COOKHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of a Meeting of the

MEETING OF THE ADOPTIVE ACTS COMMITTEE

PRESENT:            Cllrs: P. Brockwell (Chairman)

M. Coker, S. Fairlie, G. Harris, A. Prichard and H. J. Woodbridge.

1.      APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

Apologies were received from Cllrs Wellman and Innes. There were no Declarations of Interest.

2.  CEMETERY:

a)                  To discuss the situation regarding future Sextons at the Cemetery – Following the unexpected death of Mr Chris Hughes at the weekend, the Cemetery was left with no Sexton at the present. Cllr Woodbridge suggested that the Council put the onus on the undertaker to provide a Sexton. However, control of the Cemetery is more difficult with too many different Sextons operating in one Cemetery. It was AGREED that the Clerk would try to find a new Sexton as soon as possible.

b)         To approve a wall-mounted Noticeboard – The Clerk had circulated prices with the agendas. After much discussion, it was AGREED  to purchase a man-made, wood effect noticeboard. Joe Stoneman would be asked to fix the noticeboard in place. The reason behind the choice is that the wood-effect would retain its looks and is virtually maintenance-free.

c)            Progress report on repairing or replacing the boundary wire fence or hedge along the Maidenhead Road side – The Clerk was still awaiting a quote from Joe Stoneman and Brian Whateling had proved difficult to get hold of. The broken fence around the skip area was also mentioned.

d)         Up-date on new paths project – The Chairman said that she had visited Heathrow where the self-binding gravel from Grunden had been used and was concerned that the gravel surface seemed to stick to their shoes. After lengthy discussions, it was AGREED not to pursue Grunden any further for this project.

e)         To approve quote from Philip Holdford for re-planting the central border – It was proposed by Cllr Woodbridge and seconded by Cllr Coker, to go ahead with this quote but with a couple of alterations to choice of plant. The Committee agreed to change the Euonymous Fortunei Emerald Gaiety to the Emerald and Gold; and the Photinia to replace the Ilex and give a more red look to the border.

3.    CEMETERY EXTENSION: 

a)         Up-date on consecration of Cemetery extension and planning permission for change of use – The Clerk had been advised by RBWM planning that the new part of the cemetery had not been formally used as a burial ground and that the planning permission had now expired. The forms were being made out however, recent call to another Senior Planning officer now suggests that because the Council have enclosed the extension and put in water services – our original planning permission has been carried out in part to make additional application unnecessary.

4.   CHAPEL:

a)                  Progress report on replacing chapel heaters – Shirley Warren had met two electricians on site and one had submitted a quote along with his suggestion for the type of heater. However the quote included removal of the storage heater from the vestry and this was not required. It was agreed to put this back on the agenda for the next meeting.

5.   STREETLIGHTING:

a)                  Up-date on the various quotes still with SEC – The Clerk had at last received various quotes from Ken Barnes. The Clerk informed the Committee that she was in the process of sending out a questionnaire to those affected by lights in this area. If the public response was in favour, Cllr Prichard proposed going ahead with the lighting. This was seconded by Cllr Woodbridge. The Clerk would also see whether any 106 monies could be used to help fund this project or any monies from the Police. The power at the War Memorial would also allow for a Christmas tree to be placed here rather than outside The Crown. The quote received to restore the light on the Causeway would be re-tabled at the next Meeting of the Adoptive Acts Committee. Cllr Woodbridge felt that the Committee had agreed not to go ahead with this light but he would check the minutes. (NB: It was later established that the Committee had agreed to wait for the quote before making a decision.) The quote for the new light in Odney Lane was queried because the style of lantern was not in keeping for a Conservation Area. It was AGREED to ask Ken Barnes for a site meeting to discuss this and location of the new light in more detail.

b)                  Report on the resolving of the energy issue with British Gas: The Clerk confirmed that the Council had finally been billed for the outstanding energy used for the last three and a half year. The sum of approx £300 left an additional £100 from British Gas in compensation.

6.   WAR MEMORIALS:

a)         Up-date on the refurbishment of the Tarrystone Seat – The Clerk was still awaiting a reply from Mrs Sarah Varvill regarding formal hand-over of the seat to the Parish Council.

The meeting closed at 9.25pm