January 2006
11/01/06 12:24
PARISH COUNCIL: 9 January 2006
The January 2006 meeting was attended by 11 councillors, the County Councillor and two Police Officers.
Confirmed that the grit heap at Falkenham Sink had been topped up. During the recent icy spell it was noticed that little use was made of the existing grit heaps; these are for local use and spreading it is not the responsibility of the local authority, for example. A request for Rectory Lane to be regularly gritted will be put to SCC, but it was considered unlikely that this will be granted. SCC will be asked to attend to the white lines at Church/Rectory Lanes junction. Final quotes had been received for cutting the Village Green hedge, and a contract was agreed. SCC had responded to the questions of heavy lorries through the village but did not consider significant damage was occurring, though the situation would be monitored. It was noted that severe rutting of the Green was occurring from the Fish & Chip van and the roadside edges in this region were suffering; SCC will be asked if kerbing could be provided to alleviate the latter problem.
The Council has been notified that height barriers at Waste Sites are to be modified to accommodate 4x4 vehicles.
Mr Last reported that he had made a good start, with the assistance of SCDC, in setting up procedures and facilities in the event of emergencies.
Mr B Barker was thanked for attending to the lighting on the Christmas Tree. It was agreed that a further set of lights should be purchased before next year, to increase coverage. The Council was grateful to Bernard for providing refreshments again at the lighting-up ceremony, to the school for supplying the carol sheets and the Salvation Army Band. The collection raised £58 which has been given to the Salvation Army and the Children’s Hospice.
The Council adopted resolutions in connection with the Discrimination Acts.
A satisfactory Audit Report had been received from the internal auditor but the External Auditor had not yet reported. It was agreed that a Precept of £12,500 be requested for 2006/7. A letter from the tree warden noted that trees in Back Road had been damaged during the recent ditch cleaning; the matter will be taken up with SCC and SCDC. Preservation Orders have been placed on oak trees at 58 Bucklesham Road.
The Parish Plan team has received their grant from DEFRA and planning continues. Questionnaires should be circulated in May with results in September. The Play Area has passed its annual inspection, snags pointed out refer more to changes in regulations than to any serious faults. CCTV for the pavilion is still being pursued.
Mrs Wardner (PTLO) reported on her investigations into safety concerns; buses have inspections at 6 weekly intervals, but there does appear to be a lack of proper training of drivers which accounts for wrong routes being taken. Some buses have been taken out of service on grounds of passenger safety. The 15.15 service from Ipswich, having picked up school children now has permission to turn at the Green and not to continue around Back Road. For information the M & R 17.15 service leaves from stand K at the Cattle Market.
Pc Hawkins introduced Pc Marcus Dale who is temporarily taking over responsibility for the 5 rural parishes. Crimes had occurred in the villages over Christmas, primarily from UNLOCKED cars, together with the theft of Christmas decorations.
Mrs O Brien (CC) reported on the County Council’s initiatives in setting up teams to work in the community, delivering services to children. She has begun visits to children’s homes and pupil referral units. New road signs are proposed at approaches to Foxhall Roundabout.
A confidential mediation service to help resolve neighbour disagreements has been set up.
An educational provision review is to come before the Cabinet and if approved a report can be expected in the autumn of 2006. Councillors discussed with her the plans to make up the £24m shortfall without increasing Council Tax beyond 5%.
The next meeting is on 13th February in the Pavilion at 7.30 p.m.
Colin Shaw, Clerk
The January 2006 meeting was attended by 11 councillors, the County Councillor and two Police Officers.
Confirmed that the grit heap at Falkenham Sink had been topped up. During the recent icy spell it was noticed that little use was made of the existing grit heaps; these are for local use and spreading it is not the responsibility of the local authority, for example. A request for Rectory Lane to be regularly gritted will be put to SCC, but it was considered unlikely that this will be granted. SCC will be asked to attend to the white lines at Church/Rectory Lanes junction. Final quotes had been received for cutting the Village Green hedge, and a contract was agreed. SCC had responded to the questions of heavy lorries through the village but did not consider significant damage was occurring, though the situation would be monitored. It was noted that severe rutting of the Green was occurring from the Fish & Chip van and the roadside edges in this region were suffering; SCC will be asked if kerbing could be provided to alleviate the latter problem.
The Council has been notified that height barriers at Waste Sites are to be modified to accommodate 4x4 vehicles.
Mr Last reported that he had made a good start, with the assistance of SCDC, in setting up procedures and facilities in the event of emergencies.
Mr B Barker was thanked for attending to the lighting on the Christmas Tree. It was agreed that a further set of lights should be purchased before next year, to increase coverage. The Council was grateful to Bernard for providing refreshments again at the lighting-up ceremony, to the school for supplying the carol sheets and the Salvation Army Band. The collection raised £58 which has been given to the Salvation Army and the Children’s Hospice.
The Council adopted resolutions in connection with the Discrimination Acts.
A satisfactory Audit Report had been received from the internal auditor but the External Auditor had not yet reported. It was agreed that a Precept of £12,500 be requested for 2006/7. A letter from the tree warden noted that trees in Back Road had been damaged during the recent ditch cleaning; the matter will be taken up with SCC and SCDC. Preservation Orders have been placed on oak trees at 58 Bucklesham Road.
The Parish Plan team has received their grant from DEFRA and planning continues. Questionnaires should be circulated in May with results in September. The Play Area has passed its annual inspection, snags pointed out refer more to changes in regulations than to any serious faults. CCTV for the pavilion is still being pursued.
Mrs Wardner (PTLO) reported on her investigations into safety concerns; buses have inspections at 6 weekly intervals, but there does appear to be a lack of proper training of drivers which accounts for wrong routes being taken. Some buses have been taken out of service on grounds of passenger safety. The 15.15 service from Ipswich, having picked up school children now has permission to turn at the Green and not to continue around Back Road. For information the M & R 17.15 service leaves from stand K at the Cattle Market.
Pc Hawkins introduced Pc Marcus Dale who is temporarily taking over responsibility for the 5 rural parishes. Crimes had occurred in the villages over Christmas, primarily from UNLOCKED cars, together with the theft of Christmas decorations.
Mrs O Brien (CC) reported on the County Council’s initiatives in setting up teams to work in the community, delivering services to children. She has begun visits to children’s homes and pupil referral units. New road signs are proposed at approaches to Foxhall Roundabout.
A confidential mediation service to help resolve neighbour disagreements has been set up.
An educational provision review is to come before the Cabinet and if approved a report can be expected in the autumn of 2006. Councillors discussed with her the plans to make up the £24m shortfall without increasing Council Tax beyond 5%.
The next meeting is on 13th February in the Pavilion at 7.30 p.m.
Colin Shaw, Clerk