Report Parish Council Meeting 13th April 2005.
Apologies were received from absentees; the minutes of the 9th March 2005 were approved and signed.
The meeting adjourned for public participation.
Wpc Deal was present and gave the police report for the month of March. There had been 67 events in total of which 22 were reported crimes. They were 3 assaults, I burglary, 8 thefts, 5 criminal damage, 2 domestic disputes, 1 drink/drive and 1 public order offence. Wpc Deal was questioned about car parking on the grass verges in the vicinity of High Street junction with Whites Lane [Sunday market traffic]. Those present were informed that where cars cross over the kerb onto the grass verges and double yellow lines exist, then those vehicles would be issued with fixed penalty notices. Cllr Brown enquired about the grass verges opposite Bethel Drive where vehicles also park on the grass verge, the police officer stated they would also be issued with fixed penalty notices if they had to cross over double yellow lines to park. Cllr Mouzer raised the problems currently being encountered with the new pedestrian crossing outside Kessingland Primary School. Wpc Deal stated that the police had been informed about the speed of cars in that area and its effects on those using the crossing outside the school. The Chairman stated that he would contact Suffolk County Council and speak to them about the possibility of having a site meeting outside the school to see the problems at first hand. Wpc Deal was asked about the Parish Team, she stated arrangements are in hand to organise the next meeting and all those concerned would be contacted.
Before County Councillor Tony Andrews gave his report, which was to be his last as the County Councillor for Kessingland, the Chairman on behalf of those Councillors present, thanked Councillor Andrews for all his hard work in looking after the interests of the Community of Kessingland and support given to the Parish Council over the 8 years of his office. All Councillors present expressed their appreciation for all his hard work and wished him well in his retirement.
Cllr Andrews gave his reasons for not standing in the next County Council elections as being to spend more time at home with his family and grandchildren. He then gave his report that was a summary of the work he had undertaken over the past 8 years and how much the emphasis has now shifted to social and environmental issues. He had hoped the library project would have been completed by the time he had retired, but he wished the project every success.
District Councillor Bruce Provan stated that the recent re-scheduled beach clean was not very well supported, but because it was during the school Easter break next time it will be more widely advertised so that the maximum amount of coverage can be given. Cllr Brown asked about moving the Emergency Equipment back up the beach as the recent high tides had caused some damage to the supporting posts. Accepting that the equipment had to be readily accessible on the beach, perhaps there could be two locations where the equipment could be placed, one for winter and one for the summer. Cllr Provan said he would look into it.
The Chairman reported that the Public Meeting and Presentation by Suffolk County Council on the new Library took place on the 10th March at Kessingland Community Centre. He told those present that about 60 people heard from County Councillor Tony Andrews, Gill Jenkins from the County Library Department and Mr Nigel Baker-Querelle Suffolk County Council, who gave a full presentation on the complex and proposals relating to the very sheltered housing. Mr Nigel Baker-Querelle also gave assurances to those that had attended all their concerns would be taken on board when the final plans were drawn up.
In relation to the Multi Use Games Arena to be located at the Francis Road site, the Chairman said that three companies were in the process of preparing the necessary quotations.
With regards the Church Road Car Park and Play Area, the Chairman reported that there had been a successful meeting between Parish Councillors and Suffolk County Council with regards to budget overspend. Work had now started by the removal of old play equipment and clearing the area for the playground.
On the subject of Marsh Lane Nature Reserve following the meeting with Dorothy Casey [Suffolk Wildlife Trust Conservation Manager] the Parish Council had received the necessary documentation to carry out a risk assessment/management plan. Cllr Purkis and Cllr Mouzer stated they would deal with in conjunction with the Site Warden Colin Jacobs.
In connection with the James Paget Hospital Link the Chairman reported that he would be meeting with Mr Derek Cocker [Suffolk County Council] and Mr Michael Sutton on the 14th April and he would report back at the next Parish Council meeting.
With regards to the Waveney District Council ? Statement of Community Involvement ? after a short discussion it was agreed that the Clerk would reply by sending a copy of the Parish Councils reply to the East of England Assembly and a copy of Kessinglands Parish Plan.
The Vice Chairman, Cllr Purkis, reported that following her meeting with representatives of Waveney District Council about the condition of the area surrounding the beach, particularly the seawall, work is underway to improve the area by cutting back the bordering hedgerows and removing the weeds from the fabric of the seawall. Cllr Purkis also reported that the seat damaged at the junction of Church Road and Wash Lane had been replaced with a new seat.
The Parish Clerks report included confirmation from Janet John Citizens Advice Bureau that she would be attending the Annual Parish Meeting on the 27th April. In respect of Quality Parish Status there were still 3 criteria that the Council had to resolve which should be completed over the next few months. One of the issues was the preparation of an Annual Parish Council and Financial Report, to be circulated to every household. Cllr Purkis proposed that the report take the place of one of the monthly newsletters, all those present agreed and the Chairman will work with the Clerk to prepare a draft to be approved by the full council. With reference to the Freedom of Information Act, a reply had been received from the Office of The Information Commissioner confirming that Kessingland?s document had been received and approved. The Clerk stated that the Parish Council have to provide a Model Document in relation to Complaints Procedure, where complaints are received about the administration of the council or about is procedures. The Chairman stated he would provide a draft document for the Council to consider.
Amongst the reports received from Committees and Working Parties, Cllr Brown stated that the recent high tides had caused encroachment to the north of Kessingland Beach making it impossible to walk the beach between Kessingland and Pakefield. There was also a problem to the south near to the pumping station. Cllr Purkis suggested that the Emergency Committee be reconvened as it used to be in the past, the newly formed Parish Team could be brought in as part of a Multi Agency Committee. All present agreed.
Cllr Lawson reported that Kessingland Community Centre were holding their AGM on Friday 15th April, she and Cllr Morgan would be attending and would report back at the next Parish Council meeting.
There being no other business, other than to remind Councillors that the Annual Parish Meeting would be on the 27th April starting at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall Church Road, and the Annual Parish Council Meeting would be on the 11th May, the meeting closed