1615. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr. P. Bugeja and Cllr. D. Harvey and the reasons 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 personal interest in item 1622 as a current member of the Neighbourhood Watch scheme for the area.

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 on two crimes in the past month, both centred on the Post Office in Cock Robin Lane, which was broken into on the Morning of Bank Holiday Monday. Three persons were apprehended, two had been charged with burglary and one with handling goods. There have been no serious anti-social behaviour incidents. The same period last year saw 7 crimes and 5 serious anti-social behaviour incidents.

Vehicles parking partly on footways and causing an obstruction to pedestrians forcing them into the road was raised. The Police reported that this is an offence and any serious problems should be reported as they happen. It was also confirmed that quad bikes need to show a registration plate on the rear only.

Two Councillors are invited to attend the Lancashire Association of Local Councils Conference on Saturday 31^st October at the Leyland Hotel.

A number of letters have appeared in the Courier complaining about the state of footpaths in Catterall. A reply has been sent to the Courier from the Parish Council regarding the responsibility for public footpaths in Catterall. The Councillors complimented Collinson’s on the tidying up of the public footpath at the Tan Yard Road entry.

Cllr. J. Houghton has walked along the river bank and was concerned at the volume of Himalayan Balsam growing on the banks. It is plaguing the river banks and chocking other native plants.

Resolved: To write to the Environment Agency asking if they can treat/eradicate it.

The account books of the Neighbourhood Watch have been presented to the Parish Council as some of the local organisers have now disbanded. A short history of Catterall’s Neighbourhood Watch was given when the initial scheme was started in Catterall and they erected the watch signs. The scheme is now backed and run by the Police.

It has been brought to the attention of the Parish Council that the land on which bridleway number 12 stands is up for auction by Taylor Wimpey. Councillors considered the implications of this sale on residents, it would be difficult to extinguish or upgrade the right of way.

The Clerk met County Cllr. Val. Wilson and Keith Young, portfolio holder for highways at Lancashire County Council concerning the residential development off Catterall Gates Lane. He quoted that a mini roundabout could only be considered 12 months after the occupation of 80% of the homes on Summerdowns and following accident monitoring by Lancashire County Council, under a section 278 (highways). He supported what Glenn Robinson had said that before a bus stop can be moved consultation must take place.

Following the concern of residents about the speed of traffic coming off Summerdowns and the Elements he suggested a letter to the residents outlining consideration for their neighbours. Stressing that as the road is effectively a cul de sac the people on the estates and importantly the children are their neighbours and should be treated with respect and not have to live with speeding traffic.

It was noted that the use of the Golden River to measure traffic volume and speeds had been requested for Catterall Gates Lane through the Wyre Area Road Safety Committee.

The following planning applications were granted:

Proposal: Two-storey extension (re-submission of 08/01012/FUL)

Location: Calder Brook Barn, Stones Lane, Catterall

Proposal: Advertisement consent for signage mounted on free-standing stone wall

Location: Catterall Coach House, Garstang Bypass Road, Catterall

Proposal: Erection of dwelling (resubmission of 08/00677/FUL)

Location: 44 Cock Robin Lane, Catterall

Councillors commented on the following planning applications:

Proposal: Change of use of land to form sand paddock, erection of stable and tack room with midden store for private use

Location: Fell View Barn, Catterall Lane, Catterall

Proposal: Prior notification for proposed agricultural building

Location: Higher Silcock Farm, Catterall Lane, Catterall

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

Cllr. V. Wilson reported on the budget preparations at County Hall, there is to be no increase in Lancashire County Council’s portion of the Council Tax. Cuts made by the last administration are be reinstated. The Environment Directorate is to receive an extra 9million in new capital for highways, 2.2 million for specified road schemes and 5 million on a prorata formula is going to Lancashire Locals, hopefully to be used for repairing potholes, but this will depend on the vote.

The meeting was resumed.

The trustees are looking at replacing the boiler, the electrics and restoring the fencing/wall and are seeking costings.

It was reported that the CAB funding is to be cut and this will be raised at the meeting next month.

The report, previously distributed was accepted.

Cllr. N. Harrison has spoken with Francis Walton and the senior Youth Leader and the group is to join CVS to source funding. Financial support from Kirkland Parish Council is unknown to date. A bid has been made to Wyre Strategic Partnership for funding of £2,000 and this together with the Parish Champion’s grant (£1,000) will pay for year one.

1. Bank Interest £ 3.06
2. Refund from N S and I £2,828.00
3. Pilling Parish Council £ 63.37
4. Pilling Parish Council £ 14.39
5. Lancs Training Partnership* £160.00

1. Clerk’s expenses and salary £124.90
2. Lancashire County Council Pension £203.45
3. Parish Lengthsman expenses and wages £314.65
4. Halifax Building Society £2,828.00 Reserve Account
5. Garstang Timber and Building Supplies £ 4.16
6. Kirkland Parish Council £ 75.00
7. Lancs Training Partnership £ 20.00
8. BDO Stoy Hayward LLP £327.75

BT £ 24.26
Orange Home £ 9.78

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

The Parish Council has received the conclusion of audit for 2008 – 2009. Issues arising include increasing the insurance on assets and fidelity guarantee.

It was reported that the CCTV was operational at the Pickerings and had been accessed by the Police to establish the time a van came through Catterall. This van was abandoned in Claughton having run of out petrol.