BELPER TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 7th DECEMBER 2004
PRESENT: Councillor Peter Arnold (Town Mayor) - in the Chair
Councillors: Colin England, Jim Anderson, Deborah Biss, Alan Cox, Jackie Cox, Mel Cluskey, Les Dorey, Peter Makin, John Nelson, Mick Nelson .
In Attendance: Mrs Elaine Hibbert (Clerk).
- PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There were no members of the public present. However, it was agreed that Mr McKean be allowed to speak on item 15 later on the Agenda.
- POLICE MATTERS
It was noted that Inspector Paul Allen would be replacing Inspector Arnie Hicklin in the New Year. No member of the Police was unfortunately able to attend the meeting.
- APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Councillors Russell Horsley and Anna Hingston.
- CHANGE IN THE ORDER OF BUSINESS
Additional documents were circulated:
A letter from an evacuee, Mr Edward Harvey (item 9), Schedule of Planning Applications dated 7 December 2004 (item 10) and a letter from a resident of Loscoe in support of the CAB (item 17). It was agreed that item 15 (request to hold a fair) be taken before the Mayor's Announcements.
- DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillors Alan Cox, Jackie Cox and Peter Arnold declared a prejudicial interest in item 17 (Mid Derbyshire Citizens Advice Bureau) and would leave the room during discussion on that item.
- IN CAMERA
There were no items other than items 25-27 which warranted being taken in camera.
- TO RECEIVE AND APPROVE MINUTES 121-137 OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 2 NOVEMBER 2004
122 - Police Matters
The Clerk had written to the County Council requesting action to resolve the residents' parking on Albert Street but as yet had received no response. The police had also since asked the Town Council to put pressure on the County Council to take action to alleviate the problems being experienced.
127/111 - DCC Young Achiever's Award
Unfortunately, it had not been possible to forward the name of the nominee in time to meet the deadline. However, this name would be put forward next year.
It was Resolved to receive and adopt Minutes 127-137 of the Council Meeting held on 2 November 2004.
- TO RECEIVE AND NOTE MINUTES 69-74 OF THE CHRISTMAS COMMITTEE HELD 4 NOVEMBER 2004.
72 - Christmas Festival
The combined event of the Switching On of the Christmas Lights, the Christmas Festival and Late Night Shopping held on Friday 3 December 2004 had been a tremendous success. However, the Clerk commented that problems had been experienced because of insufficient stewards to man the barriers at the road closures (which had to be delayed) and only two staff to supervise the various activities that were taking place along the length of King Street, the Memorial Gardens and on the Market Place.
The Mayor said that thanks were due to all the people who had worked very hard in the organisation of the event and expected to see an improvement in stewardship at future events.
71 - Christmas Lights
Members were pleased to note that arrangements were in place for the tree at the Triangle to be illuminated later in the week.
73 - Christmas Eve Carol Service
The Mayor advised that he would now be attending the Service.
The Minutes of the Christmas Committee held 4 November 2004 were received and noted.
- REQUEST TO HOLD A FAIR ON THE COPPICE CAR PARK
After discussion with Mr Michael McKean, it was Resolved that Mr McKean be permitted to hold a fair on the Coppice Car Park between 27 December 2004 and 1 January 2005 and, should he wish, to also hold a fair between 16 and 19 February 2005.
- MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
A letter from Mr Edward Harvey concerning his days as an evacuee during wartime in Belper had been circulated to all Members and the Belper News for information.
The Mayor advised that the Town flag was being renewed and a new sample was circulated for consideration. It was agreed that the original design and background colour of the flag (pale turquoise) should not be changed as the design was actually the winning entry in a competition. The Belper News would be asked to make enquiries as to the designer of the flag so that this could be kept on record.
- PLANNING APPLICATIONS
- AVA/2004/1332 - 23 Strutt Street - Proposed Hot Food Takeaway
It was agreed that objections to this application be made on the grounds of anticipated increase in traffic, noise and pollution as well as litter problems. Comment was also made as to whether there is a demand for another fast food outlet in this area.
- AVA/2004/1345 - County Carpets & Flooring
A request for a site visit would be made to the Planning Department so that consideration can be given to the effect of this development on the privacy of adjoining property on Field Lane owned by Mr and Mrs Purdy. A suggestion had been made that the aspect of the development be reversed so that only non-habitable rooms overlook the Purdy's property.
- Members advised that complaints were continuing to be received about a chimney on Jackson's Lane. Environmental Health Department at Amber Valley Borough Council is currently monitoring the output and the Clerk would make enquiries as to whether the current situation is of a temporary or permanent nature.
It was Resolved to note the planning applications listed on the schedules dated 16 and 24 November and 7 December 2004.
- JUSTICES AND ENTERTAINMENTS LICENCES
It was Resolved to note the applications for Justices and Entertainment Licences detailed on the schedules dated 16 November and 7 December 2004.
- FINANCE
It was resolved to approve the schedule of payments and receipts covering the period 21 October 2004 to 26 November 2004. The schedule is attached to these minutes and shows expenditure of £23,096.85 and income of £7,878.80.
- NEWSLETTER
To comply with the requirements of the Quality Council scheme, a Newsletter had been published and circulated to each home in Belper. These had been delivered either by hand or through the Belper Express in time to give residents information about the Christmas celebrations.
Comments had been invited and two written replies with adverse comments had been received. The Clerk had replied to these comments. However, some positive verbal feedback had also been reported and requests by Clubs and Organisations wishing to be included in the next Newsletter were beginning to be received.
It was unanimously Resolved to continue to publish the Newsletter on a quarterly basis at an anticipated annual cost of £3,500.
- SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT
It was Resolved to note the final signed version of the Service Level Agreement with Amber Valley Borough Council concerning the rationalisation of services within the town.
- REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES/COMMITTEES
- There were no updates reported. The Clerk confirmed that the Council continued to receive minutes from several of the organisations and these were regularly reported under Items for Information.
- Beaurepaire Garden
Councillor Alan Cox advised that all the necessary work had been completed at the garden and that as agreed at a previous meeting, the Town Council would be responsible for the upkeep. A schedule of maintenance had been submitted to the Clerk.
The appropriate leases on the portions of land owned by Strutt Estates, Peter Davies and Anne Shaw were still not prepared but the matter was in hand and the Town Council's costs would be met out of the remaining funds.
It was proposed to set up a committee to oversee the Beaurepaire Garden and this would comprise, Mr Peter Davies, Mrs Anne Shaw and a representative of the Town Council. It was Resolved that the Town Council representative of the Beaurepaire Garden Committee should be Councillor Alan Cox.
- FUNDING - MID-DERBYSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
The letter from Mrs Robinson of Loscoe in support of the service provided by the CAB was noted.
It was Resolved to defer discussion on this matter until the January 2005 meeting when it was hoped that all Councillors eligible to take part in discussions would be present to consider the request for the Town Council to agree a programme of funding to the Bureau.
- LEISURE SERVICES WITHIN THE BOROUGH
The consultation document prepared by Amber Valley Borough Council in respect of the provision of leisure services within the Borough was noted.
- PARKS ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE
The expiry of the planning consent for the continuation of use of the building as a community centre was noted with regret. It was confirmed that Amber Valley Borough Council are responsible for the building and remaining contents insurance cover.
- PLOT OF REMEMBRANCE IN THE MEMORIAL GARDENS
The request from Mrs Osborne regarding the creation of a plot in the Memorial Gardens to commemorate those who have died in conflicts since the Second World War was considered. The Clerk would contact the British Legion for guidance in this matter.
- BELPER RIVER GARDENS BAND CONCERT DATES 2005
The following dates for Amber Valley Borough Council band concerts in the River Gardens were noted: 12 and 26 June, 10 and 24 July, 7 and 21 August and 4 September.
The Larks in the Parks events organised by the Town Council would be arranged around these dates and would be considered at the next Recreation and Development Committee meeting.
- REQUEST FOR BLACKSPOT LIGHTING - BROOKSIDE
A verbal request for blackspot lighting at the start of the public right of way just over the bridge in front of the cottages at Brookside would be investigated by the appropriate Ward Councillors.
- REPORT ON THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 3 DECEMBER 2004
This items was discussed earlier on the Agenda. The Clerk's comments about the lack of stewards was noted and would be discussed at the next Christmas Committee which would take place early in the New Year.
- ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Item 29 - Belper Leisure Centre
Councillor Alan Cox advised that the financial information requested from the Leisure Centre had only just been received and this would be included within a report for consideration at the next Council meeting.
The items of correspondence received and detailed on the schedule dated 7 December 2004 were noted.