Garstang Town Council

Councillors

The Planning Committee will meet at 7.00pm, prior to the Full Council meeting in the library

I hereby give you notice that a meeting of the Council will be held

at Garstang Library, Windsor Road on Monday 18 April 2016 at 7.30pm.

E Parry

Town Clerk 13 April 2016

A G E N D A 1 Apologies for Absence

2 Declaration of Interests and Dispensations

To receive disclosures of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests and dispensation requests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.

3 Minutes of the last meeting

Councillors are asked to approve as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 21 March 2016 (enclosed).

4 Public Participation (including a Police Report)

The Mayor will ask Councillors to agree to adjourn the meeting to allow non-Councillors to speak and will ask Councillors to agree to reconvene the meeting on the conclusion of the public participation.

5 Community Centre and car park

There are no updates to report.

6 Lancashire County Council a) Library community asset – for decision The Clerk has received correspondence from LCC, further to the Expression of Interest form (EoI) that the TC submitted. The EoI form that we have published on our Have Your Say website is for completion by those organisations who wish to take over from LCC the running of an asset and /or service. Having reviewed the contents of your form, it would seem that you are requesting that Garstang Library is registered as an asset of community value. This needs to be done via your district council. I have therefore sent your form on to Wyre BC. If however you are looking to take over the running of this asset, I would be grateful if you could confirm this and your EoI form will be retained and considered in due course. This has been followed up by Wyre Council, with the following. LCC would like clarification ‘because it appears that the Town Council is seeking to nominate the Library as an Asset of Community Value, rather than to negotiate to take over the running of the Library and/or ownership of the building’. Responsibility for the registration of Assets of Community Value lies with Wyre Borough Council, not the County Council. So, if you do wish to nominate the Library as an Asset

Town Clerk: Mrs E Parry Tel: 07592 792 801

email: garstangtc@btinternet.com

Garstang Police Station Moss Lane Garstang PR3 1HB

of Community Value, would you please confirm that is your intention and complete the attached form? If that is your intention, you may still wish to pursue an expression of interest in taking over the running of the County’s library or the ownership of the building with the County Council but, if that is the case, would you please clarify your position to LCC.

How do the Town Council wish to respond? b) Youth provision – for information

The Town Council have been updated of the following from 2 local residents The bus has started last week. We don't know yet how widely it was received as people have been away on holiday etc but at least it’s present. We have been told it will be in Garstang on the community centre car park on a Wednesday and Friday evenings. We are in the process of trying to start up a charity and welcome any input from the council. The group have been advised to make contact with ‘Community Futures’, based in Preston

7 Neighbourhood Plan – for information

CPRE training day 15 March 2016, County Hall, Preston. Cllr Cornthwaite and the Clerk attended the course. All details, from the course, are as follows:

As promised, all four presentations as well as the DCLG handout and the Tattenhall

Case Study and Timeline can now be found on the CPRE Lancashire website. We would

also like to draw your attention to the Mycommunity website which contains very useful

information on Neighbourhood Planning including their page on available grants and

support. Further to the minute 233(2015-16) the Clerk will be contacting neighbouring Parishes to ask if they would like to attend a presentation on the preparation of Neighbourhood Plans organised by the TC.

8 Wyre Council updates

(a) Parish Council Charter – for information

I can advise you that at the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 7 March 2016 the Task Group report – Building Stronger Relationships with Town and Parish Councils was considered. The report included the following recommendation:

That no further action should be taken regarding the introduction of a Parish Charter and the version that is currently on the council’s website should be removed. Future consideration of a Parish Charter should only take place if initiated by one or more of the borough’s town and parish councils.

The Council’s Cabinet meeting held on 23 March 2016 considered the Task Group’s Final Report - Building Stronger Relationships with Town and Parish Councils and agreed the recommendation, amongst others. Wyre Council and the task group greatly appreciate the substantial contribution made by Town and Parish Councils to the scrutiny review. The task group’s final report and details of the Cabinet’s decision, taken at their meeting on 23 March 2016, can be found HERE.

(b) Wyre Voice – for consideration

I’m writing to ask for your help with some feedback on our twice-yearly residents’ magazine please. Wyre Voice has been delivered to homes across the borough over the last couple of weeks and we’d like to know how valued it is in the community. Would it be possible to gather some feedback from councillors and residents please? Some insight into whether people feel that it contains useful information and receiving it through the door is beneficial as well as if there’s anything else they’d like to hear about from the council, would be extremely helpful in planning the content for the next edition, due out in September. You can view the publication online at www.wyre.gov.uk/wyrevoice

9 The Local Government Boundary Commission for England Electoral Review of Lancashire: Final Recommendations Statement 5 April 2016 The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England has published its final recommendations for new electoral arrangements for Lancashire County Council. Today’s publication a phase of public consultation last year on its draft proposals and draws new boundaries for each county electoral division across Lancashire. The Commission’s final recommendations propose that Lancashire should be represented by 84 county councillors in the future: the same as the current arrangement. The recommendations also propose that those councillors should represent 80 single-member electoral divisions and two two-member electoral divisions across the county. “Across the county, we have sought to balance the views expressed to us by local people with the criteria we must apply when we are deciding on new electoral arrangements. As such, we believe these recommendations deliver electoral equality for voters as well as reflecting the identities of communities in Lancashire.” In Wyre, the Commission has changed its recommendations so that the parish of Nateby is included in the Wyre Rural East division rather than Wyre Rural Central division as previously put forward. The change means that the town of Garstang will now not be divided between electoral divisions. As a result of local evidence received in consultation form local people and groups in Wyre during consultation, the Commission also now proposes that the parish of Myerscough & Bilsborrow should be part of the Wyre Rural East division as this arrangement better reflects the shape of local communities.

10 Annual Town Council Meeting (ATCM) arrangements– for decision At the above meeting (26 May), appointments onto Committees and the listed outside

bodies will be made. In preparation, Cllrs are asked to consider

a) Appointments onto Committees

Are Cllrs happy to remain on the same Committees? Amenities Committee - Cllrs Cornthwaite, Gilmore, Halford, G Harter, Salisbury and Williams Finance Committee - Cllrs Cornthwaite, G Harter, Halford, Hesketh, Hynes and Ryder Personnel Committee – Cllrs Gilmore, L Harter, Perkins, Salisbury, Webster and Williams Planning Committee - Cllrs L Harter, Hesketh, Hynes, Perkins, Ryder and Webster

b) To recommend appointments to the following outside bodies Lancashire Association of Local Council aka LALC - Area Committee Cllrs G Harter and 2 vacancies; Art Society – vacancy; Fairtrade Committee – Cllr Ryder and vacancy; Kepple Lane Park Trust – Cllr G Harter and vacancy, King’s Almshouses Trust – vacancy (Clerk to seek further advice); Millennium Green Trust – Cllr Halford; Town Trust – Cllrs G Harter and Halford Youth Council – Cllrs Gilmore, L Harter and Perkins. Planning Ambassador – Cllr Perkins

Are the Council happy to proceed with the same arrangements as last year, i.e. to provide refreshments of cheese and wine with assistance from Booths, Sainsburys and the Co-op?

11 Moss Lane playing field boundary divider The Town Council has been made aware that the boundary divider posts have been damaged by weathering. Some look as if they may be able to be “repaired”, but one has come apart quite badly. The Amenities Committee members are asked to have a

look at the fence and bring their recommendations to the Council. The Clerk has the contact details of the contractor who originally installed the boundary posts and poles. Photos are detailed on the background paper.

12 Garstang and District Children’s Festival ; Monday 30 May 2016

Members are asked to consider the following: (a) Invitation to walk in the procession meeting at the Market Hall at 10.30. (b) On behalf of the Garstang & District Children’s Festival I write to seek the council’s permission to use the Moss Lane playing fields on 30 May in order to hold our afternoon events for this year’s Festival. (c) Annual review of the Council to approve the monthly payment of £36.30 for the rental of the garage at Marshaw Place for use by the above organisation using Local Government Act 1972, Section 137.

13 Web site update – for information

Cllr Ryder will provide a verbal update

14 Council surgeries

Cllrs Hynes & Webster will provide a verbal update

15 Youth Council

The next meeting of the Youth Council will be on 11 May 2016.

16 Planning Committee (Cllr Mrs Perkins) The Chairman of the Planning Committee will give a report of the meeting held earlier in the evening. The applications to be considered are:

Planning application a) 16/00241/OULMAJ Outline planning permission for the erection of up to 269 dwellings, up to 5.532sqm of Class B1a offices, up to 3.957sqm of Class B1c light industrial floor space, up to 495sqm (gross) Class A1 convenience store, up to 300sqm (gross) Class A3 Coffee shop with associated landscaped open spaces and pedestrian/cycle link to Garstang with access taken from the A6 and Nateby Crossing Lane including the construction of a new roundabout and reconfiguration of the A6 (resubmission 14/00458/OULMAJ) Land To The West Of The A6 (Preston/Lancaster New Road) Bounded By Nateby Crossing Lane & Croston Barn Lane Nateby Garstang

b) 16/00294/FUL First floor rear extension, 1 Leicester Avenue

17 Finance

a) Payments to be approved: Bill payment Salaries (E Parry –& M Rossall) Cheque No. Payee Amount 102035 Zurich Insurance c/f (approved March meeting) 1,196.16 102036 Mrs E Parry - Clerks expenses (22/3/16 – 18/4/16 inc) tbc 102037 HM Revenue (month 10 – 12, 2015/16 payment) 1,884.68 102038 Preparation of payroll & pension auto enrolment service 384.00

b) Statement of Accounts, 31 March 2016 - for information Current account £ 1,022.38 Reserve account £53,270.87 Money Market Account 1 year £10,055 c) Finance Committee meeting 12 April 2016

The Committee considered correspondence from LCC relating to the grass cutting arrangements with the Town Council. The TC were informed, that in order for LCC to achieve budget savings, the rate to be paid would be reduced from 36p to 29p per metre square. Garstang’s grass cutting area is 2,330 m2 2015 2,330 m2 @ 36p 838.80 2016 2,330 m2 @ 29p 675.70

The Finance Committee resolved that the revised rate should be recommended for approval by Full Council.

18 Written reports from Outside Bodies (information only)

None received.

19 Written Report from Wyre and Lancashire County Councillors (information only)

County Cllr Perkins Full Council Meeting

Extended Parish Council meetings with Myerscough and Bilsborrow and Catterall to discuss Highways

and safety on A6 with Neil Stevens senior Highways officer

Parish Council meetings in Forton & Scorton

Museums Cabinet Working Group

County Council Dementia Strategy Group

Stop and Search Scrutiny

LALC

Governor Services Selection Committee

Wyre Cllr Atkins Attended a task group meeting

Wyre Cllr Collinson

Attended a license meeting

20 Mayor’s report (information only)

March 2016 14th Shaping Your Neighbourhood 15th All party meeting re Community Centre 17th Attended Lancashire Young Citizen’s award with youth councillor Oliver Atkinson (recipient of award) 25th Meeting KWH and Working Party

21 Town Crier report Date Activity Time of

activity Approx Hours Spent

7.1.16 URC Charity Coffee Morning

AM 2.5

18.1.16 Arts Festival Open Meeting

PM I.5

21.1.16

Meeting with Councillors

AM 1.0

22.1.16 Arts Festival Meeting

AM 1.5

19.2.16 Arts Festival Meeting AM 1.5

20.2.16 Art Centre Craft and Collectors Fair

AM 2.0

3.3.16 URC Charity Coffee Morning

AM 2.5

12.3.16 Promoting Fair Trade Fortnight

AM 2.0

13.3.16 Opening Fair Trade Table Top Sale

AM 2.5

16.3.16 Rotary Club Talk and Presentation of Community Service Award

PM 3.0

18.3.16 Arts Festival Meeting

AM 1.5

22 Items for Next Agenda

Councillors are asked to raise matters to be included on the agenda and ‘Report of other representatives and projects’, for the meeting of the Town Council on

16 May 2016 by notifying the Clerk by 17.00, 6 April 2016. The item should specify the

business which it is proposed to transact in such a way that the member who receives it can identify the matters which he will be expected to discuss i.e. it needs to specify either what the proposal is and that a decision is required or whether the item is for information only.

The Annual Town Meeting will take place on Monday 25 April at 7.30pm in Garstang library, Windsor Road

GARSTANG TOWN COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 21 MARCH 2016, 7.30pm

AT THE LIBRARY

In attendance: Chairman – Cllr Mrs L Harter Councillors: Cornthwaite, Gilmour, G Harter, Hesketh, Hynes, Ryder, Perkins, Salisbury and Webster Also present: PCSO Kirsty Newson (part), Wyre Ward Cllr Atkins and 10 members of the public

249(2015-16) Apologies for absence

Cllr Halford and Williams

250(2015-16) Declaration of Interest Kepple Lane Park – pecuniary interest, Cllrs Gilmore and G Harter; Trustees Kepple Lane Park Trust. Cllr L Harter pecuniary interest – wife of Cllr G Harter who is a Trustee of the Trust.

251(2015-16) Minutes A copy of the minutes of the Council meeting held on 15 February 2016 had been circulated. Resolved: The minutes were confirmed and signed as a true record.

252(2015-16) Public Participation (including a Police Report)

The meeting was adjourned to allow members of the public to speak. The Mayor read out a statement from Keyworker Homes relating to the withdrawal of the Garstang Business Centre Consultation from their website.

1. A member of the public raised points/questions relating to planning applications that had been recently submitted to Wyre Council; concern that there was not a Local Plan in place. This led to a further views being raised about if these applications were approved by Wyre Council, how the service infrastructure would be able to cope with the extra demand. There was a shortage of doctors in the area; concern if local schools could take the possible extra intake of pupils.

2. A member of the public, spoke about the Action Garstang questionnaire results and the revised scheme by Keyworker Homes.

Cllrs had received a copy of the police report ‘February 2016 crime and incident summary for Garstang and Over Wyre’. The meeting was reconvened. 253(2015-16) Community Centre and car park An update had been provided by the working party. A meeting had taken place with Mr Bailey, MD of Keyworker Homes (10 March). It was hoped that their plans would have been ready to be presented to Wyre before GTC’s meeting in March so that a full discussion could take place by council, and the plans could have been seen by all. Plans had not been submitted to the Town Council, in time for them to be placed on the agenda. The following points were raised by the WP and confirmed by KWH.

WP: That we can work closely with you regarding the room layout for community use (including kitchen and toilet areas) KWH: In due course we will forward the CAD extract and section to enable you to design your layout given the Window Openings and Circulation space we have. WP: That Wyre can have the lease for the car park in perpetuity. KWH: Yes WBC will take a long lease and the public car parking area will be protected by a restrictive covenant that it must remain as parking in perpetuity. WP: That the Town Council can have the lease for the community room and office for a long term (to be agreed) period. KWH: Yes we have no problem with this. WP: That all Garstang community events can still use the car park to gather/line-up etc.

KWH: Yes – we would probably shade a protected area of parking for retail use on these occasions but there should be no restriction on events. WBC I assume organise this presently and will continue. WP: That the Lion’s bonfire can still go ahead each year – the car park is used for vendors and small fairground equipment. KWH: The Bonfire site itself is out of our land interest but the use of the car park for the event will be agreed with WBC as usual and will not be restricted.”

The WP also reported that they had met with representatives of Action Garstang, Chamber of Trade and the Town Trust (15 March) to discuss the results of the Action Garstang questionnaire.

The results of the survey can be seen on http://www.garstangunderthreat.org/breaking-news.html

254(2015-16) c) Library community asset

There were no updates to report. d) Youth provision

The Clerk had circulated details of correspondence from local residents, relating to the Garstang Young People's Centre, which operates from the basement of the community centre (currently operating from the former Fig Tree café room) and more general comments about the young people in Garstang. The meeting was adjourned to allow members of the public to speak. PCSO Newson arrived at this point and was able to give an update on the recent antisocial behaviour. The police were engaging with the young people, looking at the sale of the crow bangers in the area and had introduced a ‘Dispersal Order’ over the weekend. Comments made by members of the public included concerns over the recent anti-social behaviour and the effect it was having on residents and the local community. Concerns about the closing of the Young People’s (YP) centre, which operates from the community centre and the introduction of a mobile service. Could the gate between Booths and Aldi be shut in the evenings? The meeting was reconvened. Dual hatted Cllr Perkins spoke of the closure of the YP centre. She would be seeking updates from LCC. The TC were supporting the police, who were responding to resolve the issues.

e) Withdrawal of Subsidies for Local Bus Services Cllrs noted the correspondence from LCC. With regards to the proposals for withdrawing all subsidies for bus services, we have been working hard to ensure that we can protect as many subsidised bus services as possible. The good news is that we have now come to a decision that 60% out of the 113 bus services in Lancashire that we currently subsidise will still run in some form or other - though there may be changes to the routes and times of these services. We have reallocated £2m and have worked with bus operators to enable this to happen. Our priority is to support services that help you get to work and education. Those bus services we will no longer be supporting will either be run by the bus operators on a commercial basis or will stop running after 2 April. The following link, details the latest information http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/public-transport/bus-service-changes.aspx

255(2015-16) Web site

Cllr Ryder reported that the Town Council’s new web site was now ‘live’ and was launched on 17 March. The new website aims to disseminate Town Council and local information to enable residents to interact with the Council, allow residents to put their views across and to aid the Town Council in making decisions which will ultimately help the council in setting its priorities. This will also ensure that the community is given the opportunity to be involved in and influence, policy making, service delivery and evaluation in order to ensure that the Council continually improve services.

256(2015-16) Council surgeries

The Clerk suggested that a rota was drawn up for the Council surgeries. Resolved: 2 April – Cllrs Hynes & Webster; 7 May - Cllr Gilmour; 4 June - Cllr Ryder; 2 July – Cllrs Hesketh and L Harter, no surgery in August, 3 September – Cllrs Cornthwaite and Salisbury, 1 October – Cllrs Ryder and Webster, 5 November – Cllrs G Harter and Hesketh, no surgery in December. The details would be put on the new web site.

257(2015-16) Catterall Gala – Saturday 4 June 2016

The Clerk reported that the Mayor elect and Mayoress and two Council representatives had been invited to the above gala at 1.30pm. Refreshments will be served afterwards. Resolved: Mayor and Mayoress elect, Cllr Ryder and the Young Mayor (if available) to

attend. 258(2015-16) Maintenance of Kepple Lane and Moss Lane Playing Fields

(a) Cllrs noted that the maintenance agreement for the above playing fields is due for renewal. Wyre Council confirmed that the cost of grounds maintenance operations for the above sites for 2016/17 would be: Kepple Lane - £2309.00 + vat and Moss Lane - £1811.00 + vat Additionally, Wyre Council had confirmed that should the Town Council agree to a 3 year agreement the above prices could be confirmed for the period of the agreement. (b) maintenance of the play facilities at Kepple Lane Park Wyre Council confirmed that the inspection and maintenance of the above facilities would be £1000 + vat per annum for the forthcoming financial year, in line with the current agreement. Resolved: The Council agreed to renew the playing field maintenance agreement with

Wyre Council for a period of 3 years for Kepple Lane - £2309.00 + vat and Moss Lane - £1811.00 + vat. The Council further resolved to approve the cost of £1000 + vat for the inspection and maintenance of the play facilities at Kepple Lane Park for the forthcoming financial year. The costs would be allocated to code 4760. 259(2015-16) Insurance

Cllrs were asked to consider the renewal premium of £1,196.16. From 1st April 2016, this will be the 5th year of the 5 year agreement. Last year’s premium was £1,135; (the insurance premium tax has risen from 6% to 9.5%). The renewal date is 1 April 2016. Renewal: Council agreed the renewal premium of £1,196.16 and that payment is made

after 1 April 2016. 260 (2015-16) Governing Documents

Cllrs considered, the following documents a) Risk management policy b) Procedure for a casual vacancy for town councillor Resolved: Council approved the 2 documents and agreed to display them on the new

Council website.

261 (2015-16) Youth Council

Cllrs considered the draft minutes of the recent Youth Council meeting (9 March) The Mayor reported that Youth Cllr Oliver Atkinson was a runner up in the recent “Lancashire Young Citizen of the Year 2016” awards and was presented with his “Highly Commended” certificate by Amanda Parker High Sheriff of Lancashire on 17 March. The ceremony took place at Hutton Police HQ, and he was praised for his community involvement, his fundraising for Kepple Lane Park, and for generally raising the profile of Garstang Youth Council. 262 (2015-16) Purchase of hedge trimmer

Council were asked to consider the purchase of a new hedge trimmer. The old hedge trimmer (purchased 2005), was inspected by Horns Garden Machinery, last December. The TC was advised of potential costs of maintaining the trimmer; around £200. Due to the age of item, it was recommended by the Clerk & Lengthsman to replace with new from 1 April 2016 (as detailed in budget figures Jan 16).

Resolved: Cllrs approved the expenditure of up to £350 to purchase a new hedge trimmer.

Provision has been made in the budget against code 4702 263 (2015-16) Planning Committee

Cllr Perkins reported on the Planning Committee meeting held earlier that evening. 264(2015-16) Finance Resolved: Cllrs approved the following payments. Bill payment Salaries (E Parry –& M Rossall) 102024 Mrs E Parry - Clerks expenses (21 Jan 16 – 21 March 16 inc) 23.40 102028 LALC – membership 534.90 102029 Wyre Council 20.00 Room hire January 2016 17.50 Room hire February 2016 17.50 102030 Green Flag award fee – Kepple Lane Park 374.40 102031 Cancelled cheque 102033 Printmob 378.00 Website development – 360.00 Website development additional calendar plugin – 18.00 102032 CPRE annual membership 36.00 102033 Arts Centre 73.00 room hire - Town meeting & July & August meetings 48.00 Armed Forces day refreshments 25.00

Statement of Accounts

The statement of accounts at 29 February 2016 showed a reconciliation of: Current account £ 2,642 Reserve account £60,763 Money Market Account 1 year £10,055

265(2015-16) Written reports from Outside Bodies

No written reports received.

266(2015-16) Written Report from Wyre and Lancashire County Councillors County Cllr Mrs Perkins Attended Protect Duty briefing Health and Wellbeing briefing Combined Authority Briefing HWRC meeting Army briefing Fairtrade breakfast Forton, Cabus and Churchtown Parish council meetings

Wyre Cllr Atkins

February 17th

Cabinet Meeting February 18

th Meeting with Case Officer re Planning

March 1st

Conservative Group Meeting March 2

nd WB Planning Meeting

March 3rd

Council Meeting I thought it right to inform you that I spoke forcefully against the proposals on Agenda Item 10 of the Wyre Borough Council Agenda regarding changes to Planning Committee Meetings. There have been some changes to these. There will be no pre-registration for Councillors and if there is more than one Wyre Borough Councillor representing the Ward all will be allowed to speak for 3 minutes each. The Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee will speak in the main debate with the Committee and not be part of the summing up. These new proposals will be looked at again in six months time.

Councillor Alice Collinson and myself were among those who abstained. March 7

th Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Town & Parish Task Group recommendations on the

Agenda March 9th Garstang Youth Council March 14th Shaping Your Neighbourhood Meeting, Town Trust

Wyre Cllrs Balmain & Collinson – no reports 267(2015-16) Mayor’s Report Mayor's report February 2016 8th Meeting with Borough Councillors 9th WP meeting with KWH and Wyre 11th All party meeting (apols sent) 12th Town Clerk appraisal 15th Town council meeting 27th Garstang Lions Charter evening

268(2015-16) Clerk’s Annual Leave and TOIL

The press and public were excluded for this item. Resolved: The Council accepted the recommendation from the Personnel Committee that

the clerk is allowed to carry forward 5 days into the next financial year, and as a one off, to be paid for the balance of the 10 days. Details of payment itemised in confidential minute 269(2015-16) Items for next Council Meeting

Councillors were asked to raise matters to be included on the agenda and ‘Report of other representatives and projects’, for the meeting of the Town Council on 18 April 2016 by notifying the Clerk by 17.00, 8 April 2016. The item should specify the business which it is proposed to transact in such a way that the member who receives it can identify the matters which he will be expected to discuss i.e. it needs to specify either what the proposal is and that a decision is required or whether the item is for information only.

The meeting finished at 21.00

Item 11 Moss Lane playing field boundary divider