Rocklands, Norfolk The Villages of Rockland All Saints and Rockland St Peter

Draft Minutes of the Annual Assembly of the Rocklands Parish Council
held on Monday 4th April 2011 in Rocklands Village Hal at 7.00 p.m.

PRESENT:

P. Cotes (Chairman)
P. Smith (Vice Chairman)
S. Colenutt
M.Gibbon
C. Jones
N. Southgate
R. Steel

District Councillor W. Smith

Clerk: L.Defew

Four members of the public were present

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

County Councillor C.Jordan

2. MINUTES OF ANNUAL ASSEMBLY HELD ON 20TH APRIL 2010

Resolved to approve the minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting. The minutes were duly signed.

3. MATTERS ARISING

None

4. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Councillor Cotes reported that last year had been quieter for the Parish Council than in previous years. He stated that the year had started with a number of new faces and that this had been the first full year for the Clerk, Internal Auditor and the Tree Wardens. He expressed his thanks to them all for their work for Rocklands. Thanks were also conveyed to the loyal band of parishioners who have attended the Council meetings and acknowledgment was given of their important contribution to the Council's work.
Councillor Cotes explained how planning and flooding had occupied much of the Council's time and he provided an example of the discussions surrounding the closure of The White Hart and the subsequent planning applications. He also explained that the other item to warrant a mention at each meeting had been the Wayland Road phone box, a subject which, he hoped, would soon be classed as 'closed'. Councillor Cotes stated that the flooding issue had been one of good news this year and he stated that there had been activity at Low Lane with the promise of more work on linking the ditch with adjacent pipes and main drains in 2011/12. The Council is waiting for Highways to specify the work and the materials needed for the holding areas above the Village Hall and Councillor Cotes explained that he understood that Ridgeons had kindly agreed to sponsor the materials.
Councillor Cotes concluded his report by thanking everyone who had been involved with the Parish Council during his nearly twelve years as Chairman, who, he stated were too many to list individually. He explained that he wished to give special mention to the two Clerks who have served during that time - Dave and Lucy, and to the three Vice Chairmen, Bill Llewelyn, Peter Leigh and Peter Smith. He stated that his role as Chairman would have been much more difficult without their help and the huge amount of work that they have put into the village. Councillor Cotes closed his report by explaining that it was now time for him to step down as Chairman, as he felt that local democracy needed fresh ideas and new faces. He wished the Council and his successor all the best for the future.

Councillor Southgate expressed a unanimously agreed vote of thanks to Councillor Cotes for his skilful running of the meetings and management of the Council.

5. REPORTS BY DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SMITH

District Councillor Smith explained that the merger of the management structure with South Holland Council was now complete. He conveyed information relating to the council tax levels and he explained that Breckland Council is in good financial shape. He mentioned the growth of the Anglian Revenue Partnership and explained that this had helped make major savings.
He stated that the next big issue would be the examination of the LDF site specifics and the impact on the local community. He explained that an issue concerning the large developers related to Section 106 and the possibility that the requirement may be removed, resulting in Breckland Council having to make up the difference.

A query was raised by Councillor Smith in regards to whether the reductions had resulted from staff redundancies. District Councillor Smith explained that some staff members were going and that some would be given the opportunity to apply for lower level jobs. He also explained that there is a move away from the focus on performance more towards a focus on productivity.

6. COMMENTS FROM FLOOR

None

Meeting closed at 7.20 p.m.