STORRINGTON & SULLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE CHANCTONBURY ROOM,
SULLINGTON PARISH HALL, THAKEHAM ROAD, STORRINGTON,
ON MONDAY, 25th JUNE, 2007,
COMMENCING AT 7.00 p.m.

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

In Attendance:   Mr. F. Wilkinson – County Councillor
    P.Sgt. D. Lillywhite – Sussex Police
            1 Members of the Public.
            1 Member of the Press.   

28.    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr. B. Walter (work) and Mr. R. Carter (work) and Mr. A. Read (prior commitment).   The reasons for absence were duly APPROVED.    

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

30.    POLICE MATTERS.  As P.Sgt. Lillywhite was off duty, the meeting agreed that he could present his report at this time.  P.Sgt. Lillywhite reported that they were looking to put an A.S.B.O. on a person, but for the past four months they had remained out of trouble, hence the evidence was too old.  H.D.C. had appointed an anti-social co-ordinator and the Police were working with them to try and identify individuals that were causing problems.  There were five individuals within Storrington that had been identified with drink and drug problems.  The Revolution programme at Lodge Hill gets together youths from across the district, asks them to set their own rules as a group and to come to terms with how they are  reacting within the community.  Some youngsters had not been in trouble since attendance at one of these courses.  It was hoped this programme would be rolled out across the district, but this was dependent on funds being available from H.D.C.

    Youngsters stopped in possession of alcohol had caused letters to be sent to their parents initially explaining their behaviour.  Acceptable Behaviour Contracts were where people signed to agree to a way of behaving, but should they refuse this refusal could be used towards getting an A.S.B.O. at a later time. 

    Criminal damage to a car had been caused during the day (18 year olds jumping on a car).  The people thought to be responsible had been found and were out on bail pending identification parades. 

    P.C.S.O. Ben Woollard was patrolling with a representative of Saxon Weald Homes in the Beech Grove and Meadowside areas.  Saxon Weald had powers because they could evict families if their children misbehaved.

There would be a ‘Come and meet your local officers and P.C.S.Os’ session on Place Villerest on Wednesday, 4th July, 2007, between 11.00 a.m., and 2.00 p.m.

    P.C.S.O. James Joslin would commence work in Storrington on the 24th July.  There would then be two P.C.S.Os.  P.C.S.O., Ben Woollard had been working with Somerfields in the hope of having C.C.T.V., to cover the bottom of Old Mill Square and recycling area, but still covering the pond.  There had been a recent theft from Somerfields.  They reviewed the C.C.T.V., and a person had been arrested.

    There had been recent test purchases by 14 and 16 year old Cadets in various pubs and shops and the two premises in Storrington tried both passed.  If anyone thought shops were selling alcohol to young people, the Police needed to know.

    Sgt. Lillywhite had spoken to Mike Rumble of H.D.C., and they were looking at underground bottle banks.  They were just being put in Southwater and Sgt. Lillywhite had asked that Storrington be considered next on the list if this idea was rolled out.

    The Local Action Team had started up again and Sgt. Lillywhite encouraged people wanting to get involved to make contact with Mr. Mackie.  Sgt. Lillywhite had recently met with the County Local Committee and they now fully understood how the Police work and hopefully that would bring greater co-operation.

    The important issue was drink and drugs, but the Police needed to know what was going on.  Whilst officers in the village would pick up things, people must let them know what was going on.

    Saturday’s Village Day – there had been two large sales of alcohol in Somerfields that the Police had been aware of in the village, but both were to over 18s.  When they came out of Somerfields they tried to give it to a bigger group of young people, one of whom was under 18, but when they saw the Police they ran off.  Trying to prove people were buying for youngsters was difficult.  The Somerfield management agreed that if these people returned, they would not serve them any more.  The largest problem was youngsters bring alcohol from home.  Youngsters in Storrington seemed more interested in certain drugs – Ketamine, in particular, as it was quite cheap.

    Mr. Dawe asked Sgt. Lillywhite for comments on agenda item No. 9 (The Deux Chevaux Club of Great Britain event).  He advised that their Licensing Team were happy with this.  The event organizers were duty bound to provide stewards for the event.  Providing they obeyed the rules of the road they could not stop the proposed convoys and scenic drives.

    The idea of a site office for the P.C.S.Os was still going through the system.

    Sgt. Lillywhite then left the meeting.
  
31.    TO APPROVE AND SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 16TH MAY, 2007.  The Minutes were duly AGREED to be a correct  record of the proceedings thereat and were duly signed by the Chairman.

    MATTERS ARISING :-

32.    Rydon Community Education Committee.  Mr. Williams had asked Rydon Community College about this, but they did not know what he was talking about. 

33.    Minute No. 11, 250, 185, 133, 222: Southern Water – Acknowledgement of the Council’s letter had been received from The Rt. Hon. Nick Herbert, M.P.  He understood the Council’s frustration about this and had written to Southern Water.  The Company Secretary of Southern Water had written and advised that they were in the process of pulling together the information that they could provide and would write again shortly.

34.    Minute No. 12, 277, 253, 201, 225: One Stop.  It was reported that the shop front signage had now been changed and looked very tasteful.

35.    Minute No. 27: Parking on Pavement, School Hill.  There were double yellow lines along this stretch of road.  W.S.C.C., should be informed about pavement parking here because the situation was very dangerous.
       
36.    Minute No. 279: Sustainable Communities Bill had passed through the third reading debate in the House of Commons.  The organizers  extended their thanks to the Council for their support of this campaign.  This still had to get through the House of Lords. 

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

37.    Planning and Development Committee Meeting held on the 4th June, 2007.  These minutes were duly ADOPTED.  

38.    Infrastructure, Communications and Environment Committee Meeting held on the 11th June, 2007.  The Council’s solicitors are going through the last few details, but was of the opinion that the owners of Pilgrim Cottage were liable for pond pollution.  These minutes were duly ADOPTED.

39.    Recreation and Property Committee Meeting held on the 11th June, 2007.  Mr. Head declared a personal interest in item 10 of these minutes.  Investigations were being made into the legal ramifications from when the Recreation Ground was donated to the Council in 1928.  When considering new signs at the Recreation Ground, all existing signs should be replaced.  These minutes were duly ADOPTED.

40.    Planning and Development Committee Meeting held on the 14th June, 2007.   These minutes were duly ADOPTED.

41.    Finance and Budget Committee Meeting held on the 18th June, 2007.  Discussion ensued with regard to the renewal of the subscription to S.A.L.C., following which it was AGREED :-

    To renew this subscriptions, but to register a further protest and advise that the Council were paying this under duress.


    COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL MATTERS :-

42.    Dial-a-ride Transport.  Mr. Wilkinson advised that Bus4U was going to be withdrawn from September.  Mr. Wilkinson had had a meeting with W.S.C.C., co-ordinated transport staff and Tex Pemberton insisting that something had to be done for the isolated rural villages, but the question was what to replace it with.  It would have to be some kind of dial-a-ride as a scheduled service would not pay its way.  The County Council subsidized public transport to just under £5 million per annum and with the severe government support cut backs it was not possible to continue that scale of subsidy.  Mr. Wilkinson had insisted that the Transport Department sits down with the Parish Councils to talk about this and see what could be suggested, perhaps a shared taxi service.   It was suggested that the County Council involve the Community Mini Bus volunteers in any discussions.

43.    High Street Improvements.  Mr. Wilkinson advised that the County Council was able to continue now with this project after a delay while waiting to have the funding availability agreed by H.D.C.  This had now been done.  The County Council had agreed to earmark £240,000 to the scheme.  Another meeting was now required to start it rolling again.  There was to be a new person in charge, but Mike Thomas of W.S.C.C. was staying until the new person was engaged. 

44.    Other County and District Matters.  The C.L.C. meeting at Pulborough tomorrow (26th June) would discuss S.106 monies that W.S.C.C. holds for each Parish for highways or transport.  Mr. Wilkinson would like to know of any objections or omissions.  The County Council was hoping to take control of the transport money from Horsham.  H.D.C. was currently holding about £1 million of such money. 

    Mr. Wilkinson advised that the Church Street layout and road markings would be happening any time now and the signs were already in situ.

    With regard to the vehicle-activated sign for Amberley Road (pointing into the village), the electrics were now complete so it only now needed putting up. 

    Mr. Mullard asked Mr. Wilkinson if he had any information about the possible closure of hospitals.  Unfortunately Mr. Wilkinson did not have any further information at the moment.  He assured the meeting that the County Council were going to do everything possible to resolve this, but wonder whether the decision had already been made.  The government was talking about 3,000 extra houses a year in Sussex, yet talking about cutting hospitals.  The County Council was looking to see what the responses were going to be from Surrey, Hampshire and Kent.  The Brighton, Hove and East Sussex areas were well off for hospitals, yet the population was the same as in West Sussex. 

    Mr. Roper asked about the extension to the Riverside Walk.  Mr. Dawe advised that the landowner that was objecting had now agreed to a possible route.  There were various legal ramifications about fencing and precise positioning of the path, gateways, etc.  The landowner was not selling the land, but allowing it to be used, so it would not be a right of way as such.  There was progress.

    Re-vamping of Village Centre – nothing further could be reported on that at the moment.

    Mr. Mullard asked what the situation was regarding car parking.  The planning application had been approved for fifteen car parking spaces at Meadowside and H.D.C. had gone back to the Environment Agency to see if that could be increased to 25.  

45.    POLICE MATTERS.  This subject had already been dealt with, but the meeting asked that their thanks to Sgt. Lillywhite for such a detailed report be recorded.

46.    TO ADOPT THE NEW MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT - THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES (MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT) ORDER 2007 (SI NO. 1159).  Following discussion Mr. Dawe Proposed; Seconded Mr. Sanson and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED :-   

That the Council adopt the New Model Code of Conduct – The Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2007 (SI No. 1159) including Section 12(2).  It was also agreed that Standing Orders should be changed to allow for this.

47.    TO COMMENT ON THE NEW PREMISES LICENCE APPLICATION IN RESPECT OF THE DEUX CHEVAUX CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN LTD., LAND NORTH EAST OF WEST WANTLEY BARN, FRYERN ROAD, STORRINGTON, WEST SUSSEX, RH20 4BJ.  Mr. Sanson declared an interest in this item because he was a member of H.D.C’s Licensing Committee.  Mr. Sanson left the meeting.

    Following discussion it was AGREED to comment :-

➢    That the Council very strongly objects to this application.
➢    The site in question was considered completely unsuitable for this type of event due to the immediate proximity of residential properties.
➢    The sound from the discos and live music would inevitably travel great distances and affect large parts of both Storrington and West Chiltington over five consecutive summer nights.
➢    The likely number of people attending in cars would cause considerable problems on local roads, especially given the advertised intention of “convoys and scenic drives”.
➢    The application was for a permanent new premises licence and the Council were extremely concerned that this would lead to regular repeats of such events in this unsuitable location.
➢    This would cause great detriment to the amenities and privacy of neighbouring properties. 

Mr. Sanson re-joined the meeting.

48.    THE YOUTH WORKER BASED AT RYDON COMMUNITY COLLEGE IS LOOKING FOR A DROP-IN FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN AN OLD SHOP IN STORRINGTON VILLAGE, I.E., A YOUTH CAFE.  It was mentioned that there was also a requirement for Citizens Advice Bureau in the centre of the village and the H.D.C., Help Point in the Library was inadequate.  It was felt that if a suitable central point could be located all these facilities could go in the one place.  However, it was a question of finance.  Mr. Roper thought that the Guide Hall should be used as a Community Centre.  It was mentioned that the Police had access to funding and they too were looking for somewhere for the P.C.S.Os.  It was AGREED :-
 
To respond to the Youth Worker that this was something the Council had in mind, but was she aware that there were activities taking place at the Leisure Centre.  The Council was delighted that she was enthusiastic and understood what she was trying to do and would pursue this at several levels.  
   
49.    AMENDMENT OF BYELAWS.  Copies of the documents previously circulated should be redistributed to Members and this topic should be placed on the agenda for next month’s meeting.

50.    XMAS LIGHTING, 2007.  It was pointed out that the regulations had changed and that combined with Health and Safety issues, this was absorbing money that could have been spent on better decorations.  It was not felt necessary to follow exactly what had been done before.  Various alternative Christmas lighting schemes were examined and the Chairman said that with costs rising so quickly the Parish Council needed to decide if it could continue funding the lights to the same extent.  Storrington was a major town in the south of Horsham district and deserved a good Christmas lighting scheme in the same way as this was seen as essential in Horsham.  It was felt that there should be representation made to H.D.C., that there should be a fairer distribution of money.  Following further discussion  Mr. Dawe Proposed; Seconded Mr. Sanson and Vote 5 In Favour, 4 Against, it was AGREED :-

    That this subject should be placed on the agendas of the next Infrastructure, Communications and Environment Committee and Recreation and Property Committee Meetings and then be referred back to Council at the July meeting for a final decision to be made on the extent of funding and Council involvement in Christmas lights for the village.

51.    APPOINTMENT OF NEW CARETAKER AND OTHER STAFF MATTERS.  Mr. Head advised that a new Caretaker had been appointed and had been with the Council for one week.

52.    TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINANCE AND BUDGET COMMITTEE WITH REGARD TO THE REVIEW OF FINANCIAL REGULATIONS AND FINANCIAL AND NON-FINANCIAL RISK ASSESSMENTS.  This was duly AGREED.

53.    TO CONSIDER AMENDING STANDING ORDER NO. 43 – “COMMITTEES SHALL NORMALLY CONSIST OF ...”.  SUGGESTED WORDING :-

    Committees shall normally consist of at least four members and a maximum of seven members, but the Recreation and Property Committee may consist of a maximum of nine members, including the Council Chairman or in his absence the Council Vice-Chairman.  The Finance and Budget Committee shall consist of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council and the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of each of the standing committees.

    This was duly AGREED.


    Following adoption of the new Code of Conduct, it was AGREED that Standing Order No. 69 should be amended to read :-

    At the meetings of the Council and its Committees, the Chairman may at their discretion and at a convenient time in the transaction of business, allow any members of the public to address the meeting in relation to the business to be transacted at that meeting.

54.    ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR COUNCILLORS TO READ :-

(a)    AirS Annual Review and Summary of their Business Plan for 2007/8.  Mr. Mason took this to read.

55.    CLERK’S CORRESPONDENCE :-

(a)    Storrington Post Office.  The Customer Services Centre of the Post Office had written apologizing for the closure of the Storrington Post Office for a few days.  This office had closed whilst an audit took place and an interim postmaster was currently in place, but until details had been finalized they were unable to confirm how permanent this position would be.  The outcome of the audit would remain confidential and they were unable to offer any further information at this time. 

(b)    NALC Annual Conference and Exhibition, 5th – 7th October, 2007 at the Bournemouth International Centre.  This was duly NOTED.

(c)    H.D.C., Civic Service – Sunday, 24th June, 2007 at 11.15 a.m., Horsham Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin. 

56.    CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS.

(a)    A resident was at the early stages of researching a business plan for a day nursery in Storrington.  This person should be advised that it was believed such a facility was required and should they start one up, the Council wishes them well.

57.    TO CONSIDER THE BANK RECONCILIATION FOR MAY, 2007.   This was duly NOTED.

58.    ACCOUNTS TO BE PAID in the sum of £73,815.55 were duly AGREED.

59.    TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FROM THE DISTRICT COUNCILLORS TO MOVE PARISH COUNCIL AND RECREATION AND PROPERTY COMMITTEE AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMUNICATIONS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETINGS FROM MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY EVENINGS TO AVOID CONFLICT WITH MEETINGS IN HORSHAM AND AVOID EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM OTHER USERS OF THE HALL.  Mrs. Worthington-Leese Proposed; Seconded Mr. A. Head and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED :-

    That all future meetings of the Parish Council, Infrastructure, Communications and Environment and Property and Recreation Committees should be held on Wednesday evenings.

60.    ADJOURNMENT.  It was reported that the drains in Thakeham Road were once more full of straw and the drainage channel by the Anchor P.H., towards Manleys looked as if it was blocked with silt.  These matters should be reported to W.S.C.C.

    It was also reported that the entrance to The Square by Wine Rack had flooded.  This should be reported to the owners of this site.

61.    DATE OF NEXT MEETING – Wednesday, 25th July, 2007.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.25 p.m.