1293. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr. H. Kenyon and the reason was 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.

Cllr. G. Wilson declared a personal interest in items 1304 and 1306 as his business is carrying out the consultations.

There were no members of the public present.

A report was given on the PACT meeting held prior to this meeting by PCSO Richard Dent, who gave apologies for P C Simon Jones. Three members of the public and three Councillors attended the PACT meeting. In the past month three crimes were reported to the Police, two of which have been detected. One wounding to a person, one criminal damage to a dwelling and one criminal damage to a vehicle. There has only been one youth related incident.

The members of the public raised the problems of speeding on Cock Robin Lane in the evening and sometimes during the night. PCSO Dent has used intelligence to ask the passing Police patrols to drive down Cock Robin Lane when passing. He will pass on these concerns to P C Newsham, responsible for the safety camera. He was also given a home-made bong found in the Memorial Garden and a plastic packet found on the playing field.

Councillors were reminded that as part of a planning application Lancashire County Council is to erect bollards.

It was noted that Taylor Woodrow had been installing drains under the bridleway and found an old filled in culvert.

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.

Councillors approached residents to ascertain their opinions on dealing with doorstep cold callers and the results were favourable. The principle is sound providing that it is only for uninvited callers. It was raised that the Office of Fair Trading were dealing with this matter as it contradicts human rights. A similar scheme is running in Wrea Green and Cllr. D. Sharples is to make enquiries to report back to the Parish Council.

It was noted that there would be no cost and although not enforceable it would reassure the residents and make them feel safer.

A site meeting was held with the owners, Wyre Borough Council’s Tree Officer and the Parish Council.

A site meeting with the contractor is planned for this month.

Lancashire County Council is developing a model for the working relationship with Parish Councils. The Councillors were disappointed with the charter, it sounds good, but when a Parish Council take the initiative and wish to make positive improvements to their Parish then Lancashire County Council stop them. The promised power to Parish Councils is being denied.

Councillors asked to review the Playing Field by-laws. The original by-laws were presented.

The Clerk asked the Councillors to consider a training proposal to continue with the ECDL now that it is again being run at Garstang High School.

Resolved: That the Clerk attends the training and that the cost is borne by the three Parish Councils.

Wyre Borough Council is reviewing the licensing policy and invites comments from the Parish Council.

This campaign aims to gauge the opinion and views of our local residents with regard to the future of health services in North Lancashire.

The Fire and Rescue Service plan has been compiled for the purposes of consultation. The Councillors found it difficult to answer on behalf of the Council to reflect individuals. Without canvassing residents the Parish Council can not offer an answer.

The following planning permission has been granted;

Proposal: Extension to the rear dormer

Location: Millbeck, Stones Lane, Catterall

The following planning permission has been refused;

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: Advertisement consent for free standing non-illuminated sign

Location: Land at junction of Cock Robin Lane and A6, Garstang Road, Catterall

Proposal: Roof lift at front to create first floor extension and rear single storey extension

Location: 8, Boyes Avenue, Catterall

Collinson PLC

Directors: Samuel Collinson, Daniel Collinson, Freda Collinson and Ernest Collinson

Tan Yard Road, Catterall

Operating Centre: Tan Yard Road, Catterall

Authorisation: 10 vehicles and 5 Trailers

Transport Manager: Ernest Collinson

Location: Former Knackers Yard, Tan Yard Road, Catterall

Proposal: Change of use of former Knackers Yard to include erection of new building for breeding maggots (resubmission of 06/00435/FUL)

Although they have no homes in Catterall a questionnaire has been received about future properties.

Cllr. D. Sharples reported that Wyre Borough Council was carrying out a review of polling stations in the Borough. There is also a proposal to re-structure Wyre Borough Council Management Team. The Managing Director will become the Chief Executive, one of the two Deputy Directors will retire and there will be one Deputy Executive. There will also be a re-structure of the Heads of Departments and their responsibilities.

Frustration was evident over the stalling problems in installing the Smiley SIDs. There will be a further meeting about the footway to the High School.

Payments received this month;

(Society of Local Council Clerks Subscription paid through Kirkland Parish Council)

BT, Telephone calls £23.70

Broadband £17.99

The external auditor has returned the audited accounts for 2006 – 2007 and has raised the short fall in the Fidelity Guarantee. This has been increased recently.

Resolved: The full report will be scrutinised by the Finance Committee at their next meeting.

Councillors were concerned at the number of recent power cuts being experienced by some parts of the Village. It was suggested that United Utilities should be contacted for appropriate reasons.

It was again raised that no progress has been made on the damage to the road surface on the A6 at the junction of Joe Lane. This was raised at the recent Lancashire Locals meeting where the matter was accepted and in hand for repair.