Broughton Town Hall

Duddon Parish Council

Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 22 August 2002 in the

Rankin Room, Victory Hall, Broughton-in-Furness

Present Cllr H J Barker (in the chair), Cllr J S Batten, Cllr J W Curwen, Cllr Mrs V Glessal, Cllr B Hadwin, Cllr D Hoggarth, Cllr Mrs E Knowles

Apologies Cllr Mrs L Burch, Cllr A Harrison, Cllr Mrs R Read

The clerk explained that one point had been omitted from the version of the minutes previously circulated and read out the addition. RESOLVED that the acting Chairman sign, as a correct record, the amended version of the minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2002.

Cllr Curwen reported that the number of public toilets in the county was now to be cut from 60 to 45, not 15.

Re 58/02, it was noted that the grass in Wilson Park had been cut but that the play area had not been touched.

Re 59/02 (i), it was noted that there was no progress in removing the traffic lights at Moss Cottage, despite assurances that the wall was to have been rebuilt week commencing 12 August. RESOLVED to write to the Highways Agency and Tim Collins MP highlighting the problems being caused and pressing for action.

Adjournment of Meeting for Public Discussion

Mr Hodgson noted, with thanks to Cllr Curwen, that a stone had been replaced in the square and that the signpost at the triangle had been fixed. He pointed out that the children’s play area in Wilson Park needed attention, particularly to remove rubbish.

Mrs Morgan complained that parking problems were getting worse, with vehicles queuing for spaces in the square. She described as ‘insulting’ the inclusion with the Parish Plan of form letters about a Duddon crossing, which the public were encouraged to sign and send to key figures, and felt that such letters would have little impact. Councillors disagreed and pointed out that parishioners with the time and inclination could compose their own letters if they wished.

Mr Atkinson noted that various potholes in the village had not been filled, despite being marked with white paint. Cllr Curwen stated that work on new pavements was due to begin week commencing 15 September and hoped that this would include rectifying pothole problems.

64/02 Correspondence

The clerk presented the following correspondence received:

268 SLDC Grant of planning permission - Skelly Crag, Foxfield

After considering the correspondence, it was decided to take the following action:

Clerk to arrange Mr Jones’s talk for 23 September or 14 October and book

the Rankin Room.

Clerk to inform Mrs Jardine that Cllr Barker hoped to attend.

Clerk to obtain three Neighbourhood Forum posters.

Clerk to inform CAPITAdbs that Mr T Hartley owned the land where temporary bridges were planned.

Clerk to place repayment of PWLB loan on agenda for next meeting.

Clerk to write to SLDC recommending the re-introduction of travel voucher scheme.

Clerk to request six copies of the Cumbria FMD inquiry report.

65/02 Planning Applications

5/02/1894 Sandgap Farmhouse convert to bed and breakfast business approved

5/02/2038 1 Foxfield Road rebuild existing double garage, gable extension approved

5/02/2226 Wreaks End Farm new vehicular access approved

7/02/5409 Mireside Farm construct new bridge on public bridleway approved

RESOLVED to pay the following from main account:

TXU Energi street lighting invoice for July £31.58

Inland Revenue clerk’s PAYE contribution £158.84

Mike Dearden clerk’s half-yearly remuneration £563.68

Mike Dearden clerk’s expenses £5.00

Technoscript Ltd printing and copying £41.83

VH M’ment Cttee Victory Hall refund of VAT £1203.11

Lynne Burch flowers for Charter Day £10.00

67/02 Wilson Park

A meeting of the working group was to be called shortly. Cllr Hadwin reported that consultants estimated £90,000 would be needed for news drains and associated remedial work. He noted that two new seats were needed for the children's swings. It was RESOLVED that Cllr Hadwin should get David Bland to fit these and invoice DPC.

Cllr Knowles expressed concern about damage to drains caused by roots and falling leaves of five lime trees growing close to the goalposts. Cllr Barker would look into this. It was RESOLVED to place the topic on the agenda for the next meeting.

68/02 Disputed Land at Foxfield

Cllrs Barker and Hadwin had visited the site but failed to make any progress. Heavy undergrowth had made it impossible to mark out the territory. It was RESOLVED that the clerk would pass the detailed plans held on file to Cllr Barker who would attempt another visit with Cllr Hadwin.

After reports from each Councillor, the following actions were requested:

Clerk to write to CCC urging for work to be done to rectify serious problems with two cattle grids in the Duddon valley (at Low Winnery Ground and the second one above the Newfield Inn towards Troutal Farm).

Cllr Curwen to contact the landowner about trees causing an obstruction near the Wreaks End junction which needed to be cut.

Cllr Curwen to look into the problem of rubbish not being emptied from the stone bins at Ulpha bridge.

Cllr Curwen to deal with the need to fix the metal grid outside Thos. Butler’s premises.

Cllr Batten drew attention to proposals to direct northbound traffic for the Western Lake District via junction 40 of the M6. This would turn tourists away from our area. Clerk to write to AmeyMouchel and Tim Collins MP opposing the proposals and requesting motorways signs at junction 36 be marked Western Lake District in addition to South Lakes.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.55pm and the next meeting set for 26 September 2002.