Parish Council Meeting

Monday 7th November 2022
13224. UNCONFIRMED minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Silverdale Parish Council held on Monday 7th
November 2022 at 7pm at the Silverdale Village Institute, Spring Bank, Silverdale.
13225. Present:
Chairman – M. Fletcher (Mike)
Vice Chairman – J. Bennett (John)
Parish Councillors – T. Bond (Terry), J. Ferguson (Jim), S. Higham (Sue), A. Houghton (Tony),
K. Reed (Keith), E. Unsworth (Liz)
Leader of Lancashire County Council and County Councillor for Lancaster Rural North – P. Williamson (Phillippa)
Lancaster City Councillor – J. Greenwell (June)
Police Sergeant (Lancaster and Morecambe)- L. Brown (Lindsay)
Clerk – L.D Challenor (Denise)
Deputy Clerk – K. Lambert (Katie)
13226. Apologies for Absence – none
13227. Declarations of Members’ Interests – none
13228. Approval of the Minutes from the Previous Parish Council (PC) Meeting – The minutes of the ordinary PC
meeting held at the Silverdale Village Institute on Monday 3rd October 2022 were APPROVED by Cllrs and passed to
the Chairman for signing.
13229. Matters arising from the Minutes of Previous Meetings, not Covered by the Agenda:
a) 13208 a) Silver Sapling Campsite – Cllrs AGREED to write to the Guide Association regarding the concerns
raised by residents following an increase in private hire availability.
b) 13217 Remembrance Day Service – the Clerk to write to Paint Mine Woods Ltd to request that the national
2-minute silence will be observed.
13230. Report of Relevant Matters from Police Sergeant (PS) L. Brown – thanks given to PS Brown for his
attendance at the meeting to give a verbal report on reported incidents in Silverdale in September:
a) 13 reported incidents – 2 thefts from the Co-op (1 of cigarettes from the delivery van, usually seen in more
urban areas), 2 sudden deaths, 1 concern for safety (concern over a neighbour, when entry forced, found to
be on holiday), 1 missing person (young girl from a campsite, found unharmed on the railway line, thanks
given to the amazing response from the community), 1 of damage to the public toilets, 3 suspicious
circumstances (2 suspicious vehicles, 1 of a person with dementia not returned), 1 malicious communication,
1 burglary (on Stankelt Road, occupier away).
b) Crime prevention survey – as yet there has been no uptake for the free service. As Silverdale is a known
target at this time of year, there will be an increase in PCSO activity this coming month, with door-to-door
calls to try and inform residents of the help available in keeping their home secure. They will also be
informing residents of the free ‘In the Know’ service that allows the police and selected partners to send
residents information and updates about what is happening in Silverdale and to reply to messages and
participate in the exchange of information with Lancashire Constabulary and Neighbourhood Watch.
c) 101 telephone line – Cllrs expressed frustration at the 101 service and how a call to report suspicious activity
or vehicle can take in excess of 1hr. PS Brown confirmed this is currently under review and that there are
planned changes coming in April 2023 to make the service more accessible and effective.
13231. Matters Raised by the Public for Future Consideration – two residents were in attendance and raised the
following:
a) The pavements on Emesgate Lane are full of leaves and debris making them very slippery.
b) Update on the drainage issues at Townsfield
c) Poor condition of Cragg Road and how County Highways ought to have at least cut back the hedges before
the diversion was put in place following the closure of New Road.
d) Update on the England Coastal Path
110
Signed:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Date:…………………………………
e) Residents of Gaskell Close feel aggrieved that the PC wish to obtain the land from BT for use as a car park
and believe their opinions ought to have been canvassed.
13232. Report of Relevant Matters from Lancaster City Councillor (LCC) June Greenwell – City Cllr Greenwell
circulated a report to Cllrs ahead of the meeting detailing the following:
a) Financial support – Government funded support continues to be available for households experiencing
exceptional energy costs and any resident wanting information are advised to speak to an advisor at LCC via
email on customerservices@lancaster.gov.uk or by phoning 01524 582000, lines are open from 9am to 5pm,
except on Wednesdays, when phone-lines open at 10am.
b) Voter identification – from the local elections in May 2023 onwards, the Government is requiring all voters
going to a polling station or voting by post to provide photographic identification, such as a diving licence,
passport or a concessionary travel pass. Cllr Greenwell is awaiting further information as to the issuing of
Free Voter Cards to those who may not have any of the accepted forms of photographic ID but wanted to
alert residents in advance that a change is forthcoming.
13233. Report of Relevant Matters from Lancashire County Councillor Phillippa Williamson – thanks given to County
Cllr. Williamson for her attendance at the meeting to give a verbal report on the following:
a) Levelling Up bids – the majority of decisions have now been postponed until post the 17th November budget
announcements however a few have started to trickle through with £10million granted for the arts and
creative industries within the County.
b) County Council budget 2023/24 – work has been continuing to ensure a balanced budget is delivered on
2023/24 and they are confident this can continue to be balanced over the next 4-years thanks to the
County’s strong financial position. Implications of the impending budget announcement on the 17th
November will need to need to be considered however.
c) A601M de-specialisation – inflation has seen the costs for the original plan to downgrade it from Motorway
status, remove the overbridge and create a new junction to connect with a projected housing development
off North Road jump from £10million to £18 million. As a result, plans have had to be scaled back to come
within the initial budget and will have to be resubmitted to the Cabinet in December to enable works to start
next year. A major change being the bridge will now remain in-situ but will be completely resurfaced.
d) Bleasdale School – County Council are looking into ways the residential part of the school can be utilised as it
currently has no residents as the majority of children can now be cared for successfully at home. Residential
care for children throughout the county is usually outsourced at considerable costs.
13234. Verbal Reports from any Meetings of Relevance Attended by Members, or the Clerk, Circulated Before the
Meeting and Not Listed Elsewhere in the Agenda:
a) Visitor access group – Cllr Bond, Cllr Houghton, Cllr Reed and Cllr Unsworth attended a meeting together
with representatives from the AONB, RSPB and the National Trust to discuss visitor management and access
strategies, minutes circulated. The group will meet again next month and will include representative from
Leighton Hall, Natural England and the County Rights of Way Officer to discuss the scope for improved
access provision.
b) Methodist church – Cllr Houghton attended a meeting at the church to demonstrate the size and workings of
the defibrillator boxes. A final decision has yet to be made as to where they would be able to accommodate
a defibrillator at the church.
13235. Planning Matters:
a) The following planning applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25:
i. 22/00999/FUL – Croftlands, 4 Shore Road (emailed 13/10) – erection of single storey side extension with
roof-top terrace above, installation of solar panels, alteration to windows and doors including installation
of rooflights, two French windows to second floor front elevation, installation of two first floor windows to
side elevation, demolition of outbuildings and erection of detached outbuilding and installation of sewage
treatment plant. Support with concerns
ii. Notice 1 – The Corner House, Woodwell Lane (emailed 18/10) – a retrospective formal notice to advise of a
planning proposal affecting PC land.
111
Signed:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Date:…………………………………
b) The following planning applications were considered:
i. 22/01344/FUL – Scar Close, 13 The Row (emailed 29/10) – demolition of existing single storey extension
and erection of a single storey side extension. Working group to review and circulate for approval
13236. Clerk’s Report of any Action (other than consideration of Planning Applications) Taken Under the Provisions
of Standing Order 25 – the Parish Contractor was asked to temporarily repair the vandalised sky light at the public
toilets and to look into the damage caused to a hand basin and hand dryer.
13237. Correspondence – receipt of the following items of correspondence were noted:
a) South Lakeland District Council weekly planning update (emailed 29/9, 12/10, 19/10, 26/10).
b) Rural Bulletin (emailed 4/10).
c) To consider whether the PC wish to put in a bid to the Lancaster districts ‘Rural Prosperity’ Fund and what it
could provide. City Cllr Greenwell offers help (emailed 12/10) – bids need to be submitted by 30th
November, Cllrs AGREED to submit a bid for a compostable public toilet, circa £24,00O; site to be discussed
and determined at a later date.
d) A letter from County Cllr Charles Edwards, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, to let the PC know
about a new Lancashire County Council policy regarding permission to attach items to streetlights (such as
signs, bunting, Christmas lights or hanging baskets). Permission must be sought and charges may be made
(emailed 15/10).
e) LCC would like to invite Cllr’s to participate in an external review of its’ Planning Service’ on Tuesday 8th
November at Lancaster Town Hall – Cllr Reed will attend and represent the views and continued
frustrations of the PC.
f) An open call for Creative Cycling/Walking Commission Proposals around Morecambe Bay, deadline 14th
November.
g) Keer to Kent publication.
h) A resident informs the PC that mobile homes have been stopping overnight at the Cove; several during the
last month and leaving rubbish behind (emailed 1/11).
13238. Finance:
a) For the monthly check of monies, a bank statement was given to Cllr Higham who verified the following
balance and receipts into the Current Account:
i. £67,860.10 to be the balance on the Current Account on 01/11/22
ii. £1,796.00 VAT refund from Lancashire County Council
iii. £300.00 – Biodiversity Grant
iv. £1,000.00 (x2 £500) – 2021 + 2022 Rights of Way Local Delivery Scheme grant
b) The payments to the following accounts were approved and required cheques signed:
i. EDF Energy (toilets) – £16.00 BACS
ii. EDF Energy (clock) – £23.00 BACS
iii. A J Gallagher (insurance) – £1,574.60 CHQ:622394
iv. Designworks Cumbria Ltd (replace lost CHQ:622348) – £405.60 CHQ:622395
v. L D Challenor (reimbursement re Royal British Legion wreaths) – £74.00 CHQ:622396
vi. S Lamb (website support X3 mths) – £50.00 CHQ:622397
vii. T Graham & Sons Ltd (toilet supplies) – £49.87 CHQ:622398
viii. Mr M. Fletcher (basic allowance) – £25.00 CHQ:622399
ix. Mr T. Bond (basic allowance) – £25.00 CHQ:622400
x. Mr A. Houghton (basic allowance + dog bag dispenser keys) – £29.00 CHQ:622401
xi. Mr J. Bennett (basic allowance) – £25.00 CHQ:622402
xii. Mrs S. Higham (basic allowance) – £25.00 CHQ:622403
xiii. Ms E. Unsworth (basic allowance + emergency plan sundries) – £78.70 CHQ:622404
xiv. Mr J. Ferguson, (basic allowance) – £25.00 CHQ 622405
xv. Mr K. Reed (basic allowance) – £25.00 CHQ:622406
xvi. ElanCity Ltd (spares for SPID) – £79.20 CHQ:622407
xvii. Gaskell Memorial Hall (x2 meetings in green room) – £36.00 CHQ:622408
xviii. PJ Walling (wood for historic bench repair) – £212.64 CHQ:622409
112
Signed:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Date:…………………………………
xix. Mr J. Bennett (reimbursement for fuel for collection of wood) – £9.75 CHQ:622410
xx. iClean (Northwest) Ltd (toilets) – £345.80 CHQ:622411
xxi. Great Oaks Tree Services Ltd (contractor) – £1,038.00 CHQ:622412
xxii. Lancaster City Council (septic tank charges) – £55.12 CHQ:622413
c) S137 donation to the AONB – Cllrs AGREED to increase the allocation from £350 to £500.
d) Rights of Way Local Delivery Scheme and Biodiversity grants – £1,000 and £300 has now been received
respectively. Cllrs AGREED to use £70 to fund two hedgehog boxes (£35 each) applied for by A. McCoy for
the forest school provision at Silverdale St John’s CE Primary School (minute item 13215 g). Cllr Bennett and
Cllr Fletcher to discuss priorities and circulate suggested allocations for discussion.
e) 2023/24 PC budget – watering places/wells, staff and contractor costs, public toilets have all seen an
increase provision for the next financial year, whilst communications, website and street decorations have
all seen a reduction. Cllrs AGREED to the £57,857 forecasted budget.
13239. Woodland Management:
a) Tender document for works required following the recent arboricultural report – Cllrs AGREED to the tender
document circulated by Cllr Bond for the works required on 24 trees highlighted in the arboricultural report.
b) Request to pollard Sycamore Trees on Burton Well Lane (T140, T141, T142) – in light of the recent
arboricultural survey which found these mature trees to be in good condition, with no recommended works
required, Cllrs AGREED that they are not in a position to justify the spend on pollarding.
13240. Standing Orders and Meeting Dates for 2023:
a) Standing Orders – have now been amended and from January 2023 ordinary PC meetings will be held on the
first Tuesday of every month at 7pm with the exception of election years when it shall be held within 14 days
following the fourth day after the ordinary day of elections.
b) Meeting dates – Cllrs AGREED to the 2023 meeting dates circulated by the Clerk ahead of the meeting
c) Speaker at the 2023 Annual PC meeting – the Project Director for Eden North, Tim Narey, has confirmed he
would be available to speak at next years annual meeting.
13241. Acquiring BT Telephone Exchange Site – item to be carried forward until next month’s meeting as Cllr
Unsworth is still awaiting further information before a letter can be drafted for approval.
13242. Playground Matters – Cllr Bennett circulated a report to Cllrs ahead of the meeting which detailed the
following:
a) Urgent actions taken –none
b) New issues noted on the Parish Contractor’s weekly inspection reports – none
c) Lancaster City inspection report – all items within the playground have been inspected and deemed either
low or very low risk. A few minor issues have been identified; Cllr Bennett has summarised the report into a
table of works with associated completion dates.
d) Bowling Club boundary fence – a quotation of £3,400 + VAT was received and sent on to the Bowling Club for
consideration but deemed too expensive to proceed. They will now try and enhance the current hedge with
thorny shrubbery.
13243. Consent for Electricity Northwest to Carry Out Works in Relation to 61 Stankelt Road and Authorise Change
to the Current Wayleave – Cllrs AGREED to the works and to sign the amended wayleave circulated to them on
19/10/22.
13244. Working Groups (WG) and Streetscape Matters:
a) Toilets:
i. Danfo UK Ltd quotations – following a site meeting last month, initial quotations of between £61,000
and £96,000 have now been received to build a replacement toilet block. The WG will now
investigate further and confirm total costs for consideration.
ii. Vandalism – Cllr Bennett and Cllr Fletcher to investigate further the options available for deterring
future vandalism of the public toilets and circulate to Cllrs for consideration.
113
Signed:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Date:…………………………………
b) Emergency plan – now been revised and updated copies distributed. Thanks given to Cllr Unsworth for all
her efforts with this.
c) Transport – minutes of the last meeting of the WG have been circulated to Cllrs, no further comments or
questions raised.
d) New PC website – Cllrs AGREED to the quotation circulated by Cllr Unsworth from Parish Council Websites
for £749 + VAT for the design, build and migration of content giving a fully ‘ready to go’ website that
features all modern functionality and meets all current website requirements.
13245. Watering Places – the PC insurance policy has now been renewed following the receipt of risk assessments
last month of all PC wells. Following the risk assessments, further discussions will now begin as to the appropriate
signage or barriers required and associated costs.
13246. Lack of Mobile Coverage throughout Silverdale – given the approaching elections Cllrs AGREED this could be
an opportunistic time to once again approach MP David Morris to assist with the lack of progression in obtaining
adequate mobile coverage in Silverdale. County Cllr Williamson also AGREED her support to push the matter
forward.
13247. Items for Information:
a) Following the Remembrance Day service at St John’s Church, there will be a commemoration at the
Memorial to observe the 2-minute silence.
b) Christmas Market is being held at the Gaskell Hall on Friday 25th November from 6pm.
c) The Christmas tree lights outside The Royal will be switched on Friday 16th December with carols from the
primary school.
13248. Suggestions for Future Agenda Items – none.
13249. Date and Time of Next Parish Council Meeting – Date of the next ordinary Parish Council meeting is Monday
5th December 2022. Items for the agenda and copies of reports to reach the Clerk before Monday 28th November
2022.

SILVERDALE PARISH COUNCIL
Councillors are hereby summoned, and members of the public are invited, to attend the Parish Council Meeting on Monday 7th November 2022 The Institute, Spring Bank, Silverdale at 7.00 pm, for the purposes detailed in the following Agenda:

1. To receive Apologies for Absence.

2 To receive Declarations of Members’ interests relating to any items appearing on the agenda.

3 To approve the Minutes of an Ordinary Council Meeting held on Monday 3rd October 2022.

4 To receive information about Matters Arising from the Minutes of previous meetings, not covered by the Agenda.

5 To Receive a Police report if available.

6 To hear matters raised by Members of the Public for future consideration. Note: Members of the Council are not permitted to respond, except to ask questions for the purposes of clarification only.

7 To receive a report of any relevant matters by City Cllr. June Greenwell.

8 To receive a report of any relevant matters by County Cllr. Phillippa Williamson.

9 To receive verbal/emailed reports from any meetings attended by Members, or the Clerk (verbal reports are only acceptable where no decision, or action, is required).
• A meeting was held on the 14th of October with RSPB, National Trust and AONB regarding visitor access (Details emailed 28/10/22/)

10 Planning Matters:
(a) To note that the following Planning Applications were dealt with under the provisions of Standing Order 25:
• 22/00999/FUL Croftlands, 4 Shore Road Proposal : Erection of single storey side extension with roof-top terrace above, installation of solar panels, alteration to windows and doors including installation of rooflights, two french windows to second floor front elevation, installation of two first floor windows to side elevation, demolition of outbuildings and erection of detached outbuilding and installation of sewage treatment plant. (Emailed 13/10/22)
• Notice 1. A planning application has been made for Corner House, Woodwell. No details given.
(b) Planning Applications:
• 22/01344/FUL Scar Close, 13 The Row Proposal : Demolition of existing single storey extension and erection of a single storey side extension. (Emailed 29/10/22)

11 To receive the Clerk’s report of any action (other than consideration of Planning Applications) taken under the provisions of Standing Order 25.
• Asked Dave Wain to temporarily repair the vandalised skylight in the public toilets.

12 To consider the following items of correspondence received since the last meeting and to determine what, if any, action should be taken:
a) SLDC weekly planning update 29/9, 12/10,19/10, 26/10)
b) Rural Bulletin (Emailed 4/10/22)
c) To consider whether the Council wish to put in a bid to the Lancaster districts ‘Rural Prosperity’ Fund and what it could provide. City Councillor Greenwell offers help. Emailed 12/10/22)
d) A letter from CC Charles Edwards, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, to let Parish Council know about a new Lancashire County Council policy regarding permission to attach items to streetlights (such as signs, bunting, Christmas lights or hanging baskets). Permission must be sought and charges may be made. (Emailed 15/10/22)
e) Lancaster City Council would like to invite Councillor’s to participate in an external review of its’ Planning Service at Lancaster Town Hall Parish Councils / Town Councils Workshop Tuesday 8th November, 18:00-19:00.
f) An item about Cycling and Walking around Morecambe Bay to consider particularly regarding transport and the visitor access group. Here is the link for more information on submitting a bid but the deadline is the 14th November: https://www.morecambebay.org.uk/downloads/WATB-Creative-Events-Open-Call.pdf
g) Keer to Kent publication.
h) A resident informs the Council that mobile homes have been stopping overnight at the Cove; several during the last month and leaving rubbish behind. (!/11/22)

13 a) To conduct the monthly check of all money received by the Council (bank statements to be inspected by a Member who is not a Bank Signatory, or more than one such Member):
• VAT refund £1796, from County Council
• Biodiversity Grant £300. 22021 & 2022 Local delivery Scheme Grants. 2 x £500

b) To authorise payment and sign cheques for the following accounts:
• EDF Energy, clock, £23 bacs
• EDF Energy toilets, £16 bacs
• A J Gallagher, insurance, £1574.60 cheque 622394 – paid
• Designworks Cumbria Ltd., duplicate Q/622348 lost, £405.60, 622395 – paid
• L D Challenor, for Royal British Legion, 4 wreaths total cost + vat £74, cheque 396
• S Lamb, website support, 3 months, £50, cheque 622397
• T Graham & Sons Ltd, toilet supplies, £49.87 cheque 622398
• Mr M Fletcher, Basic Allowance £25 cheque 622399
• Mr T Bond, Basic Allowance, £25 cheque 622400
• Mr T Houghton Basic Allowance, £25 + £4 keys D Bags,= £29 cheque 622401
• Mr J Bennett, Basic Allowance £25 cheque 622402
• Mrs S Higham, Basic Allowance, £25 cheque 622403
• Ms E Unsworth, Basic Allowance, £25, EP items, £53.70, total £78.70 cheque 404
• Mr J Ferguson, Basic Allowance, £25 cheque 622405
• K Reed, Basic Allowance, £25 cheque 622406
• ElanCity Ltd, Spares for SPID, £79.20 622407
• Gaskell Memorial Hall, 2 meetings/green room, £36 cheque 622408
• P J Walling wood for historic bench repair, £212.64 cheque 622409
• Mr J Bennett, fuel for collecting wood, £9.75, 622410
• Iclean (Northwest) Ltd, toilets, £345.80 cheque 622411
• Great Oaks Tree Services Ltd, contractor, £1038 cheque 622412
• Lancaster City Council, septic tank charges, £55.12 cheque

c) To consider whether the work of the AONB in Silverdale justifies the allocated £350 donation on S137 and whether the Council wish to increase it.

d) To approve the Rights of Way Local Delivery Scheme planned spending of the grant of £1000 for 2021 and 2022 and the Biodiversity Small Grant of £300, 2022.

e) Woodland
• To consider and approve the Tender document and the probable costs for the Budget. Emailed (27/10/22)
• Consider pollarding trees T140, T141, T142 all on Burton Well Lane – all Sycamore.

f) To finalise the Budget for 2023 to 2024.

14 Standing Orders/Council Meetings 2023
• To confirm the changing of Standing Orders as proposed in the October meeting, regarding the day of the week that the Parish Council meetings will be held. From January 2023 they are proposed to be held on the first Tuesday evening of each month at 7pm, with the exception of Election years. (2023 is an election year)
• To confirm the suggested meeting dates for 2023 (as emailed last month)
• To consider who might speak at the Annual Assembly.

15 Car Parking. To authorise the circulated letter to Telereal Trillium and BT about obtaining the land at Gaskell Close, for a car park.

16 Playground – To receive a report on any urgent actions that have been taken and to consider any other issues raised in either the Lancaster CC quarterly, or Parish weekly inspections. (L City Report 1/11/22)

17 Electricity North West write to gain consent to do some works on Bottoms Lane in connection with 61 Stankelt Road. They need confirmation that the Parish Council are still the owners and if so, suggest a change in the current Wayleaves as follows: “record the installation of the new cable by way of an updated wayleave agreement to supersede the Councils exiting agreement, 67-1243.” Agreement to Sign circulated 19/10/22 by email.

18 Working Groups & Streetscape
Toilets.
• To discuss the way forward after receiving Danfo’s costings for a new small toilet block of between £61,000 and £96,000 depending on whether someone else does the removal of the block, groundwork and utilities.
• To organize a meeting to decide how to deter vandalism/possibly with CCTV and to update on the progress made with regard to finding those responsible.
Emergency Plan – To update
Highways – To update
Website – To update and make any necessary decisions on the new provider and costs.

19 Watering Places/Insurance
• To confirm the insurance has been renewed and the Watering Places Risk Assessments have been sent to the insurers.
• To consider the results of the Risk Assessments on the Watering Places and authorise any measures which may need to be taken; including the proposed £1000 for signage, and the proposal for a barrier at Bankwell.

20 To decide whether to write again to D Morris MP regarding the lack of progress in obtaining good mobile coverage for Silverdale.

21 To review the Councillors Actions Summary for October and form the Councillors, Clerks and Dave Wains new worklists; to include tidying the memorial site and erecting the Christmas decorations.

22 To note any “Items for Information” (no decisions or action permitted)

23 To receive items for consideration for a future agenda.

24 To note that the date of the next meeting is Monday 5th December 2022 items and reports to reach the Clerk by 28th November.

Signed: Mrs Denise. Challenor, Clerk to the Council, Tel. 01524 761824