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, 6th May 2009 commencing at 7:00 p.m.

Present:  Mr J. Sanson in the Chair, Mr. R. Carter, Mr. A. Head.

In Attendance: Mrs. L. Wheatley and Mrs. A. Worthington-Leese.

62.    Apologies for Absence were received from Mr. E. Gibbons (Ill), Mr R. Dawe and Mr. C Mason (Prior engagements). The reasons for absence were duly ACCEPTED.

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 Last Meeting held on the 1st April 2009.  Page 11(2) should be marked as page 12. With this amendment, the minutes were duly APPROVED as being a correct record of the proceedings thereat and were signed by the Chairman.

65.    Matters Arising.  There were no matters arising.

66.    Environmental Upgrades at Storrington Pond.  It was reported that the new aerator was now working and that the viability of repairing the older one was being investigated.   The delivery of the Lily Pads had been postponed until the water quality had been improved and the replacement reeds would be installed soon.  County Cllr. Wilkinson had reported that he would make enquiries of W.S.C.C. regarding the outstanding claims for funds and would provide further information when received.

            At this point Mr. Head enquired about the Parish Office’s actions relating to property owners who had built gateways and steps from their properties, onto the Parish Council owned land surrounding the pond.  This information would be reviewed and presented at the next meeting.

67.    Christmas 2009. 
               
(a)    Christmas Lights.  Following the Parish Council’s decision to accept the quotation from Festive Lighting to enter a three year hire agreement for lights to be fitted to 19 lampposts throughout the High Street it was reported that the outlets along Church Street would need to be supplied with Christmas trees and lights as in previous years.  It was AGREED that :-

    These trees would be ordered by the Parish Office and provided to the retailers to erect.  The Parish Council would also provide the lights to decorate the trees.
   
   
(b)    Christmas Late Night Shopping Event. It was reported that contact had been made with Storrington Round Table who had shown an interest in attending the event should one be held.  Other attendees from last year had also expressed interest in the next event.  Mr Carter proposed and it was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED :-

    That a Working party be established to discuss the Late Night Christmas Shopping event and that members of the Round Table be invited to take part, along with other members of the community.


68.    W.S.C.C – A Future for Fingerposts.  W.S.C.C. had introduced a new countrywide strategy regarding the upkeep of Fingerposts and had reported that many were threatened by vandalism and decay.  The County Council was no longer in a position to fund the full cost of repairs and maintenance and support was being sought from external sources including the Parish Council.  Full details of the strategy were provided to Members.  It was suggested that the timing of this strategy was poor considering the recent announcements regarding National Park Status; the inclusion of part of the Parish could mean an increase in tourist numbers to the area and the fingerposts were considered a cherished feature of the countryside, as well as providing directions for visitors.  As the fingerposts were the property of W.S.C.C it was AGREED:-

    That a letter be sent to West Sussex County Council, stating the Committee’s objection to the strategy.

69.    Parking Issues, Timberlands.  It had been reported that following complaints regarding parking in the area, outside of Timberlands on Thakeham Road, West Sussex Highways had added a proposal to it’s Traffic Regulation Order Priority List, to have parking restrictions added to the lay-by.  However, due to the lack of accident history, the item would not be given priority and could potentially take years to be considered. Support was being requested from the local community and councillors.  It was AGREED :-
       
    That an article about this matter would be published in the next issue of Storrington News, seeking support from the local community.

70.    Community Packback Scheme.  Horsham District Council had distributed details of the Communty Payback Scheme, which involved offenders carrying out work within the area
under a court order following a conviction.  H.D.C., had requested nominations for projects to be put forward for consideration which would benefit residents.  A number of potential projects would be collated and provided to H.D.C.


71.    Business Continuity. Information regarding the need for a Business Continuity Plan had been received from Horsham District Council.  The committee discussed the importance of the continuing function of the Parish Office in the event of an emergency incident such as building fire.  Mr. Carter and Mr. Head took the information to read and would provide comments during the next meeting.

72.    Emergency Plan.  Horsham District Council had also provided guidance and information on the implementation of an emergency plan, in the event of a village emergency such as severe weather or disaster.  Mr. Carter and Mr. Head took the information to read and would provide comments during the next meeting.


73.    W.S.C.C. Chanctonbury Unmanned Speeding Indicator Device.(CUSID)  Documentation had been received from the Chanctonbury County Local Committee (C.L.C.) regarding the problems of speeding in Chanctonbury area.   The documentation introduced a device designed to display to motorists their speed, which the C.L.C., proposed to implement within the Parishes.  CUSID would be located at sites for a seven day period and then deployed elsewhere and would be part funded by the Parish Councils.  A discussion ensued and it was noted that the device would need to be situated on a relatively straight road so that drivers could observe the signs early enough to moderate their driving behaviour.  It was also pointed out that the C.L.C., could provide no indication of how often the device could be deployed within the parish or what the actual cost to the Parish Council would be.  It was RESOLVED :-
           
    That contact would be made with the C.L.C., to advise that the Committee did not consider that this proposal would help combat the particular speeding problems experienced within this parish.

74.    Documents available for Councillors to Read.  There were no documents for councillors to read.

75.    Health and Safety.  There were no issues raised.

    Chairman’s Announcements. 

76.       Tesla Engineering, Water Lane, Storrington.  Mr. Carter declared a personal interest in this item as his place of business was located on  the same site.  It was announced that the Department for Transport had proposed that Planning Permission be granted for change of use of Highway land to be incorporated within the engineering site and erection of a 2 metre high Palisade fencing and gates at the above location.   As the withdrawal of Mr. Carter would mean that a quorum could not be met, no further comment was made.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 7:50 p.m.