MINUTES OFWEST DEREHAMPARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL

THURSDAY APRIL 5TH 2012

Present: Mrs Claire Cann – Chairman, Mrs Pam Bullas, Mr Mark Dawson, Mr Tom Foy, Ms Paula Kellingray, Mrs Ruth Marsters, Mrs Pam Walker.

8 members of the public

Papers presented to Councillors:

• Clerks timesheet
• Expenditure spreadsheet
• Glazewing Report
• Map showing extent of Norfolk County Council Farms Estate
• Rural community profile for West Dereham
• Village Hall Risk Assessment

1. 1. No Apologies for Absence.

2. No Declarations of Interest made.

3. Approval of the Minutes.

The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on01/03/12were agreed as a true record of the meeting.

4. Matters arising from previous meetings.

4.1 Walking Rights along the Cut-Off Channel

The Clerk has contacted the Environment Agency regarding ownership of the banks of the Cut-Off Channel. Stephen Green who is the contact for Environment Agency matters in the Kings Lynn area has stated that he will pass maps of the Cut-Off Channel to the Parish Council when he has received them from the Environment Agency’s Estates Department. He has said that the Environment Agency Enforcement Team is investigating spoil heaps that have been dumped on the banks.

4.2 Fly-tipping alongLime Kiln Road

A reply has been received from Duncan Slade, Assistant Land Agent for Norfolk Property Services regarding the rubbish dumped alongLime Kiln Road. He has acknowledged that this location is “something of a problem area” and he is to visit the site to look at the reported fly-tipping. His verdict is awaited regarding whether Norfolk County Council will clear the site as they have done in the past.

The meeting was briefly suspended to allow members of the public to comment.

The poor state of the roads around the parish was noted and comment was made that pot holes may not be a problem for large vehicles but they are for smaller vehicles. It was noted that at a previous meeting a representative from Norfolk County Council had stated that Station Road would be treated as a priority for remedial repairs.

It was suggested that any street problems should be reported on www.fixmystreet.com as they will then be recorded and passed to the relevant authority.

Highways problems should also be reported directly to Norfolk County Council via the NCC website.

1. 5. Reports:

5.1 Chairman’s Report:

• In line with the Councils Training Policy three new Councillors have undertaken Initial Councillor Training and the Chairman has attended a refresher course which she has paid for herself.
• Concern has been raised regarding changes to the bus services inNorfolk. It appears the subsidised Coach Services 38 service throughWest Derehamhas been cancelled due to low passenger numbers. The Clerk will check whether alternative services are provided as it was reported at least four people, who may rely on this service, have used it regularly.
• The Chairman confirmed that Parish Council Standing Orders and Financial Regulations are reviewed annually and will be reviewed again in July 2012. Several additions have been agreed to Standing Orders including annual election of a member of the Council to monitor bank statements. For 2011/12 this has been Ruth Marsters.
• The Parish Council has been looking into the removal of the telephone boxes in the parish. The boxes continue to be vandalised but are not repaired by BT. BT however has a duty of care and has stated that there is an obligation to provide boxes within 400m if possible and thus it is unlikely that the boxes will be removed. It is said to be a police matter to deal with the vandalism. The Parish Council is checking via a contact within BT to see what can be done.

5.2 Clerk’s Report

• The street sweeper has a twenty week schedule and litter pickers from the Borough Council visit the parish regularly.

5.3 Police Report (given by Paula Kellingray)

• Satellite Navigation Systems have been stolen in Downham Market.
• Catalytic convertors are being stolen from four by four vehicles.
• The Safer Neighbourhood Team is expecting a rise in anti-social behaviour due to lighter nights and warmer weather! Any concerns should be reported on 101.
• Number plates have been stolen in Feltwell and Hockwold.
• Raves are taking place again in West Norfolkand land owners are advised to be vigilant.
• Two crimes have taken place in West Derehamin the last six weeks; agricultural equipment and a trailer have been stolen from Station Roadand a trailer and gardening equipment from Lime Kiln Road. The Police are advising that all out houses should be secured properly.
• The next Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel (SNAP) meeting will take place at Shouldham on April 18th. Paula Kellingray will attend.

The meeting was briefly suspended to allow members of the public to contribute.

It was reported that someone had been seen urinating on the Playing Field.

5.4 Village Hall Report

• A few one off bookings for the Village Hall have been coming in, including a Police Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel meeting.
• The bar is doing well with