Catterall Parish

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were accepted from Cllr. D. Harvey.

2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The Minutes of the meetings held on 4^th April, 2005, having been previously circulated, were then agreed. The Chairman accordingly signed them as a true and correct record.

Following the development on Daniel Fold the residents in the surrounding houses have experienced flooding. It is believed that drains which fed into the dykes were broken during construction. Wyre Borough Council was asked to investigate and weren’t aware the problems still existed, they considered it was dealt with four years ago but will looking at the situation.

In his first report as Chairman Cllr. G. Wilson was encouraged and pleased with progress over the past twelve months. Though the loss of Cllr J. Kirby had saddened events, he will be remembered as a robust and capable Councillor. The partnership with Pilling and Kirkland continues to provide mutual benefit and this Parish Council is progressing towards Quality Parish Council Status.

Taylor Woodrow’s development is well under way and further planning permission has been granted beyond this site. The Parish Council remains concerned about the long term impact of traffic and proposed solutions. The proposed maggot farm close to such a large residential development is causing concern.

Funding has been secured to begin work on the Multi Use Games Area and the Parish Walk. CCTV has been installed at the Village Hall and will offer protection to the MUGA. The Parish remains relatively crime free, despite perceptions to the contrary. The precept will remain at the same level for 2006 – 2007 resulting in a reduction in the Council Tax of 5.6%.

The Chairman thanked his fellow Councillors, the Parish Lengthsman and P C Murphy for their work on behalf of the Parish Council during the year and welcomed back Cllr. J. Houghton following his illness. The report was accepted.

The Clerk presented the unconfirmed end of year accounts. There are a number of outstanding issues to be settled including the grant from Garstang and District Partnership and the recoverable VAT. The balance to carry forward will be in the region of £5,000. The draft report was accepted.

Wyre Borough Councillor reported that Wyre Borough Council was setting up Overview and Scrutiny Committees. There has been an increase in the Council Tax, from the Borough Council of 4.5% and work on the sea defences continues. The Lancashire Locals look to have no place for Parish Councils yet, though it is hoped representation can be channelled through the Wyre Strategic Partnership. The report was accepted.

Re-elected last May County Councillor Val Wilson was grateful for the opportunity to serve the residents for a further four years. She canvases the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister that regional government is not wanted by the electorate, yet money is being wasted on local government re-organisation. Locally she has attended many Parish Council meetings and noticed highway issues carry the main concern, however, there is a faith that the new management can deliver. Mrs. Wilson also sits on three school governing bodies and it looking to set up an informal self-help network for Clerks. The report was accepted.

Report of the LAPTC Representative

Attendance levels have been maintained and if the Parish Councils stick together we can have an impact on rural matters. Wyre Borough Council is to look into affordable housing in rural areas and Wyre Area LAPTC is hoping to take part. The report was accepted.

Cllr. J. Wrathall reported that income has been steady this year, though the holiday club has folded and the outside was painted last year. The AGM is to be announced soon, the committee consists of four at present and new members would be welcomed. The report was accepted.

The Chairman reported that income was up by 15% on last year, one of the floors has been replaced and the outside painted. There are concerns over the use of the playing field by the caravans however; they generate a much needed income. There has been little usage of the IT suite and this is a disappointing source of income. The report was accepted.

Cllr. N. Thompson reported that work is to begin on the traffic calming on the A6 from New Lane and meetings have been held about the pedestrian crossing on the A6 at the Flag. It is hoped that in future the Committee will be sent highway recommendations for major developments in Wyre. The report was accepted.

The need for a motorway exit was raised by a resident, however, it was pointed out that it would be used as a short cut to Blackpool and cause more problems. North West Traffic Control has stated that an exit is not planned. But the Broughton by-pass has a start date of 2008 and this should relieve some problems. The County Councillor will be asked to confirm progress and start date.

Date 2^nd April, 2007 Chairman …………………………

(C) Catterall Parish Council 2006