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CEMETERY
COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY
27TH APRIL 2009
Present
:- Cllr R. Mills (Chair), Cllr A. Maycock, Cllr
C. Lofts, Cllr C. Stanger,
Cllr A. Wardle, Cllr H. Wright
1.
Apologies for Absence
Cllr
J. Godwin
2.
Open to the Public
No
members of the public were present.
3.
Cemetery Chapel
Inspection of the Cemetery Chapel and plans for the
future of the Chapel
At
its last meeting the committee discussed the surveyor's report detailing
repairs required to the chapel. The committee had budgeted £15,000
towards the works and agreed a public works loan to complete the
repair works. The Clerk advised that the committee needs to decide
the schedule of works to be undertaken, both internal and external,
for the surveyor to prepare a tender document. This issue was discussed
at length.
At
present, the contractors mowing equipment is stored in the chapel,
as the lock-up at the cemetery is not sufficiently secure. The committee
agreed that the security of the lock-up must be improved, or a temporary
storage facility provided, as this equipment will need to be removed
whilst the works are carried out. Cllr Mills suggested that initially
the building must be stabilised by carrying out the underpinning
and roof works. The surveyor has indicated that the floor blocks
inside are rotting from the underside and will need to be replaced.
The committee agreed that the interior of the building should be
refurbished; with the addition of some form of heating and all existing
fixtures, i.e. pews retained. Cllr Wardle suggested that future
uses for the chapel could include small non-faith / memorial services
or small exhibitions. Cllr Stanger proposed that a quotation be
obtained from Paul Brown to include the underpinning, roof works,
external and internal refurbishment including replacement of the
floor and the installation of a new chapel bell. Once the total
cost of the works is established the TC will need to garner public
opinion on its future use. Cllr Lofts felt it would be difficult
to justify the cost of internal refurbishment unless the chapel
has a use.
4.
Cemetery
a)
Paths
The
Clerk confirmed a number of complaints had been received concerning
the paths at the Cemetery. Over a period of time the gravel has
become very sparse making the paths muddy and slippery. The contractor
has offered to lay down some additional gravel; however, this would
make it difficult to move any wheeled items on the path, including
the bier. The committee agreed to the Clerk's suggestion that a
quotation be obtained for works to tar, spray and chip the paths
to improve accessibility at the Cemetery.
b)
Tree Surgery
Following
the Clerk's recent meeting with the tree surgeon, the large tree
next to the Cemetery Lodge has been cut back. A resident whose property
backs onto the Cemetery has requested that a large holly bush planted
in the old Garden of Rest be removed. The committee agreed the holly
bush could be cut back but not removed.
5.
Cemetery Lodge
A
copy of correspondence from the current tenant giving notice to
quit the Cemetery Lodge was forwarded to all committee members prior
to the meeting.
The
anticipated vacation date is 18th May. The Clerk has obtained positive
references for the new tenant who would like to move in as soon
as possible. The rent will remain the same in view of the current
market conditions.
6.
Allotments
a)
Correspondence regarding fencing and walls at the
Malthouse Court Allotments
A
copy of correspondence from a Malthouse Court allotment holder was
forwarded to all committee members prior to the meeting. Members
of the Allotment Society are concerned over security at the site,
following incidents of theft / vandalism. They have requested that
a fence be erected at the boundary between the allotment site and
church. The committee considered the request but were of the opinion
it would do very little to prevent trespassers as access can easily
be gained via alternate entrance points. It was agreed that the
Clerk will write to notify the Allotment Society of the decision.
The
Clerk confirmed she has written to the Hesketh Estate regarding
the poor condition of the wall that separates the two sides of the
allotment site. The plot holders near to the wall are concerned
over its safety and have requested it be repaired as soon as possible.
The Clerk has received to reply from the Hesketh Estate and pointed
out that the TC has a duty of care to its allotment holders. Cllr
Mills and Cllr Maycock volunteered to carry out works to lower the
wall by removing all the unstable stones. Cllr Wardle was certain
that members of the Allotment Society would assist them with this
task.
b)
Allotment Plots
The
Clerk has received notice to quit for Plot 44, Malthouse Court .
As this is a large plot it is likely that it will be divided into
two and offered to those at the top of the waiting list. Complaints
have again been received regarding Plot 19. A three month notice
was sent previously. The allotment holder has experienced health
problems and has found it difficult to work the plot. She has agreed
to divide the plot in half but has not done this equally and it
needs to be measured properly. In the current circumstances, the
committee thought it unlikely that this plot would be maintained
but agreed that, in accordance with the tenancy agreement, a final
three month notice would be issued.
Proposal
Cllr
Maycock proposed that a final three month notice be issued to holder
of Allotment Plot 19;
seconded
by Cllr Wardle, all in favour.
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