LOSTOCKLINK Newsletter

DECEMBER 2007

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF LOSTOCK GRALAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 3 DECEMBER 2007 AT LOSTOCK GRALAM COMMUNITY CENTRE

The meeting commenced at 7.30 p.m.

PRESENT : Parish Councillors E Guy & S.Wells

IN ATTENDANCE : Mrs N Clarke, Clerk

ALSO PRESENT: County Councillor M Byram

Frances Kindon representing the Northwich Guardian.

Sgt D Haddock and PCSO G Jones

Mr Jon Garvey, Bedminster International

Members of the public

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillor Gouldings’ continued absence has been approved by the Parish Council whilst he is deployed in Iraq . Councillors J Foster, H Argent, R Reece and D Rouse, Borough Councillor A McEllin and A Makepeace also sent their apologies.

As there were not sufficient councillors present the meeting was inquorate and therefore no motions could be passed.

Chairman Guy opened the meeting and welcomed those present.

PUBLIC FORUM

Chairman Guy updated the meeting as to CHAIN activities regarding the WRG planning application. A leaflet drop in the CW9 area has been costed at about £500 for 15,000 houses not including printing costs. Rudheath PC, Wincham PC and CHAIN are willing to donate to the cost of this.

CHAIN will be in Northwich town centre this weekend asking for petition signatures.

A member of the public voiced concern regarding why the petition needed signing twice. Councillor Guy explained that the petition could be used twice if WRG put in a second amended planning application. She assured the public that the petitions are seperated as they arrive.

A member of the public said there were rumours that the foundations had already been put in at the site. However, County Councillor Byram assured the meeting that there had only been surveying work done at the site.

The triangle site is still causing concern with parking once the site is up and running and a member of the public asked why there are raised bumps on

Stubbs Lane

– is it a traffic survey? Cllr Byram will check.

– is it a traffic survey?Cllr Byram will check.

Cllr Byram replied that at the Cluster Meeting with CCC parking was discussed but VRBC have a policy for free parking in the borough so it will be very unlikely that residents parking will come into force around the triangle site. He urged people to lobby VRBC with their concerns and ask them what their plans are.

REPORT FROM PCSO G JONES

PCSO Jones outlined his workload over the last month. This will be emailed to the Clerk for inclusion in the minutes.

Sgt Haddock explained that ASBOs have been given to two youths in Lostock and outlined the details. He also asked that Lostock residents should contact PCSO Jones if they have any problems, this led to one member of the public wanting to talk to PCSO Jones about youths on scooters.

PSCO Jones and Sgt Haddock left the meeting at 8.20 pm

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

Acceptance of the Minutes was deferred until the sub-committee meeting on 11 December.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD ON 12 NOVEMBER 2007

None

PRESENTATION BY JON GARVEY OF BEDMINSTER INTERNATIONAL

Mr Garvey explained that he was at the meeting in order to outline the proposed development of a bio-energy plant at Lostock and to explain the Bedminster technology.

The plant will take only domestic or light industrial waste from pubs/hotels etc. It will separate the biodegradable from the synthetic waste and convert it into bio-fuel to generate power through a pyrolysis plant with minimum emissions. This allows the non-biodegradable fractions to be recycled (eg. cans, plastics etc.)

Bedminster currently have 12 plants world-wide which all work under strict regulatory regimes and have been operating for over 30 years. Bedminster is owned by Oyster, an Irish company; with Goldman Sachs as a minimum shareholder.

The process

The waste is fed unshredded into a drum for two days. Air is fed into the drums (but no heat) and it rotates every minute, which allows natural composting to separate the bio mass in the drum. The non-bio fraction remains whole i.e. bottles, plastic bags etc.

After two days the waste is passed over a trommel screen with 25 mm holes, this allows the non biomass to pass over and the bio mass to fall through. The non bio passes over magnetic separaters to remove ferrous and non-ferrous metals for recycling leaving a largely synthetic residue.

The biomass is allowed to be used as compost on food crops in Australia but in Europe this is not allowed due to previous problems with mad cow disease etc.

The biomass is then fed into the pyrolysis process which involves being dried and turned into gas in a two stage process. Heat is indirectly applied without air. The gas is then used to produce electricity. The waste produced is then treated.

The waste water is treated on site for disposal and the char (carbon based residue) is taken to landfill.

Emissions are limited in mass because the pyrolysis takes place in the absence of air. There are no issues with acid gases, particulate, heavy metals or dioxins associated with incinceration. Any emissions will be treated before discharged.

Mr Garvey reported that the benefits of the process are: increased recycling, generating green energy, a small footprint with a low building and flue only 6m above the height of the building.

The site allocated already has planning permission for an in-vessel composting and Bedminsters proposal will add an office block but there will be no change to the tonnage received, no change to the visual impact or no change on the impact on ecology, ground or water in the area. They will however propose 89 vehicles per day using the site. Traffic will have to use the A556 to enter and leave the site with waste being received between 7.00 am and 6 pm only.

Mr Garvey explained that the planning application will be submitted on 14 December with copies available in Northwich library. It will take a minimum of 4 months before permission will be granted and a liaison group will be set up if the planning application goes ahead. Construction will take approximately 18 months.

Mr Garvey took questions from the public and council mainly regarding the actual process and traffic impact.

Chairman Guy thanked Mr Garvey for the imformative talk.

Mr Garvey left the meeting at 9.30pm.

REPORT FROM THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR

County Councillor Byram reported that the cluster meeting was productive and they had fair answers to most of the questions.

County Councillor Byram and Frances Kindon left the meeting at 9.35 pm.

REPORT FROM THE BOROUGH COUNCILLOR

Borough Councillor A McEllin emailed her report as follows:

1. There have been a number of complaints about traffic waiting at the lights on Manchester Road Triangle site blocking the side roads. She has written to Richard Flood asking for ‘Keep Clear’ road markings at the junctions with the side roads at

Wilson Crescent

,

Gibbon Drive

and

Fryer Road

. Richard Flood cannot do this for temporary lights but BC McEllin has asked him again since the lights are going to be permanent at that site.

, and . Richard Flood cannot do this for temporary lights but BC McEllin has asked him again since the lights are going to be permanent at that site.

, and .Richard Flood cannot do this for temporary lights but BC McEllin has asked him again since the lights are going to be permanent at that site.

2. CHAIN will be collecting signatures in Northwich town this weekend – help and support would be welcomed.

3. The source of the noise and chemical smell from the

Griffiths Road

site is still not confirmed, but it has stopped at the moment. It is being monitored.

site is still not confirmed, but it has stopped at the moment.It is being monitored.

4. Local government re-organisation – expecting an announcement on December 5^th

5. As a matter of interest to Lostock residents: A developer planning to build a business park at the ‘New Cheshire Salt Works’ site has offered to pay for traffic lights at the Hall Lane/Wincham Lane junction at the Black Greyhound pub.

6. Residents have expressed concerns over the Triangle’s developers asking for 24-7 hours of operation. This applies to the companies that will take up the offices on the Triangle – it does not apply to the construction of the site. 24-7 hours of operation are now ‘standard’ on most business parks, but she has asked the planning department for conditions over noise.

REPORT FROM THE CLERK

1.PCSO Meeting with Wincham

The meeting confirmed the need for communication between the Parish Councils and PCSO Jones to continue.

2. Community Centre Meeting

This will be discussed at the sub-committee meeting on 11 December.

3. HSBC

The clerk reported that due to signatures not being authorised still at the bank, the paperwork is going to the previous clerk. Councillor Wells suggested that a standing order could be agreed that two signatures rather than three may help with cheque signing.

4. Lostock Triangle Naming

The clerk has received a further email regarding naming the roads on the Triangle site. Names cannot be used in case of any misdemeanour in the past or future. Chairman Guy suggested emailing Frances Kindon from the Guardian to see if she wanted to run a competion.

REPORT FROM JOE BASS – GROUNDWORK

Joe reported that the Teen shelter would be going in shortly. He said that bins were needed which hadn’t been allocated and wanted to know if the Parish Council had a contract with anyone. Cllr Wells said not and that the Community Centre have the contract for the litter pick so should empty the bins.

Joe said that an invoice for £702 would need paying to Biffa in the next week or so which represents a contribution to a grant Groundwork have obtained for £50K+. The clerk confirmed that the invoice had arrived. A further invoice of £4000+ would be sent by Groundwork before the year end being a further instalment of the administration of the play area. Joe also confirmed that in the year 08/09 a fee of around £3000 would be estimated by Groundwork. The continued involvement by Groundwork needs to be confirmed by the Parish Council and Joe said that he felt is was necessary to include other council members in the sub-committee in case Cllr Argent is unable to attend meetings. It was agreed that Cllr Wells would join the sub-committee as he has previous knowledge of the works.

Joe asked if the £10K Simon Marshall had gifted to the play area had been sent yet. The clerk replied in the negative and that she would contact Simon Marshall to ask for the cheque to be sent.

Chairman Guy thanked Joe for his report.

Joe Bass left the meeting at 9.40 pm

CORRESPONDENCE

All members received a copy of the following correspondence.

1. CCC – Strategic Environmental Assessment

2. VRBC – Flyposting

3. Minutes of Joint Parish Council meeting – 14.11.07

4. CCC – People and Places Issue 5

5. Glenys Atherton – Lostock Triangle

6. ChALC - Newsletter

7. M. Coultas – re planning application.

8. CCC – Traffic regulation order.

The following were relayed by the Clerk.

CPRE – Magazine

Your Cheshire newsletter

VRBC – Area Meeting Agenda – sent to Cllr Guy on 14.11.07

Liverpool Football Club – donation request

Alzheimer’s Society – Thank you letter

CCC – Cheshire Matters November 2007-11-26

Manchester City Football Club – donation request

Everton Football Club – donation request

CPRE – News and Events November 2007

VRBC – Council Tax Precept Requirement

VRBC – Reporter Autumn 2007

VRBC – Minutes of Executive Group Committes

SLLC – Conference Programme

CCC – Winter Gritting leaflet

PCSO G. Jones – Work rota until 31 Jan 08

David Hayes – CCC – Highways priority list

CCC – Disposal of Lostock Picnic Site

SLLC – Membership renewal

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

APP/07/2840 Mr R Jeffs, 26 Hesketh Drive, Lostock Gralam, for

Two storey extension to side.

APP/07/2926 CDP Limited, Lostock Triangle Site, Lostock Gralam

For Variation of Condition 3 on application

07-0380-ARMM – To vary the hours of operation.

APP/07/2876 Mr and Mrs J Mainwaring,

8 Highfield Avenue

, Lostock

Gralam for single storey rear extension.

Resubmission.

APP/07/2840 Mr R Jeffs,

26 Hesketh Drive

, Lostock Gralam for two

Storey side extension. Amended Plans.

APP/07/3108 Mr and Mrs Green, Woodside Cottage, 28 Fryer Road, Lostock Gralam for Conservatory to Rear.

PLANNING DECISIONS

None

ACCOUNTS

Net opening balance: £12530.31

Less Payments

Amos Wright – Graves mown 100.00

Biffa – re Grant for Play area 702.04

VRBC – CHAIN petition 461.78

ChALC – Annual meeting refresh. 10.00

VRBC – Hire of Mem Hall CHAIN 304.50

SLLC – Annual Subscription 80.00

Add Receipts

Closing balance: £10871.99

NOTIFICATION OF FUTURE BUSINESS

Standing Orders Adoption/amendments.

Precept for 2008/9

Contract of Employment for Clerk.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

None

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Parish Council would be at 7.30 p.m. on Monday 4 February at Lostock Gralam Community Centre,

Stubbs Lane

, Lostock Gralam.

The meeting closed at 9.50pm

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FEBRUARY 2008

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF LOSTOCK GRALAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2008 AT LOSTOCK GRALAM COMMUNITY CENTRE,

PRESENT : Parish Councillors E Guy, R Reece, J Foster, S Wells & N Goulding .

IN ATTENDANCE : Mrs N Clarke, Clerk

ALSO PRESENT: Borough Councillor A Makepeace, Frances Kindon representing Northwich Guardian.

PCSO G Jones , Miss B Griffiths ,

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

County Councillor M Byram, Borough Councillor A McEllin and Councillor H Argent sent their apologies.

Chairman Guy opened the meeting and welcomed those present and also welcomed back Councillor Goulding.

PUBLIC FORUM

1. Miss Griffiths pointed out that parking on

Townshend Road

has become very difficult especially between no’s 69 – 95 where visitors are unable to park at times. She said that some people have dropped kerbs but are not using off road parking which makes the situation worse.

Grove Avenue

also has a parking problem with about 20 residences but only about 4 or 6 parking spaces.

PCSO Jones was asked to look into the situation particulary with one resident who is putting out notes asking people not to park in front of his house. He will liaise with Miss Griffiths to address the problem. Borough Councillor Makepeace also said that she will speak to Rob Patterson from Smyle to see if they would reassess the parking problems.

2. Miss Griffiths also pointed out that there were rusty signposts in the centre of Lostock Gralam with wires showing at the base of the posts which could obviously be dangerous. She noted one at the end of

Smithy Lane and one in Lodge Lane

. Miss Griffiths thought that a letter had been sent to the Highways authority a year or so again but nothing has been done. The Clerk is to visit the site and send a letter to the authority.

3. Miss Griffiths was concerned that the signage from the A556 going towards the triangle development could be better. She felt that it was difficult to see which lane to go into to at the roadworks for Lostock Gralam. Councillor Wells thought that it was quite clear when he uses the road but the councillor will check and report back.

REPORT FROM PCSO G JONES

PCSO Jones noted that since the ASBO’s had been handed out to youths in Lostock the general behaviour seems to have improved in the area. He reported that he has made visits to the school and both youth clubs

He has also attended to a crash on the Manchester Road, neighbour disputes, a theft scene and investigated a theft of lead at one of the local businesses. PCSO Jones also used a speed gun on

Manchester Road last week but had to abandon the exercise after 1 hour due to a hail storm!

He also reported that he has booked the Community Centre for CAM meetings open to the public. The dates are 14 February, 6 March and 27 March from 2 – 3 pm . The Parish Council has agreed to pay for the hire of the hall.

Chairman Guy thanked PCSO Jones for his report.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 1 October 2007 , 12 November 2007 and 3 December 2007 , having been copied to members, were taken as read and were confirmed and signed as being a correct record.

The 1 October and 12 November minutes were approved by Councillor Foster and seconded by Councillor Wells. The 3 December minutes were approved by Councillor Wells and seconded by Councillor Guy.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD ON 3 DECEMBER 2007

Chairman Guy informed the meeting that further to the proposal from WRG to put a planning application in for a Waste from Energy Plant at Lostock, there was now the possibility of another company putting an application for a 450,000 tonne plant at Middlewich at the end of February. She said that CHAIN has indicated their support in opposing the plant and will be contacting the Town Council to find more information. The council asked the Clerk to write to Middlewich Town Council opposing the plant.

REPORT FROM THE COUNTY COUNCILLOR

County Councillor sent his apologies but e-mailed a report that he had had a meeting with Vale Royal and Cheshire County regarding traffic matters to the east of Northwich. He expressed his concerns with regards to the Griffiths Road site, with the composting site already granted and several other planning applications pending. He was surprised that these facts had not been included in the Transport model for the Northwich Vision and he has asked that they now be included.

REPORT FROM THE BOROUGH COUNCILLORS

Borough Councillor Makepeace reported that she has received complaints regarding the dumping of soil on the spare ground at the back of the triangle development, which has caused problems with drainage. She is organising a meeting with the engineers and Marshalls to sort the problem out.

There have also been complaints about dog fouling in the village. This cannot be enforced unless someone is actually caught letting a dog foul. She is concerned that there may need to be more dog bins. Councillor Goulding said that there was an area in Lostock Green near the post box which needs a dog bin; Borough Councillor Makepeace will request a bin from the council. PCSO Jones also made a note to keep an eye on the problem.

Borough Councillor Makepeace said that at a meeting with Vale Royal regarding graffiti there was an opportunity to apply for new notice boards from the environmental department free of charge. The council discussed this and has asked the Clerk to write to request a new notice board for Manchester Road

.

PCSO Jones left the meeting at 8.33 pm

REPORT FROM THE CLERK

1. The Clerk reported she and Councillor Wells had attended a joint PCSO meeting with Wincham Parish Council on 22 January. Both Parish Councils seem happy with the level of reporting and work of PCSO Jones. A further meeting has been arranged, date to be confirmed.

2. Grass Cutting Tenders. Four companies have been written to asking them to tender for the next year. As yet no replies. Clerk to chase.

3. The Clerk reported that she has phoned and written to Marshalls regarding the land on which the Community Centre stands. There has still been no reply.

4. Borough Councillor Norman Wright has spoken to the Clerk to ask if he can attend the next Parish Council meeting in order to introduce himself. He is planning to stand for election in this area when the reorganisation of Cheshire takes place. Councillor Goulding indicated that the council should also invite any other interested parties thinking of standing to the meeting and use the public forum to introduce themselves. Clerk to send a letter and put a notice up.

5. HSBC – The Clerk pointed out that the mandate for the HSBC was still incomplete and needed signing again before it is accepted. A discussion ensued and it was agreed that alternative banks would be investigated by the Clerk.

Borough Councillor Makepeace and Frances Kindon left the meeting at 8.50 pm

CORRESPONDENCE

All members received a copy of the following correspondence.

1. VRBC – Highways – Speed Limit review.

2. People and Places Newsletter Issue 7.

3. Cheshire Police Authority – meetings programme 2008.

4. Lach Dennis Parish Council – re planning application. Clerk to write to the Parish Council to let them know that Lostock Gralam Parish Council object to the additional traffic but not to the plan itself.

5. CCC – re Local government reorganisation.

6. E-on newsletter.

7. Mayor of Northwich – award nomination.

8. Highways – re A556 roadworks. (sent to councillors on 11/1/08 )

9. Minutes of Local Council ‘Cluster Event’ held on 20/11/07

10. Notice re roadworks on A556.

11. ChALC newsletter January 2008.

12. St. John’s Parochial Church Council – re grant. The council wish to know exactly how much Wincham are paying towards the maintenance and what the cost of the repairs the church are planning to do will cost. Clerk to contact Mrs Sharp.

13. E.ON – Notes of meeting.

14. PCSO Jones – rota until April 2008.

15. Joe Bass – Memo.

16. VRBC – Area Meetings.

17. VRBC – Local Government Reorganisation Meeting.

18. Planning Application re NPL Ltd.

The following were relayed by the Clerk. he

VRBC – Adopted SPD’s

Manchester Airport – e news.

Glasdon – product information.

SLCC – conference information.

VRBC – Revised Register of Electors 2007/8

Cheshire Rural Trust – information.

Cheshire Matters.

Mid-Cheshire Rail Users’ Association – newsletter.

CPRE – newsletter.

Clerks & Councils Direct – newsletter January 2008.

Communities and Local Government – Conduct of Local Authority Members in England .

VRBC – Review of Licensing Policy.

Cheshire Police Authority – Agenda for Vale Royal Meeting.

CCC – Validation of planning applications – local list consultation.

VRBC – Annual Report

Bedminster – DVD of proposed planning application.

Urban Space – product information.

VRBC – Concessionary Buss Pass leaflet. Displayed.

Wickstead – product information.

Joe Bass – H&S File for Teen Shelter.

The Playing Field – Newsletter Winter 07/08

Northwich Town Council – re Grasscutting tender

VRBC – Entertainments guide

CCC – Community Pride competition.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

APP/07/3340 Mr and Mrs T Smith, 23 Cedar Close, Lostock Gralam Gralam for a first floor extension to side side.

APP/07/3119 Mr M Waheed, 469 Manchester Road , Lostock Gralam

For the removal of condition 8 of 05-0098-COU to

enable combination of units and additional use classes

A2, A3 to ground floor and A1, A3 and D1 to first floor.

APP/08/0020 NPL Estates Ltd, Land at Hargreaves Road, Northwich, Cheshire for demolition of existing structures and

Redevelopment of land for the residential use for up to

306 dwellings, associated infrastructure and open

space – Phase 1.

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MARCH 2008

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF LOSTOCK GRALAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 3 MARCH 2008 AT LOSTOCK GRALAM COMMUNITY CENTRE

The meeting commenced at 7.32 p.m.

PRESENT : Parish Councillors E Guy, R Reece, J Foster, S Wells, N Goulding ,

D Rouse, H Argent.

IN ATTENDANCE : Mrs N Clarke, Clerk

ALSO PRESENT: County Councillor Malcolm Byram

Frances Kindon representing the Northwich Guardian.

Cllr Norman Wright, Members of the public.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Borough Councillor Ann McEllin sent apologies due to her mothers’ illness.

PCSO G Jones sent his apologies but has sent a written report to be read out by the Clerk.

Chairman Guy opened the meeting and welcomed those present.

PUBLIC FORUM

1. Miss Griffiths pointed out that the slip road into

Lodge Lane

from the ‘triangle’ development seems wider than necessary and was wondering why. There was a discussion amongst the councillors as to whether this was going to be a crossing for children. Cllr Reece also commented that the street lights had been out for a couple of weeks on

Stubbs Lane

and that there have been problems with power cables, water pipes etc. It was generally felt that clarification was required regarding the access routes with the developers and a definitive route from the railway station to the ‘triangle’ site needs to be confirmed. The clerk is to contact CDP.

2. Cllr Norman Wright introduced himself as a proposed conservative candidate for the Cheshire West constituency in the May 2 elections for the new council. If successful he will represent the new ward of Marbury division which will cover 11 parish councils including areas from Barnton, Great Budworth, Marston, Little Leigh, Comberbach, Wincham and Lostock. There will be 3 councillors per ward serving the new unitary authority in place of the current system of one county and two borough councillors. Cllr Wright indicated that he has been a serving councillor for the past 13 years and therefore has plenty of experience with the council.

The nomination forms need to be in by Wednesday 19 March. Cllr Byram has said that he will also be standing. Cllr Goulding asked the Clerk if a notice had been put out inviting other prospective candidates to the meeting to introduce themselves. The Clerk confirmed that a notice had been printed in the Guardian.

Chairman Guy thanked Cllr Wright for attending the meeting.

REPORT FROM PCSO G JONES

In PCSO Jones’ absence the Clerk read his report as follows:

In the past month, I have attended the Lostock Primary School and done a bike safety presentation in assembly.

I have continued with on-going theft investigation which has involved numerous visits and discussions with other partnership agencies. The investigation has now been closed.

I have made the usual regular checks on local businesses. I have investigated and advised people following incidents of neighbour disputes and anti-social behaviour.

I have made home visits to follow-up concerns.

I have held a drop-in surgery at the Community Centre. The next surgery is on 6 March.

All intelligence has been updated on Police System. All atlas tasks have been completed. I have provided high visibility patrol in the area.

The main concern recently aired by residents is the use of mini-motos/other motorised vehicles by youths. I will continue to liaise with residents with the aim of preventing these vehicles being driven on our roads.

Following on from the report, Cllr Goulding suggested that a letter should be sent to the Police Authority regarding the following points:

a) the police authority should have had the courtesy to send a written apology about taking PCSO Jones off his beat to help the Guardian with their PR exercise.

b) PCSO Jones should attend each Parish Council meeting along with a superior officer in order to answer questions raised immediately. It is not acceptable for him to be on his rest day when the Parish Council is ultimately his employer.

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