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Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council
Meeting Held on Thursday 14th March 2019
Present.
Cllrs. R. McNeil Wilson (chairman) G. Place, D. Barrass, J. Dovey, K. Lord,
Dist. Cllr. P. Botikofer. J.Stibbons (clerk)
The chairman opened the meeting at 7.25pm,
1. Apologies Cllr.R. Batt,
2. There were no declarations of interest.
3. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 10th January 2019, having been previously circulated, it was noted that the report from Cllr. Knowles was incorrectly reported. It should record that Council tax on properties left empty for more than twelve months would be charged at 200%, not 100% as written. After this correction was approved it was proposed by Cllr. Barrass that the minutes should be confirmed as correct. This was seconded by Cllr. Place and carried.
The chairman then signed the minutes.
4. Matters arising from the Minutes
The insurance claim for the replacement bench for Sheringham Road has been finalised and a new bench purchased.
5 Reports from County, District or Parish Councillors
District Councillor P. Botikofer gave reports for the County and District Councils.
County Council.
The agreed budget approved an increase in council tax on a band D property of almost £70, being made up of £39 for the County Council, £24 for the Police and £4.95 for the District council.
The budget calculates a saving of £30 million in the current year with a three year shortfall of £74 million.
The Coast Hopper service will not be cut. Sanders are campaigning to have bus passes valid in areas where they are issued. A small fee could be charged for other pass holders from outside the area.
District Council
The budget allowed for £32,000 for community transport.
£130,000 for a Business Development Fund to assist start-up business.
£30,000 to allow all Toilets to be open during the day for the whole year.
£20,000 for number plate recognition cameras. The Police to provide the cameras at cost.
£2,000,000 to be set aside to form a Development Company. This will enable properties to be purchased from Flagship. These houses can then be let or sold on a right to buy basis.
6. Solar Community Fund Committee.
The Felbeck Trust have completed the installation of nest boxes on West Beckham Green and East
Beckham Common. They will help with the West Beckham allotment field if required.
Although a small section at the top of East Beckham common is owned by Gresham Farms
permission has been given for the Felbeck Trust to include this in their maintenance schedule.
The parish council approved a proposal by Cllr. Dovey that a donation of £100 should be made to
Felbeck Trust.
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The Horticultural Show will be held on 26th July. It was proposed by Cllr. Lord that £100 should be
donated to the Horticultural Committee to cover some of the administration costs. This was
seconded by Cllr. Place and approved.
The Council members thanked Cllr. Lord for her work in producing the neighbourhood sheet which
is to be distributed to all households.
7. Allotment Track Repairs
A quotation has been received to surface the track with Tarmac. Estimates from two other
contractors will be available at the May meeting.
8. Playing Field.
The monthly inspection report shows everything is in a satisfactory condition.
Playdale confirm that the timber used in the equipment has a 20 year guarantee and does not need treating. A new Playdale check list is to be incorporated in the check list already in use.
9. Mud at the Post Box and Noticeboard on Sheringham Road.
The “Pull-in” needs building up with rubble or tarmac. Highways are to be contacted to ask if permission is required to carry out the work.
10. District and Parish Elections.
Nomination papers were completed by all the members present.
11. Ostead and Vattenfall
The proposal for an Off Shore Ring main as sent to all local M.Ps and the planning inspectorate
was fully supported by the parish council. This proposal would allow all future offshore wind
farms to connect to this ring main and avoid the disruption which would be caused by the present
proposals.
12. Financial matters.
Bank Balances at 14/3/2019 Current a/c £12407.65 Savings a/c £7072.98
To approve the following payments and sign cheques,
Zurich Insurance Cover 2019-2020 £467.27
Chevertons Printing (inv.45478 & 45557) £169.20
Teak Bench Company Replacement bench (insurance claimed) £249.00
13. Correspondence
Carers Matter Norfolk. A request for this organisation, which gives assistance and support to local carers to be more fully publicised. The information will be included in the next news letter.
First Aid Course. A quotation was received from the Norfolk Accident Rescue Service (NARS) to provide First Aid training. The course would be in two parts of two hours each. Cost would be £150 per session. It was agreed to ask a representative of NARS to address the parish council at a future meeting.
There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 8.43pm.
