A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
was held Thursday 18th February 2010, Sandford Village Hall at 7.30 p.m.
Present: Mrs. A Brading, Mr. S Bridges, Mrs. P Cram, Mr. A Forbes (Chairman), Mr. G Lloyd, Mr. G Luckett, Miss B Roper, Mr. C Sampson (Vice-Chair), Mr J Westlake, Mr M Williamson.
Ward Councillors: Mr A Lake
Police: PC Church
NSC Liaison Officer: Mr J Foster
Clerk: Mrs. L Rampton
Press Representatives: Mr G Jones, freelance reporter and Ms P Chambers, NS Mercury
Members of the public: twenty six
Apologies for absence: Mrs P Bushnell, Mrs V McGann, Ms. D Powell (Vice-Chair) and Mrs A Richmond,
133. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (Agenda item 2)
A personal & prejudicial interest was declared by Mr Forbes in agenda item 6, 10 and any other agenda item should reference be made to the Hinkley Point C Connection project as a land owner on one proposed route for new power lines.
134. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 21ST JANUARY 2010
(Agenda item 3)
Subject to an amendment to the dates in min 117, the minutes to the meeting were approved & signed as a correct record.
Proposed: Mr G Lloyd Seconded: Mrs A Brading
All those present at the last meeting were in favour.
135. MINUTE UPDATE FROM THE JANUARY MINUTES & FEBRUARY CLERK’S REPORT Annex 1 (Agenda item 4)
Clerks Report – Councillors were reminded that office cover is needed 10am – 12 noon on Thursday 25th February 2010 as both the Clerk and Assistant Clerk are attending an ALCA training event.
136. CRIME REPORT 21ST JAN – 18TH FEB 2010– Annex 2 (Agenda item 5) Direct office no 01934 638123.
Weekly Beat Surgery Tuesday 10 am – 1 pm
PC Church advised those present at the meeting that the public may have a say in the setting of Policing Priorities through comments made during public participation and these priorities will govern how police react to calls from the parish. Priorities set for the last month were detailed to the meeting. Although crimes for this one month period have increased from the same period last year, crime compared to the same three month period last year has decreased by 22½%. Illegal parking continues to be addressed with a numbers of penalties issued to those parking inappropriately in Appletree Drive.
137. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Agenda item 6)
The Chairman reminded members of the public present that this would be the only opportunity within the meeting to address members of the Council and is not a session for debate.
Due to a previously declared personal and prejudicial interest in this agenda item, Mr Forbes left the room and Vice-Chairman Mr Sampson took the Chair.
A spokesperson from the Loxton pylon protest group addressed the meeting. The Parish Council was urged to recognise the need to continue to raise the awareness of the dangers associated with the National Grid proposals for the Hinckley C Connection project by way of overhead pylons. Concern was raised over Electromagnetic field issues, devaluation of property prices, effects of tourism in the area, impact on the AONB and the sheer scale of the 15 storey structures that will appear to tower above Crooks Peak, the ancient site of Brent Knoll, of Arthur’s Glastonbury and above the distant hills. The meeting was advised that the technology does exist to lay cables beneath the seabed and costings to do this could be radically different to those alluded to at the consultation events. Timescales set for completion of the project can be met using the under sea route or timescales could be moved. A petition containing the signatures of some 50+ parishioners was handed to the Clerk.
A Barton resident advised that he had only received notification from National Grid three days prior to the end of the extended consultation deadline of proposals for the power lines to cross his land. Health implications for those close to the power lines have not been adequately measured yet with one proposed overhead route passing close to Churchill Community School where children of this parish spend a lot of their time. It was considered that European rules do not permit such cables close to residences or schools. Representations may be made to the IPC by 22nd February requesting a review of national policy guidelines. Pylons are not the only viable way to transmit power and cost implications should be evaluated over the life of the pylons.
A Sandford resident expressed thanks to members of the Loxton pylon protest group for attending and sharing their knowledge with the meeting. It was considered that there is little public awareness of the scale and close proximity of the pylons to residences in this parish. A further two parishioners spoke on the inadequacies of the National Grid consultation with only those living close to proposed lines being notified and lack of information available at the events. Concern was expressed for the country lanes during the construction period of the pylons should these proceed.
Mr Forbes returned to the meeting and resumed the Chair.
The Chairman of the Parish Plan Steering Group made a request to meet with the Parish Council to consider the final format for the report. The Steering Committee have worked for the past two years on the plan and consider they have a good response to the survey with the results from this being written up by Steering Group members. The Parish Council has been kept informed of progress through occasional visits to Parish Council meetings by the Steering Group Chairman and Treasurer and the council has two representatives on the group.
A Parishioner advised that he had responded in writing to comments made at a recent meeting of the Planning Committee when discussing the Core Strategy. It was considered that pressure on this area to meet housing needs comes directly from the Regional Spatial Strategy. Local Affordable Housing need should be based on hard facts rather than a need created through migration of those wishing to live in a desirable area. Reference was made to the NSC website and Homechoice Scheme with any homes built in this parish being unlikely to be filled with local people due to a weighting allocation for priority to such housing. The Parish Council must be certain that a need for Affordable Housing is from the local community.
Twelve members of the public left the meeting.
138. TO SET COMMUNITY POLICING PRIORITIES FOR THE PERIOD TO 18TH MARCH 2010
(Agenda item 7).
Local Police Priorities for the period to the next scheduled Parish Council meeting were considered by members present and it was clarified that priorities are not listed in order of importance. Following discussion, and in consultation with the police representative present at the meeting, it was agreed that priorities should remain as for the previous period:
1. Speeding traffic with particular attention to Station Road, Greenhill Road and Sandford Road
2. Parking issues especially on Woodborough Road and Sandford Road
3. Visible patrol in the Parish
4. Anti-social youth behaviour at the recreation ground after 11pm and week-ends
5. Parking of vehicles on footways with particular attention to Sandford.
Proposed: Mr C Sampson Seconded: Mr M Williamson All in favour
139. WARD COUNCILLOR & NSC PARISH LIAISON OFFICER UPDATE (Agenda item 8)
Councillor Lake advised that NSC is to set Council tax increases next week with this being anticipated at 2%. Despite reports in the local press, NSC headquarters will continue to operate from the Town Hall in WSM with the services from this increased. Some services will be operated from Clevedon. In response to a question, it was advised that the museum service will continue to operate from a building in WSM with the possibility of exhibits in transit or on display in other community areas. A new scheme for the Tropicana including a swimming pool is to be put forward.
Mr Foster spoke on changes to the recycling collection service and advised of a briefing session to be held by NSC that is to be attended by Councillor Lloyd and the Clerk.
140. TO AUTHORISE BILLS FOR PAYMENT – Annex 3 (Agenda item 9)
Cheques 102938 – 102956 and direct debits payments detailed were authorised for payment
Proposed: Mr S Bridges Seconded: Miss B Roper All in favour.
a. TO CONSIDER METHOD FOR FUTURE PUBLICATION OF DOCUMENT
The Chairman advised that Section 228 (2) for the Local Government Act 1972 states “A local government elector for the area of a local authority may inspect and make a copy of or extract from an order for the payment of money made by a local authority.” Parishioners can currently make an appointment with the Clerk to inspect these documents and in accordance with audit regulations the accounts are displayed for the requisite period of time annually. A sample of minutes to other local parish council meetings has been examined with the amount of detail published varying from parish to parish.
In discussion, a Councillor was unsure of the benefit to the public of listing full accounts within the meeting minutes when this information is already available on request. In efforts to reduce costs, it was not considered efficient use of resources by duplicating information. Contrary to a rather spurious article in the local press, the Parish Office is open to the public 3 days per week for 2 hours a time and the Clerk is available outside this period by telephone or appointment within her 37 hours per week of contracted hours.
It was proposed by Mrs Brading, seconded by Mrs P Cram, all members in favour that the current practice for dealing with invoices for payment and how these are detailed in meeting minutes be retained.
141. NATIONAL GRID HINKLEY C CONNECTION – TO CONSIDER FURTHER ACTION REQUIRED – Mr M Williamson & Mr C Sampson (Agenda item 10)
Due to a previously declared personal and prejudicial interest in this agenda item, Mr Forbes left the room and Vice-Chairman Mr Sampson took the Chair.
A telephone call has been received from the Chairman of Loxton Parish Council requesting that this Parish Council considers joining forces with them and other neighbouring Parishes affected by National Grid proposals. A number of letters have recently been received at the Parish Office from our parishioners requesting further action be taken by the Parish Council in fighting the proposals for pylons.
In response to the consultation events held late 2009, the Parish Council has already indicated a preference for the undersea route or undergrounding cables through the AONB. In response to recent objections the Parish Council should become more pro-active by joining together with other organisations with a common aim for reasons previously stated by this Council and those raised during the ‘public participation’ section of this meeting. Mr Foster was unaware of the NSC stance for National Grid proposals but will report back to the Council through the Clerk.
The meeting was suspended at 8.42pm to allow a member of the public to give further information on IPC proposals to the Council. The meeting was re-opened at 8.43pm.
It was agreed that the following further action would be taken:
1. Representatives from the Parish Council will join forces with Loxton Parish Council and other Councils/organisations bordering the route through the AONB to object to proposals for overland cables. Proposed by Mr Sampson, seconded by Mr Bridges, 8 members were in favour with 1 voting against.
2. A response will be sent from the Parish Council to the IPC objecting to overhead cabling. Messrs Bridges, Luckett and Williamson were delegated authority from the Parish Council to respond to this consultation before the deadline date of 22nd February 2010. Proposed by Mr Bridges, seconded by Mr Williamson, all in favour.
Should finance be required to fight proposals, this could be considered at a future meeting.
Mr Forbes returned to the meeting and resumed the Chair.
Mr Lloyd commented on the lack of heat in the village hall and this should be noted to those that hire out the venue.
142. UPDATE ON THE PROVISION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR THE PARISH. (Agenda item 11)
There is no progress to report on land negotiations for the provision of affordable housing and proposals for land to the end of Well Close were placed in abeyance late 2009. Forty detailed registration of interest forms are held by ERHA from applicants with the required connection to the Parish.
Following a complaint from a parishioner, ERHA are currently subject to an investigation by the TSA.
The issue of sustainability and housing need for the parish was raised with a Councillor considering that knowledge of local people and interests registered to ERHA show a necessity for affordable housing within the parish.
143. NSC CORE STRATEGY CONSULTATION DRAFT – RESPONSE FROM PARISH COUNCIL (Agenda item 12)
A summary of Councillors comments on the Core Strategy drat consultation document had been circulated with agenda papers to the meeting and the following responses were agreed following discussion:
CS10: Transport and Movement
|
There should be not be a Banwell Bypass unless there is a continuation around Sandford. |
Proposed: Mr C Sampson Seconded: Mrs A Brading All in favour
CS11: Parking
|
Adequate parking should be provided and attempts to decrease the number of cars by limiting parking is not practical. Use of public transport is to be encouraged but is limited due to an inadequate public transport system. |
Proposed: Mr G Luckett Seconded: Mrs P Cram All in favour
CS14: Distribution of New Housing
|
Extensions and additions must be permitted in smaller settlements provided that they comply with 'permitted development'. If this is not allowed, people will have to find alternative accommodation when their existing property no longer meets their current requirements. |
Proposed: Mr G Luckett Seconded: Mr C Sampson All in favour
CS16: Affordable Housing
|
Affordable Housing should be for local people with a connection to the parish. |
Proposed: Mr S Bridges Seconded: Mr G Lloyd All in favour
CS17: Residential Sites Providing Affordable Housing Only
|
Affordable Housing should be for local people with a connection to the parish. |
Proposed: Mr C Sampson Seconded: Mr S Bridges All in favour
CS19: Green Wedges/Strategic Gaps
|
It is requested that a green wedge or continuation of the AONB be included to separate our parish from both Churchill and Banwell. |
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mr S Bridges All in favour
CS25: Children, Young People and Higher Education
|
There is no mention in the Core Strategy of Extended School Provision which is seen as the way forward for schools in the parish. |
Proposed: Mr G Lloyd Seconded: Mrs P Cram 9 in favour, 1 abstention
CS32: Service Villages
|
The Parish Council considers that Sandford should be included as a Service Village as it is the main location in the parish for non retail employment. Any changes to the settlement boundaries should only be made after full consultation with the Parish Council. |
Proposed: Mr J Westlake Seconded: Mr C Sampson 9 in favour, 1 against
Chapter 3: Spatial Policies
|
No response to be submitted |
Chapter 5: SW Bristol Urban Extension
|
The Parish Council supports North Somerset Council's objection to the South West Bristol Urban Extension. It is essential that the growth of South Bristol is restricted to within the existing green belt boundaries. |
Proposed: Mr G Luckett Seconded: Mrs A Brading 9 in favour, 1 against
144. USE OF FAIRTRADE LOGO – ON SIGNS AT ENTRANCES TO THE PARISH AND ON LETTERHEADS Mr G Lloyd (Agenda item 13)
Mr Lloyd advised the reasons behind the recommendation of the Environment Committee at their January meeting not to allow ‘Fairtrade logos’ to be added to parish name signs:
1. The principle – the committee were not in favour of multiplicity of signs. Current name signage for the villages is simple and only bears the name of the village being entered.
2. Practical aspects of additional signs – graffiti of signs is a continual problem with a number of Councillors and Council staff removing ‘additions’ to our signs on a regular basis. Small items of street furniture do disappear.
3. Choice of signage – whilst ‘Fairtrade’ is considered to be an excellent concept, why should this logo be used above other equally deserving causes?
In view of the above deliberations, the Environment Committee considered that no signage should be displayed.
The meeting was suspended at 9.21pm to allow a member of the public to give further information on the charitable status of Fairtrade to the Council. The meeting was re-opened at 9.22pm.
The Parish Council previously agreed to support the application for ‘Fairtrade’ status for the parish and has appointed a Parish Councillor representative to work on behalf of the Parish Council on this committee. The ‘Fairtrade’ principle was discussed.
It was proposed that the ‘Fairtrade’ Committee be granted permission to install small signs (as shown in pictures circulated at the January PC meeting) advising of the Parish status beneath the 3 village name signs on poles at entrances to Winscombe & Sandford.
Proposed: Mr S Bridges Seconded: Mr C Sampson 6 in favour, 3 against, 1 abstention
The ‘Fairtrade’ logo should not be displayed on Parish Council letterheads
Proposed: Mr M Williamson Seconded: Mr C Sampson 9 in favour, 1 against
145. PARISH PLAN – REQUEST FROM STEERING GROUP TO CONSIDER PROCESS TO BE ADOPTED FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF THE PLAN (Agenda item 14)
There were a number of differing opinions from Parish Councillors concerning meeting with representatives from the Steering Group to discuss the format in which the Parish Plan is presented prior to publication. Some Councillors considered that as the Parish Council had supported the Steering Group at the outset, and that as the Parish Council was in no way being asked to alter the content of the plan, some guidance should be offered to the group prior to final publication. Councillors debated that the input of our two Parish Council representatives on the Steering Group should be sufficient and expressed concern over additional Parish Council influence.
It was proposed that the Chairman of the Parish Plan Steering Group be invited to indicate in which areas the Steering Group requires guidance prior to publication of the plan. This will then be considered by the Parish Council at a future meeting with the information gained from this being fed back to the Steering Group through our two Parish Council representatives.
Proposed: Miss B Roper Seconded: Mr M Williamson 8 in favour, 1 against, 1 abstention
146. VOLUNTARY ACTION NS HEALTH & WELL BEING FORUM REPORT – Mr C Sampson (Agenda item 15)
A report in changes to the charging policy for community based services and a new Emergency Department for Weston General Hospital was given by Mr Sampson. It was advised that the new emergency department has been designed not to blend with the existing building and complaints have been made regarding the lack of car parking facilities. Details of the ‘Fairer Contributions’ charges are held in the Parish Office.
147. NSHOUSING STRONGER COMMUNITIES STATEGY (TO 2012) – RESPONSE FROM PARISH COUNCIL BY 31ST MARCH 2010 ANNEX 3 (Agenda item 16)
Three representatives are to formulate a response and report to the March PC meeting. Councillors Bridges and Luckett volunteered with it being requested that a third volunteer contact the Parish Office.
148. CHURCHES TOGETHER IN WINSCOMBE AND SANDFORD - GOOD FRIDAY WALK & SERVICE ON THE VILLAGE GREEN 2ND APRIL 2010. TO APPROVE ANNUAL EVENT ON THE VILLAGE GREEN (Agenda item 17)
Permission to hold the annual event on the village green was approved by council.
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mrs P Cram All in favour.
149. REPORT ON ALCA NS GROUP MEETING HELD 11TH FEBRUARY 2010 - Mr C Sampson & Mrs P Cram (Agenda item 18)
Sixteen members were present at the meeting – a steady decline in attendance from ALCA meetings of past. The position of Group Secretary remains vacant along with a number of other posts. It was reported that 4 large councils are to cease being members at a financial cost to the organisation. Blagdon Parish Council representatives are to send a letter to all NS group members requesting the presence of each member Parish Council at future meetings. A useful ‘shared experience’ session heard Backwell Parish Council asking for other experiences of constant and vexatious requests under the Freedom of Information Act. Mr Forbes left the meeting whilst Mr Sampson advised of CPRE’s concerns over the proposed National Grid pylons. Mr Forbes returned to the meeting.
150. PARISH FESTIVAL 2010 – REPORT ON CURRENT PROGRESS - Mr G Lloyd (Agenda item 19)
Forty people were present at a meeting held 11th February to discuss plans for the Parish Festival to be held 12th – 27th June 2010. Half of the required £5,000 to stage the Festival has been raised through fund raising events and the Festival organisers are appreciative of the Parish Council contribution towards this. Councillor Lloyd is organising a ‘scarecrow extravaganza’ and a check should be made with Parish Council insurers that public liability cover would extend to this. Visits are to be made to parish schools with Mr Lloyd encouraging school children to participate in the event and it is hoped that some 300+ scarecrows may appear around the parish on 19th & 20th June. The Parish Office is to provide assistance in printing of flyers and maps for the scarecrow extravaganza.
151. AWARD LAND CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Annex 4 – Mr J Westlake (Agenda item 20)
Mr Westlake advised Councillors that he is to obtain a quotation for repairs to the retaining wall behind the forge.
152. REPORT ON CEMETERY & ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD 8TH & 15TH FEBRUARY 2010 Annex 5 – Mr M Williamson (Agenda item 21)
The minutes for the Cemetery & Allotment Committee from the meeting dated 8th February 2010 were approved and signed as a correct record.
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mr G Luckett
All Committee members present were in favour
The minutes for the Cemetery & Allotment Committee from the meeting dated 15th February 2010 were approved and signed as a correct record.
Proposed: Mr A Forbes Seconded: Mr M Williamson
All Committee members present were in favour
8th Feb min 5b – The water leak to the allotment standpipes has now been repaired and the water switched off until the current cold spell is over.
Min 6 – a tribute was paid to John Gower for his past advisory role to the committee and Mr Williamson requested that these thanks are placed on record. Mr Gower has now retired from the committee with the new funeral director, Lindsay Lawrence being co-opted onto the committee.
Min 8 – One objection has been made to the faculty application that is to be withdrawn on confirmation that the Parish Council will not level the grave without consent from the relative.
Min 9a – Concern was expressed that works to trees in the cemetery are to be carried out by the same tree surgeon commissioned and paid to write the report.
The findings of the ‘cemetery tree inspection report’ were detailed to the meeting and these had been considered in detail and accepted by committee members at a meeting held on site. It was proposed that as a reputable and respected tree surgeon from the parish, consideration be given to the quotation to carry out proposed works.
Proposed: Mr G Lloyd Seconded: Mr G Luckett 9 in favour, AB abstained from voting
15th Feb min 4 – Due to the proposed commemoration tablet being slippery underfoot and interference with laid stones by the sunshade, the committee is now recommending that the granite tablet be set into a small stone wall close to the cemetery extension entrance.
A quotation to carry out works detailed in the report at a cost of £490 is accepted with a further £190 paid to grind out three tree stumps. The quotation of £250 for the building of the stone wall to house the granite stone (excluding the cost of the stone) should also be accepted. All costs are to be met from the committee budget.
Proposed: Mr S Bridges Seconded: Miss B Roper All in favour
The decisions of the Committee from the meeting held 8th February 2010 were recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mr M Williamson Seconded: Mr G Lloyd All in favour.
The decisions of the Committee from the meeting held 15th February 2010 were recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mr M Williamson Seconded: Mr A Forbes All in favour.
153. REPORT ON CHAIRMAN’S COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 1ST FEBRUARY Annex 6 – Mr A Forbes (Agenda item 22)
A meeting of the Chairman’s Committee had been convened as an immediate decision was required for the order of a new piece of equipment (previously recommended by the Play Area & Skate Park Committee) for the Sandford play area. This decision has eliminated delivery and installation costs for the Springer to the Parish Council as it is to be installed along with Playbuilder equipment in the same location.
The minutes for the Chairman’s Committee from the meeting dated 1st February 2010 were approved and signed as a correct record.
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mr S Bridges
All Committee members present were in favour
154. UPDATE ON PLAY AREA & SKATE PARK COMMITTEE - NSC PLAYBUILDER PROJECT– Mrs A Brading (Agenda item 23)
A rodeo board (adult Springer) suitable for use by those aged 9 – 90 has now been installed at the recreation ground in the location agreed by both committees. The snake seat is shortly to be installed in the same vicinity along with a Playbuilder picnic bench. Some new equipment is already in situ in Sandford with further equipment and a picnic bench still to be installed. A Springer for young children has been purchased at the expense of the Parish Council as the Playbuilder equipment financed by NSC is aimed at older children. It was confirmed that the costs of the new equipment totalling some £40,000 between the two locations has been met through NSC Playbuilder funding, at no expense to the Parish Council precept.
a. TO AGREE EXPENDITURE – CHAIN LINK FENCING, BRAMBLES AND SEATING AREA AT WINNOWING END PLAY AREA.
In efforts to tidy up the Sandford play area, especially in view of the new equipment received from NSC, quotations to replace the chain link fencing and to dig out and remove brambles close the only current seating area were considered by the Parish Council. Costs of these are to be met from within the current year committee budget.
Quotations received for £635.75 to replace the chain link fencing with new, and £150.00 to dig out and remove brambles from site were agreed by the Council.
Proposed: Mr A Forbes Seconded: Mr S Bridges All in favour.
155. REPORT ON WMRG COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 9TH FEBRUARY 2010 Annex 7 – Mr S Bridges (Agenda item 24)
Min 6a – The drain has now been cleared.
Min 7a – Another electrician is to quote for the humidistat.
Min 8a – Concern was raised as to why the Parish Council through a Councillor should be asked to sign into an agreement essentially between two sporting clubs using our land and any arbitrator to an agreement would not necessarily be a signatory to such documentation. To allow Parish Councillors time to look at the proposed ground sharing agreement in some detail, a decision on this item should be deferred to the next Parish Council meeting.
Min 10 – A copy letter of complaint will be responded to on receipt of a response from the rugby club.
With the exception of minute 8a, the decisions of the Committee were recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mr M Williamson Seconded: Mr G Lloyd 9 in favour, 1 abstention.
156. MATTERS FOR INFORMATION (Agenda item 25)
· Following refusal of a planning application for the store in Sandford to be opened as a retails ‘take-away’ outlet, it was advised that a new application is to be submitted to include a general store.
· Notification has been received on 16th February that recycling banks at the WMRG car park and Avon Ski Centre are to be removed week commencing 22nd February 2010. Concern was expressed that usage at the Woodborough Drive car park would increase prior to additional kerb-side recycling being introduced later this year. This centre already suffers continual problems due to over-use and these problems will be exasperated by the removal of the closest alternative site at the recreation ground. A request should be made to NSC for ‘usage stats’ for the Recreation Ground recycle banks and that consideration be given to removing this site in September once increased kerb-side recycling is in place.
· St Monica Trust has offered a public meeting room to the Parish Council free of charge. The venue of the June meeting of the Parish Council will take place at the Sandford Station Care Village.
With no further business, the meeting concluded at 10.25 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.