1629. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr. E. Thomas and the reason accepted.

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 prejudicial interest as his company would receive payment from an invoice.

The public present did not raise any matters at this meeting.

The PACT meeting was attended by PCSO Craig Jones and PCSO Geoff Mole who reported that there had been a substantial reduction in the number of crimes over the same period last year. There had been 5 last year but only one during September, criminal damage to a garden wall on Cock Robin Lane. There was only one incident of anti-social behaviour and that was to be dealt with by the High School as opposed to 6 in the same period last year.

A substantial amount of cash was taken from the garage on the A6 on the previous night. On the run up to Halloween and bonfire night the Police will be carrying out test purchases working with Trading Standard Officers.

Garstang Free Methodist Football Team would like to play matches on Catterall Playing Field on the following dates:

26^th September, 24^th October, 14^th November, 21^st November,

12^th December, 23^rd January, 30^th January, 20^th February.

There are to be no training sessions held on the field and Councillors considered the dates as suitable. Standard booking fees of £22.00 per match would apply, as with the other teams this year.

Wyre Borough Council is to identify land with the possibility of building 1,600 homes in the next 10 – 12 years; previous developed land is to be considered plus greenfield and open countryside.

Areas on the A6 that need infil planting to repair the floral display have been identified. From Catterall Lane to the second lamp post going North. The infil measures 64.5 linear metres by one metre wide as any nearer to the kerb and they would be cut back when the grass is cut. It will take about 5,000 bulbs. Councillors considered this matter.

A resident whose garden backs onto the Playing Field has seen damage to their fence and blames children playing on the Playing Field and considers that the Parish Council should pay for the replacement of the damaged fence. Councillors considered that Catterall Playing Field was well established when the house was purchased and is not the Parish Council’s responsibility.

There is concern about the speed of traffic and lack of street lighting from the residents on Summerdowns Estate. The Police have visited a resident as a result of the letter being passed to them at the last PACT meeting.

Kirkland Parish Council has carried out a Village survey which overwhelmingly agreed to the setting up of a youth group with Catterall Parish Council. It was reported that the Youth Account is to be set up with receipts of £3,000, £1,000 from the Parish Champion and a £2,000 grant from Wyre Strategic Partnership. A meeting has been arranged with Francis Wilson, youth worker, on 12^th October and it is hoped to start soon.

Kirkland Parish Council £200.00.

An acknowledgement to the enquiry about the noise levels at Franklaw has been received but the Parish Council is still waiting for a report from the dedicated person from United Utilities dealing with the case. The problems with the noise levels were brought to the Parish Council’s attention by residents and little action has been taken to remedy the situation. United Utilities should be invited to speak to the Parish Council.

It was reported that United Utilities have been taking samples in Catterall to test for chlorine levels and bacteria. Franklaw Treatment Plant is now supplying water for Catterall rather than Barnacre and this could mean that more chlorine is being stored at the plant and is running longer hours and thus creating more noise. When the plant used to store chlorine in bulk (20 tons) the HSE set out a 1km hazard zone, which was removed when bulk storage dropped below 10 tons.

Councillors are invited to Lancashire County Council’s Bite Sized Briefings on Tuesday 20^th October 1 -2pm at County Hall. The new legal ‘duty to involve’ encourages the County to assess their community engagement methods. It will provide an opportunity to explore your role as community leaders providing a forum for discussing what the opportunities and challenges might be.

Newsletter September, 2009

Pay settlement for Clerks at 1%

Accountants Report on the unaudited accounts

Devolved Services Questionnaire

Community Engagement Training Course on 4^th November 7 -9pm at Penwortham.

Wyre Borough Council has informed Parish Council’s who own Playing Fields that they are unable to stand the costs of maintenance from April 2010. Three quotes have been received against the specification on the Grounds Maintenance Contract. Councillors considered the quotes prior to drawing in further Councils who have shown interest to joining together to form a more economical tender. Wyre Borough Council appears to be the best value.

Lancashire County Council has made available 9 million for highway maintenance. In Wyre £200,000 has been allocated for pothole repairs and £300,000 on general highway maintenance work. Councillors were informed of the projects to be completed by March 2009 chosen by Lancashire Locals - Wyre. One of which is the re-surfacing of Old Lancaster Road at a cost of £26,000 and the budgeted repainting of the swing bridge has been cancelled due to the bridge being in much better condition than anticipated.

The project has grown somewhat in that the undergrowth is too dense for Timmy to be able to remove with a strimmer so Dave Kippax was asked to look at the job. He could clear the area and allow the Western end to be assessed as to feasibility with a 3 ton digger or will a larger one be needed in which case going out to a professional may be needed. Further discussions will be needed before commencing with the drainage. Councillors discussed a course of action for the project. The Parish Council has received a further request from a concerned resident about the flooding at the access from Whitewell Close.

The astro turf is casting a ‘flock’ and Playdale have assessed the problem. The sand has compressed into the carpet and needs a deep clean. This involves vacuuming out the sand cleaning it and replacing, plus additional sand, back into the pile. The cost of this process is £1,408.75. It should be noted that because of the high usage of this valuable facility this treatment will extend the life of the turf considerably.

The following planning applications were granted:

Prior Notification Application 09/00706/AGR

Proposal: Prior notification for proposed agricultural building

Location: Higher Silcock Farm, Catterall Lane, Catterall

The following planning application has been refused:

Proposal: Erection of a 24m high wind turbine

Location: Riverside Industrial Park, Catterall Gates Lane, Catterall

Councillors commented on the following planning applications:

Proposal: Erection of a 24m high wind turbine (re-submission of 09/00541)

Location: Riverside Industrial Park, Catterall Gates Lane, Catterall

Proposal: Erection of an agricultural livestock building

Location: Ripon Hall Farm, Catterall Lane, Catterall

Proposal: Detached garage

Location: 156, Garstang Road, Catterall

Proposal: Single storey rear and side extension

Location: Chelmsley, Stones Lane, Catterall

The meeting was adjourned to allow County Cllr. V. Wilson to speak

Cllr. V. Wilson reported on all departments within the County Council are to look for savings of 10% for next year, but not to cut front line services. A speedier method of dealing with highway’s issues has been introduced.

The meeting was resumed.

1. Pilling Parish Council £ 13.89
2. Kirkland Parish Council £580.00

1. Clerk’s expenses and salary £163.58
2. Lancashire County Council Pension £215.63
3. Parish Lengthsman expenses and wages £366.21
4. HM Revenue and Customs £1,783.69
5. Beacon Research £ 92.00
6. Houghton’s Filling Station £ 95.09
7. Armstrongs GM Ltd. £ 44.14
8. Lancs County Training Partnership £ 40.00
9. Houghton’s Filling Station £ 44.74
10. St. Helen’s Parochial Church Council £130.00
11. Bannister Hall Nurseries (Bulbs) £301.88

BT £ 46.94
Orange Home £ 29.21
Orange Home £ 19.99

The bank reconciliation as at 15^th September, 2009, having been previously distributed, was accepted.

St. Helen’s Parochial Church Council is requesting a donation towards the maintenance costs for the graveyard.

Wyre Borough Council is notifying the Parish Council that the precept amount needs to be submitted before 15^th January, 2010. Councillors were asked to submit any projects they would like considered for the Parish. The Finance Committee will look at the first draft of the budget at the next meeting.

Microsoft will be introducing Windows 7 shortly and now is the time to purchase the replacement computer. Councillors will allow the Finance Committee to investigate quotes.