BRANDON TOWN COUNCIL

 

Minutes of the Meeting of the Full Brandon Town Council

held at 7pm on Monday 06 October 2003

at the (New) Forest School, Bury Road, Brandon

 

Present: Cllr Ms J S Bourton (Chairman), Cllr Mrs E. Milner (Vice Chairman), Cllr Mr E V Ashley, Cllr Mr P S Baldwin, Cllr Mr P MacLoughlin, Cllr Mrs S Jureko, Cllr Mr A P Saxby, Cllr Mr R Silvester, Cllr Mrs C M Silvester, Cllr Mr N A Vant, Cllr Mr S J Edwards.

 

Also Present: Mr J P Scott (Town Clerk), 4 members of the public.

 

1.       APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Cllr Mrs J A Ahern. Apology for absence accepted.

 

2.       DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS AND ADDITIONS TO REGISTER OF MEMBERS INTERESTS [PCC of C 2001/LGA 2000]

 

N.B: Councillors must sign the Declarations of Interest Book before leaving the Meeting.

 

Cllr Mr P S Baldwin declared a prejudicial interest in Item.14 – SCC Property Review/Acquisition Old School House and duly signed the Declarations of Interest Book. Cllr Mr N A Vant declared a prejudicial interest in Item.14 – SCC Property Review/Acquisition Old School House and Item.4 – Proposed vehicular visibility splay at the Brandon Cemetery Town keepers’ Depot and duly signed the Declarations of Interest Book. Cllr Mr P T MacLoughlin declared a prejudicial interest in Item.15 – To Widen Access To The Remembrance Playing Fields/Leisure Centre, Brandon and duly signed the Declarations of Interest Book.

 

3.       RATIFICATION OF MINUTES OF THE FULL BRANDON TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY 01 SEPTEMBER 2003 AND MONDAY 08 SEPTEMBER 2003 (CONTINUATION MEETING OF MONDAY 01 SEPTEMBER 2003) (PUBLIC ITEMS) [LGA 1972 Sch. 12]

 

MONDAY 01 SEPTEMBER 2003

Amendments to Minutes: Page 62, Item 2 – Cllr Mrs S Jureka should read Cllr Mrs J A Ahern. Page 65, Item 8 - Mrs Gina should read Mrs Ormroyd. Page 66 Item Item 9 – Lord and Lady Ivor should read Lord and Lady Iveagh.

 

Resolution Record No. BTC116/06/Oct//03

Proposed by Cllr Mr A P Saxby and seconded by Cllr Mrs S Jureko

CARRIED: 10 for, 0 against, 1 abstention.

 

THAT THE MINUTES OF THE FULL BRANDON TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY 01 SEPTEMBER 2003 BE ACCEPTED AND SIGNED AS A TRUE RECORD

 

 

 

 

MONDAY 08 SEPTEMBER 2003 (CONTINUATION MEETING OF MONDAY 01 SEPTEMBER 2003)

Resolution Record No. BTC117/06/Oct//03

Proposed by Cllr Mr R Silvester and seconded by Cllr Mrs E Milner

CARRIED: 5 for (those then present), 0 against.

 

THAT THE MINUTES OF THE FULL BRANDON TOWN COUNCIL CONTINUATION MEETING OF MONDAY 08 SEPTEMBER 2003 (CONTINUATION MEETING OF MONDAY 01 SEPTEMBER 2003) BE ACCEPTED AND SIGNED AS A TRUE RECORD

 

4.       MATTERS ARISING

POORS ESTATE

It was suggested a representative be elected at this meeting.

Cllr Mr A P Saxby volunteered to stand.

Resolution Record No. BTC118/06/Oct//03

Proposed by the Chairman, Cllr Ms  J S Bourton and seconded by Cllr Mr R Silvester

CARRIED: Unanimous

 

THAT Cllr MR A P SAXBY IS ELECTED AS BRANDON TOWN COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE ON THE POORS ESTATE COMMITTEE.

 

EXISTING CEMETERY WORKS

Cllr Mr N A Vant declared an interest and left the meeting.

Discussion revolved around planning application for the creation of a vehicular visibility splay, which involves the demolition of a section of Cemetery wall beside the Town keepers’ Depot. The Chairman, Cllr J S Bourton, suggested a site meeting between the planning applicant and any interested Member – Agreed.

Cllr Mr N A Vant returned to the meeting.

 

UNAUTHORISED FENCE, 2, VICTORIA AVENUE, BRANDON

Cllr Mr A P Saxby proposed that Forest Heath District Council Planning Department be approached to enforce the removal of the fence.

Cllr Mr P Baldwin motioned an amendment – that Brandon Town Council enforces legal action to have the fence removed with immediate effect.

Amendment proposed by Cllr Mr P Baldwin and seconded by Cllr Mrs S Jureko.

Resolution Record No. BTC119/06/Oct//03

AMENDMENT CARRIED: Unanimous

 

THAT BRANDON TOWN COUNCIL ENFORCES LEGAL ACTION TO HAVE THE FENCE REMOVED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

 

DAMAGED WALL, LONDON ROAD/OLD FORGE COURT

It was generally agreed the damaged wall was unstable and presented a danger to the public i.e. passers-by. It was also thought that ample time had already passed allowing the owner to repair or demolish the wall.

Resolution Record No. BTC120/06/Oct//03

Proposed by Cllr Mr P MacLoughlin and seconded by Cllr Mr S J Edwards

CARRIED: Unanimous

 

THAT BRANDON TOWN COUNCIL WRITES TO THE OWNER OF THE WALL AND REQUESTS IT BE MADE SAFE FORTHWITH

 

Proposed by the Vice Chairman, Cllr Mrs E Milner and seconded by Cllr Mrs S Jureko.

THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED FOR REPORTS AND PUBLIC FORUM.

 

 5.       No Police representative present. Apologies were received from Sgt, A Benford.

 

6.      REPORT FROM RAF LAKENHEATH

Squadron Leader Seymour stated that twenty percent of military personnel serving in the Middle East and Iceland would shortly return home via. RAF Lakenheath. As a result, air traffic is expected to increase from November 2003 onwards. Also, evening airborne activity will extend until 2100hrs.

The Chairman, Cllr Ms J S Bourton, was recently invited onto the RAF Lakenheath Base to meet the new General. He is reputed to be community focused and improvements in that area are anticipated. The General will also encourage more visits by Councillors onto The Air Base.

There is ongoing protest action around the Base. A peaceful vigil ensued yesterday involving approximately 50 to 60 protesters. Events deteriorated today with police arresting 11 protesters for disorder and criminal damage offences.

Lords Walk is expected to remain closed. The route of an alternative footpath has been found, which may lay the foundations for Lords Walk to become permanently closed.

Squadron Leader Seymour took questions regarding unacceptable noise from low flying aircraft over Brandon during the early hours. He was adamant these aircraft were not using RAF Lakenheath and suggested the Mildenhall Air Base could be responsible. The Squadron Leader could not give any clear answers to further probing questions about this matter.

 

7.     TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNTY COUNCILLORS AND/OR DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

Apologies for absence from County Cllr Mr Bill Bishop.

Nothing to report.

 

8.       PUBLIC FORUM

Mrs Betty Burke: voiced concern about rumours that houses are to be built on Sandgalls, London Road, Brandon. Councillors reassured her that no planning permission was being sought.

Mr Peter Ridgewell; was disappointed that the Town Council election for Thursday 9 October 2003 was not advertised in the Brandon Life. – Others present pointed out that notices had been posted at various locations in Brandon, poll cards sent to every eligible elector and articles published in every local and regional newspaper.

Mr Ridgewell also asserted that people are against having the London Road/Old Forge Court bus stop relocated on an ‘out of town’ site such as Tescos’. This would entail a much too lengthy walk, especially for elderly folk.

He also claimed some residents do not have enough space to store an extra wheelie bin under the impending Blue Bin Scheme. Elderly people will also struggle having to drag two bins onto the street to be emptied. In addition, the grey/black wheelie bins will smell when only emptied every two weeks.

 

 

Proposed by Cllr Mr P Baldwin and seconded by Cllr Mrs S Jureko.

THAT THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL RECONVENE.

 

9.             URGENT BUSINESS

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

The event is to be held between 1700hrs and 2100hrs on Friday 31 October 2002 in the Market Hill.

Resolution Record No. BTC121/06/Oct//03

Proposed by Cllr Mr N A Vant and seconded by Cllr Mrs S Jureko.

CARRIED: Unanimous

 

THAT BRANDON TOWN COUNCIL GIVES PERMISSION FOR THE ORGANISERS OF THE HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR TO EXTRACT ELECTRICITY FROM THE BRANDON TOWN COUNCIL, OLD SCHOOL HOUSE SUPPLY, ON THE EVENING OF FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER 2003, SUBJECT TO THE ORGANISERS PROVIDING EVIDENCE OF HAVING PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE IN FORCE AT THAT TIME.

 

BRANDON AND MILDENHALL CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

The attendance of a CAB Committee Member is rescheduled for the Full Brandon Town Council Meeting at 7pm on Monday 3 November 2003.

 

PLANNED BLUE BIN SCHEME

Resolution Record No. BTC122/06/Oct//03

Proposed by The Chairman Cllr Ms J S Bourton and seconded by Cllr Mr P Baldwin.

CARRIED: Unanimous.

 

THAT BRANDON TOWN COUNCIL INVITES MR MARK CHRISTIE, SERVICE MANAGER, ENVIRONMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES, FOREST HEATH DISTRICT COUNCIL, TO ATTEND THE NEXT FULL MEETING OF BRANDON TOWN COUNCIL, BEING HELD AT 7PM ON MONDAY 03 NOVEMBER 2003, TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ON THE IMPENDING BLUE BIN SCHEME AND ALTERATIONS IN THE CURRENT GREY/BLACK BIN COLLECTION TIMETABLE.

 

PIGEON EXCRETA ON CEMETERY HEADSTONES

Article to be placed in the Brandon Life requesting assistance from anyone who keeps birds of prey and/or any further advice. The minutes should record that the complainant in this matter also wrote … “I have to give credit where it is due and the way the place is kept … (Brandon Cemetery) … is a credit to those who do the work and to Brandon” …

 

DEMOLISHED STREET LAMP No. 371, MARKET HILL, BRANDON

Resolution Record No. BTC123/06/Oct//03

Proposed by Cllr Mr P Baldwin and seconded by the Vice Chairmen, Cllr Mrs E Milner.

CARRIED: 9 for, 2 abstentions.

 

THAT BRANDON TOWN COUNCIL RELOCATE STREET LAMP No. 371 BY APPROXIMATELY TEN METRES FROM THE ORIGINAL POSITION 

 

 

AND ACCEPT THE ALFRED McALPINE QUOTATION FOR THAT WORK TO BE UNDERTAKEN

 

10.     WARD REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS

Cllr Mr P MacLoughlin reported problems with outdoor seating and requested that this matter be an Item on the agenda for the next Full Meeting on Monday 3 November 2003.

 

11.     PLANNING APPLICATIONS

PLANNING OBJECTION: APPLICATION F/2003/0766/CAT

Resolution Record No. BTC124/06/Oct//03

Proposed by Cllr Mr P Baldwin and seconded by Cllr Mr A P Saxby

CARRIED: Unanimous

 

THAT BRANDON TOWN COUNCIL WRITES TO FOREST HEATH DISTRICT COUNCIL AND SEEKS AGREEMENT TO COMPLETELY REMOVE THE LIME TREE, SITUATED ON THE PUBLIC HIGHWAY ADJACENT TO 22, LONDON ROAD, BRANDON, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ON THE GROUNDS IT IS INSECURE AND A DANGER TO THE PUBLIC.

 

Resolution Record No. BTC125/06/Oct//03

Proposed by Cllr Mr A P Saxby and seconded by The Vice Chairman Cllr Mr E Milner

CARRIED: Unanimous

 

THAT BRANDON TOWN COUNCIL RESOLVES NO OBJECTION TO THE PLANNING APPLICATIONS HEREUNDER DESCRIBED EXCEPT FOR APPLICATION F/2003/0766/CAT.

 

F/2003/0755/TPO: 16, Pinewood Drive, Brandon. Removal of 1 Scots Pine tree for Mr E Field. RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION                                                                               

 

F/2003/0756/TPO: 2, Mill Hill, Brandon. Works to 1 Silver Birch tree (part retrospective). Applicant: Mr Ricardo Ball.

RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION

 

F/2003/0757/TPO: 16, Pinewood Drive, Brandon. Removal of 1 Scots Pine tree. Applicant:  Mr H D Ellerby.

RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION

 

F/2003/0764/TPO: 68, Rattlers Road, Brandon. Works to 1 Beech tree. Applicant:

Mr & Mrs P Kenward.

RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION

                                                               

 

F/2003/0766/CAT: Adjacent to 22, London Road, Brandon: Works to 1 Lime tree. Applicant: Mr I W Gedge.

RESOLVED: OBJECTION

 

F/2003/0778/CR3: Old Forest School, Market Hill, Brandon: Erection of new entrance

with porch and disabled access ramp. Applicant: Brian Williams, Assistant Director

(Property).

RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION

 

F/2003/0762/FUL: 114, Thetford road, Brandon. Erection of side conservatory. Applicant: Mrs P J Gregory.

RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION

 

F/2003/0783/TPO: 70, Rattlers Road, Brandon. Works to 1 Beech tree. Applicant: Ms Monique Spiers. RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION

 

F/2003/0814/FUL: 40, Queens Road, Brandon: Erection of side extension. Applicant: Mr H D Hall.

RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION

 

F/2003/0731/TPO: 28, Ash Close, Brandon. Topping and lifting of canopy of 4 beech trees.

RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION

 

F/2003/0798/FUL: 34, Woodcock Rise, Brandon. Erection of rear extension. Applicant: Mr Ray Hurrell. RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION

 

   F/2003/0759/FUL: 161, London Road, Brandon. Creation of a new vehicular access. Applicant: Mr N Glasgow.

RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

 

 

12.         APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 2003 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

(I)          PUBLIC ITEMS

Resolution Record No. BTC126/06/Oct//03

Proposed by the Vice Chairman Cllr Mrs E Milner and seconded by Cllr Mr P Baldwin

CARRIED: Unanimous

 

THAT THE PAYMENTS ON THE LIST SUBMITTED FOR SEPTEMBER 2003 (PUBLIC ITEMS) AND REPRODUCED HEREUNDER ARE APPROVED

 

 

Pay

Date

Amount

Supplier

Chq

Net

VAT

 

No.

 

 

 

No.

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

118

Sep-30

£43.88

P/cash imprest

775

£43.88

£0.00

 

119

Sep-30

£6.00

J & D Green

776

£6.00

£0.00

 

120

Sep-30

£47.76

Canon Copies

777

£40.65

£7.11

 

121

Sep-30

£736.75

Lubbock Fine

778

£650.00

£113.75

 

122

Sep-30

£97.30

HSS Hire

779

£82.80

£14.50

 

123

Sep-30

£143.90

Anglo Financ. Ser

780

£122.47

£21.43

 

124

Sep-30

£98.17

Finevale Services

781

£86.52

£11.65

 

125

Sep-30

£36.63

Tindalls

782

£31.18

£5.45

 

126

Sep-30

£80.29

Tindalls

783

£68.34

£11.95

 

127

Sep-30

£44.89

Tindalls

784

£38.21

£6.68

 

128

Sep-30

£122.67

Recroot Agency

785

£104.40

£18.27

 

129

Sep-30

£63.33

Pearsons Ltd.

786

£53.90

£9.43

 

130

Sep-30

£822.50

ThainWildburRolp

787

£700.00

£122.50

 

131

Sep-30

£41.75

Canon Copies

788

£35.53

£6.22

 

132

Sep-30

£32.00

Brandon Test C.

789

£32.00

£0.00

 

133

Sep-30

£141.28

J Powell & Son

790

£120.24

£21.04

 

134

Sep-30

£82.25

Dyno-Rod

791

£70.00

£12.25

 

135

Sep-30

£16.18

A J Ahern

792

£13.78

£2.40

 

136

Sep-30

£10.00

Crime Prev. Panel

793

£10.00

£0.00

 

137

Sep-30

£38.22

Border B.Supps.

794

£32.52

£5.70

 

138

Sep-30

£11.32

Border B.Supps

795

£9.63

£1.69

 

139

Sep-30

£0.58

Border B.Supps

796

£0.10

£0.68

 

140

Sep-30

£200.93

Gasforce

797

£171.00

£29.93

 

141

Sep-30

£2,086.15

PW Loan Board

798

£2,086.15

£0.00

 

142

Sep-30

£160.98

AM Asset Light.

799

£137.00