Storrington & Sullington,West Sussex,UK

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Home Storrington Sullington Attractions Events Village News Parish Council Community Partnership Local Business Pubs And Food Clubs And Societies Accommodation Child Care and Education Churches Sports, Leisure, and Fitness Local Transport Services Useful Links Fun/Useful Info. Local Search Local Weather Sponsors Village pictures Contact Us	STORRINGTON & SULLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE CHANCTONBURY ROOM, SULLINGTON PARISH HALL, THAKEHAM ROAD, STORRINGTON, ON WEDNESDAY, 25th NOVEMBER 2009, COMMENCING AT 7.00 p.m. Present: Mrs. A. Worthington-Leese in the Chair to Minute No. 143 and Mr. R. Dawe in the Chair from Minute No. 144, Mr. D. Atkins, Mr. R. Carter, Mr. E. Gibbons, Mr. A. Head, Mrs. G. King, Mr. J. Macey, Mr. C. Mason, Mr. D. Roper, Mr. J. Sanson and Mrs. L. Wheatley. In Attendance: Mr. F. Wilkinson (County Councillor). 130. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr. R. Dawe (would be late as he was attending another meeting), Mr. R. Carter (personal reasons), Mr. R. Jerman (holiday), Mr. A. Mullard (wife unwell) and Mr. J. Williams (prior engagement). The reasons for absence were duly ACCEPTED. 131. TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS. Mr. Gibbons declared a personal interest in agenda items 8 and 16(b). 132. POLICE MATTERS. A graph on the trend of offences from October, 2008 to October, 2009 had been received. Damage had reduced from 22% to 7%; Disorder had reduced from 31% to 12% and Total Crime had gone from 46% and by August, 2009 this had reduced to 35%, but had now risen to 41% due to shed and garage break-ins. 133. TO APPROVE AND SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THE 28TH OCTOBER, 2009. Mr. Wilkinson had been in attendance and Minute No. 106 should read “…Storrington of not having public toilets …”. With these amendments the Minutes were AGREED to be correct records of the proceedings and were duly signed by the Chairman. MATTERS ARISING :- 134. Minute Nos. 21, 105 : Planter Troughs. W.S.C.C., had advised that they would be advertising the additional planter troughs and if they received no objections would approve same. It was considered that the additional troughs should be ordered. 135. Minute No. 83, 106: Public Convenience – follow up. This matter was now with the appropriate District Council Service who would come back to this Council with costings and the practicalities of having temporary toilets. The Leader of the Council was trying to get a response, but unfortunately the department have priorities and not enough staff. This matter would continue to be pursued. 136. Minute No. 77, 107: Listing of Old School. The office was still waiting for photographs of the inside of the building. The forms, etc., were basically ready once the final photographs were received. 137. Minute No. 114: W.S.C.C., Saturday Sessions Steyning Youth Centre. W.S.C.C., already ask the young people for £1.50 for the session and to increase this further would affect the take up as they are trying to get the “hard to reach”. They made no mention of the trial. Mr. Wilkinson would follow this up. 138. Minute No. 116: Neighbourhood Partnership Team. This was the same body that Mr. Roper represented the Council on, however, the P.C.S.O., had stated that they would be more than happy for both Councillors to attend. The two Councillors would liaise in order to ensure that at least one of them attended these meetings. 139. Minute No. 82(c), 103: Rowan Close. The residents had now paid for the works undertaken, together with the Court fees. Action had therefore been cancelled. 140. Minute No. 84, 104: Cricket and Football Club. Both Clubs had now paid their rents up-to-date. 141. TO RECEIVE AND IF APPROVED TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEE MEETINGS:- (a) Infrastructure, Communications and Environment Committee held on the 11th November, 2009. Mr. Sanson reported that Mr. Hutchins had scarified around the pond and planted bulbs at no cost to the Council. Youngsters from the local school assisted with the planting of the bulbs. These minutes were duly ADOPTED. (b) Recreation and Property Committee held on the 11th November, 2009. Mr. Gibbons referred to minute No. 82 because the Neighbourhood Partnership meeting had suggested that youngsters in the area would benefit from having a skate park. That meeting felt that the youngsters could monitor the site and so reduce vandalism. Mr. Mason stated that the Crime and Reduction Committee had stated that such provision would have a beneficial effect. Generally people were of the opinion that a skate park would be a good idea. However, the practicalities of it were the problem. Minute No. 78 Floodlights, Mr. Head mentioned that the owner of Hormare Cottage had advised him that Musco had not undertaken tests at his cottage. A letter should be written to Musco requesting clarification. These minutes were duly ADOPTED. 142. POLICE MATTERS (cont’d). P.C.S.O. Tom Guiney arrived and therefore he was permitted to give his report. There had been nine incidents of criminal damage this month, but the perpetrators were photographed doing it. There had been thefts from Somerfield’s, but there was C.C.T.V., footage. A burglar had been caught because they were still in the house when the resident returned home. Crime had reduced by more than 50% since October. There had been no reports of speeding or anti-social driving, but they are aware it is happening and want people to report more. Crime in Storrington had gone down by 66% between October 2008 and October 2009. A couple of youngsters were now on Anti-social Behaviour Contracts. There had been a problem with mini-motors and a Section 59 warning had been issued and the vehicle permanently taken away and it would be crushed. There would be attendance by the Police for the Late Night Shopping event. Mr. Gibbons reported that for three days at the beginning of November the Police had been checking the speeds of vehicles and most of the offenders travelling over 40 m.p.h., were local people. He was still looking for volunteers to assist with SID. P.C.S.O. Guiney then left the meeting. 143. TO RECEIVE AND IF APPROVED TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEE MEETINGS (cont’d):- (c) Planning and Development Committee held on the 12th November, 2009. Mrs. King pointed out that she had been at this meeting, but this had not been recorded on these minutes. These minutes were duly ADOPTED. Mr. Dawe arrived at 7.40 p.m., and took the Chair. 144. COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL MATTERS. Mr. Wilkinson (County Councillor) stated it was encouraging that the Police had started speed monitoring in Amberley Road. Mr. Wilkinson attended the Neighbourhood Panel Meeting and most of the discussion was about Water Lane traffic problems which were being addressed by the Traffic Highways Engineer. He had also attended a Traffic Management Meeting and he had received a few comments from the minutes that had been circulated and Mr. Peter Bradley had been asked to pay attention to these and pursue all the points. W.S.C.C., had written to EDF, with a covering letter from the Parish Council, about the patch outside the Post Office requesting reinstatement as soon as possible. It was strongly felt that utilities companies should restore surfaces with the same material as found, i.e., if block paving, they should use matching block paving. There was a need for a general policy on this. Mr. Wilkinson would raise this matter at the Cabinet Members roundup. Mr. Atkins raised the subject of the traffic island in Monastery Lane and asked Mr. Wilkinson if it would be possible to have some white lines round it. Mr. Dawe (District Councillor) reported that he had just been to a meeting about ICT sharing with Mid-Sussex and Adur District Councils and Worthing Borough Council. Revenue and benefits would be dealt with by one authority which would result in cost savings of about £140,000 for each authority, but he wanted to see how the savings were quantified. The trial for e-consultation for planning applications had started, but this was causing additional work in the office. A list of concerns was being maintained. Mr. Ian Jopling was going to see the Practice Manager of the Glebe Surgery on Monday, hopefully with a view to solving the problem of doctors parking whilst building works were taking place. It was hoped that H.D.C., would arrange for them to use the Monastery Lane car park for the period. Mr. Dawe would try and ascertain what happened at the meeting. Mr. Wilkinson left the meeting. 145. TO CONSIDER ALLOWING THE TWINNING ASSOCIATION FILM NIGHTS FREE HIRE OF THE PARISH HALL. Mr. Gibbons declared a personal interest in this item. This Association currently hired the Trinity Church Hall on Friday evenings for 2½ hours three or four times a year for films that were open to the general public. As the Rotary Club were given free usage for their film nights, it was wondered whether the Parish Council would contemplate offering free use of the Parish Hall. Members were of the opinion that the Twinning Association was not a registered charity, whereas the Rotary Club was. It could not be seen that this would be a real benefit to the public. It was therefore AGREED:- *To see if the Twinning Association could be given a more advantageous rate than they currently pay if they came to the Hall but that this hire could not be free of charge.* 146. TO NOMINATE A MEMBER TO BE REPRESENTATIVE TO STAND ON THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK. Mr. Jerman was nominated. As he was not present at this meeting, he should be asked if this was something he would be interested in prior to putting his name forward. 147. TO COMMENT ON H.D.C. SUGGESTED CLUSTERS OF PARISHES. This request had come from Horsham Association of Local Councils. What H.D.C., were trying to achieve was, rather than Horsham telling everyone what is happening, to get the Parishes to offer their ideas in order that the respective documents produced by the District are relevant to the communities, i.e., bottom up rather than top down. The Parishes collectively need to fit into that. The map was an attempt at clustering and for this part of the District was looking at a greater Storrington area and had included Amberley, Parham, Storrington and Sullington, Ashington, Washington and Wiston. Members felt that Wiston would identify with Steyning. Following discussion it was AGREED :- *To suggest that the cluster for this area should be Amberley, Parham, Storrington and Sullington, Washington, Ashington, Thakeham, West Chiltington, Pulborough and Coldwaltham.* 148. TO CONSIDER APPOINTING MR. JERMAN ONTO THE INFRASTRUCTURE, COMMUNICATIONS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE. It was AGREED :- *Mr. Jerman was duly appointed to the Infrastructure, Communications and Environment Committee.* 149. PARISH HALL UPDATE AND COMPLETION DATE. The two new roof lights would be installed tomorrow and the remaining painting would also be undertaken. Following that there would only be snagging work to be undertaken. 150. ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR COUNCILLORS TO READ :- (a) South Downs Joint Committee Annual Review. Available in the Parish Office. (b) Action in rural Sussex – Quarterly Newsletter – October, 2009. Available in the Parish Office. 151. CLERK’S CORRESPONDENCE :- (a) Cowdray Farm Shop Open Day, 26th November, 2009. All Members had been invited to attend. CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ANY URGENT MATTERS :- 152. Quotation from Andrew Gale Tree Surgery Ltd. – A Willow and a Prunus had been blown down round the Storrington Pond in the recent high winds. The Clerk had accepted a quotation in the sum of £350.00 for the removal of these trees. This action was duly RATIFIED. However, it was noted that they intended to chip and leave the brushwood in small piles away from the footpath. This element should be queried to ensure the site was left tidy. 153. Resignation of Mr. Andrew Aldridge as Co-opted Member of the Planning Committee. Mr. Aldridge has moved and hence had resigned. He had written expressing his thanks and pleasure in working with the Parish Council. 154. Proposed New Bridleway/Footpath from Ashington to Washington. Ashington Parish Council had written requesting the support of this Council for the upgrading of FP2611 or FP2613. This project was on their Parish Plan 2006 but they had not managed to achieve this. Ashington were waiting for W.S.C.C., to advise them how to proceed, but they wanted to know if it was felt this would benefit Storrington residents and whether this Council would support them. Following discussion it was AGREED :- *Members did not think that this provision would benefit the residents of this Parish.* *However, Members liked the idea of footpaths to our Parish and whilst they were happy to support it, W.S.C.C., would have to fund it.* 155. H.D.C., re: Parking in Storrington. H.D.C., had noted the Council’s comments about indiscriminate parking in North Street and they had alerted their supervisors. However they pointed out that unless there was a Civil Enforcement Officer standing next to a yellow line when a vehicle stops on it, they cannot issue a penalty charge notice immediately. A vehicle has to be observed for a period of time first in case the driver is engaged in legitimate acts of loading/unloading or delivery/collection. If the junction is such that loading/unloading is deemed to be dangerous, then a prohibition of waiting order (double yellow lines accompanied by two lines on the kerb) could be installed by the Highway Authority. In these instances a breach can be dealt with immediately. If a vehicle is parking within 30 feet of a junction, irrespective of the presence of yellow lines, the police can act and treat it as a matter of obstruction. H.D.C., understand the concerns expressed over the prevalence of vehicles parking in residential roads, but if there are no restrictions this is quite acceptable provided access/egress to/from properties is not impeded. *When the new parking restrictions came into force it was agreed that this matter would be looked at again should there be any ongoing problems. It was considered* that now was the appropriate time for this to happen. It needed to be ascertained whether people requesting parking permits were being refused. A letter should also be written to Mr. Henry Smith, Leader of W.S.C.C., regarding the situation in North Street. 156. REQUESTS FOR DONATIONS :- (a) Worthing and District Samaritans. It was not considered appropriate to donate. (b) West Sussex Mediation Service. Following discussion Mr. Roper Proposed; Seconded Mrs. Wheatley and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED :- *To donate the sum of £100.00* *(Local Government Act 1972).* (c) West Sussex Rural Mobile Youth Trust – the Purple Bus. Following discussion it was AGREED :- *To allow them free use of the Parish Hall for their quarterly meetings.* 157. BANK RECONCILIATION FOR OCTOBER. This was duly NOTED. 158. ACCOUNTS TO BE PAID in the sum of £42,821.73 were duly AGREED. 159. COMPARISON OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE WITH BUDGET FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL, 2009 TO 31ST OCTOBER, 2009. It was noted that the income for hire of the Parish Hall and the Football Pavilion were well below the predicted amounts. It was felt that there was a need for some form of marketing effort in relation to the Hall and Pavilion. The Hall figure had suffered slightly because of the lack of any income from the hire of the Skylight Room. It was, however, estimated (based on the current forecast) that the Council would only be £2,381.56 down on its total budget figures for the year which would have the affect of reducing the cash in hand/carry over figure from £111,413.63 to £109,032.07. Mrs. Worthington-Leese asked if the Cricket and Football Clubs were paid up-to-date for utilities. The meeting was advised that the Cricket Club were totally up-to-date, but the Football Club were querying approximately £275. A letter should be written to them asking them to pay or to provide full details as to why they are not paying. The question was also asked as to whether regular meter readings were being taken in relation to the floodlight usage. The meeting was advised that one meter reading had been taken, but the Football Club had now padlocked this and had declined to let the Council have a key. The Football Club should be informed that the Parish Council requires a key in order to verify usage and the Council would promise to look after the key and ensure it was locked after any meter reading. Most of the grants towards the Sullington Play Project had been received, but there was still an amount to come from the Lottery. This was being held until the final agreed monitoring process had been completed. Mrs. Wheatley was formulating a plan in order to finalize the consultation process. 160. ADJOURNMENT. There were no members of the public present. 161. TO AUTHORIZE DELEGATION TO THE PARISH CLERK UNTIL THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN. There was not going to be a meeting in December, therefore it was AGREED :- *To give the Clerk delegated powers in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman until the next meeting on the 27th January, 2010.* 162. Planning Application DC/09/2025: Dominican Generalate, Land Adjacent to St. Josephs Convent, Church Street, Storrington. This application had just been received and was to erect 40 new dwellings for retired people, with Manager’s accommodation, guest room, plus garaging. This was basically a resubmission of an earlier application by English Courtyard. The applicant’s architect and agent would be attending the Planning Meeting on Thursday, 10th December, 2009 at 7.00 p.m. English Courtyard originally proposed to demolish the Listed greenhouses, but had agreed to preserve them. There was a need to say the same again. An application of this size would normally be referred to Full Council; however, as there would not be a Council Meeting that this could go to, all members were invited to attend the Planning Meeting. 163. Newsletter. It had not proved possible to make contact with the company that produced this on behalf of the Council and therefore it was agreed that the copy that had been sent to them should be placed on the website. 164. Late Night Shopping Event. As it appeared unlikely that the Newsletter would be delivered to every household, it was decided to give this event additional advertising by asking the Head Teachers of Rydon Community College and Storrington First School if they would be prepared to give leaflets to the children to take home to their parents. 165. Tree Planting. It was reported that it was possible to obtain grants for planting native trees. This should be fully investigated. There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.40 p.m. - 36 -
	© 2010 Storrington & Sullington Community Partnership

STORRINGTON & SULLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING

HELD IN THE CHANCTONBURY ROOM,

SULLINGTON PARISH HALL,

THAKEHAM ROAD, STORRINGTON,

ON WEDNESDAY, 25th NOVEMBER 2009,

COMMENCING AT 7.00 p.m.

Present: Mrs. A. Worthington-Leese in the Chair to Minute No. 143 and Mr. R. Dawe in the Chair from Minute No. 144, Mr. D. Atkins, Mr. R. Carter, Mr. E. Gibbons, Mr. A. Head, Mrs. G. King, Mr. J. Macey, Mr. C. Mason, Mr. D. Roper, Mr. J. Sanson and Mrs. L. Wheatley.

In Attendance: Mr. F. Wilkinson (County Councillor).

130. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr. R. Dawe (would be late as he was attending another meeting), Mr. R. Carter (personal reasons), Mr. R. Jerman (holiday), Mr. A. Mullard (wife unwell) and Mr. J. Williams (prior engagement). The reasons for absence were duly ACCEPTED.

131. TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS. Mr. Gibbons declared a personal interest in agenda items 8 and 16(b).

132. POLICE MATTERS. A graph on the trend of offences from October, 2008 to October, 2009 had been received. Damage had reduced from 22% to 7%; Disorder had reduced from 31% to 12% and Total Crime had gone from 46% and by August, 2009 this had reduced to 35%, but had now risen to 41% due to shed and garage break-ins.

133. TO APPROVE AND SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THE 28TH OCTOBER, 2009. Mr. Wilkinson had been in attendance and Minute No. 106 should read “…Storrington of not having public toilets …”. With these amendments the Minutes were AGREED to be correct records of the proceedings and were duly signed by the Chairman.

MATTERS ARISING :-

134. Minute Nos. 21, 105 : Planter Troughs. W.S.C.C., had advised that they would be advertising the additional planter troughs and if they received no objections would approve same. It was considered that the additional troughs should be ordered.

135. Minute No. 83, 106: Public Convenience – follow up. This matter was now with the appropriate District Council Service who would come back to this Council with costings and the practicalities of having temporary toilets. The Leader of the Council was trying to get a response, but unfortunately the department have priorities and not enough staff. This matter would continue to be pursued.

136. Minute No. 77, 107: Listing of Old School. The office was still waiting for photographs of the inside of the building. The forms, etc., were basically ready once the final photographs were received.

137. Minute No. 114: W.S.C.C., Saturday Sessions Steyning Youth Centre. W.S.C.C., already ask the young people for £1.50 for the session and to increase this further would affect the take up as they are trying to get the “hard to reach”. They made no mention of the trial. Mr. Wilkinson would follow this up.

138. Minute No. 116: Neighbourhood Partnership Team. This was the same body that Mr. Roper represented the Council on, however, the P.C.S.O., had stated that they would be more than happy for both Councillors to attend. The two Councillors would liaise in order to ensure that at least one of them attended these meetings.

139. Minute No. 82(c), 103: Rowan Close. The residents had now paid for the works undertaken, together with the Court fees. Action had therefore been cancelled.

140. Minute No. 84, 104: Cricket and Football Club. Both Clubs had now paid their rents up-to-date.

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

(a) Infrastructure, Communications and Environment Committee held on the 11th November, 2009. Mr. Sanson reported that Mr. Hutchins had scarified around the pond and planted bulbs at no cost to the Council. Youngsters from the local school assisted with the planting of the bulbs. These minutes were duly ADOPTED.

(b) Recreation and Property Committee held on the 11th November, 2009. Mr. Gibbons referred to minute No. 82 because the Neighbourhood Partnership meeting had suggested that youngsters in the area would benefit from having a skate park. That meeting felt that the youngsters could monitor the site and so reduce vandalism. Mr. Mason stated that the Crime and Reduction Committee had stated that such provision would have a beneficial effect. Generally people were of the opinion that a skate park would be a good idea. However, the practicalities of it were the problem. Minute No. 78 Floodlights, Mr. Head mentioned that the owner of Hormare Cottage had advised him that Musco had not undertaken tests at his cottage. A letter should be written to Musco requesting clarification. These minutes were duly ADOPTED.

142. POLICE MATTERS (cont’d). P.C.S.O. Tom Guiney arrived and therefore he was permitted to give his report. There had been nine incidents of criminal damage this month, but the perpetrators were photographed doing it. There had been thefts from Somerfield’s, but there was C.C.T.V., footage. A burglar had been caught because they were still in the house when the resident returned home. Crime had reduced by more than 50% since October. There had been no reports of speeding or anti-social driving, but they are aware it is happening and want people to report more. Crime in Storrington had gone down by 66% between October 2008 and October 2009. A couple of youngsters were now on Anti-social Behaviour Contracts. There had been a problem with mini-motors and a Section 59 warning had been issued and the vehicle permanently taken away and it would be crushed. There would be attendance by the Police for the Late Night Shopping event.

Mr. Gibbons reported that for three days at the beginning of November the Police had been checking the speeds of vehicles and most of the offenders travelling over 40 m.p.h., were local people. He was still looking for volunteers to assist with SID.

P.C.S.O. Guiney then left the meeting.

143. TO RECEIVE AND IF APPROVED TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEE MEETINGS (cont’d):-

(c) Planning and Development Committee held on the 12th November, 2009. Mrs. King pointed out that she had been at this meeting, but this had not been recorded on these minutes. These minutes were duly ADOPTED.

Mr. Dawe arrived at 7.40 p.m., and took the Chair.

144. COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL MATTERS. Mr. Wilkinson (County Councillor) stated it was encouraging that the Police had started speed monitoring in Amberley Road.

Mr. Wilkinson attended the Neighbourhood Panel Meeting and most of the discussion was about Water Lane traffic problems which were being addressed by the Traffic Highways Engineer. He had also attended a Traffic Management Meeting and he had received a few comments from the minutes that had been circulated and Mr. Peter Bradley had been asked to pay attention to these and pursue all the points.

W.S.C.C., had written to EDF, with a covering letter from the Parish Council, about the patch outside the Post Office requesting reinstatement as soon as possible. It was strongly felt that utilities companies should restore surfaces with the same material as found, i.e., if block paving, they should use matching block paving. There was a need for a general policy on this. Mr. Wilkinson would raise this matter at the Cabinet Members roundup.

Mr. Atkins raised the subject of the traffic island in Monastery Lane and asked Mr. Wilkinson if it would be possible to have some white lines round it.

Mr. Dawe (District Councillor) reported that he had just been to a meeting about ICT sharing with Mid-Sussex and Adur District Councils and Worthing Borough Council. Revenue and benefits would be dealt with by one authority which would result in cost savings of about £140,000 for each authority, but he wanted to see how the savings were quantified.

The trial for e-consultation for planning applications had started, but this was causing additional work in the office. A list of concerns was being maintained.

Mr. Ian Jopling was going to see the Practice Manager of the Glebe Surgery on Monday, hopefully with a view to solving the problem of doctors parking whilst building works were taking place. It was hoped that H.D.C., would arrange for them to use the Monastery Lane car park for the period. Mr. Dawe would try and ascertain what happened at the meeting.

Mr. Wilkinson left the meeting.

145. TO CONSIDER ALLOWING THE TWINNING ASSOCIATION FILM NIGHTS FREE HIRE OF THE PARISH HALL. Mr. Gibbons declared a personal interest in this item. This Association currently hired the Trinity Church Hall on Friday evenings for 2½ hours three or four times a year for films that were open to the general public. As the Rotary Club were given free usage for their film nights, it was wondered whether the Parish Council would contemplate offering free use of the Parish Hall. Members were of the opinion that the Twinning Association was not a registered charity, whereas the Rotary Club was. It could not be seen that this would be a real benefit to the public. It was therefore AGREED:-

To see if the Twinning Association could be given a more advantageous rate than they currently pay if they came to the Hall but that this hire could not be free of charge.

146. TO NOMINATE A MEMBER TO BE REPRESENTATIVE TO STAND ON THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK. Mr. Jerman was nominated. As he was not present at this meeting, he should be asked if this was something he would be interested in prior to putting his name forward.

147. TO COMMENT ON H.D.C. SUGGESTED CLUSTERS OF PARISHES. This request had come from Horsham Association of Local Councils. What H.D.C., were trying to achieve was, rather than Horsham telling everyone what is happening, to get the Parishes to offer their ideas in order that the respective documents produced by the District are relevant to the communities, i.e., bottom up rather than top down. The Parishes collectively need to fit into that. The map was an attempt at clustering and for this part of the District was looking at a greater Storrington area and had included Amberley, Parham, Storrington and Sullington, Ashington, Washington and Wiston. Members felt that Wiston would identify with Steyning. Following discussion it was AGREED :-

To suggest that the cluster for this area should be Amberley, Parham, Storrington and Sullington, Washington, Ashington, Thakeham, West Chiltington, Pulborough and Coldwaltham.

148. TO CONSIDER APPOINTING MR. JERMAN ONTO THE INFRASTRUCTURE, COMMUNICATIONS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE. It was AGREED :-

Mr. Jerman was duly appointed to the Infrastructure, Communications and Environment Committee.

149. PARISH HALL UPDATE AND COMPLETION DATE. The two new roof lights would be installed tomorrow and the remaining painting would also be undertaken. Following that there would only be snagging work to be undertaken.

150. ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR COUNCILLORS TO READ :-

(a) South Downs Joint Committee Annual Review. Available in the Parish Office.

(b) Action in rural Sussex – Quarterly Newsletter – October, 2009. Available in the Parish Office.

151. CLERK’S CORRESPONDENCE :-

(a) Cowdray Farm Shop Open Day, 26th November, 2009. All Members had been invited to attend.

CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ANY URGENT MATTERS :-

152. Quotation from Andrew Gale Tree Surgery Ltd. – A Willow and a Prunus had been blown down round the Storrington Pond in the recent high winds. The Clerk had accepted a quotation in the sum of £350.00 for the removal of these trees. This action was duly RATIFIED. However, it was noted that they intended to chip and leave the brushwood in small piles away from the footpath. This element should be queried to ensure the site was left tidy.

153. Resignation of Mr. Andrew Aldridge as Co-opted Member of the Planning Committee. Mr. Aldridge has moved and hence had resigned. He had written expressing his thanks and pleasure in working with the Parish Council.

154. Proposed New Bridleway/Footpath from Ashington to Washington. Ashington Parish Council had written requesting the support of this Council for the upgrading of FP2611 or FP2613. This project was on their Parish Plan 2006 but they had not managed to achieve this. Ashington were waiting for W.S.C.C., to advise them how to proceed, but they wanted to know if it was felt this would benefit Storrington residents and whether this Council would support them. Following discussion it was AGREED :-

Members did not think that this provision would benefit the residents of this Parish. However, Members liked the idea of footpaths to our Parish and whilst they were happy to support it, W.S.C.C., would have to fund it.

155. H.D.C., re: Parking in Storrington. H.D.C., had noted the Council’s comments about indiscriminate parking in North Street and they had alerted their supervisors. However they pointed out that unless there was a Civil Enforcement Officer standing next to a yellow line when a vehicle stops on it, they cannot issue a penalty charge notice immediately. A vehicle has to be observed for a period of time first in case the driver is engaged in legitimate acts of loading/unloading or delivery/collection. If the junction is such that loading/unloading is deemed to be dangerous, then a prohibition of waiting order (double yellow lines accompanied by two lines on the kerb) could be installed by the Highway Authority. In these instances a breach can be dealt with immediately. If a vehicle is parking within 30 feet of a junction, irrespective of the presence of yellow lines, the police can act and treat it as a matter of obstruction.

H.D.C., understand the concerns expressed over the prevalence of vehicles parking in residential roads, but if there are no restrictions this is quite acceptable provided access/egress to/from properties is not impeded.

When the new parking restrictions came into force it was agreed that this matter would be looked at again should there be any ongoing problems. It was considered

that now was the appropriate time for this to happen. It needed to be ascertained whether people requesting parking permits were being refused. A letter should also be written to Mr. Henry Smith, Leader of W.S.C.C., regarding the situation in North Street.

156. REQUESTS FOR DONATIONS :-

(a) Worthing and District Samaritans. It was not considered appropriate to donate.

(b) West Sussex Mediation Service. Following discussion Mr. Roper Proposed; Seconded Mrs. Wheatley and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED :-

To donate the sum of £100.00 (Local Government Act 1972).

To allow them free use of the Parish Hall for their quarterly meetings.

157. BANK RECONCILIATION FOR OCTOBER. This was duly NOTED.

158. ACCOUNTS TO BE PAID in the sum of £42,821.73 were duly AGREED.

159. COMPARISON OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE WITH BUDGET FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL, 2009 TO 31ST OCTOBER, 2009. It was noted that the income for hire of the Parish Hall and the Football Pavilion were well below the predicted amounts. It was felt that there was a need for some form of marketing effort in relation to the Hall and Pavilion. The Hall figure had suffered slightly because of the lack of any income from the hire of the Skylight Room. It was, however, estimated (based on the current forecast) that the Council would only be £2,381.56 down on its total budget figures for the year which would have the affect of reducing the cash in hand/carry over figure from £111,413.63 to £109,032.07.

Mrs. Worthington-Leese asked if the Cricket and Football Clubs were paid up-to-date for utilities. The meeting was advised that the Cricket Club were totally up-to-date, but the Football Club were querying approximately £275. A letter should be written to them asking them to pay or to provide full details as to why they are not paying. The question was also asked as to whether regular meter readings were being taken in relation to the floodlight usage. The meeting was advised that one meter reading had been taken, but the Football Club had now padlocked this and had declined to let the Council have a key. The Football Club should be informed that the Parish Council requires a key in order to verify usage and the Council would promise to look after the key and ensure it was locked after any meter reading.

Most of the grants towards the Sullington Play Project had been received, but there was still an amount to come from the Lottery. This was being held until the final agreed monitoring process had been completed. Mrs. Wheatley was formulating a plan in order to finalize the consultation process.

160. ADJOURNMENT. There were no members of the public present.

161. TO AUTHORIZE DELEGATION TO THE PARISH CLERK UNTIL THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN. There was not going to be a meeting in December, therefore it was AGREED :-

To give the Clerk delegated powers in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman until the next meeting on the 27th January, 2010.

162. Planning Application DC/09/2025: Dominican Generalate, Land Adjacent to St. Josephs Convent, Church Street, Storrington. This application had just been received and was to erect 40 new dwellings for retired people, with Manager’s accommodation, guest room, plus garaging. This was basically a resubmission of an earlier application by English Courtyard. The applicant’s architect and agent would be attending the Planning Meeting on Thursday, 10th December, 2009 at 7.00 p.m. English Courtyard originally proposed to demolish the Listed greenhouses, but had agreed to preserve them. There was a need to say the same again.

An application of this size would normally be referred to Full Council; however, as there would not be a Council Meeting that this could go to, all members were invited to attend the Planning Meeting.

163. Newsletter. It had not proved possible to make contact with the company that produced this on behalf of the Council and therefore it was agreed that the copy that had been sent to them should be placed on the website.

164. Late Night Shopping Event. As it appeared unlikely that the Newsletter would be delivered to every household, it was decided to give this event additional advertising by asking the Head Teachers of Rydon Community College and Storrington First School if they would be prepared to give leaflets to the children to take home to their parents.

165. Tree Planting. It was reported that it was possible to obtain grants for planting native trees. This should be fully investigated.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.40 p.m.

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