BELPER TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 8TH FEBRUARY 2005
PRESENT: Councillor Peter Arnold (Town Mayor) - in the Chair
Councillors: Jim Anderson, Alan Cox, Colin England, Mel Cluskey, Les Dorey, Anna Hingston, Peter Makin, John Nelson, Mick Nelson and Martin Tomlinson
In Attendance: PC Sean Lambert, Mrs Elaine Hibbert (Clerk)
- PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There were no members of the public present.
- POLICE MATTERS
PC Sean Lambert advised that the Beat Team had moved back to Field Lane Police Station. Further to Council's request to the Chief Constable regarding the proposed transfer of responsibility for traffic wardens to local authorities, he advised that the County Council were currently carrying out a feasibility study on this issue but confirmed that the Police were meanwhile carrying out the duties. Members were unhappy at this situation and considered that the proposals would be an unacceptable burden on local authorities.
It was noted that some foot patrols were now in place in the estates areas and Members welcomed the new anti-social behaviour legislation which gives the police increased powers to deal with offenders.
Some concern was expressed at the anticipated parking problems which would arise with the increase in classrooms at St John's School.
- APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Jackie Cox (illness) and Russell Horsley (work commitments).
- CHANGE IN ORDER OF BUSINESS
A further planning schedule dated 8 February 2005 would be considered under Item 9i) (Planning).
- DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Item 17 (Belper Leisure Centre Trust) - Personal interests were declared by Councillors Jim Anderson and Mel Cluskey as BTC's representatives and Councillor John Nelson and Peter Makin as AVBC representatives;
Item 15 (Belper Community Hall Committee) - Prejudicial interests were declared by Councillor Hingston - as BTC's representative and Councillor Alan Cox in respect of his wife's involvement on the Committee and both would leave the room during discussions;
Item 10 (Justices and Entertainments Licences) - Personal interest declared by Councillor Martin Tomlinson - as Chairman of AVBC Licensing Board
- TO DETERMINE IF ANY ITEMS OTHER THAN ITEM 20 SHOULD BE TAKEN IN CAMERA
There were no items other than Item 20 which merited being taken In Camera.
- TO RECEIVE AND APPROVE MINUTES 165-188 OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 18 JANUARY 2005
165 - Closure of St John's Hall
It was noted that the Scouts and Dandelion Clock Playgroup had found alternative premises.
178 - External Audit
No further response had been received from the Auditor re risk assessments.
It was RESOLVED to receive and adopt Minutes 165-188 of the Council Meeting held on 18 January 2005.
- MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Poetry Trail
The Mayor gave brief details of the functions he had including the unveiling of the first Poetry Trail sign at the Railway Station. He had also received a request for a plaque to be sited in the grounds of St John's Chapel but the requirements of planning and conservation issues would have to be investigated.
- Greenwatch Award
A request for a Greenwatch Award nomination had unfortunately been received too late to be included on the Agenda and as the closing date was end February, the Mayor asked Members to forward any nominations to the Town Clerk.
- Closure of St Faith's Church
The Mayor asked Members to note the request of St Faith's Church to support their objection to the proposed closure.
- PLANNING APPLICATIONS
- AVA/ 2004/1508
Further information had been forward by the applicant to AVBC in support of this application. No objections were raised by Members.
- AVA/2005/0055
Comment would be made to AVBC that whilst the Town Council had no objection to this application, a time limit for completion should be specified.
It was Resolved to note the applications listed on the Schedules dated 19 January 2005, 1 February 2005 and 8 February 2005.
- JUSTICES AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENCES
It was RESOLVED to note the applications listed on the schedules dated 19 January 2005, 1 February 2005 and 8 February 2005.
- FINANCE
It was RESOLVED to agree the schedule of payments and receipts attached to these minutes for the period 1 to 20 January 2005 showing expenditure of £13,914.96 and income of £3.96.
- FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000
- AMBER VALLEY VICTIM SUPPORT
It was Resolved that the Town Council would nominate a Representative onto the Local Management Committee for "A" Division when a committee had been formed.
- PUFFIN CROSSINGS
It was Resolved that no objections would be raised to the proposal for the bus stops and puffin crossings at Derby Road/New Road.
- BELPER COMMUNITY HALL
Following the request to reduce the amount of the loan outstanding to the Council, it was Resolved that further information should be sought from the Community Hall Committee as to what proposals they had to use the funds which would become available should their request be granted.
- BELPER CELEBRATION
It was Resolved to agree to underwrite up to £1000 the costs of this year's Carnival.
- USE OF SEAL
It was Resolved to agree the use of the Council's seal on the Belper Leisure Centre Trust Deed of Variation of Declaration of Trust dated 31 March 1998.
- BUS SHELTER
It was Resolved to agree the proposed resiting of the bus shelter on Derby Road, Milford to a position slightly behind the existing site.
- ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
It was Resolved to note the items for information on the attached schedule.