MINUTES of the MEETING of the THURMASTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD on TUESDAY 10Th AUGUST 2010 at 7

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE THURMASTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 11th JANUARY 2011 at 7.45 p.m. IN THE MEMORIAL HALL

PRESENT:

Councillors:M D Lowe (Chairman)

S R BrownS Coombe

C DaviesR Davies

K DentS D Hill

N BedderD Gartside

P S HarleyD J Hill

Mrs B J Seaton P S Newman

C A WoodingMrs A Smith

A J WillmottD Maguire

ALSO PRESENT:The Clerk, the Deputy Clerk, the Assistant Clerk, 8 Members of the Public

APOLOGIES: Councillors:D de Carteret Pochin J Smith

*********************************************************************************MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HELD IN THE LIBRARY ON TUESDAY11tHJANUARY2011 AT 7.15 PM

PRESENT:Councillors;M D Lowe (Chairman)

D J HillK Dent

Mrs B J SeatonN Bedder

ALSO PRESENT:The Clerk, the Deputy Clerk, and the Assistant Clerk

Apologies:None

ACCOUNTS: Expenditure: The Clerk presented cheque no’s109452 to 109470 for invoices and petty cash and direct debits totalling £10756.63 for January.

Councillor Hill expressed concern about the cost of the photocopier rent and asked the Clerk to investigate the term of the contract.

Income: The Deputy Clerk presented income details forDecember

It was proposed and seconded that the Council accepts the accounts.

Confirmed and signed this day of 2010

Chairman

Chairman Councillor M D Lowe welcomed all to the JanuaryMeeting of the Parish Council.

1.To Receive Apologies for Absence:

Councillors: D de Carteret Pochin J Smith

Resolved: Reasons given for the apologies were accepted by the Council.

2. Disclosures of Interest (in respect of items on this Agenda):

Councillor P S Harley declared an interest in any business concerning CBC and Leicestershire County Council.

Councillor Mrs. S Coombe declared an interest in any business concerning

Thurmaston Events Team.

Councillor B J Seaton declared an interest in any business concerning CBC, Thurmaston Boxing Club and Thurmaston Action Group.

Councillor D J Hill declared an interest in any business concerning Thurmaston Events Team and EMEC Contractors.

Councillor A J Willmott declared an interest in any business concerning

Thurmaston Community Centre.

Councillor R Davies declared an interest in any business concerning Thurmaston Boxing Club.

Councillor N Bedder declared an interest in any business concerning the Police.

3.Mr Richard Bennett, Charnwood Borough Council: LDF: Core Strategy Policy for Watermead and Thurmaston Area of South Charnwood.

Mr Richard Bennett introduced himself and explained about his role as a Head of Planning Policy responsible for the LDF.

Mr Bennett explained the consultation process which includes consideration to the regeneration of Thurmaston Waterfront areas including Watermead Park recognised as a hidden gem and an asset to Thurmaston, the city and Borough wide.

The consultation process invites views on four main topics:

• Ecological and Landscapes
• Heritage and Design
• Access and connectivity
• Regeneration Opportunities

Mr Bennett invited Councillors to submit ideas or visions for waterfront areas and Watermead Country Park.

Councillors submitted the following comments and ideas for consideration within the scheme:

• Access to the park from Thurmaston is hidden, non prominent entrance and signage is poor.
• Consideration could be given to creating an additional entrance via land at the side of Leicester Office Furniture Shop on Melton Road. The owner of the land in question would have expressed an interest in disposing of the land in question.
• Watermead Park should be promoted at the Shopping Centres, including directions. The shopping centre and ASDA store attract manyvisitors; several may be unaware of the existence of the Park.
• Car Park at the Mill Lane entrance is totally inadequate.
• The Park would benefit from a Visitors Centre which could be developed on the land behind Parkers garage.
• Existing boat yard could be developed – reference made to Pilling Lock Centre at Barrow upon Soar.
• Ideas for Raynsway Marina: including a Restaurant/Health Club/Gym.
• Outdoor pursuits Centre within the Park.
• Cycle Hire Centre within the Park.

Mr Bennett requested that the Council submits comments in writing as soon as possible in response tot he Consultation.

Resolved:Clerk to write to the Borough Council.

4.To receive Reports from the Police

There were no police present.

The Clerk reported that she had contacted DS Marshall and invited him to meet with Councillors to discuss the proposed closure of the incident concerning the attempted theft of railings from Thurmaston Cemetery. Evening meetings are not convenient for DS Marshall but he has agreed to meet next Thursday 20th January between 8am & 4pm, time to be confirmed. If any Councillors are able to attend please contact the Clerk.

5.Checkland Road Estate – Councillor D J Hill

Councillor Hill expressed concern about the problems with anti-social behaviour continually encountered by residents of the Spirita Homes estate and other problems relating to the area.

• Parking problems: there is insufficient provision for parking within the development and consequently carsand commercial vehicles are parking along Sandiacare Drive down to Hillcroft Close.
• Litter and dog faeces.
• No Pets Policy, but dogs have been seen in the flats.
• Anti-social behaviour.

Councillors agreed with Councillor Hill's observations and are in support of the residents’ concerns and problems with the area.

It was proposed and seconded that the Clerk writes to Spirita Homes explaining concerns and in support of the resident’s issues. Request a meeting with Spirita Homes and also request confirmation of the owner’s details.

Resolved: the motion was carried. Anyone wishing to be involved in the meeting to contact the Clerk.

6.Thurmaston Boxing Club - Proposed Hire of ASDA Pavillion – Cllr B J Seaton

Councillor Mrs Seaton explained that the Boxing club have been raising funding to extend Elizabeth Park Sports Centre to provide accommodation for the club; however quotes to date have been excessive.

The Boxing Club had enquired about the availability of ASDA pavilion as a base for the Club. The Boxing Club bookings would co-ordinate with Football Club and the pavilion would be required 3 nights per week initially, potentially increasing to 5 nights per week. Fixtures and fitting for the club equipment would be permanent fixtures, but the ring could be dismantled if the centre was required for a function.

Councillor Seaton introduced Mr Mark Stewart Whiteman – Head Coach and two children members of the club. Mr Whiteman gave an overview of the club and explained some of theirachievements to date. Mr Whiteman explained that the Club started in 2009 has 30 members; sessions have increased to accommodate increased numbers. The Club have attended 3 shows and achieved three wins.

Mr Whiteman explained that he Club needs a permanent base and would like to introduce Boxerciseclasses for women in addition to the regular training sessions.

Councillor’s comments included:

• Excellent opportunity to provide another sport additional to football which does not require the use of the pitch
• Club is affiliated to Amateur Boxing Association
• Boxing Club has £5K funding from the Forum.
• Club are supported by the Police.
• Council should remember that the pavilion is for multi-sportand concerned those permanent fixtures and fittings would affect exclusive use as a boxing academy.

It was proposed and seconded that the Council supports the Boxing Club and the pavilion is offered for hire @ £20 per session and a hire contract drawn up accordingly.

Resolved: the motion was carried.

7.To Confirm and sign the Minutes of the last Meeting of the Full Parish Council Tuesday 14th December2010, pages 196 - 208

It was proposed and seconded that the minutes and resolutions therein be adopted as a true and correct record.

Resolved: that the minutes and resolutions therein be adopted.

6.To confirm and sign the minutes of the following Committee Meetings:

Pages209 - 215 Minutes of the Leisure Centre’s Committee 04.01.11

It was proposed and seconded that the minutes and resolutions therein be adopted as a true and correct record.

Resolved: that the minutes and resolutions therein be adopted.

9.Public Participation – Maximum of 15 Minutes (Meeting adjourned)

Resident, Margaret Close:

Reported that her husband has designed a decorative Arch customised to various aspects of Watermead Park, which could be included as an entrance feature.

Councillor Lowe suggested that this could be project for Thurmaston Action Group.

Resident, Barkby Thorpe Lane:

Reported a street lamp which out on the Undercroft, Checkland Road Estate

Enquired as to whether ASDA pavilion will be available for party hire.

Councillor Lowe replied that the pavilion is not available for party hire at present but reminded the resident that the Council has two alternative venues available for party hire.

10.Questions from Councillors (submitted in accordance with Standing Orders Number 24), a member may ask the Chairman of the Council or the Clerk any question concerning the business of the Council, provided 7 clear days notice of the question has been given to the person to whom it is addressed

None

11.Correspondence

Ruth Peake – Youth Development Worker

Letter re: Photography Project

I am thinking of doing a short project with the detached team in Thurmaston promoting positive images of community members around the area. This will include working with a professional photographer to capture images of residents in local places and hopefully display them in public places. The idea of the project is to promote community cohesion.

Please could you ask the Parish Council if they are happy to participate in this project and are happy for big pictures to be displayed around the village?

Resolved: Councillors agreed to the request.

Area Forum

South Charnwood Area Forum Meeting to be held on Monday 31st January 2011 at 7.00pm, at Barkby Village Hall, 19 Beeby Road, BarkbyLE7 3QB. Agendas and papers will be circulated nearer the time.

Charnwood Borough Council

Designated Public Places Order

On 8th November 2010, Charnwood Borough Council agreed to a proposal by the police for the Council to make a Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) under section 13 of the criminal Justice and Police Act 2001. The DPPO had previously been discussed at both the All Crime Delivery Group and Charnwood Community Safety Partnership (CPS) level, whose members include the Leicestershire Constabulary and Borough Council.

The Order if approved, will become effective from 1st April 2011 and creates a zone in which the police have powers to confiscate alcohol from people drinking in a public area where:

(a)nuisance or annoyance to members of the public or a section of the public is caused or

(b)disorder has been associated with the consumption of intoxicating liquor in that place

If approved, this Order will not make it an offence to drink alcohol in a designated public place for a law abiding citizens. However failure to comply with an officer’s request in respect of public drinking or surrender of alcohol, without reasonable excuse, would be an arrest able offence.

The Council is required to consult with the public, communities, businesses and licences premises that are encompassed by the roads, streets, highways and public places within the designated area. You are hereby invited to comment on the proposal.

Please ensure that all responses are sent in writing to head of Communities and Partnerships no later than 28th January 2011.

Resolved: Council to write in full support of the scheme.

Charnwood Borough Council

Summary of Draft Budgets – For information

Mr I White

A letter of thanks has been received from Mr Ian White thanking the Chairman, Councillors and Staff for the enjoyable 18 years he worked for the Council.

Charles Street Buildings:

Letter – reply re potential sponsorship of ASDA Sports Site

Thank you for your letter. We have sponsored Thurmaston Town Football clubs for the past 10 years and various local charities to a small extent.

High profile and publicity are not opportunities that we seek and therefore this is not a proposal that we wish to take forward. Hopefully you will find someone and despite the difficult times, I wish you well with this venture.

Raynsway Properties:

Letter – reply re potential sponsorship of ASDA Sports Site

Thank you for your letter. Could we please set up a meeting with those close to this project so we can get an idea of what is involved and how best this may be taken forward?

Resolved:to be invited to the next meeting of the Leisure Centres Committee.

Mrs P Pratt

Letter re: Auster Hamlet industrial estate – Unauthorised activities

I would like to request that the Parish Council writes to planning department and requests an investigation into the following

• Lorries Parking
• Car Sales Business – there is now approx 50 cars parked on the site and 4 flags have been erected advertising cars for sale.

I have telephoned Charnwood Planning Department and they have confirmed that there is no planning permission in place for these activities.

Resolved:Councillor Harley reported that he had reported this matter to Planning Enforcement and they have agreed to investigate issues raised. Councillor Harley has visited Mrs Pratt and updated her with progress.

12.To receive Reports from the Clerk and Councillors

Councillor D J Hill:

Reported had attended a ‘Post construction meeting re ASDA football pitch, at Charnwood Borough Council with the Project Managers and Contractors responsible for the construction of the new pitch, and expressed satisfaction with the work on behalf of the Parish Council.

Councillor Dent:

Reported graffiti on Humberstone Lane Bridge and Red hill Lane.

Councillor S R Brown

Reported that he had received a telephone call from Geary Developments re development plans and had advised them to contact the Clerk.

Councillor P S Harley:

Reported that Councillor D W Houseman, County Councillor for Syston and Wreake (and former member of Thurmaston Parish Council for many years), is to receive an M.B.E for his work and contributions to the community. Councillor Harley suggested that the Council writes to Councillor Houseman with congratulations. This was agreed.

Councillor M D Lowe:

Reminded Councillors that this is Alixe’s last meeting, thanked her for her hard work and commitment over the last seven years and wished her every success in her new role as Clerk to Countesthorpe Parish Council.

13.To receive Reports from Borough Councillors and the CountyCouncillor

Councillor Harley reported as follows:

• Reported on the proposed footpath improvement works scheduled for Redhill Lane following his receipt of the Councils letter of complaint about the condition of the footpath.

The Chairmanthanked all those present for attending, and closed the meeting.

Confirmed and signed this day of 2010

Chairman

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE MEMORIAL HALL AND CEMETERY COMMITTEE TO HELD ON TUESDAY 18TH JANUARY AT 7pm IN THE MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARY

Present:Councillors:K Dent (Chairman)

M D LoweD J Hill

Mrs S CoombeS Coombe

Mrs A SmithN Bedder

C DaviesD de-Carteret-Pochin

Also Present:The Clerk & The Deputy Clerk

Ms C Elliot – Leicester College

1 member of the public

1.TO RECEIVE AND ACCEPT APOLOGIES:

None.

2.TO RECEIVE DECLARATION OF INTEREST PERSONNEL AND PREJUDICIAL:

Cllr K Dent - expressed an interest in Thurmaston Heritage Group.

3.POLICE OFFICE PROVISION – OFFICE CLEARANCE

At the Council agreed to a request from the Police for exclusive use of the Office as a permanent base for the Beat Team. Increased security provision will need to be installed and this will be funded by the Police.

Items belonging to the Council or other groups will need to be cleared from the room and the central heating controls will need to be relocated to enable access to the controls when the office is closed. Access to the office will be available only when Police are using it.

It was proposed and seconded that the Clerk obtains a quote from Karl Morton for relocating the heating controls either in the electric cupboard, or in the foyer with a guard.

Resolved: the motion was carried

Items which require moving will need to be identified and arrangements made for their removal.

The resident Playgroup has been consulted re accommodation of the Police.

The estimated date for the handover of the Office is end of March.

4.HERITAGE GROUP – ALTERNATIVE ACCOMODATION – LIBRARY?

The Clerk reminded Councillors that the Heritage Group has free use of the office for their regular meetings and that alternative provision will need to be considered. The Clerk suggested that the Group are offered free use of the Library as an alternative to the Office.

Resolved: It was agreed that the Council should offer the Heritage Group free use of the Library as an alternative to the office, but the Library is not available on Monday afternoons.

5.STORAGE PROVISION – HERITAGE GROUP AND CADETS

Both the Cadet Group and the Heritage Group have requested storage provision. The Clerk reminded Councillors that it was agreed that two cabinets 1 x tall cabinet and 1 x half size cabinet, and a notice board and kitchen storage for tuck shop could be accommodated for the cadets. The Heritage Group also have items which they need to relocate for storage.