Minutes December 2019
ASHFORD-IN-THE-WATER PARISH COUNCIL
Clerk: Mrs A J Fox
Derwent Cottage, Calver Bridge, Calver, Hope Valley S32 3XA
Telephone: 01433 631689
Email: angelafox@btinternet.com
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY 3rd DECEMBER 2019 IN ASHFORD INSTITUTE
Present: Cllr D Windle, Cllr R Akeroyd, Cllr C Harrison, Cllr V Sidery, Cllr R Spinks,
Cllr T Williams, Mrs A Fox, (Clerk),
Mr & Mrs Brown
123.19 Apologies for Absence: Cllr B Taft, Cllr A Hill, Cllr A Sutton, Cllr J Twigg,
Cllr M Wakeman,
124.19 Declaration of Members’ Interests: None
125.19 To receive and approve requests for dispensations from members on matters in which they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest: None
126.19 Public Participation: Mr & Mrs Brown attended the meeting to express their concern about the possibility of the street lights becoming less bright in Trinity Close/Court Lane. They reported that the police had recommended brighter lighting following a break-in, pointing out that the tenants fund the electricity required and would therefore appreciate being consulted regarding any decisions concerning the lighting. The lights are now less bright than previously and at a satisfactory level for all concerned. Mr & Mrs Brown departed the meeting at this point.
127.19 Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held 29th October 2019: The minutes were proposed by Cllr Williams as a true record, seconded by Cllr Sidery and signed by the Chairman.
128.19 Confidentiality: None
129.19 Items reported by the Clerk:
92.17 1) Public Conveniences: Total Gas and Power had been informed regarding the change of occupancy.
32.19 2) Roundabout in Hall Orchard: Mr Chris Bettney is undertaking this repair.
32.19 4) Dog signs in Hall Orchard, Sign on Hall Orchard Gate and other signs: A site meeting will be arranged to decide where signs are to be located.
32.19 6) Trees in Churchyard: Work ongoing.
44.19 6) Retention of Parish Council Documents: A form has been sent by DCC, which is in the process of completion.
70.19 2) Lighting in Court Lane: See item 126.19 above.
93.13 3) Christmas Trees: It was reported that the Christmas trees would be arriving on 4th December.
105.19 1) Quotations for grass mowing 2020/21: Quotations had been obtained and will be considered again when the parish council meet to set the 2020/21 precept in January 2020
105.19 2) Arrangements for paying-in honesty box takings: Arrangements have now been made for the honesty box takings for the conveniences and car park to be paid into the parish council account via the Ashford post office.
106.19 2) Dam in River Wye: The Environment Agency had inspected the site and concluded that the rocks do not present a flood risk.
106.19 3) White Lining: White lining had been requested in the following locations:
- a) Junction of Watts Green/Church Street: DCC had responded saying that this is a police matter.
- b) Entrance to car park on Court Lane: DCC had responded saying white lining would not be possible as this is a private access.
Cllr Twigg had agreed to arrange an inspection and to inform the parish council when the inspection would be taking place so that a parish councillor can arrange to be present.
118.19 1) Salt Bins: It was reported that the salt bins are adequately filled at present.
121.19 1) BT Consultation letter re decommissioned telephone boxes: An email had been received from BT enquiring about the intended use of the decommissioned telephone box. It was agreed this could be used possibly as a library or as housing for the defibrillator.
129.19 1) Request for memorial bench: A request had been received for a memorial bench for the late Mr Stanley Birds to be located near to the Sheepwash Bridge. It was agreed that this could be sited alongside the boundary wall of the Riverside Hotel and that it would be beneficial if the bench could be secured to the ground.
114.19 4) Drains: The Clerk was requested to inform Cllrs Twigg and Wakeman that the flood relief channel at Highfields is full of silt and requires cleaning. The Clerk was also requested to contact The Mill House to express concern about the trees on the mill race which are at possible risk of falling into the river and causing a blockage.
130.19 Items raised by Members:
130.19 1) The late Mr Tom Brocklehurst: Tribute was paid to the late Mr Brocklehurst, who had previously served on the parish council for a number of years. Condolences were expressed to Mr Brocklehurst’s family.
130.19 2) Cllrs Twigg and Wakeman: The Chairman expressed thanks to Cllrs Twigg and Wakeman for their considerable efforts and assistance over the last month with flooding issues, in particular for their help in providing sandbags.
130.19 3) Planting on Graves: The Chairman reported that he had noticed a recent increase in the planting of graves as flower beds, and also that certain headstones in the garden of rest do not appear to conform to parish council regulations. It was agreed that the cemetery rules and regulations would be reviewed at the next meeting.
131.19 Planning Matters:
1) Application: NP/DDD/1019/1129 & NP/DDD/1019/1131 – The Rookery, Dukes Drive: The parish council has no objection to this application.
2) Application: NP/DDD/1119/1173 – Greenfields Farm, Ashford Lane: The parish council has no objection to this application.
3) Application: NP/DDD/0919/1016 – Roadside Barn, Ashford Lane: Application withdrawn.
132.19 Financial Matters
Bank Balances Noted:
1) Business Reserve Account: £20,481.39
Current Account: £250.00
2) to approve payments of accounts:
- a) Cleaning conveniences £350.00
- b) Total (electricity invoice for conveniences £308.27
- c) AWMI (room hire) £128.00
- d) Clerk’s salary for 3 month period £780.00
- e) Clerk’s expenses for 3 month period £167.31
- f) HMRC tax on Clerk’s salary) £195.00
- g) R Spinks (reimbursement for Christmas lights) £88.98
- g) to approve payments of donations
1) Ashford Cricket Club £100.00
2) Bakewell & Eyam Community Transport £200.00
3) War Memorial Institute £100.00
4) Post Office (War Memorial Institute) £200.00
5) Ashford Well Dressings £100.00
6) Helen’s Trust £100.00
3) to acknowledge receipt of payments:
- a) Roberts of Ashford re conveniences £425.00
133.19 Correspondence: None
134.19 Date of Next Meeting: The next meeting will be will be held on Thursday 16th January 2020 in the War Memorial Institute.