Present:                                                       Councillors; G. Wilson, Chairman,

                                                                   D. Thompson, Vice-Chairman

                                                                  Gillian Benson, Clerk to the Parish Council

1158. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

County Cllr. V. Wilson sent her apologies.

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

It was resolved that the minutes of the last meeting, held on 6^th November, 2006, having been circulated were agreed and signed by the Chairman as a true record.

There were no members of the public present.

P C Jones was not present at this meeting Councillors were concerned that the PACT meetings were not being conducted correctly. The Chairman reported an incident at the Post Office when a member of staff had called the Police to report a break-in at the front door and was told the call would be returned. The culprits were known, but there was no Police attendance.

The meeting was adjourned to receive a report from Mr. T. Richardson of Sturzaker House Farm about the state of the banks on the River Calder up stream of the canal aqueduct on Stones Lane. British Waterways repaired the top weir, which was being washed away. This has caused a shift in the river’s path which is in turn washing away the banks. There are two hawthorn trees with exposed roots that could easily be washed down stream to the aqueduct. There is a danger of potential flooding to the area.

The aqueduct is full of debris and the river water now covers the bridge apex giving the impression of a pond. Children have been seen fishing here and standing on the debris to land the catch. Mr. Richardson is extremely concerned that they could so easily be drowned. He has offered to move the gravel to correct the river’s path and been warned off. He has written to the Environment Agency and British Waterways.

Wyre Borough Councillor D. Sharples has been in contact with Wyre Borough Council over this matter and Rob Posner is willing to take matters forward with the Environment Agency and British Waterways. Mr. Richardson has contacted the Health and Safety Executive, but they can only intervene when contractors are working.

The meeting was resumed.

Following the refusal by Lancashire County Council crime and disorder budget for funding of the CCTV at the top of Cock Robin Lane Councillors are asked to consider other funding sources, the system to be used and the need for the camera. It was noted that the need has been well demonstrated in the Village Survey. The cost of linking a digital system, necessary over the distance, to the existing system is in the region of £14,000 plus.

However, Cllr. D. Sharples reported that the owner of the Pickerings is willing to accommodate a wired system which could be located in the hotel reception. They consider it could work in their favour by surveying the car park, obviously privacy zones and the tour route would need setting by the Parish Council.

The Police have reviewed the location s set by the Councillors and these have been sent to Lancashire County Council for confirmation. Funding of £2,300 has been secured. However, Kirkland Parish Council is unable to continue with the scheme as each location has been rejected by the Police. This means that the costs will need to be met by Catterall and Pilling.

The Police report also suggests a location on Garstang Road in Barnacre, just before Calder Bridge, as vehicles enter Catterall. Councillors considered this a welcome location but to approach Barnacre with Bonds Parish Council.

Resolved; To contact Barnacre with Bonds Parish Council as to the location and cost of brackets required.

Cllr. N. Thompson pointed out that the litter bins are being used for dog waste and can not be fitted with a bin bag. This means that each item must be handled for disposal. Councillors considered the addition of a metal liner to be used with a bin bag for ease of removal. The cost being £39.00 + VAT.

Resolved; To purchase one liner for the bin at the Memorial Garden.

This year the Parish Council have laid two poppy wreaths. Councillors considered a donation to the Royal British Legion of £50.00

The document, which was circulated, was considered by Councillors who did not wish to send additional comments.

Councillors are aware of the problems of the narrow footpaths accessing the School and were concerned that class outings are being conducted on the apex of Calder Bridge, where the footpath is only 18 inches wide.

Wyre Strategic Partnership is holding two presentations entitled A Vision for Wyre and invites Councillors to attend, on 5^th December at the Marine Hall, or 12^th December at the Golf Club between 9.30 and 4.00pm.

The following application was granted;

06/01082/FUL
Proposal; Rear conservatory
Location; 15, Thornbank Drive, Catterall

Councillors resolved to comment on the following applications;

06/01170/FUL
Proposal; Conversion of building to form 3no. maisonettes and office space with new pitched roofs
Location; Units 1 and 2 Catterall Gates Lane, Catterall

The Parish Council has no objection to the amendments for this application. But concerned about landownership of Catterall Gates Lane, parking of mixed usages and no affordable housing element.

There has been no meeting recently however, the present committee are finding it difficult to continue with their daily lives. An extraordinary General Meeting is to be held to assess the future.

The School has been named as one of the top 14 in the country and Mrs. Poole, the Head Teacher has been invited to a lunch by the Chairman of Ofsted.

The elected Parish representative on the Lancashire Locals is Cllr. G. Wilson. The next meeting is 6^th December at Catterall Village Hall and all Councillors are welcome.

The Parish Steering Group is to meet to discuss the School Safety Report. The Partnership will meet in January.

The report was accepted and plans for the new Play Area are awaited.

Payments received this month;

It was resolved that the following accounts were approved for payment;

Telephone calls £27.03

Broadband £17.99

(45% is reimbursed by Pilling Parish Council)

The Committee met on 27^th November to sign off the second quarter, no matters were raised by the Committee.

The revised draft budget was considered by members. A final decision is needed next month by which time the Finance Committee will have met to finalise the draft budget.

The planning application will be decided by delegated powers on Friday.

Date ………………………. Chairman …………………………