Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday, 21 March 2002 in the
Rankin Room, Victory Hall, Broughton-in-Furness

Cllr Mrs L Burch (Chairman), Cllr H J Barker (Vice Chairman), Cllr Mrs E Knowles, Cllr Mrs V Glessal, , Cllr J S Batten, Cllr D Hoggarth, Cllr J W Curwen, Cllr B Hadwin.

Apologies

Cllr Mrs R Read.

RESOLVED that the Chairman sign, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 28 February 2002.

As the road sweeping in Woodland requested by Cllr Curwen had not yet been done, the Clerk was asked to write a letter to Capita; also to point out that there were still two potholes on the road north of Seathwaite.

Representatives from Cumbria Police described the recent high profile operation to contact householders in Broughton to emphasise the need for anti-crime measures in the home. This is thought to have contributed to the lack of incidents in the area over the last month, only one had taken place at the industrial site in Foxfield. Enquiries were underway regarding a number of farm break-ins in the Duddon valley.

Cllr Batten volunteered to try to repair the broken stone in the square.

Funds were being actively sought for work in Wilson Park. Grass-cutting would still be needed during the coming season.

Mr John Hoggart, Chairman of the management committee for the Broughton Tower complex, said that it was intended to improve the condition of the grounds around the are, which would result in some drastic pruning of some large trees alongside Wilson Park. After taking advice from the National Park, a four-year plan was being formulated, and it was hoped to be able to work in with the Wilson Park refurbishment committee. He was advised to speak to Mr Selwyn Wright, who leads that committee.

The Clerk presented the following letters received:

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

102 Clerk to write to acknowledge receipt and to thank Mr Newton for his observations. 112 A letter to be sent to explain why the Council cannot reclaim VAT for other organisations.
113 Request advice from the Nation Park Footpaths Officer.

Planning Applications

5/02/9004 Land at Greety Gate waste water pumping station control building approved

RESOLVED to pay the following from main account:

After discussion it was unanimously RESOLVED to adopt the model code of conduct contained in Statutory Instrument No. 3576 (2001) without change. All Councillors present signed a new Written Undertaking to abide by the code.

A meeting of parish representatives had not yet taken place with County Cllr Pearson. Cllr Barker would be representing the Council, and would ensure that concerns regarding school routes and overhanging branches up the Duddon Valley were addressed.

After reports that the bus shelter was frequently in a poor state, it was decided to try to employ someone on a casual basis to clean the inside of the shelter. Clerk to put a advert on the parish notice board.

In a report on the progress of the refurbishment committee, Cllr Knowles said that ways to apply for lottery funds were being investigated - a meeting was being held in early April to take advice on the way forward. It was decided to seed the bare areas where work had been done on a temporary basis to make it usable. Clerk was asked to write a letter to SLDC to ask for help towards the £2200 already spent.

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

Clerk to write to National Park and SLDC Planning Officers to ask why a copy of the plans for Long House Cottage had not been received, as it was quite contentious.

Highwayman to report that nothing had been done about the incorrect narrow bridge sign at Hawthwaite, although it had been reported by letter on more that one occasion.

Highwayman to report the pot hole outside Thos Butlers is getting bigger and is dangerous. Also the puddle on the corner at the bottom of Station Road is getting worse due to subsidence.

Cllr Curwen reported that the roads from Lane End to Bleansley and from Seathwaite to Cockley Beck would be resurfaced in the next financial year. Also that road improvement plans in Broughton include widening the footpath from Market Street Garage and also some improvements in the square.

Concerns were raised about the increase in cyclists using the Stoney lane and speeding out on to the road at Wreaks quarry. Motorists using the Five Arches road would be unlikely to be able to stop as the road end is hidden.

The Chairman reported that the Broughton 2002 group were organising various events for the Jubilee weekend, and any offers of help would be welcome.

A meeting in camera debated the recent offer for access across the land to Kitscar Cottage and asked the Clerk to make a counter offer of £23,000. This was to be for access in perpetuity and would have to waive any liability for maintenance or accidents happening on the land.

Councillors were of the opinion that Mr Atkinson had been told at the meeting in October 1998 that the land belonged to the parish and that it was up to him to prove otherwise. As the period of 28 days was nearing completion, the Clerk was asked to contact someone who may be willing to remove the fence for the Council, and to find out the likely cost.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.10 pm and the next meeting set for 25th April 2002.