A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
was held Thursday 18th October 2007
Winscombe Community Centre at 7.30 p.m.
Present: Mrs. A Brading, Mr. S Bridges, Mrs P Bushnell, Mrs. P Cram (Vice-Chair), Mr. A Forbes,
Mr. R Jones, Mr. G Luckett, Mrs V McGann, Ms. D Powell (Vice-Chair), Mrs A Richmond, Miss B Roper,
Mr. C Sampson (Chairman), Mr. J Westlake, Mr M Williamson.
Ward Councillors: Mrs A Harley, Mr T Marter
NSC Parish Liaison Officer: Mr J Foster
Members of the public: three
Police: DI A Bevan
Clerk: Mrs. L Rampton
Press Representatives: Mr G Jones – freelance reporter
Ms S Pope – North Somerset Mercury
Apologies for absence: Mr. G Lloyd, PC Church, PCSO Wright
82. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (Agenda item 3)
Mr R Jones declared a personal & prejudicial interest in Agenda item 22 (ii) as his property is adjacent to Ilex Lane and shares the hedge.
83. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 20TH SEPTEMBER 2007.
(Agenda item 4)
The Chairman advised that if necessary, he would vote on this item.
Min 80 A discussion took place where it was considered that the minutes to the last meeting should record accurately, the report made rather than re-recording committee minutes.
With one typo being amended in minute 68, the minutes were approved as a correct record for the meeting.
Proposed: Miss B Roper Seconded: Mrs P Cram All in favour
84. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES & CLERKS REPORTS– Annex 1(Agenda item 5)
Min 71 – photographs to the CD Rom will be updated to 2006. The ordered software is currently in the postal system following recent strike action.
Min 69 – The Community Centre Chairman has been advised that chq 102201 will be released on receipt of confirmation that the alarm system for the section of the building housing the Parish Office has been ordered. We currently have not released this cheque.
Min 80 – Mr Luckett advised that the verbal quotation obtained was to advise on ground water conditions only. It was considered by the Council that expert advice is required on all conditions now attached to the planning consent issued 15/10/07 including suitability of various parts of the field for burial. This matter will be debated further at the next meeting of the Cemetery & Allotment Committee on 22nd October 2007.
85. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Agenda item 6)
A parishioner reported nearly being knocked over by a bicycle on the Strawberry Line Walk and thought that all cyclists should warn pedestrians of their approach by using a bell. A request has previously been made of the NSC Officer for seating along the Sandford section of the walk. Cllrs Brading and Harley would report both these matters to the next meeting of the Strawberry Line Management Committee.
86. CRIME REPORT 20TH SEPTEMBER – 18TH OCTOBER 2007– Mr S Bridges & DI Bevan Annex 2 (Agenda item 7) Direct office no 01934 638123
Sixty five calls have been made to the police from this Parish resulting in 10 crimes being recorded, this recorded crime figure is down from 15 on the same period last year.
Figures are made up of : 4 x assault, 2 x theft, 1 x harassment, 1 x burglary and 2 x criminal damage.
PC Church has been disposing of alcohol from youth congregating at the football dug-out, WMRG.
2 youths have been charged with the assault on the Millennium Green and a third suspect is thought likely to be also arrested.
Details of the aggravated assault on Sandford Road 6th/7th October are as reported on the Avon & Somerset website. DI Andy Bevan, senior investigating officer for this incident stated that both the police and community have been shocked by this attack but he has been overwhelmed and impressed by the support for the investigation and to the victims by the local community. The main priority is to ensure that the right people are now brought to justice for this horrific event. Although a number of witnesses have made statements, anybody with any information about the incident should be encouraged to make contact with the police even if they think they will be repeating information already known to the police.
In response to questions from the Parish Council it was confirmed that the main victim of the attack was aged 47 and suffered a nasty cut to the arm and suffered a head injury that was cause for concern. The victim of the attack was released from hospital the following day and it is hoped will make a full physical recovery.
The ‘intimidation of a witness’ is a fear that can be difficult to overcome with a potential witness but this behaviour will not be tolerated by police and those carrying out the intimidating will be prosecuted. A large number of statements have already been taken.
The police work on a multi-agency approach to crime with procedures in place to feed information to other organisations when appropriate, and cases are worked on simultaneously.
Considerable credit was given to PC Church and PCSO Wright by DI Bevan for the manner in which this investigation is progressing.
87. WARD COUNCILLOR UPDATE & NSC PARISH LIAISON OFFICER UPDATE (Agenda item 8)
NSC budget planning for the next financial year is currently taking place with difficult decisions for financial cuts to be made. The comprehensive Performance Assessment is not encouraging and Executive Members are now in consultation to see a way forward to not increase council tax any more than is necessary although an elderly population does need extra support.
A deputation has been submitted each year explaining why the allocated funding from central government has not been sufficient, but funds have not increased. It was reported that £9.5 million must be made in savings by NSC over the next 2 years and although no final decisions have been taken, a report must be made to the Executive Committee for their meeting on 30th October 2007.
Demographic pressures require additional support and services
88. TO AUTHORISE BILLS FOR PAYMENT – The Clerk Annex 3
(Agenda item 9)
Cheques 102224 – 102250 were authorised for payment
Proposed: Mr J Westlake Seconded: Mr A Forbes All in favour.
89. BANWELL & WINSCOMBE CHILDREN’S CENTRE - Ms S James Annex 4
(Agenda item 10)
Two core offers are dealt with by the provision of Children’s Centres with 30% most disadvantaged being provided with a different level of service to the 70% most advantaged (figures measured by using an index for multiple deprivation). The Banwell and Winscombe Children’s Centre is included within the 70% most advantaged group.
Ms James is currently covering the provision of 3 separate Children’s Centres and our centre will be provided with a ½ time administrator and a ½ time support worker. National guidance is provided to work from although all centres will be different to reflect local communities. It is planned to work with and support existing services and it is anticipated that the centre in Banwell will open Feb/Mar 2008...
The four stage approach to children’s centre development was explained to the Council and it was advised that the B&W centre is currently within stage 1 with plans to reach stage 2 by 17th February 2008. Funding for the centre is national and ring-fenced for children’s services until 2011. Ms James was asked to consider appointing a representative from the group onto the Patient Practice Group for this area.
90. ENGLISH RURAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION (ERHA) & AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Ms L Davidson Annex 5 (Agenda item 11)
The previous affordable housing scheme used allocated ‘106 agreement’ monies from housing developments within this parish and assisted 2 families in purchasing properties, although not within the Parish boundary due to the prohibitive cost of property here. The need to assist people with housing within this parish still remains and the demand for which type of housing assessed. Over 5 years ago a census type questionnaire was delivered to every household in Sandford, although this approach may not be considered practical when dealing with the entire parish. It was suggested that as before, a small working party that would include four/five councillors be convened to enable quick clear decisions to be made and consider possible consultation options. Rules for building under the planning exception policy for affordable housing were explained for the benefit of Councillors.
An affordable housing working party should be formed with ERHA and North Somerset Council Representatives that includes four/five Parish Councillors and the ability to co-opt other members from the Parish.
Proposed: Mr S Bridges Seconded: Mr M Williamson All in favour
Mr Williamson, Mrs McGann, Mr Luckett and Mrs Bushnell were duly appointed to the working party with a volunteer representing Sandford to be sought.
91. PRIMARY CARE TRUST (PCT) MEETING REPORT – Miss B Roper Annex 6
(Agenda item 12)
Transport issues for patients travelling to alternative doctors surgeries for consultations were again discussed. Distribution of a patient information leaflet was considered and a new medical database that can be accessed by any doctor was reported on. Councillors were encouraged to attend a group meeting for the Wavering Down Surgeries to be held at the Winscombe Community Centre on 22nd November 2007 at 7.30pm.
92. SOUTH WEST REGIONAL ASSEMBLY – REVIEW OF ADDITIONAL PITCH REQUIREMENTS FOR GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS IN THE SOUTH WEST Annex 7
(Agenda item 13)
A twelve week consultation period is currently underway and runs until 31st October 2007 that will form a part in establishing how many new pitches will be needed in each local authority in this region up to the year 2011. Responses will be considered by an independent panel appointed by the Government and there will be an independent examination in public into the proposals in Spring 2008 that will take in to account any comments made. The consultation document proposes an additional 45 residential and 17 transit pitches for North Somerset and these must be sustainable.
The Parish Council consider that they have been informed as part of a process but are unable to comment on this matter until possible sites have been identified.
93. AVON LOCAL COUNCILS ASSOCIATION (ALCA) REPORT– Mr. R Jones Annex 8
(Agenda item 14)
Mr Jones gave a verbal report of two meetings and commented on the large number of Councils that do not attend. Mr Sampson, who represented this Parish Council at the AGM on 13th October advised that there only just enough members present at this meeting to form a quorum. An increase in the annual subscription was approved and discussions took place again on the subject of postal costs and electronically transmitted messages. The National Association of Local Councils has confirmed that it is not a legal requirement for ALCA accounts to be audited. The election of new officers took place.
94. TO APPROVE PARISH COUNCIL & COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE 2008 Annex 9
(Agenda item 15)
The Parish Council meeting calendar and committee meeting schedule for 2008 was accepted by the Council.
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mr R Jones All in favour.
(i) To include Parish Councillor Contact Details in Local Publications
Names of Councillors along with their position should be included in local publications displaying meeting dates.
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mrs V McGann All in favour
95. QUALITY PARISH STATUS & ASSOCIATED TRAINING FOR STAFF - Ms D Powell Annex 10
(Agenda item 16)
The current requirements for Quality Parish status were reported to the Council and potential weaknesses in procedure considered. Under proposed changes to this scheme, all Parish Councillors may have to attend a course to enable the Council to be registered for Quality Parish status.
A requirement is for the Clerk to have obtained a Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA). A training day is being offered by the Somerset Local Council Association on 25th October. This qualification is attached to the Clerk and not the Council.
It was proposed that the Finance Assistant covers office duty each Friday morning to enable a portfolio of evidence for the CiLCA qualification to be compiled by the Clerk within the required 24 month period and that the £185 course and registration fee be met from the training budget.
Proposed: Ms D Powell Seconded: Mrs A Richmond All in favour
96. INCLUSION OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION WITHIN A PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
(Agenda item 17)
The current procedure for controlling public participation within Parish Council and Committee meetings was discussed by the Council and the approach adopted by North Somerset Council South Area Committee considered. The Chairman of each meeting has the discretion to adjourn proceedings to allow comment to be made by a member of the public should this be necessary outside the allocated slot. Following a lengthy discussion where disruption to meetings and undue influence were considered, it was proposed by Mrs Brading, seconded by Mr Jones that the current practice for recording public participation and its place within the main body of the meeting is retained.
An amendment to the proposition was proposed by Mr Williamson, seconded by Mr Luckett that public participation is allowed 10 minutes before the start of a meeting and whilst this would not be minuted, notes would be recorded.
4 in favour, 9 against. Amendment not carried.
The current practice for recording public participation and its place within the main body of the meeting is to be retained
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mr R Jones 9 in favour, 3 against, 1 abstention
97. WAR MEMORIAL RECREATION GROUND COMMITTEE REPORT Annex 11
(Agenda item 18)
Committee members had nothing further to add to matters recorded in the minutes.
98. CHAIRMANS COMMITTEE REPORT - Mr C Sampson Annex 12
(Agenda item 19)
The minutes for the Chairman’s Committee from the meeting dated 20th September 2007 were approved and signed as a correct record.
Proposed: Mr A Forbes Seconded: Mrs A Brading
All Committee members present were in favour
99. ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT Annex 13
(Agenda item 20)
The minutes for the Environment Committee from the meeting dated 2nd October 2007 were approved and signed as a correct record.
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mrs A Richmond
All Committee members present were in favour
Min 7 b.) iii) this hedge had been cut by Sidcot School contractors early September.
The decisions of the Committee were considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mr S Bridges All in favour
100. AWARD LAND COMMITTEE REPORT - Mr J Westlake Annex 14
(Agenda item 21)
Mr Westlake reported that at the recent NSC Bio-Diversity Event, it was thought that Winscombe & Sandford may be the only Parish with a large amount of woodland. At a visit to Weston Airport, Mr Westlake informed the event organisers that factories and equipment planned for the area could be adversely affected by the tide.
Mr Russett is shortly to take delivery of equipment required to record that Award Land and details of the mortar needed to repair the forge is still awaited – Mr Foster offered to pursue this information.
The minutes for the Award Land Committee from the meeting dated 15th October 2007 were approved and signed as a correct record.
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mr G Luckett
All Committee members present were in favour
The decisions of the Committee were considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mr R Jones All in favour
101. CEMETERY & ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE – URGENT WORKS FOR APPROVAL - Ms D Powell
(Agenda item 22)
(i) Removal of Graffiti to Waiting Area
It was proposed that the Community Service Team be instructed to paint the inside of the waiting area, railings and gate free of charge. The paint is to be supplied by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Ms D Powell Seconded: Mrs A Richmond All in favour
Mr Jones had previously declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this agenda item and left the room.
(ii) To trim Ilex Lane Hedge
In recent years the side of the hedge on Ilex Lane has been flailed only to a height of around six feet. This continued practice has left the hedge unstable and now needs attention to rectify the situation. Details of height should be agreed with the neighbour bordering the hedge.
The quotation for £150 to cut the side and top of the hedge was agreed by the Parish Council and works should be instructed.
Proposed: Ms D Powell Seconded: Mr M Williamson All in favour.
Mr Jones returned to the meeting
102. ANY OTHER BUSINESS (Agenda item 23)
Remembrance Day Services – with the agreement of the Parish Council, Mr Sampson would lay the poppy wreath in Winscombe and Mr Westlake would lay the Sandford wreath.
Sandford Village Hall – Miss Roper reported that the hall has been awarded the Community Action Hall Mark 2 two weeks ago and will endeavour to be the first hall in North Somerset to gain level 3.
With no further business, the meeting concluded at 10.05 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.