The verified minutes of the Keysoe and Bolnhurst Parish Council meeting held on 15th November 2004 were; 1. PRESENT
Cllr. Mrs Gear (Chairman), Cllrs. Mrs Browning, Mrs Landmann, Mrs Pope, Mrs Whitmore, Cllr. Worth, County Cllr. Tom Wootton, Mr Alan Woodward and three members of the public. The Clerk Mrs Maddison was in attendance. 2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE FROM MEETING
Bor. Cllr. Ian Clifton 3. SIGNING OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 18.10.04 AND
THE PLANNING MEETING OF 1.11.04
These were signed as correct. 4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE ABOVE MEETINGS
Maintenance and Repairs to Bus Shelters and Notice Boards – The Clerk had spoken with the Insurance Company and they will not insure George Beverley to carry out these works as he is a minor. Cllr. Mrs Browning proposed that Richard Mooring be asked to carry out these repairs. This was seconded by Cllr. Worth and was agreed. 5. OPEN SESSION FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK
Cllr. Mrs Pope reported an intolerable smell from the Equestrian Centre. They have been spreading manure onto the cross country course. Several members of the public had complained to her and had also rung the environmental health dept. but to no avail. This will be monitored. Cllr. Mrs Landmann reported that the entrance to the proposed new playing field was holding water recently and therefore would need filling in prior to the public using this. Cllr. Mrs Landmann was also concerned that she had received the Beds County Council salting route in her paper and the road between Little Staughton and Keysoe is not included even though this is a school bus route. 6. DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS INTERESTS IN THE BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED HEREUNDER
Cllrs. Mrs Browning and Mrs Gear declared an interest in item No. 9 of the Agenda. As Co. Cllr. Tom Wootton had another meeting to attend it was agreed to move item No. 11 up the agenda. 11. FLOODING IN KEYSOE ROW WEST
Cllr. Mrs Gear reported that on Aug. 20th this year, 3 homes in Keysoe Row West were flooded. Mrs Celia Sellars came out to investigate but didn’t call at any of the houses. She reported that there were no gullies and there was nothing wrong. After further telephone calls she came out again and did arrange for the ditch to the dug out and the gullies to be blasted through. In 1987 Mr Pete Clarke built his bungalow (Lingfield) and filled in the ditch and only piped part of it. There is evidence from the minutes of 1987/8 that the County Council checked the ditch and found no piping past 5m of his access. On 11.11.04 Co. Councillor Tom Wootton, Andrew Prigmore (Co. Council Highways), Celia Sellars (Employed by Raynesway Services, Sub Contractors for the Co. Co. for the Highways), Cllr. Mrs Gear and four residents had a meeting which was very unsatisfactory. Cllr. Mrs Gear reported that Mrs Celia Sellars arrived late and appeared to be disinterested in the situation. She then went with Mr Peter Clarke onto his property and didn’t rejoin the meeting. Mr Prigmore did eventually listen to the residents and agreed a mutual course of action, i.e. digging out the gully in front of Mayfair to establish if the ditch is piped. Mr Prigmore reported that he had no authority to insist people pipe their own ditches on their own land. Mrs Elsegood from the floor thanked the Parish Council for taking an interest in this matter and also Co. Cllr. Tom Wootton. She felt that as for the County Council not having any responsibility to ensure that people pipe their own ditches, someone has to have the authority and if the Council won’t take responsibility then perhaps the Environment Agency should. Cllr. Mrs Gear had spoken to everyone at the meeting and they all felt very upset at the way Mr Prigmore started the meeting. He did listen in the end but he should have asked Mrs Sellars to rejoin the meeting and also ask Mr Clarke to attend also. A letter will be sent to Mr Richard Payne, the Portfolio Holder for the County Council. Co. Cllr. Tom Wootton apologised for the behaviour of Mr Prigmore and said that Mr Bill Elliott should be congratulated and thanked for cleaning out his ditch so promptly. This was agreed. County Cllr. Tom Wootton left the meeting. 7. PLANNING
04/02372/FUL - Erection of Stable Block at The Manor Barn, Pertenhall Road, Keysoe – Permission granted. 8. FINANCE
It was proposed by Cllr. Worth, seconded by Cllr. Mrs Pope that the following accounts be paid:
British Telecom £ 66.43
British Legion £ 75.00
RW & JR Maddison £ 23.50
Alan C Summerfield £540.50
Clerks Account £318.77 9. PLAYING FIELD
The Chairman read out a letter from Mr David Bailey, Head of Planning and Housing Services confirming the approval of the boundary treatment of the playing field as per the letter submitted in September. The Clerk had been in contact with the Solicitor and he will chase up the Village Hall Solicitors regarding the right of access. Cllr Mrs Landmann had spoken to Paul Ellerington (Chairman of the Village Hall Committee) and he will chase up also. Cllrs. Mrs Gear and Mr Worth had been to see Sean Greaves (Beds Borough Council Planning Officer) to discuss the fencing as some of the residents of Elm Tree Grove had asked for it to be lowered. Mr Greaves would not be happy with having the fence of staggered heights nor was he happy to approve the use of ‘pig’ wire and wooden posts. He didn’t think it necessary to make a further site visit. Cllr. Worth reported that the main purpose of the fence was to make the playing field a safe and enclosed area for the safe play of children. Cllr. Worth also reported that the Planning Officers did suggest in the first instance, the use of wooden panel fencing. However, it was felt that the residents would not want this as it would obstruct their view. However, Sean Greaves did say that the concrete posts could be painted black to soften the outline of them. Cllr. Mrs Browning proposed that the Parish Council writes to the two residents of Elm Tree Grove who have attended Parish Council Meetings and let them know the outcome of the meeting with Sean Greaves. Cllr. Mrs Landmann proposed that a standard letter be sent to all the residents of Elm Tree Grove. This was agreed. Cllr. Mrs Browning left the meeting. The Clerk opened the tenders for the Fencing. The results were: Stockton Fencing - £4750.00 plus VAT, RDJ Construction - £4683.40 plus VAT, RD Browning - £4350.49. Cllr. Mrs Landmann proposed, seconded by Cllr. Worth that RD Browning’s’ quotation be accepted. With all in favour this was agreed. Cllr. Mrs Browning rejoined the meeting and Cllr. Mrs Gear left the meeting. Cllr. Worth took the chair. The Clerk opened the tenders for the shrubs. The results were: Hollowell Landscapes - £1400.00, Direct Garden Supplies - £4000.00 plus VAT, HFR Banks & Son - £353.17 plus VAT. Cllr. Mrs Browning proposed that HFR Banks & Sons’ quotation be accepted with the proviso that the Parish Council may wish to add some more shrubs if it is deemed necessary. This was seconded by Cllr. Mrs Pope. With all in favour this was agreed. Cllr. Mrs Gear rejoined the meeting and re took the chair. It was agreed that the Clerk would write to the successful companies and accept their tender but there would be a delay until the Parish Council has successfully purchased the land. Cllrs. Mrs Gear and Mr Worth will apply for a Biffa Grant Award. Cllr. Mrs Browning stated that the Parish Council agreed to work with the residents regarding the fencing. 10. AFFORDABLE HOUSING
It was hoped that the new revised plans would have been received as they were promised on the 8th November. However, as they have not yet arrived, this will be postponed until the next meeting. (Item 11 was covered earlier in the meeting.) 12. BROADBAND
Cllr. Worth reported that both villages are now connected to Broadband. As far as he is aware every household in the parish can obtain broadband. As a result, Stodden Broadband has now ceased. If anyone cannot get broadband, contact Mr Paul Vann at the County Council as they are working with a wireless company. Cllr. Mrs Landmann praised Cllr. Worth for his hard work. 13. THE NET
Cllr. Worth suggested that the Newsletter be available via e-mail as not every householder in the parish receives the Village Voice. Cllr. Mrs Gear thought that if the householders did not wish to receive the Village Voice they probably would not want to received the Newsletter either. People have access to information regarding the Parish Council on the Village Voice Web site already. It was agreed not to proceed with this at present. 14. REPORTS FROM THE ANNUAL RECEPTION FOR TOWN AND PARISH COUNCILS
Attended By Cllrs. Mrs Gear, Mrs Landmann and Cllr. Worth. Cllr. Mrs Gear said that the evening was quite interesting. There is a Quality Parish Investment Fund offering grants from Defra of between £1000.00 and £15000.00 for Quality Status Parish Councils only. Cllr. Mrs Gear attended a workshop called ‘Citizone’. This was a new project happening in the City Centre of Dunstable. This is a drop in centre for new people moving to the area which will help with registration at the Dentist, Doctors, and New Schools etc. etc. Cllrs. Mrs Gear felt this was totally inappropriate to Parish Councils. Cllr. Mrs Landmann attended a workshop on Policing. This was attended by the new Divisional Commander. He reported that all is well with staffing and general matters and seemed a confident person. Cllr. Worth attended a workshop on Growth Issues. He reported that the Local Plan is now defunct and is to be replaced by Regional Special Strategy 14 that will cover the East of England including Bedfordshire. The RSS14 is still a proposal which will be issued initially as a draft document in December. Bedfordshire will be squeezed between a Milton Keynes Agenda and an East of England Agenda. The County Council has requested £16m towards new infrastructure projects such as schools, surgeries, recreational facilities etc. but the request has so far been ignored. All in all this will not affect our parish except for the SPA will no longer be in force. 15. UPDATE OF PLANNING GROUPS AND GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
It was agreed that the Planning sub groups for making site visits are as follows: Brook End, Church Road & Riseley Road, Keysoe are Cllrs. Mrs Browning, Mr Burge and Mrs Landmann. The Rows in Keysoe are Cllrs. Mrs Gear, Mrs Pope and Mr Worth. Bolnhurst is covered by Cllrs. Mrs Browning, Mrs Whitmore and Mr Worth. The Equestrian Centre is covered by all the Cllrs. The Highways Representative is Cllr. Mrs Whitmore, Sedgemoor College is represented by Cllrs. Mrs Browning and Mrs Whitmore, The Equestrian Centre is represented by a Committee consisting of Cllrs. Mrs Pope and Mr Worth, Mr and Mrs Ian and Jenny Johnson and Mr Doug Gill. The Clerk will ask Cllr. Burge is he would be willing to be the Policing representative. Cllr. Mrs Whitmore proposed that a list of these duties be put in the Village Voice however; it was thought to be a better idea to write in the Village Voice for parishioners to contact their local/nearest Parish Councillor or the Clerk with any queries they have. 16. ANNUAL PARISH MEETING IN MARCH
A number of speakers were discussed, however it was agreed that the Clerk asks the Environment Agency if they would be willing to attend. 17. CORRESPONDANCE - Letter received from Ashbrook Farm regarding the submission of new plans for games/hobby room – previously distributed. The Clerk had written to them and acknowledged receipt.
- Beds County Council – Milton Keynes South Midland Sub-regional Strategy – letter of proposed alterations. Any comments should be forwarded by 23.12.04 – None put forward
- Beds Borough Council – Rural Skips – letter asking for any views on more cost effective ways of providing these skips. It was agreed that the Clerk writes and says that the Parish Council is happy with the arrangements at present and that they are widely used.
- Beds Borough Council – Community & Culture PRD Committee – Anti Social Behaviour and Youth Review – Special discussion meeting is being held on 18th Nov. 6.30pm Bedford. – No one interested in attending.
- Beds County Council –Revised Behaviour Support Plan received.- passed to Cllr. Mrs Browning
- The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire – letter received asking for any nominations for the Citizenship Award. The Councillors will think if there is anyone in the community.
18. CLOSE OF MEETING
There being no other business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 21:15 hours. | 
