MINUTES OF THE LYNEHAM AND BRADENSTOKE ANNUAL/PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON
TUESDAY 9th MARCH 2010 AT LYNEHAM VILLAGE HALL

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Cllr Lightowler (Chair), Cllr Potter, Cllr Jardine (Vice-Chair), Cllr T Webb, Cllr Jones, Cllr J Webb, Cllr D Turner, Cllr Bunney, Cllr F Ball, Aileen Murphy - Parish Clerk

None received

Cllr A Bucknell - Lyneham Ward for Wiltshire Council, Wing Commander Snell, Sqn Ldr Andrea Palk, Ruth Allan – Defence Estates, Bruce Chilvers - Defence Estates, Lisa Mitchell- Community Development Worker - RAF Lyneham, PC S Porter, representation from Hilmarton Parish Council and four members of the public.

The Meeting started at 7.30pm.

1. Apologies:

None received.

2. Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 9th February 2010:

Minutes of the Council Meeting held on of the meeting held on the 9th February 2010 Minutes signed and agreed as a true record of the meeting. Proposed by Cllr T Webb, seconded by Cllr D Potter. All were in agreement.

3. Register of Interests under the Parish Councils (Code of Conduct) Order 2001):

4. RAF Matters:

a. Sqn Ldr Andrea Palk confirmed that there were no outstanding issues from the February meeting. Cllr J Webb requested that the signage is replaced in the Wild Flower meadow in Bradenstoke. Cllr Bunney asked if this year’s families day would be open to the residents in the parish, it was confirmed that it will be for RAF families only, due to insurance. There may be a public closing event next year, but this is only in the planning stage at the moment.

Defence Estates representatives, Ruth Allan and Bruce Chilvers briefed the meeting on the forthcoming closure of the base, and the disposal of housing stock. The Lyneham RAF base will close in 2012, therefore Defence Estates have started the disposal process. There is currently no requirement to keep the base for any other military use. Defence Estates are trying to identify the 61 former owners of the land, from whom it was purchased in 1938. If the land has no materially changed it will be offered for sale back to the original owners. Definitive boundaries to be established, Defence Estates hold title deeds to the land purchased in 1938. A map detailing boundaries will be shared with the Parish. A land quality assessment will identify if there is any contamination. Wing Commander Snell confirmed that Lyneham is not recognised as a heavily contaminated site.

Cllr Lightowler asked what happens when the RAF “hand over the keys” to Defence Estates?  If the base has not been sold, Defence Estates will install a security presence, there will possibly be a Site Manager, which the Parish can liaise with. Allison Bucknell stated that there would be a conference (date- to be confirmed) to discuss Lyneham beyond 2012. Lyneham and Bradenstoke Parish Council will start a process to identify what the parish needs and wants, this will be fed into the Area Boards, Wiltshire Council and Ian Cambrook.

The housing is currently owned by Annington Homes, MOD owns the freehold, and has a 200 year lease. Defence Estates will retain the service housing in Lyneham until there is no further requirement for it. Wing Commander Snell will confirm whether some of the housing will be kept for local units ( Hullavington/South Cerney). It is anticipated that some Lyneham service families will stay in Lyneham due to children’s education. When the handover process starts, houses will be released in sizeable blocks. Cllr J Webb asked has there been any consideration for the housing in New Zealand, as they receive their water supply from the camp? Defence Estates to investigate. Cllr Lightowler stated that when Annington decide to sell on the housing, it should be looked at as a positive move, to enable younger families into the community on the property ladder.

A member of the public asked what would happen to the footpaths and bridle ways? Defence Estates confirmed that they are obliged to re-instate all the footpaths and bridle ways, as near to the original ones. The Rights of Way department of Wiltshire Council will ensure that this occurs. Defence Estates confirmed that some of the roads were adopted, others are too narrow to be adopted by Wiltshire Council. 

Defence Estates have confirmed they are willing to attend Parish Council meetings in the future, to update and answer questions. The next scheduled meeting is Tuesday 14th September, this will be advertised locally, questions to be submitted prior to the meeting, to enable Defence Estates to present answers. Lyneham Primary, local businesses and other Parish Council representatives to be invited to attend.

5. Police Matters:

a. A few reports of anti social behaviour, individuals have been dealt with. The fencing at the NAAFI has been damaged, awaiting repair or replacement in parts.

6. Reports from Wiltshire Councillor:

a. Cllr Bucknell reported that a meeting has been arranged with Mr White to discuss what suggestions he has for working with the Bradenstoke youth.  A project has started into the future of the Scout and Guide hut, looking at alternative locations and funding. A planning application for the NAAFI should be available in the near future. Future use of Lyneham conference date to be confirmed.

7. To Receive Public Questions:

Request for Stone chippings – a request has been received to replace the lime stone chippings that have deteriorated on The Green. Cllr Lightowler has stated that the Parish Council need to look into the purchase agreement, to ensure that The Green is maintained to the standard of what it was intended to be. This will be put on the agenda for the April meeting.

A question was asked on the boundary of The Green, Cllr Lightowler reported that the Parish Council hold Land Registry files from the purchase that identify it’s boundaries. The Parish Council are responsible for the Green area as an open space, and it’s maintenance including trees. Where there is concern regarding tree condition, the Parish Council will seek advice from the Tree Preservation officer at Wiltshire Council.

A question was raised on the blocking of a footpath on Baileys Hill, all Rights of Way enquiries and concerns when identified to be raised with Wiltshire Council, Steve Leonard is the Rights of Way officer for this area. The question was also asked of the Parish Council’s responsibility of the land at Bailey Hill, as it is charity land. Cllr Lightowler confirmed that the Parish Council has no responsibility, or control on the land as the Charity is a separate organisation.

8. Matters Arising from Previous Meeting:

Litter pick – Cllr Jones has arranged for the litter pick on Wednesday 28th April. Notices to be placed in village, local churches, and Lyneham school. Litter picking equipment to be provided by Wiltshire Council.
Parish Council Vacancies – No further update available.

9. Public Toilets:

a. No issues to report.

10. Planning:

11. Highway Matters and Transport:

a) Highway and Transport matters inc Parish Steward visit – next scheduled visit 23rd March. It was noted that the current steward has resigned; Ringway will cover works.
b) Traffic survey update – Cllrs Ball & Potter will update at the April meeting.
c) Mouchel report had been circulated at the February meeting, Christian Malford Parish Council are requesting from Wiltshire Council a 7.5t weight limit on Lyneham Bank. Cllr Lightowler will contact Ray Stockall of Christian Malford Parish Council to support their request.

12. Play Area & Open Spaces:

a) Play Area Updates inc Safety Inspections - Pound Close - Cllr Lightowler – chains on toddler swings had be wrapped up to prevent usage, now resolved. Litter and bikes have been dumped. Cllr Lightowler has contacted the Waste officer for Wiltshire Council to ascertain if litter could be collected routinely.
Aeropark – Cllr Bunney, no problems to report.
Bradenstoke – Cllr Jones , latch on the gate is loose, and floor tiles will need to be replaced by the swings.

b) Play area strategy – A meeting has been planned for Monday 15th March in Bradenstoke Village Hall to enable residents to tell the Parish Council what facilities they feel should be provided in Bradenstoke. This will be the start of an extensive consultation. It was confirmed that a shelter/structure cannot be built in the play area in Bradenstoke, as there is a convenient on the land from when purchased.

c) Leaf clearance – Cllr Potter requested at the February meeting that the excess leaves on The Green are removed, completed £50 to K Iles.

13. Allotments:

a. Cllr Lightowler confirmed that he has written to Mr Whitworth to advise that permission to put an opening from the play area has been declined, primarily due to the improved security since closing, it is not what the majority of allotment holders want, and Police concerns on access.

13 on waiting list.

14. Finance and Administration:

a) Accounts and Budget review -
Bank balance HSBC Treasurer Account £4483.44
HSBC Savings Account £38001.86,
Bank of Ireland Account £3907.63 as at 8 March.
VAT reclaim to end of 2009, £2358.94 payment received.

b) Payment of Invoices:

Payments proposed by Cllr T Webb, seconded by Cllr G Jones. All were in agreement.

c) Grant applications – Lyneham and Bradenstoke WI have been able to purchase a digital projector, for the use of the whole community; a stand is required for the screen. An application for a grant of £90 has been received, proposed Cllr T Webb, seconded Cllr J Webb, all were in favour and a grant of £90 was made available to the WI.

d) Correspondence received and to be actioned:
1. Wiltshire Council – Waste officer  update
2. Clerks and Councils direct – magazine
3. The Clerk magazine
4. Wiltshire Council – Flood fair request (representative to attend)
5. CPD – Seminar Working with your Council
6. Wiltshire Council – Acknowledgement of Grit bin submission
7. Wiltshire Council – Resignation of Parish Steward
8. Develop – Training and events programme
9. WALC – newsletter inc new Standing order publication
10. CRRE – Best kept village entry form
11. Wiltshire Air Ambulance – Request to position a clothing bin
12. Energy saving trust – Advertising detail

15. Councillors’ Observations & Items for Next Meeting:

Cllr Lightowler – reported that he has obtained a quote of £400, from K Iles to clear the area of scrub (as previously requested of the Parish Council), as it is overgrown, trees damaged, litter dumped. Proposed by Cllr J Webb, seconded by Cllr G Jones, all were in favour.
Cllr Lightowler also reported that he has contacted the Station Commander to discuss possibility of a memorial to the RAF when they leave at the end of 2012. All Councillors to consider what they deem appropriate.
Cllr J Webb – Christian Aid week from 9-15th May, there will be house to house collections.
Cllr D Turner – Minutes in Bradenstoke had not been updated, Cllr J Webb to rectify. Lamp reported to Clarence still not repaired.
Cllr F Ball – commented on the volume of pot holes that are currently under repair in the area, and the volume of water running across the B4069 at Zebedees garage, this has been reported by Cllr Potter.

16. Date of Next Meeting:

Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday 13th April 2010 at 7.30pm – Lyneham Village Hall

The meeting closed at 9.25 pm