Minutes of the Nettlebed
Parish Council Meeting
held on March 1st 2011 in the Village Club
Members Present. Councillors B. Lewis (chair), J. McDonnell, S. McIvor, N. Gibson, M. Atkins, J. Simon, D. Butler and clerk D. Elms
Also Present M. Lewis – Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator
At this stage the Chairman said how sad we all are at the death of Jeff Reynolds who had been a Councillor for many years
Apologies District Councillor A. Paterson.
Minutes of the meeting held on January 11th. were approved and signed.
Election With an election
being held on May 5th.Councillorswishing to be re-elected were given.
Nomination papers.The completed forms have to be delivered by the clerk to
Crowmarsh by Monday, April 4th. so to avoid any mishaps please
deliver to the clerk by Thursday, March 31st.
Nomination papers are available for any
parishioners who would like to join the Council and this information will be on
the notice boards.
Sadly, Councillor McIvor is unable to continue so we thank her for the work she
has done with particular emphasis on the Children’s Playground.
Parish Council Noticeboard A new 3-bay oak notice board is on order and it will be situated on the grassed area fronting the Old School Green houses, since that area is now the responsibility of the Parish Council.
NSCC Councillor Gibson has agreed to take over the role of Deputy Bookings Secretary and key holder for the Nettlebed School and Community centre - a post formerly held by Councillor Reynolds. He will also represent the Parish Council, together with Councillor Lewis on the Joint Use Committee of the NSCC. The premium for the insurance, due in April is £601.05. This will be paid by the Parish Council with half being reimbursed by the NSCC.
Nettlebed Sports Association The latest fundraising event will take place on March 5th. in the form of a tabletop sale and inexpensive lunches. Other events are being planned – watch out for the notices advertising them. The pavilion is very near to completion with showers being currently installed. Volunteers have carried out a large part of the work. As the weather improves the windows and door will be painted. Meetings have taken place between representatives from Henley Cricket Club, Nettlebed Sports Association, Parish Council and Commons Conservators regarding two of the Henley Cricket Club teams playing on the Nettlebed Ground on Saturdays. Henley are willing to spend a large sum of money in order to get the ground in a first class condition. Likewise the machinery involved needs to be in good working order. Where the ground is required by Nettlebed, Henley will make alternative arrangements . As far as this year is concerned the Henley clubs could be allowed to play on 16 Saturdays leaving the ground free for the fete and Caravan clubs. After lengthy discussions between Henley and Nettlebed all involved are of the opinion that the liaison between the two bodies can only be to the advantage of us all. In view of the heavy expenditure, and learning that the tractor repairs cost nearly £500 , the Parish Council has agreed to use the 137 agreement and send a donation to the Henley club for £500.
Fete We are delighted that we are now able to hold our annual fete on July 2nd. and plans are going ahead to introduce a range of new ventures. Our brand new pavilion will be such a great asset. Before then we will be celebrating the opening of the pavilion. After years of hard work our goal is nearly reached and we have great expectations for it’s future uses.
Post Office We were initially disappointed at the small size of the new Post Office and shop and at the lack of privacy. With space at a premium they were unable to stock as many lines as before. However, they keep finding room for more items. Sadly there is now no site in the shop for displaying posters. They bring in no revenue but are a great asset. The café seems to be popular and serves as a meeting place which is important.
Lion Meadow The grassed area, owned by Highways was offered to SOHA hoping they could use it as additional parking space for their tenants. They have surveyed the area but are concerned that the cost might be too much to pay for only about two extra parking areas.
Village Party on April 29th. Plans are well away for a village party on April 29th. There will be a hog roast and lunches served . For those who wish to watch the wedding a large screen has been booked , others who prefer to watch at home are invited to the lunch. Special events arranged for the children. Tickets at £5.00 on sale in the shop and at the club.
Village sign This is to be a gift from the Arts Society to the village ,commemorating their 60th. birthday in 2012. Discussions and meetings have taken place to decide where it should be sited. The latest suggestion is a position on the grassed area to the east of the road circling the large bus shelter. Parishioners attending the annual Parish meeting in April will be asked for their views.
Annual Parish Meeting This will be held on Tuesday, April 12th. at 8.00p.m. in the Community Hall at the school
Litter Blitz We plan to hold a litter blitz on Saturday, April 16th. when we hope volunteers will come along and help collect the litter thrown onto the verges, pavements and woods by uncaring motorists.
Appeals Although each year we donate money to various charitable organizations, we are well aware that it is the parishioner’s money we are spending. We aim to keep the precept as low as possible in order that our proportion of the Council Tax is kept to a minimum. We requested no increase this year or last year. Sadly we have had to refuse a request from Sue Ryder who wish to purchase 16 chairs costing £16,000 each, and also from the Spinal Injuries Unit
Grass Cutting. We have accepted the quote for the grass cutting this year and will have the additional area of grass fronting the Old School Green houses.to maintain.
Children’s Playground A metal refuse bin has been cemented to the ground well away from the fencing. We trust it will be used for all the litter which collects there.
Unnamed roads. Giving directions when several roads are unnamed prompted us to suggest that the area known by locals as Camp Road, due to army camps being there during the war, was officially named with a nameplate erected. This name did not meet with approval so the plan was cancelled.
Salt bin a salt bin has been ordered to be placed at Priest Close. Presumably it will arrive before the next snow.
Allotments Sadly we have been forced to increase the cost for renting an allotment plot to £12.00 . We make no profit – but must cover the cost of the water supply.
Commons We are fortunate in
having commons within our Parish. They have to be managed as they do not look
after themselves. We have received complaints of extensive damage to Crocker End
green, caused by contractors working on 2 properties. Also reports of damage
caused by horses leaving Catslip House field. Before contacting those
responsible it was decided that we would allow the ground to dry out and recover
naturally.
There are ongoing negotiations with SODC re the delegating of the Crocker End
regulation scheme to Nettlebed Parish Council. The final draft agreement has
only just been received so it was decided to defer discussions until the next
Council meeting in May. It will be up to the new Council to consider and vote on
accepting the proposal re the management of Crocker End Commons – CL18.
The part of Bottom Wood Common to the east of Cat Lane (lane linking Catslip and
Crocker End) is registered Common Land - CL76 – and belongs to Halfridge Estate
who are responsible for it. Any issues concerning this should be reported to the
estate manager – Tim Sugrue.
To sum up – Nettlebed and District Commons – CL38, Crocker End Common - CL18 and
Bottom Wood Common - CL76 – are separate commons under different management.
Newsletters It is hoped to issue a newsletter in early April. A request from the editor to send information for inclusion.
Planning a. The Myrtles – internal walls removed – no objections from P.C. b. Dropped kerb at 36, High Street to allow for cars to enter, turn and leave – no objections. C. Shepherds Cottage – various alterations – no objection and not in our parish.
Roads and Footpaths a. waste electric cable in Bushes Lane b. exposed electric cable above ground adjacent to lamp post in Watlington St.- both reported to Southern Electric.c. Illegal sawing and removal of fallen tree – reported to Nettlebed Estate. d. Reported to SODC and Verdant the state of accumulated rubbish attracting rats at lay bye at Port Hill e. Information from Highways re roadworks being conducted for short periods at four different areas of the A4130 between Nuffield and Nettlebed 200 yards east of the roundabout.. The areas will be subject to a 10 m.p.h. speed limit during the works.
Recreation and amenities A reminder that the fete will be held on July 2nd.The Village party will be held on April 29th.
Date of Annual Parish Meeting - Tuesday, April 12th. at 8.00pm.in the Community Hall,.
Date of next Parish Council Meeting - May 10th – NOT May 3rd.due to election on May 5th.
Public Question Time 8 parishioners present.
Meeting closed at 10.15p.m.
These minutes will be signed at next Council Meeting subject to approval by Councillors