Report Parish Council Meeting 12^th July 2006.

After receiving apologies for absence, declarations of interest and signing of the minutes of the meetings of the 14^th and 28^th June, the Chairman adjourned the meeting for public participation.

The first report was received from Waveney District Councillor Jamie Starling. Among the subjects covered were the Car Boor Sale at the wildlife park and the subject of licences. There was also the question of a lagoon being made alongside the A12 on the extended Heritage Green site, earlier discussions had asked Cllr Starling to find out about it and he stated that this would probably be part of the drainage system for the new estate. Cllr Starling was told about a loose handrail on the steps leading to the beach, he said he would look into it.

The Chairman gave the Police report in the absence of Pc Finlayson.  There had been 1 attempted robbery, 1 theft, 2 burglaries, 2 criminal damage, 1 obtaining property by deception, 1 abuse of trust, 5 domestics, 1 assault and 1 misuse of telecoms.

County Councillor John Goldsmith gave his report, which mainly dealt with the situation in Bethel Drive and the work to rectify the road surface and drains. He told the meeting that costings were underway and that he would report back when he had further information.

There was the representation from a member of the public about the traffic in Whites Lane, in particular the parking that blocks residents from using their own vehicles. The resident wanted to know what was happening as the situation was getting worse particularly on Sunday with the car boot sale, there was also the question of vehicle speed. The chairman advised the resident that Whites Lane does figure in the Local Transport Plan which the County Council are due to publish but that does not cover speeding traffic, that would be a matter for the police. The resident stated that she had spoken to the police, the clerk was advised to write to the police and try to get some action on the speeding issues.

The Chairman of the Community Centre Committee introduced himself to the Council there then followed a discussion about the responsibility for the MUGA once it had been completed. It was agreed by the Parish Council that they would take temporary ownership until such times the Community Centre or other organisation could take over responsibility. There was also a discussion about the grass cutting at the community centre and as a result of that it was suggested that a meeting be set up to discuss the cutting requirements of those concerned in the playing field management.

The Chairman's report covered an update on the progress of the MUGA, Council members were shown the new identification badges that should be available at the next meeting once they have been laminated and placed in the appropriate holders.

In respect of the Church Road Play Area the open day had now been set for Saturday 22^nd July between 11am and 1pm. There was to be a Teddy Bears Picnic for the children and there would be a prize for the best teddy. Retired County Councillor Tony Andrews was to be asked to formally open the play ground and the clerk was asked to invite members of WDC and the Lotteries Board who had been involved in financing the playground. Amongst other issues were the latest on the Community Notice Board for outside the Community Office, the cost of the annual newsletter, a discussion on whether Kessingland should think again about Christmas lights, which was shelved, and finally the Chairman said that the next edition of the newsletter would feature " A month in the life of a Parish Council" and for this he needed all Councillors to consult their diaries and let him have a list of meetings etc that they had attended together with any other information on the subject.

The Vice Chairman had already reported on issues surrounding the insurance etc. of the MUGA once complete. There was the issue of the MASK shop which was now a sandwich bar, Cllr Purkis reported that she has spoken to Maureen Long about her predicament, she had received planning permission to place a mobile home alongside the old shop, but there were planning conditions. After speaking to Maureen Long, Cllr Purkis asked the Council to consider the possibility of placing the mobile home at the far end of the car park, the Clerk pointed out that the Parish Council had not signed the lease yet to take over authority and control, and in any event the draft lease states that the Parish Council would have to get authority from WDC before anything like that could be considered. The Council agreed to let Mrs Long know what they had discussed, but no decision was taken on the issue.

There were reports received from the Beach Warden, the Allotments, Crime and Disorder, the Emergency Committee, Footpaths and Planning.

The Chairman gave the report from the Amenities Committee and decisions were made on the following: -

The Parish Council recommended that the bus stop at the junction with Field Lane and the High Street/London Road junction be removed - the clerk asked to write to the bus company and inform them.

With regards to Section 106 monies to be received from WDC the Amenities Committee decided to allocate some of the money for a "teen shelter" and some for floodlights for the MUGA at Francis Road, the remainder should be held onto for the time being. The Parish Council did uphold the Amenities decision that WDC should be contacted and asked to refurbish and upgrade their playground in The High Street, and once completed they should be asked if they would be prepared to hand over responsibility to the Parish Council.

In respect of the new picnic area in Church Road, the Council upheld the Committees decision to provide two new litter bins and that the Parish Council should meet the cost.

The Clerks report covered a briefing on a meeting that she had attended on double taxation, the open space question at Heritage Green and the suggestion that there should be no Council Meeting on the 9^th August. All Councillors present agreed that unless there is something essential that the Council needs to meet and deal with the month of August should be kept clear, as it is the main holiday period.

After dealing with Finance and Correspondence matters the Parish Council then dealt with the three tenders that had been obtained to cut the grass at Church Road Play Area. The successful tender was voted on and the Clerk was asked to contact the successful applicant.

The Chairman formally closed the meeting at 1045pm.