for the planning committee meeting that will consider this application members of the Town Council will be informed.
South Ribble Borough Council have indicated that they are hoping for a planning committee to discuss the Tesco application during late June 2017.
vi)Upcoming Events;
Regular Penwortham Events for 2017:
Penwortham Gala – 10th11th June 2017
All arrangements have now been made for the weekend of Penwortham Gal, the traders have all been given details of where they should pitch their stalls and when, the procession attendees have all been given the information at to where and when they should be. The acts have been booked and everything is now ready for the weekend’s activities.
Marshals are needed to help with the arrangements on the day and in particular help is need at the following times and places:
From 8.00am on Saturday 10th June at Hurst Grange Park, to help man the one way system and advice traders of their stall position. Also to help placing the waste bins around the park.
From 11.30am on Saturday 10th June at Hill Road South; to help procession attendees find their correct starting position and to assist with the one way system on Hill Road South and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
From 8.00am on Sunday 11th June at HurstGrangePark; to assist with the litter picking of the site and assisting traders find their correct site.
Members are also reminded that they are all invited to walk in the procession which starts promptly at 12.30pm from Hill Road South. Members are asked to meet at the head of the procession at the junction of Hill Road South and Marshal’s Brow. Members are also reminded that a collection will be taken during the procession and the carrying of collecting buckets would be very much appreciated. All monies collected will be donated to the Mayor’s charities, the Alzheimer’s Society and Dig-In North West.
Penwortham Fireworks Display – 5th November 2017
Penwortham Remembrance Day Parade – 12th November 2017
Kingsfold Christmas Market – 4th December 2017
Liverpool Road Christmas Market – 13th December 2017
23.Questions to the Police
The Council meeting constituted the Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting.
The following issues were raised and would be dealt with by the police:
In the absence of the police, the following issues would be noted and passed to the police for action:
i)Parked vehicles causing an obstruction
Councillor Howarth reported a number of parked vehicles causing an obstruction at the junction ofHill Road and Greyfriars Drive. The matter would be reported to the police to investigate further.
ii)Police and Community Together (PACT) Meetings
Councillor D Wooldridgereferred to the recent terror attacks and budget reductions to policing and suggested that the Town Council write to the local Police Inspector to determine whether the police would continue to attend the monthly town council meetings, which incorporated the Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting.
iii)Policing Concerns
A member of the public expressed her serious concerns at the delayed police response times whilst attempting to use the non-emergency number to report a vulnerable, elderly lady roaming the streets in Penwortham. It was suggested that this issue should be aimed at parliamentary level and that the local resident should contact her local Member of Parliament to raise this concern.
24.Issues Raised by Members of the Public (Non-Police Issues)
The Town Council responded to questions regarding:
i)Road markings on Priory Lane
A member of the public referred to the junction of Priory Lane and Priory Close and expressed her disappointment at the lack of communication fromLancashire County Council in relation to painting the yellow lines on Priory Lane and asked the Town Council for an update.
Councillor Howarth informed the local resident that he had received a reply from Lancashire County Council and unfortunately it was not deemed a priority at this time, however, they were still looking at it. The Town Council would write to the Highway Authority again.
ii)Homeless in Penwortham
Mr Drakeford informed the council of sightings of two homeless men sleeping in doorways in Penwortham and raised concerns for their welfare.
iii)Cop Lane and Moorhey Drive
A local resident reported damages to the highway along Cop Lane and flooding on Moorhey Drive following the recent heavy rainfall.
iv)Town Council Summer Market
A member of the public asked the council whether a summer market could take place in the town. It was agreed that the matter be deferred to the next Events Committee to consider. The Mayor thanked the local resident for his suggestion.
25.Development Control- Plans List
The Council noted the recent planning applications.
Councillor Howarth raised concerns in relation to the application by Crystal Clean to erect an MOT station, tool hire storage building and car wash facility at theformer Rydal motors site at 248 Liverpool Road, Penwortham.
Councillor Howarth suggested that the company had been operating for over a year without planning permission and had been served an abatement notice due to noise levels. Councillor Howarth suggested that the high pressure jet washes and noise and disturbance generated from the machinery would have an adverse effect on the residential amenity of neighbours and recommended that the Town Council object to the plans on these grounds.
Councillor Martin raised environmental concerns in relation to the disposal of the water at the site and suggested this could potentially present a high risk of contamination in local water if not controlled. Councillor Pimblett advised that the previous petrol station on that site had provision for the disposal of waste water.
Councillor Howarth referred to the proposed changes to the planning application for the erection of a new footsore submitted by Tesco PLC and confirmed the Town Council’s position, reiterating that the council had submitted an objection letter to the original plans. Councillor Howarth informed members of the public that the revised application would go before South Ribble Borough Council’s Planning Committee on 5th July. Responding to a question regarding reasonable opening hours, Councillor Howarth suggested that at this stage, members of the public could submit their own individual comments to the planning authority.
RESOLVED:i)that objection be made to Planning Application No. 07/2017/0772/FULon the grounds detailed and that these objections be passed to South Ribble Borough Council.
26.Minutes of Committee Meetings
The Council was asked to approve the minutes of the recent committee meetings.
Councillor D Wooldridgeproposed that Councillor Taylor should replace Councillor Bretherton as a member of the Planning Committee for 2017/18.
Councillor Young referred to the poor condition of the gala bunting. It was confirmed that replacement bunting was being considered for next year’s gala.
RESOLVED:i)that the minutes of the following committee meetings be approved and that Councillor Taylor replace Councillor Bretherton as a member of the Planning Committee for 2017/18:
i)Cemetery Committee – Monday 22 May 2017
ii)Community Centre Management Committee – Monday 22 May 2017
iii)Environment Committee – Monday 22 May 2017
iv)Events Committee – Monday 22May 2017
v)Planning Committee – Monday 22May 2017
vi)Strategy and Finance Committee – Monday 22May 2017
27.Dates of forthcoming Committee Meetings
The Council was asked to approve the dates of the forthcoming meetings.
RESOLVED:that the dates of the following committee meetings be approved:
i)Events Committee – Monday 17 July 2017
ii)Strategy and Finance Committee – Monday 17 July 2017
28.Penwortham Town Council’s Annual Report 2016-17
The Council noted the report.
29.Delegates’ Reports
Councillor Martin reported from a recent Lancashire Association of Local Councils (LALC) Conference that he and Councillor Young had attended. Councillor Martin also reported from a recent LALC Executive Finance and Management Committee and South Ribble LALC Area Committee meeting he had attended where he was elected Vice-Chair. The Mayor thanked Councillor Martin for his update.
30.Accounts for Payment – May 2017
The Council considered the report of the Responsible Financial Officer.
RESOLVED: that the following accounts be paid:
PAYMENTS FOR AUTHORISATION JUNE 2017PAYEE / FOR / ACCOUNT
AMOUNT / VOUCHER
THE ENGRAVING SHOP / PLAQUE / CEMETERY / £ 63.50 / 35 / card
BLT DIRECT / LIGHT BULBS / CENTRE / £ 55.20 / 36 / card
BOOTHS / CATERING / CENTRE / £ 12.60 / 37 / card
PRESTON LAWNMOWER / STRIMMER CABLE / CEMETERY / £ 58.05 / 38 / card
MILLBROOK SS / FUEL / CEMETERY / £ 23.55 / 39 / card
AFL AUTOS / BATTERY CHARGER / CEMETERY / £ 24.99 / 40 / card
C&W BERRY / MAINTENANCE MATS / CEMETERY / £ 246.75 / 41 / bacs
SALARIES RE; ADMIN (paid by transfer) / ADMIN / £ 9,787.40 / 42 / bacs
( Inc.tax/NI/pensions) tax & NI = £2395.77
WAGES RE; CENTRE / CENTRE / £ 2,769.57 / 43 / bacs
(Inc tax/NI/pensions) pensions = £1787.44
AP BROOME / WEED CONTROL / CEMETERY / £ 240.00 / 44 / bacs
BENNET GARAGE / VAN REPAIR / CEMETERY / £ 274.32 / 45 / cheque
ZURICH / TOWN INSURANCE / ADMIN / £ 4,937.02 / 46 / bacs
DOZY DAVE / CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINER / GALA / £ 200.00 / 47 / bacs
BEST FLOAT / GALA PRIZE / GALA / £ 100.00 / 48 / cheque
BEST WALKING GROUP / GALA PRIZE / GALA / £ 50.00 / 49 / cheque
BEST SMALL GROUP / GALA PRIZE / GALA / £ 50.00 / 50 / cheque
BESTSCHOOL / GALA PRIZE / GALA / £ 100.00 / 51 / cheque
9TH PEN SCOUTS / PARK CLEANING / GALA / £ 100.00 / 52 / cheque
5TH PEN SCOUTS / SCOUT BAND / GALA / £ 100.00 / 53 / cheque
MELISMA / SKA BAND / GALA / £ 465.00 / 54 / bacs
PHILIP DIXON / VERTIDRAINING / CEMETERY / £ 600.00 / 55 / bacs
B&D PRINT / GRAVE DEED BOOKS / CEMETERY / £ 304.80 / 56 / bacs
SRBC / NNDR 15-16 & 16-17 / CEMETERY / £ 1,855.70 / 57 / bacs
LHB SUPPLIES / CLEANING MATS / CENTRE / £ 68.99 / 58 / bacs
MILLENNIUM HYGIENE / HYGIENE SERVICES / PRIORY / £ 230.40 / 59 / bacs
GARDNERS HARDWARE / MAINTENANCE MATS / CENTRE / £ 12.93 / 60 / bacs
JENNINGSCAMPBELL / NEWSLETTER / ADMIN / £ 1,200.00 / 61 / bacs
NORTHWEST MOWERS / LAWNMOWER / ADMN / £ 500.00 / 62 / bacs
BT / INTERNET SERVICES / CENTRE / £ 238.58 / 63 / bacs
DOOR 2 DOOR / NEWS DELIVERY / ADMIN / £ 579.84 / 64 / bacs
TURBARY WOODS OWL & BIRD OF PREY SANCTUARY / GALA / £ 70.00 / 65 / cheque
TOTAL / £25,319.19
31.HillRoadCemetery – May 2017
Details of Burials and Deeds of Grant of Exclusive Right of Burial
The Council noted the following recent burials and agreed that, where necessary, a Deed of Grant of Exclusive Right of Burial be approved and signed:
CREMATED REMAINS
FRANCESWORTHINGTON OF 16 WOODVILLE STREET, FARINGTON
GERALDINE BURNS OF 30 CLIVE ROAD, PENWORTHAM
MAUREEN P RIGBY OF 21 CHESTNUT AVE, PENWORTHAM
DORIS HARRISON OF 5 WHITEFIELD ROAD, PENWORTHAM
DAVID MARTIN OF 5 WHITEFIELD ROAD, PENWORTHAM
ALL OTHER AREAS
JOHN TIMOTHY REEGAN OF 8 MIDDLEFORTH GREEN, PENWORTHAM
JEAN THOMPSON OF 7 LANGHOLME ROAD, PENWORTHAM
JOHN FRANCIS NEVILLE OF 61 BROAD OAK LANE, PENWORTHAM
BRENDA WOODBURN OF 13 THORNGATE, PENWORTHAM
……………………………….Mayor
(The meeting finished at7.45pm)
THE NEXT ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT 7.00PM ON TUESDAY 4 JULY 2017 AT THE PENWORTHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE
The minutes of this meeting and the next agenda will be available on the internet at