STORRINGTON & SULLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of the Infrastructure, Communications and Environment Committee  held in The Chanctonbury Room, Sullington Parish Hall, Thakeham Road, Storrington, on Wednesday, 12th September, 2007, commencing at 7.00 p.m.

Present: Mr. A. Head in the Chair, Mr. D. Atkins, Mr. R. Carter, Mr. R. Dawe and Mr. C. Mason.

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

34.    Apologies for Absence were received from Mr. E. Gibbons (work) and Mr. J. Sanson (attending another meeting).  The reasons for absence were duly ACCEPTED.

35.    To Receive Declarations of Interest from Members.   Mr. Atkins declared a personal interest in Lamp Post, Fern Road because this was outside his house.

36.    To Approve and Sign the Minutes of the last Meeting held on the 11th July, 2007. The minutes were duly APPROVED as being a correct record of the proceedings thereat and were signed by the Chairman.

    Matters Arising :-

37.    Anti-Social Behaviour and Litter.  The Rt. Hon. Nick Herbert M.P., had forwarded to the Council a copy of correspondence he had received from a resident.  Mr. Herbert should be asked if he could keep the Council informed following his meeting with the Inspector of Police.  A copy should be sent to Sgt. Lillywhite for his information.

38.    Public Conveniences.  CareSouth had written to the Council expressing their concerns about the lack of public convenience provision in Storrington.  A copy of this had been sent to H.D.C.    

    Storrington Pond :-

39.    Quotation for Cleaning.  One quotation was to hand and this was from Viridor Waste (Thames) Ltd., in the sum of £136,875.00.  Other quotations were awaited.

40.    Insurance.  A letter had been received from the solicitors handling this on the Council’s behalf and they had received the barrister’s opinion, which was not brilliant.  He feels that he is unable to identify any cause of action and therefore left with the task of proving negligence against the prospective defendant.  This means there is a need to have the necessary evidence to prove, on the balance of probabilities, that somebody carried out an identifiable act or cause an identifiable event that led to the spillage of sewerage into the pond.  There was a need to prove that British Gas caused the problem.  DWF had written to Homeserve and Cunningham Lindsey to try and obtain further information.

41.    Sonic Device.  It had now been ascertained that it was possible to purchase a sonic device that killed blue-green algae.  Prices of these should be obtained and the company should be asked to provide references and scientific evidence.
   
42.    Private Accesses.  Three gateways and two sets of steps had been constructed that encroached on Parish Council land.  It was suggested that a common approach should be made in all such circumstances, therefore, the same conditions should be applied as those that would be decided by the Recreation and Property Committee later.  There would, of course, should permission be granted for the steps to remain, a need to seek an indemnity against any possibility of injury being caused to any other individuals.

43.    To ratify the expenditure on the additional Aerator.  An aerator had been purchased from Water Habitats for the sum of £904.50 plus V.A.T.  This action was duly RATIFIED.
   
44.    Christmas Decoration Planning and Grants.  The meeting with STAG would take place next week and apparently they want some of the funds towards entertainment for the Late Night Shopping event.  The Clerk pointed out to the meeting that expenditure towards this had to be by Council resolution because it was S.137 expenditure and not something that the Council had the automatic power to spend monies on.  Following discussion it was AGREED :-

    That STAG should be offered to become the Council’s contractor to undertake the whole project.

45.    To Consider the Leasing Costs for new Computer Equipment.  The cheapest leasing cost obtained was £124.00 per month.  However, some Members could not see the logic of leasing such a small amount of money and felt it would be cheaper to purchase the equipment.  Currently the Committee could not understand the reason for leasing.  This topic should be placed before the Finance and Budget Committee in order that they make the final decision.

46.    Secure Backup over Broadband Connection from Edge Designs Ltd.  It was not considered appropriate to accept this offer.

47.    Partial Review of the South East Plan – Meeting the Accommodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers – consultation.  Mr. Head volunteered to take this document and to draft a response.

48.    Report from the Clerk as to Expenditure Incurred since the July meeting :-
       
(a)    Street Light Repair Fern Road - £205.44 plus V.A.T.  This was duly AGREED.

(b)    Street Light Repair Ryecroft Lane - £376.51 plus V.A.T.  This was duly AGREED.

49.    Litter Picking and Cleansing.  There was to be a meeting with H.D.C., regarding the possibility of them taking back responsibility for this.  However, a letter had been received advising that the Council would be granted the sum of £11,614 towards this for the current financial year.

50.    Health and Safety.  It was reported that during the summer break a two-year old child had fallen into the pond.  The Council had been contacted by the Environmental Health Department of H.D.C., about this incident.  However, there were already in existence warning signs about the presence of blue-green algae, therefore, no further action was required.

51.    Documents Available for Councillors to Read :-

    (a)    C.P.R.E. Fieldwork.  Available in the Parish Office.

    (b)    South Downs Living Magazine.  Available in the Parish Office.
    (c)    R.S.P.C. On the Brooks ... and the Common.  Mr. Atkins took this to read.
   
(d)    Living Magazine.  Mr. Carter took this to read.
   
52.    Chairman’s Announcements.

(a)    A letter had been received about a resident that used an invalid carriage and the problems caused to them due to the state of the parking in the Square.  They should be advised that next spring the situation was likely to change and people would then be unable to park cars in that area.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.50 p.m.