Present: Dennis Tyler (Vice-Chairmen), Isabel Butcher, Michael Jackson, Peter Knowles, Ken Line, Neil Longson, Pietro di Marino, Paul Royce, Jonathan Trees and Estelle Warriner

Also in attendance: Tony Thomas (Clerk), Pat Arculus (County Councillor) and 3 members of the public.

The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed everyone

Harvie Steele (Holiday), Celia Rayner (Holiday) and Roger Watts (Holiday)

It was proposed by Ken Line, seconded by Michael Jackson and resolved to approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 11th July 2006 as a correct record of the meeting. The Chairman signed the minutes.

i). CHART application for £8000 of s106 funding to purchase 4 defibrillators – The Clerk reported that the application was awaiting approval of the PCT, but has been approved by the Obligations Panel, thanks to the efforts of Michael Jackson.

ii). West Chiltington & Thakeham Cricket Club – application for £2210 of s106 funding approved by the Obligations Panel.

iii). Playground Improvements – The Clerk reported that we are still awaiting final approval from HDC that the promised grant of £11,250 will still be available if we drop the plans for Church Meadow and concentrate our efforts in the recreation ground. The members discussed what should be the total budget for the project, and it was proposed by Michael Jackson and seconded by Pietro di Marino to apply for £11,250 funding from s106 funds to match the grant.

iv). Skate Ramp repairs – 2 areas of the ramp are in urgent need of repair, cost still not quantified, but likely to run into hundreds of pounds. Users are keen to form a committee to oversee the ramp and report damage etc.

v). Heavy Duty Litter Bin - The Clerk requested that a heavy duty litter bin be installed next to the ramps following a request from skaters. A suitable bin, as recommended by HDC, will cost £297 plus delivery with a high quality paint finish. The members agreed and it was proposed by Ken Line and seconded by Pietro di Marino to authorise the Clerk to proceed with the purchase.

a). Resurfacing of Track, when is it to be done? The Clerk reported that no scalpings have been available from WSCC, and from July the contractor has responsibility for disposal. Person in charge at the contractors is on holiday until Wednesday when I will contact him.

b). Representative of Parish Council on Tennis Club Committee – Michael Jackson agreed to become the representative at meetings where a Parish Council input was required, but would not attend all meetings due to other commitments.

c). Installation of floodlights – Permission of Parish Council sought to install floodlights which would allow extended use of the courts, prior to obtaining planning approval. The members after discussion had no objection to the proposal as long as the cost would be met by the tennis club.

iv). Mobile Café – In answer to a request from Estelle Warriner about whether the visits were successful it seems that there were not many young people hanging around, workers only made contact with 3 young people, and there was a feeling that there was no need for any additional provision.

vi). Meeting with David Hardisty - Pavilion Maintenance Fund –The Clerk met to discuss maintenance problems at the pavilion which included broken window frames, sink taps heads loose, water tower roof felt torn and drainage problems across the front. The Cricket Club have offered to complete some of the repairs for the cost of materials only, which was accepted by the members. The Clerk thought it prudent to make an annual provision in the budget of a sum to build a maintenance fund to meet future maintenance costs, the members agreed and a sum would be incorporated into the new budget.

The Clerk reported payments and receipts for the period 1st July to 31st August 2006.

It was proposed by Neil Longson, seconded by Estelle Warriner and agreed to approve the list of payments made from 1^st July to 31st August totalling £11,248.14, and receipts of £492.50.

i). Meeting of Chanctonbury County Local Committee, Tuesday 26^th September at The Drama Hall, Steyning Grammar School at 6.30 pm. Subject "Youth Issues Matter" Details available from the Clerk.

ii). WSCC Highways have sent notification of road works to be undertaken in Harborough Close and West Chiltington Road at Heath Mill in the near future.

iii). Report from the Affordable Rural Housing Commission 2006, copy available from the Clerk.

Copy available from the Clerk, representations required by the 13^th October 2006.

v). SEERA – Partial Review of South East Plan – Provision for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Sites, copy available from the Clerk.

1. Peter Knowles reported that the finger post at the crossroads at Broadford Bridge Road/ The Hollows was obscured by over hanging trees, the road sign at the northern end of Nyetimber Lane had been knocked over and the road sign at the southern end of Nutbourne Road had been moved into West Chiltington Road. He also requested the "In" and "Out" arrows in Haglands Lane car park be repainted as they were very worn causing problems. The Clerk would report the sign problems and arrange the repainting of the arrows.

 

2. Pat Arculus requested the Clerk e-mail her with ideas for traffic management at the cross roads at the top of Church Street to avoid a serious accident.

 

3. Paul Royce informed the members that the owners of Fantails in Little Hill had ignored the planning permission granted and installed a one metre high fence with concrete posts with Leylandii planted behind. He had not heard from County Highways about the lay-by created by the occupier of the house in the Birches and would contact them again. He was concerned the stiles on the footpath from The Hollows towards Churchfield Farm restricted access and as no animals were in the fields thought the stiles could be removed. The Clerk said this was a matter for the land owner as they were responsible for the stiles.

 

4. Michael Jackson said he had discussed with HDC the incorporation of the Haglands Lane car park within the parking enforcement regulations operated by HDC, meaning motorists would have to display a disc and the car park would be patrolled by wardens. The members thought this was not a good idea at present and requested as a first step notices and signs are put up informing motorists that it was for shoppers and allotment holders and not for permanent parking of resident’s vehicles.

 

5. Neil Longson enquired of Pat Arculus why the County Council were appointing a Community Safety Officer at a salary of £60,000, she replied that this was a rationalisation of 2 posts and there would be an overall cost saving.

Anne Salmon said there was a sign "Bull in Field" on a gate into a field of Heather Lane which had a public footpath crossing and asked whether it was legal to put a bull in a field with a footpath. It is legal if properly signed and users should exercise caution when walking across. She also questioned the rights of landowners to shoot on private land and whether they needed licences or permission. As long as the shooting is contained within the land and no shot falls outside the boundary it does not need any permission or licence.

Next Parish Council meeting – Tuesday 14th November at 7.30 pm in the Reading Room, when Liz Kitchen (Leader) and Tom Crowley (Chief Executive) of Horsham District Council will attend.

Future meetings – 9^th January 2007, 13^th March 2007, 8^th May 2007, 10^th July 2007, 11^th September 2007 and 13^th November 2007.