Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting of Great Cornard, held at

The Stevenson Centre on Monday 15^th May 2006 at 7.00pm

                           Chairman         Councillor Mr. P.K.Beer

                           Council Manager          M.J.Fitt

                           Clerical Assistant          Mrs.N.Tamlyn

         The Following Members of the Public were Present

   D.R.G.Thomas, H.N.Todd, Mrs.C.J.Baker, D.Allen, A.C.Bavington, Mrs.Lynton, Mrs.F.A.Jackson, J.R.A.Sayers, PC49 L.Goymour-Milne, Mrs.Ripper, M.Fryer, Mr.A.W.R.Lockhart and A.Nunny. 

1) Apologies

         N.MacMaster, Miss.C.A.Beer-Todd, R.Sims, Mrs.P.White and T.Harman.

2) Minutes

Of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 16th May 2005 were signed as a true record.

3) Reports of Local Organisations

         a)          Police Force – Sudbury Sector

The Annual report for the parish of Gt Cornard covers the period from the 1^st April 2005 through to the 31^st March 2006.

The report is compiled with the up to date present available figures.

During this time 596 crimes have been recorded within the parish, this compares to 628 for the same period the previous year.

BREAKDOWN OF CRIME

robbery – 1 offence was recorded and dealt with during this period.

Two offenders dealt with for this offence that took place on the 11/05/06 in Kingsbury Walk, all involved were young including the victim, offenders dealth with.

Burglary dwelling - During this time 16 burglary dwellings have been dealt with.

As previously reported most of the offences were committed against properties that had been left insecure by the occupants, items stolen included jewerllery, cash, keys and mobile phones.

Distraction Burglaries – 2 of these have been dealt with during the last year.

Offenders went to dwellings occupied by elderly victims and tried to get into the premises by stating they were from the water board, one offence took place on the evening of 28/07/05 in Kersey Avenue, the occupants refused the male entry after failing to produce ID, the other offence on the previous evening took place in Hawthorn Rd, one male gained entry into the house and started to check the taps, another male was then disturbed in the living room, he was challenged by the occupants both males left empty handed.

Burglary other buildings – 23 offences were reported during this time.

These offences included sheds and garages being entered, tools, garden equipment and pedal cycles were stolen.

Criminal damage – 120 offences have been reported during this time.

90 of the above offences relate to damage to property such as fencing, brick walls and garden ornaments, these have especially taken place in the Pot Kiln Rd, Glenside Rd, Stannard Way, Butt Rd area and Broom St.

Great Cornard Upper School has also had damaged caused to windows.

Other damage has been to doors and windows of private dwellings.

Although still a form of damage the offence of arson is recorded separately, during this last year 5 offences have been recorded, offences include setting fire to wheelie bins, cars. This compares to 20+ offences recorded the previous year.

4 of the offences relate to vehicles being set alight, however the most serious involved wheelie bins to Clibbon House being set alight which in turn caused damage to the actual building. 

Vehicle crime – 156 offences have been reported during this period this is the exact figure as last year.

The offences include 5 x Theft of motor vehicles, 4 x Taking vehicles without consent, 53 x Theft from motor vehicles, 85 x criminal damage to motor vehicles, 1 x Disqualified driving offences, along with Drink drive offences and vehicle licence offences.

Thefts from motor vehicles in the main involved windows being smashed to gain entry then having CD players, CD’s and speakers stolen.

Damage to vehicles consisted of bodywork being scratched and dented, wing mirrors knocked off, paint being poured over vehicles and aerials bent.

Violent crime/public order – 166 offences were recorded within the parish.

The offences include 57 x ABH, 16 x Common Assault, 7 x GBH, 27 x Public order offences, 6 x Assault on Police, 2 x offensive weapons (this included a knife and a fire arm) 11 offences were dealt under the sexual offences act.

39 offences were recorded as domestic non-crime matters, a slight increase from the previous years figures, these would amount to a verbal argument between partners and is recorded as part of the Suffolk police policy in dealing with domestic crime. 

Public order offences include drunken and disorderly behaviour, Affray, harassment and breach of the peace.

Other crimes

The remaining crimes relate to thefts, witness intimidation, drug related matters, obscene telephone calls, malicious letters, indecent exposure and being a nuisance on educational premises.

The detection rate for the Sudbury sector stands at around 22% given the figures available. This compares to the Sudbury sector average of 25.1%.

Figures for the last year show that reductions have been achieved in reported robberies, burglary dwellings, burglary other buildings and arson attacks, vehicle crime remains the same, a slight increase (3) can be seen in violent crime this is mainly due to an increase in domestic non-crime reports, damage shows an increase especially to property such as fences and brick walls.

The Sudbury sector will continue to police as per the Suffolk First policing plan, which targets specific crimes and offenders.

There are no other matters to report.

The Chairman thanked the Police for their report.

         b) Great Cornard Town Land Charity

Mrs Lynton gave the report for the Cornard Town Land Charity.

The Revd.Jamie Allen took over as Chairman after his appointment as Vicar of St.Andrews in November 2005.

The usual advertisement in Cornard News resulted in 15 student applications, once again each applicant was awarded a grant of £75 towards their course books, The total of Student grants this year being £1,270.00.

Great Cornard Upper School applied for assistance towards their Circus project and the Charity was pleased to allow £200.

A young Cornard man travelling to Chile on an educational trip was granted £150.

West Suffolk Association for the Blind received £200 towards their travelling expenses.

Three Nursing Homes once again received £80 each for Xmas entertainment. The Dell bought their own karaoke machine and requested £50.

Lindsey Court was given £50 towards their Xmas arrangements.

Revd.Allen bought gifts to the value of £50 for the residents of Clibbon House.

One primary school was assisted with their Xmas party and one elderly long-term resident was given money for the festive season.

These grants, classed as welfare grants, totalled £951.

Revd.Allen is investigating the possibility of presenting each child leaving the two primary schools with a book about the history of the village. The trustees feel this would give the children a sense of pride in where they live.

The Spinney footpath saga may have closure for the Charity as if the land on Carsons Drive is purchased the Charity own just over 3 acres and the money received from the sale would be invested for future use. Whilst individually we may regret Babergh District Council plans for this land as a Charity we would be very grateful for the added income. Time will tell exactly what will happen here.

A pleasant year and the Trustees have once again managed to give some financial assistance when requested.    

The Chairman thanked Mrs.Lynton.

         c)         Community Emergency Advisor

Mr.T.Harman sent his apologies and advised that he had nothing to report.

         d)         Cornard Tye Residents Association

The Cornard Tye Residents Association has now been in existence for 14 years (established in 1992) and continues to be well supported by local residents. The Constitution remains as valid today as it was in 1992.

The Annual General Meeting has become a firm favourite of the community and is now an eagerly awaited social gathering. Local residents are all prepared to pitch in with support to make it a successful event and it has helped over the years to bring the community closer together.

Last year’s AGM was held on 14^th August 2005 at Tye Cottage, Cornard Tye and was once again well attended.

The Association also provides a useful service and a voice for local residents.

During the last year, we continued to:-

1.      Maintain a Neighbourhood Watch and distribute the Bulletin of the Neighbourhood Watch Network.

2.      Circulate information on issues of local interest and through the Chairman has assisted in the preparation and distribution of the Cornard News.

3.      Liase with Suffolk County Council, Babergh District Council and Great Cornard Parish Council on aspects affecting the local community and environment.

4.      Monitor and review local planning issues – especially those that may affect the volume of traffic now going through Cornard Tye and the related safety issues involved.

We have been particularly active this year, on behalf of the residents, opposing the amendments in the Babergh District Local Plan to reduce the Special landscape Area and the corresponding Carsons Drive Building Development. In spite of our efforts and also those of other organisations, individuals and the public, Babergh District Council has approved the amendments to the Local Plan. It is fair to say that generally there has been considerable public opposition to these amendments and democracy does not appear to have prevailed on this occasion. The fact that several District Councillors were not allowed to take part in the debate or cast their crucial votes at the Babergh District Councillors Meeting on grounds of “predetermination” does seem bazaar. The Association also considered the opposition to the amendments to be sufficiently important to Cornard Tye that we fully supported the Country Action Group and made a contribution to their costs.

A successful Christmas raffle was held with the support of local residents and provided the Association with useful additional funds to continue its activities.

Finally, this year’s AGM will be held in late June 2006 and a copy of the approved Annual report and Accounts for the year to 30 April 2006 will be made available to the Parish Council shortly thereafter for you records.

The Chairman thanked Mr.Lockhart for the Association’s report.

         e)         Riverside Advisory Group

The group has met on a regular basis during the past year and its main function has been to act in a watchdog and lobbying role. We have recently concerned ourselves with the pending development of the Priory Football Ground and shared with planners at Babergh the difficulties regarding the risk of flooding and associated problems. This issue is linked to the need for improvement to ditch drainage, associated with the near by river.

Representation is being made regarding access to the River Stour’s Education Centre on the Bakers M ill site here in Great Cornard, as it appears that difficulties will arise in connection with visiting coaches and parking problems in connection with the proposed development layout, but hopefully this will be resolved during the second phase of development in the area. Also the outstanding matter concerning pedestrian access to the towpath leading through toward Friars Meadow in Sudbury.

The group is eager to see improvement made to the surface of the public car parking area at the rear of Ballingdon Street in Sudbury, near the railway bridge also the occupation of the newly created allotments.

It was generally agreed that efforts should be made to encourage signage improvements in the area of the railway walk, particularly at the various points of public access.

The Chairman thanked Mr.Sayers for his report.

f)       Great Cornard Sports Centre

No report was submitted.

g)     Community Warden

My daily duties include looking for dumped vehicles, vehicles for sale on grass verges and to then take the appropriate action to get them removed.

Litter checks are also carried out daily, particularly around the steps in Maldon Court and in the area surrounding the KFC roundabout. Fly tipping in Sycamore Road and rubbish dumped along Shawlands are both areas that I liase with BDC and Cleanaway on a regular basis.

Checking Blackhouse Lane and Allotment car parks for litter and dog fouling, as well as a proactive approach with the handing out of dog bags. The School fields are checked and I regularly communicate with all the caretakers at the Cornard Schools.

I have also given talks in Assembly at all the schools, regarding litter and recycling and this will continue on a regular basis. I also plan to take schools on visits to the recycling centre at Great Blakenham.

I monitor the emptying of all the bins to ensure they are emptied on the correct day and liaise with the Council office accordingly.

Regular daily checking of play areas, making sure they are safe from dog fouling, broken glass and broken apparatus etc. On a number of occasions, I have stopped youths riding motorised bikes across Blackhouse Lane field and the School fields and have told them not to ride across the grass.

I regularly speak to the public in Great Cornard and feel they have got to know me and my van and I am there to assist them if I can. I get a lot of positive from them about the area and I write a regular feature in the Cornard News, via Tony Harman.

Later in the year I will be attending some training sessions with Babergh District Council regarding the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act which came into force on the 6^th April this year, which will give the Parish Council’s more powers, which I hope to enforce. This will cover everything from noisy burglar alarms to abandoned trolleys, dog fouling and litter.

Over the past two years of my employment, I have noticed a great improvement in the area as sometimes I am only there to monitor the situation and use my initiative if I think I can help. Every day can be very different.

The Chairman thanked Mr.Nunny for his report.     

4) Parish Council Chairman’s Report

The Chairman announced that he had had the great pleasure of welcoming a new vicar to St.Andrew’s Church. This event had been marked by a reception for the Reverend Jamie Allen at the Stevenson Centre.

During the year the Chairman had attended many functions in Great Cornard including visiting the Rugby club, Football clubs and attending the Fun Run. All these groups promote Great Cornard and allow the Parish Council to be involved with the youth of Cornard.  

The Chairman advised that a new microphone system is to be installed, enabling members of the public to listen to meetings more clearly.

A new project bringing weekly cinema to the residents of Great Cornard had begun at the Upper School. This was proving to be very successful and the Chairman encouraged all present to make use of this service.

5) Parish Council Treasurer’s Report

Our accounts last year showed that we ended the year with a deficit of some £4000. The Council, reluctantly therefore, agreed to increase the parish rate in order to adopt a budget which would

• Repay the deficit

• Cover all the annual outgoings

• Put aside £22,800 for planned capital projects 

The draft accounts you now have, in front of you, show that these objectives have been achieved. The deficit has been repaid, and the general reserve account now shows a credit balance of £515, having covered all our annual expenditure. £22,800 was put aside for capital projects, of which £10,200 has been spent, leaving £12,600 in an earmarked reserve.

The budget for the 2006/7 year is intended to cover annual expenditure, place a further £9,250 into the earmarked reserve, and to place £10,000 into the general reserve. Whilst we already now have a general reserve of £515, it is considered prudent to carry sufficient reserve to cover unexpected expense and the fluctuations in income. Our auditors, representing the Audit Commission, have indicated a figure of £20,000 should be held and 2006/7, therefore, is year one of a two year plan to accumulate the required reserve.

Last year I reported that the amount spent on Administration, was down to £8,156, from £10,377 in 2003/4, and you will note that again the staff have been able to reduce this figure to £7,695.

 Treasurers Report to the Annual Parish Meeting - 15th May 2006

6) County Councillor’s Report

County Councillor Beer reported that this was his first year as a County Councillor for Great Cornard and that he had been surprised at the amount of time the role was taking up.

Cllr.P.K.Beer reported that he is on the Roads Committee, where he has expressed his concerns over the general state of the roads in Great Cornard and Sudbury.

Cllr.P.K.Beer also serves on the Health Scrutiny Committee, where he argued strongly for the matter of the Hospital closures to be referred to the Secretary of State, unfortunately the vote was lost by 1 for the West of the County.

To achieve a Council Tax increase of 4.7%, there had been cuts right across the board in all services. It was initially thought there would be up to 100 redundancies, but it was now going to be close to the 30 mark.

SCC will be holding discussions with the Police Authority over the Governments proposals to amalgamate Police Authorities. SCC do not want any changes but it is likely that there will have to be some changes.

There is to be a review of the Counties three-tier education system, as the current system has some staffing concerns.

Cllr.A.C.Bavington declared a personal interest as he is a Head Teacher at a Middle School in Newmarket.

Cllr.Bavington advised that a review is taking place and that responses should be in by August. Cllr.Bavington encouraged people to get involved with the review and add their comments.

Cllr.P.K.Beer advised that he is also on 3 more working parties and that he can assure everybody that he is extremely verbal on all the committees he serves on!

7) District Councillor’s Report

Given by Cllr.A.C.Bavington

Cllr Bavington advised that due to increased work commitments he had unfortunately had to give up a number of responsibilities at BDC which he would normally have reported to the Council on.

Cllr Bavington had hoped that he would be in a position to report that the new Poplar Road development would be almost built by now, however, due to the complexity of the negotiations with the individual shop keepers, to release them from their leases early, work has not been able to start.

In the mean time, plans to develop the Clibbon House site have now been included in the overall development of the area and this will mean a significant improvement to North Cornard.

Cllr Bavington advised that he had put forward an amendment to the proposal to include the Carsons Drive site rather than the Shawlands Avenue site in the Local Plan, but unfortunately the amendment was voted down 15/13 and at that point along with the other members who had signed the petition he had been advised to leave the meeting and took no part in the main vote.  

The Chairman thanked Councillor A.C.Bavington for his report.

Given by Cllr.H.N.Todd

The Council Tax raised by Babergh District Council will increase this year by 2.7% - the rate of inflation. This reflects the council’s strategy “to do our best to keep our Council tax increases to the rate of inflation”

This does no happen by accident. As well as being one of the key objectives of the council, the government has issued efficiency targets of 2.5% efficiency savings each, since the Gershon report in 2004. By 2007/8 this will rise to a cumulative saving of 7.5%. This means that £840,000 savings are required. Cuts in service provision do not count as efficiency gains.

In fact, over £1.5 million will be achieved for this three year period. Of this, £1 million is estimated as “cashable” in real savings – the rest is largely achieved be delivering the same service with fewer resources.

The main areas of savings include:-

Refuse/recycling  -  approx. £500,000.

Housing contracts and repairs  -  nearly £100,000.

Staff savings = mainly arising from a review of the organisation and internal support services  -  at least £200,000.

New technology  -  approximately £300,000.

Procurement  -  nearly £50,000.

Transaction processing  - approximately £ 250,000.

Further savings should arise from long term partnering contracts for Housing contracts – through staff time savings and better services for tenants and contractors.

The South Suffolk Leisure Trust is an example of providing a better service at a lower cost. This trust has taken over the management of the Kingfisher and Hadleigh Swimming Pools. Babergh has created the trust and appointed the Trustees from local people with an interest in the Pools. An initial capital investment with targets to Improve usage and facilities in the next 5 years, should reduce financial support from Babergh by £50,000 a year. 

The Council is continuing to explore long term funding options for the future provision of leisure facilities in Hadleigh.

The Chairman thanked Cllr.Todd.

8) Reports from Parish Council Committees

Policies and Finance

Report given by Councillor H.Todd.

         The increase on the Precept for FY2006/7 had been kept inline with inflation

         with a small increase of 2.8%.

The emphasis is on providing facilities for the youth of Great Cornard. This could be in the form of swings, a youth shelter etc.

BDC awarded the Parish Council a grant of up to 40% of the cost to improve the main entrance to the Stevenson Centre. New automatic doors will be installed along with a new ramp up to the doorway with planters.

A figure of £10,000 had been put aside for reserves. This is a requirement of the council’s Auditors and is needed to cover any unexpected expenditure. 

In general the council has managed to embrace all its expense requirements.

The Chairman thanked Cllr.Todd.

Development and Planning Committee

Report given by Cllr.Mrs.C.Baker

The Rugby Road and Guilford Europe sites have started and Cllr Baker was pleased to announce that two of the road names put forward for the Guilford Europe site; Melso Close and Jacobs Close are to be used.

The Bakers Mill site is ongoing, with the Council also having some input into the  road names there as well. Cllr Allen and the Council Manager both spoke at BDC on behalf of the PC with regards to the Mill site and Cllr Baker thanked them both.

There have been many more applications throughout the year, including  proposed developments on Canhams Road, the Queens Arms Public House, Cats Lane, the old Piggeries site, Carsons Drive, Poplar Road and Clibbon House.

Councillors also attended a Council’s workshop for planning at Sudbury Town Hall with Richard Watson from BDC.

Cllr Baker advised that with all the proposed development taking place, if anybody had any suggestions for road names please forward them to the Council Manager.

With regards to the inclusion of the Carsons Drive field in the Local Plan. Cllr Baker and the Council Manager were first involved in Nov/Dec 05, a Public Meeting was held at the Stevenson Centre on 18^th January, after which, the PC employed the services of a specialist solicitor in February. Subsequently a substantial document was presented to BDC setting out the Council’s objections to the inclusion of Carson Drive.  

The Chairman thanked Cllr.Mrs.Baker and her Committee for all their hard work, on what has been a particularly difficult year.

Recreation and Conservation

By Martin Fryer. Committee Chairman

This year has been a busy rewarding year for the Recreation and Leisure committee of this council.

This committee is responsible for the councils planning, co-ordination, Setting of budgets, and the implementation of change, working closely with both the Chairman of the Parish Council and council manager on all matters relating to recreation and leisure within the parish of Gt Cornard.

This year has seen a number of projects that will benefit both young and senior citizens within the Village.

Rugby Club

The new and exciting facilities for the rugby club has been one highlight of this year, the club committee are very advanced in the preparation of their planned move in two years time.

We have worked very closely with the steering group from the rugby club committee to ensure that the new facilities they are proposing will be modern, futuristic and a model of excellence within the sport.

The parish council is keen to ensure that all the appropriate car parking,   protection from light pollution, and all other likely possible problems are recognised and  included the development planning, ensuring when the new housing is developed a harmonious  relationship is built up and maintained.

These facilities will allow the rugby club to develop a wide range of opportunities for younger people and allow access to many local  players, schools and academies associated with rugby, and by setting the higher standards we hope that promotion to a higher league will be the inevitable consequences of this development.

The citizens of Rugby Road will benefit tremendously from this move which will reduce the traffic and parking problems that have existed in that area for a number of years as a consequence of the rugby club activities.

New Childrens Play Area

A new children’s fenced in play area is to erected to east of the new rugby club entrance as part of an agreement by the developers to provide facilities of this nature within that area.

The Country Park

I am pleased to report that the country Park Continues to be well used by a wide range of members of the public, Many of the trees originally set at inception of the park have grown, and present a glorious Background to the park ,which is much appreciated by most visitors, in  many cases the tree  growth has been to successful and during the course of this year their  been a ongoing management review of the  whole area with the intention of ensuring that it retains the better aspects , and we are able to control those elements that assist a diverse and healthy environment, and encourage a wide range of wild life, A country park environment  assessment review is also continuing throughout the year , it reported that their are many species of birds, lizards, beetles, rabbits, it has been stated that there is a 35 different types of creatures living and thriving within the park.

Danes Hole

I am also happy to report that Danes Hole has been bought by the parish council during the course of this year, this will be a great addition to the facilities for local people, and continues the long held hope for public ownership of all land around the eastern perimeter of the village.

Danes hole is said to be a historic battleground area  and as such it is good that the parish Council has taken this into its ownership.

We owe a great deal of thanks both to the chairman and council manager who was able to raise the finance for the purchase and for the efforts that put into ensure that this project came to fruition.

Black House Lane Facilities

Football

The facilities at Black house Lane continue to be used to capacity, football,  teams are flourishing and are Used By Cornard United as semi Professional team in division one of the Ridgeons Football league, A F C Cornard Dynamo with its wide range of teams for different ages,

The new Club Hut has been in use for  a year and has been a excellent extra facility for a number of football teams, both the football club and the Parish Council jointly funded this project as a  partnership venture .

Cricket

The cricket Club continues to make good use of their area at Blackhouse Lane and 2006 is said to be their 50^th Year.

Challenges

There are some ongoing challenges for the users of Blackhouse Lane, it is becoming very obvious that a good consensus of the managements of the various bodies will be required to ensure the smooth running of the area, whilst it would be the best option for these groups to work together and to manage the facility as a whole this has not proved easy on several occasions during the course of this year.

The Parish Council owns both the Land and the Club House and are therefore ultimately responsible, some work between these bodies and the parish council will be necessary to ensure that a good working relationship exists, the council will need to have some proof of this before we could recommend to the Chairman that he should sign any long term contract.

The Car Park which was totally refurbished last year has been extremely successful and has overcome most of the flooding difficulties that haunted this area for many years

Cinema

Cornard Upper School are hosting the new cinema facilities which commenced operation earlier this year, it is offering a wide range of films to suit all tastes, and is another excellent opportunity for people in the locality to enjoy a wider range of social activities.

Trees

Their has been  a some health and safety checks carried out on many of the trees within the parish and some work has needed to be undertaken to rectify problems following these inspections. Most tree within the responsibility of the parish council are now in good shape, the tree warden has agreed to inspect  trees on a regular basis throughout the year and advise the parish council on any matters that may concern him.

Shawlands Nature Reserve

Appears to be continuing to grow and produce a great area for both the members of the public and a wide range of different species of animals and insects this is an outstanding area on the edge of the village  which is enjoyed by many parishioners

However their has also been a number of complaints relating to the reserve , these have have mainly about noise pollution resulting from the use of the area for motorcycles  and motor cycle racing, this situation will continue to be monitored and we may have to resort to taking police action if this practice continues.

During the course of this year we are looking forward to a wide range of activities within the Village including some summer activities as well as the usual fire work display and Christmas party for senior citizens.

The Chairman thanked Cllr Fryer.

      9) Trustees of the Stevenson Centre

      COUNCIL REPORT AS TRUSTEES 2006 made to the Annual Parish Meeting - 15th May 2006 

Income for the year just ended is shown in the accounts at £11,367, which is down on last year’s figure of £12,476.

Bookings have, however, recently increased with three new regular bookings. We also, for the first time, have a series of bookings for the Council chamber from a commercial company...at a commercial rate.

The complete refurbishment of the entrance and the main lobby has not been possible, with no grant money being forthcoming from any of the numerous sources approached. However, in January this year Babergh District Council announced that it had limited funds available for the year and an application was duly submitted.

This was to carry out a reduced entrance lobby scheme which will provide new automatic opening doors, and an improved ramp to the main entrance, together with associated lighting, planters, etc.

I am pleased to announce that the grant application was successful and, as soon as the legal paperwork can be completed, work should be able to start.

10) Any Other Parish Affairs

None

Meeting Closed at 8.59pm

Signed                               

Chairman