At a meeting of the Parish council held on Monday 19th July 2010 there were present, Mr G Wade (Chairman) Mr J Nichols, Mr. S. Rees, Mrs J Browne, Mrs G Soanes, Mrs T Townend & Mr J Blowers. SCC Cllr Mr M Barnard, WDC Cllr Paul Ashdown, PCSO Julia Quantrill and 8 Parishioners were also present.
Apologies were received from Cllr Colin law, PSCO Sue Kershaw and PC Stranks  
The minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 22nd June were approved and signed.
Declaration of Interests No interests were declared
Clerks report Following the previous parish council meeting. The ironworks in the road at the junction of Short Rd and Hall Lane had sunk and the surface was rough. Permanent repairs have now been completed. It was reported that a parishioner was concerned about a nearby amateur radio aerial which was affecting her television reception. This matter was followed up and information was passed on to the parishioner. I am pleased to announce that Blundeston is now ‘Waveney Village of the Year’ following our successful entry. The judges visited on 24th July and were very impressed with us. The only negative comment was the amount of litter around the Skate Park, Village hall and Play Park. Many thanks to all who took the time to accompany the judges around the village. We now progress through to the county round of Suffolk Village of the year. Judging will take place Friday 23rd July. The judges will drive round the village and then meet with councillors and parishioners at 1230 in the village hall.
15 minutes for Parishioner input. A parishioner asked what can be done about clearing the village pond on market lane / Barkis Meadow. He requested clearing back some of the reeds and vegetation which were considered too overgrown. Mr Nichols advised in the past, working parties had been organized including one by the WI. This is something the parish council will look at arranging in the Autumn. The clerk will place on the agenda for September. A parishioner in Lound Road has heard that there may be pigs put onto farmland behind his property. He wanted to clarify the regulations regarding this and wanted to confirm if there was a minimum distance permitted between the livestock and boundary fences. Cllr Ashdown advised he will check with Waveney environmental health and report back.
Other Parish Business (Parish Councilors) The Chairman thanked Mr Nichols for his long service as chairman. The chairman read out an e-mail which had been received from Mr Simon Lewis offering his resignation as parish councilor. Mr Blowers asked what the procedure was in relation to electing a new councilor. Cllr Ashdown said he would confirm the correct procedure with Waveney and advise the clerk. Mr Blowers also requested permission from the Parish Council on behalf of a parishioner to hold a BBQ and trials motorcycle event in the heath pit. This had been traditionally held annually for many years without problem. All agreed it was ok to go ahead. Mr Blowers was concerned the mobile goal posts had been removed from the football pitch without permission as these goals are the property of the parish. The chairman had spoken to the local football team regarding the goals they advised they had removed them while maintenance to the pitch was taking place but did confirm they would return them in time for the School holidays. They also enquired as to when the pitch could be fertilized. Mr Nichols advised this would probably be done in the autumn and was sure this was part of the maintenance schedule of Waveney Norse. Mrs Browne reported she had been informed of a dead oak tree along Queensway. The nearby resident was concerned the tree may blow down in bad weather. Cllr ashdown will report to the relevant department at Waveney and report back to the clerk. Mrs Browne also reported that parents from the school had requested the use of the Millennium green for one day in the school summer holidays to host a small party including a bouncy castle. All councilors agreed to this. Mrs Browne reported a young person had been seen riding a moped down to the skate park. The person concerned was recognized and reported to the police. PSCO Kershaw confirmed appropriate action will be taken. With regards to the continuing problem with volume & speed of school traffic along Church Road. Mrs Browne reported the primary school will be sending out questionnaires to all new parents in September asking how they will be traveling to the school, if they would be willing to car share or take the bus. It was reported 37% of children coming to Blundeston School in September are out of the catchment area. Part of this is due to two other nearby schools cutting their admissions by 50%. Suggestions to ease traffic congestion included double yellow lines (however it was suggested this would only push the problem further along the road and be difficult to police and seek funding for) The most likely solution to be trialed at this stage is a part time one way system. Cllr Barnard will seek relevant information at the next Northern parishes meeting on requirements for putting this 233
 in place.
Mr Rees thanked everyone who helped to show the judges around the village for the’ Waveney village of the year’ judging. He reiterated the problem of litter around the village hall, skate park & play ground and asked if all can help with clearing whenever possible. The chairman expressed his thanks to the clerk and to Mr Rees for organizing the ‘Village of the year’ application. He was very pleased with the result and requested the possibility of entering a ‘Blundeston in Bloom’ in 2011. All agreed this would be a good idea however would need lots of organizing well in advance. The clerk will look into the requirements and work involved and will report at next meeting when a decision on how to progress will be discussed. The chairman enquired as to whom is responsible for maintenance and general clearing of footpaths particularly the footpath from Lound road through to Flixton Road. Cllr Ashdown will look into this and report back at next meeting. The chairman also requested that anyone wishing to contact the clerk please do so Monday to Friday 0900 – 1700hrs.      
Police Report. The police report was read out by PCSO Julia Quantrill. There were four recorded crimes for the month of June for Blundeston & none for Flixton. One of which related to HMP, One theft & two other crimes. No other information was given. Mr Rees asked if more information could be given relating to the incidences as details given were vague. PSCO Quantrill advised this was not always possible due to data protection but would feedback the comments. It was also mentioned that if people wish they can register on the police direct website and any information relating to local crimes can be sent direct to their mobile phone. The website address is - policedirect.suffolk.police.uk
District Councillor report  Cllr Paul Ashdown congratulated Blundeston on winning ‘Waveney village of the year and all who helped. The judges were very, very impressed and did have a mention for the churchyard and he congratulated Mr Ffitch and his team for all their hard work.
County Councillor Report.Cllr Mike Barnard reported the temporary closure of part of the Angles way ( west of Flixton) This will be for 4/5 days between the period 26th July – 13th August. The 607/608 bus services have been reported as unsatisfactory & may be replaced by smaller vehicles.
New bench at bus stop Mr Nichols had obtained a quote from a local supplier for a new metal bench to be located next to the bus stop (outside the village hall) It was agreed to obtain additional quotes for both metal and wooden benches. These can then be compared and looked at in greater detail at the next meeting before a decision is made.
Grit Bins At the June meeting it was advised by SCC to decide if the village required any grit bins for the forthcoming winter. The clerk had obtained costs from the highways dept (£200 per bin) These would be filled free of charge by the highways department however volunteers would need to be nominated to spread the grit when needed. Volunteers would be advised to SCC to enable them to add them to the highways insurance policy. Cllr Barnard suggested two bins could be purchased out of the locality budgets from SCC. Discussions included 1- location of bins, 2- who would volunteer to spread the grit. 3 – It would be difficult to police. Councilors felt Highways should be gritting the roads and not public volunteers. Councilors decided not to proceed. 
Village Leaflet A parishioner had picked up a village information leaflet in Somerleyton and it was suggested we could produce something similar. The leaflet gave information about local groups, organizations and businesses. Concerns were raised over where leaflets could be placed as we do not have a village shop. It was suggested they could be placed in the pubs and church and also put through doors. Local companies could advertise & pay a small fee towards costs. The clerk will contact Somerleyton parish council to find out about production & printing costs etc & report back to the council.
Tennis Courts.Mr Blowers had noticed on more than one occasion some men playing football on the tennis court. He was concerned that the net may be damaged and also reported seeing one of them climb over the wire fence to obtain their ball. When he approached them he was told it was because the goal posts on the football pitch had been removed. Mr Blowers wondered if it would be possible to put a notice up on the courts advising they were only to be used for tennis and no other ball games were permitted. Mr Nichols said this was probably a one off incident and that it would continue to be monitored. Mr Rees advised the problem of people using the tennis courts for other ball games would probably be resolved once the goal posts were returned.
Accounts The following accounts were approved for payment. New carpet in village hall entrance £364.25 (£310.00 paid by the village hall committee) VAT to be reclaimed
Planning Mr & Mrs Rose, Thala Cottage, Flixton Road. Increase in roof height of garage to accommodate rooms creating an annex & two storey rear extension. This was approved. 
Correspondence Blundeston Parochial church Council sent a request for a donation towards the upkeep of the churchyard, those present said they were extremely pleased with the standard at which the churchyard was kept. Mr Nichols suggested £250. This proposal was carried unanimously. SCC temporary closure of section of Angles way west of Flixton for bridge replacement works. WDC code of conduct, standards committee annual report & local development framework
The next meeting will be held on Monday 23rd August 2010 at 7.30p.m. There being no further business the meeting closed at 2100hrs