4554
PENWORTHAM TOWN COUNCIL
Meeting of the Council held at the Penwortham Community Centre, Kingsfold Drive,
Penwortham at 7.00pm on Tuesday 6 October 2015.
Present:
The Deputy Mayor, Councillor T Young (in the chair)
Councillors D Bennett, D Bretherton, G Crewe, H Hancock,
Mrs M Hancock, D Howarth, K Martin, J Patten, AE Pimblett,
Miss S Prynn, D Shaw, R Taylor, I Watkinson, Mrs C Wooldridge and
D Wooldridge.
Members of the public: 72
In attendance:
60.
Steve Caswell - Town Manager
Marie Dardis - Democratic Services Officer
Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A Best and Miss A Turner.
61.
Minutes of the Last Meeting
RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting held on 1 September 2015
be approved as a correct record and signed by the Deputy
Mayor.
62.
Declarations of Interest
No Declarations of Interest were stated.
63.
Communications by the Town Mayor
The Deputy Mayor had no communications on behalf of the Town Mayor.
64.
Presentation by Tesco
The Deputy Mayor welcomed Mr Thomas, North West Corporate Affairs Manager, to
the council meeting, who gave an overview of Tesco’s plans for the former
Government Building site on Cop Lane and responded to questions.
Mr Thomas thanked the Deputy Mayor and provided the council with a summary of
Tesco’s intentions for the site. Mr Thomas confirmed that Tesco owned the site and
were at a very early stage in the development and planning process of a new
store. Mr Thomas indicated that Tesco didn’t have a definite timescale as yet but
would like to apply for planning permission later this year. He also suggested that
the store would be approximately 30,000 sq ft in size with a possible petrol station.
Mr Thomas confirmed that a full public consultation would be carried out and
reiterated that Tesco was at a very early stage in the development of this project.
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In thanking Mr Thomas for the information he provided, the Deputy Mayor opened
up the meeting for questions from members of the council.
In answer to Councillor Howarth’s question regarding recruitment for the store, Mr
Thomas confirmed that approximately 100-150 employees would be required, a
combination of full and part-time positions.
In response to a question in relation to access to the store and parking, Mr Thomas
confirmed that this would be discussed as part of the engagement and public
consultation that would be carried out, and that adequate parking would be included
in the plans for the use of local residents. Mr Thomas assured the council that Tesco
planned to work with the community in Penwortham throughout the planning and
development of the new store.
Councillor Prynn asked Mr Thomas for the proposed opening times for the store. Mr
Thomas confirmed that this had yet to be determined but it would be subject to
planning permission. Mr Thomas indicated that a store of this size would not be
open 24 hours.
Councillor Bennett referred to the proposed petrol station, and asked if Tesco owned
the former Rydal Motors site on Liverpool Road. Mr Thomas confirmed that Tesco
had owned the site which was currently in the process of being sold. Mr Thomas
also confirmed that the proposed petrol station would likely be open 24hours.
Mr Thomas suggested that there were no plans for other concessions in the
proposed store or plans to develop the site for mixed housing.
Councillor Pattern referred to recently closed Tesco stores in the UK and asked if a
viability study had been carried out to determine whether opening a store in
Penwortham would be financially feasible. Mr Thomas confirmed that Tesco had
carried out a feasibility study and assured the council that Tesco wouldn’t apply for
planning permission, unless they were confident there was adequate demand from
passing trade and local customers.
Councillor Prynn asked Mr Thomas about delivery times for the store. Mr Thomas
confirmed that he was aware this was a concern and that Tesco would use a
number of techniques to mitigate any negative impact on neighbours. He also
suggested that the planning authority could put conditions on to the planning
application if they were minded to. Mr Thomas also confirmed that no discussions
had taken place as yet with Lancashire Highways.
The Deputy Mayor opened up the meeting for questions from members of the
public.
A local resident complained about the poor condition of the existing site, in particular
in relation to fly tipping and the gate to the site often being left open. Mr Thomas
wasn’t aware of the gate issue and would liaise with BT in relation to this.
A member of the public referred to the recent closure of a Tesco Home Plus
store. Mr Thomas confirmed that the closure of a Tesco store was a very difficult
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decision and that the home store was a very different model to the plans envisaged
for Penwortham.
Another member of the public referred to the Penwortham bypass and suggested
that this would drastically reduce the amount of passing trade. Mr Thomas confirmed
that all of these factors had being taken into account. Mr Thomas reiterated that the
store would not be a huge store and would be half the size of Tesco in Leyland.
A local resident asked if the additional smaller site owned by Tesco on Liverpool
Road could be retained and developed into a store. Mr Thomas confirmed this would
not be financially viable or sustainable.
A member of the public raised awareness of three high schools in close proximity to
the proposed store. Mr Thomas confirmed that Tesco had stores throughout the
country near to local schools.
A local resident asked how Tesco could open a successful store if the previous
owners, Sainsbury’s hadn’t been able to. Mr Thomas confirmed that they were two
very different companies with very different models.
Mr Thomas suggested that Tesco intend to consult and share their plans before the
end of 2015 with the aim of building the store before the end of 2016.
A local resident expressed concern for the increase in traffic along Cop Lane if home
delivery vehicles were used. Another local resident asked whether Tesco would
leaflet all addresses in Penwortham. Mr Thomas confirmed that Tesco would aim
to inform and communicate with as many members of the public in Penwortham
as possible.
A member of the public referred to the draft Penwortham Neighbourhood
Development Plan (NDP) and asked whether this could block a development such
as this. The Town Manager explained that the purpose of the draft NDP was assist
developments and to protect buildings contained within the document.
Councillor Young thanked Mr Thomas on behalf of the Town Council.
65.
Town Manager’s Report
i)
CEMETERY & WAR MEMORIAL
The last area within the cemetery for Church of England burials had now been opened.
This meant that the areas for Non-conformist, Church of England and Ashes interments
were now all in the last available areas for each group. The Roman Catholic area still had
one more new area yet to be opened. The number of burials from each group did vary with
the RC section being the busiest. There should still be enough capacity at Hill Road
Cemetery for another 15-20 years and the restrictions on advanced purchases would help
extend this period.
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ii)
COMMUNITY CENTRE
The two youth clubs held at Penwortham Community Centre were currently under review.
Mrs Louise Wright, the youth and community worker who coordinated the youth clubs was
currently employed by Progress Housing Group who were currently reviewing staff levels. A
questionnaire had been handed out to the youth groups asking for suggestions and ideas
regarding the future youth clubs.
Once the information had been considered, NPHA would make a decision as to the future
of the local youth and community worker. Once this decision had been made, Penwortham
Town Council would then have to consider their position with regard to the future of youth
club provision within the community centre.
The council raised concerns in relation to the future of the youth club and asked the Town
Manager to report any progress to a future meeting of the council.
Councillor Prynn stressed the importance and value that a youth club provided for the local
community.
LENGTHS’PERSON’ SCHEME.
iii)
Penwortham Town Council employed a Town Lengthsman whose role it was to improve the
visual impact of the town. This may be simply by litter picking an area or helping an
established group within the town to complete an environmental project.
The Town Lengthsman also carried out works on Public Rights of Way, usually as work
ordered through Lancashire County Council and thus paid for by LCC too.
Any elected members or members of the public should contact Penwortham Town Council
officers in the first instance should they feel works needed could be carried out by the
town’s Lengthsman. The role of the Lengthsman is to carry out works over and above the
statutory obligations of the borough and county councils.
Examples of recent works carried out by the Town Lengthsman;
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iv)
Abbot Meadow – clear gulley
Leyland Road – cut hedge
Howick Park Avenue – clear drains
Liverpool Road – trim hedge and clear ginnel
Valley Road – trim hedge
FP59 (Skew Bridge) – strim
Braid Close – clear gulley
POLICE “In the Know” updates
To register for “in the know” updates to receive regular information via email please go to
the address below and complete the on line form.
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https://member-registration.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/137/Join
Recent examples of “in the Know” updates;
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
People are being targeted to become “Parcel Mules” as part of a reshipping scam, which
results in them handling stolen goods and losing out financially.
Victims are predominantly recruited through job advertisements and dating websites. They
are persuaded to have items delivered to their addresses, and to pay for postage before
sending the items elsewhere. Victims are contacted through Freelancer websites and
invited to become a “Freight Forwarder” as an employment opportunity. The work is
advertised as processing packages and forwarding them to clients.
The items being delivered have been purchased through fraudulent means, including the
use of stolen/fraudulently obtained cards. The items being delivered are often pieces
of electrical equipment or high value goods such as trainers, perfume and the latest
phones.
If you act as a “mule” you are not only handling stolen goods, but also losing out financially.
You will not get paid the promised salary and you pay for the postage and delivery of the
packages personally. Additionally, you will have provided enough of your personal details
to allow identity theft to occur.
How To Protect Yourself:
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Do not agree to receive packages at your address for someone that you do not know
and trust.
Be cautious of unsolicited job offers or opportunities to make easy money.
When accepting a job offer, verify the company details provided to you and check
whether they have been registered in the UK.
Be wary of someone that you have met only online who asks you to send money or
to receive items. Protect your privacy and do not give your personal details to
someone that you do not know and trust.
If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to
Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.
There has been a recent spike in thefts and burglaries around the higher Penwortham area
during the early hours of the morning! Thieves are once again targeting insecure vehicles
and doors and taking the opportunity to steal any valuables on show.
Police are once again urging residents to ensure that all their vehicles and doors are locked
and secure and all valuables are removed.
We are asking all residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity on 101 or
999 in more pressing circumstances.
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v)
Further Updates;
Penwortham Neighbourhood Development Plan
The next round of consultation is well underway for the Penwortham NDP with all
responses to be returned to the Town Council by Friday 16th October 2015.
The steering group would then consider all the comments made and carry out any
appropriate and necessary actions. The NDP would then be passed to SRBC who would
consult again for a further six weeks after which time the plan would be presented to a
planning inspector for their considered opinion.
Once any necessary amendments have been made the plan will be presented to the
people of Penwortham at a referendum and then presented to SRBC for adoption.
vi)
Upcoming Events;
Paint Penwortham Pink
Paint Penwortham Pink involved turning the local community pink for one week during
Breast Cancer Awareness month in October. Penwortham would turn pink during the week
16th to 23rd October 2015 culminating in a pink Friday on the 23rd October. During the Paint
Penwortham Pink week many of the local shops and businesses would be decorating their
shops and windows and pink ribbons, bows and balloons will decorate the town.
There would be two events held at Salvatore’s Restaurant on Friday 23 rd October, one at
1.00pm and one at 5.00pm. Tickets for these events are £10.00 each. Any member wishing
to attend was asked to confirm with the Town Council officers as soon as possible as
demand was expected to be very high.
Any members wishing to become involved or help in any way were asked to contact the
Town Council office.
Penwortham Firework Display
This was an advance notice for the annual town firework display. The display would once
again take place on Pear Tree Park, Middleforth Green on Thursday 5 th November 2015.
Members were asked to make a note of the date as their support on the evening would be
most appreciated.
Penwortham Remembrance Day Parade
Members of the council were invited to attend the annual Penwortham Remembrance Day
Parade. The event this year would take place on Sunday 8th November 2015, beginning
with a short service at St Leonard’s Church followed by a parade to the War Memorial on
Liverpool Road for an open air service at the memorial at 11.00am.
There would also be a short service held at the War Memorial at 11.00am on the 11 th
November 2015 to which all members were invited.
Penwortham Christmas Markets
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The Town Council now arranges two local Christmas Markets, one around the Kingsfold
shops and one on Liverpool Road. The dates proposed for the two events were as follows;
Kingsfold Christmas Market: Wednesday 2nd December 2015
Liverpool Road Christmas Market: Wednesday 16th December 2015
Both markets would run from 6.00pm until 9.00pm.
The Town Manager reminded the council that the next My Neighbourhood Forum would
take place on Thursday 8 October from 7pm at St Mary’s Church Hall.
The Town Manager also informed the council that the Lancashire Association of Local
Councils (LALC) would hold its annual general meeting (AGM) on Saturday 7 November
2015, and invited five councillors to attend the meeting on behalf of the Town Council.
66.
Questions to the Police
There were no questions to the police.
67.
Issues raised by Members of the Public (Non-Police Issues)
The following issues were raised and would be dealt with appropriately:
i)
Proposed Bridge over the River Ribble
A member of the public raised the issue of a possible bridge over the River Ribble to
extend the Penwortham Bypass. It was agreed that the Town Council should write to
the government’s new independent infrastructure commission to raise the matter.
ii)
The removal of Trees near to Blackberry Way
A resident of Blackberry Way asked the Town Council if any further developments
had been made to address the removal of trees along Golden Way. Councillor
Howarth confirmed that he and Councillor Hancock had both met with officers of
South Ribble Council at the site and reported that approx 100 more trees would be
planted behind Blackberry Way to try to rectify the issue.
68.
Development Control – Plans List
Councillor Howarth referred to the recent planning application, Ref: 1
07/2015/1572/FUL (Conversion and extension of existing bungalow to provide 4no
retail units (3 x Class A1/A2) and 1 x (Class A4) together with associated car parking
at 42 Liverpool Road, Penwortham). Councillor Howarth raised concerns over the
change of use application, to convert one retail unit into a drinking establishment.
Councillor Pimblett suggested that the revised development would have a
detrimental impact on the neighbours due to an increase in noise levels in the
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evening would and heighten traffic congestion in the area. Councillor Pimblett also
referred to inadequate parking and dangerous access to the proposed retail units.
Councillor Howarth agreed that the revised plans didn’t include an adequate amount of
parking facilities, and raised issues with the proposed access.
The Town Manager referred to a number of planning policies that supported the
council’s objections to the plans.
A resident from Queensway raised serious concerns over commercial waste collections
for the proposed development due to its extremely close proximity with No.2
Queensway.
Councillor Howarth proposed and seconded by Councillor Pimblett that the Town
Council object to the planning application on the grounds raised at the meeting.
RESOLVED: i)
69.
that objection be made to Planning
Application No. 07/2015/1572/FUL on the
grounds detailed and that these objections
be passed to the Local Planning Authority.
Minutes of Committee Meetings
The Council was asked to approve the minutes of the recent Strategy and Finance
meeting.
RESOLVED: i)
70.
that the minutes of the Strategy and Finance committee
meeting held on 7 September 2015 be approved.
Dates of forthcoming Committee Meetings:
RESOLVED: that the dates of the following committee meetings be
approved:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
71.
Strategy and Finance Committee – Monday 19 October
Events Committee – Monday 19 October 2015
Cemetery Committee – Monday 19 October 2015
Community Centre Management Committee – 19 October
Delegates’ Reports
Councillor Martin reported on the recent meeting of the Lancashire Association of
Local Councils (LALC), South Ribble Area Committee he had attended and informed
the Council he had been appointed to the South Ribble Partnership.
Councillor D Wooldridge thanked Councillor Martin for the report he had previously
circulated and presented.
72.
Accounts for Payment – October 2015
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The Council considered the report of the Responsible Financial Officer.
RESOLVED: that the following accounts be paid:
PAYMENTS FOR AUTHORISATION
OCTOBER 2015
PAYEE
FOR
ACCOUNT
AMOUNT VOUCHER
NEWGATE NURSERIES
TREES / TOPSOIL
CEMTERY
£
169.49
149
DVLA
VEHICLE TAX
CEMETERY
£
225.00
150
ROBERT DYAS
BENCH
CEMETERY
£
153.93
151
TIMPSONS
PLAQUES
CEMETERY
£
118.18
152
MILLBROOK SS
FUEL
CEMETERY
£
73.89
153
PICHOROWYCZ
[LOT REPURCHASE
CEMETERY
£
140.00
154
GARDNERS
MAINTENANCE MATS
CENTRE
£
24.95
155
C&W BERRY
MAINTENANCE MATS
CEMETERY
£
55.14
156
SALARIES RE; ADMIN (paid by transfer)
( Inc.tax/NI/pensions paid by cheque) tax & NI = £2042.85
WAGES RE; CENTRE
(Inc tax/NI/pensions paid by cheque) pensions = £1598.12
AMC TREE LANDSCAPES
TREE WORKS
ADMIN
£ 8,658.98
157
ADMIN
£ 1,860.69
158
CEMETERY
£ 1,100.00
159
JL HOLMES & SONS
BENCH REPAIRS
CEMETERY
£
30.00
160
LANCS PLANT & TOOL HIRE
EQUIPMENT HIRE
CEMETERY
£
63.00
161
PENWORTHAM TOWN FC
SPONSORSHIP
ADMIN
£
250.00
162
LHB SUPPLIES
CLEANING MATS
CENTRE
£
56.50
163
SLCC
ARNOLD BAKER BOOK
ADMIN
£
69.00
164
B&D PRINT
NDP DRAFT PRINT
ADMIN
£ 1,010.00
165
TROPHY CENTRE
PINK TROPHIES
ADMIN
£
67.00
166
UNITED UTILITIES
WATER INVOICE
CENTRE
£
73.66
167
UNITED UTILITIES
WATER INVOICE
CENTRE
£
291.85
168
WATER AID
UU COMPENSATION
ADMIN
£
100.00
169
FIREWORKS WORLD
FIREWORK DISPLAY
ADMIN
£ 4,920.00
170
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TOTAL
73.
£19,511.26
Hill Road Cemetery – September 2015
Details of Burials and Deeds of Grant of Exclusive Right of Burial
The Council noted the following recent burials and agreed that, where necessary, a
Deed of Grant of Exclusive Right of Burial be approved and signed:
CREMATED REMAINS
Dolina Mackay Campbell Thompson of Tuson House, Penwortham
ALL OTHER AREAS
Henry Cottam of 54 Malthouse Way, Penwortham
Esme Nellie Margaret Longworth of Dovedale Court Rest Home, Ingol
Anne Sutton of 49 Woodville Road, Penwortham
Eileen foster of 10 Broad Oak Green, Penwortham
Brian Parfitt of 29 Broadfield Drive, Penwortham
……………………………….Mayor
(The meeting finished at 8.40pm)
THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT 7:00PM ON TUESDAY 3
NOVEMBER 2015 AT THE PENWORTHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE
The minutes of this meeting and the next agenda will be available on the internet at
www.penworthamtowncouncil.gov.uk
The Caring Council – Putting People First