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Pre-meeting Reports 12 March 2024
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205. |
SZC Update Mr Tim Newton, Site Security Manager, David Peacop, Site Operations Director, Richard Knight, Senior Community Relations Manager, Spencer Bowdler, Site Operations Manager and Marjorie Barnes Head of Regional External Affairs and Development from SZC were in attendance. Mr Newton gave a short presentation on the SZC Workers Code of Conduct which all employees working on the SZC project will be required to sign up to before their employment commences.
Cllrs raised concerns regarding fly parking within the town. Cllr Levermore questioned if there is scope to add an extra code to the conduct regarding parking, requesting employees to be responsible when parking their vehicles and to ensure they use the designated parking areas and follow the designated routes to site.
Cllr Last highlighted concerns regarding HMO's and bed and breakfast type of accommodation where there may well be a saturation of parking in particular narrow roads and streets in the town.
Mr Newton will look into the request from Cllr Levermore and look at whether it can be included in the future. He reassured Councillors that SZC are focused on the fly parking issues, where the workforce park and are working closely with employees to ensure that people park in the designated areas. He confirmed it would be deemed unacceptable for workers leaving cars in places for long periods. He encouraged an open relationship between residents and SZC, and for any issues they deem to be anti-social behaviour to be reported via the SZC Community Helpline or in person at their office on the High Street.
Cllr Swift questioned tolerance levels. Mr Newton replied each case will be dealt with on an individual basis as all cases will be slightly different. However, he stated we are clear, these are the standards that we demand from people working on our project. If there is a breach of the code of conduct and for example we suspect there may be criminal activity involved we would hand over to Suffolk Constabulary to investigate.
Cllr Hill questioned the percentages of random alcohol and drug testing that will be carried out. Mr Newton confirmed he could not reveal the actual percentages as it might compromise the integrity of the program ie that it is random. It is proportionate to the workforce and also, a deterrent and because it's randomised, workers have no idea whether they're going to get selected or not.
Cllr Corbett questioned if they record where non home based workers are actually living. Mrs Barnes confirmed yes and there will be a workforce survey in June 2024 as part of the DCO which will reveal the makeup of our workforce.
A member of the public raised concerns about the Workers Code of Conduct and commented they felt it did not convey much more than what an employer would normally expect from their employees and therefore the emphasis falls on how it is delivered rather than what is included in it. Mr Newton reassured residents that the Workers Code of Conduct will be delivered robustly. They will be working closely with Suffolk Constabulary and SZC Community Safety Forum. A Community Safety Officer has been employed and their main priority will be to deliver the Worker Code of Conduct and investigating any breaches. It is the governance around this project that you can take reassurance from. A considerable amount of time and effort has been spent working with the local authorities to get that right so that communities can feel reassured as we roll out the project.
A resident raised concerns regarding the workers living on the caravan site and how their behaviour would be monitored. Mr Newton confirmed anybody living locally is bound by the Worker Code of Conduct irrespective of where they are living, on the campus, on a caravan site or locally in the community, they and you know, workers are required to meet this as minimum on and off site. He also pointed out that traces of drug and alcohol remain evident for some time.
It was questioned if there is a code of conduct or a quality assurance in terms of subcontractors. Mr Newton confirmed that the code of practice is robust and in place for subcontractors. |
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206. |
County Councillor County Cllr Haworth-Culf submitted apologies. A report had been previously circulated.
The Chair asked for any questions to be taken forward to the County Cllr Haworth-Culf.
Cllr Last raised potholes, not so much the number the number of potholes but the amount of work that goes in to repairing and re-working a repair. Can numbers of the repairs that have to be reworked be obtained and the costs involved. If they are being re-worked can we be reassured they are working to the national best standards.
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207. |
District Councillor District Cllr Daly was in attendance. He reminded Councillors he is the Cabinet member for Energy and Climate Change. Every month he produces an energy projects update and will ensure this is shared with Councillors. A full parish report will be circulated tomorrow. He highlighted the main points within the report.
This month East Suffolk Council, hosted for the first time Model District Council for schools. We filled the Council chamber with young people from schools from around the district and then they took over for a little while learning how a Council works. Leading on from that will be a training programme in place called ‘Future Leaders’ giving young people with an interest in politics to get involved in local democracy.
Cllr Daly remarked on the County Council budget plan cuts, and confirmed they have joined other district and borough councils in writing a letter to Suffolk County Council indicating our strong concern around these cuts
Cllr Motion questioned if all schools in Suffolk were invited to attend. Cllr Daly was not sure which schools were invited but listed the 7 schools that took part this time.
Cllr Levermore commented that several residents have complained to her regarding the cleanliness of Leiston Leisure Centre. District Cllr Daly will follow this up.
Cllr Levermore asked for a progress update regarding the Place Board. District Cllr Daly informed Councillors to be rest assured that your three ward members are getting together to try and push basically the version of things that this town council would like for Leiston. Councillors are concerned that we could miss out on SZC funding if things do not progress soon.
Cllr Swift commented on Street Cleaning and the state of Park Hill, Leiston. He requested that this road be prioritised as there is currently no definition between road and pavement due to debris build up. All Councillors are concerned about the number of potholes and bad reworking. Councillors were reminded potholes were a Highways matter.
A member of the public commented that Leiston Town Council changed their meeting dates to accommodate District Councillor attending, why does only one councillor attend. Mr Daly stated that due to work load it is not possible for all three District Councillors to attend but that ensure at least one is present.
During the above item, the time reached 7.30pm. It was proposed by Cllr Corbett, seconded by Cllr Last and agreed, Standing Orders be suspended to allow the public part of the meeting to be completed.
A resident commented they have seen little movement on the Place Board/Masterplan proposals, and we need to see progress happening. Cllr Daly reiterated that our three Ward Councillors are pushing for actions.
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208. |
Public Forum
Members of the public voiced concerns regarding the state of the roads in the town and the potholes and reworking of Park Hill.
It was once again raised that it is difficult for residents to comment on the report from our County Council as it is not shared with residents.
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At a meeting of the LEISTON-cum-SIZEWELL TOWN COUNCIL held in the COMMUNITY CENTRE, King Georges Avenue, Leiston, on TUESDAY 12 March 2024 at 7.42pm
PRESENT
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Councillor Lesley Hill (in the Chair) Councillor Bing Boast Councillor Tony Cooper Councillor Nicky Corbett Councillor Andrew Crisp Councillor David Dix Councillor Susan Geater Councillor Trevor Hawkins Councillor John Last Councillor Selena Levermore Councillor David Morsley Councillor Paul Motion Councillor Adrian Swift
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210. |
Declarations of Interest Cllr Hill for CLT Leiston Place Board and Barclays Bank item 8e, Cllr Last for Leiston Place Board, Cllr Hawkins for Barclays Bank, Cllr Crisp for Leiston CLT, Cllr Levermore for Leiston CLT, Cllr Geater for Finance, Cllr Corbett for Leiston Place Board and Cllr Boast for Leiston CLT.
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211. |
Minutes of the Meeting held 13 February 2024 It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Last, and agreed the minutes for the Meeting held 13 February 2024 be signed as a true record.
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212. |
Chair’s Communications The Chair commented thus: It was perfect weather on the morning of 16th February for the planting of hedging and trees at the Community Orchard and sports field in King Georges Avenue. Councillors, members of the public together with members of the Suffolk & Essex Coasts and Heaths National Landscape team were there to further enhance this special area. I was relegated to light duties and did a litter pick.
On 7th March I attended with Cllr Corbett the Suffolk Coast Tourism Conference at High Lodge, Darsham. There was a varied programme of topics. Paul Wood of East Suffolk Council gave a report entitled Success on the Suffolk Coast highlighting new developments and those in the pipeline at Lowestoft and Felixstowe. In the question session I prompted a report about Leiston, and an overview was given of the Masterplan.
The 2024 Men’s Tour of Britain is being planned and the fourth First Light Festival will be held in Lowestoft. Another session was entitled The Wolf Way – Pedal Power for your Business. This is a long distance (248 miles), multi-day, cycling route for Suffolk which takes in Leiston and will be launched on 22nd March. Cllr Corbett will report under the Energy Projects on the agenda about the SZC presentation. It is understood that the presentations will be sent to delegates. On 1st April Wayne Burns will have been Leiston Film Theatre Manager for 30 years. Wayne is celebrating his 30 years with a special screening of one of his favourite films “Little Voice” at the Film Theatre on Sunday 7th April at 6.00 p.m. I have accepted an invitation to attend and I’m sure he would be pleased to see other councillors and members of the community there. On behalf of the Council, I will be saying a thank you in appreciation of Wayne’s long service at the Film Theatre.
Please note that the next meeting of Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council has been changed to the evening of Monday 8th April as Councillors will be attending the SZC Forum at Trinity Park.
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213. |
Assets Steering Groups
a) Community Centre and other Assets Steering Group – Meeting 7 March 2024, 6.30pm, Waterloo Avenue The Deputy Clerk reported the draft minutes have been circulated to the steering group for any revisions and tweaks before they are circulated more widely. The main point of discussion was the results of the Health & Safety Audit of the Film Theatre that took place on the 14th of February. A comprehensive audit report was shared with the Steering. Group. There are certain actions coming out of it, but the Deputy Clerk was pleased to report a good clean bill of health. There are some bits and pieces to do, but nothing that is a red flag and no breaches. This is a positive reflection on the hard work that's gone in in the last three months, in advance of the audit. One key recommendation, however, was that the health and safety policy brought to January meeting needs revising to include protocols and procedures. The Deputy Clerk will make the recommended amendments and the new Health and Safety Policy will be brought to the April meeting for approval. The Health and Safety Policy will be applicable to all Town Council assets. The health and safety report is going to be followed up with a fire risk audit, standard procedure at the film theatre on 18th April.
b) Live Well Hub Update Councillors noted the previously circulated report. The Town Clerk reported a team of volunteers will be decorating some of the rooms at the centre over the next couple of weeks. The pilot scheme has only got six more months left so thought is being given to the future of the project. The Live Well Hub has been awarded a Community Inclusion Certificate, by Realise Futures. The cancer coffee morning was a success with some quite significant connections made between people living with cancer.
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214. |
Parks and Recreation Working Groups
a) Parks and Recreation Grounds Steering Group Note Date of Next Meeting 23 April 2024, 3pm Waterloo Centre Councillors noted the date of the next meeting.
b) Leiston makes Space for Wildlife (LMSFW) – Wild East Project Cllr Corbett reported thus: A quick reminder that LMSFW is a subgroup of Parks and Recreation and meets only when projects are active – we have none in progress currently.
WildEast contacted the Town Council via the LMSFW Facebook page. They are looking to a run a re-wilding project in Leiston (to mirror the smaller model they have completed at Risby, Suffolk). This project will go live in the next few weeks and a website is being built. WildEast is working with SZC/NZL to identify wildlife transects through the town (eg Haylings Pond, community orchard and allotments – and Wild Aldhurst). Clearly there are far more opportunities in for example, gardens, verges, and school. Leiston has been audited by WildEast to find out what is already available. A part-time post will be created to facilitate projects in schools and in the community to increase the biodiversity in the town and raise awareness. WildEast were hoping this role might come from LMSFW but as this is a council initiative that will not be possible. They would like us to actively publicise this role once a job description is available. The conclusion being that although our day to day activities will feed into WildEast, this is not a collaborative project. Therefore, we will keep WildEast advised of projects in our open spaces to add to their data. There might be a way to fund some of these projects (eg the flood scheme) through the SZC fund, so we will liaise with Jack Raven on how this might work. LMSFW will continue to initiate small community based projects via the Parks and Recreations Ground Steering Group as and when they are appropriate and when funding allows. Cllr Corbett will circulate links to the WildEast website and the Risby project.
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215. |
Infrastructure Working Groups
a) Highways Working Group, Note Date of Next Meeting 19 March 2024, 3pm at Waterloo Centre Councillors noted the date of the next meeting.
b) Energy Projects Working Group Councillors noted the previously circulated notes from the last meeting. A date for the next meeting is yet to be scheduled due to availability but the focus at that meeting will be to discuss Community Fund priorities identified by Councillors. The Town Clerk has circulated the spreadsheet to Councillors, please email her any feedback by Monday 18th to enable us to present our priorities to SZC.
B1122 Resurfacing: Councillors have all received a summary of works. A post will be on our social media and website with a link to the SZC tracker, which will be updated daily.
The Chair and Vice Chair attended the Destination Management Conference (Suffolk Coast). Rebecca Calder gave a presentation on the accommodation strategy, which is complex. Rebecca Calder will be invited to present to the energy group in the near future, where she can expand on the tourism and housing fund.
A Tourism Officer to assist in delivering the fund and projects allied to the fund, will be starting at East Suffolk Council after Easter.
SZC Forum, It has been clarified that SZC will hold this forum annually and not quarterly. It is noted that unlike HPC , SZC has the transport forums. This format has been adopted by SZC as the HPC Community Forum became too unwieldy and SZC learning was to have the additional transport groups. Council accepted this explanation as reasonable.
We have been asked to submit questions (two max) for the main site forum (16 April) by 21 March. Cllr Corbett thinks this is unreasonable and we will ask for an extension to this date to enable us to consult councillors and discuss at the Energy Group. Cllr Corbett suggested that we don’t ask questions prior to the forum at Ipswich (9 April) as this meeting will be heavily populated as it covers most of the County. If councillors think there is a pressing question to raise, please let Cllr Corbett know.
Wild Aldhurst Wetlands Tour: We are still awaiting a date which is looking likely to be mid-late May. We are still pressing for the Risk Assessment.
Councillors should have received an email regarding the findings from the Energy Supply Operator survey, which was actioned by National Grid. You should find all the links you need in the email. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has recently pledged to engage more closely with the local town and parish communities hosting the energy projects at a ministerial level. Parishes are yet to decide how this might work as there are large numbers involved. A small group including Cllr Corbett are meeting on Thursday to discuss the first steps. Cllr Corbett will feed back to Council once there is any further detail.
c) Leiston Working Group (Traffic and Transport) Councillors noted the previously circulated notes. Cllr Levermore reported the meeting with Steve Merry, (SCC Highways) was successful and they now plan to meet on monthly basis face to face.
d) Neighbourhood Plan Review Steering Group, Feedback from Neighbourhood Plan Review Event 27 February 2024. Note Date of Next Meeting 26 March 2024, 4.30pm, Teams Cllr Last reported the engagement event was successful with roughly 55 residents attending. Feedback has been circulated to all councillors and will now be taken forward to the next Neighbourhood Plan Review Steering Group meeting for consideration. Cllr Last thanked everyone for their help and support with this event. Councillors noted the date of the next meeting 26th March 2024, 4.30pm via TEAMS.
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216. |
Outside Bodies
a) Leiston CLT Cllr Boast reported no further updates other than the CLT are determined to keep pushing to get movement with phase 2 of the project.
b) Friends of Leiston Film Theatre Cllr Morsley confirmed the name of the Film Theatre Support Group as Friends of Leiston Film Theatre. Councillors noted the previously circulated letters from the Friends of Leiston Film Theatre requesting waiver of Film Theatre hire fees for two fund-raising events they plan to hold this year. The first on 7th April 2024, a screening of the film ‘Little Voice’ to celebrate Wayne Burns, Film Theatre Managers 30 years of service and the second on 27th October, a performance by The Swing Machine Big Band to celebrate 110 years of Leiston Film Theatre.
It was proposed by Cllr Crisp, seconded by Cllr Dix and agreed to waiver the Film Theatre hire fee for 7th April 2024 to allow the Friends to show the film ‘Little Voice’ to celebrate Film Theatre Manager, Wayne Burns 30 years of service.
It was proposed by Cllr Crisp, seconded by Cllr Cooper, and agreed to waiver the Film Theatre hire fee for 27th October for a performance by The Swing Machine Big Band to mark 110 years of Leiston Film Theatre.
Cllr Morsley confirmed all changes to the constitution and Friends of Leiston Film Theatre subscriptions were agreed at the AGM held on 17th February 2024. The Friends had raised £3,500 in the year and the total funds that they have is £10,500.
The Film Theatre Steering Group has now been amalgamated with the Community Centre and other Assets Steering Group.
c) Leiston Place Board, Notes of Meeting held 15 February 2024 Councillors noted the previously circulated notes.
The Clerk reported the Place Board had a presentation by Jack Raven, SZC around Net Zero Town.
The Place Board had expressed disappointment in the fact that the parking review by East Suffolk Council confirmed Leiston was not a priority. However, following the meeting it was suggested the Town Clerk write to the Cabinet lead for Parking where a favourable response might be expected.
Cllr Levermore expressed concerns regarding duplication of information. The Clerk confirmed this view has been expressed to the Place Board via our Chair.
d) Fairtrade Cllr Dix reported no further updates, a meeting is still to be scheduled.
e) Barclays Bank – Waterloo Centre Proposal Councillors noted the previously circulated report. Councillors discussed the proposal in detail. They felt a more central location would be preferable and if Barclays were to use the Waterloo Centre four days per week it would impact the availability of room hire for other vital Live Well Hub services. It was proposed by Cllr Crisp, seconded by Cllr Boast and agreed to reject the proposal to allow Barclays Bank to use the Waterloo Centre, due to location and the impact it would have on availability of room hire for other Live Well Hub Services. (Cllr Geater was against this proposal).
f) Aldeburgh, Leiston, Saxmundham and Villages Community Partnership – 20 February 2024 The Chair confirmed the minutes of this meeting are now available and will be circulated tomorrow. Highlights of the meeting, included a presentation on SZC Community Safety. The Chair has been advised that the plan has been revised to reflect some of the feedback at the meeting and that the presentation will go to the Energy Group to look at. The following projects have been awarded support - oral health in schools and youth settings, a comprehensive toolkit for Suffolk Mind and funding for Sax Fest to develop their information zone. They are also supporting ‘Let's talk dementia’.
g) Anti-Social Behavioural Meeting – Feedback of Meeting held 5 March 2024 This is a confidential meeting, but the Chair was pleased to report that Leiston is quiet at present.
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217. |
Civic Matters/Events
a) D-Day 80 Update The Chair was pleased to report that this event is proceeding at pace. SZC have agreed funding for the Beacon. Various people have come on board, Sonny Cracknell from Sizewell Sports and Social Club is going to offer his PA, the Commanding Officer of the Air Training Cadet will read the tribute at the lighting ceremony and John Farmer, as President of the Royal British Legion will do the lighting of the flame. A site meeting is planned for next Monday.
b) Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council 50 Civic Event Cllr Cooper confirmed 2024 marks 50 years of Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council. He has been researching the history of the Town Council and plans to hold a small exhibition at the Council Offices later this year to celebrate this event.
c) Extension of Public Forum Considering the length of recent Council meetings, Cllr Cooper asked Councillors to consider if a time limitation on the extension of the public session would be appropriate. Councillors will consider this and it will be added to the April agenda for further discussion.
d) Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council – Role of the Mayor Cllr Cooper asked Councillors to consider a Mayor for Leiston. It was decided further clarification was needed on the role of a Mayor, the Clerk will research, and this item will be added to the April agenda.
e) Annual ‘Phil Harle’ Litter Pick Cllr Last confirmed the Annual ‘Phil Harle’ Litter Pick will take place on 11th May 2024, 10am-12noon. Phil Harle’s family will be supporting and providing refreshments. He asked any Councillors that can support to contact him and he will arrange a Working Group meeting for April.
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218. |
Finance a) Finance Committee Note Date of Next Meeting held 4 April 2024 Councillors noted date of next meeting.
b) Accounts Paid February 2024 Due to Finance System error February accounts were circulated late therefore these will be approved in April to allow Councillors time to view in detail.
c) Year End 2023-2024 The Clerk confirmed the Rialtas Year End is booked for 19 April 2024.
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219. |
Policies and Procedures a) Health and Safety The Deputy Clerk confirmed some further revisions to the Health and Safety Policy are required therefore this will be brought to the April meeting for approval.
b) Biodiversity Statement It was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Geater, and agreed to approve the draft Biodiversity Statement and that it be taken forward to the next Parks and Recreation Steering Group meeting for a detailed review.
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220. |
Planning
a) King Georges Avenue Former Caravan Park Site Cllr Cooper stated the former Caravan Park Site at King Georges Avenue that is disused could be put to better use. This site is owned by ESC. It was proposed by Cllr Last, seconded by Cllr Levermore and agreed to write to ESC to find out their intentions for this site.
b) Planning Applications – These planning applications were considered by the Planning Committee at their meeting held 26th February 2024
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221. |
County Matters None.
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222. |
District Matters
Cllr Last has had a response from District Cllr Whitelock regarding the impact of the SZC project on the Sizewell Park Run. SZC are working in partnership with the Sizewell Park Run Director on any issues that may occur.
Cllr Levermore had an e-mail this afternoon from Councillor Whitlock asking if she would like an introduction to Cllr Seamus Bennett as he is the Councillor responsible for the East Suffolk Council cycling and walking strategy and keen to find out about the plans for Leiston. If any other Councillors would like to attend please let Cllr Levermore know asap.
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223. |
Correspondence
Douglas Atfield Councillors noted the quote of £400 from Douglas Atfield to photograph and digitalise the Leiston and District Map hung in the Council Offices. The Clerk commented that Leiston Long Shop Museum are happy to share the cost. It was proposed by Cllr Morsley, seconded by Cllr Last and agreed to pay £200 towards the Map photography and digitalisation.
Sizewell Community Fund Councillors noted the email from Melaine Craig, Chief Executive, Suffolk Community Fund asking who will be running the Awards Panel for the Sizewell C Community Fund asking if Councillors would like to meet with her. It was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Corbett, and agreed to arrange a date for the meeting.
Leiston Literacy Festival Councillors noted the email from non-fiction author Robert Ashton requesting free use of Leiston Film Theatre on Saturday 7th September to host a Leiston Literacy Festival. It was proposed by Cllr Levermore, Seconded by Cllr Crisp (7 for, 5 against) to waiver the Film Theatre Hire Fee on Saturday 7th September for the Leiston Literacy Festival.
Crown Public House – King Georges Avenue Road Sign Councillors noted the email from the developers of the Crown Public House regarding the King Georges Avenue road sign that is attached to the wall of the Crown Public House. The sign has been removed to allow renovation works to take place, the developers are happy to re-attach the sign once works are complete but would like it refurbished. It was proposed by Cllr Cooper, seconded by Cllr Morsley to get the sign refurbished ready to be re-attached once renovation works on the building are complete.
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224. |
Questions to Chair
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The meeting finished at 9.31 pm |
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Chair _______________________________ |
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Dated _______________________________ |
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