POYNINGS PARISH COUNCIL 

Clerk to the Council

Mrs Nicki Cutress

West End Cottage

The Street

Poynings

West Sussex BN45 7AQ

Tel: 01273 857221 

UNCONFIRMED

Minutes of the meeting of Poynings Parish Council held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 2^nd September 2008 

Present:                        Mr Mark Lee                      Chair 

Ms Sheila Marshall            Vice Chair 

                                    Mr Malcolm Johnson 

                                    Mrs Astri Souch 

                                    Mr Colin Warburton 

                                     Mrs Nicki Cutress            Clerk to the Council 

                                    Mr Peter Griffiths            County Councillor 

                                    PC Nikki Young 

                                    PCSO Sharon Botting 

Apologies were received form Mrs Gina Field – District Councillor 

Eleven members of the public attended 

The Chairman opened the meeting and presented the flower and vegetable cups.  John Murrell had judged the local flower and vegetable gardens and the following people were presented with their cups that will be engraved.  They are also to be issued with certificates. 

Best Vegetable plot / allotment             Bob Powell 

Best Flower garden                               John Mason

Best hanging baskets / pot garden        June Nunne

1.     Minutes 

The Minutes of the previous meeting, as circulated, were approved and duly signed by the Chairman. 

2.     Matters Arising 

(a)     Cemetery Charges 

Following the discussion at the last meeting and deferment to this meeting, all councillors had now agreed that the charges be implemented.  SM proposed and AS seconded the new charges. MJ abstained. 

(b)    Beachdown Festival 

SM expressed an interest as had GF in writing. 

The festival was discussed and the following points were raised: 

The South Downs Way had been blocked for the duration of the Festival – it was agreed that this was the responsibility of the landowner 

There was still litter strewn in the locality that had blown from the main site.  CW stated that he would speak to the organisers about this concern. 

There had been no trouble with traffic – it was felt that the weather had helped this. 

CW stated that the organisers were planning to request a license for 15k next year as opposed to 11K this year. 

The issue of distribution of tickets was raised.  Joe Pigeon had said that there would be some tickets available for locals.  SM procured 110 tickets for Poynings and Newtimber villagers and was then offered 40 for Fulking. 

A few locals felt that it was noisy during the daytime although the general consensus was that noise levels were acceptable. MJ said that villagers had complained to him about the noise. 

The Clerk will write to WSCC Highways outlining these concerns. 

3.     Planning 

(a)     10 Mill Close – rear ground floor extension – AS expressed an interest but as the application had been discussed already remained in the room.  No objections had been raised. 

4.     Expenditure 

The following amounts were authorised for the period July and August 2008. 

Date                 Payee                                                         Amount

30.6.08            N Cutress – ¼ salary and expenses          £248.15

1.7.08               Simon Zec March – June mowing            £520.00

                                                              Total           £768.15  

The following amounts were received for July and August 2008  

22.7.08            Memorial plaque – Nevill                          £50.00

27.8.08            Memorial – Franks                                    £50.00

27.8.08            National Savings                                      £1000.00

                                                               Total          £1100.00 

5.      Any Other Business 

(a)     Fireworks 

It was agreed that the Clerk should speak to Jim about the fireworks and firm up a date with him.  Either 1^st or 8^th November whichever suited him best. 

(b)    Village Hall 

AS asked whether a handrail be erected at the steps of the Village Hall.  She was advised to raise the matter with the Trustees.  The Clerk is to arrange for a new bulb to be fitted at the steps. 

(c)     Parking in Mill Close 

AS and NC had met with WSCC Highways regarding the parking in Mill Close.  This seems to be an ever-increasing issue.  WSCC Highways do not own the land, Downland Housing do – therefore further investigation is necessary. 

(d)    Peter Griffiths 

Is to look into the possibility of the refurbishment of the fingerpost at the Church.  There appears to be money available for this at present. 

The vegetation around the 30pmh signs at the roundabout has been cut back – keep an eye on this and let him know if we still require the signs to be moved. 

PG to arrange for the permit for the Firework precession.  SM to follow this up. 

(e)     PC Nikki Young and PCSO Sharon Botting  

Introduced themselves as our new rural beat officers.   They have a new role and are community based in rural areas from Slaugham to Devils Dyke.  They are very keen to meet local people and will visit schools and other focus groups if invited. 

6.      Date of next meeting 

It was agreed that this should be after the fireworks.  Therefore the next meeting of the Parish Council will be on WEDNESDAY 12^TH NOVEMBER 2008.  All welcome! 

The Chairman thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting at 8.50pm.