Ilmer Past

Parish Council Minutes

PRESENT: Cllr Val McPherson BEM (Chair), Cllrs Brian Richards (Vice), Richard Myers, Alex Barter, Rolf van Apeldoorn, Jane Rogers, Tracey Martin (Clerk).

  1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: None.

  2. MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD 16th FEBRUARY 2021: Approved by all Councillors.

  3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None declared.

  4. MATTERS ARISING NOT OTHERWISE ON THE AGENDA: None.

  5. UPDATE ON WEB COMPLIANCE AND EMAIL FRAMEWORK: Cllr Barter reported that she, Cllr Myers and the Clerk had a meeting to discuss all the outstanding issues and, apart from an issue with some images, the site is now up to date. Cllr Barter asked all Councillors to review the site and provide any feedback. Action: All

  6. TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT: Cllr McPherson reported that there had been 193 responses, 165 in paper format and 28 electronically. Initial feedback from the 100 responses analysed in more detail shows the biggest issues are the Lower Icknield Way/Chestnut Lane junction and Bar Lane/Walnut Tree Lane, with pavements and vegetation/maintenance standards also highlighted. Bus services were also raised: Cllr van Apeldoorn referred to a previous circulation from Bellway Homes stating it would provide a bus service and shelter and that the bridleway from Walnut Tree Lane up to the railway bridge would be resurfaced. Cllr Barter added that she had looked at the s.106 monies received by Buckinghamshire Council from Bellway — £315k for an AM/PM peak bus service, £15k for a bus shelter and £75k for cycleway improvements on the Phoenix Trail. Buckinghamshire Council has also received s.106 monies from Croudace, Rectory Homes and Briants. Clerk to contact Buckinghamshire Council to enquire what s.106 funds they are holding; Cllr Barter and Cllr van Apeldoorn to send details to Clerk. Action: Clerk, Cllr Barter & Cllr van Apeldoorn

  7. KISSING GATES FOR LONGWICK: Cllr Richards reported that the outstanding installation on footpath 20, Dickies Lane, is supposed to be completed this week. Cllr Richards stated that there is an obstruction by landowners in Green Lane, from Thame Road up to Owlswick, to stop continuous fly-tipping; this has been flagged to Rights of Way as to whether this is a better solution, and a physical inspection is hoped for. Cllr Richards reported that he had been contacted by a landowner in Ilmer enquiring about a couple of kissing gates; further details have been requested and Cllr Richards will report back. Cllr van Apeldoorn asked what was happening with the gate through to Wickfield Estate, which is missing a spring — this has been reported to Rights of Way but no action taken; it was agreed that Cllr van Apeldoorn would speak to Briants to get a cost for a new spring. Action: Cllr van Apeldoorn

  8. TO REVIEW QUOTES FOR REPLACING NEW BINS AND MOVING BENCHES AT THE PLAYING FIELDS: As only one quote had been received it was agreed to obtain further quotes. Cllr Rogers has a builder who may be able to provide a quote and will share details with the Clerk. Action: Cllr Rogers & Clerk

  9. PLANNING

New applications reviewed and discussed:

Applications whose status changed:

10. FINANCE

The following accounts for payment were reviewed and approved:

Payee Net VAT Gross Comment
Tracey Martin £527.83 £527.83 Salary
Pension £86.30 £86.30 Employer contribution £16.22
DCK Accounting £25.00 £5.00 £30.00 February 21 payroll
Chiltern Society £400.00 £400.00 Donation
Keith Dobson £16.00 £16.00 Playground risk assessment
TBS Hygiene £160.00 £32.00 £192.00 Bin emptying February
Tracey Martin £154.95 £154.95 Vouchers for competition, laminating pouches & home allowance
Brian Richards £7.97 £7.97 Stationery
Valerie McPherson £20.86 £20.86 Stationery and postage
Tracey Martin £300.00 £300.00 Donation to BBB charities
Camsec Security Ltd £10,619.98 £2,124.00 £12,743.98 Installation of CCTV
Total £12,318.89 £2,161.00 £14,479.89

11. CONSIDER AND APPROVE INSURANCE RENEWAL: Discussions were had on the previously circulated insurance renewal. All Councillors were in agreement to proceed with the quote from Hiscox at a cost of £825.60 annually for a three-year period.

12. CCTV UPDATE: Cllr McPherson reported that the CCTV is installed and running, however there are some issues with blurriness, ANPR dropping out and the clarity of night-time images; Cllr McPherson to address these issues with Camsec. Action: Cllr McPherson. Cllr McPherson stated that the tree in the middle of the playing field is blocking the view of the shelter, which is a major issue due to large groups gathering under it in the evenings between 7 and 9.30pm; youths were reported taking drugs, drinking alcohol, making noise and riding e-scooters over the grass, causing damage. Cllr McPherson has been in talks with the police, who have been called out most nights; suggestions included removing the shelter and/or turning on floodlights, but Councillors did not feel either was right at this time. It was agreed this was a Police issue and Cllr McPherson will escalate with the authorities and report back. Action: Cllr McPherson

13. CCTV POLICY: Camsec are producing the policy; Clerk to chase up. Action: Clerk

14. TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE REMOVAL OF TREE IN THE PLAYING FIELD IN ORDER FOR CCTV TO ACCESS ALL AREAS REQUIRED: The question was raised whether the CCTV images would be clear enough in the dark under the shelter. Cllr McPherson to enquire with Camsec. Action: Cllr McPherson

15. TO CONSIDER A GRANT APPLICATION – VILLAGE HALL RAILINGS: No application form had been received.

16. COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH IN THE VILLAGE – CONSIDER PURCHASING EQUIPMENT: Cllr McPherson reported that she hadn't received a response from Thames Valley Police, so this will be deferred to the April meeting.

17. TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE DEVOLUTION OF GREEN SPACE IN THE WYCOMBE AREA: The Clerk referred to previously circulated correspondence asking whether the Parish Council will continue maintaining Bell Crescent and Walkers Road under Devolved Services from January 2022 for a period of 3 years. Councillors were unaware that Bell Crescent and Walkers Road had been devolved to the Parish Council; the Clerk reported that a payment had been received for 2019/2020. Clerk to make enquiries and report back. Action: Clerk

18. TO APPROVE INCREASE IN COST OF RISK ASSESSMENTS FROM APRIL 2021: Cllr van Apeldoorn had accompanied the contractor on his risk assessment and was happy with the service the Council is receiving. The increase of 50p was approved, bringing the monthly risk assessments to £17.50 from April.

19. TO CONSIDER IMPLEMENTING A BY-LAW TO PROHIBIT E-SCOOTERS/QUAD BIKES ON THE PLAYING FIELD: Councillors all agreed that implementing a by-law would be difficult to enforce. It was agreed to purchase 2 A3-size signs stating that no e-scooters or off-road motorcycles may be driven on the playing fields; Clerk to look at official wording and obtain a quote. Action: Clerk

20. TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE QUOTES FOR NEW BENCHES FOR THE PLAYGROUND: Discussions were had on the previously circulated quotes. It was agreed to purchase 3 Surrey Forest Saver recycled plastic benches to replace the existing playground benches, at a cost of £415 per bench plus VAT and delivery, from Earth Anchors, which come with a 25-year guarantee. A concern was raised regarding strimmer damage to the legs, as the benches are recycled plastic; Clerk to look into having them put on concrete/slabs so they do not need to be strimmed around.

21. TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE QUOTES FOR GARAGE FASCIA: The Clerk has contacted 3 builders and no quotes have been received. Clerk to make further attempts for quotes.

22. TO DISCUSS AND DECIDE ON ANY RESPONSES TO CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND/OR ISSUED BY THE PARISH COUNCIL: Cllr McPherson had received correspondence regarding dog waste out of Wickfield's through to Williams Way; Cllr van Apeldoorn has a spare sign and will arrange for it to be put up on Williams Way. Action: Cllr van Apeldoorn. Clerk to contact the Dog Warden to see if they can carry out some patrols. Action: Clerk. The Clerk reported that the EDF direct debit has been increased from £8 to £15 to cover the use of electricity from the CCTV; this will be reviewed in 3 months to see whether it needs to be decreased.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.15pm.