STORRINGTON & SULLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING
HELD IN THE CHANCTONBURY ROOM,
SULLINGTON PARISH HALL,
THAKEHAM ROAD, STORRINGTON,
ON WEDNESDAY, 24th OCTOBER, 2007,
COMMENCING AT 7.00 p.m.

Present: Mr. R. Dawe in the Chair, Mr. R. Carter, Mr. E. Gibbons, Mr. A. Head, Mr. J. Macey, Mr. A. Mullard, Mr. A. Read, Mr. D. Roper, Mr. J. Sanson, Mr. B. Walter, Mrs. L. Wheatley, Mr. J. Williams and Mrs. A. Worthington-Leese.

In Attendance:   Mr. F. Wilkinson – County Councillor        

114.    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Mr. D. Atkins (broken ankle) and Mr. C. Mason (holiday).   The reasons for absence were duly APPROVED.    

115.    TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS.  Mr. Head declared an interest in agenda item 6(b) Floodlights, Football Field.

116.    BRIEFING FROM MR. NIGEL HAVERSON, HEAD OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND LICENSING, H.D.C., ON LICENSING.  Mr. Haverson sent his apologies and would reschedule his visit to November.

117.    TO APPROVE AND SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 26th SEPTEMBER, 2007.  Minute No. 94, the words ‘Neighbourhood Specialist Teams” should be added.  With this amendment the Minutes were duly AGREED to be a correct record of the proceedings thereat and were duly signed by the Chairman.

    MATTERS ARISING :-

118.    Minute No. 91, 65, 11, 250, 185, 133, 222: Southern Water.  The Information Commissioner had requested copies of correspondence, which had been sent to them.

119.    Minute No. 92, 74: Pond.  Water Habitats had taken a sample of the pond water, but had advised that this had been contaminated. 

The Insurance Solicitor had advised that they were trying to obtain evidence from Homeserve, who initially did not think they could assist, that it was British Gas that broke the pipe.  It had been explained that their input was critical. 

An insurance broker who specialized in this type of risk had been contacted.  It was possible to insure the pond against this happening again in the future.  However, the excess would be £10,000 to £15,000.  In order for any insurance company to take the risk on, as there was an established case, they would want the source of that  pollution  removed  from  the  equation.

Either the Council would have to stop up the pipes that belong to W.S.C.C., and insure against pollution or say to W.S.C.C., that if they want their pipes discharging into our pond, they must take responsibility for them.  Mr. Wilkinson would not recommend stopping up the pipes as it could mean that Amberley and Pulborough Roads flood and should that cause someone to be killed the Parish Council could be charged with corporate manslaughter.  He suggested the Parish start talking to the Director of Environment of W.S.C.C., again.  Mr. Wilkinson understood the situation and would speak with W.S.C.C.
   
120.    Minute No. 95, 75: Storrington Bonfire.  There had been no reply from Lady Barnard, therefore a copy of the original letter should be sent by recorded delivery for her personal attention.

121.    Minute No. 102(f): Problems Mill Pond, etc.  Mr. Mason had spoken with the residents about the possible removal of the steps and replacement of the seats.  They were in favour of having the seats back because that would move the youngsters who are causing a nuisance away from the steps.  The Horsham District Crime Reduction Partnership would have a meeting in an endeavour to do something about this.  If H.D.C., replace the seats they would have to be of a more sturdy durable design.  Amenities that were enjoyed by citizens should not keep being removed as this was giving in to the vandals.

122.    Minute No. 107(b): Forge House Multi-Agency.  This was now well under way and the Parish Council would not be required to hold the Lease.  Likely services: W.S.C.C. Youth Department, C.A.B., Police writing station with public access a couple of hours a week and H.D.C., hoped to move the Help Point in there.  The first people hope to move in on the 2nd November.  The problem may be that it was not large enough and in that case they might possibly have to think of something larger in the future.
   
    STORRINGTON FOOTBALL CLUB :-

123.    Outstanding Utilities Bills.  This building had dual usage and it was not possible to separate the two functions.  Following a meeting between the Football Club representatives and Mr. Mason and Mr. Dawe, it was recommended that eviction of the Club and recovery of the money from the Trustees would require length legal proceedings and all future running costs for the pavilion would fall on the Parish, that the charge towards the fire extinguishers should be excluded thereby reducing the bill to £2,600.  Repairs to the goal post sleeves had cost £250 so compensation for this sum should be sought from the contractor and the overall debt reduced to £2,350.  Damage to the Football Club’s motorized roller had cost £250 therefore the debt should be reduced to £2,100.  The Club had offered to settle this in five monthly payments, but the Parish Council representatives felt that four monthly payments would be more acceptable to the Council, starting in October and ending in January.  The Football Club wished to be invoiced monthly or quarterly in future.  Following long and detailed discussion Mr. Dawe Proposed; Seconded Mr. Sanson and Vote: 11 In Favour, 1 Against and AGREED

    To accept this basis of working with the Football Club and to request the Club to meet the Council in order to put all the issues on the table in order that everyone understood in an attempt to overcome the current problems and move on.  A meeting should therefore be arranged between the Club and the Council.

124.    Floodlights and letter to the F.A.  Mr. Head declared a personal interest in this item and took no part in the proceedings.  The F.A., had replied, but had completely ignored the whole point of the letter.  A letter had been sent back to the F.A., demanding a proper answer to the Council’s letter.  The Rt. Hon. Nick Herbert M.P., had agreed to take this matter up on the Council’s behalf if needed.  A letter should be written to the Secretary of State because of the environmental implications.  Mr. Walter would draft the letter.  This topic would be discussed further at the next meeting.
 
    TO RECEIVE AND IF APPROVED TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEE MEETINGS:-

125.    Infrastructure, Communications and Environment Committee Meeting held on the 10th October, 2007.  These minutes were duly ADOPTED.

126.    Recreation and Property Committee Meeting held on the 10th October, 2007.  These minutes were duly ADOPTED.

127.    Planning – It was reported that the planning appeal at Sullington Lane had been refused and they appellant had been given six months to put it back how it was.  H.D.C., should be requested to chase them with regard to the condition of Sawyards. 

128.    COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL MATTERS :-
(a)    Drains in Church Street.  Mr. Wilkinson advised that the drains had been done which had helped, but on one side the road would have to be dug up in order to put in a new drain.  Hopefully this work would be undertaken within the next month.  The contractors would be advised not to undertake this work on the 6th December.

(b)    Bus transport.  The new scheduled bus service would run from Pulborough Medical Centre to Storrington via Amberley and start on the 30th October.  This would be a twice weekly service, one allowing 1½ hours in Storrington, the other 3 hours.

(c)    Fryern Road.  Mr. Wilkinson had spoken to W.S.CC. Highways Department who had put the need for a footpath on their forward list for consideration.  He had also had a word with the Accident Prevention Team regarding a speed sign. 

(d)    Mr. Wilkinson reported that he was no longer a Cabinet member and he was now on the Planning Committee.  He was still not in a position to talk about Rock Common, but a decision was due in January or February, 2008. 

(e)    Storrington News – Mr. Wilkinson suggested including the names of the County and District Councillors on the back of this publication.

(f)    Mrs. Worthington-Leese asked why H.D.C., Planning Department could not flag up past planning histories.  Mr. Dawe mentioned that this department was under-manned and the problems experienced were hoped to be sorted out over the next five to six months.  There was a national shortage of planners.  Mrs. Worthington-Leese felt it was the administration side rather than the planners that had problems.

129.    POLICE MATTERS. 
(a)    Jean Irving was to sort out a presentation to Councillors in the Horsham District towards the end of October.

(b)    Street Briefing – meet your local Officers and P.C.S.O’s outside Somerfields on Thursday, 25th October, between 12.00 and 14.00.

(c)    £80.00 Spot fines for anti-social behaviour.  It should be ascertained how many such fines had been made.

130.    ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR COUNCILLORS TO READ :-
(a)    H.D.C., Scrutiny and Overview Work Programme.  Available in the Parish Office.
    (b)    West Sussex Connections.  Available in the Parish Office.
(c)    West Sussex Rural Mobile Youth Project (Purple Bus) leaflet.  Available in the Parish Office.
(d)    R.S.P.B. On the Brooks … and the Common.  Available in the Parish Office.
    (e)    Partnership News.  Available in the Parish Office.

131.    CLERK’S CORRESPONDENCE :-
(a)    West Sussex NHS Primary Care Trust – Patients Advice and Liaison Service.  Public consultation 8th October to 28th December, 2007.  Mr. Roper took one copy of this document.

132.    CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ANY URGENT MATTERS :-
(a)    H.D.C., re: Mobile Fish Van, HDC Car Park, Old Mill Drive.  Officers of H.D.C., were to recommend Council to grant a temporary licence.  There was no objection thereto.

133.    FUNDING OF THE PARISH AND TOWN COUNCIL SECTOR.  N.A.L.C., were interested to hear opinions on the funding of the sector.  Following discussion the following were AGREED :-

    (i)    There should be restoration of the Business Rate to Parishes.
(ii)    If functions were transferred from principal authorities, either directly or on an agency basis, the money to provide this must be forthcoming. This should include sufficient funds to ensure an adequate staffing structure as they cannot expect a small staff to cope.

134.    TO CONSIDER REQUESTS FOR DONATIONS :-
(a)    Royal British Legion, Storrington Branch – Remembrance Day Refreshments in the sum of £120.00.  Mr. Roper Proposed; Seconded Mr. Head and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED :-

        To donate the sum of £120.00 for this.  (Local Government Act 1972, s.137)

(b)    St. Mary’s Sullington request for free usage of the Sullington Parish Hall for their P.C.C., Meetings.  Mr. Williams declared a personal interest in this item and took no part in the proceedings.  Mr. Walter Proposed; Seconded Mr. Sanson and UNANIMOUSLY AGREED :-

    To donate free usage of the Sullington Parish Hall for the St. Mary’s Sullington P.C.C. Meetings, but to continue charging them for other functions.

135.    TO CONSIDER ADOPTING AN AGED DEBTORS POLICY.  Following discussion the following was AGREED :-

    1.    Casual bookings – payment in full in advance.
    3.    Follow-up procedure – Payment due – if unpaid :-
            Day 14 Reminder sent with 7 days to pay
    Day 28 Final Notice – Court action and forfeit of deposit (action implemented day 42 or telephone where applicable prior to implementation).
        Other Considerations :-
    1.    Audit – to report on aging debts
    2.    Budget – bad debt Provision
    3.    Bad debts – authority level.

    Mr. Walter should be given the former address details of Steps Academy and he would make enquiries.

    Cancellation Policy – if someone should cancel a booking less than two weeks prior to their event, there should be a charge of the full hire fee.

    It should be ascertained from within the SAGE system whether there was a chasing up ability.

136.    ACCOUNTS TO BE PAID in the sum of £30,559.91 plus V.A.T., were duly AGREED.

137.    AMENDMENT OF BYELAWS.  It was AGREED :-

        That there should be no noisy powered model aircraft included.

138.    ADJOURNMENT – No matters were raised.

139.    DATE OF NEXT MEETING – Wednesday, 28th November, 2007.

The Press and Public were duly excluded from attendance during the following items due to the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.

140.    STAFF MATTERS.

141.    ALLOTMENTS.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.10 p.m.