Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on Monday 7th April 2008 in the Town Hall Hungerford.
Present: Cllrs Harries, Nesbitt, Buckwell, Booth, Gaines, Thompson, Pope, Liddiard, Wilson, Werrell, Acworth, Hudson, Bullock
Jeff (The Adviser)
6.30 pm Finance & General Purposes
Open Forum
Concerns raised by the public re the staffing levels in the Fire Station during the day, only 2 staff in the Fire Station, this is not enough to man a Fire Engine.
St Lawrence's Parish Magazine is not received by everyone, Cllr Harries to investigate.
Concerns raised re lack of police protection. Mr Shefford has lived in the town for 7 years, feels it is a constant problem, has had his front garden trampled several times, currently 2 PCSOs dealing with problems, Cllr Harries acknowledged the problem and that the police are not able to do anything. The Town Council are looking in to having wardens, employed by HTC, currently gathering information from other organisations. The current PCSO system is not working and was raised as a concern at the Town Meeting.
Previously the Police Station had been manned by 2 ex military members of the community, they were volunteers, they wore uniforms, had Identification, worked 9-5 to keep the station open, they were given commendation, the police then formed a committee to look after the volunteers and a rule book was written, this stated that volunteers would not have uniforms, the volunteers left. Suggested that a small committee is formed to look into and resolve issues, they would work with the police. Felt that Hungerford needed continuity with policing. Agreed that there was a need to write to the police expressing views from the Parish Meeting and Full Council re the level of local policing
Allotments - the public will raise issues at item 14.
District Councillors Report
Cllr Holtby attended and enjoyed the litter pick.
New waste disposal contract was going well, recycling for plastic and cardboard on the 19th May. Green waste collection will start in the summer, date yet to be confirmed. The new collection arrangements should increase the amount of rubbish recycled in the area.
Hungerford Parking Strategy - Cllr Hudson attended a meeting re parking concerns, spoke to WBC today, aim to clear the road clear under the bridge from parked cars. Cllr Holtby suggested that there could be a one-way circuit for traffic round The Croft
Canal Footbridge - Britannia Arch Metal Work are preparing designs, to be done by 18th April. Fence at John O'Gaunt - Planning application has been withdrawn. There is a meeting on 24th April at 2.30pm, all with a vested interested are invited to attend.
Community Arts Centre - Felt there was a need to improve the facilities at John O'Gaunt, Cllr Holtby and Cllr Thompson to meet.
6 Bridge Street - A meeting is planned with John Ashworth at WBC, there is strong feeling in the town about the condition of property. Need to look into the legislation available to make the owner improve the property.
Surgeries - Cllrs Holtby and Hewer will be holding an Open House Surgery for the public on 26th April in the library.
Complaints have been received from the shop owners/public regarding cars parking in Bridge Street by the residents who live in the flats. From 2009 the police will not be enforcing parking regulations it will be the responsibility of the Local Authority to employ traffic wardens. Suggested that there are signs put up limiting parking to 30 minutes in the area.
New bridge from Charnham Street/High Street to date 20 letters have been received supporting/asking for a new bridge.
1. Apologies for absence
Cllr Paul Hewer, Cllr Elizabeth Cardwell
2. New Councillor - Denise Gaines
Cllr Harries welcomed Cllr Denise Gaines to the Council
3. Declarations of interest
None
4. Minutes from meeting held on 3rd March - Matters Arising
Minutes from 3 rd March were agreed as correct.
Proposed Cllr Liddiard, seconded Cllr Bullock, all in favour
5. Finance - Authorisation of Payments
A cheque has been duplicated, figures amended Proposed that the figures are amended, Proposed Cllr Bullock, seconded Cllr Hudson, 12 in favour, 1 abstention
Proposed that the accounts are accepted as amended, Proposed Cllr Nesbitt, seconded Cllr Booth, 12 in favour, 1 abstention
6. Chamber of Commerce Liaison (Cllr Buckwell)
Feelings were evident at the Hungerford Parish Meeting last week. The Town Council's view on empty shops were echoed by electors concerned about the lack of take up of properties in the High Street, Bridge Street and other central areas. Those present at the Parish Meeting very properly posed the specific question of what was being done to address this apparent problem as well as suggesting the need for closed co-operation between the Council and The Hungerford Chamber of Commerce.
Cllr Buckwell would just like this opportunity to confirm his understanding that Members of the Council are regularly in touch with the Chamber of Commerce. In this case it has been associated with the production later this year of the latest update of the Town Guide to which we are already committed, and which we hope can contribute to an impetus for investments in the business activities of the town.
Cllr Buckwell's brief contact with the Chairman of the Chamber in the past few months was positive. At last weeks AGM, Nick Furr stepped down to be replaced by Mr Ben Blake with whom Cllr Buckwell has since met, the Chamber seems to have some very positive plans including revamping the relevant parts of the Town's website, but they will need help from us all.
Cllr Buckwell is suggesting, if the Town Council is happy for him to do so, that he should continue discussions with Mr Blake with a view to seeing what ideas and support the Town Council, just as other council Members, might contribute to the Chamber of Commerce's initiatives. Obviously Cllr Buckwell will be making no commitments to any such initiatives without reporting back to the Council.
7. Mayors Report
The Mayor reported on events attended during the previous month, these included the Tutti Day Celebrations which was very enjoyable, it was good to see traditions being kept alive in Hungerford. The Constable Service was attended on Sunday, the turn out was poor. There was a dedication for the new gates after the service. There are lots of links between the Town and Manor and HTC so a lot of support can be given to each other.
8. Committee Reports
R&A Cllr Cardwell
The replacement plaque has arrived, to be put up in the next few days.
Skateboard Park Cllr Harries has spoken to sue Edgar, has meet with users, looking to set up a user group committee to take responsibility for the park. If the park continues to be vandalised it could be used for other purposes, although the users may not be those doing the damage.
New contractors have been appointed for site maintenance e.g St Lawrence's, St Saviour's, play parks etc. St Saviours gates have been put back. The War Memorial has been planted with 20 roses donated by Wyevale, a sign will be put up to this effect.
Cllr Liddiard has organised a flag poles for St Georges Day, to be put in the library garden and by the Bridge Street Memorial
E & P Cllr Thompson
E & P meets twice monthly. Currently working with Arlene Kersley on the Affordable Housing Project. Arlene to arrange to look at 6 sites and agree on the most suitable to develop with 24 houses for the town. People must be on the Housing Waiting list to be considered for the houses. There is a meeting on 6th May, for Rural development Consultation, this will consider the level of housing, Cllr Harries and Cllr Thompson are attending.
H & T Cllr Hudson
The recent meeting was useful, parking issues were discussed, traffic regulations restrict any changes in parking regulations until 2009. Atherton Crescent parking, there are plans for extra parking between the lay-bys, extra bollards are to be erected, funded from section 106. New benches - thanks were expressed to Cllr Liddiard for his help with transporting and organising the installation.
Catering vans in the High Street a debate was held at the last Highways and Transport meeting re the location of the Street Traders, research is ongoing with residents, consideration is being given to relocating the vans to the Church Street Car Park. Cllr Bullock expressed her disappointment at the possible removal of the catering vehicles from the High Street.
F & GP Cllr Bullock
Sheet distributed to all showing the current financial status. Cheques to be sent to Charity groups in April/May. Cllr Buckwell has prepared a matrix for the four banks that have been invited to give rates for their service. Thanks were expressed to Cllr Buckwell and Cllr Bullock for their work in reviewing the bankers.
Triangle Field Cllr Harries
Cllr Harries gave an update on the Triangle Field, the exterior is now complete, the interior is nearly done, all of the work has been self-financed by the club. Hungerford won the Rugby Club Memorial Match
Newsletter Cllr Thompson
OD9 is due for publication in May/June. A Meeting is planned for 9th April to discuss the content, will include profiles of the new Members and staff. Reports from committee Chairmen should be sent to Cllr Thompson as soon as possible. Photographs of any items of interest should also be sent to Cllr Thompson. Cllr Thompson to check the date of the next Chain publication.
9. Policing and Security (Cllr Buckwell)
The Parish Meeting, after the initial presentation and departure of the Police representatives, saw many electors, expressing their dismay and frustration with the increasing crime and other antisocial activities displayed in Hungerford.
Whilst the overriding necessity is to address the cause rather than the effect. Cllr Buckwell would like to propose, and is happy to participate in, the appropriate research into directive or at least limiting solutions until a longer term change in culture of the offenders and Cllr Buckwell suggests the family environments involved, can be achieved.
Cllr Buckwell would like to suggest and echo what Cllr Liddiard suggested that the Council has a subcommittee to examine the alternatives open to the Council and have identified three avenues, others may have more to suggest.
First as the Mayor has explained re PCSOs, we have tried these and our experience is unsatisfactory. The designated PCSO has regularly been assigned duties outside the Town and this is a feature of the job, we can have no assurance that the additional recruits due in the next few months will not be similarly called up on for relocation for significant amounts of the time originally assigned for Hungerford. Hungerford Town Council could ask for an addition PCSO if we undertook to pay 50% of the costs (estimated at £12 -£15,000 per annum for the 50%). However, we would still have no assurances that the officer would be fully available here in Hungerford. Furthermore, the Police management would certainly consider the theoretical additional resource so might be expected to reassign the one we are meant to have as a basic entitlement on a more frequent basis. So, little comfort to us that the money would be well spent. Wardens have been employed by local councils in other parts of the country and even in West Berkshire (e.g Tilehurst and Pangbourne). They can be empowered by the Chief Constable to do more than execute the basics of patrolling, advising police, enforcing parking, litter and dog fouling. More research is necessary as to their value and cost.
The Town Council could employ a security company to patrol our public spaces, protect our assets and deter anti-social behaviour. Cllr Buckwell suspects that the cost may be prohibitive but it might be the solution which would attract most financial support from the commercial and industrial activities within our community.
Any other suggestions from Members would be appreciated.
Cllr Harries has leaflets re the warden system used in Thatcham and Tilehurst, Cllr Buckwell to collect. NAG may be dealing with some issues, police need to be told of faults, need people to become involved with NAG and go on training sessions, Cllr Harries attended last month, proposed that a sub-committee is created to investigate policing in the Town, Proposed Cllr Buckwell, seconded Cllr Thompson, all in favour. Sub-committee will look at policing, PCSOs, Wardens, Private Security. Cllr Buckwell to set up committee.
10. Hungerford in Bloom (Cllr Wilson)
Cllr Wilson is taking a lead on Hungerford in Bloom, judging will be on 28th June, Kick FM have been contacted, there will 2 judges from Kintbury Horticultural Society. Cllr Wilson to check funding available for prizes, entertaining judges etc. Copies of posters and certificates for printing were circulated. Item to be on the agenda for the next Highways and Transport meeting.
11. Canal Bridge
20 letters have been received from members of the public re the new bridge, want it done soon. Miles Roberts is the contact at West Berkshire Council. Cllr Hudson has met with Cllr Holtby and Miles Robert, designs currently being drawn up. Cllr Liddiard is looking at an alternative source, cost would be £100,000.
12. Skateboard Park
Item covered in the Mayors report. Proposed that the youths take responsibility, school newsletter has asked for volunteers.
13. Allotments - Sub Committee of Recreation and Amenities
Cllr Harries is researching allotment sites in the town. If the town council receives more than 6 requests for allotments it is obliged to supply allotments. Developers should supply allotments for all new build. New Council should create a sub committee of Recreation, Amenities and War Memorials to deal with allotment issues and the demand. Central Government funding is available, land can be compulsory purchased or leased. Cannot use land that has been earmarked for development. If the planning application for the current
site is passed Hungerford Town Council will need to find an alternative site to use for the supply of allotments. Allotments do not have to be in the town, but within a reasonable distant of homes. Cllr Harries has book on Allotment Law. Hungerford Town Council has a duty to provide allotments, 15 allotments per 1000 people. The Isle of Wight operates a scheme where large gardens of senior citizens are used for people who want allotments but there are not any available. Suggested that an article is put in Open Door requesting gardens to use. Item to be put on the next Recreation, Amenities and War Memorials for the 29th April, and to report to Full Council.
14. Litter Pick
Litter problem noted at the Parish Meeting. Litter pick day will be promoted more than previous years, the turnout was about the same as previously, about 18 people plus children. 24-3- bags of rubbish collected. Cllr Desmeules has met with Somerfield's Manager on 29th March, wants to help with problem. Thanks were expressed to HEAT for refreshments. Problem with litter by John O'Gaunt Technology College is being addressed by the school. Suggested that a litter pick stick is available for every property so people can clear outside their own property.
15. OD Advertising
Discussion re advertising in Open Door, agreed that the mandate is for no adverts in Open Door. Open Door costs approximately £3,000 to produce, if it contained adverts it would be bigger and cost more to produce. Discuss at Open Door meeting on Wednesday.
16. Insurance for Councillors
Insurance was redone last year. Staff liability added. Cllr Buckwell and Cllr Harries checked and cover is adequate.
17. CCTV - Three Swans (Cllr Pope)
The Three Swans had offered the Town Council use of CCTV cameras for the Corn Exchange, but this is not needed as the Town and Manor has its own CCTV and the tapes are checked daily. The Town and Manor has issues with the youths that gather outside and litter.
18. Parish Meeting
All items on the agenda were covered, there were 78 attendees. Meeting was long, the police left after their session. Thanks were expressed to all.
Amendments .
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Signature Chairman of Full Council
Date ..