Parish Information - (last edited 9th. August 2010)

BEESTON REGIS PARISH COUNCIL
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING WEDNESDAY 5th May 2010

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Firstly I would like to thank all the parish councillors for their support in what has proved to be another busy year. Sadly we lost David Cox, who passed away in November last year. His contribution to the Parish Council was much appreciated and he is sorely missed. We have yet to fill the vacancy which we can do by co option.

The highlight of the year was our attaining “Quality Parish Status”.   Norman Lamb, our local MP at the time, presented the certificate to us on 26th February. In meeting the exacting standards required to achieve this standard your council has demonstrated that it is well run.

The role of Parish Councils may change so we are ready for any challenges that may arise and it is important we maintain the high standards for the future.

At that time I stated that without the guidance and work put in by Peter Bullimore our Clerk we would not have achieved our goal.

The “No Cold Calling Zones  initiative, started by Margaret Roffe in 2007,  has continued  and now embraces most of the parish where it is possible to do so.

The bottle bank continues to be well used and will again earn over £300 a year after costs have been deducted. Some of the proceeds were used to plant the bulbs which have been planted on the green in Britons Lane and which have enhanced the village.

The Parish precept which is collected within your Council Tax is, apart from the money from the bottle bank, our only source of revenue.  In 2009/10 this worked out at an average of £28 per household  Precise details of how the money is spent will be published in my Annual Report which will go out with the next issue of Beeston Regis News I am pleased that we were able to make a small reduction in the precept for 2010/2011

Affordable Housing. Sadly we have not made any progress in this matter despite there being an established need in the parish and we will continue our efforts in this respect. Sadly it has been recently reported that the NNDC are close to the bottom of the list in achieving targets in this respect.

Tree Preservation Orders within the “Sheringwood” area have not been secured as the Woodland Trust and the NNDC did not share our view about the need.   However as this area of our parish falls within the AONB we must rely on the planning process to protect the trees.

Beeston Common. Whilst this is not within our parish it is used by many of our parishioners and there has been concern about “English Nature’s” work including the apparent return of much of the common to bog land. We are in discussion with Sheringham Town Council but progress is slow

Crime. The council receives a monthly list of crimes in the parish which shows this is not a serious problem .In fact there has been a significant reduction in crime over the past 2 years.  I would however urge all residents to take proper precautions particularly in locking garages, sheds and outbuildings which can be easy targets.

Alternative Parish Plan. This is a joint project involving the Parish Council, Sheringham High School.  Age Concern and our local Church will also be involved.  Shortly we will deliver a questionnaire to all our parishioners with a view to ascertaining their needs and aspirations for the future.

Car Boots. The Council is aware of the traffic and parking problems caused by the Sunday car boot sales on Cookies field. I should make it clear that the car boots are legal and Mr Cook is entitled to have them in his field where he provides on site parking.

The Upcher Community Partnership includes our parish and we continue to work with them. Councillors Paul Kemp remains on the board of that organization.   A branch of the Norfolk Credit Union has been opened in Sheringham

The Parish is a consultee on many issues and appropriate responses have been or are being made on important matters which could directly affect the Parish .Such as:

The Provision of Permanent Gypsy and Travellers sites The government has decreed that the North Norfolk District Council provide at least 15 permanent pitches within their area despite NNDC have stated that there is no evidence of need which view we vigorously supported. Sadly few other councils in the area bothered to respond.  It is expected that the NNDC will endeavour to resolve this matter by involving all the Towns and Parishes in a forum such as determined the sites for Temporary Stopping Places. The requirements for Permanent pitches are such that the Temporary sites are not suitable.

Minerals and Waste Strategy for Norfolk . The “Stone Pits “in Britons Lane continues to be a preferred site but it is unlikely that the level of   annual extraction will increase.

Coast and Shoreline Management plans.  Whilst the Shoreline Management plan has not yet seen the light of day, I am pleased to report that your council gave full support to the NNDC in their successful bid for funds to improve the current situation. Part of this funding is currently being used to clear debris from the foreshore below the cliffs between Beeston Regis and Sheringham so that access along the beach particularly at high tide will be easier than before.

I must record our thanks to Beeston Regis Caravan Park for reinstating their steps to the beach and allowing the general public access through their private property.

Local Development Framework. As I reported last year the LDF has now replaced the previous Local Plan and Beeston Regis is now part of what is deemed “countryside” This means that very little development is now permitted within the Parish and although applications have virtually dried up we are consulted on all Planning applications within the Parish and also those within close proximity to our boundaries, and where appropriate the Council makes representations either for or against.  One significant planning application concerning the development of Hall Farm as holiday accommodation and related activities was passed following extensive pre planning consultation. This development should greatly enhance the area.

Apart from the important  items I have already mentioned I and my councillors have attended many meetings throughout the year on a wide area of subjects including Sheringham, Preservation Society, Church Matters, Various Charity concerns, Area and Community partnerships, the new Planning Portal- to name but a few. Again my thanks to them all and in particular my Vice Chairman Mike for keeping our website up to date and together with Margaret Roffe the publication of “Beeston Regis News.

At the Annual Parish Council Meeting next week I hope to be handing over the Chairmanship to my very able deputy Mike Knowles although I will remain on the council and give him every support in the future.

G W Roy Beckley
Chairman

Update on Annual Report

Parking on car boot sale days: Our County Councillor (Brian Hannah), NCC Highways staff and the proprietor of the field continue to meet to help resolve the problems of parking and traffic congestion adjacent to the Britons Lane/A149 coast road area.

Alternative Parish Plan: A working group has been formed, consisting of representatives of the parish council, church, school and parishioners. It is working on compiling a questionnaire for delivery to all households. It is hoped that people living in Beeston Regis will complete and return them so that parishioners’ aspirations and needs are known to the parish council and an action plan for the future can be devised.

Beeston Common: Meetings have taken place between parish councillors, town councillors and the Drainage Officer from NNDC. The ditch, forming the western boundary of the parish on Abbey Park/Caxton Park, has given cause for concern for many years with brambles, weeds etc. encroaching into peoples gardens. Responsibility for this ditch has been determined and it is hoped that this problem will be resolved in the near future.

Bottle Bank: This continues to be well used. Thank you to all the parishioners who help to raise £300 - £400 each year.

 

BEESTON REGIS PARISH COUNCIL

INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT-Year to 31st March 2010

2009 INCOME

2010

12,000 Precept £13,500.00
43 Interest 3.43
220 Bottle Bank 548.40
------ Grant re Survey 500.00
£12,263   £14,551.83
  EXPENDITURE  
  ADMINISTRATION  
307 Postages, Printing, Stationary etc 341.30
264 Use of Room as Office 264.00
90 Telephone 93.50
50 Travelling 64.80
268 Hire of Rooms & Hall 350.00
658 Insurance 608.04
205 Audit Fees 200.00
3,533 Salaries 3,578.76
  Other Admin expenses:  
279 -Subscriptions 312.23
116 -Training (incl. text books) ---
40 -Website Expenses 45.00
----- -QPS Registration and Presentation 125.00
21 -Sundries (flower bulbs) 29.97
  LIGHTING  
1,280 Supply of Electricity 1,824.56
684 Routine Maintenance 674.28
3,041 Additional Maintenance (incl replacement lights) 309.81
  OTHER  
520 Emptying Dog Bins 540.80
724 Cleaning Shelters/Repairs 720.00
485 Donation re Churchyard (£450) & Section 137 485.00
£12,565   £10,567.05

 

List of Organisations serving the Beeston Regis Area.

Organisation Contact Details………
Beeston Regis Church Rev.Peter Davis 01263 838773
Beeston Regis Scouts Leader, Paul Henrikson 01263 712288
Sheringham Womens Institute W.I.Adviser, Janet Rose 01603 624580
Young Peoples Drama Group Manager, Ms.B.Robinson 07748 96880
Preservation Society Chair., Reg Grimes 01263 824343
Sheringham Cricket Club Sec., Stuart Smith 01263 825176
Age Concern, N.Nfk. Manager, Ms.L.Battrick 01263 823126
St.John Ambulance Sec., David Easton 01263 588082
Yesu Charity Manager, David Bloggs 01263 825516
Sheringham Library Manager, Mrs.S.Parker 01263 822874
Amateur Dramatic Group Sec., Gregory Pope 01263 513287
Sheringham Carnival Group Chair., Mrs.H.Beresford 01263 823463
Ottendorf Twinning Assoc., Sec., Evelyn Meakin 01263 823818
Sheringham Horticultural Soc., Sec., Clive Mitchell 01263 837397
Lobster Potties Chair., Tony Chadwick 01263 821514
Folk Club Sec., Eddie Bailey 01263 821129
Sheringham Choral Soc. Sec., Rose Moreton 01263 825146
Sheringham Shantymen Chair., Bob Hawkins 01263 824112

Parish Council Vacancy. Following the resignation of Councillor Mike Bliss in May 2010, the Council now has a vacancy. This can be filled by co-option and anyone interested should in the first instance contact either the Clerk or Chairman. Anyone that lives or works in the Parish or nearby is eligible to offer their services.

Sheringham Trails details a 10 kilometre walk that can easily be broken into short sections, and is basically a circular tour around Sheringham and Beeston Regis. A very informative booklet has been produced and is available from the Upcher Community Partnership shop, or can be viewed on the Experience Sheringham website here.

21st Century Village.  Local Action - Global Impact is an initiative aimed at helping to make your local village a better place by encouraging the use of local shops and produce, making homes more energy efficient, making less use of our cars and creating and conserving spaces for wildlife. It also encompasses measures to reduce waste and improve recycling. It is supported by all the County Councils in the East of England and you will find useful links to Rural Action East and the East of England Rural Forum, where there is a wealth of information, on our Links page.

Don't forget that Beeston Regis now has its own Bottle Bank, conveniently situated on the car park at the bottom of Britons Lane. This facility is now providing very significant revenue directly to the Parish Council. The amount of money raised is dependant upon the amount of glass actually recovered, so do try to make every use of it!

The bottle bank has been filled and emptied many times since it was first put in place, averaging around once every two to three weeks, and is on target to provide the Parish with a significant income for the coming years - the first receipt was banked in April 2007 and amounted to £158.23, this has been followed by amounts of over £200 (2008) and £400 (2009). Well done to the residents of Beeston Regis!

On the subject of recycling, please note that the West Runton Scout Group is very happy to accept your waste paper at their HQ by the railway bridge. This is the principal revenue source for the Scout Group - illustrating again how a little effort can greatly benefit our immediate community.

No Cold Calling Zones.  Basically, a No Cold Calling Zone is a designated area where the resident community have declared that they no longer wish to accept traders calling at their homes without an appointment. The zone is defined by the installation of signs at the entrance and exit to the zone and residents are supplied with door stickers and further advisory information. Whilst the initiative is administered by Trading Standards, the zone is created by the wishes of the residents. There is a necessity for a majority requirement on the part of those residents, and certain other criteria may have to be met, but the Parish Council will, in principle, support any application for a No Cold Calling Zone.

Six areas in Beeston Regis have declared themselves “No Cold Calling Zones”:

Robyns Road, Regis Avenue, Church Close, Hillside Road, Priory Close and Abbey Park, have already attained the status, and were officially declared as "No Cold Calling Zones" during 2008 and 2009.

If you would like further information, our Clerk, Peter Bullimore has the necessary forms and details

The Sheringham Safer Neighbourhood Team covers the parishes of Beeston Regis, East and West Beckham, Gresham, Kelling, Salthouse, Upper Sheringham and Weybourne. One of the Team's priorities has been to focus on criminal damage in Beeston Regis.

Safer Neighbourhood Teams are there to listen to, understand and help resolve the issues that are affecting you and your community, and also to offer feedback on any resulting action and success. Your local PCSOs are an integral part of your community – they are there for you.

Contact details: 0845 456 4567
e-mail SNTsheringham@norfolk.pnn.police.uk

Visit www.safernorfolk.co.uk to find out more.

Finding information about domiciliary care can be difficult - however, a new resource can be delivered to your computer every Thursday, free of charge.
It is difficult to access information, keep up with the news, keep up with changing legislation and keep up with the general day to day aspects that affect people generally or individually from a domiciliary care prospective.
Able Community Care is a provider of live in, carer schemes and has been established since 1980. Angela Gifford, Proprietor of Able Community Care and Expert Witness (Care in the Community) writes on domiciliary care issues in many publications throughout the UK and has appeared on both radio and television.
Each week Angela writes a free, weekly Newsflash which can be delivered direct to your desktop in an email format.
The Newsflash contains information on such topics as the latest nursing home and residential care home news, domiciliary care news, facts and figures re carer's pay, costs of care, relevant legislation/directives and statistics which are of interest to elderly and disabled people and people who work with them.
A simple way to keep up to date in the domiciliary care field.

If you would like to receive a copy every Thursday morning, please subscribe at:  http://www.uk-care.com

Coastal Protection.  Lots of information regarding the ongoing situation regarding this very sensitive and important issue, including the latest statement from the North Norfolk District Council, can now be found on the NNDC website. http://www.northnorfolk.org/coastal/

Pathfinder - what it is?

In 2009 the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) invited local authorities to apply to an £11million funded Coastal Change Pathfinder Programme.

The Pathfinder Programme is an 18 month ‘road test’ for local authorities to explore ways of helping coastal communities plan and adapt to coastal change. NNDC was successful in securing the largest amount of funding (£3 million) to trial its projects from December 2009 to April 2011. The Pathfinder Funding cannot be spent on coast defences but the projects are aimed at developing real solutions. They will not solve all the problems of coastal areas and can’t meet everyone’s needs. Even so, implementing the projects will raise issues and consequences that will need to be addressed on the way.

The current newsletter is available at the new Pathfinder Website, along with previous editions.

NEW DIAL-A-BUS SERVICE TO CROMER FROM 7th JUNE 2010

To Cromer town centre shops, Morrisons or Rainbow New services available weekly, every Tuesday morning and alternate Monday mornings.

Dial a Bus services require pre booking on 01692 500840 with North Walsham Area Community Transport Association.

Passengers need to register initially and pay an annual subscription of £6 per individual and £8 per couple.
Please call 01692 500840 for more information.
Dial a Bus services provided by North Walsham Area Community Transport Association. Registered Charity No. 1081117

 

The Parish Council normally meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Scout Headquarters starting at 7.00pm.
Members of the public are welcome and time is set aside for their participation in the meeting

Beeston Regis is a Quality Parish Council.