STORRINGTON & SULLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING
HELD IN THE CHANCTONBURY ROOM,
SULLINGTON PARISH HALL,
THAKEHAM ROAD, STORRINGTON,
ON WEDNESDAY, 16th JANUARY, 2008,
COMMENCING AT 7.00 p.m.

Present: Mr. R. Dawe in the Chair, Mr. D. Atkins, Mr. E. Gibbons, Mr. J. Macey, Mr. C. Mason, Mr. A. Mullard, Mr. A. Read, Mr. D. Roper, Mr. J. Sanson, Mrs. L. Wheatley and Mrs. A. Worthington-Leese.

In Attendance:   Mr. F. Wilkinson – County Councillor
             Inspector P. Williams – Sussex Police
     P.Sgt. D. Lillywhite – Sussex Police
             2 Members of the Public.   

167.    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr. R. Carter (work), Mr. A. Head (ill), Mr. B. Walter (work) and Mr. J. Williams (work).   The reasons for absence were duly APPROVED.    

168.    TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS.  There were no declarations of interest from Members.

169.    POLICE MATTERS.  Inspector Williams reported the performance figures based upon the rolling period January to December, 2007 compared to the same period during 2006.  He compared the figures for Storrington with those for the whole of Horsham South District :-

    Type of Crime            Storrington                Horsham South District
Total Crime                    Down by 18.1%            Down 8%
Vehicle Crime                 Down by 22.5%            Down 16%
Burglary Dwelling            Down by 35%              Unchanged
Criminal Damage             Down 21%                    Down 13.4%
Public Place Violent Crime    Down 52.5%           Down 16.25%

The increase was possession of controlled drugs where there had been 11 more offences detected than previous rolling 12 month period.

There was a national system for marked vehicles and there were an extra 8 – 10 officers on Horsham District detecting vehicles that were acting suspiciously.  This was done on a bi-weekly basis.  They publicised the results within their own organization and would make known to the public their successes.

Storrington was doing well in crime reduction compared to the rest of the district.  They were being particularly proactive following up every opportunity which was reaping its rewards.

Sgt. Lillywhite advised that Operation Respect ran at the beginning of December when Police Officers deployed high visibility every night and the United Bus also came one night.  There had only been  one  incident  at  the  Late  Night  Shopping  event  and  the  person  had  been cautioned.  This operation was being repeated this week therefore there were extra Police in the village.  Test purchasing of alcohol was continuing.  The off-licences in Storrington were now not selling to under 21 year olds.  One youth was going to court in March charged with public order offences and if convicted would get an A.S.B.O., which would put restrictions on him such as not allowed in Old Mill Square between 7.00 p.m., and 7.00 a.m.  It was hoped that would send messages to others.  There was a Worthing connection with recent incidents such as the break in at Wine Rack.   P.C.S.O. Tracey Fields would be joining the team within the next two weeks.

Up to the 15th December there had been five Penalty Notices issued in Storrington.  The number of tickets was not indicative of the behaviour because if they deny it they have to be arrested.

Forge House should get up and running when the I.T., was installed.  The Police had purchased a Speed Gun for Horsham District so they would be able to do some enforcement over and above the SID.  The Police were willing to attend meetings of groups of people to talk about crime reduction.

170.    TO APPROVE AND SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 28TH NOVEMBER, 2007.  These Minutes were duly AGREED to be a correct record of the proceedings thereat and were duly signed by the Chairman.

    MATTERS ARISING :-

171.    Minute No. 118, 91, 65, 11, 250, 185, 133, 222: Southern Water.  Nick Herbert M.P., had received a letter from Les Dawson, Southern Water’s Chief Executive Officer and had sent the Council a copy.  This advised that they were aware of problem areas with differing causes and severity and John Challoner, their County Sewerage Engineer, had explained the background to the Parish Council.  They regretted that they could not solve all flooding issues at whatever cost and had to prioritise their regulated funding under approaches agreed with Ofwat.  They did not intend to belittle the misery and inconvenience that resulted and were disappointed to learn of the incidents in November.  They needed to be certain of the causes to be able to take the right remedial action and secure new funding where appropriate.  Mr. Dawson had instructed full reviews of the engineering assessments of those locations where flooding occurred.  They were preparing their draft business plan for submission to Ofwat for funding for the next regulatory period and wanted to include flooding schemes that met the criteria.  They did not see these problems as a “battle” with their customers affected by wastewater flooding.  They wanted to secure funding to implement solutions and were happy to work with the Parish Council on behalf of the customers it represents. 

    Mr. Herbert was still waiting for a date for a meeting with Southern Water.

    It was felt that Southern Water was passing their responsibility to developers by requiring them to apply expensive techniques to deal with sewerage.  A list of the main issues should be sent to Mr. Dawson.                                

172.    Minute No. 149, 119, 92, 74: Pond.  An e-mail had been received from Mr. Stigant of W.S.C.C., stating that they were not prepared to accept responsibility for the pond.  This was felt to be unacceptable and unreasonable.  A Meeting had been arranged for Friday with the W.S.C.C., solicitor.  Mr. Wilkinson considered that there was a need to work together.  The Divisional Manager of the Highways Department would also attend the meeting.  It was hoped they would come up with a satisfactory outcome. 
 
173.    Minute No.  120: Parham Park re: Storrington Bonfire.  Lady Barnard advised that unfortunately due to the restrictions imposed by the Park registered as an SSSI and governed by the terms of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, Parham is unable to help.  They are extremely limited as to what activities they are able to permit.  The land is also registered under the Single Farm Payment Scheme and this adds further restrictions under the Cross Compliance Rules.  They appreciated the benefit that the bonfire gives to the local community and were sorry to appear unhelpful.

174.    Minute No. 155 (b): Flooding, High Street.  Mr. Wilkinson had given the Council a copy of the letter he received from Southern Water following the flooding in the High Street.  They advised that the improvement scheme for this area would be included in their Business Plan for 2010 – 2015 but the delivery would depend on the level of funding approved by Ofwat.  This problem was caused by a blockage in the main public sewer.  Arrangements had been made for a closed circuit television survey of the public sewer at this location to be carried out.  Should any problems or defects that could lead to future blockages be identified then the necessary remedial works would be carried out at the earliest opportunity.

175.    Minute No. 106: Post Office Closures.  The Post Office had acknowledged the Council’s letter regarding the proposed closure of the Washington branch.  The consultation ended on the 24th December, 2007 and they would be considering all the responses received and make their decision in line with various Government specified criteria.

    TO RECEIVE AND IF APPROVED TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEE MEETINGS:-

176.    Planning and Development Committee Meeting held on the 13th December, 2007.  These were duly ADOPTED.

177.    Infrastructure, Communications and Environment Committee Meeting held on the 9th January, 2008.  Discussion took place on the topic of the Christmas lighting and Late Night Shopping event.  It was felt that an article should be placed in the next newsletter asking whether people wanted a Late Night Shopping event and would they be prepared to help.  The minutes were duly ADOPTED.
 
178.    Recreation and Property Committee Meeting held on the 9th January, 2008.  The minutes were duly ADOPTED.

179.    COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL MATTERS.  Mr. Wilkinson (County Councillor) stated that at the Council meeting on the 15th February, they would be increasing the Council Tax by 4.49%.  They had received the lowest settlement of any County in the country and it would be even worse over the next two years.  An average settlement from the Government would have resulted in a Council Tax rebate. 

The C.L.C., would meet on the 22nd January when the Traffic Regulation Order for the Village Enhancement Scheme would be discussed.  They had received three objections from village residents.  Two senior highway officers and the designer of the scheme would be present.  The County Council had addressed all the points raised by the objectors. 

178.    ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR COUNCILLORS TO READ :-
    (a)    ICIS News Issue No. 44.  Available in the Parish Office.
       
    (b)    Partnership News, January, 2008.  Available in the Parish Office.

    CLERK’S CORRESPONDENCE :-

179.    Storrington Village Day, 2008 – 28th June, 2008.  They might also like to use the Football Field.  It was AGREED :-

    Permission should be granted.  The Football Club should be informed that permission was being granted for this event and they should do any necessary repairs to the goal mouths around that.

180.    South Downs Advisory Forum Annual Meeting – 25th January, 2008 at the Charmandean Centre, Forest Road, Worthing.  Mr. Aldridge would attend; does anyone else want to attend?  Members should advise the Clerk urgently if they wish to attend this event.

181.    Invitation to West Sussex Alcohol Harm Reduction Launch and Stakeholder Consultation Event, 7th March, 2008 from 9.30 a.m., to 1.00 p.m. at Billingshurst Village Hall.  Anyone interested in attending?  Members should advise the Clerk if they wish to attend this event.

182.    NALC – Council and Clerk of the Year 2008.  Entries required by 4th April, 2008.  This was NOTED.

183.    Flooding in Browns Lane, Storrington yesterday – Edburtons had been requested by HDC to carry out remedial works to the pipe and barrier separating the two lengths of ditch that should flow in opposite directions.  Martin Brightwell visited the site yesterday and noted that the ‘plug’ that was installed together with concreted sand bags had been removed by vandals.  Emphasis had been given to the urgency for this work to be carried out.  This was NOTED. 

184.    Homeshare West Sussex – This was a pioneering scheme launched by the National Association of Adult Placement Services in partnership with W.S.C.C. and other agencies.  This community based scheme could have many beneficiaries and go a long way to promote intergeneration community cohesion.  This was NOTED.

185.    Commission for Rural Communities Participation Inquiry Launch Event 31st January, 2008 at Church House Conference Centre, London.  This was a one day conference on strengthening the role of local councillors.  This was NOTED.

186.    HDC Timebank.  This was a new initiative.  Do residents in your area suffer from isolation?  Do they need help with everyday jobs?  Do other local people have the skills to help?  Are there specific streets within your area where there was a need to improve community relations?  Timebanks are a way of bringing people and communities together to share skills and get the help they need.  If we feel this would benefit this Parish.  They are looking for an organization to co-ordinate a pilot.  They require responses by 15th February.  This was NOTED.

187.    NALC Conference 2008 – 22 – 24th May, 2008 at Eastbourne Winter Gardens.  Members should advise the Clerk if they wish to attend this event.


    CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ANY URGENT MATTERS.

188.    Communities and Local Government Consultation on Orders and Regulations relating to the Conduct of Local Authority Members in England.  Mr. Roper took this document and would draft a response.

189.    TO COMMENT ON THE NEW POWER OF WELL BEING.  Following discussion it was AGREED :-

    This would be beneficial in as much as it would give the Parish Council greater ability to be flexible in its approach for the benefit of the community.

190.    TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE BUDGET FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1ST APRIL, 2008 TO 31ST MARCH, 2009 AND SET THE PRECEPT.  Mrs. Worthington-Leese Proposed; Seconded Mr. Mullard and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED :-

        To increase the Planning Tree budget to £3,000.

    The suggested budget would mean a 2.5% increase for the year ahead.  Mrs. Worthington-Leese Proposed; Seconded Mr. Mullard and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED :-

        To set the Precept at £162,500 for the period 1st April, 2008 to31stt March, 2009.

191.    OFFICE ACCOMMODATION.  Two further options had been put to Council because one contractor had suggested that there was not sufficient room to have two disabled toilets, one in the Ladies and one in the Gents.  The option that still had the office as one large area was preferred.  It was AGREED :-

        To move towards getting positive quotations.

192.    TO CONSIDER THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE RECREATION AND PROPERTY COMMITTEE REGARDING THE REMOVAL OF THE ROOF-LIGHT IN THE MAIN HALL, SULLINGTON PARISH HALL, AS FOLLOWS :-

    To look for Hall Improvement Grants and subject to success with the grants to have this work undertaken in August, 2008. 

    This recommendation was discussed, following which it was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED.

193.    ACCOUNTS TO BE PAID in the sum of £28,458.81 plus V.A.T.

194.    ADJOURNMENT.  No matters were raised.

195.    DATE OF NEXT MEETING – Wednesday, 27th February, 2008.

    There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.00 p.m.