1495. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

No apologies were received.

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.

Cllr. G. Wilson declared a conflict of interest in item 1501 as the owner of a firm that carries out surveys

The meeting was adjourned.

The Chairman reported on the PACT meeting held prior to this meeting. P C Simon Jones reported on the one crime in the past month, this was criminal damage to a vehicle and may not have occurred in Catterall. This compares with 5 in the same period last year. There were seven anti-social incidents mostly involving alcohol and nuisance or rowdy behaviour centred on Cock Robin Lane and Catterall Gates Lane. There had been 11 last year.

He added that the Police regularly visit the High School and primary schools in the area to talk to the pupils and reaffirm their responsibilities towards the community; many are surprised to learn that they can be arrested from the age of 10.

The meeting was resumed

Councillors were asked to submit articles for the next edition due out in November. Councillors were reminded that in order to become a Quality Parish Council, Councillors MUST publish four Newsletters per year.

The Wyre Borough Council Smiley SID is playing up, not picking up cars but only high sided vehicles. It is felt that the ‘camera’ may need realigning. Wyre Borough Council having distributed the SIDs passed on the responsibility to the Parish Councils using them and as such the Councillors considered repairing the sign. The Clerk recommend that should the sign be returned then two further batteries are installed; these come at no extra cost.

Councillors considered carrying out an Amenity Study in Catterall. It is now two years since the last one and the Council resolved to consider this annually. Cllr. G. Wilson declared an interest in this item. The Councillors considered that owning to the new developments in the Village there are new residents and to include housing needs survey.

Following the Wyre Area Lancashire Association of Local Councils meeting Councillors are asked to provide a member to feed into the Stalmine Parish Council representatives about the River Wyre in their Parish. The Environment Agency is redefining the flood plains and a group has been set up to look at the future management of the flood plains on the River Wyre. Parish Councils have two places on this group and need information from other Parish Councils.

Resolved: That Cllr. J. Houghton informs the representative on the group.

Information from Lancashire County Council that they keep the statutory registers of common land and Parish greens in bringing the registers up to date Lancashire County Council is looking for any changes. Applications before September 2009 will be free; failure to notify may result in extinguishment of rights. At the Wyre Area meeting Jim Corry suggested greens such as those on council estates which were missed on transference to Wyre Housing Association. Councillors were asked to submit greens, commons and public land they know of in Catterall for registration.

It is many years since Wyre had an officer in this post and Councillors considered the work of the RHE, if the Parish Council is of a mind to initiate affordable housing than he would assist. However, it was reported that he is also involved in private developments and it was felt this could adversely affect the future.

The Parish Council has received a resident’s letter from Whitewell Close concerning the flooding on Catterall Playing Field which covers the access path and seeps into the surrounding gardens. They ask if the Parish Council has any plans to drain the Playing Field. It was reported that during the building of the flats on Whitewell Close the land was raised and has thrown the water back on to the field. This and the accumulation of a wet Summer have resulted in flooding, the area will be monitored, but the Parish Council has no plans for drainage at this time.

The following planning applications have been granted;

Proposal: Proposed erection of 8 bay garage and an additional 5 parking spaces to serve existing approved development

Location: Land at Catterall Gates Lane, Catterall

Proposal: Outline application for residential development for 6 dwellings

Location: Highfield, Stones Lane, Catterall

Please note that the planning permission will be for 5 dwellings as in the application. The Parish Council has received a copy of the highways report.

Proposal: Single-storey side extension with attached garage

Location: 25 Cock Robin Lane, Catterall, PR3 1YL

Proposal: Two storey extension

Location: Calder Brook Barn, Stones Lane, Catterall

Proposal: Detached garage

Location: 1, Brock Place, Catterall Gates Lane. Catterall

Cllr. D. Sharples reported that the initial meeting of the Rural Forum took place and looks to have been well received.

The meeting was adjourned to accept a Report from the County Councillor

County Cllr. V. Wilson reported that the recent construction work through the Village was to lay cables to update broadband services to schools. There had been a Parish Charter meeting in County Hall at which the officers stood the disappointment of the invited guests. The Parish Charter is to be presented on 29^th November at the Annual Parish Council meeting at Lancashire County Council.

The meeting was resumed.

The committee is holding a table top sale on Saturday to raise funds. They are looking to purchase new tables and chairs for use in the Hall.

The recent AGM reported a healthy balance but there was concern at the loss of income through the re-location of the nursery. The committee is looking to replace the roof with the assistance of a grant.

The report submitted was accepted by the Councillors and included the AGM and election of officers. Wyre Borough Council will be offering free swimming to those under 16 or over 60; the Clerk’s salary grant will now be a Rural Area Grant and is not specified to pay towards the Clerk’s salary and the consultation on the enforcement of by laws. The Police reported on the Clean Sweep Operation, the increase in the crime figures and the Bright Sparks Initiative concerning fireworks. The Parish Charter was discussed considering it is over complicated and no indication of how it is to work. Lancashire Locals have approved a number of highway improvement schemes and will be looking to the Parish Councils for footway improvements for next year’s budget.

The report submitted was accepted by the Councillors and included the RoSPA report on the Multi Use Games Area and skateramp, the recommendations were noted, the backboards of the basketball hoops will be replaced and the nets will be strengthened. A risk assessment on the river bank was carried out and three new signs are to be ordered warning of the riverbank.

Direct Debits

BT £24.80

Orange Home £ 9.99

The Parochial Church Council is appealing for a donation to meet the costs of the upkeep of the graveyard.

The poppy wreaths will be laid in St. Helen’s Church and on the Memorial Garden.

Wyre Borough Council have received notification from Local Government Employers that the substantive April 2008 pay award is in line with the final offer of 2.45% and that the Clerk’s salary grant will be increased to £1.92 per elector for 2009/2010.