BROUGHTON PARISH COUNCIL
|
BROUGHTON PARISH COUNCIL |
|
|
|
| Present | Cllr. MG Darlow (in the Chair). Cllrs. R Baxter, Mrs. HJ Bull, Mrs. PA Cope, Mrs. JL Farenden, Mrs. JR Page, Mrs MC Rust, R Shrive, AJP Stamper and GL Thompson. Mr. GA Duthie (Clerk to the Parish Council) and 2 local government electors for the parish |
| 07/1 |
APOLOGIES. Apologies were tendered on behalf of Borough Cllr. J Hakewill |
| 07/2 | MINUTES. The
Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 15 March 2006, copies of
which had been circulated to all present, were approved and consequently
signed by the Chairman. |
| 07/3 | MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES. None were raised. |
| 07/4 | ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PARISH COUNCIL.
The Chairman of Broughton Parish Council, Cllr. MG Darlow, submitted a report on the business and activities of the Council over the preceding year. Those present heard that the Council was presently operating slightly under full strength, with one vacancy due to the recent resignation of former Cllr. DR Read. As this had occurred within six months of the forthcoming election in May, it had been decided to operate with 10 members until then. The year had been a busy one, and quite an amount of planning business had been considered, including the major housing schemes at Rathmine Farm (which was won at appeal following objections, including from the Council and from a local action group), and that on Northampton Road. In respect of this latter development, the Council had been instrumental in securing the provision of two interactive traffic speed signs due to concerns about the impact of the new housing on traffic safety for users of Northampton Road. Turning to the issue of local policing, the Council had been active in pressing for more patrols and a more visible police presence in the village, and this should be apparent following the impending implementation of new Safer Community Teams. Related to this, and arising from issues in the village of vandalism and juvenile nuisance being suffered, the Council was represented at the public meeting in February, called by Borough Cllr J Hakewill, at which over 100 local people attended although not all were as badly affected as others. This meeting was advised by police officers who were present that it was essential all incidents were reported and allocated an incident number, in order that a true picture of the extent of the problem could be formed. On a more positive note, the Council was again pleased to see so many community run events and activities take place. These relied almost entirely on the energy and commitment of volunteers to run, and thanks were due to those who gave up their time to make such initiatives the success they were. Another edition of Broughton News had been produced and was well received both in the village and further afield. Thanks for this were due to the editor, Cllr. AJP Stamper, without whom the publication would not appear. Finally, the Chairman announced his intention to retire, both in that capacity and as a parish Councillor, with effect from the end of the current municipal year. The meeting heard that after 17 years service, the Chairman believed the energy of young blood was now needed given the challenges on the horizon. |
| 07/5 | STATEMENT OF PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNTS. A statement of the Parish Council’s accounts comprising an Annual Return for financial year ended 31 March 2006 was submitted and noted after an opportunity for questions was given (copies annexed). |
| 07/6 | ACCOUNTS OF PAROCHIAL CHARITIES. Statements of account in respect of the Broughton Charities of Bentham and Others for the year to 31 December 2006, and the Broughton Playing Fields and Village Hall Association for the year to 30 April 2006, were submitted and noted after an opportunity for questions was given (copies annexed). |
| 07/7 | REPORTS OF SCHOOL GOVERNORS. Cllr. Mrs. Cope gave a verbal report upon the business of the school governing body and confirmed that 162 pupils were presently on the roll, with registrations pending for the next three years. Improvement works continued, with the latest to be completed being loft insulation measures; the school walls having been done previously. No current difficulties were occurring with vandalism and police attention was continuing to ensure this continued.
An initiative to provide a day nursery facility was being pursued subject to the necessary approvals and if successful, this would be open from this autumn. Finally, children from the school had participated in various events supporting ‘Red Nose Day’ on Friday, with a total of £156 being raised by their efforts.. |
| 07/8 | REPORTS OF COUNTY/DISTRICT COUNCILLORS. None were received. |
|
07/9
|
REPORTS OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS. Cllr. Mrs. Page reported upon the activity of the Broughton Playing Fields and Village Hall Association over the last year, those present hearing that an energetic committee was still pursuing a programme of improvements. Grants had been secured, and fund raising events (such as the recent auction) had been organised, with recent enhanced facilities including the replacement of curtains and comprehensive refurbishment of the kitchen although, less positively, there still remained a difficulty with damage being caused. Despite this, bookings remained healthy and the continuing improvements should see this maintained, with users benefiting from the higher standards being achieved. The Association also continued to support the ongoing parish-planning process, with a further information event taking place on 24 March. |
| 07/10 | PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED BY LOCAL ELECTORS. None were submitted for consideration |
| 07/11 | MATTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST ADMITTED BY THE CHAIRMAN. The following matters were admitted by the Chairman for discussion and for action, where appropriate, as detailed:- A vote of thanks was proposed and agreed for the work of the Parish Council and for that of the Chairman, Cllr. MG Darlow, for his years of service in particular. There being no further business, the Chairman thanked all present for their contributions, and the meeting was closed at 8:20pm. |
| Signed:................................... Chairman Date: 19 March 2008 |
|