These minutes are provided by The Welney Website

These minutes are provided by The Welney Website. They have been converted from the Welney Parish Council's original document into a web-page format to enable faster downloading and easier reading on your computer. Font style and some line spacing has been changed but the layout has not otherwise been altered and the text has not been edited in any way. You can print this page using your normal procedure. If you wish to view &/or print the minutes in exactly the same style and page layout as the original document, The Welney Website also provides an 'MS Word' version accessed by the direct link at the bottom of this page or by going to our council minutes index page and selecting the "Word" option for the appropriate meeting. All minutes open in new windows to allow side by side viewing.

Present

Cllr.K.Goodger (Chairman) Cllrs. E. Allen, T.Bennett, M. Brown, S .Dobson, C. Freer, G. Tomkins , and the Clerk.

Also present were: Dist .Cllrs. D. Pope, V. Spikings, Mr. D..Moseley and Mr. D. Bonner

No applications had been received for the Casual Vacancy on the Parish Council and it was agreed to advertise the vacancy around the village, and the Chairman asked Councillors to inform any interested parties to contact the Clerk as soon as possible. If no applicants had come forward the vacancy would be advertised again in the next Welney News.

The minutes of the meeting held on the4th March, 2008, having been circulated to all councillors, were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record of the meeting,

Standards Board for England – The Clerk confirmed that all the information requested by the Deputy Monitoring Office at the Borough Council had been send off by Recorded Delivery on 13^th March. A reply had been received dated 23^rd March acknowledging receipt of the information and stating that in view of the quantity, it would take sometime to go through all the paperwork. The paperwork related to the alleged breach of the Code of Conduct brought against Cllr.Kerr by Mr.Smith of Meadow Farm.

Two further letters had been received from Mr.Smith - one requesting details of what correspondence had been passed to councillors in October 2004 – The Clerk had replied that as far as she could remember, it was a copy of an e-mail from Ian Warrington relating to the Meadow Lane. The second letter asked how often the Parish Council met and what are the requirements for keeping correspondence. A reply had been sent and this was approved by the Parish Council.

Post Office Services for Welney - The Clerk explained that she had received copies of a Poster from the Post Office relating to the closure of post offices and their proposals for a post office service for Welney in the form of a Mobile Post Office. After consultation with the Chairman the information from the posters was typed onto an A4 sheet and these had been circulated to all households with the Welney News. The Posters had been displayed on the village notice boards. A letter had also been received from Postwatch dated 26^th March and copies were handed out to councillors. An e-mail had also been received from Christopher Fraser MP asking for an update of the situation and the clerk confirmed that she had replied to the e-mail on 26^th March.

After discussion it was agreed that the village would welcome anything that the Post Office could do to return some services to the village, and it was suggested that the Post Office should possibly get in touch with the Church to see if it could be done as a joint venture with the Mobile Office at the Church. especially in view of the outcome of the special meeting arranged during February. Comments were also made regarding the hours of opening of the proposed mobile office. After consideration it was agreed that councillors should put their thoughts down and a letter from the Parish Council could be formulated at the next meeting so that it was sent off before the end of the Consultation period.

Mr. Bonner addressed the meeting and expressed his concerns following the erection of the flood gates on the Delph Bridge and asked what had been achieved by the installation of these gates. The gates were no deterrent to large lorries who were still travelling up to the Bridge and then having to turn around in the Lamb and Flag Car park where posts have been demolished, the surface of the car park has been damaged, the access is far too narrow for these lorries and consequently the sides of the road have been badly damaged and he was also very concerned about damage to his property by the lorries turning in the car park entrance. These was a discussion relating to this matter and it was agreed to raise it again under Highways when a letter could possibly be sent.

Mr. Moseley of Kendrick Cottage, Suspension Bridge addressed the meeting and thanked the Parish Council for contacting Highways and sending him a copy of their reply. However he felt that it was not particularly helpful. After a brief discussion it was agreed to include this matter under Highways so that a suitable letter could be sent regarding this problem.

Nothing further had been heard from anyone regarding this matter at the present time. However the Chairman confirmed that he had had a telephone call from Mr.Dick Prescott of Savills, who advised that they were having problems with the access roadway to the site of the Treatment Works, but he promised to keep us informed of developments.

The following accounts had been received for payment, and on the proposition of Cllr. Brown, seconded by Cllr. Allen and agreed, the cheques were signed:

2. The Clerk confirmed that she had given instructions to the plumber to install a new water heater in the Kitchen but nothing had happened. The name of an alternative plumber was given to the Clerk with the request that contact be made to see if the work can be carried out.

3. Following a recent meeting, the Friendship Club had contacted the Clerk to say that they had seen a rat in the Hall. Despite an immediate check no rodents were found, but evidence of possible rodent entry was observed. However during the meeting a mouse appeared on the stage. It was agreed that there is an unnecessary level of rubbish in the Hall being left by those who hire it, and it was confirmed that strict rules need to be enforced regarding the removal of rubbish. The Clerk would make sure that everyone who hired the hall was fully aware of this when they collected the keys, and the rules and regulations for hiring would be updated at the next meeting.

4. Cllr. Tomkins confirmed that he would look into the question of the electronic organ which might be available for the hall.

The Chairman gave a brief report of the meeting with Cllr. Brown and Mr. John Loveday on 8^th March, when they had visited the Playing Field and measurer up the area for the proposed new Community Centre. He confirmed that there was room for the building to be sited in the top left hand Corner of the field and everyone was happy with this. There would still be room for a car parking area along the side of the roadway leading to the building. Cllr .Brown produced a drawing he had prepared for an L shaped building and this was passed around for information. It was also hoped that there would be sufficient room on the end of the proposed development for the Children’s Play Area.

An e-mail had been received from Mr. Shelton of the Environment Agency confirming that he was pressing the person concerned for the paperwork to allow the purchase of the Hall site to proceed and he would be in touch as soon as possible.

Confirmation had also been received from Norfolk ProHelp that they would be prepared to assist us in the planning etc. for the new Community Centre. Copies of various e-mails with names and telephone numbers were circulated to Cllrs. The Chairman confirmed that he had spoken to Mr. Dennis Tuttle (Architect) who had advised him that the firms services are offered free but travelling expenses have to be paid. They are able to assist with most aspects but not with the planning application which will of course have to be submitted by the Parish Council. It was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr.Allen and agreed that we contact Mr. Tuttle and ask if he would be prepared to attend a site meeting, and also to ask what his expenses would be in relation to such a visit. Confirmation was also received that P. J. Cozens had agreed to assist with mechanical and electrical services.

The conifer trees along the side of the Playing Field were again discussed as it was felt that these are badly in need of cutting down. However this cannot be done without the permission of the owners. It was agreed to send letters asking if they would have any objections and stating that there would be no cost involved.

The Cricket Club had arranged a cleanup session at the Pavilion and most of the rubbish had been cleared and the grass cut. A letter thanks should be sent to them for carrying out this work,

The faulty shower is still in need of attention and the Clerk confirmed that she would arrange for a plumber to deal with this.

. 1. Borough Council Local Government Review – Two e-mails with brief details of the review and existing structure of local Government in Norfolk. Borough Council view is that Norfolk

will be best served by two unitary authorities based in King’s Lynn and Norwich. An update

4. Borough Council of King’s Lynn – Details of Verification of Address for Tall Pines,Suspension Bridge.

8. East of England Regional Assembly – Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation in East of England – Consultation to 16^th May, 2008

9. Borough Council of King;’s Lynn & West Norfolk 4.3.08 Survey of Burial Facility Provision within West Norfolk

10. C.P.R.E. – Copy of Countryside Voice and Houses and Gardens 2008 and AGM on 16.4.08

11. Western Watch Cold Callers – Information about an incident at Downham Market on 26.3.08

There was then a general discussion regarding the Village Development Plan in relation to the Borough Planning Area. It wa s proposed by Cllr.Allen, seconded by Cllr.Tomkins and agreed that the Clerk would draft a letter requesting that the Borough consider a percentage increase (say 10%) in the housing stock within the Welney Parish which includes Suspension Bridge, and part of Tipps End as well as the centre of the Village. This letter would be circulated to all councillors for approval and amendment before sending off to the Borough Council.

1. Following on from public participation Council again discussed the problems raised by Mr. Bonner and it was agreed to contact Highways to advise them that we think that the gates which have been installed on Delph Bridge and Suspension Bridge are working well (although the gate of Delph Bridge has been hung the wrong way round) but we are still getting heavy vehicles who arrive at the gates and then need an area to turn around. Concern has been expressed by local residents regarding possible damage to property, verges and the car park by these heavy vehicles. Would it be possible to arrange a further site meeting as soon as possible so that the problem can be looked at again.

2. Further to the public participation section, it was agreed to contact Highways again with relation to the problems being experienced by Mr. Moseley and inform them that we support Mr.Moseley in his problems and requesting that they look at the matter again. It was also agreed to send a copy of the Highways comments to Harry Humphrey and Christopher Fraser MP in the hope of enlisting their help.

3. The Clerk confirmed that the pavement in Chestnut Avenue had now been repaired.

4. Following the flooding of the Wash Road and the meeting with all parties in February no response had been received from anyone. It was agreed to write to all parties and ask for their comments and suggestions as nothing had been heard. Consideration would also be given to holding a separate meeting (Parish Meeting) to put together all the proposals raised and possibly contact Christopher Fraser MP

5. A copy of a letter sent by Mrs. J. Marsh of Wisbech Road to the Norfolk County Council had been received and copies were handed to Cllrs. No further action would be taken because all questions had been asked by Dist. Cllr .Spikings who would be replying direct.

6. A letter was received from Christopher Fraser MP regarding Speed Limits outside schools. A copy was handed to all Cllrs. Mr. Fraser is proposing to present a petition to Parliament calling on the Government to reduce ther speed limit past schools to 20 mph. Copies of the petition form were received, and Cllrs. signed one copy, and others would be handed out at the School and in the local public house. Forms should be returned to the next meeting for sending back to Mr. Fraser.

7. Footpath outside the Old Nursery, Wisbech Road – Although some work has been done it has not solved the problem completely. The suggestion was made to ask if they could leave some road planings at the site and these could be used to fill the holes where the rain was lying.

8. Wisbech Road – Vicinity of Stockyard Farm – Old Croft River side. There is a large hole developing on this section of the road and Highways should be asked to attend to this.

It was reported at the last meeting that post and two strand fencing is being erected on the Bedford Bank near the old garden plots. Cllr. Bennett confirmed that he had spoken to the Environment Agency who confirmed that they had replaced the fencing which had been removed and there is now a large area fenced off which is private land. We understand that this conveniently marks the boundaries of shooting and non-shooting areas.

It was also confirmed that Fly Tipping near the Cattle Pens at Suspension Bridge had been removed by the Borough Council Cleanup Team

Highways had confirmed that the grass cutting contractors were JJ Contractors but had not given any idea of the programme.

There was nothing further to report from the WASH Committee. The Notice regarding the visit to Elgoods Brewery had appeared in the Welney News and hopefully if sufficient people are interested, an update would be available at the next meeting

Cllr. Bennett confirmed that the Parish Action Plan had now been delivered to all houses in the Parish as well as other venues, and that all finances had been covered the final money coming from the Borough Council in the form of a grant. It was confirmed that part of the terms of the original grant was that the PAP should be launched at a public meeting and consideration would be given to holding a Parish Meeting for this purpose. Cllr. Bennett confirmed that in order to move matters forward, items which needed to be dealt with should be pulled out of the Plan and he confirmed that he would be happy to deal with this in readiness for the next meeting. A formal review of the Parish Action Plan would take place on an Annual Basis. Grateful thanks were extended to Cllr .Bennett and the team of workers for all the hard work they had put in to get the PAP to its present stage.

Councillors were reminded that the next meeting on 6^th May is the Annual General Meeting.

There being no further business the Chairman thanked everyone for attending, and declared the meeting closed at 9.37 p.m.