MINUTES OF THE LYNEHAM AND BRADENSTOKE ANNUAL/PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON
TUESDAY 12th MAY 2009 AT LYNEHAM VILLAGE HALL

Printable version: You can download a PDF version of the Lyneham and Bradenstoke Parish Council minutes click here. If your computer has not got an Adobe PDF Reader to download the approved software click here

Chairman M Petch, , Cllr D Turner, Cllr S Palmer, Cllr J Webb, Cllr T Webb, Cllr F Ball, Cllr P Lightowler, Cllr D Potter, Cllr D Bunney, Cllr S Coffey , Cllr J Jardine ( Vice-Chair) Aileen Murphy - Parish Clerk

Cllr P Lightowler will be late

Wing Commander Snell, PC Brown, and seven members of the public/press, Cllr T Sturgis for item 7.

The Meeting started at 7.15pm.

1. Apologies:

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr P Lightowler will be late for start of meeting

2. To Elect the Chair:

Cllr Potter nominated Cllr Petch as Chairman, seconded by Cllr Ball. Being no other nominations Cllr Petch was elected Chairperson

3. To sign the Chair’s Declaration of Acceptance of Office:

Cllr Petch signed the Declaration of Office

4. To Elect Council Vice-Chair and Committee members:

Cllr Petch nominated Cllr Jardine as Vice Chair, seconded by Cllr Potter. Being no other nominations Cllr Jardine was elected Vice-Chair. Cllr Jardine signed the Declaration of Office. Council Committees were agreed as follows: Click here

5. Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 14th April 2009

Signed and agreed a true record of the meeting Tuesday 14th April 2009. There was one typing error, which was duly amended.

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

7. Cllr Toby Sturgis:

Addressed the meeting to clarify an inaccuracy of reporting at the previous meeting by Cllr J Webb. He distributed a statement to all Cllrs present. Cllr J Webb apologised for any inaccuracy reported.

8. RAF Matters:

The fence line along Melsome Road will be repaired. As per the April minutes, the RAF have looked at the possibility of providing land for additional Allotments, unfortunately unable to provide due to closure.
Cllr T Webb raised that his fencing between Lancaster Square and Hastings Drive has still not been repaired.
As per the April minutes, Mr Blundell, a member of the public, asked if the garage in Arnhem Cross which has no door, metal and cardboard dumped etc will be made safe. Clerk to write to Modern Housing.

WC Snell updated the meeting regarding the closure of the base in 2012, as Project Belvedere was no longer running. Defence Estates will be responsible for what comes of the base when handed over by the RAF on 31 December 2012. It was confirmed that Defence Estates are looking at housing possibilities in/near to Brize Norton, as not many people will be based in Lyneham.  A member of the public asked what will become of the base, WC Snell stated that decision is with Defence Estates. There was no detail available of when this will be made. There will be a gradual movement of services from Lyneham over the next 2 years, starting in 2010. It was confirmed that Medical facilities will remain until all personnel have been transferred. A member of the public asked if the Army will be based in Lyneham, WC Snell stated that he had no comment to make, as it was not his concern. The RAF will share information when available.

Families day will not be an open day , Cllr Petch stated that it would be a favourable gesture to hold an open day prior to the closure.

A  member of Hilmarton Parish Council stated that they would be looking to organise a joint meeting - he then left the meeting.

Land at Naafi going to disposal auction on 4th June, caveat written into contract for Scout hut to be permitted to remain until February 2013. Clerk to advise Westlea/Greensquare of auction date.

9. Police Matters:

Antisocial behaviour has improved, greater police presence in Pound Close. Youths have been gathering at Chip shop, and being moved on. Lisa Mitchel updated meeting on Wilts Council Street work project that is ongoing until end of July, also she is liasing with the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

10. To Receive Public Questions:

Mr Blundell raised his concern regarding the waste bin outside the Primary school. It has been damaged. Cllr Petch advised that it was the responsibility of Wiltshire Council and Clarence to be contacted.
Mr Wright asked about registering Pintail Court and Slessor playing fields as open spaces. As per the February 2009 minutes , the Clerk advised that a requested was made of NWDC, that the Pintail Court area registered as a playing field, as it has been an open space for 20+ years. Response received, Pintail Court is recognised as a public open space, but not registered as a playing field. Possibility that MOD may want to dispose of this site for housing development, there are Tree Preservation orders in place on site, which may affect level of proposed development. Clerk will make a copy of the letter for Mr Wright.
Mr Humm asked about ditches, Cllr Lightowler stated that in the current economic climate, in would be unlikely that funds will be available in the public sector to improve ditches in villages. The Clerk advised that the Highways agencies have been notified of our concerns. Mr Humm to contact Clarence.

11. Matters Arising from Previous Meeting:

a) Removal of Bus shelter at Lily brook - completed by Cllr Potter, who will ask Dauntsey Parish Council if they would like to use it.
b) Speeding vehicles - 55 Stagecoach update, Clerk read out a letter from MD, stating that they are briefing drivers to adhere to speed limits, and action will be taken. Clerk has also contacted Traffic Commissioner.

12. Public Toilets:

Cllr Lightowler stated that full grant will be made available for DDA upgrade, Wilts Council currently checking quotations, and payment should be made soon. Cllr Palmer stated that a project manager will be required to work with Wilkins when works start. Clerk confirmed that all utilities have now been transferred to Parish Council.

13. Planning:

14. Highway Matters and Transport:

Cllr Coffey asked if anything could be done with the T Junction coming from Bradenstoke. The PC advised that this has not been a “black spot”, Highways unable to provide a roundabout, as not enough land available.

15. Play Area & Open Spaces:

a) Lyneham Green - no update
b) Play Area Updates inc Safety Inspections (Pound Close - Cllr Potter, - one swing leg to be reset in concrete - Clerk to contact K Iles. Bradenstoke - as April Minutes. Cllr Palmer stated that a number of parents have asked if Goal posts could be marked out. Aeropark - Cllr F Ball -as April Minutes) Lisa Mitchell to chase re balance board.
Cllr Coffey has been able to acquire 2 Basketball nets, which the RAF are happy to donate to Parish. Decision to be made on location.
c) Grass Cutting Contract and Issues - none reported, 3rd cut scheduled soon.

16. Allotments:

Cllr Palmer has requested that we provide 2 additional water butts, as rental increasing from October. Clerk to contact Enterprise Works in Swindon. 2 compost bins have been donated from a Lyneham resident. All plots are being worked and letters have been  distributed to all holders regarding rental increase, and forming an Allotment society. Cllr Coffey has volunteered to support this.

17. Finance and Administration:

a) Accounts and Budget Review -The Clerk updated the Council on the current financial position, 2008-2009 accounts have been audited by Auditing Solutions, awaiting report. To be reviewed at the next meeting.

b) Payment of Invoices:

c) Correspondence received and following actions

18. Councillors’ Observations & Items for Next Meeting:

Cllr Jardine mentioned about the standing water outside the drycleaners, this has been reported to Clarence.
Cllr Turner attended a Transport meeting, no actions. There is also a full skip in Pound Close that has not been emptied for 3 months.

Cllr Palmer updated on site meeting with English Heritage regarding the Market Cross/War Memorial in Bradenstoke. Quote of £3k, from stone mason, as Pinnacle is fractured. She has asked PC to contribute to cost of repair. Cllr Lightowler stated that if the PC would not fund in full, what was the morale responsibility of the Parish Council. Cllr Webb stated that Area Board funding may be available, however no funding will be allocated until end September. Cllr Lightowler proposed that PC funded works in full, if no other funding available. Seconded by Cllr Petch.

19. Date of Next Meeting:

Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday June 9th 2009, at 7.15pm - Lyneham Village Hall

The meeting closed at 21.30