1280. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr. D. Harvey and Cllr. E. Thomas the reasons were accepted.

Councillors disclosed personal or prejudicial interest in any matter to be discussed at this meeting.

Cllr. D. Sharples declared a personal interest as a member of Wyre Borough Council’s planning committee.

The meeting was adjourned to allow the public present to speak.

The members of the public present were concerned over the planning appeal on the Maggot Farm on Catterall Gates Lane. Following discussions they are looking to write to the planning inspectorate on further planning objections.

A report was given on the PACT meeting held prior to this meeting. Attended by P C Simon Jones and PCSO Richard Dent there had been six reported crimes in Catterall in the past month. A vehicle’s windows had been smashed the previous night on Cock Robin Lane, a theft from a vehicle at the weekend saw tools stolen on Garstang Road and a vehicle had been pushed down the drive of a house on Conway Close before being broken into. There had been an assault at the Pickerings, two juvenile assaults and a burglary to a house on Cock Robin Lane whilst the owners were away; two suspects have been identified.

There have been a number of sightings of unknown persons in rear gardens in the Village and the Police asked that residents are aware and report any suspicious persons. In comparison to last July’s figures of 11 reported crimes there has been a reduction to 6 this month.

There has been an increase in the number of anti-social behaviour reports concerning youths and under age drinking and the damage reeked in the Village. Over 30 Youth Referral Notices have been issued in the area. Concern was expressed over the selling of alcohol to under age persons and speeding on Cock Robin Lane, although the Police have been conducting speed enforcement.

The meeting was resumed.

Councillors considered that this was the best way forward and the document was a good starting point.

Resolved; To reply that Catterall Parish Council accepts the report.

The Police are looking for an area to roll out a project that would stop the cold calling of representatives to homes. The project would inform these callers that they are not welcome and will not be tolerated in the area. Signs would be erected and households would be leafleted as to information and contact telephone numbers.

Mr. J. Wrathall, Chairman of Catterall Village Hall has informed the Parish Council that he has resigned from the post and it is believed that this leaves the committee without a Chairman. Discussions ensued about the future of the Village Hall.

The following planning permissions have been granted;

Proposal: Reserved matters application for 62 dwellings, roads and sewers (14 detached houses and 48 apartments) (Outline 02/02/01021)

Location: Land at Catterall Gates Lane, Catterall

Proposal: Addition of 2 No. velux windows

Location: 1, Tricklebanks, Catterall Lane, Catterall

The following planning application was withdrawn;

Proposal: Extension to agricultural building to form recycling bay

Location: Ripon Hall Farm, Catterall Lane, Catterall

Comment was made on the following amendment;

Proposal: Addition of 900mm railing on top of existing boundary wall to an overall maximum height to 2.1m

Location: Old Trees, Stones Lane, Catterall

Proposal: Retrospective application for 1 dwelling (modification to plot 1 application number 03/01471)

Location: 122, Garstang Road, Catterall

Proposal: Replacement dwelling

Location: 14, Old Lancaster Road, Catterall

Cllr. D. Sharples reported Wyre Borough Council planning department has received a temporary application for the Royal Lancashire Show Field in Myerscough. The main application is expected next year. A public meeting is to be held in Barton on 15^th August, 2007.

The meeting was adjourned to receive a report from the County Councillor. Having attended a Myerscough Parish Council meeting she reported that many are concerned that the Royal Lancashire Show Ground will be used for many other events possibly attracting 20,000 vehicles daily.

Lancashire County Council is consulting over fair access to continued care in private homes. The Lancashire Local Councillor grant has been increased to £1,250, but Parish Council is now not eligible to bid. Lancashire County Council has just set up a Climate Change Fund to offer grants to projects that will benefit the community rather than individuals.

The meeting was resumed.

Interim meeting is to be held to discuss the footway to Garstang High School.

The Committee were concerned that Lancashire County Council had chosen to close the Over Wyre Swimming Pool without further consultation. And although committee had been written to Preesall Town Council has not been informed. The Committee is waiting for a response from the Chief Executive. Both Lancashire Locals and Eileen Winnington have expressed concerns over the closing of this facility.

The new board has been formed and will meet shortly. The Parish Councils have retained a seat on the board.

Payments received this month;

BT, Telephone calls £23.93

Broadband £17.99

The Committee signed off the final quarter for 2006/2007 and the first quarter’s accounts for 2007/2008. Increased the fidelity guarantee to £30,000, reviewed the Parish Lengthsman contract with Kirkland Parish Council, the Clerk’s employment contract, Smiley SID and CCTV quotes. The CCTV quote is being chased and discussions with the owners of the Pickerings and the Tree Officer will take place as to the best location.

Councillors asked for further discussions at next months meeting.