EASEBOURNE PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON
WEDNESDAY 11th NOVEMBER 2009

The first ten minutes were available for the public to express a view or ask questions about any item on the Agenda. 

Present: Mr I Heustice (Chairman), Mr J Stringer (Vice-chairman), Mr D Pack, Mr B Gowar, Mrs A Marchand, Mrs J Deacon-Ford, Mr M Taylor, Mr F Martin, Dr A Guyatt, Mrs E Hamilton (CDC), Mr M Brown (WSCC), the Clerk and one member of the public.

52 Apologies for Absence: Mr J Dabson

53 Declaration of Interest  by Councillors on any of the Agenda items below.  None

54 The Minutes of the meeting held on 9th September 2009, after one amendment, were accepted as a true record.  Proposed by Mr Martin, seconded by Mrs Marchand. All in favour.

55 Matters Arising: none

56 A286 crossing at Hollist Lane/Wheelbarrow Castle.  Mr Heustice outlined the concerns of the Parish Council that no crossing patrol person had been provided since May 2009, due to Health and Safety issues.  Mrs Marchand had represented the Parish Council at an on-site meeting in October, with Tracey Webb (WSCC Highways), Chris Eley (WSCC Health and Safety Officer) and the Schools Crossing Supervisor, when she was told that the “lollipop” person could not be re-deployed until certain alterations had been made to the pedestrian approach to the crossing. These alterations have still not been carried out, despite promises to the contrary by WSCC. It was also pointed out that Midhurst has crossing attendants at two points in the town, both in 30mph areas, whilst Easebourne has none, and the crossing point is in a 40mph zone. 

58 The District Councillor’s report.  Mrs Hamilton said that there would be no down-grading of the St Richard’s Hospital facilities, although the matter still has to go before another committee. Proposed car parking charges in the district were discussed at the CDC Parking Forum, of which Mrs Hamilton is a member, and although various petitions against charging are being noted the views of the “Citizens Panel” are also being taken into consideration.  Mrs Hamilton would prefer that the decision is delayed whilst all other options are explored. However, the matter will now go before the CDC Policy Development Committee and, in December, before the Executive Board and the full District Council.  The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Andrew Tyrie MP, expressing the views of the Parish Council.

59 Finance:
a) To following payments were noted (cheque number 100-)

b)  The internal check of accounts for September and October, by Mr Stringer, was noted

c) Receipt of VAT refund in the sum of £351.03 for period 01.04.09 to 30.09.09, was noted

d) Receipt of precept for period 01.10.09 to 31.03.10 in the sum of £6250.00, was noted

e) The draft budget for 2010/2011 was discussed, with the Precept remaining at £12,500.

Acceptance was proposed by Mr Stringer, seconded by Mrs Deacon-Ford.  All in favour. All Councillors have received a copy of the expenditure/budget for the first 7 months of the year up to 31.10.09

60 Planning:

61 Reports from the Panels

a) Playground.  The Freddie Frog springer is now repaired.  A firework party had obviously been held in the playground but with no reported damage. The debris was cleared by the Parish Council.

b) Burial Ground.  No problems

c) Footpaths.  No footpath problems.  Missing road names discussed, particularly three and half year wait to get Egmont Road sign replaced, despite numerous contacts with CDC.  Also Scotland Lane sign still not re-erected despite being missing for many months.

d) Grants.  Thank you letter from The Samaritans for grant awarded at September meeting.  New applications discussed.  It was proposed by Mrs Deacon-Ford and seconded by Mrs Hamilton to give the Midhurst Community Bus Association a grant of £400.  All in favour.  It was proposed by Dr Guyatt and seconded by Mrs Deacon-Ford to give the Citizens Advice Bureau a grant of £250.  All in favour.  It was proposed by Mr Gowar and seconded by Mr Pack to give the Royal British Legion a donation of £50 to include the cost of a poppy wreath.  All in favour.  It was proposed by Mr Stringer and seconded by Mr Gowar not to award a grant to Disability Awareness UK. Majority in favour.  It was proposed by Mr Stringer and seconded by Dr Guyatt not to award a grant to the Carers Support Service.  All in favour.

62 Chichester District Community Wardens.  Discussion about request to help finance the Community Warden in Midhurst.  As the budget has already been set for 2010/2011 it was proposed by Mrs Deacon-Ford and seconded by Mrs Hamilton that no contribution be made.  Majority in favour.

63 SID (Speed Indicator Device).  11 volunteers to operate SID.  Names passed to PC Paul Quinnell who has advised of us of a timetable of checking, with both the Police and WSCC, before the scheme can operate in Easebourne. Likely to be Spring 2010 before operation can commence.  All volunteers informed by Clerk. Clerk to ask PC Quinnell if the device can be used on the A272 in addition to the A286.

64 Budgenor Lodge S106 Community Facilities Grant.  Various suggestions for use of the remaining S106 money, put forward at the last Parish Council meeting, have been checked with CDC.  Any decisions to be discussed at the January meeting.

65 Cowdray Heritage Trust.  Dr Guyatt, as a Trustee on behalf of the Parish Council, reported on the activities of the Cowdray Ruins for the 2009 season.  The number of visitors increased in all categories, especially children’s educational visits, and it is hoped to appoint a dedicated Educational Officer.  The Trustees would also like to see an increase in the number of weddings held at the Ruins. Concern was expressed about the effect the proposed imposition of car parking charges in Midhurst would have on the viability of the attraction, and the Trustees were, therefore, against charging.

66 Parish Council Chairman: succession from May 2010.  To be discussed again at the January meeting.

67 Correspondence and notices received After submissions from the Parish Council the name for the road, serving the new development of houses on the site of the old Tile Shop at Lutener Road/Easebourne Lane, will be Perceval, this being the family name of the Earls of Egmont, former owners of Cowdray. 

Late Correspondence
Invitation to Parish Councillors, from the Cowdray Farm Shop, to attend their open day on 26th November at 6pm for canapés and local wines in the company of Lord and Lady Cowdray.

The meeting closed at 9.45pm

Next Parish Council meeting will be held on 13th January 2010 at 7.30pm

Mrs Carole Allan, Clerk to Easebourne Parish Council, Ashfield Cottage, 1 Ashfield Close, Midhurst, GU29 9RP.  Telephone: 01730 813374. Email: easebournepc@tiscali.co.uk