STN report on the full meeting of March 2010

The monthly meeting of the full council was held on Tuesday 23rd March and was opened by the Chairman Councillor Howard Midgley, who asked the two members of the public present if they had any matters they would like to raise. One question related to contract with the Syston Bowls club and the codicil about car parking on the village green, was it drawn up legally by a solicitor and would it be open to public view. The chairman responded by saying that yes it was legally drawn up and has yet to be signed as it has been submitted for legal scrutiny. A second question was raised with regard to the progress of the play area in DeVille Park. Allan Clarke, Town Manager, said that it was currently with the consultants and that it will then be put to the council for approval before going to CBC for their approval. Local school children will be involved when it goes to the consultation period and there is a proposal for CCTV to be included in the plan. It is hoped to have it all completed by the end of August.
Chairman’s announcements
Howard Midgley, chairman of the council, then open the meeting by announcing the death of Harry Hickling who served on the Town Council during the 1970s, his funeral was held on Monday 29th March.
An invitation had been received to join the visit to our twinned town of Deville for the 30th anniversary. He also asked about a gift as at the 20th Anniversary the council had sent a gift and would it be considered for anniversary.
Other announcements included the proposed activities on central park for children provided by Charnwood Borough Council, these included Street games on Monday 29th March between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. A childrens Character circus to be held between 2nd and 5th April and a play day on the 9th April which was held between 10.00am and 12noon.
Police report
Due to illnes the police report was not discussed and the chairman ask for any questions to be directed to Allan Clarke.
Members’ Questions to the chairman
A question relating to the land for the proposed new cemetery as there was a concern that the owner may sell to property developers. The Chairman responded by stating that the owner had signed another twelve month option for the council to purchase the land, and that the second part of the archeological report was now completed and forwarded to Leicestershire County Council. Councillor Steve Hampson requested that the issue was put higher on the agenda to avoid the land being sold to property developers.
Melton Road Car Park
Confirmation that the parking time is limited to a maximum of two hours on this car park, but there was a need to monitor this to stop all day parking. Request that the street management team include this check in their route.
2026 Local Development Framework Core Strategy
Comments on this strategy were to be made by Friday 26th March. This would enable a review of Syston as a service centre, and look at its schools, shops, etc. Council agreed to participate and send comments. Councillor Howard Midgley to follow this up.
Wind farm Planning application P/09/2464/2
This was discussed at length and the outcome was that the council at this stage would remain neutral. However, this doesn’t prevent any individuals objecting should they wish to do so.
County/Borough Councillors report
Councillor Ken Pacey reported about training on planning. It was advised that councillors should direct any enquiries to the planning department at Southfields and not give advice themselves to avoid giving incorrect information.
Councillor Steve Hampson reported that the stage one car parking near St Peters Court was now completed and that the second stage will commence soon. Also through the service reviews Syston and district age concern has secured its grant funding for the next three years. This month he spoke about the work done by the Environment Services Department and that they still have the slogan greener and cleaner. He talked about the lessor known aspects including abandoned vehicles without tax disc can be reported to the Borough council and the owner is given seven days to remove it safely before disposal. Burnt out vehicles reported are dealt with immediately. Fly tipping is an important role and whenever possible the culprits are prosecuted. Also responsible for Grotte spots, recycling where they are working with the Sue Rider Foundation and Mind. Trade waste, Monitoring air pollution, dust and noise pollution. Fireworks should not be used after 11.00pm with the exceptions of Bonfire night and specific celebrations such as Diwali. Lastly bonfires, where there is no actual law against bonfires in gardens the Borough council advise not before one hour after dusk.
Councillor Dave Houseman had written to congratulate the principal of Wreake Valley CC for the recent ofsted report where they received good comments on the good leadership and management. He had also written to the two young men who tried to help the men who fell in the frozen lake at the Watermead country park. He reported that Leicestershire County Council were jointly bidding with the Country park for Access to Nature grants.
Councillor Mike Preston reported that Leicestershire was leading the way in the country for improving the environment by light dimming or turning off so saving £750,000. The Sileby waste tip due to close soon when the new one at Mountsorrel will be opened and will be easier to use. He updated the council on the AstraZeneca situation and that EMDA was working to help reduce the impact. Wrapped dog waste can now be put into ordinary waste bins as of 22nd March. He also alerted the council to the driving lessons featured in the STN and he commented that he was not convinced of the efficiency of the proposed Wind Farm in Queniborough and urged individuals to make their feelings known. He thought it would be useful to invite the SPROUT members to a development meeting.
If you have a question to put to your Town Council please write to the Town Council, The Community Centre, School Street, Syston. LE7 1HN.