A Parish Council Meeting was held in the Methodist Church Hall on Thursday, 6th March 2025 at 7.30pm.
Present: Mr. P. Whittaker (Chair), Mr. A. Ainsworth, Mr. D. Ascroft, Mr. S. Booth,
Mr. R. Porter and Mr. G. Scott.
The meeting was attended by 2 members of the public.
1. There were no apologies for absence.
2. There were no declarations of interest
3. Public Participation:
Matters brought to the Council’s attention included:
The website for the speed sign were obtained – CA Traffic is the company. A member of the public is going to investigate whether instructions on how to use it can be obtained.
Moving the speed sign on Downham Road.
Going to speak with Jonathan Pinder to see if the speed sign – welcome to Chatburn can be moved!!!!!
4. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
5. Borough Councillor’s Report:
HARP Scheme Update:
• LCC Highways modifications to routes through Chatburn will commence in May/June.
• If any yellow lines are implemented, they will require immediate action.
• Residents need to be notified in advance.
• A business impact statement is being pursued.
• Utilities should bear the associated costs.
Reorganisation
• Local MPs and the majority of councillors support maintaining the status quo.
• A possible restructure into four regions with one major council is being considered.
• Ribble Valley is seen as dysfunctional and could face changes by 2028.
• There is speculation that Ribble Valley, Preston, and Lancaster could merge.
• Local councillors and MPs strongly oppose merging with East Lancashire.
• Each district authority must have a population size of 500,000.
• Proposals for reorganization must be submitted by November this year.
6. Clerk’s Report:
• Gritting Routes: Update provided.
• Crow Trees: For sale sign noted on planning, awaiting response
• Broken Pipe on Public Footpath: Issue reported.
• Website Issues: Concerns raised and dealt with
• Path from Chatburn to Downham: Clarification sought on whether it is a bridleway and if cyclists are permitted.
• Broken Down Mini: Issue noted and is being reported to DVLA
• Chatburn Newsletter: Request for any items to be included.
• Chatburn Primary School Letter: Letter read to the meeting. Request granted.
7. Items for Discussion:
A Changing Rooms:
Agreed to continue as normal.
The Clerk has a copy of the 2009 Constitution.
It was advised to keep the committee’s bank account open.
Clarification needed on whether remaining funds should be transferred to the Parish Council.
A meeting is required with the Changing Room Sub-Committee.
Any changes must be approved by the Parish Council.
The 2009 Constitution requires updating.
Discussion needed on setting a threshold for the bank account.
The Sub-Committee will report to the Parish Council for approval.
B Playing Field and Playground Grass Cutting:
A meeting is scheduled for next week to discuss grass-cutting arrangements.
C Road Safety Mirror
The road safety mirror installation is scheduled for next week.
D Co-option of Two Members
All councillors are in favour of inviting a local Chatburn resident who attended the last meeting.
Two more residents are also under consideration.
E Dark Wood Footpath Stones/Bench & Beacon
The work on the footpath stones, bench, and beacon is still incomplete.
It was agreed to approach The Ramblers Association for support and possible assistance.
Additionally, contact will be made with Heidelberg regarding this matter.
A date for the next Heidelberg meeting needs to be set, and these issues will be raised during that meeting.
F Village Grass and Flower Tubs
The grass in the village is being driven/walked on too frequently, causing damage.
Cars are still driving into flower tubs and knocking them over.
Large stones were considered as a deterrent, but concerns were raised about potential damage to vehicles and liability issues.
An alternative solution was suggested: installing posts and chains to prevent vehicles from accessing these areas.
G Additional Grit Bins
More grit bins are needed in the village.
Order 6 bins, to be delivered to The Chapel.
Bins to be placed at the following locations:
Robinson Street
Darkwood Crescent
Top of Old Road
Victoria Ave/Wood Terrace
Top of Downham Road
Top of Ribblesdale View
H Village Well
Communication received from councillors regarding the well.
No immediate action can be taken.
It was suggested to write to the estate to determine whether the culvert/pipe belongs to them, as it is causing flooding on the highway.
If the estate confirms ownership, they should address the issue.
If they did not install it, the matter should be escalated back to the council for resolution.
I Chatburn Cricket Club
A meeting has been arranged for Thursday, 13th March, at The Chapel to discuss matters related to the club.
J Gritting Route and Bridge
Gritting lorries used are under 18T.
No changes will be made to the gritting routes at this time.
K Best Kept Village Competition
The council has decided not to participate in the competition.
L Goal posts
Councillor going to contact Harrisons Engineering for a quote for removal and replacement. Removal to be done as soon as possible.
8. Representatives Reports:
No Heidelberg meeting
No Parish liaison meeting
9. Planning Applications & Decisions:
None
10. Playing Field:
Risk Assessment: The playground risk assessment has been completed.
Stone Flags: Stone flags have been placed around the gate for safety.
Tree Maintenance: A tree in the playground area has been trimmed, with nearly all problematic sections removed.
Repairs Status: Temporary repairs have been made; however, there is a need for permanent solutions.
11. Finance & Accounts:
Payments:
IT Invoice £36.00
Wages £941.68
HMRC £178.07
Water plus £46.53
Receipts:
There are no receipts
12. Items for the next Agenda:
A. Changing rooms update
B. Playing Field, Playground Grass Cutting and lease agreement.
C. Road Safety Mirror update.
D. Co-option of 2 Members
E. Dark wood Footpath Stones/Bench & Beacon
F. The grass in the village
G. Grit bins update
H. The Village well update
I. Cricket Club
J. Goal posts
K. Bridleway/Footpath update
13. It was resolved to hold the next Parish Council and AGM meeting on Monday 14th April at 7pm in The Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 8.50pm.