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The proceedings of WHITTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
05 July 2005 and 06 September 2005
This report is a resume of the meetings held on 5th July and 6th September.
Councillors were surprised to hear that the network officer from Countryside Services who inspected Burrow Mill Lane considers the surface to be to a good standard. He states that, 'any drainage work that needs to be done is the responsibility of the landowner(s)'. The clerk will contact the department again.
The footway either side of Leighton House is scheduled to be repaired this month.
The council asked that the clerk make enquiries about the possibility of erecting a mirror to improve visibility at the exit of Hosticle Lane.
Councillors reported an increase in speeding through Newton again, combined with dangerous overtaking. PC.Paul Winder will follow this up and alert his colleagues in 'Traffic'.
Councillors were concerned about the 1 million pounds reduction in the Council's Highway Maintenance Budget. This will result in less money for reconstruction, surface dressing, drainage down to such things as grass cutting and the provision of salt bins (including the removal of 25% of those existing). Clerk to write expressing Whittington parish council's concern about the effect of this on safety in this rural area.
The council agreed to support the campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill and will make local councillors and our MP aware of this.
A poppy wreath will be laid this year on Remembrance Sunday to commemorate the Parish's war dead.
The clerk had approached the council about problems with bus times after the withdrawal of the Carnforth Connect service through Whittington. She was told that they were aware of problems and would try to rectify them with the autumn timetable. Since the September meeting of WPC it appears that this is unlikely. The clerk has been instructed to pursue the matter.
Jane Binney, Clerk to the Council. Tel 015242 71686 Email
janebinney@whittingtonvillage.fsnet.co.uk
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The AGM of WHITTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
03 May 2005
At the AGM held on 3rd May, Cllr. Eric Pelter was elected
chairman for the coming year. Cllr. Stuart Close will take the chair in Cllr.
Pelter's absence.
PC. Paul Winder reported a rise in crimes from 5 to 9 in 2004/5. The type of
offence had altered from thefts from vehicles to more thefts from buildings.
Road traffic accidents had reduced and PC. Winder thinks that the warning signs
put in place at Newton have been effective. There has been a reduction in the
incidences of poaching and the authorities are grateful for the information from
the public. PC. Winder will continue his monthly surgeries and visits with the
library van.
An officer from the Countryside Services will inspect Burrow Mill Lane and
report back to the Parish Council on action to be taken.
Complaints received about the problems caused by parking on Church Street were
discussed and PC. Winder's advice sought. He said that the vehicles he had seen
had been legally parked and that traffic travelling at a proper speed for the
conditions and taking due care should not suffer accidents. Residents'
complaints report vehicles travelling faster than the 30mph limit and
obstructing the view for those turning out of their property. The gateway to the
electricity sub station is often blocked. Clerk will write to the appropriate
Highways authority to enquire about any possible action.
Cllr. Pelter expressed disappointment that no parishioners attended the Annual
Parish Assembly on 26th April. This meeting gives anyone in the parish the
opportunity to comment on the year's work by the Parish Council and to raise
items for consideration in the coming year.
The next Parish Council meeting will be on 5th July
Jane Binney, Clerk to the Council. Tel 015242 71686 Email
janebinney@whittingtonvillage.fsnet.co.uk
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CHAIRMANS ADDRESS
TO
WHITTINGTON PARISH ASSEMBLY
26 APRIL 2005
Firstly, I would like to thank all the Councillors for their support over the past year. I hope we have conducted ourselves with your wishes. Our aim is to try and do our best for the village.
We have had a very good police report from PC Winder over the last year, who has kept us updated on all crimes in the village. I don't think things have been too bad for us in general, after hearing the problems other villages have had. I
think most residents were concerned about speeding through the village; if anyone witnesses this act, please pass your concerns onto me, and I will contact PC Winder.
We are trying to get the notice board repaired at Newton, as it is in a very bad state of repair.
Residents at Keerside have been having problems getting their refuse collected. The usual collection was fortnightly, which was causing a nuisance. It has now been arranged to be collected on weekly basis.
We have got the railings painted at Dixon's field, Kirk by Lonsdale Rd and Cross Corner. There is still a set to paint at Sellet Mill, these will be done weather permitting. Hopefully we will get the railings painted at Low Hall Corner and Newton as well. When the railings have been completed we are going to have the mile stones painted, from the Kirk by boundary to Arkholme.
The road was resurfaced through the village. We are still trying to get Low Hall corner and the lane resurfaced, our local
Councillor James Airey has now taken this problem to the council, and we are awaiting his report.
Donations for 2004/5 were given to Wagtail magazine, Wagtail playgroup, the floral competitions, the best kept village competition, LAPTG annual subscription and North West Air Ambulance.
The shooting rights on Township Quarry have again been let to Whittington Hall Estate for £160.00, the grazing rights have been given to Mr. Ted Ridding (farmer) for £100.00.
A new gate has replaced the stile at the long walk footpath at South Lodge. This was erected by Whittington Hall Estate. The path though the trees has also been cleaned out to make it more accessible.
We have purchased litter picking equipment, if anyone would like to volunteer to collect litter then please contact the parish clerk.
The Code of Conduct regulations came into force in 2004/5, which were duly signed by all the
Councillors.
There has been no change to the parish precept, and it remains at £2,750.00 for 2004/5.
If anyone would like to contact me through the year on any problem please feel free to do so. I will put your comments forward to the council on your behalf.
This concludes my report for 2004-2005
Eric Pelter Chairman - Whittington Parish Council.
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The proceedings of WHITTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
01 March 2005
At the meeting held on 1st March CSO Gwilliam warned of 'cold
callers' offering free fire prevention and security advice. The advice is free
but there is pressure to buy and the equipment is expensive. The Fire Service
can offer advice and free smoke alarms.
The poor state of Burrow Moor Lane had been noted by Councillors and a complaint
had been received by the clerk. It was agreed that simply filling the potholes
would be a short term solution and that more is needed. The Council will take
steps to improve the surface of the first section of the lane.
Whittington will be entered in the Lancashire Best kept village competition
again. Judging usually takes place in June.
The annual Floral Competition will take place too; judging in July. Winners will
be announced at the Harvest Supper.
The Clerk was authorised to pay £200 towards the production of Wagtail
Magazine.
A parishioner fell near Park House due the poor surface and three streetlights
being out. Highways are intending to resurface that section of footway soon and
the lights were repaired on the day reported. The clerk will report faulty
streetlights if you report them to her. Any member of the public can do this too
by calling 0800 132 631.
The Parish assembly will take place on Tuesday 26th April. At 8pm. Cllr. Pelter
will report on the Council's activities this year and all parishioners are
invited to attend and speak, if they wish
Jane Binney, Clerk to the Council. Tel 015242 71686 Email
janebinney@whittingtonvillage.fsnet.co.uk
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The proceedings of WHITTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
04 January 2005
At the meeting of the parish council on 4th January PC Paul
Winder reported a drop in crimes committed in 2004 compared with 2003., the most
recent incident being the burglary at The Dragon's Head.
As part of his continuing work with the community, PC. Winder will be calling at
Whittington once a month with the mobile office. He will park outside the
village hall from 5.30 to 6pm on a Thursday. The list of dates is displayed on
the notice boards and on the website. Any parishioner is welcome to visit and
have a chat on matters that concern Paul, our community policeman. Misuse of car
lights, e.g. driving with fog lights on in clear conditions, failure to dip
headlights for oncoming traffic, was suggested as a priority for the PACT scheme
this month. CSO Gwilliam followed up complaints of dog fouling and spoke to some
of the residents involved. It is hoped that there is an improvement in this
matter.
Lancaster City Council has agreed to provide road safety equipment to protect
Mike Harding when he is painting sight railings.
A complaint has been received about the frequency of motor rallies through
Docker and their driving standards. The clerk followed this up with the Road
Traffic section of Lancaster Police and it was confirmed that WPC has no
involvement in this and that the police can only intervene when an offence has
occurred.
Two reflective waistcoats have been bought and are available to any parishioner
who needs them for litter picking etc.
A donation of £150 was sent to NW Air Ambulance.
The Annual Precept will remain at £2750
A reduced rent, £50pa, was offered for the Town Quarry last spring; after some
discussion £100 was paid, as before. This is generous for that piece of land
and Cllrs. agreed to accept £50, if offered this year. The clerk to enquire
whether the tenant has registered the land with the Rural Payments Agency and
register it if necessary.
The next meeting will be on 1st March at 8.0Opm in the Village Hall.
Jane Binney, Clerk to the Council. Tel 015242 71686 Email
janebinney@whittingtonvillage.fsnet.co.uk
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The proceedings of WHITTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
02 November 2004
At the meeting of the parish council on 2nd November, in the absence of PC Winder CSO Gwilliam reported that the parish had been free of
crime. Poaching has been reported in neighbouring parishes, local landowners and
game keepers are aware of the problem and are liaising with the police.
PC Winder will be visiting villages in the mobile office on a monthly basis next year
as part of the PACT project. A list of dates will be posted on the notice board. He will continue to travel with the Library van. CSO Gwilliam reminded Councillors of the
free Home Safety Fire Check offered by Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service. Clerk
suggested a notice be put in Wagtail.
We have succeeded in getting weekly refuse collection from Keerside.
Various items of correspondence had been read and were accepted.
Councillor Hodgson will lay the poppy wreath on behalf of the parish at the service at
St. Michael's on Remembrance Sunday.
The Litta Pikkas are now available and the Clerk is hoping to purchase reflective
Waistcoats for the safety of volunteers. Dog fouling has become a problem, particularly in the Churchyard and on the
footpaths around The Crofts. Dog owners are asked to have consideration for others
and clear up after their pets. PC Winder and CSO Gwilliam will follow up on this.
Mike Harper will be asked to repaint the milestones in the parish. Drainage problems at Newton and Docker have been reported and should be remedied
soon.
The next meeting will be on 4th January 2005 at 8.0Opm in the Village Hall.
Jane Binney, Clerk to the Council. Tel 015242 71686 Email
janebinney@whittingtonvillage.fsnet.co.uk
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The proceedings of WHITTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
06 July 2004
PC Winder reported 5 crimes in the parish since the last meeting in May, four in
Whittington and one in Newton. There was a burglary at Sellett and a quad bike was
stolen from a Whittington farm.
Progress had been made on the theft of lights from vehicles and Police are following up useful information on suspicious vehicles
reported. PACT (police And Community Together) is an initiative which enables PC
Winder to talk with representatives of the villages in his patch. They will raise areas of
concern and highlight priorities for action for the month. Cllr Pelter is Whittington's
contact.
The Annual Audit was agreed and signed by the Council.
Only half the usual amount of £100 for grazing rights on the Town Quarry had been offered. Council insisted on
the previous rent for this year but will review the situation before the next due date.
Clerk will contact the Authority as to why refuse is being collected fortnightly
only from Keerside.
The next meeting will be on 7th September at 8.0Opm in the Village Hall.
Jane Binney, Clerk to the Council. Tel 015242 71686 Email
janebinney@whittingtonvillage.fsnet.co.uk
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The proceedings of WHITTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
04 May 2004
(Annual General Meeting)
At the AGM on 4th May Cllr. Eric Pelter was re elected to the Chair. Cllr. Stuart Close was elected
Vice Chair.
PC Paul Winder reported a reduction in crime over the last year. Traffic accidents have remained level
although this year has seen a fatality at Newton. Signs and Centre line hazard markings have been put
in place on this stretch of the B6254. PC Winder finds travelling with the Library van very useful and enjoys meeting people on his 'patch' .
He will be on board again on 15th June.
Inspector Jill Townley then introduced herself as the new Geographical Inspector. She reassured the
Council that she has no plans to cut back policing in Whittington. She is re introducing the volunteer
scheme in the area; volunteers work alongside officers for a few hours a week assisting in civilian
tasks.
Judging for the Best Kept Village takes place through June up to 14th July. The annual 'Tidy Up'
morning is Saturday 5th June.
The annual Floral Competition will be judged in late July /early August.
Cllrs. expressed their gratitude to Whittington Hall Estates for their prompt response to the request for
a gate to replace the stile at the end of the Long Footpath.
Cllrs. amended the draft Village Land Use Survey received. Clerk to contact LCC about this. (Later
assured that this is a just visual survey to record land use to help LCC when offering services to
villages.
The Current Acc. stands at £389.73. The Maintenance Acc. holds £2,500. This latter is expected to be
used mainly to repaint the village railings, which are now our responsibility.
Cllrs. decided to accept the proposals to repay them for occasional expenses incurred in the course of
council business. It is not envisaged that this will be needed often and would be used only in
exceptional circumstances if considerable expense were incurred.
The dates for meetings for the coming year were agreed. These are displayed on the notice board and
the Village web site.
The Council meets next at 8pm on 6th July. Parishioners are welcome to observe the meeting.
Jane Binney, Clerk to the Council. Tel 015242 71686 Email
janebinney@whittingtonvillage.fsnet.co.uk
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The proceedings of WHITTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
02 March 2004
At the meeting held on 2nd March the following matters were discussed:
PC Paul Winder spoke briefly about the pilot schemes for Community Speedwatch to
be introduced in April. Civilians are trained to use portable speed detectors, then
report details of offences to the police, who take appropriate action. Members of a
community can register their interest in taking part by contacting PC Winder. He will
give more details and an update during the Parish Assembly on 27th April.
Parked vehicles continue to be a problem in the village, blocking the footpath in
places. This forces pedestrians on to the highway and particular concern has been
expressed over mothers with toddlers and/or pushchairs. PC Winder confirmed that
parking on a publicly maintained footway is illegal and will monitor the situation.
Emergency Community Support Officer Deborah Gwilliam explained her role to
Councillors. She carries a full First Responder's kit and is fully trained to use it. She
can evaluate houses for fire risk and fit a smoke alarm at no cost to the resident. She
will also speak at the Parish Assembly to introduce herself and explain more about her
duties.
Unfortunately the Rev. lain Rennie could not attend the burial of the time capsule,
agreed at the last meeting, and this will now take place after the Family Service on
Sunday 18th April.
Councillors agreed that two websites in the village were unnecessary and that Parish
matters should be placed on the village site. Look for the page at
www.whittingtonvillage.fsnet.co.uk.
Main St. and Church St. will be entered in the Best Kept Village competition once
again. Judging takes place through June and July.
Donations of £150 and £200 were made to North West Air Ambulance and Wagtail respectively.
Clerk was asked to write to the agent for Whittington Hall Estates to ask if the stile on
to B6254 by South Lodge can be replaced by a gate, as in the past, now that stock no
longer have access to this area. The footpath between Sellet Mill and Low Biggins has
been cleared but there is no pointer at the Cumbrian end. Clerk to make enquires to
Kirkby Lonsdale PC about this and also tipping in a quarry close to the watercourse.
The next meeting of the Council will be the AGM on 4th May at 8pm.
The Parish Assembly is on Tuesday 27th April at 8pm. All parishioners are welcome to
attend and raise matters of concern to the Chair.
Jane Binney, Clerk to the Council. Tel 015242 71686 Email
janebinney@whittingtonvillage.fsnet.co.uk
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The proceedings of WHITTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
06
January 2004
At the meeting of the Council on 6th January the following matters were discussed:
PC Paul Winder reported that he now joins the Library van once a month and is available to talk to any parishioners there. Notices are posted in the village giving
times and dates; his next visit will be on Tues 10th February. Carnforth Police Station
will now be open from 1O.OOam to 6.0Opm every Friday in future. This should prove
useful for motorists asked to produce their documents, for example.
The Time capsule is now ready and will be buried close to the Millennium Tree in the
Graveyard, with the commemorative items collected, after the Family Service starting
at lO.30am on Sunday 18th April.
The Council is now registered with www.thelocalchannel.co.uk which offers a web
page. Because we registered in 2003 it is possible that the council may even receive a
share of advertising revenue.
Cllr Pelter reported on an initiative to train civilians in the use of speed guns to assist
the police in road safety. It is not possible for double white lines to be installed at the accident spot on the
B6254 AT Newton; the site does not fulfill the criteria imposed. Warning road markings and signs on the verges are proposed.
Councillors were still concerned about
the dangerously smooth road surface. ( The Clerk contacted Highways Dept and was
assured that the surface will brought up to the safe standard before markings are
installed). City Councilor Airey offered to make enquiries about this as well.
Councillors voted to hold the precept at £2,750. The next meeting will be held on
Tuesday 2nd March at 8.0Opm. Everyone welcome.
Geraldine Smith MP attended the meeting. Standing Orders were set aside while discussion took place with her. One parishioner had attended to ask about the very
large increase (more than 100%) in the cost of travel for over 16s to school in Kirkby
Lonsdale. The MP offered to make enquiries. The discussion following ranged over
education topics to the future of rural communities. Ms Smith stayed on as observer at
the meeting when Standing Orders were resumed.
Jane Binney, Clerk to the Council. Tel 015242 71686 Email
janebinney@whittingtonvillage.fsnet.co.uk
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The proceedings of WHITTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
04 November 2003
At the Council meeting held on 4th November, the following matters were discussed:
Bollards have been erected to deter dangerous parking outside The Maltings.
Councillors are liaising with the landowners of the footpath at Crosslands to add a stile, which will avoid the muddy area.
Mr & Mrs Kimber have provided and planted the Millennium tree in the graveyard,
for which the Council thanks them. The Parish Council has commissioned a time capsule to contain local and commemorative items. This will be buried near the tree as
soon as it is ready during a simple ceremony when all will be welcome. (Please look
out for notices of this event).
Since the County Council will no longer maintain the extensive Parish railings, the
Parish Council has made arrangements for an ongoing programme to do this and set
aside funding for the purpose. Phase One will begin in the Spring and includes sections at Outbarn
Corner (Newton), Low Hall Corner, Cross Corner and Kirkby Lonsdale Road by Dixon's field.
The Council will link to the Local Channel (TLC) website, which provides a web page free, which will enhance our compliance with the Freedom of Information Act.
The Annual Audit had been completed and the notices of this displayed on the official board.
Two planning requests concerning Ingledene, Main St., Whittington had been received, to which
councilors raised no concerns. The repair of the seat on Kirkby Lonsdale Road is being arranged.
The Parish Council was happy to offer its written support to the bid of Whittington
Village Hall committee for funds to improve the facilities. Police business kept PC Winder from the meeting but he reported that two cars had
been broken into at Crosslands recently and items stolen.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 6th January 2004. Geraldine Smith MP is expected to attend and, as usual, parishioners are
welcome.
Jane Binney, Clerk to the Council. Tel 015242 71686 Email
janebinney@whittingtonvillage.fsnet.co.uk
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The proceedings of WHITTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
02
September 2003.
At the meeting on 2nd September the following matters were discussed:
PC Paul Winder reported no crime in Whittington but there had been a car theft in
Arkholme and men with lurcher dogs were seen in Newton at night. Parishioners are
asked to be vigilant. It is unlikely that any extra speed restriction will be placed on
the dangerous section of the B6254 at Newton but the addition of double white lines
is still to be considered. The Clerk was asked to write pointing out the very worn
surface of that stretch and request resurfacing.
The Clerk also to write concerning parking of vehicles outside The Maltings, on the
footway adjacent to Malt Kiln House. Parked vehicles block the view of traffic emerging from The Maltings. PC Winder will also make observations and report on
both matters.
City Cllr Airey will make enquiries into the reason for the lack of frequent street
cleaning in the parish as well as the still blocked gullies in Docker Lane. Clerk to write to the landowners after complaints made to
councillors about the condition of the footpath to the river at Crosslands. After discussion of three proposals Council agreed to take over and finance the
Millennium Tree Project which has foundered due to lack of funds. Clerk to cost the
capsule and seating. It is hoped to plant the tree at the best time, this autumn. It was
also agreed to start a programme to repaint the Parish railings, abandoned by the City
Council.
The next meeting will be on 4th November at 8pm.
Jane Binney, Clerk to the Council. Tel 015242 71686 Email
janebinney@whittingtonvillage.fsnet.co.uk
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