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, M. Innes, A. Prichard and M. Wellman.

1.                  APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN: Cllr Prichard proposed Cllr Brockwell to continue as Chairman. This was seconded by Cllr Fairlie. After some persuasion, Cllr Brockwell agreed to continue for one more year.

2.            APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

Apologies were received from Cllrs Barnes. There were no Declarations of Interest.

3.  CEMETERY:

a)                  To discuss the new Sexton’s recommendations for the removal of soil – Our new Sexton, Keith Heybourn had discussed different ways of removing the excess soil with the Clerk. It was AGREED that we would ask our skip contractors to supply a drop sided skip which would make it easier to fill with the excess from burials.

b)         To approve the quote from Joe Stoneman to replace the chainlink fence – Cllr Coker queried the quote because it was not broken down with prices for parts. It was acknowledged by the Committee that Joe Stoneman has a reputation for good prices. It was also agreed that the security of the cemetery boundaries was a priority. Cllr Prichard proposed that we give the go ahead to Joe Stoneman. Cllr Coker seconded this and the vote was unanimous.

4.    CEMETERY EXTENSION: 

a)         Up-date on consecration of Cemetery extension and planning permission for change of use – The Clerk has been trying continually to get hold of Mr David Islip at RBWM concerning our present planning permission. He has proved very elusive and is not following up his conversations with any action. The Clerk has told Mr Islip that he is holding up the process of consecration.

5.   CHAPEL:

a)                  To confirm the choice of fan heater or infra red for Chapel – Mr Gary Timmins of Omega Electrical Services has been given the go ahead to carry out an electrical inspection of the electrics in the Chapel plus replacing the two fan heaters.

After much discussion on the merits of different heaters, it was AGREED to replace the old heaters with fan heaters that can be placed on a time switch.

5.   STREETLIGHTING:

a)                  Up-date on the site visit to discuss the new column in Odney Lane – A new quote was awaited from Ken Barnes (SEC) following the site visit. The old light is in the  Conservation Area and the swan type of lantern would look more in keeping than the present shape. The light will be placed opposite the present light on the junction of Ferry lane and will help give more light to this corner. A yellow dot marks the spot at present.

b)                  New light on the Causeway – The new quote from SEC represented good value - £394.74 for engineering services and a further £375.89 for the column. The committee voted to go ahead with this new light.

6.   WAR MEMORIALS:

a)         To discuss budget for current lighting projects and other Committee expenditure – The new columns at Odney Lane and the Causeway would cost approx. £2,300. The Finance Chairman said that £1,200 was in reserves from last year’s budget for new street lighting and this could go towards these two projects. There was a short discussion on other lighting project if funds allowed.

The meeting closed at 9.05pm

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