A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
was held Thursday 18th September 2008, Winscombe Community Centre at 7.30 p.m.
Present: Mrs. A Brading, Mr. S Bridges, Mrs P Bushnell, Mrs. P Cram, Mr. A Forbes, Mr. R Jones (Vice-Chair), Mr. G Lloyd, Mrs V McGann, Ms. D Powell (Vice-Chair), Mrs A Richmond, Miss B Roper, Mr. C Sampson (Chairman), Mr M Williamson.
Guest Speaker: Ms S James, NSC Children’s Centre Development Manager
NSC Liaison Officer: Mr J Foster
Police: PCSO Emma Wright
Clerk: Mrs. L Rampton
Press Representatives: Mr G Jones – freelance reporter
Members of the public: one
Apologies for absence: Mr. G Luckett, Mr J Westlake.
71. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (Agenda item 3) Mrs V McGann advised the meeting that she had declared a personal & prejudicial interest in Agenda item 21, Environment Committee Meeting in relation to the new owners of Hillyfields field adjacent to the primary school.
72. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 14TH AUGUST 2008 (Agenda item 4)
The Chairman read a letter from Mr Luckett to the committee regarding a declaration of interest. It was considered by the Council that no amendment to the minutes in this regard be made.
With one amendment to minute 64, the minutes to the meeting were approved & signed as a correct record.
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mr M Williamson All in favour
73. MINUTE UPDATE FROM THE AUG MINUTES & SEPT CLERKS REPORTS– Annex 1 (Agenda item 5)
Min 51 – It was confirmed that no further information has been received about the proposed Vehicle Activated Speed Signs for Sandford. Mr Foster offered to make further enquiries within NSC.
74. CRIME REPORT 15TH AUGUST – 18TH SEPTEMBER 2008– PCSO Wright Annex 2 (Agenda item 6)
Direct office no 01934 638123.
The Local Police Priorities as detailed in the Beat Report can be updated monthly at the request of the Parish Council. Three issues (not in priority order) should be chosen for our Beat Team to deal with.
Plans to recruit a new ‘lollipop person’ for Sandford Primary School currently rest with NSC Education Transport Department as the three volunteers are awaiting CRB checks. A recent spate of vandalism in the village appears to be carried out by Youths/Persons in ‘hoodies’ to both plant life and property. The temporary traffic lights on Sidcot Lane are causing chaos to traffic with lights frequently failing, traffic queued back onto the A38 and many frustrated motorists.
75. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Agenda item 7) – Mr Peter Blunt introduced himself to the Parish Council as new Chairman of the Parish Plan Steering Committee. Information for inclusion in the questionnaire to be distributed early 2009 is being gathered from the community by contact though local organisations and from individuals at Community Events with Focus groups being set up to gather specific information. A number of promotional events are to be held on 23rd Oct 7.30pm at the Community Centre, 27th Oct 3pm at the Community Centre & 29th Oct 7.30pm at Sandford Village Hall to increase awareness of the Plan.
76. BANWELL, WINSCOMBE & SANDFORD CHILDREN’S CENTRE – Ms S James Annex 3 (Agenda item 8)
The Centre for this Ward has now been renamed ‘The Banwell, Winscombe & Sandford Children’s Centre’ and is to include the relevant hamlets. Some services are now being offered prior to completion of the building that is scheduled to open in October 2008. A part time Family Support worker (FSW) is in place along with a part time administrator allowing the centre to open 2½ days per week initially. A ‘Stay & play Group’ is to be set-up after October half-term at the centre and the two thriving groups in Winscombe & Sandford will be visited by the FSW on a regular basis. A number of agencies will be working together to meet the needs of the community and a range of services is detailed in the briefing attached to the minutes as an Annex. The ‘need’ of the community has been established by an analysis of existing documents and combines Winscombe & Sandford with Banwell. An open morning is to be held at the BW&S Centre on Tuesday 14th October from 9.30am – 11.30am to enable members of the community to view the centre with an official opening planned for 2009.
77. WARD COUNCILLOR UPDATE & NSC PARISH LIAISON OFFICER UPDATE (Agenda item 9)
Mr Foster was pleased to advise the Parish Council that of ‘value added’ tables produced for state schools in North Somerset, Winscombe Woodborough Primary School was ranked in first position with Sandford Primary close behind in third position. It was suggested that the Parish Council Chairman write to both schools to congratulate them on their success.
Our Parish Liaison Officer is shortly to progress a scheme to improve communication between NSC and Parish Councils. Items to be considered may include the amount of information sent to Parish Councils and the form in which this is communicated, the length of documents with consideration being given to include a brief synopsis, simpler language and timescales allowed to meet Parish Council meeting schedules. It was requested that there be a reduction in acronyms used.
78. TO AUTHORISE BILLS FOR PAYMENT – The Clerk Annex 4 (Agenda item 10)
Cheques 102512 - 102537 and direct debits payments detailed were authorised for payment
Proposed: Mrs P Cram Seconded: Mr A Forbes All in favour.
79. WINSCOMBE WOODBOROUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT – Mrs P Cram (Agenda item 11)
Recent SATs results for the school were well above the national average in all subjects and it was pleasing to see the number and quality of entrants to the Michaelmas Fair. The next issue of the ‘Winscombe Express’ has been produced by Year 5 pupils and is once again considered to be of a very high standard. The annual Year 6 residential visit is to take place next week, earlier than usual to enable the class to bond. Planning permission has been granted for the new play area and quotations are now being sought.
80. SANDFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT (Agenda item 12)
The Chairman read a report from Mrs Witter to the meeting. The new Head Teacher, Mr Neil Harris has taken up post with effect September 2008. Following a successful interview Claire Morris, an existing teacher has taken up the role as part-time Deputy Head. Sandford’s SATs results were once again very pleasing. At key stage one all children achieved at least a level 2 in Reading, Writing and Maths. In Writing & Reading 45% achieved level 3, the highest grade possible. At key stage two 95% of pupils achieved at least a level 4 in Literacy and Numeracy and 100% achieved this in Science. A new catering company has taken over the catering contract and the PTA’s ‘Meet the New Head’ evening is to take place on 19th September.
81. ELECTION DAY – WEEKEND VOTING, NALC CONSULTATION Annex 5 (Agenda item 13)
This Policy & Parliamentary Consultation paper was debated at length by Councillors. A number of differing opinions included the low percentage of those entitled to vote actually voting, cost implications for this Parish Council should voting take place over a weekend and possibly over a two day period, hours current polling stations opened and, considerable scepticism over the honesty of postal and electronic voting. Some Councillors considered that weekend voting would not attract any new voters whilst others felt this could be a family affair. As there was no clear collective opinion of the Parish Council, individuals were encouraged to respond directly should they so wish.
82. NSC CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED STREET CAFÉ SCHEME Annex 6 (Agenda item 14)
It is proposed that street cafes/outdoor seating areas in North Somerset which are situated on the public highway may be subject to both a planning permission and the grant of a highway licence, the later of which is renewable annually. Costs to small businesses were considered very high with fees being charged for change of use and Highways consent.
The Parish Council, having read and discussed the booklet find the proposal unacceptable due to cost implications for local businesses.
Proposed: Mr G Lloyd Seconded: Mr A Forbes All in favour
83. PARISH PLAN PROGRESS REPORT – Mrs P Bushnell (Agenda item 15)
The name of the Community Plan has reverted to the former title of Parish Plan. A request made at the last meeting of the Parish Council to allow the group to use a section of the Parish Council website was considered by the Council. With conditions applying to the content of material (which is to be monitored by an independent Councillor & the Clerk) to be uploaded, the request was considered acceptable.
It was proposed by Mr Bridges, seconded by Mrs V McGann, all Councillors in favour that the Parish Plan Steering Group be allowed to use a portion of the Parish Council website. All material to be included should be forwarded electronically to the Parish Office for monitoring and uploading by Mr G Lloyd and the Clerk.
84. COMMUNITY BUS – Mr C Sampson (Agenda item 16)
In response to an email sent to a Parish Councillor from a leader of the Youth Club, the Parish Council considered purchasing and running a scheme similar to that run in Congresbury where community groups are able to hire a mini-bus and driver. Although considered a commendable scheme, the Parish Council does not currently have the finance or resources to administer such a project. A ‘need’ has yet to be established within the Parish and a voluntary group could be set up to raise funds independently of the Parish Council should this be proven. Should the Parish Council be in a position with surplus funds available, these could be put to good use supporting established transport schemes already operational in the Parish.
85. RISK ASSESSMENT REPORTS (Agenda item 17)
This item was deferred to a future meeting of the Parish Council when all reports were available.
86. NSC JOINT WORKING GROUP OF SCRUTINY PANELS ON PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION (Agenda item 18)
A letter has been sent on behalf of the NSC Plastic Bag Reduction Working Group to all Town & Parish Councils in North Somerset asking that those Councils that have not already taken the initiative to reduce plastic bag in their areas do so. This Parish already has a successful scheme underway with all shops having been approached in this regard. ‘Zero Waste’ reusable shopping bags were sold last year and investigations into alternative degradable materials such as paper or corn for bags are currently taking place.
87. CHAIRMAN’S COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr C Sampson Annex 7 (Agenda item 19)
.The minutes of the Chairman’s Committee meeting dated 19th August 2008 were approved and signed as a correct record. Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mr A Forbes
All Committee members present were in favour
(i) Due to goods having been ordered and paid for by the contractor, it is now not possible to reclaim VAT on the tiling and replacement floor works.
The Parish Council approve expenditure of a further £486 to meet the contractors invoice for payment in full with monies being vied from the WMRG car park extension fund.
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Miss B Roper All in favour
88. EMPLOYMENT & POLICIES COMMITTEE REPORT - Mr R Jones Annex 8 (Agenda item 20)
Works are still taking place to update Parish Council Standing Orders and associated documents. These will be submitted in their entirety to the full Parish Council for approval in due course.
The minutes for the Employment & Policies Committee from the 18th August 2008 meeting were approved and signed as a correct record. Proposed: Mr M Williamson Seconded: Mr S Bridges All Committee members present were in favour
The decisions of the Committee were recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mr M Williamson Seconded: Mr R Jones All in favour
89. ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr G Lloyd Annex 9 (Agenda item 21)
The minutes for the Environment Committee from the meeting dated 2nd September 2008 were approved and signed as a correct record. Proposed: Mr G Lloyd Seconded: Mrs A Brading
All Committee members present were in favour
Min 6c – Considerable discussion took place regarding works to this public right of way. Payment for works should only be met on receipt of an invoice for payment.
The decisions of the Committee were recommended for action by the Parish Council with the amendment as outlined above.
Proposed: Mr G Lloyd Seconded: Mr A Forbes All in favour
90. AWARD LAND CHAIRMAN’S REPORT - Annex 10 (Agenda item 22)
Expenditure of £284 to clear both Mike’s & Upland’s footpath as outlined in the September Award Land Report was authorised by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mr A Forbes Seconded: Mr R Jones All in favour
It was noted that the workers do not belong to Mr Williamson but are in fact the Winscombe & Sandford Working Partnership Team.
91. CEMETERY & ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT - Mr M Williamson Annex 11 (Agenda item 23)
The minutes for the Cemetery & Allotment Committee from the meeting dated 2nd September 2008 were approved and signed as a correct record. Proposed: Mr M Williamson Seconded: Mrs A Brading
All Committee members present were in favour
Representatives of St Monica Trust had attended the recent committee meeting with suggestions from the committee due to be incorporated into the final cemetery design. Attention was drawn to the additional meeting of the committee scheduled for 24th October 2008.
The decisions of the Committee were recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mrs V McGann All in favour
92. PLAY AREA & SKATE PARK COMMITTEE REPORT – Mrs A Brading Annex 12 (Agenda item 24)
Min 7 a – It was noted that powers on behalf of the Parish Council may not be delegated to an individual Councillor and a post-meeting note would be added to the minutes to this effect. Stones being thrown over the skate park are considered a danger to users and for this reason the French drain will be filled as soon as possible. Mr Bridges & Mr Williamson raised objections to additional tarmac being laid at the entrance to the play area without consultation of the WMRG Committee.
Min 7 b - the Community Pay Back team had finished cutting the top & side of the hedge yesterday.
The minutes for the Play Area & Skate Park Committee from the meeting dated 15th September 2008 were approved and signed as a correct record subject to a post-meeting note being added at Min 7a. Proposed: Mrs A Richmond Seconded: Mrs V McGann
All Committee members present were in favour
The decisions of the Committee were recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mr G Lloyd Seconded: Mr A Forbes All in favour
93. MATTERS FOR INFORMATION (Agenda item 25)
· Mapping of The Award Land – Mr Forbes advised that Heritage Lottery Funding is no longer available to purchase GPS equipment for the NSC County Archaeologist and he will therefore not be able to map the Award Land as previously indicated.
· Former Sandford Station Site Visit – The Parish Council has been invited by St Monica Trust representatives to a site visit of the new development on Friday 3rd October 2008 at 4.30pm. Interest in this should be indicated to the Clerk.
· Affordable Housing – English Rural Housing Association (ERHA) has advised the ‘Housing Needs Survey’ has been approved by NSC Planning Policy Department. The ‘Sequential Site Priority Process’ is with Development & Control Department and a Case Officer has now been assigned (with thanks to assistance from our Parish Liaison Officer). ERHA has been approached by one land owner & very early preliminary talks are to take place before any public consultation is held.
· Sandford War Memorial – The memorial is due to be returned to a new area on land owned by the Garage after cleaning.
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.