The minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 17th March 2008 at Willingdon Primary School Rapsons Road Willingdon.

Present
Councillor J Pritchett (Chairman) (JP)
Councillors:- Trish Delaney (TD), Fran Pritchett (FP), Richard Broady (RB), Yvonne Puttee (YP)
Graham Broom (GB), Jo Carr (JC), Colin Laycock (CL), Christina Lynn (CLY), Ron Cussons (RC)
Stephen Shing (SS), John Martin (JM), Linda Francis (LF), Ray Ingram (RI),
Sandra Fullman (SF), Jim Gleeson (JG), Derek Cooper (DC)

Also present:-
The Clerk - Carol Adams (CA)
Richie Davidson - PCSO (RD)
Carly Wymark - Eastbourne Herald

CO7/76 Apologies and reason for absence
Cllr Bonnie Beck - Absent
Cllr Daniel Shing - Absent
Cllr Roy Martin - at Polegate meeting

C07/77 Declaration of Interests
None

C07/78 Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 10th December 2007 were accepted and
adopted.

C07/80 Matters Arising from these minutes not otherwise on the agenda
a) Completion of Tarmacing in Oldfield Road
Cllr Stephen Shing advised Members that ESCC will be completing this coming financial year.
Cllr John Pritchett asked when the kerbing in Oldfield Road will be completed. Cllr Stephen Shing advised that the issue was taken up by Cllr Matthew Lock, as he was to attend a meeting with EDF. There has been no news as yet, but Cllr Stephen Shing to check with Cllr Lock.

b) Councillors training
The Clerk advised Members that there is Councillor training at East Dean and asked could anyone wishing to attend should advise the Clerk ASAP. Cllr Christina Lynn accepted and Cllrs John Martin, Jo Carr and Graham Broom will check availability and let Clerk know.

c) Lease of Parish Office
The Clerk advised the Committee that the Council has a continuing lease until the Council no longer requires the premises.

d) Moving of footpath Jevington
The Clerk advised Members that she had contacted ESCC who advised that the landowner has to apply for a diversion, which could cost upwards of a £1000 and take up to a year to complete. The applicant must also advertise in the press and if there are any objections, the matter could go to a Public enquiry. ESCC are sending an application pack. A discussion ensued. Cllr Stephen Shing to seek information from ESCC and report back.

e) No Cold Calling Zone Launch
The Clerk advised Members of the Launch of the No Cold Calling Scheme in Willingdon, on Tuesday 25th March 2008 at 2p.m. at the Library.

f) Firework storage
The Clerk reminded Members of the E-mail received from Cllr Stephen Shing on this matter. Licences have been granted and WDC will continue to do inspections as required.

g) Amended Meeting Schedule
Members had received the meeting schedule and were in agreement.

C07/81 Council agreed to bring Item 11 on Agenda brought forward
PCSO Report

WILLINGDON & JEVINGTON CRIME UPDATE

December 2007, January & February 2008

This period we have received 268 calls from members of the public and residents of Willingdon & Jevington.

This period we have 51 crimes in total. This is 10 less than the last 3 monthly reporting period.

WILLINGDON CRIME FIGURES

CRIME DEC JAN FEB TOTAL
THEFTS 2 5 3 (1 bilking) 10
VEHICLE CRIME 3 2 1 6
BURGLARY 3 2 2 7
CRIMINAL DAMAGE 3 5 10 18
VIOLENCE 0 1 6 7
OTHER 1 2 0 3

TOTAL CRIME 12 17 22 51

SPEED WATCH

I am now conducting speed watch checks along with my PCSO colleagues. We will be conducting a minimum of 2 hours of checks each month. These checks so far have been a great success. We have caught a number of people speeding on Wannock Road and I have also carried out checks on Seven Sisters Road. The main purpose of our checks is to provide a high visibility presence to passing motorists in order to send home the message that we are monitoring vehicles speed in the area. Letters are sent out to the homes of offending vehicles warning them of their future conduct. We also keep a record of the vehicles warnings have been sent out to. This is checked regularly and if a vehicle comes to note again a more strongly worded final letter is sent out. After this we would then ask Roads Policing to look into the matter, who can then carry out further enforcement and issue endorsable fixed penalty notices.

WHAT WE DO WHEN STOPPING YOUTHS

I felt that it would be beneficial to everyone if I discuss how we, as PCSO's deal with anti-social behaviour and drunk youths within Willingdon and South Wealden as a whole.

When there is a group of youths, the first thing we do is to engage with them. This could be by talking or just standing in the group to show a presence. If they are making a noise or becoming a nuisance then we will speak to them about their behaviour.

If the issue becomes more apparent, then we will start to take the details of the people in the group. These details are then passed onto the schools liaison officer and ASBO officer and letters are sent to the parents informing them where there child was and what they were doing.

If there is alcohol in the group, this is seized and destroyed. Names are taken of all the children in the group and again letters sent out to the parents. This is the same for any tobacco being used by underage children.

If the child is drunk, we have a duty of care to that person. Therefore we will consider phoning the parents and asking them to come and collect their child, or we may take the child home and speak to the parents. A letter is also sent.

If the child comes to our attention more than twice in a set period, we will then ask them to attend Hailsham Police Station along with their parents in order to sign an acceptable behaviour contract. Nine times out of ten this is enough to curb the behaviour of the child.

However, if their behaviour continues to come to our attention we then look at obtaining an Anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) through the courts.

C07/82 Public Question Time
None

C07/83 Reports

a) County Council -
Cllr Stephen Shing
Cllr Shing gave his report.

POST OFFICE MOTION
I have put forward the following motion at East Sussex County Council to be discussed on 25th March:

Following the excellent initiative of Essex County Council in negotiating with Royal Mail to take over and run several Post Offices that would, as a result of the forthcoming cuts, be otherwise lost to their local communities, that this Council makes the necessary arrangements for the economic and social implications of such an arrangement for selected Post Offices threatened with closure in East Sussex to be considered by Cabinet to determine whether plans can be drawn up and negotiations entered into.

COPHALL ROUNDABOUT TRAFFIC LIGHTS
The remaining traffic lights are still causing confusion many residents have made complaints to me and I have forwarded their suggestions that there should only be a pedestrian crossing light,

SEVEN SISTERS FOOTPATH
Residents in Seven Sisters Road are pleased that their footways have finally been repaired to an acceptable standard after the poor efforts of last year. I have been pressing, alongside residents, for Wealden Council to 'make good' and thank everyone for their patience - and for their support on this - we now have the safe footways we need - and deserve.
SEWAGE SYSTEM WORKS IN COURTLAND ROAD AND CLEMENT LANE
The new improvement sewage system works in Courtland Road and Clement Lane, Polegate, have been completed on time and the work has been carried out to high professional standards. The communication between the contractors, local residents and Councillors was excellent - with all being kept well informed of developments.

WILLINGDON PRE-SCHOOL BUILDING LEASE
I am delighted that the lease between East Sussex County Council and Willingdon Pre-School has been completed. It has been a lengthy process for them to settle on an agreement that meets the requirements for the operation of a pre-school.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank solicitor Jeremy Howes for his dedicated help to Willingdon pre-school, and to the East Sussex County Council Legal and Child Care teams for all their good work.
FRESHWATER SQUARE
I recently met, on site, with the Managing Agents for Freshwater Square. A number of issues were discussed - including the repair of the car park potholes and the renewal of the flats' verandah 'safety fences'.
We discussed improvements to the rear refuse area, with better lighting and, also, the Agents are to look at ways of restricting access to fly-tippers and abandoned vehicles. I'm hopeful our positive talks will lead to very positive actions
SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK
In support of the residents and Parish Council at Long Man, I wrote to DEFRA pledging my support for the proposal to include the whole of the village of Wilmington within the National Park boundary.
I fully agree that it would be wrong to split the community, and the historic and beautiful village, into two. I am wholly alongside the community in trusting that common sense will prevail on this important issue.
NO COLD-CALLING ZONE COMING TO WILLINGDON
East Sussex County Council's Trading Standards Service, the Wealden Safer Partnership and Willingdon Parish Council have joined forces to plan the scheme. The partners have been working together with the aim of preventing unwanted callers and bogus tradesmen cold calling and now they want to hear what local people think about the plans.

I am delighted to have joined the public consultation event that took place on 15th February at the Parish Council Office in Gorringe Valley Road with East Sussex County Council Trading Standards Services.
HIGHWAYS AGENCY 'SLAMMED' OVER A27 WORKS
Recent road-widening work at the junction of the A27 and A2270, undertaken by the Highways Agency, has left many residents angry. A failure to enforce road closures has led to a trail of destruction - especially throughout Stud Farm. One resident witnessed the destruction of kerbs, verges and paths, by a huge lorry - at 11:45pm - and has described the scene as 'devastating'. I have pressed Highways Agency to get the repairs to be paid for by the perpetrators - not by the taxpayer.
YELLOW EARTH THEATRE
On February 29th The Yellow Earth Theatre visited Willingdon Primary- sponsored by China Now. I was privileged to attend and talk at the first "China Day" themed event at Willingdon Primary School with year 6 pupils.

I was also amazed that every student had some questions for me, a large number were very interested in the Chinese language. I sent website links to the school; so that they can use the online Chinese dictionary. To promote the education of the Chinese culture in schools, I will talk to the Embassy in London and request them to present a set of Chinese textbooks to the school.

Cllr Roy Martin
No report

b) Wealden District Council -
Cllr Stephen Shing
Report covered in County report.

Cllr Daniel Shing
Litter
Due to the recent windy weather, I have received many complaints regarding fallen tree leaves and litter. Wealden have carried out a number of extra litter picks in the Willingdon area to manage this problem.
2nd Willingdon Cub visit
I was honoured to attend the recent Chinese New Year celebrations with the 2nd Willingdon Cubs in February. To celebrate the Year of the Rat I was asked to give a short talk and answer questions. At the end of the evening, I presented each cub, and adult, with a traditional red envelope, to share happiness and prosperity over the forthcoming New Year.
Reviews of Polling Districts and Polling Places
Since I reported this back in September 07, Wealden District Council has approved that the Watermill ward residents should be included with the Willingdon polling stations. This will be much simpler, efficient and easier for residents and Wealden District Council.
This will be take effect in the next elections.
Public toilet at the Willingdon Triangle
Wealden District Council has closed the toilets at the Triangle, Willingdon until further notice. The sudden closure came about as a result of the ceiling's deterioration and suspected asbestos content. I am annoyed that despite having made complaints to the council since October last year, the council has not taken any action to repair the ceiling.
22 Broad Road - Planning Application
Following Wealden District Council's refusal of this application, the matter has been brought before the Planning Inspectorate. Stephen and I have written to the planning inspectorate to support the refusal of this application.
Seven Sisters - grass verges
I have received many complaints about the damage to the grass verges in this area and the County Council have been repairing the verges with soil and seed.
With regard to the deterioration of the footway in Seven Sisters Road I am pleased to be able to advise that repairs to the access to the garages opposite No 40 and No's 1-7 are due to be carried out soon. There may be more footway repairs in the area during the forthcoming financial year.
243 - 251 Eastbourne Road - Care home development
Many residents have raised their concerns in respect of the above with me and I am aware of the situation. To prevent jeopardising my voting rights, I confirm that as a substitute member of Wealden's Development Control (South) Committee, I have not publicly stated my opinion on this matter.
Speed Checks
Residents have raised their concerns to me about speeding in Wannock, I have passed this request onto Richie Davidson, our PCSO who will look into the matter.

Cllr Ron Cussons
Report of Wealden District Councillor Ron Cussons.

The new budget for 2008/9 has now been set without services that affect the Ratepayer being cut, and finances are in good health.

Wealden Council an increase of 4.2%
For band D Council Tax, Average Parish/Town Council 7.5%

Just a few of actions the Council has achieved:
Collected 99.94% of recycling and reuse bins on the correct day.
The Charter Mark for 3 of our services.
Determined 95% of domestic planning applications within 8 weeks.
Reduced the number of homeless people.
Developed a Hailsham/Eastbourne regeneration Strategy.
Worked with the Safer Wealden Partnership to help tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime.

In the news
A select committee has been set up to decide where the new Town Hall should be built, in the north or south of the district, this hopefully will be resolved over the new year, this will create savings and better efficiency of our staff not having to spend time travelling between Crowborough and Hailsham.

Discussions have taken place with regarding the option of charging on our car parks, to ensure services will not have to be cut in future years to balance the budget, most council across the country do charge for their car parks. This option has NOT been taken up for the forthcoming financial year.

I am to serve on the Eastbourne/Hailsham Triangle project board, to help a visioning exercise in respect of the Triangle Master plan.

Cllr Stephen Shing mentioned the fact that we do not have a representative for the Triangle Local development. The Chairman Cllr John Pritchett pointed out that he would be our representative and that Cllr Shing can report back. Cllr Cussons advised that he is also on this project board and can report back as well. Cllr Pritchett advised this is sufficient representation for the Parish.
Cllr Stephen Shing and Cllr Ron Cussons to report back any information as and when to Council.

C07/84 Cllr John Pritchett gave his report.
Report of Council Chairman
Cllr John Pritchett advised he was invited to Willingdon Community School in
relation to youth issues. Schools are looking at making art and craft sessions
available. During the summer there will be the opportunity for parents to take
their children to Charleston Manor, but unfortunately it may not be these children
that caused the issues experienced last year. There is a Youth Club at the school till
5 p.m. and the school closes at 6 p.m.
Polgate are purchasing a Youth Shelter that is envisaged being used by mums during the day and youths at other times. Cllr Pritchett suggested that the Council monitor the success of Polegate's shelter and review previous discussions as to whether this Council should invest in a Youth Shelter as well.
The Youth Club at Polegate has 104 members signed up though not all attend. The idea of helping to finance another youth worker had been proposed. The Clerk advised that the cost of a youth worker is approximately £34 per evening, which would be approximately £1768 per annum. But there could be an issue with proposing to fund another evening as the Cricket Club may be proposing to use the Pavilion also. There would also be an issue as to the amount of money allocated in the Budget for this year, but this would have to be discussed at Finance and Policy.
Cllr Pritchett advised he had also attended the Parish and Planning Conference which was very interesting and highlighted that by 2026 Wealden needs to have an additional 9600 dwellings. It has already been agreed in the draft plan to 2011 as to where houses are going.
Cllr Stephen Shing suggested that the Parish Council invite a WDC Planning Officer to speak at a future meeting. Clerk to invite.
Cllr Ron Cussons raised issues around the 106 Agreement, highlighting that monies do not appear to be going to the Villages, and suggested the Council make a list of things that need to be done and tap into the 106 agreement monies. Councillors to put forward any works they feel could be covered by this and report to Clerk, Clerk to then look into.
Cllr John Pritchett advised Members that he had attended and took part in the Sports Relief event on the Huggetts Lane Recreation Ground, walking a mile with residents, children and dogs for charity. The event was a success.
Cllr John Pritchett advised he was extremely disappointed with the recent press release over the Hindsland Playing field and the appearance of discussions being held behind closed doors. Cllr Pritchett advised the Council has been attempting to obtain Hindsland Playing field for the community for 14 years. Cllr Stephen Shing suggested the Council write to Cllr Roy Martin and Polegate Town Council to enquire what is happening. Clerk to write to Cllr Roy Martin and Polegate Town Council.

C07/85 Report of the Clerk to Council and correspondence received by the Clerk for action/noting
a) Reports

" Councillors Reports
The Clerk asked if Members writing reports for Full council could submit them to her by E-mail (for those on E-mail) a clear seven days before the Parish Council Meeting. Cllr Ron Cussons asked if the Clerk could send out a reminder. Clerk to remind Councillors.

b) Items for Action and Information
Items for Action
" East Sussex and Brighton and Hove Waste and Minerals Development Framework
Cllrs to advise the Clerk of any comments by the end of the week.

Items for Information
" Sussex Review - Spring 2008

C07/86 Report of Responsible Financial Officer Pages 7 - 17
(a) Orders for payment for December 2007, January and February 2008 for approval.

Resolved:
Proposal to accept orders for payment for December 2007, January and February 2008. Proposed Cllr John Pritchett, seconded Cllr Colin Laycock, unanimously agreed.

C07/87 Minutes for ratification
a) Amenities 11/2/08 - Cllr John Martin
The minutes of the meetings held on 11th February 2008 were accepted and adopted.
Proposed Cllr John Martin, seconded Cllr John Pritchett, unanimously agreed.

b) Planning and Licensing Applications and 8/1/08, - Cllr Fran Pritchett
28/1/08, 4/2/08 and 18/2/08, 3/3/08
The minutes of the meetings held 8/1/08, 28/1/08, 4/2/08 and 18/2/08, 3/3/08
were accepted and adopted.
Proposed Cllr Fran Pritchett, seconded Cllr Trish Delaney, unanimously agreed

c) Cemetery 4/2/08 - Cllr Linda Francis
The minutes of the meeting held on 4th February 2008 were accepted and adopted.
Proposed Cllr Linda Francis, seconded Cllr Derek Cooper, unanimously agreed.
d) Finance and Policy 28/1/08 - Cllr Colin Laycock
The minutes of the meeting held on 28th January 2008 were accepted and adopted.
Proposed Cllr Colin Laycock, seconded Cllr John Pritchett, unanimously agreed.

Cllr Colin Laycock advised Members that the Council Tax had been increased due to declining Reserves and reminded Council that it had not been increased in the previous 4 years.
Cllr Stephen Shing asked about the accident at Willingdon Memorial Hall on Appendix E, FP08/8 (d). Cllr Ron Cussons advised Cllr Shing and Members of the incident.

C07/97 Reports of Parish Representatives
a) Wealden Association of Local Councils - Cllrs Ron Cussons/ Linda Francis
Cllr Linda Francis reported reference training.

b) Village Hall Representatives
(i) Willingdon Memorial Hall - Cllr Ron Cussons
I attended a meeting of the hall committee on Saturday 2nd February. At 10am.

An election for membership of the committee was made and all last years members were re elected.

A new heating system was now operational and for once the hall was now acceptably warm in winter.

A letter has gone out to all users to ask them to respect the new refurbishments and instructions where to store and how to move furniture around without damaging the new floor.

It was advised that a bid had been made to the Parish Council to complete some for the remaining capitol works, and I advised that a specification brief should be made and tenders received off at least three contractors, these should be priced by each contractor for the same work.

Details were given about a member of public claiming damages for falling over a post in the garden outside the side of the hall adjoining the main road. I advised that this could be the responsibility of the Country Council; the Parish Council has details of this occurrence.

There are other short posts put in the same area to stop people driving from the front car park onto the side lawn, which we feel are a health and safety hazard and the County who put them in are being advised of our feelings.

I have attached a list of booking in the hall for February; you will see it is probably the busiest hall in our Parish. And therefore out investment in this hall is full justified.

Cllr Cussons advised Members that the Hall is very well used and keeps volunteers busy. Cllr John Pritchett asked Cllr Cussons if there will be any restrictions made when the new stage is fitted and commented that it should not bar those who have used the hall for many years. Cllr Cussons advised this should not happen.

(ii) Wannock Hall - Cllr Yvonne Puttee
Cllr Yvonne Puttee had submitted the following report:
The necessary building work for the improvement and maintenance of the hall is continuing.
The committee felt that they would like to meet the council members and, where appropriate, to discuss any concerns they may have. The residents of the area are not really happy about getting out in the evenings and they are therefore unable to keep in touch with events and to meet their councillors as much as they would like. It was suggested that on one Saturday morning a gathering might be held.
Cllr Yvonne Puttee asked if something could be arranged to include the Wannock Hall more. Cllr John Pritchett suggested we use the hall on occasions for Committee meetings. Cllr Puttee to advise the Clerk when renovations are complete and then Clerk to book hall for certain meetings.

(iii ) Jevington Hall - Cllr Jo Carr
Cllr Jo Carr updated Members that the next Residents Association Meeting will be held on Monday 17th April 2008 at 7.30p.m. The Right of Way issue continues to go ahead.

c) Jevington Sports and Cricket Club - Cllr Jo Carr
Cllr Carr advised the AGM had just been held. They are at present in negotiations with various clubs interested in using the ground, but that some of the requests raise a number of issues.

d) Cuckmere Community Bus - Mr L Baker
No report at present

e) Willingdon Neighbourhood Watch - Cllrs Dick Broady/Ray Ingram
Cllr Ray Ingram advised Members that the Crime Prevention Officer had retired after 42 years.
Cllr Richard Broady advised he was unable to make the last meeting.

f) Polegate Windmill - Cllr Christina Lynn gave following report:
Cllr Christina Lynn advised Members that there had been 2 committee meetings. The Windmill is closed at present and will re-open on 23rd March 2008 with a full programme. Cllr Lynn advised there are 69 ordinary members and 24 life members of the windmill. The AGM is to be held on 18th March at St Johns Church hall at 7.30p.m.
Cllr Lynn asked reference the requested gate, Clerk to contact ESCC Highways Department.

C07/98 Any Other Urgent Business - for noting or reference to next Agenda for Council or appropriate Committee

The Clerk advised Members of a letter received from Doreen Giller, thanking the Council for the use of the Pavilion and their support for Sport Relief.

The Clerk advised Members that the latest Fieldwork Magazine for March 2008 was in the Parish Office.

Cllr Stephen Shing asked if the Council pay for, or if it has ever had to pay for the LCR Magazine. Clerk to investigate and report back at next meeting.

C07/99 Next Meetings:-
Planning 31/3/08
Amenities 31/3/08
Cemetery 7/4/08
Finance and Policy 28/4/08

Meeting closed at 8.30 p.m.