BELPER TOWN COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 5th SEPTEMBER 2006

PRESENT: Councillor Mick Nelson (Town Mayor) - in the Chair
Councillors: Councillor Jim Anderson, Peter Arnold, Joseph Booth, Melvyne Cluskey, Alan Cox, Jackie Cox, Les Dorey, Colin England, Peter Makin, John Nelson, Mark Robertson and Martin Tomlinson
In Attendance: Mrs Elaine Hibbert (Clerk), Mrs L Kennedy (RFO), Sgt Mike Nichols, Ms Debbie Lockett (Belper News) and Mr Terry Porter
Councillors Jim Anderson, Peter Arnold, Alan Cox, Les Dorey and John Nelson arrived late due to having to attend other meetings.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mr Terry Porter, the only member of the public present, addressed the Council to offer his services as The Town Crier. Members thanked Mr Porter for attending the meeting and for his offer. This item would be discussed later on the Agenda.

POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Mike Nicholls attended in the absence of Police Inspector Pete Szabo. Various issues were raised amongst which were: the recent problems at Belper School and the River Gardens, vandalism to vehicles on Green Lane and motorbikes in the Parks. Efforts continued to identify the culprits.
Confirmation was given that arrangements were in hand for Remembrance Day, the visit to the Police HQ and consideration of further provision of CCTV. Sgt Nicholls advised that a new PCSO would be commencing in the area in mid October with two additional appointments being made in April 2007. The PCSOs would have the power of detention if required.
Comment was made that the new Traffic Warden should be thanked for making such an impact in the town.

  1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
    Apologies for absence were received and accepted from Councillors: Debbie Biss (holiday) and Mick Potter (work commitment).
  2. CHANGE IN ORDER OF BUSINESS
    RESOLVED to include the following additional papers:
    Agenda Item 8b - Planning Schedule 5 September
    Agenda Item 27 - Request to hold a Farmers' Market
  3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
    Councillors made declarations of Interest as follows.
    Prejudicial: All would leave the room during discussions.
    Cllrs: Alan Cox, Jackie Cox, Peter Arnold and John Nelson - Agenda Items 14b, c and d
    Martin Tomlinson - Agenda Items 8c, 13 and 25
    Mick Nelson - Agenda Item 8a
  4. TO DETERMINE WHETHER ANY ITEMS SHOULD BE TAKEN WITH THE PUBLIC EXCLUDED
    In accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, in view of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, it is advisable in the public interest that the public and press be excluded from the meeting during discussion of Agenda Item 7a and they be instructed to withdraw.
  5. MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON 11 JULY 2006
    604 - A grant of £150 had been paid to Friends of Belper Parks.
    613 - Because Bridge Street has a Premises Licence it is not possible to apply for a Consumption of Alcohol Designation Order.
    622 - Thanks to go to the Derbyshire Archery Club for a very enjoyable meeting.
    RESOLVED to approve Minutes 595-627 of the Meeting of the Town Council held on 11 July 2006.
  6. MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HELD 28 JULY 2006
    RESOLVED to note the Minutes of a Meeting of the Finance Committee held 28 July 2006 and to approve the recommendations contained therein.
  7. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
    Councillor Mick Nelson reported on the various events attended in the month and asked Members to note the following forthcoming events: Friends of St Faiths - 10 September, River Gardens Centenary - 10 September, Floral Sponsors Buffet - 6 September, Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade - 12 November, 3 minutes silence observed around the Memorial - 11 November.
    A card of thanks had been received from Ms Rita Beard in respect of her retirement gift.
  8. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
    The planning applications listed on the schedules dated 25 July, 3 August, 11 August, 18 August and 5 September 2006 were considered. RESOLVED that objections should be submitted to Amber Valley Borough Council's Planning Board as follows:
    AVA/2006/0855 - The Red Tulip
    Objection to be raised because of environmental health concerns re additional noise and pollution arising from the proposal to extend opening hours.
    AVA/2006/0953 - Construction of 2 dwellings - 148 Crich Lane
    Objection to be raised because the site is very restricted for two dwellings and the proposed design is inappropriate for the area.
  9. FINANCE
    1. It was RESOLVED to note and agree the income and expenditure for the period 1 July to 24 August 2006 as sheets attached showing net expenditure of £55,770.68 and net income of £10,406.47.
    2. It was RESOLVED to approve the rental of a franking machine as detailed in the Clerk's report at a cost of £5.76 per week.
  10. NOTICE OF ELECTION Following the resignation of Russell Horsley, an election has been called for 5 October 2006.
  11. REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES
    Councillor Jackie Cox circulated a leaflet on the Cottage Project.
    Councillor Jim Anderson reported that Fleet Arts continued to thrive despite the loss of funding earlier in the year.
    It was RESOLVED that Councillor Mick Nelson would attend the next few meetings of the Derwent Valley Mills Tourism, Arts and Heritage Site Panel.
  12. DALC CIRCULARS
    RESOLVED to note Circulars 24 to 33.
  13. BELPER MARKET PLACE - PREMISES LICENCE
    It had come to light at a meeting of the Licensing Board that it was not possible to hold a Premises Licence for an "Area Designated for the Consumption of Alcohol". Because of this, the Police had made objections to the Premises Licence application for the Market Place. After discussion, the Licence was granted on the condition that a Designated Premises Supervisor be appointed for 365 days of the year. However, it had not proved possible to appoint a DPS on those terms.
    It was RESOLVED that the Licensing Officer from AVBC and the Police be invited to discuss the matter with Members before the next meeting of the Council.
  14. BELPER AND MILFORD TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE INITIATIVE
    The delay in commencing work on the Butts Phase II was noted.
    Before making comment on the THI report, Members needed to consider the findings of the independent report on all the trees that had been commissioned. RESOLVED to note the THI report concerning the trees in the Memorial Gardens.
    RESOLVED to note the report on the footpaths and verges and boundary walls. It was however understood that the residents of Sunnybrow in fact owned the boundary wall between Sunnybrow and the Butts.
    It was RESOLVED that the Black Swan and Threshers be requested to move their wheelie bins from the Market Place at the earliest opportunity. RESOLVED to note the THI report on the bins on the Market Place.
    The question of the proposed outdoor seating area at the Black Swan could not be considered until the issue of the Premises Licence on the Market Place had been resolved. RESOLVED to note the THI report on the Black Swan outdoor seating area.
  15. STREET LIGHTING - A609
    RESOLVED to agree the proposals for this long awaited improvement to street lighting on the A609 at Belper.
  16. PLAY AREA EDENSOR DRIVE/WEAVERS CLOSE
    RESOLVED to agree to the provision of a dog bin in the Play Area at Edensor Drive/Weavers Close and to investigate the costs of a suitable lighting scheme.
  17. PROPOSALS FOR THE ADOPTION OF BELPER RAILWAY STATION
    After discussion of responsibilities and the health and safety implications, it was RESOLVED that the Town Council should take no part in this adoption scheme.
  18. ENVIRONMENT AGENCY'S LOCAL FLOOD WARNING SCHEME
    RESOLVED to note the letter and advertise for a volunteer Flood Warden in the next Newsletter.
  19. PROVISION OF BUS SHELTERS
    RESOLVED to agree in principle to the purchase of two bus shelters, one for Whitemoor Lane and the other for Pinchom's Hill. Confirmation of a 50% contribution from Derbyshire County Council towards the cost of basic shelters with lighting (if appropriate) should be obtained.
    The Clerk would also write to Trent Barton requesting assistance with the cost of providing these shelters.
  20. BELPER AND MILFORD CONSERVATION AREA CHARACTER APPRAISAL
    RESOLVED to note the proposals for consultation with residents and the Clerk's response that Members of the Town Council would wish to be involved in any discussions.
  21. PROCTOR'S (NOTTM) FUN FAIRS
    RESOLVED to agree the Annual Fair to take place on the Coppice Car Park on 2nd, 3rd and 4th November 2006. Vehicles would be moving onto the car park from Sunday 29 October and would leave on 5 November.
  22. EAST MIDLANDS IN BLOOM
    RESOLVED to note that the Council had been invited to the Awards Ceremony of the East Midlands in Bloom Competition at De Montfort Hall in Leicester on 13 September 2006.
  23. SHOPMOBILITY SCHEME
    RESOLVED to note with regret the suspension of the Shopmobility Scheme in Belper.
  24. AVBC DOG SERVICE
    RESOLVED to ask schools to participate in the campaign to promote the Council's Dog Service.
  25. LARKS IN THE PARK 2007
    Councillor Dorey advised that the series had now come to an end. However, the last performance had to be terminated early because the artistes had great difficulty in attempting to comply with complaints from neighbours regarding noise levels. The Group has however offered to give a free performance (Herbert Strutt Charity) in the future if a suitable venue could be found. The Clerk was asked to enquire with Belper Leisure Centre regarding the availability of the Council's free allocation.
    A vote of thanks was given to Councillor Les Dorey for all his hard work and dedication in organising this year's Larks in the Park. Thanks were also extended to Councillor England for the time and effort spent on stewarding the events.
    RESOLVED to ask the Friends of Belper River Gardens to organise the next series of Larks in the Park for which the Council would make available to them the budgeted amount of £3000.
  26. WHITEMOOR LANE - ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENT
    RESOLVED to note Councillor Dorey's correspondence with the County Council stating his concerns that the Town Council's proposals for this scheme had been rejected and that proper consultation with residents had not been carried out.
  27. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
    RESOLVED to note the items for information on the attached schedule. No objections were raised regarding the proposals for a Farmers' Market at The Railway, Cowers Lane.
  28. APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY GENERAL ASSISTANT
    RESOLVED to agree the extension of Mr Paul Hicking's temporary contract for a further twelve-month period.
  29. REVIEW OF BELPER LEISURE CENTRE TRUST
    RESOLVED to agree the proposed terms of reference in connection with a review of Belper Leisure Centre Trust.