Report of Parish Council Meeting 9th November 2005.
Before the meeting started, Councillors met with representatives of Suffolk County Council to discuss the latest issues surrounding the Transport Action Plan for Kessingland. Councillors were first given assurances that work on the 40mph on London Road and the 20mph speed limit on Church Road should commence prior to Christmas, but in any event should be completed by early January 2006. The rest of the meeting was given over to discussing the remainder of the Plan and it was decided that negotiation of the actual priorities should be undertaken by a small group of councillors meeting with Suffolk County council and then reporting back to Full Council.
After receiving apologies for absence and signing the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting of the 12th October, the meeting got underway with the Chairman introducing Louise Jordan-Hall from Waveney District Council. She stated that together with two of her colleagues on the Waveney Executive, she had taken on responsibility for dealing with issues involving Kessingland and other parishes in this area. She stated that it was her intention that communications between District and Parish Councils should be improved and that should Parish Councils encounter problems with Waveney District Council, then she should be consulted, as it was part of her portfolio to assist with dealing with these issues. She accepted that in Jamie Starling and Bruce Provan, Kessingland has two excellent District Councillors and obviously they should be the first port of call. After a short briefing and answering questions from those councillors present, the Chairman on behalf of those present thanked Louise Jordan-Hall for attending the meeting and having listened to what she had to say hoped that this would be a start of better communications between Parish and District Councils.
The police report for October included 26 crimes, they were 1 assault, 1 burglary, 8 thefts, 7 Criminal Damage, 4 Domestic Incidents, 3 Public Order Offences and 1 Drink Drive.
The reports were then taken from District Councillor Bruce Provan and County Councillor John Goldsmith. Councillor Goldsmith?s report included his work so far in respect of the flooding and sewerage issues that have been affecting the residents of Lloyds avenue and the surrounding area. Having spent sometime with Suffolk County Council and Waveney District Council staff it was apparent that some of the pipes are inadequate in size to carry all of the effluent away, and that the issue would be taken up with Anglia Water.
The Chairman?s report covered a number of issues. The first was the opening of the Community Office in Church Road on the 2nd November. The Chairman reported that it was now open for business and that a number of organisations had indicated that they wanted to take advantage of the facilities. The Parish Council had already held its first surgery, the response was poor but it was expected as it was the first one and it would take time for people to realise that they have this facility to discuss with the Parish Council problems or issues they may have within the community.
The report was then given on Church Road Car Park and Play Area. The Chairman stated that the residents of Kessingland have to realise that by using the play area at the present time, all that is happening is that it will take longer to finish and therefore delay the eventual opening. The security fences are being totally ignored and parents have been seen inside with their young children. If there is an accident then it would the responsibility of the parents or adult present. The District Council have been asked to padlock the outside gates to prevent people getting in and by so doing hopefully work can be completed without interruption.
Among other issues the Chairman stated that the result of the website of the year hadn?t been announced yet, that Planning and been agreed for the new Library, but a decision was still awaited on the Very Sheltered Housing units. The Chairman stated that he has a meeting planned with Waveney Community Forum and Community Education to discuss Adult Education and it is hoped that some classes or workshops can be started. Details of when and where will be circulated when known.
The Vice Chairmans report covered details of the latest position regarding the Parish Councils Nature Reserve in Marsh lane. Costings relating to work to be carried out in accordance with advice from Suffolk Wildlife were given and approved by those Councillors present. With regards to the village footpaths, a meeting had been arranged with Suffolk County Council at which it is being proposed that the Parish Council take back responsibility for all footpaths within the Parish area. The maintenance last summer had fallen short of standards that Suffolk County Council set themselves, some footpaths now being looked after by Suffolk County Council and their independent contractor, had not been cut at all. The seats that were being made to replace the vandalised ones at the picnic area and the corner of Lloyds Avenue and Church road will be ready within the next two weeks to be delivered and fixed in place.
There were no reports from Committees or representatives except from Councillor Lawson in respect of Kessingland Community Centre and the notices around the village asking for new officers to head the Management Committee and the possible outcome should they not be forthcoming. It was proposed and agreed by those Councillors present that the Clerk would write to members of the Community Centre Management team and inform them of the Parish Councils position with regards the Community Centre.
There were three planning applications.
The first was a development of 5 bungalows at 39 Field Lane. Because Waveney Planning wanted the response from the Parish Council by the 4th November, the Parish Council had already voiced its disapproval of this development on a number of grounds. There had been a number of letters of complaint from residents in the area, and the Parish Council agreed with the residents that this should be refused.
The second was for a construction of a side and rear extension to form a rear annexe at 88 High Street, this was approved by the Parish Council.
The third application was for a construction of a replacement house at Kingscote Beach Road, this was approved by the Parish Council.
The Clerks report included the repainting of the bus shelter in Field lane and name plates for Lloyds Avenue, the Youth Club is to be asked to undertake these Community issues.
There were updates on the Village War Memorial, the surface of the sea wall, flooding on the corner of Beach Road and the cutting back of trees and hedges.
After dealing with Correspondence issues which included letters from British Telecom confirming that the payphones in Field Lane and The Nordalls will for the moment be retained, but they will continue to monitor the usage, which means that they could in the future be removed if they consider that they are not being used enough.
After dealing with financial issues the meeting was closed by the Chairman.