Portreath Parish Council

Quarterly Reports

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Minutes of the meeting of Portreath Parish Council held in The Institute, Penberthy Road, Portreath on Monday, 5^th October 2009

Present:- Chairman Councillor Mr. D. Coates

Councillors Mrs. D. Butler; Mr. K. Bowden; Mr. R. Hamer

Cornwall Councillor Mrs. J. Duffin

Ms. J. Goldsworthy M.P.

Mr. T. Sandercock, Principal Engineer, Cornwall Council

PCSO M. Easter

12 Members of the Public

Apologies were received from Councillors Mr. N. Mathews; Mr. J. Platts, Mr. C.J. Watts

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Goldsworthy, Mrs. Duffin, Mr. Sandercock and Members of the Public

With the approval of Members the order of agenda items was slightly changed and the Chairman invited PSCO Easter to present the Police Report

6408. Report of Neighbourhood Beat Manager

In the absence of P.C. Roberts, PCSO Easter presented the crime figures for the period 8^th September to 5^th October.

5 crimes had been committed during this period including 2 thefts from motor vehicles; 1 house burglary; 1 harassment; 1 theft of poultry, there had been 18 calls to the Police which was a decrease of 10 for the same period last year

PSCO Easter informed Members that P.C. Roberts had been promoted to Charge Sergeant

and the Chairman reminded Members that P.C. Roberts had served the Parish well as Neighbourhood Beat Manager for the past 9 years.

Thanking PCSO Easter for the Police Report the Chairman asked that congratulations be passed to P.C. Roberts

6409 Confirmation of Minutes

It was resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th September be signed as constituting

an accurate record of proceedings subject to the amendment of the date of the next meeting in

Minute 6407

6410. Portreath Harbour

C.C. Mrs. J. Duffin reported on a recent meeting with Cornwall Council Officers when the

Offensive smell emanating from the Harbour was discussed and, as a result, had invited

Mr. T. Sandercock, Principal Engineer, Cornwall Council to attend this meeting

The Chairman then invited Mr. Sandercock to address the meeting and Suspended Standing

Orders to allow Members of the Public to speak on this matter

Open Session

Mr. Sandercock, who was familiar with the problem, circulated photographs of the contents of the inner Harbour together with a sample of the ‘grey’ coloured sand taken from the floor of the inner Harbour.

In the past machinery has been used to remove the seaweed which was then used as compost.

The method of disposal had caused problems from time to time due to the presence of boats

within the Harbour. This method had been expensive and had been ceased mainly due

to insurance costs.

Cornwall Council have decreasing budgets and the cost of removing both ‘fresh’ and de-

composing seaweed is very expensive. Ideas were being explored and Mr. Sandercock

suggested that a joint initiative bringing together the Parish Council, Portreath Improvements

Committee, and the Harbour Association to explore causes, solutions and funding might well be the way forward.

Cllr. Bowden expressed the view that the problem was due to the seaweed lying on the beach for a couple of weeks before being taken out again on the tide and then re-distributed in the Harbour. Some method should be adopted to prevent the seaweed entering the Harbour.

Dr. Mills, speaking as a private individual, suggested that perhaps next year the diggers and lorry removed the seaweed each week during July and August and if this could be carried out on a designated day, the Harbour Association could ensure that boats were removed to facilitate this work.

Mr. Sandercock suggested that perhaps, two persons be employed to remove the seaweed, by hand, on a daily basis transporting it using wheelbarrows to an appropriately sited skip.

The results from the samples taken by the Environment Agency at Mr. Sandercock’s request had not yet been received. When Mr. Sandercock had visited the harbour some 10 days previously, there had been several dead fish together with a sizeable amount of seaweed in the Harbour. Dr. Mills stated that these were dog fish and the person responsible had been ‘chastised’ and that the smell was not really due to the rotting fish.

In answer to questions Mr. Sandercock stated that the cost of the hire of a JCB was £30 per hour this was in addition to the cost of the hire of a lorry to transport the seaweed; any sand taken from the Harbour could not be unloaded on the main beach; the definition of a ‘statutory nuisance’ in relation to the smell would be investigated

Residents raised the following points:-

(a) visitors at a bed and breakfast establishment within the vicinity of the Harbour

had curtailed their visit due to the smell

(b) customers had also left The Waterfront for the same reason and the owner felt that the

smell constituted a ‘statutory nuisance’ and that, legally, Cornwall Council could be

compelled to remove the source of the smell

which then spreads through the seaweed turning it into a slurry

(d) on occasion, after the seaweed was removed by the digger, more came back on the next

tide

(e) there was a distinct smell of arsenic and a query was raised as to whether the tests could

take this into account

(f) the possible provision of gates to prevent the entry of seaweed was raised

(g) the ‘Shutting off’ of the Harbour was also suggested

(h) the thicker the weed the worse the smell gets as the seaweed ‘cooks itself’ and

produces methane gas

(i) attention was drawn to the effect of these possible gasses on the health of residents i.e.

possible damage to eyes and even death as had been the recent case in France

(j) the need to keep windows of houses adjacent to the Harbour shut for long periods

during hot weather

Cllr. Bowden enquired if ‘community workers’ could carry out the suggested daily cleaning and offered to contact the Probation Officer in this connection

Mr.Sandercock would:-

(a) contact the Health Section of Cornwall Council regarding the ‘statutory nuisance’ aspect

(b) contact the Environment Agency regarding further tests requesting urgent results

Committee and the Harbour Association when the results of the tests were known in order

that various possible methods of solving this problem could be fully discussed.

Ms. Julia Goldsworthy MP reported that several residents had raised this matter during a recent MP Surgery held in the Village and the questions which needed answers were –

what quantities of seaweed needed to be removed?

how often did removal need to take place?

what form the monitoring of this process should take to assess exactly what

was happening?

The Chairman reiterated the need for testing adding that the old system of removal of seaweed had helped but not solved the situation and there was a need to look at a better method.

The Chairman added that Kerrier District Council had been very good in the past at removing the seaweed but other methods needed to be explored.

6411 Report of Cornwall Councillor

C.C. Mrs. Duffin stated that it appeared from discussions with Members of the Cornwall

Council Planning Section that much of the work which had been carried out on the Harbourmaster’s House had received retrospective approval under a Certificate of Lawfulness. It also appeared that it was possible that more and more Certificates of Lawfulness would be issued in respect of works carried out without planning approval.

The Opening Ceremony in relation to the Mineral Tramway had been a great success and had been very well attended

During a meeting with Andy Bartle, Network Highway Manager, the possibility of the imposition of ‘No Waiting’ limits at the junction of The Square and Lighthouse Hill and in the vicinity of The Waterfront to alleviate the problems caused in these areas by inconsiderate parking. Other matters discussed at this meeting included the speed of traffic along Beach Road, parking outside the toilets on Beach Road and problems on Sunnyvale Road.

C.C. Duffin had attended the recent Police Liaison meeting and one of the matters discussed

was the use of Beach PCSOs during the summer months and it was resolved that a letter be forwarded to the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary pointing out the success of this initiative and requesting that serious consideration be given to the continued use of Beach PCSOs during next summer

CC Duffin then informed Members that week beginning 12^th October was Local Democracy Week and Ms. J. Goldsworthy MP would be attending a session of the Barn Youth Club during this week. Ms. Goldsworthy then added that some Councils have a specific section at meetings when young people could speak. Ms. Goldsworthy further stated that budgets would be tight following the forthcoming General Election with less money ‘coming down’ from Central Government and ‘ lots of things would be put on hold’

6412 Planning Matters

Consideration was given to the following planning applications:-

(a) erection of fence at 13, Forthvean, Portreath for Mr. R. Dave

(b) conversion of roof space into living accommodation, raising of roof and installation

of dormer window at Tregea, Green Lane, Portreath for Mr. & Mrs. A. Coyte

It was resolved that no objections be raised to applications (a) and (b) above

It was resolved to OBJECT to this application as it was felt that this building would be in a

prominent position and would detract from surrounding properties.

(d) receipt of various recent planning decisions was noted

(e) it was noted that an Enforcement Notice had been issued in respect of the residential

Caravans sited at Bridge Cottage.

6413 Various Reports

(a) Finance

It was noted that the Council’s balances were as follows:-

HSBC Current Account £ 3527:00

PO Investment Account £11785.59

The Clerk reported that the second half of the precept for the current financial year would be received shortly and reminded Members that it would be necessary to set

the precept for 2010/11 at the next meeting

It was resolved that £6000 be transferred from the HSBC Current Account to

the PO Investment Account when the second half of the precept was received.

(b) Highways

A reply had been received from Cornwall Council regarding the parking problems

outside the toilets on Beach Road which stated that it would be difficult to enforce

limited waiting as disabled drivers would still be able to park; a pull-in for use

by persons using the toilets would be hard to enforce without constant monitoring

and any solution would still be subject to availability of funding

(c) Footpaths

Details of the proposed route for the Portreath Branchline Trail were noted

6414 Correspondence

The content of the following correspondence was noted:-

(a) Cornwall Council regarding the need for a revaluation of the W.A.A.F. Site

(b) thanks from Cornwall Air Ambulance for the donation of £50 (Minute 6405 refers)

the presence of the lugger Barnabus at the Bi-centenary Celebrations (Minute 6406 refers)

(d) copy letter addressed to the Cornish Maritime Trust regarding alleged damage to a boat in

the Harbour caused by the lugger Barnabus. Members discussed this matter briefly but

it was pointed out that this was not a matter needing comment by this Council

(e) it was agreed that the Chairman and Clerk compose a reply to the Community Network

Panel – Call for Evidence Questionairre

(f) it was resolved to support, in principle, the proposal by Mr. D. Green and Ms. K. Whear

to set up an Adventure School using Portreath Beach but to emphasis the need for

consultation with the Portreath Improvements Committee, Portreath Surf Live Saving

Club and other relevant bodies and to express concern regarding the possible adverse

effect on other beach users.

6415 Signature of Cheques

Date Cheque Amount Payable to Details

No.

30.9 101406 £ 32:00 P. Billing Locking toilets- September + 1 unlocking

3.10 101407 £ 72:00 Royal British Wreaths and posies for Remembrance

Legion Service

5.10 101408 £ 7:58 EDF Electricity consumption 1/7-30/9/09

5.10 101409 £116:50 E.Sampson Litter picking – September

6416 Date of next Meeting

It was resolved that the next meeting of the Council be held on Monday, 2^nd November 2009

Jan 09 Report of Portreath Parish Council

Use of former W.A.A.F. Site as Allotments

Negotiations are continuing with Kerrier District Council in connection with the use of the W.A.A.F. Site as Parish allotments. The District Valuer has been requested to value the site and following this valuation it is hoped that the site can be acquired, work commenced on the clearance of the

concrete Nissen hut bases and the area made suitable for planting, etc.

Bi-Centenary Celebrations

A small Sub-Committee chaired by Mr. Bill Dodge has been set up to arrange the celebration of the laying of the first rail of the Mineral Tramway which took place in 1809 (see separate article by Rose Lewis) The celebrations will serve to remind everyone of the great importance to the Parish of the 1809 ceremony carried out by Lord De Dunstanville of Tehidy Manor and Mr. J. Williams of Scorrior House.

Parking of Caravans at Lighthouse Hill

The Council is continuing to press for the removal of the caravans parked illegally on land at the top of Lighthouse Hill and, hopefully, the District Council will be able to take the necessary legal steps to secure the removal of all the vans on this site.

August 2008

Members

Councillors Mr. K. Bowden, Mrs. D. Butler, Mr. D. Coates, Mr. R. Hamer, Mr. N.J Mathews, Mr. J. Platts, and Mr. C.J. Watts

Appointment of Chairman and Vice Chairman

Councillor J.M. Platts was elected Chairman for the year 2008/9 Councillor D. Coates was elected Vice Chairman

Residents are reminded that copies of agenda for forthcoming meetings together with any other relevant information are displayed, five days in advance of meetings on the Parish Notice Boards adjacent to The Square, outside The Institute, in the car park of the Bridge Inn and outside the Cambrose Touring Park. Electors are also reminded that an OPEN SESSION is held prior to each meeting of the Council when residents may raise relevant matters with Members of the Council.

The following Members were elected to represent the Parish Council on various organisations:-

Mineral Tramways Partnership Steering Group Cllr. Mathews

Integrated Area Plan Group Cllr. Watts

Rural Transport Advisory Group Cllr. Bowden

Nancekuke Working Party Cllr. Bowden

Tehidy Countryside Park Partnership Cllr. Watts

Upgrading of Sluice Gates adjacent to Moor House

Mr. Andrew Houghton , Flood Risk Management Technical Specialist from the Environment Agency attended a meeting of the Council some months ago and reported that works would commence within the foreseeable future on the upgrading of the sluice gates adjacent to Moor House. It was intended to remove the existing screen and install a much improved means of control by the end of this financial year and this, together with the use of the full capacity of the tunnel in time of flood conditions and the possible increase of the capacity of the stream would help alleviate the possible flooding in times of heavy rainfall.

This work has now been completed with £250,000 having been spent on improvements to the tunnel entrance, widening of the riber channel and the installation of a much larger replacement screen. This has improved the flow of water and reduced the change of debris blocking the tunnel. The Agency's Regional Director said 'Tth tunnel and screen are critical to managing Portreath's flood risk and by working with South West Water the Agency had been able to complete the joint improvements making the screen much safer, significantly reducing the change of blockage and flooding.' The chief Executive of South West Water expressed pleasure at the completion of the project which, together with the installation of early warning equipment would mean the rish of flooding to nearby properties is now greatly reduced. Everyone involved should be extremely proud of a job well done'

April 2007

Greenfield Gardens

As you will be aware from other reports in this issue, the seats and litter bins purchased by the Parish Council have now been installed in Greenfield Gardens and the bulk of the improvements have been completed.

Sunnyvale Road

Following representations to the County Council work has now been carried out to stabilise the

Highway at the southern end of Sunnyvale Road where slippage had occurred. A fence has also been erected along this repaired area.

Beach Road

Preliminary plans have been prepared by the County Council for a new kerb line along Beach Road which will slightly narrow the width of this road but delineated parking areas will be retained.

It is also proposed that an additional ‘bus shelter be provided around the area of The Square and that the existing shelter be upgraded. Members have requested that these shelters should be of the ‘up and over’ clear sided type and that no seating should be provided in an effort to prevent the shelters being utilised as gathering places for vandals.

Annual Parish Meeting

The Annual Parish meeting of this Council will be held in The Institute commencing at 7:00 p.m. on

Monday, 30^th April when all Parish organisations will be invited to attend and present a report .

This will be the last meeting of the existing council as elections will be held on 3^rd May.

January 2007

Greenfield Gardens

Works on the installation of a transformer in Greenfield Gardens has now been completed by Western Power plc. This installation will facilitate the removal of certain poles on the hill to the North of the Village.

Western Power plc have provided a couple of composting units for use in the Gardens as a goodwill gesture in acknowledgement of permission for the siting of the transformer.

An Official Opening of the upgraded Gardens will be organised to take place in the late Spring when the large number of bulbs planted during the Autumn will be in bloom.

Stainless steel seats and a matching litter bin are on order and it hoped that these will be received and installed in the Gardens prior to the re-opening ceremony.

The Square

Preliminary sketches relating to the upgrading of The Square and the surrounding area are in course of preparation and the necessary negotiations with the various owners of the land, public utilities and statutory authorities are progressing

When these negotiations are complete and the final drawings are received from the Cornwall County Council Mineral Tramways Project Manager a copy of the proposals will be included in a future issue of The Parish Tram.

Portreath Harbour

Atlantic Consultants are, at the moment, preparing a feasibility study in connection with the future use of Portreath Harbour. At this stage possible business plans will be investigated with the various engineering aspects being explored at a later stage.

Based on the results of this initial study a decision will need to be made regarding the future of the Harbour. Members of this Council feel that it is essential that the Harbour should, if at all possible revert back to the community as a focal point for the Village and the setting up of a ‘community based’

organisation to take control of the Harbour will be investigated.

September 2006

Footpaths

All the footpaths within the Parish have now been trimmed and cleaned including the removal of fallen trees at the entrance to Footpath No. 7 at Bridge.

Greenfield Gardens

The newly provided grassed areas in Greenfield Gardens have now received the first cut and the temporary fencing should be removed by the time this article goes to press. These areas will continue to be cut by Kerrier District Council Staff but responsibility for the Gardens will shortly be taken over by the Portreath Improvements Committee.

Most of the planting has been carried out but, later in the season, several hundred daffodil bulbs will be planted which should make a wonderful display in the Spring when it is hoped that an Official Re-opening Ceremony will be carried out.

Orders have been placed for the supply of seats and litter bins which will be installed during the

Autumn/Winter period.

Highway Matters

The strengthening of Sunnyvale Road at the rear of Rose Villa Farm has been carried out by the County Council and a short length of fencing erected along this length.

Designated Public Place Order

The Designated Public Place (Portreath) Order 2006 came into effect on 31^st August and covers the following areas:-

The Harbour; Kingsley Terrace; The Pier; The Novelty Golf Course

and adjacent area of sand; the Seafront Car Park and Promenade;

Car Park in front of the Waterfront Inn; the area adjacent to and

Surrounding the Rescue Post, The Surf Life Saving Club and Speranza;

Beach Road between Tregea Hill and the junction with Chynance

Firework Display

Members of the Council resolved to fund the attendance of the St. Johns Ambulance personnel at the Bonfire and Firework Display to be held on Sunday 5^th November.

Report of Portreath Parish Council

Use of former W.A.A.F. Site as Allotments

concrete Nissen hut bases and the area made suitable for planting, etc.

Bi-Centenary Celebrations

Parking of Caravans at Lighthouse Hill