PITSTONE ANNUAL ASSEMBLY
Minutes of the Annual Assembly held on 1 May 2012 
in the main hall at the Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm and concluding at 10.14pm

PRESENT:	Cllr Saintey (Chairman), Cllr Blunt (Vice Chairman), Cllr Mattey, Cllr Richardson, Cllr Nicholls, Cllr Mrs Arney, Cllr Mrs Hawkins, Cllr Ginda and Cllr Mrs Monaghan.  Clerk: Laurie Eagling.   County & District Cllr Mrs A Davies.   Simon Gray (member of Development Area Committee).  Mary Saintey (Chair of Williamson Trust and Towns Land Charity).  Peter Coker (Treasurer to Memorial Hall Committee).  PC Steve Brisley.  Rachel Webb (BALC representative on the London Luton Airport Consultative Committee).  John McGinty (Aylesbury Vale District Council).    Plus 72 members of the public.

APOLOGIES: 	Cllr Mrs Stack.

1/12AA	ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGIES - See above.    The Chairman opened the meeting, thanked everyone for attending and introduced the assembled members of council.

2/12AA	PRESENTATION OF PITSTONE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2012 –Cllr Saintey presented Michelle Lee with a certificate and cheque for £50.00 in recognition of her devoted work to the Scouts Association and particularly the Beavers.  A number of scout leaders and some of the beavers/cubs attended the presentation to support her.  A full write up about her achievements will appear in the next editions of the PPP and Ivinghoe Beacon, as well as an article in the local newspaper.  On behalf of the community, Michelle Lee has also been forward for the Aylesbury Vale Volunteer of the Year award.   Nominations for the 2013 award can be submitted to any councillor or clerk at any point during the year, so please do come forward to nominate the volunteers that work within the community group you attend.

3/12AA	CHANGES TO THE REFUSE AND RECYCLING COLLECTIONS DURING 2012
John McGinty was welcomed to the annual assembly and gave an excellent presentation on the forthcoming changes to refuse and recycling collections.    

The main changes occur at the start of September:
*   the refuse and recycling collection day is likely to change
*   homes will be supplied with a kitchen caddy for food waste and a supply of liners (please don’t use plastic carrier bags).   This should be emptied into the new green food waste collection bin, which will be emptied weekly by AVDC.   The food waste will be used to create energy and make fertiliser.
*   every home will receive a new big green wheelie bin for all your recycling (glass, paper, card, plastics, steel/aluminium cans and tetra paks).  This will be emptied every two weeks by AVDC.
*   you will keep your existing green wheelie bin for any residual waste.  This will be emptied on the alternate week with the recycling bin by AVDC.
*   AVDC will no longer collect extra side waste/extra bags left by the bin.
*   you can either keep your existing recycling baskets or return them to AVDC who will recycle them
*   any residents that think they may encounter problems with the new service (eg the elderly or those with limited through access) should contact AVDC who will work out a tailored solution.

In June, the current green bag scheme for garden waste will cease and residents can sign up to a new chargeable garden waste collection service with a brown wheelie bin for £36 per year.  The bin will be collected every 2 weeks by AVDC.  This waste will be composted.   Please log onto the AVDC web site or call them direct to get more details and set up a direct debit.

Mr McGinty took questions from the public on the recycling methods that would be used, why AVDC needed to charge for the garden waste service, future plans for landfill sites, the costs involved in setting up & running the new scheme and any staffing implications.

The AVDC team remained at the meeting until the end of the refreshment break, to take questions from residents, show the sample bins and provide useful literature about what products could be put in which bin.    If you missed the annual assembly, please try and visit their stand at our Jubilee Party from 1-6pm on 3 June 2012.    The Chair thanked John McGinty for his excellent presentation.

	AVDC recycling rates doubled to 54% over the first 4 months of the scheme, ahead of government targets and saving tens of thousands of pounds in landfill disposal costs.  

4/12AA	PROPOSED EXPANSION PLANS FOR LONDON LUTON AIRPORT
Rachel Webb, parish councillor for Stewkley and the BALC representative on the London Luton Airport Consultative Committee was welcomed to the annual assembly.

Current situation
	In 2011: Luton flew 99000 planes (total in and out) = 10m passengers.  Down from high of 120,000 planes / 11m passengers and recovering from recession low of 8.5m passengers.   Current peak capacity = 30 planes per hour (arrivals or departures or a mixture) = average of 1 landing every 2 mins. Can exceed this capacity for short periods of time and handle the equivalent of 36 planes per hour, an average of 3 landings every 5 minutes.

	Most flights that land at Luton when the wind is from an easterly direction fly over Pitstone at about 3000 feet. The wind is from the east, on average 30-35% of the time throughout the year.  Busy times: early am, lunch, tea. Some at night.  Westerly winds much quieter at Pitstone because not under a departure route but air traffic control can direct planes away from these routes on occasion and some may venture over Pitstone.  Several years ago, a new departure route was proposed over Pitstone, these proposals have been withdrawn for the time being.

Context of two proposed applications
	The airport wants to take advantage of the economic recovery and the Governments declaration not to expand Heathrow. They have already met with Transport Secretary Justine Greening who was supportive.   Luton Borough Council (LBC) owns the freehold, and lease operations to a commercial operator for 30 years to 2029; break clause 2014. LBC receive a dividend for each passenger and are keen to maximise this income. However the operator doesn’t seem keen to invest too much in expansion owing to term left on lease and uncertain Return on Investment in that time. So LBC announced their own plans to expand, forcing the operator to announce theirs to try and prevent LBC from breaking the lease in 2014.

	Recent consultations have been pre-planning app consultations to ask stakeholders, including LLACC, what we would like to see in a planning application. Once the applications are submitted (May-July this year), there will be a minimum 12 week consultation period for the public to respond.

Expected content of the Planning Applications 
Both are similar in outline: 
•		Modest development within the current airport boundary / no land grab from Hertfordshire
•		No new runway or terminal building
•		Current runway will remain as is (2160 m)
•		Modest changes to terminal building, new plane stands, passenger piers tweaks to taxiways to increase efficiency of planes entering and leaving the runway
•		Some changes to surface access  to/from airport in immediate vicinity

Objective of proposed development
	Increase passenger throughput from the current level of 10m passengers per annum to 15-16m (operator) and 17-18m (LBC). Means approx. 150,000 planes per annum.  Peak capacity will increase to 36 planes per hour (3 every 5 minutes) with the occasional equivalent handling of 39 planes per hour.

Impact on Pitstone
	   Noise:
•		Depends how sensitive individuals are. Some may notice not much difference at peak times but that more planes rest of the day and at night. Others will notice peak times are more intense.
•		Both LBC and the operator say there will be more night flights. This will be a hard fought battle - it is the biggest issue at the LLACC
•		If LLA is the only airport to expand then no new flight paths will be required. But if others also expand then this may change. Have asked for input from air traffic control in the planning application
•		Don’t know how noisy each plane will be because don’t know what extra planes will be flown (large or small, old or new). Have asked.
•		We don’t know how the current flight paths will be used, which is not such an issue for Pitstone but other Vale villages need to know, otherwise they will be disenfranchised from the consultation process.
•		Have asked for a commitment to improve quieter flying techniques

Surface access:
•		Currently rat-running along B488/9. Have asked for traffic modelling to forecast future use of village roads and for mitigation to be financed by airport.
•		Car parking strategy is currently not fit for purpose, evidenced by persistent illegal car-parking around Luton and recently at Marsworth (Cheddington airfield)
•		Public transport needs to be improved, e.g. currently no bus service between Aylesbury and Luton Airport on a Sunday

	Passenger Experience:
•		An issue for BALC because Bucks residents use the airport and we want to ensure they are not stressed / treated badly.
•		Immigration queues currently a disgrace and only set to get worse if a commitment to provide / pay for more Border Agency staff not forthcoming as a condition of planning.
•		Baggage handling – funded by airlines not the airport, but still currently inadequate and needs to improve as a condition of planning
•		Economy – the airport probably benefits Bucks by facilitating business travel into the County, but is also a disadvantage because it facilitates £ being spent abroad rather than in Bucks. Have asked for economic impact assessment for Bucks. 

Next Steps / What can we do about it?
	When applications are submitted, BALC will alert Pitstone PC and then send them an early draft of our proposed response.   Pitstone residents are encouraged to respond with their personal concerns.    To find out more, please visit: http://www.london-luton.co.uk, http://www.futureluton.co.uk/ or http://www.london-luton.co.uk/en/flighttracking/

Rachel took questions from the members of the public and invited residents to speak to her during the refreshment break with any further queries or concerns.  The Chairman then thanked Councillor Webb for her information presentation.

PLANNING APPLICATION SUBMITTED AND OPPOSED BY THE PARISH COUNCIL.   MANY GROUPS REQUESTING A CALL-IN TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

5/12AA	CRIME REPORT FROM THAMES VALLEY POLICE
	The Chairman introduced PC Steve Brisley of the Thames Valley Police Wing Neighbourhood Policing Team who reported that during the last 12 months there had been:

•	7 reported incidents of burglary to dwellings and 10 to non-dwellings (particularly barns)
•	2 incidents of taking without consent, 1 of vehicle interference and 17 thefts from motor vehicles (particularly when left in beauty spots like Pitstone Hill)
•	24 general thefts, 9 incidents of criminal damage and 2 reported dog related incidents
•	A decrease in overall anti-social behaviour but an increase in noisy neighbours and other noise complaints – please be considerate of those around you.

	These figures are particularly low and show a continuation in the downward trend seen for the last 3 years.  PC Brisley warned all BMW drivers to be vigilant following a recent bout of steering wheel thefts and offered crime prevention advice.   Burglary from homes and thefts will be the priority for TVP during the forthcoming year.

	PC Brisley answered questions put by residents.   The Chairman thanked him for his presentation and PC Brisley then departed the meeting to continue with an anti-theft operation.

6/12AA	MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL ASSEMBLY held on 17 May 2011.
	The draft minutes were available on the web site all year and an update had been posted prior to the assembly.  Copies were also available from the clerk and had been advertised as such on the agenda.  Further copies were provided to those present at the annual assembly.  It was RESOLVED that the minutes were a true and accurate record and the Chairman was authorised to sign them as such.

7/12AA	CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
In the last year the parish council has set up a youth cafe and been involved in organising the Diamond Jubilee event, both these are covered in more detail later in the evening.    Last October an Older People’s Day was held at which approximately 60 residents attended.  It was very successful and thanks go to the village charities, the WI and the Beacon Community Choir.  With the positive feedback it could well happen again.

The parish council has issued to every household a “What’s on in Pitstone” guide which has been well received WILL BE REISSUED IN SUMMER 2013.  Leaflets concerning major projects and the working of the council were also delivered to you and welcome packs are given to newcomers to the village.

In conjunction with Thames Valley Police we have issued the 30mph bin stickers to those properties that are on the 3 main through roads (Cheddington Road, Vicarage Road and Marsworth Road).  THIS YEAR SEES THE PURCHASE OF MVAS EQUIPMENT TO FURTHER REDUCE SPEEDING THROUGH THE VILLAGE

We have supported the Friends of Ivinghoe Library and have ring-fenced funds for future financial assistance £3,750 PROVIDED.  The Clerk has recently been in consultation with Herts County Council regarding the pedestrian/cycle way along Northfield Road.  INITIAL SURVEY UNDERTAKEN.   HCC CATEGORISED AS ‘COMPLEX’ WITH 3-5 YEAR TIMESCALE.

Finally, to finish on a high note you will all have read that last year Pitstone came second in its population class in the Best Kept Village in Bucks competition ENTERED AGAIN FOR 2013, WITH JUDGING THIS JUNE.  A massive thank you to everyone who made the village look as good as it did but a special vote of thanks must go to our two litter pickers Les Graves and Alan Sanders.

8/12AA	UPDATE FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR AVRIL DAVIES   
Avril thanked those assembled for the opportunity to speak at the annual assembly and opened with a reassuring update from Herts County Council regarding the Northfield Road project.  HCC has confirmed that it will be treated as an ad-hoc project and they appreciate that to complete the whole length they will need extra funds and will need to purchase land.  They intend to start at the station end, which is the narrowest.

The speed limit review reductions had finally been implemented and further notices publicising the change in speed were expected soon.   The Ivinghoe library has been successful with their negotiations with Bucks County Council to become a community library and will be re-launched this summer as the Beacon Villages Community Library, retaining the services of the librarian.

BCC were aware of the problems experienced with the last batch of road surface repairs and the work should be re-done shortly.

Cllr Davies informed everyone about the extensive work she undertakes for both the county and district councils including all the committees and bodies she sits upon.   She talked about the extent of the cut-backs this year and believes that the local community will feel the cuts the most with:

•	The change of the library to a community library
•	The changes to the transport to school regulations which will mean that those choosing the grammar schools in Aylesbury will now have to pay for transport
•	Reductions in adult social care – please look out for your neighbours
•	The changes to the refuse and recycling collections
•	Staff cutbacks in both the district and county council offices (the district council alone are losing up to 900 staff) – so please be patient with them

The biggest issues being debated at present include:

•	HS2
•	The energy from waste scheme being introduced at Calvert
•	Changes to the health bill, health & wellbeing board and public health
•	Roads

Councillor Davies answered questions from the assembled residents about waste and roads.    There was a request for the white gates and the village name plates to be painted/cleaned as they were looking very shabby & dirty.  The parish clerk will lodge a request with Transport for Bucks.  There being no further questions, Cllr Saintey thanked Avril for her presentation and invited everyone to get some refreshments and return in 15 minutes.

9/12AA	PRESENTATION OF ACCOUNTS   
Copies of the various accounts had been provided to all attendees at the start of the meeting.  Further copies of the accounts are attached for reference.  

1)	
Pitstone Town Lands & Williamson Trust Charities 
Mrs Mary Saintey, Chair of both charities, explained the history and purpose of both these trusts and the land/properties they own.   She explained both sets of accounts.  There were no questions raised by those present.   Mrs Saintey explained that they were looking to expand the number of trustees and asked anyone interested in joining the charity to contact her.

2)	Memorial Hall
	Mr Peter Coker, Treasurer to the Hall Committee, talked those assembled through the accounts and explained about the recent improvements to the memorial hall.   The hall committee is also looking for additional members and Mr Coker issued a plea for anyone interested to speak to him.

3)	Pitstone Parish Council
	Mrs L Eagling, Clerk, presented the annual report and accounts to 31 March 2012 and explained that this actually means that the provision of all the council services cost just 18 pence per household per day.   There is no increase in the precept rate this year.  The accounts will be subjected to two tiers of audit.  The annual report and accounts will appear in PPP, so that all householders receive a copy.  There were no questions raised from those present.

10/12AA	YOUTH CAFE
Cllr Mattey showed a DVD produced from photographs and video clips taken at the youth cafe and talked those assembled through the achievements during the first 8 months of opening.   The youth cafe has surpassed all expectations and around 55 young people arrive each week, with over 110 now registered.   This reflects the huge demand for such a facility in our rural community.  Such large numbers require a large amount of volunteers to support the three employed youth workers and Councillor Mattey urged everyone to consider if they could volunteer, even if just once per month.   Age and any lack of youth experience are not barriers, both our young residents and the volunteers benefit enormously from the experience.    No questions were raised by the audience.
STILL VERY SUCCESSFUL WITH BETWEEN 35 AND 55 YOUNG PEOPLE ATTENDING EACH WEEK.   ENTRY FEES AND CHARGE FOR REFRESHMENTS NOW INTRODUCED TO HELP LONG TERM SUSTAINABILITY.   TVP REPORT A MARKED REDUCTION IN ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN THE VILLAGE AS A POSITIVE SIDE EFFECT

11/12AA	DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
All homes have been provided with a copy of the jubilee celebrations leaflet and further copies were provided to all attendees.   Cllr Mattey explained all the events happening on 3 and 4 June in further detail and urged everyone to come along, join in the celebrations to mark this historic occasion and raise lots of money for the good causes being supported – Rett Syndrome Research Trust and the Pitstone Memorial Hall.   No questions were raised by the audience.
VERY SUCCESSFUL.   IMPROVED EVENT ORGANISED BY COMMUNITY GROUP & SUPPORTED BY THE PARISH COUNCIL, FOR THIS YEAR – PARTY IN THE PARK 13-7-13.

12/12AA	DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR PITSTONE
Cllr Ben Blunt provided some background information to the development area, the S106 funding held by Aylesbury Vale District Council, the results of the leisure survey and therefore the likely first leisure provision development arising from this.   Mr Blunt introduced Simon Gray, a local  master-planner, who is assisting the parish council.

Simon Gray showed the latest development plan proposals, illustrating the redevelopment of the recreation ground to include a revised play area, a new skate park and a multi-use games area.   The illustration also showed potential locations for roads, residential dwellings, foot/cycle path linkage, car parking provision and picnic areas.    Possible development and expansion plans for the memorial hall were also discussed.     It is hoped that all the development will lead to the Memorial Hall and Recreation Ground becoming the hub and focus of Pitstone.    Mr Gray explained the process that would need to follow.

Questions raised by the audience regarding the location of roads were answered.  Simon volunteered to take further questions at the close of the meeting if residents wished to examine the plan in detail and several residents took advantage of this offer later in the evening.   Cllr Saintey thanked Mr Gray for his excellent presentation and all the voluntary work he has given to assist the parish council.

UPDATE TO BE GIVEN AT THE ANNUAL ASSEMBLY 2013

13/12AA	PITSTONE CINEMA
	Cllr Dave Nicholls explained the concept of a community cinema and said that we were investigating creating one to operate out of the Memorial Hall.    We are particularly keen to know what type of films people would like to watch and what, if any, additional services they would like to see with it (for example a cup of tea & chat afterwards, a blockbuster movie followed by the bar being open etc) as these have an impact on the way the cinema group is set up, the licences that need to be bought and whether it becomes a membership scheme or pay-on-the-day.

No information was initially volunteered.  Cllr Nicholls invited anyone with any thoughts on the subject to speak to him after the close of the assembly and many chose to do so.

COMMUNITY GROUP CREATED, SCREEN BUILT, WAITING FOR BIG ‘BLOCKBUSTER’ MOVIE TO USE AS LAUNCH EVENT

14/12AA	PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
•	An update was requested on the possible introduction of silver-surfers/internet lessons.   The existing facility at the Yardley Avenue lounge is over-subscribed and takes Yardley Avenue sheltered accommodation residents as a priority.  The Pitstone Memorial Hall has recently been equipped with a wireless broadband hub which will mean that this type of activity is now possible.   Pastor Dave Clifford provided an update on the current provision and offered his further services if equipment was available.     Investigations will commence to see if anyone has any equipment they may be able to donate.

START-UP GRANT PROVIDED BY THE PARISH COUNCIL AND THIS HAS BEEN RUNNING WEEKLY AT PITSTONE MEMORIAL HALL, UNFORTUNATELY UPTAKE NOT HIGH

•	An additional dog bin was requested by the far end of Windsor Road, where the Taylor Wimpey fencing is currently erected.   The parish council acknowledged that they could pursue this with the developer and AVDC.

ERECTED, ALONG WITH A REPLACEMENT BIN FOR THE END OF THE CRESCENT

15/12AA	CLOSURE OF MEETING
	There being no further questions, the chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting and for their contributions.  There being no further business to be transacted, the chairman closed the meeting at 10.14pm.

Signed:	__________________________________________________	Date: _______________

                  Chairman