The minutes of the Amenities Committee held on 6th November 2007 at the Parish Office 3 Gorringe Valley Road Willingdon Eastbourne

Present: Councillor Cllr J Martin (Chairman)
Councillors Richard Broady, Linda Francis, Jim Gleeson, Ray Ingram, John Pritchett, Yvonne Puttee, Graham Broom (Vice Chairman), Ron Cussons.
Also present:
Mrs Carol Adams - Clerk
Mrs Lorraine Powell - Finance Officer
Cllr Jo Carr
Jenny Wooten - Church Warden, St Andrews Church, Jevington (Items AO7/34 & 35)
Jennifer Rogers - Caretaker, Jevington Village Hall (Items AO7/34 & 35)
Charles Dawson - Owner of Green Lane (Items AO7/34 & 35)
Tony White - Resident and Chairman of Jevington and Filching Residents Association
(Item A07/35)

A07/19 Apologies and substitutes
Councillor Trish Delaney
Councillor Daniel Shing substituted for Councillor Stephen Shing

A07/20 Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of the meetings held on 20th August 2007 and 10th September 2007 were agreed.
A07/21 Declaration of Interests
400 - Cllr J Pritchett - Jubilee Gardens and Foulride Green - WDC Employee contractor for grass cutting - Personal and non-prejudicial.
401 - Cllr D Shing - Siting of Street Lamp at The Triangle - Business owner in the vicinity- Personal and non-prejudicial
402 - Cllr J Carr- Jevington Pond - Adjacent landowner - Personal and non-prejudicial
403- Cllr J Pritchett - Wannock Gardens/The Paragon Fields - Personal and non-prejudicial.
Cllr R Ingram was asked if he would like to declare an interest in the Jevington Pond as he is an adjacent landowner. Cllr R Ingram declined.

The Committee agreed to change the order of the agenda due to visiting members of the public.

A07/34 Request from St Andrew's Church Jevington for new lighting for the path from C40 into the churchyard (Ref: St Andrew's Parochial Church Council/Jevington Residents' Ass.)
Representatives of the Jevington Residents Association advised the Committee the reasons for requesting lighting of the church path. Members agreed with the representatives that it would be passed back to the Residents Association in order to ascertain ideas of what lighting they would like and would be appropriate for the site and surroundings, and to obtain details of costings.
Cllr Jo Carr advised the Committee that the legal case in relation to the Right of Way access was in progress, and suggested that nothing more be done until its outcome is decided.

Resolved:
Committee agreed to defer until outcome of legal case.

A07/35 Jevington Pond
A letter was given to the Chairman of Amenities from Tony White, a resident of Jevington and the Chairman of Jevington and Filching Residents Association, who read it to the Committee.
Cllr Ray Ingram gave background information on the history of the pond. A discussion ensued with members of the Public and Councillors, on concerns of drainage, potential flooding, the views of the residents of Jevington and health and safety issues.

Resolved:
Committee agreed that Clerk to obtain the cost of a drainage survey from ESCC and to contact the Councils Insurers re the risks, liability and impact on Insurance premiums.
Residents to discuss at next Residents Association meeting, to obtain the views of residents of Jevington.

Cllr Jo Carr and members of the Public left the meeting.

A07/36 To consider request from residents in Broad Road (109, Broad Road) - Wannock Avenue end- for more tree planting at the end. (Ref@ Cllr Stephen Shing)
Christine Page, Tree Warden, gave report on trees in Broad Road and recommendations.

Resolved:
Committee agreed to defer to next Amenities meeting 29th January 2008

A07/37 Matters Arising
" Tenders
The Finance Officer read each tender out for the consideration of the Committee.
" Bus Shelters - Finance Officer advised that the bus shelters do not get cleaned.
Resolved:
Committee agreed that quotes for bus shelter cleaning be obtained. Proposed Cllr Dick Broady, Seconded Cllr Jim Gleeson, unanimously carried.

" Foulride Green Committee agreed

Resolved:
Proposed by Cllr Ray Ingram to accept WDC tender, seconded by Cllr Dick Broady. Committee agreed unanimously in favour of accepting tender from Wealden District Council

" Footpath Maintenance

Resolved:
Proposed by Cllr Dick Broady to accept G.Pocock tender, seconded by Cllr John Martin. Committee agreed unanimously in favour of accepting tender from G Pocock.

" Highway Seat Maintenance

Resolved:
Proposed by Cllr Ray Ingram to accept C L Carpentry Ltd tender, seconded by Cllr Dick Broady. Committee agreed unanimously in favour of accepting tender from C L Carpentry Ltd

" Jubilee Gardens

Resolved:
Proposed by Cllr Ray Ingram to accept WDC tender, seconded by Cllr John Martin Committee agreed unanimously in favour of accepting tender from Wealden District Council

" Notice board Maintenance

Resolved:
Proposed by Cllr Jim Gleeson to accept C L Carpentry Ltd tender, seconded by Cllr Dick Broady Committee agreed unanimously in favour of accepting tender from C L Carpentry Ltd

" Memorial Hall gardens
Finance Officer advised the Committee that there is no tender for this maintenance, the work is carried out and paid for as and when completed. A number of comments were made that the gardens are not being maintained appropriately.

Resolved:
Clerk to look at the condition of the gardens and report back to the Committee at next meeting.

" Bus Stop and Shelter 262, Seven Sisters Road
Clerk advised members that Eastbourne Buses had been approached and will research bus usage and report back.
It was advised that there is a bus stop outside 60, Seven Sisters Road.

Resolved:
Committee agreed 8 for and 1 against in favour of closing the matter.

" Rethink Rubbish Bus
Clerk advised members of correspondence received from Transport and Environment on the availability of the Rethink Rubbish Bus for local events, in order to help educate people on recycling issues.

" Request from resident for Litter Bin to be placed by bench in Park Croft area near Eastbourne Road. (Cllr Stephen Shing)
Clerk advised members that she had contacted WDC who advised there would be no charge for the additional bin, only for emptying, which is £4.05 per week.

Resolved:
Committee agreed unanimously in favour of new litter bin. Clerk to arrange with WDC
Expenditure: Litter Act 1983, SS.5,6

" To propose a bus shelter on opposite side of the road by Tesco's, by 231 Eastbourne Road - (Ref: Cllr Stephen Shing)
Members were advised that there is a new bus stop, but no shelter. Members agreed that research needs to be carried out to ascertain if it is permissible and if residents by the bus stop have any objections.

Resolved:
Clerk to contact ESCC Highways to arrange site visit. If Highways agree the site is suitable, Clerk to write to local residents requesting their views.

A07/38 Graffiti
Clerk advised members of correspondence received from Wealden District Council about services available for the removal of graffiti.
A request was made to enquire from ESCC, what paint was used in the underpass refurbishment, as the paint before refurbishment was anti-vandal.

Resolved:
Clerk to contact ESCC Highways to ask what paint was used.

A07/39 Paragon Fields/Wannock Gardens
Advised members of the letter received from Mr Brown and Mr Scott dated 25/9/2007. Maintenance on the additional accesses to the Paragon Fields has been done as requested. Members were advised that Willingdon residents are able to apply for the £10 annual car parking permit, which has been heavily subsidised, and it was agreed that unfortunately there is nothing more that the Parish Council can do.

Resolved:
Members agreed unanimously to close the matter. Clerk to write to Mr Brown and Mr Scott to advise.

A07/40 Willingdon in Bloom Competition 2007 /2008
Clerk advised members that the presentation evening went well and a Willingdon in Bloom notice board is on display in the Parish Office.
Members to agreed that a Sub-Committee be formed for this issue only.

Resolved:
Members agreed unanimously form a Sub-Committee and defer to next Amenities meeting.

A07/41 Bulb planting around the village.
Clerk advised that the agreed sites had been passed to WDC and the 2000 bulbs had been planted. Cllr Ray Ingram advised that the bulbs had been planted in the wrong places, had not been planted properly and where mowing had taken place, bulbs had been torn up.
It was agreed to wait until next year to see the results, but in the meantime, the Clerk would speak to Paul Cook who arranged the planting to advise him of concerns.

A07/42 Winter flower troughs
Clerk advised members of the costs of providing winter troughs on the existing sites of summer troughs. Members discussed the idea but decided against it.

Resolved:
Members agreed unanimously not to provide winter troughs.

A07/43 To consider increasing the number of cuts by Pococks at
" Thatched Cottage Wannock Lane from 2 cuts to 4 cuts per annum.
" Eight Bells Jevington from 2 cuts to 4 cuts per annum.
" Jevington Church from 2 cuts to 4 cuts per annum.
Clerk advised members of the costs involved in providing additional cuts on the sites.
Members agreed to keep the Eight Bells and Thatched Cottage at 2 cuts per year, but to increase the number of cuts at the Jevington Church path to 4 per year.

Resolved:
Members agreed unanimously that additional cuts to the Jevington Church Path be instructed and charged for separately and that they are included on the tender when tenders come up for renewal next time.
Expenditure: Public Health Act 1875, s.164, Open Spaces Act 1906, ss. 9,10

A07/44 To consider extending verge/hedge cutting service to include:
" Footpath adjacent to St Mary's Church on Eastbourne Road near Church Street crossing.
" Huggetts Lane on footpath between traffic lights and entrance to playing field.
" Footpath off Wannock Lane into field. (Ref: Cllr Martin)

Cllr Martin advised members that these areas had been maintained and were in good order. This work had been carried out by the 'Payback Team' and as and when the work needs doing again, the Clerk will contact Paul Cook of WDC to arrange another visit from the them.

A07/45 To discuss ways to alleviate Broad Road Parking problems after PSCO visit, possibly with the planting of trees or insertion of bollards. (Ref: PCSO Richie Davidson)
It was agreed that the definite location needs to be ascertained. Clerk to contact the PCSO to obtain details.

A07/46 Town and Village Gateways
Clerk advised she had spoken to David Palmer at Wealden District Council, who had advised her that there are seven such projects, of which we are one. It is still going ahead, with the completion target being 31/3/08. At present the issue is in the hands of ESCC, who are completing risk assessments on the designated sites, with emphasis on positioning and structure. David Palmer advised the Clerk that the seven sites are quite fortunate as this incentive is a 'one-off' and will most likely not be repeated. As soon as the risk assessments have been completed, the Parish Office will be advised. The Clerk will E-mail both WDC and ESCC contacts to ask where abouts the Parish is on the risk assessment list.

A07/47 Farmlands Bus Shelter
The Clerk advised the Committee that the cost to turn the bus shelter around will be £700 + VAT.

Resolved:
Members agreed cost of £700 + VAT to have bus shelter turned 7 for 2 abstained. Motion Carried.
Expenditure: Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1953, s.4

A07/48 Christmas Carol Concert and Christmas lights around the Triangle
Clerk advised members that the Temporary Road closure order had been received in the Parish Office, for the Christmas Carol Concert on the 6th December 2007, from WDC. Clerk advised that 7 street lights columns are going to be decorated 3 being ESCC and 4 Parish (EDF)
(this includes the new street lamp). EDF have prepared the street lamps in readiness for decoration and the one-off cost to the Council is £211.69 + VAT per street lamp, total cost £1481.96 + VAT. The cost of the new street light column is £1020 + VAT.
The cost of decorating the 7 street lamps and the Christmas tree is £3090 + VAT. These will be hired annually.

A07/49 Larger dog bin in Farmlands Avenue.
Clerk advised she had contacted WDC, who had advised there is only one size dog bin. No further complaints had been reported to the Parish Office of 'over flowing'. Councillors agreed to close the matter.

Resolved:
Members agreed unanimously to close the matter.

A07/50 Siting of new street lamp at The Triangle
The Clerk advised the new street lamp at The Triangle opposite the Fruit shop, had been completed, at a cost of £1020 + VAT.
The Parish Council owned street light next to Stephens Chinese shop is being removed at a cost of £353.96 + VAT, as there is an ESCC street light right next to it and therefore there is no need to have two adjacent to each other.

A07/51 Litter bin request on Eastbourne Road footpath up from Total Garage by Tascombe Way
The Clerk advised she had received and e-mail from Paul Cook of the WDC litter picking section, who had reported that only 10 bits of litter were being picked up per week, and therefore he recommends a monthly litter pick.

Resolved:
Members agreed unanimously for a monthly litter pick. Clerk to arrange with Paul Cook

A07/52 For information EDF routine maintenance has been amended from £1118.05 + VAT to £1117.16 +VAT

A07/53 Update report on Traffic Sub-Committee

Resolved:
Members agreed unanimously to defer to next Amenities meeting.

A07/55 Consideration of estimates for recommendation to Finance and Policy for 2008 - 2011 See attached sheet, yellow highlighted items for discussion, remainder are ongoing and fixed costs.
Estimated expenditure
2007 - 2008 - £80,014.00 Free resource £7,500.00
2008 - 2009 - £74,150.00 Free resource £4,000.00
2009 - 2010 - £68,100.00 Free resource £4,000.00
2010 - 2011 - £67,600.00 Free resource £4000.00

The Finance Officer and Committee members discussed the budget figures amending and agreeing each item individually.

Resolved:
To accept the revised budget figures for recommendation to Finance and Policy. Proposed Cllr John Martin, seconded Cllr Jim Gleeson agreed unanimously.

See attached Budget sheets

Under the discussion of seats, it was advised that the vandalised Coppice Avenue seat would be replaced and that the Police had advised that the vandal had been caught.
It was agreed that the Council would look at sites for new seating and it was agreed to provide two more seats in the Parish. Cllrs to advise the Clerk of potential sites and relay back at next Amenities Meeting.

Resolved:
Proposed Cllr Jim Gleeson, seconded Cllr Dick Broady agreed unanimously.

A07/56 Any Other Business- for noting or referral for the next Agenda for Council or appropriate Committee
" Concerns from a number of residents re footpath between 8, Meadows Road and 18, Huggetts Lane, as there are no street lamps at all along this path (Cllr Stephen Shing)

Resolved:
Members agreed unanimously to defer to next Amenities meeting.

" Proposed Traffic Calming Scheme - Wannock Avenue, Eastbourne: - Letter received from Byways and Highways dated 29th October 2007. Members viewed the proposal and agreed that we accept the proposal, with the additional request that zigzag lines are added to the corners of the new site road.

Resolved:
Members agreed unanimously to accept the proposal with additional request for zigzag lines. The Clerk to reply to the proposal with the Councils comments.

Meeting Closed at 10.20 p.m.