1508. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr. D. Croston, Cllr. E. Thomas and D. Thompson and the reasons accepted. County Cllr. V. Wilson sent apologies.

Councillors disclosed personal or prejudicial interest in matters 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.

The Chairman reported on the PACT meeting held prior to this meeting. PCSO Craig Jones reported on the one crime in the past month, a window had been damaged from some one using a B B gun. Sergeant Bagnall attended to report on a Public Order Offence that took place on land beyond the Playing Field. There were 26 reported incidents in the past month including 4 anti social behaviours, ranging from hoax calls to damage to the gate on the Play Area. In 2007 for the same period 4 crimes were reported and 37 incidents including 4 anti social behaviours.

There was concern over the pruning of the shrubs and bushes that provided screening on the Stone Lane boundary of the Pickerings Hotel. At the time of building the car park, in 1987, planning conditions stated that screening was to be maintained. Wyre Borough Councillor Sharples is to investigate the expiry of planning conditions.

Councillors were concerned that many of those attending the Remembrance Service were given a parking ticket when using the town’s car park. This has since been refunded by Wyre Borough Council on application by the driver. It was also noted that, due to the construction of a new supermarket Windsor Road car park has been re-located. The residents parking bays are now much further from the High Street and some Councillors felt they should be moved as near as possible to the shops.

The meeting was resumed

The Chairman asked the Councillors to consider the setting up of a youth club in Catterall. Calder Vale has just got a youth club going using volunteers. A demand will need to be established and this could be included as part of the Village Survey. There are a number of grants available for equipment, although storage will need considering. It may be that funding could provide a leader and this could attract volunteers to help run the club. Cllr. N. Harrison will look into what needs doing, the Gateway grants from Wyre Borough Council and report back to the next meeting.

Wyre Borough Council is reviewing the control of dogs on all public land within the Borough and is developing a schedule detailing any land where restrictions on numbers, dog bans, dogs on leads, and dog fouling will be applicable. Councillors considered the schedule proposing the use of scoops and dogs on leads for the following areas in Catterall:

Catterall Playing Field plus a total ban on the Multi Use Games Area and the Play Area, this area is owned by the Parish Council and maintained by Wyre Borough Council,

Duckworth Drive, owned by Wyre Borough Council

Stone Cross Gardens, owned by Wyre Borough Council

The Parklands x 2, owned by Wyre Borough Council

Garstang Road, owned by Wyre Housing Association and maintained by Wyre Borough Council

Daniel Fold Lane, owned by Wyre Borough Council and

Calder Drive, owned by Wyre Housing Association and maintained by Wyre Borough Council.

Lancashire County Council is looking for suggestions for highway maintenance concentrating mainly on footways, lighting and tree maintenance.

Councillors are again receiving complaints about the noise. This has been reported to Wyre Borough Council who is investigating and recording decibel levels. A resident has been monitoring the worst incidents over the past nine months. However, it is not just the louder noise level that is causing concern there is a constant low level noise nuisance that could be against DEFRA legislation.

The following planning applications have been granted;

Proposal: Proposed stables and sand paddock for domestic use

Location: Higher Silcock, Catterall Lane, Catterall

Proposal: Two-storey extension

Location: Calder Brook Barn, Stones Lane, Catterall

Proposal: Proposed stables and sand paddock for domestic use

Location: Higher Silcock, Catterall Lane, Catterall

Cllr. D. Sharples reported that the Wyre Borough Council Parish Charter will be completed in January ready to launch. Cllr. N. Harrison had attended the final launch of the Lancashire County Council Parish Charter adding that it had been re-written taking account of the comments received. Cllr. Sharples reported that an application for an off shore windfarm of 90 masts just West of Rossall has been withdrawn. The DTI were to determine the outcome but there were underlying concerns over aviation.

Direct Debits

BT £22.58

Orange Home £ 9.99

The new regulations as to weed killer chemicals states that they must be kept locked away from public access during storage and transportation. Two quotes have been sourced for a suitable box.

C and C Supplies £248.76 + VAT

Austin Walmsley £118.00 + VAT

Councillors are asked to consider these quotes to purchase a box.

Councillors considered the draft budget presented, this will be revised in January, following the latest figures for submission on 16^th January to Wyre Borough Council. Councillors suggested that the path on Catterall Playing Field should be improved.

Included in the report was the acceptance of the accounts for the second quarter, to source prices for a replacement lap top and strimmer and the draft budget.

Catterall Parish Council has returned a successful auditor’s report and considered the report from the external auditor. It has every confidence in the internal auditor and recommends no action is taken. The market value of the Playing Field will be addressed and the insurance is considered adequate.