A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
was held Thursday 18th January 2007
Winscombe Community Centre at 7.30 p.m.
Present: Mrs. M Ballard, Mrs. A Brading, Mr. S Bridges, Mrs. P Cram (vice-chair), Mr. A Forbes,
Mr. M Hagen, Mr. G Lloyd, Mr. G Luckett, Ms. D Powell (vice-chair), Miss B Roper,
Mr. C Sampson (chairman), Mr. J Westlake, Mrs. P Witter.
Members of the public: one
NSC Parish Liaison Officer: Mr. J Foster
Police: P.C.Church Beat Manager, PCSO Wright
Clerk: Mrs. L Rampton
Press Representatives: Mr G Jones – Freelance Reporter
Apologies for absence: Mrs. A Harley, Mr A Smith ERHA, Mr Hagen would be arriving late
Apologies were given from guest speaker Mr A Smith who was unable to reach the Parish from Surrey today due to the severe weather conditions.
121 CHAPLAIN – Mr J Westlake
(Agenda item 1)
122. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST - none declared
(Agenda item 3)
123. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 16TH NOVEMBER 2006.
(Agenda item 4)
The minutes of the meeting were accepted and signed as a correct record.
Proposed: Mr. J Westlake Seconded: Mr A Forbes
All in favour
124. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES & CLERKS REPORTS– Annex 1
(Agenda item 5)
There were no maters arising from the minutes.
125. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - none
(Agenda item 6)
126. CRIME REPORT 16TH NOV 2006 – 17TH JAN 2007 – PC CHURCH & PCSO WRIGHT Annex 2
Direct office no 01934 638123
(Agenda item 7)
PC Church introduced PCSO Wright to the Council and advised that she had been operational within the Parish for 10 days. Parking restrictions are now being enforced with a number of tickets already issued and NSC has advised that Appletree Drive is due to be remarked within the current financial year as the meaning of the current lines are unclear. The Environment Committee offered to investigate this matter and send the necessary request to NSC.
In response to a question, it was advised that unless disabled parking bays are accompanied by time restriction notices, these are advisory only.
127. LOCAL NEEDS AFFORDABLE HOUSING SCHEME
(Agenda item 7)
Mr Smith had offered his apologies and would reschedule the planned session for a future meeting of the Parish Council.
128. TO AUTHORISE BILLS FOR PAYMENT – The Clerk Annex 3
(Agenda item 9)
Proposed: Mrs. P Cram Seconded: Miss B Roper
All in favour.
129. WINSCOMBE WOODBOROUGH COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT – Mrs. P Cram
(Agenda item 10)
Lyn Williams, the new deputy head teacher has settled in well to the school and some classes are again swimming at Sidcot School. Plans for the construction of a classroom extension have not yet progressed due to delays in building regulation approval. Reception class & year 1 pupils have recently been to the Queen Vic to watch ‘Going on a Bear Hunt’.
130. SANDFORD COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT – Mrs. P Witter
(Agenda item 11)
The recent league table ranking for the school (within bottom 5 for NS) was considered a long term issue and was being dealt with confidently by the school, governors and the LEA. Councillors considered the ‘league table results’ not necessarily reliable especially in a small school such as Sandford and ‘special needs’ are not taken into account in the results.
Due to the recent Princess Diana Award won by the school for their anti-bullying procedures, Year 6 pupils had been invited to attend a conference and met Esther Ranson and Daminola Taylor’s father. They were also given an award for the extra curricular activities offered and awarded a conservation mark for works to their pond.
131. PARISH PLAN VISIT AND SEMINAR - Mr S Bridges & Mr G Luckett Annex 4
(Agenda item 12)
The process of arriving at a final Parish Plan from initial consultation was outlined by Councillors who had attended the recent Community Action workshops and Parish Plan trip.
A number of differing opinions were presented by other Councillors but it was suggested that a questionnaire return of over 50% was required from Parishioners to form a correct representative view of future aspirations for the Parish. The Parish Council should be represented on any steering group by one or two Parish Councillors and the remainder of this group should be made up from Parishioners representative of a single organisations and independent of the Parish Council. Regular updates would ensure that the Parish Council was aware of the Plan content prior to completion. Planning, as part of the Parish Plan was considered to be one small item.
Concern was expressed that a survey carried out by this Council in 2001 became irrelevant as the required format changed and therefore promised funding was not available. Press reports in the Mercury between 1937 and 1947 highlighted exactly the same issues as being reported now and other recent surveys have only pointed out what is wrong with the Parish. A Parish Plan would need to offer different suggestions to resolve these ‘old’ issues such as speeding traffic, litter, etc. and also highlight new problem areas or ideas.
Should a Parish Plan be instigated, it was recommended that the questionnaire be devised so that Parishioners were able to prioritise areas of importance and that the results of the survey carefully considered so that Winscombe does not dominate Sandford or the hamlets. Grant funding is currently available for the preparation and production of Parish Plans.
Resolved: Councillors should continue to attend workshops regarding the Parish Plan process and that a flyer for distribution to all households within the Parish be devised to ascertain Parish interest & identify possible steering group volunteers. The method for distribution of the flyer should be discussed at a later date.
132. COUNCILLOR VACANCY Annex 5
(Agenda item 13)
The Chairman advised the Council that three applications had been received for the vacant position of Parish Councillor following the resignation of Mr J Bushnell due to ill health. As the vacancy had occurred within six months of the May 2007 elections, the Council may chose, should they wish to leave the position vacant or to co-opt one of the applicants onto the Parish Council for the remaining term of office.
Proposed: Following notification of vacancy in office of Councillor for this Parish, the vacancy should be filled by co-option.
Proposed: Mr. G Lloyd Seconded: Miss B Roper
9 in favour, 3 against
It was proposed that the selection of a Councillor take place by secret ballot.
Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
11 in favour, 1 against
8.55 pm Mr Hagen arrived at the meeting
Mr. J Foster assisted The Clerk in the circulating and collecting of voting papers and the recording of votes.
The Clerk advised that Mr. Jones had received the majority vote and therefore been co-opted onto the Parish Council until May 2007.
Councillors looked forward to welcoming Mr Jones onto the Parish Council and the Council was advised that the Declaration of Acceptance of Office will be signed in front of, and collected by the Clerk following this meeting.
The Chairman and Councillors requested that the remaining applicants be thanked for their applications and be encouraged to stand for the position of Parish Councillor at the forthcoming May 2007 elections.
133. BENNETTS SOLICITORS - Lease of strip of land at Ilex Lane, Winscombe
(Agenda item 14)
The amendments requested by the Parish Council (min 114 Nov 06) had been made by Bennetts Solicitors and agreed by NSC. Parish Councillors had previously been given the opportunity to study the lease agreement in further detail.
Proposed: The Parish Council Chairman should sign the lease agreement on behalf of the Parish Council for a 1m strip of land at the llex Lane Cemetery & Allotments for a period not exceeding 25 years.
Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Mr G Luckett
All in favour
134. PLAY AREA & SKATE PARK COMMITTEE REPORT – Mrs. A Brading Annex 6
Additional drainage works above the required standard have been added to the new play area specifications for the WMRG so as not to exasperate the current problem with flooding to the apron at the front of the changing room entrance. A quotation to remove the old tiles and foundations of former play equipment outside the enclosed play area has also been requested on health and safety grounds and also to tidy up the area.
The Play Area Committee Chairman advised the Council of the committee recommendation for the approved contractor, to include the afore mentioned works.
Proposed: the minutes for the Play Area & Skate Park Committee from the meeting dated 18th November 2006 were approved and signed as a correct record by the Committee Chairman
Proposed: Mr. A Forbes Seconded: Mr C Sampson
All Committee members present in favour
The decisions of the Committee were considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council. Record Playground Equipment Ltd should be appointed as sole contractor for the WMRG Play Area Project.
Proposed: Mr. G Lloyd Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
All in favour
135. TO APPROVE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Annex 7
(Agenda item 16)
It was noted that grant funding of £10,000 has now been offered by YANSEC and congratulations were offered on this successful application.
The minutes for the Finance Committee from the meeting dated 8th January 2007 were approved and signed as a correct record by the Chairman
Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Mr. G Lloyd
All Committee members present in favour
Due to the successful grant application, the recommended amount of loan for the new play area is to be decreased to £30,000 over the same term and the half-yearly payments reduced accordingly. £500 should be re-allocated to the Environment Committee budget for the forthcoming year to enable special projects to be undertaken within the Parish.
The decisions of the Committee were considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mr. M Hagen Seconded: Mr. G Luckett
All in favour
The Winscombe Community Centre President expressed her dismay at the late arrival of the Community Centre application for assistance with funding for increased security measures at the centre.
The Parish Council should apply through ALCA to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) for borrowing approval of £30,000 to enable a new play area to be supplied and installed on the current site at the WMRG.
Proposed: Mr. S Bridges Seconded: Mr. J Westlake
All in favour.
The Parish Council should borrow £30,000 over a ten year term with fixed half yearly payments from PWLB to install a replacement play area at WMRG.
Proposed: Mrs. P Cram Seconded: Mr. G Luckett
All in favour
The Finance Committee recommend that the Precept figure for the 2007/2008 financial year be increased by £5,000 (5.50%) to £96,000. This would mean a Local Council Element of Headline Council Tax per D Band property increase from £48.35 to £51.44.
Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Mr. G Luckett
All in favour.
Mrs. Brading proposed, seconded by Mr. Lloyd that local sponsorship of seats and bins in the new play area be sought by way of posters on Parish notice boards. All in favour
136. ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr. G Lloyd Annex 8
(Agenda item 17)
The minutes for the Environment Committee from the meeting dated 2nd January 2007 were approved and signed as a correct record by the Committee Chairman.
Proposed: Mr. A Forbes Seconded: Mr. G Luckett
All Committee members present in favour
It was considered that at present, SITA are not carrying out the twice weekly bin empty and tidy through the centre of Winscombe to a satisfactory standard. The Clerk was requested to take this matter up with the company involved.
The decisions of the Committee were considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mr. J Westlake Seconded: Mr. S Bridges
All in favour
137. AWARD LAND COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – Mr. J Westlake Annex 9
(Agenda item 18)
Signed forms have now been returned to the Forestry Commission requesting grant assistance for the production of a management plan for this area. Agreed works have now been completed by Bobcat Services and Mr. Foster offered to contact Vince Russett concerning the digital mapping of the Award Land. Should Mr. Russett not have obtained the necessary equipment required by April 2007, alternative quotations should be sought.
Mendip Hills AONB Service will be providing £440 towards the cost of the information panel and have requested that the Parish Council contribute £200 towards this to allow for a good quality panel and installation onto the stone already in situ.
£200 should be contributed towards the information panel at the Award Land Sandford Hill
Proposed: Mr. G Lloyd Seconded: Mrs. A Brading
12 in favour, 1 abstention
The Clerk should send a letter to High Action Ltd suggesting the area to the front of the lime kilns be tidied up to enhance the beauty of these.
Proposed: Mr. S Bridges Seconded: Mr. A Forbes.
All in favour
138. CEMETERY & ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT – Ms D Powell Annex 10
(Agenda item 19)
The minutes for the Cemetery & Allotment Committee from the meeting dated 8th December 2006 were approved and signed as a correct record by the Committee Chairman.
Proposed: Mr. C Sampson Seconded: Mr. G Luckett
Should a planning application be submitted to develop the former Sandford Stone site as a nursing home, the committee would recommend that a request for financial assistance to extend the Parish Cemetery be included as part of any 106 agreement.
The Committee Chairman advised that the new hedge at the cemetery & allotments is due to be planted week commencing 22nd January 2007 and that Bristol Water have been very co-operative with funeral directors regarding services carried out at the cemetery.
Western Power Distribution will be carrying out maintenance works trimming trees at the cemetery at their expense.
The decisions of the Committee were considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Mr. M Hagen
All in favour
139. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
(Agenda item 20)
NS Health Overview & Scrutiny Panel – an extract from the agenda & minutes was read by Mr. Luckett to the Council advising that the district nursing arrangement for the rural areas is to remain unchanged.
NS Ploughing Society – the annual ploughing match is to be held in Winscombe this year on 8th September 2007 in fields belonging to Mr. Vowles, off the Sandford Road. Along with ploughing and hedging competitions, there will be a number of other exhibits. Ilex Lane may be used as an exit route for vehicles and large crowds are expected to attend the match which could be beneficial to the Community Centre should the Michaelmas Fair be scheduled for the same day.
Winscombe Community Association Zero Waste Project Plastic Collection – the next collection date has been changed to Saturday 24th February 2007 8.15am – 12.15pm due to the scheduled pavement widening in front of the car park between 5th – 19th Feb.
Your North Somerset Event – following the success of the 2006 event North Somerset Council, Avon & Somerset Police and North Somerset Primary Care Trust are again running this event on Sunday 21st January between 12noon – 4pm. There will be about 30 stands offering a range of subjects including health care, education and crime reduction.
School Travel Showcase Tues 30th January – this event will highlight and celebrate 12 months of successful work across NS schools in 2006. The event is open to all schools, not only those nominated to receive awards.
With no further business, the meeting concluded at 9.45 pm
Signed................................................................... (Chairman)
Date.......................................................................
Winscombe and Sandford Parish Council acknowledges the general duty placed upon it by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000. The Council will continue within its functions and policies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and promote racial equality of different racial groups.