No 9 of 2004/05
Present: Cllrs
Mrs H Huish (Chairman), E Alcock (District), Mrs S Deamer, P Lorenzo, A
Moreton,
M Morley, R Walters
County Cllr Mrs H Whitworth, PC John Gibbs,
Mrs C Hellier, Three Members of the Public
1. Apologies
for Absence were received from Cllr C Grover and Mrs F Winrow-Giffin.
2. To
receive Declarations of Interest
Item
13(8) Central Suffolk NHS Public Engagement Group – Cllr P Lorenzo
3. To
approve Minutes of the Meeting held 20 January 2005
Item
7 Finance (2) Parish Precept proposals 2005/06 (page 2) – Cllr Moreton
stated the worst
case estimate for the bus shelter renovation totalled £3050 and not
£2,000 as reported.
Item
8 The Meadows (page 5) – Cllr Lorenzo understood it had been agreed The
Meadows
Developers’ would be advised not to use the outdated Debenham Guide but
to use the
Debenham
Tourist leaflet.
Subject
to the above amendments, Cllr Moreton proposed the Minutes were accepted as a
true record, seconded Cllr Walters and agreed.
Minutes
of the Extraordinary Closed Meeting held 8 February 2005
The
Chairman reported the Minutes had been circulated to Members and agreed subject
to one
amendment – insertion of initials of Member seconding a motion. Cllr Morley proposed the
Minutes were accepted as a true record of the meeting, seconded Cllr
Alcock and agreed.
The
Chairman reported the meeting had been called to consider the Clerk’s
resignation and the
way forward. Members were asked
to note and confirm the decisions arrived at :
The
Clerk’s resignation was accepted.
A draft timetable for the recruitment
process was accepted.
Recruitment process to be based on the recommendation and model provided
by SALC.
Engagement
of locum Clerk to assist with the handover, cover any interregnum and induct
new Clerk.
Advertisements
to be placed in EADT (2 weeks), Parish Magazine, shops, library, website, job
centres, MSDC/SCC websites, other parish magazines.
Finance
& Employment Committee was authorised to manage the recruitment process and
related expenditure – progress to be reported via email and to full
Council Meeting for ratification.
Consideration
would be given to ex-gratia payment to Clerk at end of her employment.
The
Chairman reported advertising costs for the EADT advertisement had been
confirmed at
£407.04 plus VAT. The Chairman
offered to make the payment and reclaim the expenditure.
Ratification of this action was requested. All Agreed.
Members
noted and confirmed the above decisions. Finance&Employ Comm:2/05:1
4. MEETING
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR 10 MINUTES : Members agreed suspension of
standing orders to enable interested parishioners to speak. No
comments
5. Parish
Council Vacancies : Co-option
Mrs
Carol Hellier of Andrews Close was welcomed to the meeting. Mrs Hellier stated she was
interested in joining the Council and she gave members a short
presentation on her interests in
the community and support of village life. Cllr Walters proposed Mrs Hellier was co-opted to
join the Council, seconded Cllr Alcock and unanimously
agreed. Cllr Mrs Hellier joined
the
meeting.
6. Report
of Planning Meeting held 14 February 2005
Planning
Applications
1.
0058/05 : 4 Wardlaw Court –
proposed rear conservatory. Parish
Council recommended approval.
2.
0083/05 : Grange Farm, Stowmarket Road
– to replace and glaze softwood mullioned windows of dairy and to place slats
(wood) on to simple shutter system. Parish
Council recommended approval.
3.
0363/05 : Cheese Hill House, 27
High Street – Undertake
tree works in accordance with the schedule of works from Paul Jackson 7.2.05
and accompanying plan. Parish
Council accepted the recommendations of Mr Paul Jackson, tree surgeon, subject
to final recommendations or approval of Mr David Mitchell, MSDC, Tree and
Landscape Officer.
4.
0301/05 : 2 Harris Court – erection of Car Port. The application comprised the erection of
a carport in a
communal area allocated open car parking spaces for residents of Harris
Court. The proposal
was for an isolated construction in a communal area. The meeting
heard the application had been made on medical grounds
although this was not a material
consideration when deciding planning recommendations.
Members main concern was
setting a precedent for isolated development away from a
property. After some debate
over the concern raised and additionally
that the construction did not appear
appropriate for the area, Cllr Morley
proposed a recommendation of refusal,
seconded Cllr Moreton, 6 in favour, 1
abstention. Motion carried.
5.
0305/05 : Plot 82 The Meadows, to become 7 Bloomfield
Way – Erection of new
conservatory. Cllr
Mrs Deamer proposed approval of the application, seconded Cllr
Lorenzo, 6 in favour, 1
abstention. Motion carried.
MSDC Planning Permissions/Refusals –
none received
17. Police
Report : Members agreed this item was brought forward
PC
Gibbs reported that since the beginning of the New Year 8 crimes had been
recorded
for Debenham, the majority of these had been theft orientated and the
most recent had been the
theft of a Mazda motor vehicle from Aspall Road and over the same night
an Agricultural
Engineering premises had been broken into and a large quantity of
gardening equipment stolen.
In
neighbouring Winston, the electricity sub-station had been attacked and power
cables cut with
the use of a power disc cutter.
An 18th birthday party at the Leisure Centre had been marred
with
the theft of a young lady’s purse and mobile telephone stolen from her
bag. Inconsiderate
parents stopping on double yellow lines when dropping off and collecting
children at the Primary
School was still occurring.
Local Officers would welcome details of any of the individuals
concerned.
Members raised the illegal parking of vehicles on village green areas,
this had resulted in a
deterioration of several of the green verges. Unless action was taken to prevent this illegal
practice the village green areas would be lost. It was understood local Officers were aware
of
the problem and one of the contributing factors appeared to be the
inadequate size of many
residential garages in the village. Car Parking Working Group:2/05:2
It
was reported publicity for the Special Constable Recruitment morning on 16
April had been
forwarded to the Parish Magazine. HH/AM:2/05:3
Cllr
Morley thanked Officers for their attendance in Gracechurch Street as a speed
preventative
measure. Gracechurch Street
residents had noticed a marked difference in the levels of vehicle
speed. Parishioners were
encouraged to note the number of any vehicles exceeding the speed
limit in the village for forwarding to local Officers.
Illegal
parking in Gracechurch Street at the junction with Gt Back Lane had been
reported.
PC
Gibbs stated a passing driver had alerted him to that situation, during the
course of
which it had been noted the complainant was not wearing a seat belt.
Members
were generally of the view that the problems raised above required a period of
intense
policing and imposition of fines in order to have an impact upon
motorists. Local Officers would
insert a article in the Parish
Magazine and on the Website raising the matters above.
HH/AM:2/05:4
7. Accounts
for Payment
UKHosts
: website management 117.50
R
Awoodun : joint website editor 50.00
T Cook
: joint website editor 50.00
Clerk 803.40
Equipment 11.66
Employers
NI 52.40
Mark
Sillett : streetcare 520.86
The
Innexperienced Catering Co : WC care 348.22
Local Council Review : annual subscription 168.00
Suffolk CC Community Service - repainting Recreation Gnd fencing 175.75
M
Bloomfield & Sons Ltd : Waste bin repair 14.10
URC
Trustees : clearance of URC burial ground - contribution to skip hire
50.00
Cllr
M Morley : East of England Plan seminar – mileage expenses 19.04
Cllr
Walters proposed payment of the above accounts, seconded Cllr Moreton and
unanimously agreed.
8. Committee
Reports
Finance
– none
Street
Lightings – none
Allotments
1.
Allotment Policy – a draft document prepared by Cllr
Lorenzo had been circulated for
consideration prior to the meeting – copy attached to Minute
Book.
Item 1 of the draft Policy covered the provision of
allotments to Debenham residents and
those of close neighbouring parishes, with precedence given
to Debenham residents in the
event of there being a waiting list. Cllr Lorenzo reported this proposal had been
raised at a
recent Allotment Association meeting where it had met with
strong opposition. The meeting
was informed the Committee were working towards a
self-financing position, in which case
it was considered there would be no reason to discriminate on
allocation. After some debate
Cllr Lorenzo
proposed clause 1 was revoked and an open waiting list for Debenham
residents and
residents of close neighbouring parishes was allowed, seconded Cllr
Alcock, 4 in favour, 4 against. The Chair used her casting vote against the
proposal.
Status quo to remain,
motion failed. It was agreed the
system should be reviewed
annually.
Cllr Morley proposed a limitation on the number of plots
allocated to any one plot
holder.
It was accepted the current position was historical. Future allocations to be
limited to maximum of 2 per plot holder,
including additional requests from existing
plot holders, seconded Cllr Moreton, 6
in favour, 1 abstention. Motion carried. Clause
to be
inserted in Policy and Procedures document.
Subject to the above insertion the
document was accepted.
PL:2/05:5
2.
Review of Allotment Tenancy Agreement - deferred to March meeting. Observations to Cllr
Lorenzo prior to the meeting. All Councillors:2/05:6
3.
Installation of additional Water Tap – scheduled for
early Spring.
4.
Reinstatement of plots from agricultural holding –
scheduled early Spring after completion of underground cabling.
5.
Green Flag Award Scheme – passed to the Allotment
Association for consideration.
6.
General report – none
9. Working
Groups/Individual Reports
Affordable
Housing – The Chairman reported Housing Corporation funding was
available and
the suitability of a potential site was being investigated. When those investigations were
complete a public consultation with parishioners would be arranged prior
to submission of a
planning application. An article
had been submitted to the Parish Magazine and website and
notices would be displayed at prominent sites in the village. A meeting with MSDC Planners to
discuss the proposal had been scheduled for 28 February 2005, The Chair
and Vice Chair would
be
attending together with Cllr Alcock. HH/MM:2/05:7
Emergency
Planning - Cllr Moreton to
attend the SALC seminar on 23 February 2005.
AM:2/05:8
Car
Parking – A written report of the first meeting had been
circulated. Members were asked to
note the suggestions had been used as a
brainstorm approach, not as yet debated as to
whether practical or advisable.
The next stage would involve consultation with the village via the
Parish Magazine, leaflets and notices with a view to assessment of the
facts, possible solutions
and educational methods of dealing with a situation and advice from both
Suffolk CC and MSDC.
The
next meeting on 28 February would move the consultation process forward.
Two
Members of the Public, Henniker Road residents, were in attendance at the
meeting.
Members
agreed suspension of Standing Orders to enable the two gentlemen to speak
Both
residents voiced their concerns at the increasing number of vehicles, including
business
vehicles, parked in the Henniker Road Close. This situation was causing some friction and the
Council was urged to put forward early solutions/suggestions. A copy of the Working Party report
had been made available to the residents. The Chairman stated proposals
were at an early stage
but every attempt would be made to work with all parties concerned in
order to put forward
recommendations for consideration.
Standing
Orders Resumed
The
Group had produced its Terms of Reference for adoption. Cllr Walters proposed
acceptance, seconded Cllr Moreton and unanimously agreed. SD/CG/HH/MM:2/05:9
Millennium Gates –
no report
Parish
Councillors’ Recruitment Meeting/Day – Cllr Moreton had circulated a
report
electronically to Members for consideration. AM/RW:2/05:10
Play
Areas – written report circulated
1.
NPFA Inspection :
Cllr Walters reported the majority of the work stipulated had been
completed. An additional item had been identified – damage to one of the toddler swings.
Repair was estimated at £135. If not repaired the swing would need to be taken out of
commission. Cllr Walters
asked for the Council’s approval to carry out the additional work –
in addition to the work already approved this would bring the
total cost of outstanding work to
an estimated £770.
Members debated the source for the additional funding, there
being no further equipment maintenance reserve available in
the current financial year. To
delay to the next financial year as an isolated repair would
increase the cost. Cllr Walters
proposed the additional work was funded
from the Council’s reserve 2004/05,
seconded Cllr Alcock, 5 in favour, 2
against, motion carried. RW:2/05:11
2.
Play Area signage – Three quotations had been
obtained (all excl VAT) : Blizzard
£1092.45
included digging out and concreting; NES £725 including
digging out and concreting; Haven
Graphics £750 including digging out and concreting. Cllr Walters proposed acceptance of
Haven Graphics’ quote, seconded Cllr
Lorenzo and unanimously agreed.
RW/FWG:2/05:12
3.
Henry Street – no report
4. Lower
Gardeners Road – Clerk revising proposed statutory declaration. Clerk:10/04:13
5.
Upper Gardeners Road – damaged wall – awaiting reply
from MSDC EA/Clerk:7/04:14
6.
The Meadows – Play Area Representatives to meet with
Mr C Fry, MSDCRW/FW-G:12/04:15
7. Recreation
Ground Fencing – Cllr Walters reported renovation was complete. Installation of bollards on the corner of
the extended urn garden was in hand.
RW:1/05:16
Police
Liaison - A report from the Chairman stated local Officers
had reported a break-in at the electricity sub-station on the Winston Road and
at Bloomfields, Cross Green. Parents
had reported the height of the new mesh on the footbridge at Aspall Road was
too high, preventing children from feeding the ducks from the bridge. The Clerk
had reported this back to County Highways and they had agreed to reduce the
height to the middle rail as originally requested. PC Anderson had queried the use of plastic ties to attach the
mesh to the bridge due to the possibility of vandalism. County Highways had reported these were used
throughout the County and found to be effective. Officers had queried the ‘No Parking’ marking in Henniker Road
and request for an ‘H’ marking. The
outcome of County Highways investigations into ownership of the parking bay was
awaited. The illegal parking on village
green areas had been raised with local Officers – it was understood no action
would normally be taken due to residents’ lack of parking areas. The non-use of residents’ garaging had been
queried. It was understood this was due
to the inadequate size of many garages for the average car – the Working Group
believed this should be explored. HH/AM:2/05:17
Public
Lavatories – A written report from the Working Party stated the
architects had completed the plans and specification sheets. Copies had been sent to MSDC and 3
quotations for the work were being sought from local builders. It had been confirmed there was no
requirement to reach any specific stage by the end of the financial year but
all parties were keen to complete the work.
Further discussions were being held with the owner of Greenkeepers Cottage
to gain agreement to release of a strip of the adjoining car parking space to
assist with the disabled access. The
plans included resurfacing the parking bay, a raised flowerbed and improvement
of the site in general to reflect its position in the conservation area. A request had been received from Mr Tempest
under the Freedom of Information Act for information relevant to the proposal.
Cllr Alcock added he was
awaiting information from the new Planning Control Manager at MSDC on the
parking dispute at Greenkeepers Cottage. HH/PL/MM/RW:2/05:18
Risk
Assessment/Policy –
1. QPS – SALC clarification of
registration. This had been dealt with
and put on hold. NFA
2. Adoption of Woodland Risk Assessment
document – deferred to March meeting. RW:1/05:19
3. Suffolk CC : Draft Statement of Community
Involvement consultation document. The
comment date had been extended to 25 February 2005. Cllr Walters was preparing a response and would circulate for
approval. RW:1/05:20
Saturday
Morning Surgery 16 April 2005 – a rota had been issued
and Publicity for the Special Constable Recruitment event was being prepared. HH/AM/RW:2/05:21
Street Furniture – Village Green Bench repairs, Henry Street and Cemetery Bench reinstatement and Installation of dog/waste bins to be dealt with. Cllr Moreton was trying to obtain additional quotations for refurbishment of the bus shelter, Market Bridge.AM:6&10/04:22
Trees and Greens – Cllr Walters reported that a number of trees in the cemetery had been disturbed during the recent gales. One tree had split, the branches would be removed and taken away, and one of the Lime trees on the drive had split necessitating its removal. Two of the large Corsican Pines on the bank along the eastern boundary had been reported as moving at the base during the gales. Advice from tree surgeons would be sought, in the meantime it was decided in the interests of health and safety the area should be cordoned off. This had been done with orange tape and warning notices erected. Cllr Walters had been in touch with David Mitchell, Tree Warden at MSDC. Mr Mitchell had agreed the trees should be removed if the Tree Surgeon deemed that action necessary and that a report should be obtained on the condition of the remaining pines. Cllr Alcock agreed to obtain a list of the MSDC approved Tree Surgeons.
EA:2/05:23
Village Green Areas Cllr Walters reported one of the main concerns of the Group was the
illegal parking of vehicles on village green areas. He was loathe to suggest erecting ‘no parking’ signs and as an
alternative proposed planting more trees on green areas to make parking
difficult and thereby offering protection.
Members supported the proposal.
The availability of trees would be pursued. RW:2/05:24
Cherry Tree Green – edging the parking area between the two mature trees with railway
sleepers to prevent car parking encroachment of the Green had been
suggested. This would offer a temporary
solution pending MSDC’s proposal to grasscrete and kerb the area. Cllr Alcock added MSDC were quite keen to
see the area improved but the scheme would probably need to be Parish Council led. RW:2/05:25
Andrews Close – encroachment of grass amenity area. (Cllr Mrs Hellier declared an interest).
The Clerk had been informed by MSDC
that the owner of the Sparrow Court property concerned had been asked to remove
the wooden posts erected within 28 days otherwise the Council would consider
taking action under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990. The green was registered to the ownership of
the developer. In reply to the Parish
Council’s suggestion that MSDC take ownership in order to prevent any future
claims, the District had requested a formal letter to this effect from the
Parish Council. Cllr Alcock proposed
that MSDC were formally asked to adopt the area, seconded Cllr Walters,
6 in favour, 1 abstention. Motion
carried. Clerk:2/05:26
Green next 4 Chancery Lane – subject to written confirmation, MSDC had agreed to include this small area in the 2005/06 grass cutting agreement at no additional cost. Clerk:2/05:27
Parking on Green Areas : Henniker Road – Cllr Walters stated this was a huge concern and as a result a number of grass areas had deteriorated considerably. The Car Parking Working Group were researching and reporting. Car Parking Working Party:2/05:28
The Meadows – the welcome letter had been finalised and forwarded to the
Developers’ for inclusion in their Welcome Pack with the suggestion that the
Debenham Tourist Guide was also included. PL/AM:1/05:29
Website – A written report from the Working Group stated the editors had
requested a budget of £90 to cover the production of 800 colour A4 leaflets
which would be delivered to each Debenham household. The objective was to promote the use of the site and encourage
participation in its direction. The
leaflet would include a questionnaire on the services residents believed would
be most beneficial. The Chairman asked
for the Council’s approval to transfer £800 for the website development,
including the leaflet cost, to the main Parish Council account to be held in
reserve for that purpose. Proposed
Cllr Morley, seconded Cllr Lorenzo and unanimously agreed. HH/MM/PL:2/05:30
10. The Hoppit Woodland & Waterways Project
1. Agricultural Agreement with Durie Partners. A letter had been received from Suffolk CC
confirming that the Parish Council did not require the consent of the landlord to utilise the
bridleway to the north of the allotment gardens as an access to the agricultural land at the
rear, either with or without vehicles. A clause requiring reinstatement of any damage to the
bridleway would need to be included in the Agreement with Durie Partners. An annual rent of
£492 had been agreed, subject to review every 5 years.
Cllr Alcock proposed acceptance of the above, seconded Cllr Moreton and agreed.
2. Reinstatement of bridleway/highway off Water Lane. Confirmation had been received from
the Woodland Group that the contractor would carry out repairs when the ground was firmer.
3. Recreation Ground Car Park Extension – confirmation had been received from the Woodland
Group that the laurels would be reinstated after completion of the car park extension. In
addition the Group had agreed to cover the cost of the railings for the extended area totalling
£2,490 and the cost of reinstating the gates, £480. A letter of thanks to the Group was
agreed. Clerk:2/05:31
4. A copy of the Steering Group Meeting Minutes dated 24 January 2005 had been circulated prior to the meeting.
11. Debenham MTI – no report
12. Clerk’s Report
1. Henry Street Garages
: request for lighting and replacement of grasscrete with road surface.
No
further action pending reply from MSDC. NFA
2.
URC Burial Ground :
proposed lease to Parish Council and pruning Lime Trees. URC
informed via local Trustee
that Parish Council would expect the Lime Trees to be cut back clear of the
overhead cables prior to taking the proposed lease. Local Trustees to inform Main Board Trustees.
Clerk/32
Contribution to Skip Hire : Invoice received and
contribution of £50 made. NFA
3. School/Youth Group :
informal presentation. Cllr Walters
pursuing RW:6/04:33
4. 20 Moores Close – commercial
vehicles parked in Close. Awaiting
reply from MSDC
Planning &
Enforcement. No reply expected from
Traffic Commissioner. Clerk:8/04:34
5. Proposed Fenn Street Footway : awaiting updated report from Winston PC. EA:9/.10:35
6. Parish Council shed :
disposal of tilly lamps/grave markers. HH/RW:10/04:36
7. Henniker Road : unauthorised ‘Private
Parking’ road markings. Awaiting
Suffolk CC
clarification of ownership
of parking bay. Clerk:11/04:37
8. Aspall Road Riverbank
Railings over footbridge – see Parish Liaison Report (item 9).
9. Allotment Lane/Water Lane flooding
: Suffolk CC underground drainage improvements had
been completed. NFA
10. Allotment Lane :
vehicular encroachment of bank alongside ditch. Awaiting update.
HH:9/04:38
11. Bridleway off
Water/Priory Lane : Awaiting Suffolk CC response for delineation of adopted
highway. Clerk:1/05:39
12. Kenton Road : hedge
overhanging verge at AW premises.
Anglian Water dealing.
Clerk:12/04:40
13. Greenkeepers
Cottage – parking conditions. Awaiting reply from County Highways over
changed view to the
original parking conditions imposed. Clerk:12/04:41
14. Parish Council
Newsletter : next edition.
Contributions to Cllr Morley. MM/42
15. Parish Council Minutes
: Availability of copies in larger font.
Notice inserted on Parish
Notice
Board. NFA
13. Correspondence
1.
Suffolk CC : Public Bridleway No 38. Notice to reinstate route to minimum width
had been served on the landowner.
2, Suffolk Constabulary :
Notification and details of the new Command Team responsible for
policing Mid Suffolk.
3. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister :
Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Notice of
Authorisation of the Qualified Person. Circulated for information.
4. Kenton PCC : Request for permission for
Cake Stall - Village Green Sat 9 July 2005 10am –
12 noon. Agreed. Clerk:2/05/43
5.
Anglia In Bloom : Invitation to Enter. The Chairman
suggested this was forwarded to the
Debenham Garden Club to enquire whether it would be
interested in organising the event.
6. Sarah
Tayler : Extension to Recreation Ground Car Park, Aspall Road. Notification of accident. Circulated and forwarded to Woodland Project
Contractors for action. Woodland
Group/Clerk:2/05:45
7. Suffolk
CC : To consider request for ‘H’ marking opposite vehicular access to 26
Henniker Road. Members considered the
implications of the marking. The main
concern was the possibility of setting a precedent for such a marking
throughout the village in residential areas.
For that reason Members agreed to recommend refusal. Clerk:2/05:46
8. Central
Suffolk NHS : Public Engagement Group –
to consider Parish Council hosting a Group meeting. The date put forward of 22 September 2005 was agreed. Cllr Lorenzo to arrange. PL:2/05:47
9.
DEFRA : Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill –
summary of Bill’s measures supplied to each Member.
10.
SPS : Society’s comments on the East of England Draft
Regional Spatial Strategy 14 circulated plus invitation to a ‘Change and
Challenge’ seminar, Saturday 9 April 2005 at Haughley Park 10am – 3.30pm. Interested Members to inform Clerk.All
Councillors:2/05:48
11.
Office of Deputy Prime Minister : Discussion
documents – Citizen Engagement & Public Services : Why Neighbourhoods
Matter and Vibrant Local Leadership – Circulated or available at www.odpm.gov.uk. To be included on March Agenda for agreement
of response. Comments to Cllr Walters
(Policy) by 8 March.
All Councillors/Policy:2/05:49
12.
MSDC : Local Development Frameworks – Statement of
Community Involvement and Planning Questionnaire. To be referred to Planning Meeting 14 March 2005 for agreement of
response to MSDC by 24 March 2005
All Councillors:2/05:50
13.
Mrs D Wells, Church Warden – letter of thanks for the
Parish Council’s offer to increase its
rental for the increased use of Dove Cottage. Circulated.
14.
To consider donation requests 2005/06 from the
following : Street Forge Workshops, Eye
Volunteer Centre, Rethink Disability, Headway.
A sum of £25 each was agreed.
Clerk:2/05:51
15.
MSDC : Notification of applications for renewal of
Public Entertainment Licences :
Debenham High School and Debenham Community Centre. No objections raised.
16.
Suffolk CC : Public Footpath 45 (Derry Brook
Lane). Landowner asked to reinstate
footpath to its minimum width by 28 February 2005 (for information only).
14 . Council
Representatives on Other Bodies
East
of England Plan : The Chair and Vice Chair had attended one of the regional
meetings
organised by SALC on 9 February at Bury St Edmunds. The Chairman gave a brief verbal
report. A written report would
be produced and circulated to Members. HH/MM:2/05:52
Community
Education Support Group : Cllr
Walters was appointed Parish Council
Representative and would attend the Group’s meeting on Monday 21
February 2005.RW:2/05:53
15. County
Councillor’s Report
Cllr
Mrs Whitworth reported the County Council was planning to set a below-inflation
tax increase
of
2.9% for the financial year 2005/06. A
£10.4m saving had been identified which would help
fund £7.1m for extra frontline services. This meant that Suffolk would continue to have
smaller council tax bills than Essex and Norfolk. For the fourth year running Suffolk pupils
had
improved their GCSE results according to official figures published by
the Dept for Education. A
new Park and Ride service to Ipswich Hospital had been introduced, the
cost of tickets was
between £2.30 and £3.20 with concessions for the Over 60’s. Suffolk SafeCam, set up by
Suffolk CC, had recently launched a major bus back advertising campaign
to raise awareness of
the dangers of excess speed and the Xcape Card (Suffolk Youth Card) was
launched in the
County recently, this would provide cut price travel for all under 20
year olds in Suffolk.
16. District
Councillor’s Report
Cllr
Alcock reported the District Council would honour its pledge to bring down
Council Tax
increases to an affordable level with the implementation of a 4.5%
increase for the financial year
2005/06. This would raise the
Council Tax for a Band D tax payer by £5.51, approximately 10
pence per week. This was the
District Council element and did not include Parish, County
Council or the Police precepts.
Following a consultation with council house tenants, a 97%
opted to retain the District Council as their landlord. There will be
further consultation in future
Years but only when a majority of tenants sought a change. Increased car parking charges in
Stowmarket one year ago had raised much opposition. That had generally died down and ticket
sales for current financial year were running at 96% of the previous
year. It was anticipated the
income on the previous year would
increase by £200,000, equating to the equivalent of 5% of
Council Tax and one of the reasons finances were being brought under
control. Other car
parking areas under review included Needham Lake. The 6 month transitional period for transfer
of Alcohol Licensing from the