Parish Meeting Minutes

LONGWICK-CUM-ILMER PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 23rd APRIL 2018 AT 7.30 PM IN LONGWICK VILLAGE HALL

PRESENT

Cllr Val McPherson BEM (Chair)

Cllrs Brian Richards, Ian Walker, Jane Rogers, Sally Whitworth, Richard Myers, Rolf van Apeldoorn

Police Sergeant James Bunfield

Clerk Frank Post

10 members of the public

1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Bill Bendyshe-Brown (County). A welcome was extended to the new Clerk, Frank Post.

2. MINUTES

The Minutes of the previous Annual Meeting of the Parish on the 19th April 2017 were approved and signed by the Chairman.

3. POLICE REPORT

Crime increased by 7% last year in the Thames Valley Area, but is very low within Parish. Theft from vehicles accounted for 8 offences compared to previous year at 7.

Crime is primarily acquisitive and the small local team are committed to investigating all incidences including burglaries. It was noted that the Police will retain a local office located at the Fire Station. It was also noted that special constables will now be involved in traffic calming measures.

Sergeant Bunfield also confirmed the presence of the Police at the forthcoming Fete.

4. REPORT FROM CLLR BENDYSHE-BROWN ON MATTERS CONCERNING LONGWICK-CUM-ILMER

In the absence of Councillor Bendyshe-Brown, the highlights of his report were read by the Clerk:

• Agreement secured for 2 Vehicle Activated Signs pending additional funding from Parish Council
• Owlswick Lane has been repaired, whilst Ilmer Road will be addressed this year and Meadle Village in 2019
• Vegetation on footpath from Village Hall to Longwick school will be controlled
• Footpath from Chestnut Way to Walnut Tree Avenue will be repaired this year
• The flooding issue in Bar lane is being investigated by Highways
• The planning application for installation of batteries on the solar farm is being contested to stop the use of Ilmer Road as a means of access
• The footpaths from the Longwick roundabout to Bryants and Longwick Village to Ilmer Road still require to be cut back

The key issue prevailing local councils is the Unitary Council proposals and Cllr Bendyshe-Brown encouraged parishioners to participate in the consultation process.

5. REPORT FROM CLLR McPHERSON (CHAIR) ON PARISH COUNCIL

Cllr McPherson highlighted the following in her report:-

• The extensive focus on the Parish Neighbourhood Plan during the year and its approval by District Council and the parishioners following a referendum 8th March, with 389 votes cast (representing 38% of the electorate) of which 93% voted in favour
• The informal meetings held with Bellway and Croudace developers to discuss their layout proposals
• The contribution by the Council in ensuring that street names within the new developments at Boxer and Thame roads retained a connectivity with the historical activities of the locality
• The refurbishment for the milestones within the Parish, which will happen this year
• The creation of a logo for the Parish Council featuring the Crown Imperial used for May Day garlands traditionally prepared by children of the village
• The visit by Cllr Walsh of Princes Risborough Town Council to review their draft Local Plan
• The addressing of complaints regarding repair to pavements and roads with the County Council throughout the year
• The review of 35 planning applications of which the Council objected to 8
• The publication of the twice yearly Parish Newsletter and the need for more contributions from parishioners
• The successful arrangements for the Remembrance and Carol Services held on 11th November and 18th December respectively and the thanks extended to all those involved

Cllr McPherson concluded her report by thanking the previous Clerk and Deputy Clerk for their support and guidance.

6. PARISH ACCOUNTS AND PRECEPT

Cllr Richards highlighted the following aspects of the financial performance of the Parish Council:

• Savings accrued in maintenance, website provision and Parish Plan expenses (£7k)
• No increase in Precept for 2018/9 (£27.4k)
• A budget set lower than last year (£4k)
• The replenishment of reserves back to best practice (50% of expenditure)

Cllr Richards concluded his report by stating the Parish Council will be developing proposals for utilising the Community Infrastructure Levies that will arise from the Village Plan and consult with parishioners accordingly.

7. REPORT FROM WI

The following key aspects were noted:

• WI meetings are held on the second Wednesday evening of every month, except August
• Current membership 40
• New members are made very welcome
• Evening meetings often involve a speaker whose talk is educational (eg medical dogs) or entertaining (eg line dancing)
• Several interest groups meet weekly or monthly, including a Book Club
• Excursions include visits to the theatre and local gardens
• Community involvement is extensive including supporting the Village Fete and Christmas Carol Concert, as well as litter picking and making donations to local charities
• Key national themes this year focus on food waste and mental health

8. REPORT FROM LONGWICK SCHOOL

The Head reported on the following:

• Ofsted inspection this year resulted in a "good" rating
• Focus this year will encompass data improvement plans, maths and leadership management
• Low birth rates have resulted in spaces being available this year

9. REPORT FROM PRE-SCHOOL

The key updates were:

• Welcome increase in Ofsted grading
• 34 children accommodated, 24 hours a week
• Garden extension planned subject to funding
• Next year's intake estimated at 29/30

10. REPORT ON VILLAGE HALL

The following issues were highlighted:

• The sad departure of several key committee members
• Reductions in footfall
• The importance of Fete contributions to ensure maintenance and cleaning requirements
• Current income of £19k, of which the community contributes £6k

11. REPORT ON NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

The update included the following:

• Continued effectiveness of co-ordinators and members working together to prevent crime and fear of crime
• A responsive alert system to circulate incidents and concerns
• Effective partnership with Police, Trading Standards and other agencies
• Low incidence of physical crime, but increased evidence of cyber crime
• Focus on educating residents on the perils of telephone scams, email scams, etc
• The use of social media to alert and disseminate information

12. REPORT FROM THE SCOUTS

Update included:

• Continued vibrancy of Longwick group with 60 children representing 3 sections
• Waiting lists prevail
• Focus on developing leadership, team working and independence skills as well as scouting competencies
• Visits include "kip on ship" to HMS Belfast, as well as climbing, archery and gliding excursions
• Need for more leaders from adult parishioners

13. OPEN FORUM

Comments that arose from the floor included:

• The need for participation of the community in the implementation of the Neighbourhood Plan
• The suggestion to invite speakers to the meeting (it was noted that the presentation from the BBOWT did not materialise)

The meeting concluded at 8.20pm.