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Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council
Held on Monday 13th November 2014
The meeting opened at 7.32pm
Present: Mr. R. Wilson, (chairman), Mrs. J. Dovey, Mr. T. Driver. Mr. R. Moreton
Mr. G. Place. Mr. R. Simpson, Mr. D. Hewer (NALC) J. Stibbons (clerk)
Apologies: Mrs B. Powell, County Cllr. M. Baker. PCSO Bridges
The chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
He welcomed Mr. David Hewer to the meeting. It was agreed that, as Mr. Hewer had a long journey home, item 5 on the agenda (parish plan) would be taken first.
The chairman explained that the main reason for wishing to form a parish plan was because quite a large sum of money was coming to the village from Hall Farm Solar. And the parish council wish to include as many people as possible who had an interest in the village.
Mr. Hewer said that he had been instrumental in producing a plan for his village and the first objective was to get all members of the village, including the young, and all other interested parties and organisations involved.
The start should be to produce a flier asking the questions – What would you like to do to benefit the community with the £10,000 per year grant being made available?
From this formulate a questionnaire from these replies having a straight Yes or No answer so boxes can be ticked.
Have a coffee day where a sheet can be filled in with “What do you want to do now and in the future”, put up stickers and notices. All the community must be involved.
The committee and chairman should not all be members of the parish council but must represent different groups. People are needed who will take an active interest in the community. Make certain it works for the community as a whole.
Committee terms of reference are to report back to the Parish Council with minutes of their meetings.
Think of the services that are already in place, also remember that there will be an ongoing cost after the projects are completed. A reserve must be ring-fenced for servicing after the ten years of grants come to an end. Also keep a reserve to actually produce the Parish Plan.
Some projects which have been put in place in his community are a responders group, a Youth Council, a Good Neighbours scheme, traffic control etc. The community must be involved.
The chairman thanked Mr. Hewer for his very useful observations and the members showed their appreciation in the usual manner. Mr. Hewer left the meeting at 8.25pm
It was decided that the council members would have an informal meeting on Thursday 27th November to discuss the production of a flier to be delivered to all households.
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The chairman then took item 6 on the agenda (Co-option of new member.)
Mrs. Julia Dovey had requested to fill the vacancy on the parish council.
The chairman asked Mrs. Dovey to say why she felt she would like to serve as a member.
Mrs Dovey replied that she felt qualified as she had lived in the parish for 23 years and had an interest in the local area. She is very much in favour of the parish plan and felt this could draw the community together. She is interested in planning matters.
A written ballot was conducted and Mrs. Dovey was appointed to the parish council by a unanimous vote of the members present.
The meeting then returned to the order on the agenda.
- Declarations of Interest Mr. R. Simpson declared an interest in item 8 (Planning)
- The minutes of the meeting of Monday 8th September were approved by the members and signed by the chairman.
- Matters arising from the minutes.
The swings are now installed and Mrs. Powell was thanked for all her work. The chairman (on behalf of Mrs. Powell) thanked the clerk for clearing the soil to expose the safety mat.
Mr. Driver offered to buy the old baby swing seat. This was approved by the council.
Mr. Driver reported that many local people were not happy with the access from the Gresham Gravel site. This has already been approved by Norfolk County Council.
- Reports
Police – July-November There were four calls to police and two crimes reported.
Calls – Vehicle parked in E. Beckham in suspicious circumstances.
Horse had mane platted in W. Beckham
Vehicle hit telegraph pole
Air rifle used unlawfully and confiscated.
Crimes –
Dangerous Dog
Harassment on social media.
- & 6. See above
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- Finances, Budget and Precept.
The accounts for the year to date showed the following –
Community a/c £3099.15. Premium a/c £11,890.24 Scottish Widows £2902.95
The budget forecast for 2015/16 showed a deficit of £1003, this included £550 to cover the cost of a Parish Council election (if more than seven parishioners decided to stand).
In the financial year 2012/13 there had been a budgeted deficit of £440 and an actual shortfall of £411.77
For the financial year 2013/14 the budget deficit was £810 and the actual £281.07
After discussing and considering the budget for 2015/16 it was proposed by Cllr. Moreton that the precept should be increased to £2650. This was seconded By Cllr. Dovey and carried.
- Planning
Ref 09/1251 to permit full time residential occupation of Field Barn, Holt Road, Aylmerton.
The parish council supported this application
- Sheringham Road notice board.
It was decided to try and clean the Perspex before replacing.
- Correspondence.
Consultation on removal of telephone box due to very low usage (seven calls per year)
The parish council were not interested in buying the telephone box and had no objection to its removal.
There will be a Town and Parish Council Forum on Monday 24th November at Bodham Village Hall which will predominantly focus on planning. Two members of the parish council agreed to attend
- Matters for information only.
It was decided to meet informally on 27th November to discuss the production of a flier to promote the parish plan.
Cheques signed:-
Bodham Village Hall Hire of room £16
J.Stibbons (clerk) Salary and expenses £500.74
There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 9.21pm
