2006
ALPINGTON WITH YELVERTON PARISH COUNCIL
Annual Parish Meeting
Meeting on Monday 3 April 2006 at 7.30pm at the Village Hall, Alpington
Minutes
Present : Sylvia Ford (Chairman), Bob Debbage (Vice Chairman), Chris Black, Brian Freeman, John Lain and Jane Cadge.
Also Present: Linda Gray (Clerk), Adrian Gunson, County Councillor, Suzan Thompson and 12 members of the public.
•1 Apologies:
Jane Cadge sent her apologies, as she was to arrive late due to a previous meeting. Patrick Harris did not attend the meeting.
•2 Minutes of the meeting held on 4 April 2005 The Clerk read out a précis of the Minutes. The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
•3 Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
•4 Chairmans Report by Sylvia Ford
Acknowledgement of thanks was extended to fellow Councillors, Adrian Gunson County Councillor, Suzan Thomson, District Councillor and Linda Gray the Clerk.
Local Development Framework The Parish Council had been asked to give views on several possible development sites in Alpington and Yelverton . All the sites were rejected by the Parish Council on the following grounds:
- - Insufficient amenities (doctors, shops, post office and school places) available in the villages to support a large development of houses.
- - Safety of new access roads.
- - Proposed density of housing on the developments.
- - Residents want to maintain the rural situation.
Further consultation is to be made, but once South Norfolk Council has made its decision no appeals will be allowed.
Play Area; The fence is in need of replacing due to vandalism. The Parish Council has received quotes for this work. A galvanised fence would cost in excess of 5k. Other options for funding will need to be explored. Thanks goes to Chris and Mary Black, John Lain and Peter Saunders for all their hard work in maintaining the garden and play area.
Garrick Field; An offer was made last year from the trustees of the Garrick Field to finance further improvements; the Parish Council made a list of desired improvements and submitted them to the Trustees in June 05. In November 05 this generous offer was withdrawn and the Parish Council now awaits a reduced offer from the trustees. The trustees did not give an explanation for their actions but the Parish Council was extremely disappointed concerning the nature and delay that this communication had taken.
Thanks goes to Mr Parfitt who continues to keep the field and loke very tidy and for the football team who also keep the field tidy.
Planning; 18 planning applications were considered last year, some causing strong concern within the community. An enforcement order has been served on Alpington Thatch, where there is a garage door assembly business. This should take effect in the summer.
Affordable Housing; will be looked at this year. A survey will be distributed in order to identify need. In the future there may be a small development of affordable housing.
Highways; The Bus shelter, which was damaged in the autumn, has now been repaired. Framingham Earl Road continues to have problems with drainage this has been reported to South Norfolk. The drainage work carried out in the village was completed to a high standard. The Slade Lane road sign will be changed later in the year to include ‘The Slad ‘.
Environmental; The pruning of the copse at Nichols Corner Pumping Station caused concern last year. Anglian Water responded positively and an action plan is now in place.
The Chairman concluded by assuring residents that the Parish Council endeavours to support the village in all aspects and welcomes the input of residents at meetings.
•5 County Councillors Report by Adrian Gunson
Hobart High School; Planning permission was granted at the end of 2005 and the new sports hall is in construction along with the new coach park. The Classroom extension should be complete by September ready for the new and enlarged intake of 11yr olds. The All Weather Surface may not be complete this year.
Loddon Police Station; 200 people attended a meeting with the Police Authority but the decision to closed the station has not changed. Governors of Hobart High School have offered the Police Authority space at the High School in order for there to be a Police Contact Point in Loddon. The Police Authority has agreed in principle to this offer but further discussions are required.
Burgate Lane scrap yard has been reported to the enforcement officer.
Local Development Plan: The County Councillor supported the Parish Council in declining the programme of development on grounds of insufficient infrastructure in place.
Hardley Flood footbrige has been repaired.
Loddon Bypass scheme of resurfacing is complete.
B1332 near to the Dove Public House is being resurfaced.
Bus Service continues after the contract is renewed and a service now continues through to Poringland.
Trowse Bypass traffic lights giving priority to those exiting the Southern Bypass needs to change but the Highway Agency who own the traffic lights are reluctant to change the timings.
Whitlingham Charity Trust; the barn is near in completion as the tourist visitors centre. Several Events are organised for this summer to include walking, watersports and Pond dipping.
•6 District Councillor Report by Suzan Thomson
Waste Disposal, South Norfolk has achieved its target for last year. The wheelie bins have been implemented and the system is working well. The Mini Recycling centres continue to collect glass. A Brown bin will be available soon at a cost of £40 a year for garden waste.
South Norfolk Web Site Launch, the web site is up and running and continues to provide additional information. The latest enhancement is to include planning applications to be viewed on line.
Local Development Framework, The District Councillor is also in support of the Parish Council declining the proposed development.
Anti - social Act, to include high hedges. After all mediation has been exhausted the Council will take on cases but the cost will be £300.
Avian Flu, recently there was an emergency exercise in Bury St Edmunds to check the action plan if an outbreak was to occur. Any questions or problems please ring the DEFRA helpline 08459 33 55 77 or follow advise from the Norfolk County Council Web site http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/
•7 Police Report
The Clerk had previously written to Inspector M Lillie from Diss but she was unable to attend but had sent a report.
The Clerk read out the report that had been sent via email that included a crime report and details on the following areas:
Speeding in the Village, this is a problem in a lot of villages. Please ring the non emergency telephone no 0845 456 4567 to report speeding, the Road Policing Unit will attend to assess the problem if enough complaints are made.
Amount of and frequency of patrols in the Village by the Police, this question could not be answered as the patrol area is from Diss to Norwich, from Ashwellthorpe to Burgh St Peter and patrols are sent to where they are most needed. And any spare time is used to investigate crime.
Since the retirement of PC Norton the Parish has not been allocated a local Liaison Officer but this is currently being looked into.
•8 Doggy Bin
Brian Freeman declared his Prejudicial and Personal Interest.
The Chairman reported that due to an ongoing problem of dog fouling near Cherrywood and the Church Meadow Estate the Parish Council had decided, in a previous meeting, to provide another Doggy Bin for the Village. The siteing of the bin was proving to be controversial and so in order not to offend or cause distress to residents the Parish Council wanted to ask residents for the best place to site the new bin for most effective use. There followed a discussion on the matter which raised issues of it not being placed on a Public Footpath as footpaths are not just provided for Dog Walkers. The objection was not against the providing of a Dog Bin but of it being sited on a Public Footpath. The Chairman discussed the site to be close to the telegraph pole near the Wheel of Fortune Public House, and if there were further objections to this position then residents would need to write to the Parish Council.
•9 Reports from Local Groups
The Church, St Marys, continues to receive good support from the village. During the year a number of special services have taken place for past baptisms, the Harvest service, Christingle and Carol Services. Other special events included a summer concert and Art and Craft Exhibition. The ministry team was strengthened by the ordination as deacons of Lorna Allies and Wendy Shaw and the appointment of Sally Morris as Lay Pastoral Assistant. The Christian Aid collection in May raised over £600. Expenses for maintenance and repairs continue to rise. Funding for improvements to the church are being explored by the PCC. A disabled access along with other improved facilities are proposed.
Alpington Primary School- There was no report
Village Hall Committee- Pat Barter, Chairman, was unable to attend but sent the following report. The village hall continues to be used on a regular basis with 2-3 bookings each day. 2006 sees the start of an improvement and maintenance plan by the committee to the building and surrounding land. Firstly the removal and replacement of the cladding on the front of the building then work on the grassed area to the side of the building will then take place.
Village Charities - Bob Debbage reported as the Parish Council representative on the Village Charities Committee. The Charity receives its income from the rent of land for allotments in the village. The monies are distributed to those thought to be in need in the Village. Last year 30-40 people received £25 each.
Brownies- Sandra Savoury, was unable to attend but sent the following report. The brownies in Alpington continues to experience very good attendance of 36 local girls mostly from the village and also has a waiting list. The pack enjoyed a holiday last year and plans several activities this year.
Byrus- Was included in St Marys Church report
Club Cascade - A report by Mrs Minns The group is aimed at the over 50s and continues to experience good attandance. Last year there were outings to Sandringham, Thursford Christmas Concert and Wroxham. More outings are planned for this year.
Football Club - A report by Mr Bloomfield. The football team was promoted to the top division last year and finished mid table. Wednesday night continues as training night but membership of young players has diminished to nil. With the advent of the Child Protection Act implemented by the FA this year (adults are not allowed to train with children) the committee needs to review the club and investigate ways of encouraging new young members to carry on the team. The team at present consists of a 50-50 split of village members and ex village members. Mr Bloomfield asked the Parish Council if the grass on the pitch could be cut through the winter as the mild winters experienced to date have left the grass too long at times to be played on. The Clerk noted, the matter will be discussed with the grass cutting contractor and the Parish Council will discuss the matter fully at the next meeting in May.
Footpath Warden- There was no report
Guides- There was no report
History Group - A report by Chris Black. On the 7 February 2005, 20 people founded the Local History Society. Since this time there have been 6 meetings on various topics. A visit to the Norfolk Record Office proved very interesting. The AGM is planned for 25 October 2006. A photographic competition is planned with the possibility of publishing a village leaflet.
Keep Fit- Mrs Garrod the instructor was unable to attend but sent the following report. The group is now in its eighth year and continues to experience a good attendance of 24-25. Most members live in the village and surrounding area. The group enjoyed several social activities and outings last year and plans for this year are underway to include the annual six-day trip to France. The members also like to support other local groups fund raising events.
Playgroup- There was no report
Rainbow- There was no report
Tree Warden- There was no report
Wedneday Fellowship- A report by Mrs Minns. The group is open to all and meets at the Village Hall 2nd Wednesday of each month at 2pm. Each meeting begins with a short hymn, prayer and reading then entertained until tea and cake at 3pm. At Easter there will be a variety of speakers invited. Rev Pat Atkinson attends on an annual basis to update the group on her Indian Schools project, a charity which the fellowship supports.
Whist Drive- A report from Mrs Taylor. The whist drive in recent years has experienced a decline in attendance. The annual events such as Christmas, Easter and the Football Whist Drives continues to receive good support from the village. The group is very concerned that if attendance does not improve that they will no longer be able to support local groups with donations and their main charity for Crohn's disease.
WI - The was no report
Yoga - Mrs Horrocks was unable to attend but sent the following report. The yoga classes have nearly been running a year now and have a strong core of regular clients. There are only 2 people attending who actually live in the village. The remainder come from the surrounding area but also as far as Loddon and Lowestoft.
•10 Parishioners Questions
Why was the Annual Parish Meeting not publicised in the Eleven Says Parish Magazine.
The Chairman reported, the last date to submit information for the Eleven Says had not been convenient on this occasion.
•11 Next Meeting the Parish Council Annual General Meeting to be held Monday 8 May 2006
The meeting closed at 9.50pm
