BELPER TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 4th MARCH 2003
PRESENT: Councillor Ron Buzzard (Town Mayor) - in the Chair
Councillors: Tim Benson, Alan Broughton, Alan Cox, Ron Day, Peter Leahy, John Nelson, Joyce Sanders, Randall Sanders and Richard Watson
- APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Robert Hallsworth and Ben Miller.
It was reported that Councillor Hallsworth was seriously ill and awaiting a major heart operation. A letter wishing him well would be sent from the Council.
- CHANGE IN ORDER OF BUSINESS
In addition to the supplementary items circulated subsequent to the despatch of the Agenda, Councillor Benson said he wished to raise an item about a research project under the In Camera section of the Agenda.
- DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillors Joyce and Randall Sanders declared an interest in the In Camera item on the appointment of the General Assistant.
- POLICE REPORT
Inspector Arnie Hicklin was accompanied by PC Becky Stones, one of the three new members of the Belper Town Centre Beat Team. He said he would introduce the other two members PCs Neil Sanders and Sean Lambert to future meetings. He outlined their operational arrangements and also referred to the additional money being made available in the next financial year for the enhancement of the Beat Team in Kilburn which would have a beneficial effect on Police resources available to Belper. He also referred to the letter from Superintendent Hay about the A Division Rural Beat Team which, too, was an additional resource.
He then went on to interpret the crime figures contained in his report for the period up to 31st January. This, inter alia, showed a reducing trend in the increase in house burglary. He added that a successful conviction had been obtained against one of the town's leading drug dealers and another was under arrest awaiting charges.
It was remarked that since the closure of Bugsy's several weeks ago there had been much less trouble on Friday and Saturday evenings in the town centre.
Various members expressed their concern at the problems being experienced on Over Lane with the delivery of vehicles to Latham's when up to four or five car transporters could be parked in the road at any one time. Inspector Hicklin said that a site meeting was to be held shortly to see whether some of the problems being experienced could be alleviated.
- PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mr Peter Shepherd addressed the Council on the state of the Portway and Jackson's Lane because of their use by 4WD vehicles. He circulated photographs showing the state of the roadway and sought the Council's support in stopping these vehicles and motorbikes from using these Roads Used as Public Paths. He had been advised that if they were reclassified as bridleways then motorised vehicles, other than those requiring access, could be banned.
Mr and Mrs Clark of Longwalls Lane were also in attendance. Mrs Clark showed photographs of the lane as it was in the 1980's and as it was now. This road was a Non Classified Highway. They had been advised that it too needed a Traffic Order or a reclassification so as to prevent misuse by motorised vehicles.
It was considered that if steps were taken to prevent the misuse of these particular roadways then the problem would only be moved elsewhere. Accordingly, the County Council would be approached to see whether an order could be applied to all roads of this type throughout the county. It was considered that areas could be set aside for the recreational use of 4WD vehicles and motorbikes without affecting the local community. A letter would also be sent to the Borough Council seeking their support in this matter.
- FLEET ARTS
Sarah Laman outlined the work that had been undertaken by Fleet Arts in the current year and their proposed programme for the forthcoming year. Members were complimentary on the beneficial effect Fleet Arts was having within the town. Their presence was a valuable asset in developing the case for the Cultural Centre. The requested grant of £7,000, which had been provided for in the budget, was approved.
- IN CAMERA
In addition to the items on the appointment of the General Assistant and the tenders for external works at St John's, it was agreed to take Councillor Benson's item under this head.
- MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD 21st JANUARY 2003
The minutes of the Council meeting held on 21st January 2003 were received and approved.
- MATTERS ARISING FROM THE ABOVE MINUTES
176-156-127 - Safeway Traffic Island
Efforts were still being made to raise the level of lighting so that the sculpture made a greater impact in the dark.
177 - Compost Scheme
Councillor Alan Cox referred to the trial scheme being launched by the Borough Council in the early summer where some householders would be issued with compost bins. This was a different approach to that advocated by Recreation and Development Committee where the onus was on individuals bringing their compostable materials to a central point.
184 - Lighting of Monuments
Councillor John Nelson referred to the warm glow of the illumination of the Spencer Monument comparing it favourably with the harsh white light of the "Fountain" in the Market Place. It was explained that the lamp at the Spencer monument had a copper reflector. The feasibility of making the lighting in the Market Place similar would be explored.
189 - Grit Bins and Gritting
It was explained that the original advice from Zurich Municipal, the Council's insurers, had been superseded as the result of a recent case (Goodess v East Sussex County Council) where it was ruled by the House of Lords that local authorities have no duty to clear snow and ice from public areas and consequently cannot be held liable in the event of an accident. Bearing this in mind, Councillor Alan Cox suggested that this Council should include other areas, especially King Street for gritting.
As the responsibility for gritting of highways lay primarily with the County Council, it was considered that a meeting involving all three tiers of local government should be called to determine who should do what.
- MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Mayor said he hoped all members would attend his Civic Service on Sunday, 16th March at St Peter's Church at 10.30 am.
- PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Councillor Joyce Sanders said that there was nothing contentious to report on the schedules circulated with the Agenda and the one circulated at the meeting other than the development of the Fuchs site. Detailed plans had only been received hours before the meeting. It was considered that the proposals from Bimoto Developments Ltd were more in accordance with the Deposit Plan. The development included a family restaurant/public house, a hotel and ninety four units of housing. The Council would raise, with the Planning Authority, the question of how it was proposed to deal with the contaminated land, whether any of the housing units had been designed specifically for the disabled, whether there was sufficient car parking for the hotel and restaurant/public house and whether the proposed footpath through the site could lead from an access opposite Campbell Street rather than the present entrance at the bottom of New Road. Though the site had generated traffic in the past it was likely that the proposed development would generate even more traffic. Consequently it may be appropriate to undertake a Traffic Impact Study.
- JUSTICE'S AND ENTERTAINMENTS LICENCES
No comments were made on the various applications set out in the schedules that were under consideration.
- PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS
The Town Clerk said that various minor points had been raised by Councillors Alan Cox and John Nelson on the schedule of payments and he would be writing to them shortly. Other than that the schedule of payments and receipts from 2nd January 2003 to the 10th February 2003 was received and approved. The schedule is attached to these minutes and shows expenditure of £19,258.99 and income of £4,524.73 for the period.
- PARKS MULTI-PURPOSE PLAY AREA
The quotes for the work at the Multi-Purpose Play Area totalled almost £3,700, where it had been anticipated that this could have been achieved for some £1,500.
The Town Clerk would contact Mr Barrie Whittaker to see whether some of the work could be carried out by the Council's own work force and whether other quotes could be obtained. It was agreed that a contribution of up to £1,500 could be made to ensure the Play Area was brought back into beneficial use within the next two months.
- MAURICE COWARD AWARD
The request from Belper and District Neighbourhood Watch Support Group for £50 to finance the Maurice Coward Award for the most deserving Neighbourhood Watch Group in the Support Group's area, was agreed.
The Town Clerk would write to the two leaders setting out the recipients of the Maurice Heely and Town Service Awards for the last five years in order that a decision could be reached on the Awards to be made at the Council's AGM in May.
- BELPER LEISURE CENTRE
The Mayor reported that more asbestos had been found whilst carrying out the refurbishing works, but he was hopeful of the new fitness suite being opened in the very near future. He would ensure that all Councillors received an invitation to the official opening.
The Mayor also reported that the Borough Council had agreed to grant the Trust an additional £30,000 in the current financial year. This sum had been in the original budget for 2002/3, and, inflation proofed, would be included in the budget for 2003/4. On behalf of the Trust he thanked Councillor John Nelson for his efforts in resolving the situation .
- OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE
The Town Clerk's report's recommendations were agreed. Councillor Joyce Sanders referred to the meeting that she had had with the County Council's Area Surveyor on the provision of sites, not only at Milford Triangle and the Talbot which were referred to in the report, but also at the Safeway Island and the Market Place. On the traffic island, she was attempting to have the chevrons reduced in height, although for technical reasons this may not be possible. However, in the Market Place, agreement had been reached to amend the signing of the car park so as to remove the confusion over car parking here and in the Coppice.
- FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000
The press release which summarised the Council's approach to the Publication Scheme was noted.
- BROADHOLME LANE - PROPOSED STREET LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS
It was agreed to proceed with the scheme as designed by the County Council subject to half the funding being provided by the Borough Council under the blackspot lighting scheme. It was pointed out that there was only provision for £2,000 to be spent on lighting schemes in the next year. Because of the time delay in implementing lighting schemes, it was thought that the bill may not be payable until 2004/5 when new funds would be available.
The Bessalone Drive scheme which had been agreed by Council at its meeting in September had still not been carried out. This had been raised with the County Council on several occasions in recent weeks.
- DERWENT VALLEY MILLS INTEGRATED TRANSPORT STUDY
The contents of the County Council's letter together with the enclosures were noted.
- PUBLIC FOOTPATH NO. 50
The third extension of the Temporary Closure Order for the footpath at the rear of Deepdale Road was noted. It had now been extended to 1st August 2003.
- LICENSING BILL
The letter and Written Ministerial Statement were noted. It was hoped its contents would reassure events organisers and venues.
- CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
The schedule of correspondence received was noted. Item 7 referred to the Drop Inn Centre. A number of members had attended the opening evening and spoke highly of the new facilities in Derwent Street. Concern was expressed at the high cost of renting but much of this could be recouped from sub-letting the facilities.
- DERBY AND DERBYSHIRE JOINT ACCESS FORUM
The proposals set out in the letter from the County's Director of Environmental Services for one Forum embracing Derby and Derbyshire outwith the National Park were agreed.
- WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE ACT 1981
The contents of the letter from the County's Director of Corporate Resources together with the four ancillary documents dealing with claims under the Act were noted.
- BELPER CULTURAL CENTRE
Councillor Joyce Sanders explained that to obtain the proposed grant of £30,000 from EMDA, matched funding had to be obtained. Derbyshire County Council and Amber Valley Borough Council had agreed to pay £15,000 and £10,000 respectively leaving the Town Council to fund the balance of £5,000. However, the full £60,000 may not be required to undertake the feasibility study. The concept of the Cultural Centre was imaginative and exciting and would be a great asset to the town. All members were in favour of subscribing to the feasibility study.