| Time: | 7.30pm | Place: | Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth Garden City |
| PRESENT: | Councillor D.J. Barnard (Chairman), Councillor Faye Barnard, Councillor John Bishop, Councillor Tom Brindley (from 8.00p.m), Councillor Tricia Cowley, Councillor Jane Gray, Councillor Sal Jarvis and Councillor Mrs C.P.A. Strong. |
| IN ATTENDANCE: | Inspector Neil Morehen (Hertfordshire Constabulary), Andrew Godman (Head of Housing and Public Protection Service), Rebecca Coates (Community Safety Manager), Stuart Izzard (Community Development Manager), Margaret Bracey (Community Development Officer) and Hilary Dineen (Committee and Member Services Officer). |
| ALSO PRESENT: | At the commencement of the meeting 22 members of the public. |
| Item | Description/Resolution | Status | Action | |
| PART I | ||||
| 61 |
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Alan Bardett and Cathryn Henry. |
Noted | ||
| 62 |
MINUTES Minutes RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 23 January 2014 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and be signed by the Chairman. |
Agreed | ||
| 63 |
NOTIFICATION OF OTHER BUSINESS There were no notifications of other business. |
Noted | ||
| 64 |
CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS (1) The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting, particularly those giving a presentation; (2) The Chairman reminded those giving presentations under Public Participation that there was a time limit of 5 minutes per presentation; (3) The Chairman advised that, to allow the Police Officer to return to duty as soon as possible, He would take Item 6 - Consideration of a Dispersal Order, prior to Item 5 - Public Participation. (4) Members were reminded that any declarations of interest in respect of any business set out in the agenda, should be declared as either a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest or Declarable Interest and are required to notify the Chairman of the nature of any interest declared at the commencement of the relevant item on the agenda. Members declaring a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest must withdraw from the meeting for the duration of the item. Members declaring a Declarable Interest which requires they leave the room under Paragraph 7.4 of the Code of Conduct, can speak on the item, but must leave the room before the debate and vote. |
Noted | ||
| 65 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - LILLEY PARISH COUNCIL Peter George, Chairman of Lilley Parish Council, apologised for not being able to attend a previous meeting. He thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the application for grant funding. Parish Councillor George advised that the football pitch on the recreation ground was currently uneven and the solution had been to turn the pitch 90 degrees to provide a 9-a-side football pitch. The application for grant funding was to part fund the purchase of new goalposts and nets. The Chairman thanked Parish Councillor Peter George for his presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 66 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - ICKLEFORD PRE SCHOOL GROUP Laura Reader (Pre School Leader) and Lucy Barnes (Deputy Pre School Leader) thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the application for grant funding. Ms Reader and Ms Barnes informed Members that the Playgroup operated two separate rooms, one for 24 two year olds and the other for 30 three to four year olds and there was currently a waiting list. With high numbers of children attending it was necessary to improve health and safety by purchasing covers for the radiators and increase resources and activity materials. The Chairman thanked Ms Reader and Ms Barnes for their presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 67 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - PIRTON VILLAGE HALL CINEMA Richard Easterbrook thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the application for grant funding. Mr Easterbrook informed Members that Pirton Parish Council had completed its Parish Plan, which had involved extensive community consultation. This process had identified the community's desire for a community cinema, which several groups could use. The total cost of the project was £7,000 and funding routes had been identified for £6,441 of this sum. The Chairman thanked Mr Easterbrook for his presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 68 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - KIMPTON BOWLS CLUB Hal Boshier, Chairman of Kimpton Bowls Club, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the application for grant funding. Ms Boshier advised that the Kimpton Bowls Club had been founded in 1947 and was located in the centre of the village. The Club relied solely on members of the Club for upkeep. The Club was keen to get younger people involved in bowls, with the Brownies and Cubs already expressing an interest. To encourage and enable younger players, junior and small bowls were needed as well as end mats to protect the green. The Club was organising a recruitment drive which included giving out flyers in the surrounding villages. Councillors asked about the number of members of the Club and about the relationship with other bowls clubs in the area Ms Boshier informed the Committee that Kimpton Bowls Club had 26 full members and 12 associate members and that from April to September they played against other clubs and belonged to the local league. The Chairman thanked Ms Boshier for her presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 69 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - WHITWELL PLAYERS Prior to the item being presented Councillor John Bishop stated a Declarable Interest as he was a member of the Whitwell Players. He stated that he would listen to the presentation, but, for interest of transparency he would leave the room when the grant application was being considered (Minute 81 refers). Barney Wells, a committee member of the Whitwell Players and Alex Cunningham, a member, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the application for grant funding. Mr Wells informed Members that that the Whitwell Players was an active amateur dramatic group, which had up to 100 people involved in the productions and 500 people attending the shows, with any profits being donated to local projects and groups. There were an increasing number of young people who wanted to be involved and members were keen to teach them about the technical aspects. The Players currently hired a lighting deck as and when needed, which was very expensive. They now wished to purchase a new lighting deck with a cover which could be used for productions, training new people and for use at other community events and shows.. Members noted that Whitwell Players had not invested any surplus monies made into the lighting deck and observed that the Parish Council was supporting the project, but were disappointed that they were not offering any funding. The Community Development Manager advised that the Whitwell Players would be purchasing the lighting deck cover. The Chairman thanked Mr Wells and Mr Cunningham for their presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 70 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - WASTE NOT WANT NOT Isobel Barnes thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the application for grant funding. Ms Barnes informed Members that Waste Not Want Not had recently moved to a new site. This site was in the process of being developed, which resulted in a reduced income. The number of volunteers was increasing, with 60 people being referred by Job Centre Plus in the last two weeks. Due to the number of volunteers, it was now urgent that they had a paid worker to help co-ordinate, train and supervise the volunteers. To make the site viable they needed to provide covered areas, such as a marquee, equipment such as steel toe capped boots and compost and promotional literature. Funding had so far been received from Stevenage Borough Council, Welwyn Hatfield District Council and Kim Wilde. Kim Wilde would be officially opening the new site on 12 April 2014, all Councillors were welcome to attend this ceremony. Members asked whether the site had planning permission and how they would raise funding for the future. Ms Barnes advised that the current site did not have planning permission, however they were able to sell products from the Hatfield Galleria garden site and that they were applying for major funding from other organisations. The Chairman thanked Ms Barnes for her presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 71 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - ST PAUL'S WALDEN PARISH COUNCIL Katie Frayne-Johnson, Parish Clerk, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the application for grant funding. Ms Frayne-Johnson informed Members that a number of outside events were held in St Paul's Walden including a Village day, a "new to the Village" meeting and football functions. The Parish Council wished to purchase a community gazebo, which could be used for these events as well as be loaned to other organisations within the Parish. The cost of a new gazebo was £1350 of which they were requesting grant funding of £950. The Chairman thanked Ms Frayne-Johnson for her presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 72 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - ST IPPOLYTS UNITED Andy Parsons thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the application for grant funding. Mr Parsons informed Members that St Ippolyts United were based at St Ipployts Recreation Ground and played in the Hitchin Sunday League. The senior team had a manager who was a qualified referee and they were aiming to be a chartered club. They also aimed to provide coaching qualifications and set up a junior team. The pavilion needed to be improved to make it fit for purpose and suitable to be a multi-purpose facility. Grant funding was being sought to improve the pavilion and to provide medical equipment for the Club. Members asked where other funding was coming from. Mr Parsons advised that ten percent of the income of the Club was going towards the pavilion upgrade, County Councillor Thake had allocated some funds and the Club would continue to raise funds themselves. The Chairman thanked Mr Parsons for his presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 73 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - OFFLEY CRICKET CLUB Steve Becksfield and Doug Stevens thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the application for grant funding. Mr Becksfield informed Members that Offley Cricket Club invested time and money in promoting and keeping alive cricket in the community. They had purchased practise nets and had developed a Colts team for 14/15 year olds. The Pavilion and store required essential work to the roof and outer fabric of the building for which grant funding was being sought. Members asked who owned the pavilion and store and whether the Parish Council had awarded any grant funding to the project. Mr Stevens advised that he believed that Offley Cricket Club owned the building and that they were awaiting a response to their request for grant funding from Offley Parish Council. The Chairman thanked Mr Becksfield and Mr Stevens for their presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 74 |
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - OFFLEY RECREATION CENTRE Doug Stevens thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation regarding the application for grant funding. Mr Stevens informed Members that five years ago the Recreation was in debt, it had been handed back to the community last year when some work had been carried out on the building. It was now necessary to undertake further essential work to the outer fabric of the building. Members asked whether the Recreation Centre was a community trust or charity. Mr Stevens advised that the Offley Recreation Centre was a fully constituted club. The Chairman thanked Mr Stevens for his presentation. |
Noted | ||
| 75 |
CONSIDERATION OF AN APPLICATION FOR A DISPERSAL ORDER FROM HERTFORDSHIRE CONSTABULARY AS REGARDS THE SONISPHERE FESTIVAL, KNEBWORTH PARK, 4 - 6 JULY 2014 Report Appendix 1 Inspector Morehen, Hertfordshire Constabulary, presented the report regarding consideration of an application for a Dispersal Order as regards the Sonisphere Festival at Knebworth Park, 4-6 July 2014. He informed Members that Dispersal Orders had two main objectives being the co-ordinated management of local crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour and the protection of young people. Dispersal Order had received a degree of adverse media cover due to the perception that they were used to deal with young people or applied rigorously to any group of two or more people. The application of these powers were not deemed to prevent people, of any age, acting within the law from gathering, socialising and enjoying themselves. The Dispersal Order being applied for would operate in the area identified in Appendix B, from 6am on 4 July 2014 until 2pm on 7 July 2014 and covered an area around Knebworth Park, with both Stevenage Borough Council and NHDC being consulted regarding this application. Members asked how the boundary of the Dispersal Order had been decided and were concerned at the large area to be covered by the Order. They asked whether previous Dispersal Orders had been effective and whether arrests had been made and were concerned that someone planning to commit a crime would not be dissuaded by being moved on. Inspector Morehen advised that the boundary of the Dispersal Order should follow the Ward Boundaries and the size of the area had been determined by where it was thought people would go, for instance to use transport such as railway stations. The aim of the Dispersal Order was to focus on Anti-Social behaviour and encourage people to move on, however if something illegal were happening such as the discovery of drugs, then an arrest would be made. Organised crime groups saw this type of event as an opportunity and moving people on did make it less likely that they would commit a crime. Members asked that details regarding the number of "move-ons" used during the previous Dispersal Order regarding a music festival be circulated to all Members of this Committee. RESOLVED: (1) That the application for a Dispersal Order from Hertfordshire Constabulary regarding the Sonisphere Festival, Knebworth Park from 06.00 on Friday, 4 July 2014 to 14.00 on Monday 7 July 2014 be supported; (2) That the Head of Housing and Public Protection Service be requested to ask Hertfordshire Constabulary to provide details of the number of "move-ons" used during the period of the previous Dispersal Order regarding a music festival held at Knebworth House and arrange to forward these figures to all Members of the Southern Rural Committee. REASON FOR DECISION: to enable the officer with delegated powers as regards Section 31(2) of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 to respond appropriately on behalf of the Council to the request from Hertfordshire Constabulary. |
Agreed | ||
| 76 |
CHAMPION NEWS AND FINANCE REPORT Report Appendix 1 - Budget Sheet Appendix 2 - Work Programme Appendix 3 - Grant Application - Lilley Parish Council Appendix 4 - Grant Application - Ickleford Preschool Appendix 5 - Grant Application - Pirton Village Hall Cinema Appendix 6 - Grant Application - Kimpton Bowls Club Appendix 7 - Grant Application - Whitwell Players Appendix 8 - Grant Application - Waste No Want Not Appendix 9 - Grant Application - St Paul's Walden Parish Council Appendix 10 - Grant Application - St Ippolyts United Appendix 11 - Grant Application - Offley Cricket Club Appendix 12 - Grant Application - Offley Recreation Centre The Community Development Manager presented the report of the Head of Policy and Community Services entitled Champion News and Finance Report and drew attention to the following: BUDGETS The Committee had the following amounts available prior to any award of grant funding at this meeting: Discretionary Budget - £13550 Memorandums of Understanding Budget - £5370 Members agreed that any remaining funds would be split equally to form two new budgets entitled "Youth and Sport Budget" and "Community Projects Budget" both of which were to carried forward into next year's Area Committee Budget. MARGARET BRACEY - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER - HITCHIN The Community Development Manager informed Members that Margaret Bracey, Community Development Officer - Hitchin would be retiring at the end of March 2014. Members asked the their thanks to Margaret for her hard work for the Council and for the Southern Rural Committee and their best wishes to her for her retirement be placed on record. RESOLVED: (1) That the activities and schemes with which the Community Development Officer has been involved with, as set out in the report, be noted; (2) That the budgetary expenditure, balances and carry forwards within the Area Committee Development Budget spreadsheet, as attached at Appendix 1 to the report, be noted; (3) That fifty percent of the remaining balance of unallocated funds within the Committee's main Discretionary Budget & Former MoU Budget be allocated to form a Youth and Sport Budget and carried forward into next year's Area Committee Budget; (4) That fifty percent of the remaining balance of unallocated funds within the Committee's main Discretionary Budget & Former MoU Budget be allocated to form a Community Projects Budget and carried forward into next year's Area Committee Budget; (5) That Margaret Bracey, Community Development Officer - Hitchin, be thanked for all of her hard work for the Council and for the Southern Rural Committee. The Southern Rural Committee offers its best wishes to her during her retirement. REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure that the Southern Rural Committee is kept informed of the work of the Community Development Officer and to inform Members of the financial resources and current budgetary position. |
Agreed | ||
| 77 |
GRANT APPLICATION - LILLEY PARISH COUNCIL RESOLVED: That grant funding of £988 be allocated to Lilley Parish Council from the Discretionary Budget as a contribution towards the provision of Nine a Side goalposts and nets, REASON FOR DECISION: To allow the Southern Rural Committee to assist voluntary organisations and further the aims and priorities of the Council. |
Agreed | ||
| 78 |
GRANT APPLCIATION - ICKLEFORD PRE SCHOOL RESOLVED: That grant funding of £1,500 be allocated to Ickleford Pre School from the Discretionary Budget as a contribution towards the provision of covers for radiators and equipment for the room for 2 year olds. REASON FOR DECISION: To allow the Southern Rural Committee to assist voluntary organisations and further the aims and priorities of the Council. |
Agreed | ||
| 79 |
GRANT APPLICATION - PIRTON VILLAGE HALL RESOLVED: That grant funding of £600 be allocated to Pirton Village Hall from the Discretionary Budget as a contribution towards the cost of equipment for a community cinema. REASON FOR DECISION: To allow the Southern Rural Committee to assist voluntary organisations and further the aims and priorities of the Council. |
Agreed | ||
| 80 |
GRANT APPLICATION - KIMPTON BOWLS CLUB The Community Development Manager advised that the amount of £400 previously allocated to Kimpton PC Play Area was no longer required and this could be reallocated. RESOLVED: That total grant funding of £640 be allocated to Kimpton Bowls Club from the funds indicated in the Committee's spreadsheet as detailed below, as a contribution towards the cost of sets of smaller woods and carriers for use by young people plus rink protectors and rubber delivery mats: Kimpton PC Play Area - £400 Youth Activities - £99 Discretionary Budget - £5 Councillor Bishop's Kimpton Ward Discretionary Budget - £136 TOTAL - £640 REASON FOR DECISION: To allow the Southern Rural Committee to assist voluntary organisations and further the aims and priorities of the Council. |
Agreed | ||
| 81 |
GRANT APPLICATION - WHITWELL PLAYERS Prior to the Whitwell Players presentation (Minute 69 refers) Councillor John Bishop had stated a Declarable Interest as he was a member of the Whitwell Players. He stated that he would listen to the presentation, but, for interests of transparency he would leave the room when the grant application was being considered. RESOLVED: That grant funding of £993 be allocated to Whitwell Players from the Discretionary Budget as a contribution towards the provision of a new lighting deck and cover. REASON FOR DECISION: To allow the Southern Rural Committee to assist voluntary organisations and further the aims and priorities of the Council. |
Agreed | ||
| 82 |
GRANT APPLICATION - WASTE NOT WANT NOT Councillors agreed that Waste Not Want Not was a very worthwhile project and that they should receive funding to develop the site and support volunteers. It was proposed and seconded that £2,000 be allocated to Waste Not Want Not. RESOLVED: That, subject to receipt of satisfactorily completed paperwork, grant funding of £2,000 be allocated to Waste Not Want Not from the Discretionary Budget as a contribution towards the development of the new site and support of volunteers. REASON FOR DECISION: To allow the Southern Rural Committee to assist voluntary organisations and further the aims and priorities of the Council. |
Agreed | ||
| 83 |
GRANT APPLICATION - ST PAUL'S WALDEN PARISH COUNCIL Members were unsure whether St Paul's Walden Parish Council could purchase equipment VAT exempt and agreed that the level of grant funding should reflect whether or not VAT would be paid. RESOLVED: That, subject to ascertaining whether St Paul's Walden will pay VAT, grant funding of £950 if VAT is payable or £725 if VAT exempt, be allocated to St Paul's Walden Parish Council from the Discretionary Budget as a contribution towards the cost of purchasing a Gazebo to be made available as a community resource. REASON FOR DECISION: To allow the Southern Rural Committee to assist voluntary organisations and further the aims and priorities of the Council. |
Agreed | ||
| 84 |
GRANT APPLICATION - ST IPPOLYTS UNITED Members were supportive of the project to refurbish the pavilion and in particular the provision of a defribulator. However they were concerned that the defribulator be available for use by as many people as possible and asked that the Club consider how they could enable wider use. It was proposed and seconded that £2,000 be awarded to St Ippolyts United toward the cost of refurbishment of the pavilion and the purchase of medical equipment RESOLVED: (1) That, subject to receipt of satisfactorily completed application paperwork, grant funding of £2,000 be allocated to St Ippolyts United from the Discretionary Budget as a contribution towards the installation of a new Kitchen at the Football Pavilion and the provision of a defribulator and other supporting equipment; (2) That the Community Development Manager be requested to liaise with St Ippolyts United regarding the provision and placement of any defribulator purchased. REASON FOR DECISION: To allow the Southern Rural Committee to assist voluntary organisations and further the aims and priorities of the Council. |
Agreed | ||
| 85 |
GRANT APPLICATION - OFFLEY CRICKET CLUB Members were concerned that the two buildings on the recreation ground (Offley Cricket Pavilion and Offley Recreation Centre) were not considering sharing facilities. It was proposed and seconded that £1,500 be awarded to Offley Cricket Club toward the costs of essential work to the outer fabric of the building. RESOLVED: (1) That, subject to receipt of satisfactorily completed paperwork, grant funding of £1,500 be allocated to Offley Cricket Club from the Discretionary Budget as a contribution towards the cost of essential work to the roof an outer fabric of the Offley Cricket Club Pavillion; (2) That the Community Development Manager be requested to encourage discussions between Offley Cricket Club and Offley Recreation Centre regarding possible future sharing of facilities. REASON FOR DECISION: To allow the Southern Rural Committee to assist voluntary organisations and further the aims and priorities of the Council. |
Agreed | ||
| 86 |
GRANT APPLICATION - OFFLEY RECREATION CENTRE Members were concerned that the two buildings on the recreation ground (Offley Recreation Centre and Offley Cricket Pavilion) were not considering sharing facilities. It was proposed and seconded that £950 be awarded to Offley Recreation Centre toward the costs of essential work to the outer fabric of the building. RESOLVED: (1) That, subject to receipt of satisfactorily completed paperwork, grant funding of £950 be allocated to Offley Recreation Centre from the Discretionary Budget as a contribution towards the cost of essential work to the outer fabric of the Offley Recreation Centre; (2) That the Community Development Manager be requested to encourage discussions between Offley Recreation Centre and Offley Cricket Club regarding possible future sharing of facilities. REASON FOR DECISION: To allow the Southern Rural Committee to assist voluntary organisations and further the aims and priorities of the Council. |
Agreed | ||