STORRINGTON & SULLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting of the Infrastructure, Communications and Environment Committee held in The Chanctonbury Room, The Parish Hall, Thakeham Road, Storrington, on Wednesday, 3rd June 2009 commencing at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Mr J. Sanson in the Chair, Mr. D Atkins, Mr. A. Head, Mr. D. Roper
In Attendance: Mrs. L. Wheatley and Mrs. A. Worthington-Leese.
1. Apologies for Absence were received from Mr E Gibbons (Ill), Mr R Dawe (Holiday) and Mr R Carter (prior engagement). The reasons for absence were duly ACCEPTED.
2. Election of Chairman. Mr Roper proposed Mr Sanson; seconded Mr Head and AGREED.
Mr Sanson duly took the Chair.
3. Election of Vice-Chairman. Mr Sanson proposed Mr Roper; seconded Mr Head and AGREED.
4. To Receive Declarations of Interest from Members. There were no declarations of interest from Members.
5. To Approve and Sign the Minutes of the Last Meeting held on the 6th May 2009. The minutes were duly APPROVED as being a correct record of the proceedings thereat and were signed by the Chairman.
Matters Arising.
6. Minute No. 66 Gateways onto Land around the Pond. It was reported that no further action had been taken to date but that enquiries would be made and professional advice obtained regarding what action should be taken.
7. Storrington Pond Matters:-
(a) To consider purchase of a circulating pump. Quotations had been received by two suppliers for a submersible pump as follows:-
Euroflo £1,770.79 plus VAT
Arun Pump Services Ltd £1,394.15 plus VAT
It was reported that there appeared to be no major differences between the two pumps quoted for and it was AGREED.
To accept the quote from Arun Pump Services Ltd in the sum of £1,394.15
plus VAT. ( Public Health Act 1936 s 260)
(b) To consider the removal of fish due to overstocking. Following a report from Water
Habitats Ltd which highlighted reservations about the effectiveness of the introduction
of piscivorous fish, a quotation had been obtained for destocking of goldfish at
£1,210.78. Water Habitats had advised that it was confident of finding a new home for
To accept the quote from Water Habitats Ltd in the sum of £1,210.78
(c) Native reeds. There had still been no progress in attempts to contact the original
Suppliers. However Water Habitats concurred that establishing a reed-bed filter would
be a good idea and recommended the use of suitably established plants to negate the
potential for damage. To provide 100m2 of pre-establlished coir with native reeds
would cost £3150.00 from Water Habitats plus delivery. In light of this extra cost, it
was DECIDED:
That further attempts be made to contact the original suppliers before
considering the purchase of further reeds.
(d) To consider biannual applications of Siltex. The report from Water Habitats Ltd
highlighted the benefits of applying Siltex biannually to help boost the bacterial
degradation of organic waste and to enrich the calcium concentration in the water.
Water Habitats could provide this service at a cost of £442.00 plus VAT for the supply
of Siltex, plus a further £920 for the application. The committee was advised that this
process might be carried out more locally at a cheaper price and DECIDED:
To obtain alternative quotations for this process.
Water Habitat Ltd’s report suggested that consideration be given to discouraging the feeding
of waterfowl with bread due to the harm done to the water quality and the birds themselves.
8. Christmas 2009. It was reported that West Sussex County Council had provided permission
for the necessary adaptations to be made to the streetlights to accommodate the new
decorations and the order had been placed with Festive Lighting. As there was provision for
19 decorations, Members were asked to indicate which of the streetlights should be adorned
and it was AGREED;
That the decorations should start from Lamppost No. 24 outside
The Round Table had expressed interest in taking part in a working party to discuss a Late Night Christmas Shopping Event, but had requested that a meeting be arranged after June 27th as this was the date of the Storrington Village Day and all spare time was currently being taken up with this event.
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9. Business Continuity. Mr Head reported that he had reviewed the information relating to this matter and advised the committee that a plan should be formulated to ensure that the Parish Office could continue to function in the event of an incident preventing use of the Parish Hall. Mr Head suggested that as the staff at the office would have more knowledge of their requirements, that the plan should be devised in consultation with the staff. It was AGREED;
That Mr Head would arrange a consultation with Parish Staff with the
intention of developing a Business Continuity Plan.
10. Emergency Plan.Mr Head reported that he had reviewed the information provided by
Horsham District Council and advised the committee that he believed that there was
Sufficient resources available within the community to be able to function in the event of an
Emergency. However, in the absence of statutory powers, the Parish Council's ability to act
Would be hindered. A discussion ensued and it was AGREED:
That enquiries would be made of neighbouring parishes to ascertain
what plans had been developed within their areas.
11. Documents for Councillors to Read. There were no documents for Councillors to read.
12. Health and Safety. No issues were raised.
13. Chairman’s Announcements.
(a) Village Markets. It was reported that a meeting had been arranged for 10th June between representatives from Horsham District Council, The Parish Council and some traders who were looking into setting up a Village Market in Storrington.
(b) Chanctonbury County Local Committee. A request had been received from the Locality Officer, Matthew Evans, to meet with a member of the Parish Council on 13th
August to discuss any issues affecting the local community. The Parish Office would make
contact to discuss a suitable time.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 7:35 p.m.
