Meeting 9th February 2005.
The Chairman welcomed County Councillor Goldsmith to the meeting.
Apologies were received from absentees, the minutes of the meeting 12th January 2005 were approved and signed.
Rev. Joan Oddy was co-opted onto the Parish Council.
The meeting was then adjourned for public participation
Pc Finlayson introduced Mr. Brian Nubbert, the new Community Support Officer for Kessingland, he advised what Mr. Nubberts responsibilities would be, before going on to give his report. There had been 21 crimes for the month of January. The breakdown was 10 criminal damage, 6 thefts, 3 assaults, 1 attempted burglary and 1 domestic. There had been a rise in offences of criminal damage. 5 people had been arrested, 3 for theft and 2 people charged with assault. Pc Finlayson then showed Councillors present a small lap top computer that was on trial with Suffolk Constabulary. This would enable officers attending incidents of crime to record the information at the time of reporting, without having to return to Lowestoft, therefore keeping officers out on the area. The Parish Team is being reconvened on Wednesday 23rd February at Livingstones starting at 7.30pm, Councillors were invited to attend.
In the absence of County Councillor Tony Andrews, who had commitments elsewhere, the Clerk stated that he wanted to let the Council to know that he had given The Minnows Pre School Group £1000 from his locality budget.
District Councillor Jamie Starling stated that he had very little to report except to say that in order to attempt to get Kessingland a Beach Award this year, he and his fellow District Councillor had arranged with Waveney District Council to have equipment and facilities available to have an organised beach clean. They would be contacting various groups to get them involved and asked Councillors to let people know and that all volunteers would be welcome. The date is Saturday 5th March between the hours of 10am and 2pm, all volunteers to meet on the beach opposite the Waterfront Restaurant, Church Road.
The Chairman then gave his report, on the Newsletter, the February issue will be circulated together with a pamphlet from Suffolk County Council publicising the Public Consultation Meeting on the 10th March relating to the new Library. This will be at the Community Centre, Francis Road starting at 7.30pm. The feedback comments from the January issue were read.
With regards the Parish Plan update, on the issue of the First Responder Unit there has been a good response, to date there had been 14 people showing an interest in First Aid with additional training to be given for First Responders.
On the question of Councillor Surgeries and The Beeches (Old Police House Church Road) becoming available for Community use, Vice Chairman Councillor Purkis reported the she attended a meeting at Lowestoft Police Station hosted by Chief Inspector Sidney. There were a number of representatives from community organisations present. Chief Inspector Sidney stated that the premises would be vacant from April/May 2005 and would arrange a site meeting to discuss available facilities.
The Freedom of Information Act was discussed and the Parish Councils responsibilities under the Act. It was agreed that the model worked out by the Chairman, Vice Chairman and the Clerk would be adopted and a copy would be sent to the Information Commissioner.
On the East of England Plan, again Councillors discussed the Strategies contained within the 301 page document. Following a briefing note circulated to all Councillors which had been prepared by the Chairman, the Parish Council agreed to support the strategies where it related to Housing, Building Development (Greenfield and brownfield sites), Travel & Tourism, Health and Social Inclusion and Coastal & Environmental issues. The Councils response would be posted on the East of England Assembly?s website, as well as the Parish Councils own website.
There was a short discussion on Church Road Car Park, Councillors were updated with the latest position regarding works to be carried out.
The Chairman read out an e-mail from the Parish Councils Nature Warden, Colin Jacobs and agreed that he could construct 2 dragonfly pools and plant butterfly attracting plants.
The Clerk reported on the Annual Parish Meeting, this would be on the 27th April and Janet John from CAB was to be invited along as guest speaker. Other issues covered were Play Area Inspections and Insurance, and training for Parish Councillors undertaken by SALC, dated to be advised. All Councillors who had not attended previous training sessions were advised that they should attend when the dates became available
There were a number of updates from Committees and Working Parties.
Councillor Brown gave an update as to the condition of the Beach and Coastline.
Councillor Lawson stated there are now 3 vacancies for Council allotments and asked that they be advertised in the Councils newsletter.
Councillor Purkis gave a report of her meeting with W.H.Block (Engineering)Ltd., with regards to replacing the damaged wooden village seats with metal constructed seats. The Council agreed to the quotation given by the company and Councillor Purkis stated she would contact Blocks and make a firm order.
Councillor Real stated that his working party had met with regards the Crime and Disorder Act, and that he would be contacting Waveney District Council to move the issue forward.
Councillor Morgan, Chair of the Planning Committee gave an update on the Hutsons site including details of the site meeting with Waveney District Council and the developers. The Chairman added that he had contacted Suffolk Heritage Housing Association and their comments regarding making all the housing, low cost affordable housing in compliance with the Parish Plan. This would be subject to the Housing Association obtaining a government grant.
After financial matters and correspondence, the meeting closed at 10pm. The next Parish Council Meeting is the 9th March and the next Planning Meeting is the 23rd February.