Blewbury Parish Council Minutes of the December Meeting held on 11th December

1. To receive & approve apologies for absence

Cllr Lee Robinson, District Councilors H Gascoigne & D Dewhurst, County Councillor S Povolotsky

2. To record any declarations of interests relating to this meeting

None.

3. To receive a report from the County Councillor

Received in advance of the meeting from S Povolotsky & as follows (edited for purposes of minutes).

‘I am representing all my divisions in the largest division in the county, to the very best of my ability. I have also been working away in the background on the need for the crossings. The Highways engagement team would be who I would be signposting you to, and I am trying to ensure there is budget for at least ONE crossing in the 2025/26 budget, I gave the case around West Hendred which has taken 16 years to get a crossing and I have just got the CMD decision on that this week. I am talking up the crossings, Bessels Way as urgency and London Road next, and have been communicating with people on WhatsApp. So you can leave it with me, I have budget meetings before Christmas and am negotiating to get it onto the agenda.’ 

Clerk’s note: – Council subsequently confirmed the priority crossing was on the London Road, close to Savages. This was the one originally in the OCC budget for 24/25, but was cut.

4. To receive a report from the District Councillor

Received in advance of the meeting & sent to Council.

5. Action points from previous meetings – All

These were covered at this point.

6.     To receive the Lengthman’s report from Iain Wood

• KAP inspections & repairs

A quote was received from SCS for repairs around the entrance to KAP. Two other contractors were approached for comparative quote, but as at the time of the meeting, no response had been received.

• Play Space & Trim Trail inspections & repairs

Three boards on the top of the skate park ramp will be replaced by IW.

• General work & observations

Everything else is in good order.

• Update on trailer

IW reported that obtaining a second-hand trailer was difficult. MS advised that if Council agreed to larger budget, it would be easier to purchase new. Council agreed to raise the budget from c£2000 to up to £5000.

7. Open Forum

Adam Stockley attended the meeting on behalf of the cricket club. His main reason for attending was to present the ‘Successful Management of Dual Use Cricket and Football Sites’ document, produced in conjunction with the ECB, FA, IOG & Sport England. Adam explained the issues incurred when sports season overlapped & both clubs were using pitches & asked for the Council’s help in resolving the issues.

The Council thanked Adam for providing this information & would work with the clubs & grounds people to reach agreements that are satisfactory for all. AS to provide an electronic copy of the document presented   to the Clerk.

8. To approve previous minutes & report on any matters arising – All Cllrs

Minutes of the BPC meeting held on 13^th November 2024

Council agreed the minutes to be a true record of the meeting.

9.     To hear the Planning Committee Report & Planning Responses – L Inglis

9.1 To agree or ratify the Council’s response to the following consultations

9.1.1   P24/V2427/HH 17 Bridus Mead, Blewbury

Conversion of existing garage into study & general property refurbishment.

Deadline 13.12.24

Council agreed no objections. Returned 13.12.24

Council agreed to also include two more recent consultations: –

• P24/V2563/HH Ashbrook House, Westbrook Street, Blewbury

Proposed photovoltaic panels to courtyard roof & concealed flat roof.

Deadline 16.1.25

Council agreed no objections.

• P24/V2564/LB Ashbrook House, Westbrook Street, Blewbury

LB consent as per 9.1.2 above.

Council agreed no objections.

9.2 To note planning permissions received during the month

9.2.1 P24/V2122/LB Naylesbridge Cottage, Church Road, Blewbury

LB consent refused 26.11.24

9.2.2 P24/V1864/HH Orchard Dene House, Watts Lane, Blewbury

Planning permission 14.11.24

10. To hear an update on Speed Watch & Speed Reduction Measures (J Ingoldby/Speed Watch representatives)

10.1 Speed Watch report for November

Provided in advance of the meeting & brief detail included here (edited for minutes): –

Summary of the Community Speed Watch data for November 2024: –

Positive

• For the first two weeks of Nov the SIDs were in spy mode recording new baseline figures for the new positions. There was a drop in all measures except maximum speeds when the SIDs were switched on.
• There has been less traffic on London Road this month, possibly due to flooding affecting driving routes.

Of concern

• Speeds into the village at the garage on London Road have increased now that the SID has been reversed
• Wendy Carless has contacted Cllr Sally Povolotsky. Wendy to see if TVP will support with mobile enforcement cameras.

For discussion and action

• Council agreed that Wendy Carless will write to Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for TVP with reference to the Police and Crime plan 2024 – 2029. This outlines the need to improve data sharing in order to focus on those areas and issues that present the greatest risk to road safety. WC to enquire whether there will be an opportunity to share the headline figures from the SID data with TVP to prioritise the location of their mobile enforcement cameras.

• The person in OCC responsible for enforcement is Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management. He is also responsible for 20mph limit implementation which is point 1 in the speed watch action plan. BPC to form working group to decide who will contact him and with which focus, ‘SID data and enforcement’ or ‘20 mph limit application’. 

10.2 Other Speed Watch / Speed Reduction Measures updates

The draft actions for the working group to consider are detailed in Appendix B at the end of the minutes.

11. To hear an update on Finance & Administration from the Clerk

11.1 Financial updates

11.1.1 Bank Reconciliation

The end of month reconciliation for November sent in advance of the meeting to the Chairman. Agreed & signed at the meeting by the Chair.

11.1.2 Lloyds Bank account funds as of 30.11.24 were: –

Current Account £86,340.08

Deposit Account Reserves £105,001.67. Interest for November £182.71

11.1.3 To hear any other Financial updates

i. Update on Business Rate demands on Old Scout Hut & Clubhouse

Old Scout Hut Business Rates bill of £1005.75. Paid on 29.11.24

ii. Update on Clubhouse Business Rates

A letter was received from the Valuation Office dated 2^nd December 2024, requesting information on ‘Rent, Lease, Ownership’ for the Clubhouse. This information was provided               online on 11.12.24.

11.2 To hear an update on the Finance Committee Meeting held on Thursday 28^th November

The Chair stated that all of the recommendations made by the Finance Committee would be forwarded for consideration prior to the January meeting, in order for ratification by the Council at         the January meeting. However, at this meeting, the Chair wanted to recommend & have ratified the proposed pay increases for the three Council employees. At this point, the two employees present &             other non-Council attendees were asked to leave the meeting, while Council discussed employees’ salaries.

Council subsequently agreed to the following: –

11.2.1 A percentage increase on the Lengthman’s hourly rate with effect from 1.4.25.

11.2.2 A percentage increase on the Hall Administrator’s hourly rate with effect from 1.4.25.

11.2.3 No increase was agreed on the Clerk’s hourly rate for 25/26. Council agreed to the Finance Committee’s proposal that this would be reviewed once the NALC pay increase                           was announced, which is usually in November each year. The NALC increase is backdated to 1^st April, as would any change to the Clerk’s hourly rate as per contractual terms.

It was noted that the agreed increases differed from those originally proposed by the Finance Committee.

11.3 Administrative updates

11.3.1 Council to agree or otherwise to sign up to Council Charter

Council requested that this be summarised & carried forward to the January meeting.

11.3.2 To hear any other Administrative updates

IW & MS to approach trailer dealers regarding the purchase of a second-hand or possibly new trailer. See also 6.4 above.

11.4 To agree two authorisers for payments as detailed below

AC & DM agreed to be signatories for payments.

11.5 To approve payments to be made under the general power of competence and within budgeted amounts as detailed in the table below – All Councillors

11.5.1 In addition, Council agreed to two more payments: –

– Management Traffic Systems (movement of SIDs) £540 + vat

– D Harber (Armillary final invoice) £1800 + vat

*Paid to be ratified

12.    To receive an update from VHEMC – D Mathias

12.1 EV charger update – LR

In LR’s absence, there was no update.

12.2 To hear any other updates

None.

13.    To receive an update on the Community Art project – L Inglis

13.1 Armillary inspection – LI

The armillary was inspected at the workshop on 14^th November & was installed on the Play Close on 27^th November. LI to check with D Harber re method of installation.

13.2 Corderoy bench / replacement bench – LI / JS

A replacement bench may happen in due course. IW will hand over the plaque from the removed bench to LI to return to the family.

13.3 MS stated that a bench in the Chalk Pits was in need of restoration. Clerk to speak to BlewShed to ask if they can help.

14.    To receive an update on all things relating to the operation of the Clubhouse, recreation ground & other concerns in this area – E Holroyd, I Wood

          14.1 Clubhouse update

14.1.1 Clubhouse Admin & income report for November – EH

Clubhouse income for November is £1264.83.

AM expressed her thanks to all those involved in making a success of the Clubhouse this year.  A working group meeting is planned in January to review income & activities.

14.1.2 Clubhouse solar panels update – LR

In LR’s absence, there was no update on the solar panels.

14.2 Recreation ground update – D Mathias, I Wood

See also 7 above. Council agreed that all parties (Cricket Club, Amazons Football, BPC) needed to be part of a tri-agreement regarding the maintenance of the recreation ground as a whole. This would include club cross overs at the start & end of seasons. Clerk to check with EH on what is covered in the current agreements.

14.3 Scout Hut & Tractor Shed update – A Calder / D Mathias

14.3.1 Storage working group update

i. IW reported that the Amazon racking was in place in the tractor shed & was wating for the Amazons to organise their storage.

Council also acknowledged the help of Mike Magnay from BlewShed in making this happen.

ii. Adam Stockley stated that subject to the Council’s approval, the BVS had offered to pay for a metal storage unit to be placed by the metal shed, to house all the cricket club items & the new sleigh. The Council agreed in principle to the storage unit. Adam to provide the   specification of the unit, & the plan for how it will be installed. MS advised that any such storage unit should have a side opening to ensure the whole of the unit can be used.

14.3.2 BlewShed electricity usage

BlewShed had agreed to paying 80% of electricity bills in the Old Scout Hut & had already paid this share of the last invoice.

14.4 To formally agree the use of S106 funds in the sum of c£18,715 by May 2027

To improve the condition of: –

14.4.1 The recreation ground pitches       ) Council unanimously agreed to the S106 funding of

14.4.2 Sports equipment storage facilities ) these items.

14.4.3 Drainage in & around the recreation ground & Clubhouse – offset invoice for £2640 (T McGill)

14.5 To hear any other updates

It was noted that the gate in front of the metal shed required some work. IW & AC to help make this happen.

15.    To receive an update on all aspects of TFF & car park – M Shayler

15.1 Play area / trim trail update

– Zip wire repair update, inc timescale & inspection. Item carried forward to next agenda.

15.2 Skate Park / Cycle Track update

Members of the Council had met with four potential contractors, at the Skate ramp site to discuss ideas. Of the four, three have been selected to tender. A specification will now be drawn up, & issued as part of a tender exercise to formalise the selection of a suitable contractor to carry out the work.

15.3 To hear any other updates

None.

16.   To receive an update on Risk Management & Compliance – A Calder

AC planned to review all items on the asset list to ensure all were correct. It was noted that sports equipment is not insured (as it is not owned) by the Parish Council.

17.   To receive an update on issues relating to the Environment – A Millman

17.1 Information from Sustainable Blewbury

AM stated that the planned tree planting in Quaker Wood had been postponed due to the weather.

The planting of the 1000 trees is being carried out by contractors.

17.2 Any other environmental & bio diversity issues

17.2.1 To hear an update on: –

i. Highways Engagement activity

AM noted a small amount of activity at Hall Barn. Work on Bohams Road & Church End is listed, but no dates for work as yet.

It was suggested that a mirror be installed at the junction of Westbrook Street & Church End, so that traffic coming either way can see around the corner. A mirror was previously installed, but had long since disappeared. Clerk to investigate.

ii. Fixmystreet super users

KF expressed an interest in becoming a superuser. AM to provide details to KF.

18.   To receive an update on any issues relating to Footways, Footpaths, rights of way and open spaces – M Shayler, I Wood

18.1 Footpath gravelling – MS/IW

This has been delayed due to weather & other considerations. The tentative plan now is for the second weekend of January 2025.

18.2 Trees survey (for BPC responsibility trees) – DM

An updated tree survey will be planned for the spring.

18.3 Curtoys Lane cob wall maintenance – LI

The urgent work to the Curtoys Lane cob wall thatch has been completed. Further necessary (not urgent) work to the thatch will be carried out in 2025. LI to arrange with thatcher.

18.4 Any other update on Footways, Footpaths, Rights of Ways & open spaces in & around the village – All

18.4.1 Bench at the bus stop on the road to Savages – SA

SA stated that she had heard informal requests for a bench at this particular bus stop. SA to find out more.

19.  To receive an update on any outstanding consultations – All Councillors

None.

20. To agree actions from this meeting – All

To be confirmed through the minutes.

21. To agree the date/venue of the next meeting(s) of the Council – All Councillors

Next full council meeting is on Wednesday 8^th January 2025 at 7.00pm in the Melland Room at the Clubhouse.

The meeting finished at 9.10pm.

Appendix A

Appendix B – Road Safety in Blewbury:  Blewbury Parish Council (BPC) & Speed Watch group, actions agreed at PC meeting on 11/12/24

1. An email was received from J Ingoldby dated 9.12.24, containing an update on unofficial bollard crossings. While there is no hard evidence as yet as to their effectiveness a quotation from the Clerk at Bransgore PC where these are installed states ‘these bollards have made a huge difference in the village.’ BPC Clerk has written the Clerk at Bransgore on 16/12/24 for more information. Bollards are also installed in Wantage. W Carless & J Saunders agreed to arrange a visit to the sites (& see whether in 20 or 30 mph zones). BPC Clerk has also emailed the Wantage Town Clerk.
2. Quotes on the cost of bollards & their installation have been received, but as there are different options it is not possible to achieve a clear cost estimate as yet.
3. The Speed Watch team have submitted a bid to Mark Francis of Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) to provide funding for a crossing on the A417 near Savages. This was originally in the OCC budget for this financial year but was then cut. Councillor S Povolotsky has indicated that she is still pursuing a crossing for Blewbury on the A417 at Savages.
4. W Carless will write to Matthew Barber (Police & Crime Commissioner / Thames Valley Police) outlining the need to improve data sharing in order to focus on those areas with the greatest need for speed reduction measures. Also to press for a mobile enforcement camera in the near future.
5. Regarding 20mph on the London Road & Bessels Way these main roads were not in the original ’20s plenty’ scheme, which encompassed the internal village roads only. W Carless named Andrew Grant as the OCC Cabinet Member for Transport Manager, & asked that BPC contact him for advice on ‘SID data & enforcement’ or ’20mph restrictions’ on said roads, in order to develop a strategy for speed reduction through the most effective & supported method. It is understood that any subsequent application would result in a village consultation.
6. K Forman to seek further advice on the formation of a petition to OCC covering the need for speed safety measures. BPC to review initial draft.
7. L Babington-Smith stated that a small grant may be available from the Road Safety Trust. Further information has since been provided to BPC from the Clerk. BPC Chair has also asked LB-S to pursue
8. A Millman suggested forming a working group between BPC and Speed Watch to produce a short statement outlining progress to date and forward plans for the village, and to pull all speed reduction matters together & move forward. AM to meet with JI and WC on 6 January 2025.
9. Other low-level suggestions included speed reduction posters designed by children & posted along both main roads (Brightwell has already used this method). To be developed by local resident.