STORRINGTON & SULLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

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

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

In Attendance:   Mr. F. Wilkinson – County Councillor
            1 Members of the Public.   

62.    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr. C. Mason (holiday), Mr. A. Read (holiday), Mr. B. Walter (holiday), Mr. J. Williams (work).   The reason for absence was duly APPROVED.    

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

64.    TO APPROVE AND SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 25th JUNE, 2007.  The Minutes were duly AGREED to be a correct  record of the proceedings thereat and were duly signed by the Chairman.

    MATTERS ARISING :-

65.    Minute No. 11, 250, 185, 133, 222: Southern Water.  The Information Commissioner had written advising that the Council’s complaint about Southern Water Ltd’s failure to release the information requested had been allocated to the Case Resolution Team Manager who would contact the Council as soon as possible to explain how the case would be progressed.  This topic should be on the agenda of the next meeting.

66.    Minute No. 42: Dial-a-ride.  However, W.S.C.C., were still looking at how they could replace BUS4U.  They therefore thought a meeting regarding transport would be premature at the moment.

67.    Minute No. 47: Deux Chevaux Club Licence Application.  Mr. Sanson declared an  interest in this item due to his position on Horsham District Council and took no part in the discussions.  This applicant had been granted a premises licence for the one off event to be held over the August, 2007 Bank Holiday weekend only.   The Licensing Act 2003 provided four objectives and the Licensing Authorities must promote these :-
➢    The prevention of crime and disorder
➢    Public safety
➢    The prevention of public nuisance
➢    The protection of children from harm.

Relevant representations must be about the likely effect of the application on the promotion   of   one   or  more  of  the  four  licensing  objectives.    Both  the  Police  and Environmental Health Officer had asked for conditions to be placed on the licence to ensure that the above objectives are met and to assist in minimising any disturbance to local residents.  These are :-

1.    Sources of noise from music, singing or speech, whether amplified or otherwise must be barely audible outside noise sensitive premises such that it is inaudible inside noise sensitive premise between 23.00 hours and 07.00 hours.
2.    An effective management system shall be put into operation to monitor, supervise and control and general public while in attendance at this function.  The management system must be effective to control public health and safety and noisy and anti-social behaviour.
3.    Only members of the Deux Chevaux of Great Britain (2CVGB) Club and bona fide guests will be admitted and any person appearing to be under 21 will be asked for ID to ensure under age sales are not made.

Mrs. Worthington-Leese stated that from the Licensing Regulations it seemed that they were aimed at functions held inside premises and not in the open air.  From the table of delegation of licensing functions, nothing appeared to go to full committee, even when the Police object.  It was wondered how members that were not on the sub-committee had an opportunity to make their views known.  It appeared that officers dealt with much of this.  H.D.C., had stated that the Parish Council had not made their objections clear, but this was not the case and these had been repeated to them.  It was considered that there was a point of principle and procedure.  This matter had been queried with the Chief Executive of H.D.C., who had stated that if there were lessons to be learnt, they would learn them.  The Parish Council would like to know what these lessons were and how H.D.C., intended to alter their procedures.   

68.    Minute No. 48: Youth Worker, Rydon School had been granted £1,000 by the C.L.C., for the Leisure Centre Youth Work and this money would fund sports coaching and use of the MUGA for one hour per week up until January, 2008.  They are not sure what will happen after that, as this would depend on funding sources available.  The Youth Cafe at the Leisure Centre continues and this will not be affected in any way.

    The Tuesday Youth Session at Rydon is closing because they have no Leader in charge and have not been able to find anyone to fill this role.  However, they are arranging for a minibus to take the girls to the Cuthman Centre for Dance coaching instead in the hope of taking them away from the ‘drink culture’.  Anything further the Parish Council could do regarding finding a ‘Drop-in’ in the village would be greatly appreciated.

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

69.    Infrastructure, Communications and Environment Committee Meeting held on the 11th July, 2007.  Mr. Sanson reported that originally it had been understood that there would be ‘no smoking’ in the bus shelters, however, the manufacturers had advised that this was not necessary because they were 50% open.  This had been confirmed with the Environmental Health Department of H.D.C.  These minutes were duly ADOPTED.

70.    Recreation and Property Committee Meeting held on the 11th July, 2007.  Mrs. Wheatley reported that the netting to the Cone Climber was back and the matting had been laid in front of the football wall.  These minutes were duly ADOPTED.

71.    Planning and Development Committee Meeting held on the 12th July, 2007.   These minutes were duly ADOPTED.

    COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL MATTERS :-

72.    Other County and District Matters.  Mr. Wilkinson (County Councillor) reported that he had received an enquiry as to why the Angel Sandpit had not been capped off and restored.  There had been localized flooding and they were liaising with householders and contractors to try and remedy this, following which the sandpit would be capped and restored. 

    The CLC would be holding an open meeting on the 4th September at Rydon Community College to debate Fit for the Future and W.S.C.C., would like as many people to attend as possible in order to formulate a view to be sent to the P.C.T. 

    Mr. Wilkinson was concerned to hear about the flooding last week.  He had been assured that the Church Street gullies and drains were clear and working okay and the problem had been caused by the volume and unprecedented down pour which caused water to run over them and down into the High Street.  The sewer belonging to Southern Water blew, but they repaired this.  The surface water drains do go into that Southern Water sewer, which was the practice all over the country.  It would be essential to make sure that the drains in Church Street and the High Street are always kept clear.  Mr. Wilkinson thought that it would be a good idea if the Parish Council write to Southern Water to ascertain what happened to this sewer and whether a temporary or permanent repair was carried out.  It was considered that the County Council should, on a priority basis, look at the areas that flooded to see if anything could be done to prevent this in the future.  Mr. Wilkinson was asked to ascertain when the gullies and drains were last cleared.  Mr. Tipper had assured Mr. Wilkinson that they had been cleared recently.  It was wondered why problems were experienced with the Thakeham Road drains if there was a regular clearing  programme and also whether the drains were tested following such work.  Mr. Mullard stressed the need to emphasize the fact that the drainage system was insufficient to deal with the increased population and adverse weather conditions.  The Rt. Hon. Nick Herbert M.P., should be written to pointing out the problems and lack of finance on the part of Southern Water to deal with this matter.          

    Mr. Wilkinson advised that County were arranging more meetings for the Village Enhancement Steering Group.  The new officer, Mr. Roger Harding, wants to get this going by Spring 2008.

    The Members that attended the Marchwood Incinerator visit had been extremely impressed and thanked Mr. Wilkinson for organizing this.  Mr. Dawe asked Mr. Wilkinson if County had an outline policy on incineration and landfill.  Mr. Wilkinson explained that in their manifesto they could see no reason that there should be incineration in West Sussex until after 2015 as this would then give them time to look at other possible technologies.  Rock Common did not feature in their existing Plan.  They were confident that  they  could  deal  with  all  waste  until  2015  without  incurring  any excess landfill taxation, by which time they would have new facilities in place.  There would always be a need for landfill sites as there would always be a residue from incineration, but this did not give off methane.

    There had been concerns about waste coming from London, but the County Council had a policy at the moment not to accept any London waste.  However, if a private contractor that comes along with a hole in the ground that was clay lined, says they are going to import waste from London, should County refuse this application, it would go to appeal and would then be decided by the Inspector.  The decision would be made with regard to the Rock Common site in the autumn. 

    Mr. Wilkinson reported that County were going to open a new materials recycling facility at Ford in thirteen months time which should push recycling figures up from the current 34% to approximately 40% by 2010 and 50% by 2015.   When this facility was open it was hoped to collect recyclables from one bin.  Long term they were determined to move away from landfill.  Recycling from industrial and commercial premises was discussed and County had started with a SEEDA award for Business Recycling Efficiency.  It was asked whether any vehicles travelling to this site would go through Storrington, but the proposed route was the A.24 and A.27.

    Mr. Wilkinson then left the meeting.
 
73.    POLICE MATTER.  Mr. Gibbons reported that he had attended a meeting of the Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation with Superintendent Lisa Peacey looking at the situation of Crime Prevention Co-ordinators that run Neighbourhood Watch throughout the area and Crime Prevention Officers who offer the advice.  These discussions were ongoing and no decisions had yet been made, but it was possible that they would be dispensed with.  The outcome should be known in September or October.

74.    STORRINGTON POND.  Mrs. Worthington-Leese reported that the advice of the solicitor was now that there was a need for a Barrister’s decision before they issue a claim.  The only claims that could be made were :-

➢    Negligence, but there was no evidence of that, or
➢    Nuisance that must arise from a duty of care which has been breached, but this could be argued.

Barrister’s opinion should take a couple of weeks and they would send the Council a copy of the letter that was being sent to.  Once the opinion had been received a letter of  claim would be sent and they would have one month to respond.  If there were no response they would issue legal proceedings.
  
Aerator – Mr. Sanson suggested that the Council purchase a second aerator, but to have a more powerful one.  Two quotations had been obtained :-

A 370 W Aerator at a cost of £895.00 plus V.A.T.(same as the existing one)
A 1HP Aerator at a cost of £1,060.00 plus V.A.T.

Following long and detailed discussion during which various views were expressed Mr. Sanson Proposed; Seconded Mrs. Worthington-Leese and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED:-                                            

To investigate ways and means of securing an aerator such that it would make this more stable and not turn over and subject to the advice received at the proposed site meeting this week to purchase an appropriately sized second aerator. 

75.    STORRINGTON BONFIRE SOCIETY.  It was explained to the meeting that the bonfire could no longer be held in the Priory Field because this field was being redeveloped with vines.  They had so far not been able to locate a suitable location and they feared that the event could come to an end.  Following discussion it was AGREED:-
 
    The Parish Council should write to Lady Emma Barnard to ask whether she could find a way of helping.

76.    XMAS LIGHTING, 2007.  The various options available together with the costings were explained to the meeting and following discussion a vote was taken on each of these:-

        To spend             £8,441        £2,091            £4,593            £4,856
        Vote in favour:         1                 2                     5                     2

    It was, therefore, AGREED :-

    To fund the option whereby there would be a large Christmas tree, small trees and a set piece at the estimated cost of £4,593.00 .  A letter should be written to voluntary groups and STAG stating that the Parish Council would not be getting involved in the Late Night Shopping event this year.

77.    TO APPROVE THE ANNUAL RETURN AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH, 2007 AND TO AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN THESE.  Following discussion Mrs. Worthington-Leese Proposed; Seconded Mr. Sanson and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED :-

    To approve the annual return and accounts for the financial year to 31st March, 2007 and to authorize the Chairman to sign these documents. 
   
78.    ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR COUNCILLORS TO READ :-

(a)    Action in rural Sussex – Directory of Support Services for Parish Councils and Action Planning Teams.  Available in the Parish Office.
   
(b)    Horsham and District Citizens Advice Bureau Annual Report 2007.  Available in the Parish Office.

    (c)    H.D.C. Art-e-News June/July 07.  Available in the Parish Office.
   
(d)    Walk and Talk your way to health!  Available in the Parish Office.

(e)    Partnership News – Newsletter of the West Sussex Public Partnership Forum.  Available in the Parish Office.

(f)    Communities and Local Government News Release – Nine Successful Unitaries.  Available in the Parish Office.

79.    CLERK’S CORRESPONDENCE :-
(a)    The Royal British Legion – “Legion in the Community” Seminar, 19th September, 2007 at East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa, Little Horsted, Uckfield.  The aim of this seminar was to remind people of what they do in the hope of spreading the word to the wider community.

(b)    South Downs Joint Committee – Annual Parish Up-date.  This contained information about the day to day maintenance of Public Rights of Way within the Sussex Downs A.O.N.B. and other details of other projects undertaken.
.
80.    CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ANY URGENT MATTERS :-

(a)    H.D.C. re: Flooding and Sand Bags.  In the light of recent weather conditions and the resulting Flash Flooding the need for easy access to sand bags had been highlighted.  There was now a sandless sand bag that would self-inflate in water.  A box of ten bags would cost £50.00.  It was AGREED :-

        That this information should be made known to traders.

(b)    Attack in Storrington.  Recently a mugger had attacked a pregnant woman in front of her child in Spierbridge Road,
        Storrington.

(c)    CAB CAM.  The Community Partnership wanted the view of adults and children on the possibility of putting C.C.T.V., cameras in cabs.  They wanted permission to site an example on Place Villerest on 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th or 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th September.  Permission for this was duly GRANTED.

(d)    Storrington Parish Church re: Churchyard memorials.  Following discussion Mr. Dawe Proposed; Seconded Mr. Mullard and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED :-

        To donate the sum of £100.00.

    However, Mr. Dawe said that he would continue to pursue other funding channels and advised delay in making any payment until these had been exhausted.

81.    TO CONSIDER THE BANK RECONCILIATION FOR JUNE, 2007 AND TO DISCUSS WHETHER THIS SHOULD IN FUTURE BE ONLY A MATTER FOR THE FINANCE AND BUDGET COMMITTEE.  The Bank Reconciliation was duly NOTED.  It was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED :-

    That in future this document should be referred to the Finance and Budget Committee.

82.    AGED DEBTORS REPORT.  A protocol should be established that all debts are chased religiously.  The Clerk should report back to the Council as to how this would be accomplished. 

83.    ACCOUNTS TO BE PAID in the sum of £102,659.00 were duly AGREED.  Investigations into possible different suppliers for the C.C.T.V., and air conditions should be made.  Every endeavour should be made to pay large bills to coincide with the V.A.T. returns.                                                

84.    AMENDMENT OF BYELAWS.  The byelaws should be made to cover all the Recreation Grounds and Play Areas under the Council’s control.  The word ‘his’ should be either changed to ‘his/her’ or ‘their’.  The suggested byelaw relating to the pond should be added.  To number 7 the words ‘or motorized invalid conveyance’ should be added.  A draft of this should be submitted to the next meeting of the Council.

85.    ADJOURNMENT.  No matters were raised. 

86.    DATE OF NEXT MEETING AND POSSIBLE DELEGATION OF POWERS TO THE CLERK.  The next meeting would be held on Wednesday, 26th September.  It was AGREED to give the Clerk delegated powers to deal with any urgent matters in the meantime.

    The Press and Public will be excluded from attendance during this item due to the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

87.    ALLOTMENTS.  Mr. Sanson and Mr. Atkins declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this topic and therefore left the meeting.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.25 p.m.





























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