A MEETING

A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

was held Thursday 19^th July 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 Lloyd, 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

Members of the public: Mrs G Hill

Police: PCSO Wright

Clerk: Mrs. L Rampton

Press Representatives: Mr G Jones – freelance reporter

Apologies for absence: PC Church

44. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST - (Agenda item 3) None declared.

45. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 21^ST JUNE 2007.

(Agenda item 4)

The minutes of the meeting were accepted and signed as a correct record subject to the removal of ‘the’ before Mr Lloyd from the first line of min 40.

Proposed: Mr G Luckett Seconded: Mr A Forbes All in favour

46. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES & CLERKS REPORTS– Annex 1(Agenda item 5)

Min 23 Matters Arising, Representatives to Outside Bodies – the Chairman noted the disappointing attendance of Parish Councillors at the Winscombe Community Centre AGM.

Min 28 07/P/0156/F Former Sandford Stone Site – at a meeting of the NSC South Area Committee held on Wednesday 18^th July, this planning application was recommended for refusal. The application will now be referred to the Planning and Regulatory Committee for consideration although a date for this has yet to be confirmed. An update sheet issued at the meeting advised that the transportation officer has further considered the entrance to the site and made recommendations to improve safety that include a centre island, lighting and signage to prevent overtaking manoeuvres on the western approach. In response to the request from the Parish Council for a financial contribution towards the extension of the Parish Cemetery in a ‘106 agreement’, the officer advised that “this was difficult to justify on the basis of the limited additional demands that might be placed on it and also it would not be consistent as other residential schemes are not asked to contribute to such a facility”.

47. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

(Agenda item 6)

Mrs G Hill as organiser of the Winscombe Community Association Zero Waste Project advised the Parish Council that the bi-monthly plastic recycle service that started in October 2006 will cease after the August 2007 collection due to the complexities and expense of recycling domestic plastic waste on this small scale. Data from collections of plastic waste in this parish has deduced that around 100 tonnes of plastic waste is generated each year by our parish alone, the majority of which will go into landfill. The Zero Waste Project has been, and still is a worthwhile project and whilst a viable system enabling the bulk recycling of domestic plastic waste has yet to be found, the data and knowledge gained from the project can enable the group to campaign more effectively for action to address this problem.

Attempts to recycle plastic waste address only the symptoms and not the basic problem of the quantity of plastics being manufactured, used and wasted and the Zero Waste group is now working with TENONS to address these issues.

The Zero Waste Group is currently sourcing a ‘Parish Shopping Bag’ that could eliminate the need for plastic bags purchased within this parish, hopefully manufactured in time for sale at the Michaelmas Fair. The possibilities of kerbside bottle plastic collection being added to the current NSC recycle schedule are being investigated. Mrs Hill and the Zero Waste group were thanked by the Parish Council for their continued efforts on this project. Parish Council Information sheet from the Zero Waste Project will be provided to all Parish Councillors.

48. CRIME REPORT 21^ST JUNE – 19^TH JULY 2007 – PCSO WRIGHT Annex 2

(Agenda item 7) Direct office no 01934 638123

PCSO Wright gave a report of crime figures for the last month to the Parish Council along with details of crime prevention initiatives, past and future. There were no questions from the Parish Council.

49. WARD COUNCILLOR UPDATE(Agenda item 8)

A special project of the NSC Executive Member is to investigate the rate of landfill and it is accepted by the new Environmental Services Committee that the rate of recycling within North Somerset must increase.

Attendance of Parish Councillors at South Area Committee meetings was encouraged along with the use of the ‘Parish Voice’. Councillors were reminded of the official opening of the Strawberry Line from Yatton (full details previously provided to all Councillors) on Sat 21^st July.

50. TO AUTHORISE BILLS FOR PAYMENT – The Clerk Annex 3 (Agenda item 9)

Cheque 102150 should be withheld until the grant from the forestry commission is received. All other cheques were authorised for immediate release.

Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mr J Westlake All in favour.

51. SANDFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT (Agenda item 10)

Pupils at the school have achieved very good SATS results this year and the school is very busy with end of term activities.

52. WINSCOMBE WOODBOROUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT – Mrs P Cram (Agenda item 11)

Year 6 pupils enjoyed their residential trip to Woodbury Down following their SATS where their behaviour was described as exemplary. Outdoor activity days are now part of the national curriculum and two year groups at a time have been visiting Hill Farm. PCSO Wright has talked to Key Stage 1 pupils about ‘stranger danger’. The School Summer fete faired quite well financially in spite of rain showers but the sports day was postponed due to the wet weather. Nursery and playgroup children have today visited the school with their parents and concert performances, discos and the leavers’ service are taking place.

53. PARISH PLAN – LEAFLET FOR DISTRIBUTION – Mr S Bridges Annex 4 (Agenda item 12)

The leaflet discussed at the last meeting of the Parish Council has been amended to incorporate suggestions from Councillors. Four quotations to produce 2,500 copies of the folded colour leaflet have been obtained and a meeting with Mrs J Ward of Community Action taken place to discuss grant funding for the leaflet. It is possible to obtain initial funding for the production and distribution of the leaflet prior to an application being made for a full grant should the Parish Council wish to proceed with a Parish Plan. A 5% contribution is required from the Parish Council.

A discussion ensued in which further amendments were made to the final leaflet and method of distribution along with last collection dates considered. One leaflet per household will be delivered and a 50% response from the parish is required to ensure support to proceed with the formation of a steering group and the production of a parish plan.

It was proposed that an application be made for initial grant funding and the leaflet, as amended at this meeting be produced and distributed to all households in the parish. A 5% financial contribution will be made by the Parish Council and leaflets will be collected by 7^th September 2007.

Proposed: Mr S Bridges Seconded: Mr G Luckett

10 in favour, 3 against, 1 abstention

Community Action is to hold a free Parish Plan training event in Chipping Sodbury on 31^st Aug 2007. Councillors wishing to attend this event should contact the Clerk.

54. WINSCOMBE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, PARISH COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE

Mr J Westlake Annex 5 (Agenda item 13)

Papers had been distributed to Councillors prior to the meeting detailing activities of the Association. No nominations were received for the position.

Mr Westlake asked that Councillors attend and assist at the Parish Council stall to be held at the Michaelmas Fair on 8^th September.

55. AVON LOCAL COUNCILS ASSOCIATION (ALCA) EXECUTIVE REPORT – Mr R Jones

(Agenda item 14)

A meeting of the Executive Committee had taken place on 26^th June at Whitchurch. It was surprising to learn that the largest Town Council in North Somerset is not an ALCA member and that another small Parish Council has tendered their resignation. The financial implications of this have resulted in a recommendation being made to increase the ALCA subscription per electorate by 0.5p for the next financial year. The matter will be considered at the AGM in October.

The Government discussion paper, Third Sector Strategies for Communities and Local Government raised concern as more decision making is being taken away from elected bodies and it was reported that grant funding for Parish Plans will cease in October 2008.

56. BANWELL & WINSCOMBE CHILDREN’S CENTRE PARTNERSHIP – Mr G Luckett

(Agenda item 15)

Mr Luckett reported on matters discussed at the meeting held on 10^th July 2007. The new NSC has agreed to continue with this project following an assessment check. A planning application has been submitted and is being processed and lease details are being negotiated. Room schedules will be prepared and tenders issued after the lease is agreed and planning consent obtained. Temporary accommodation will be provided for current users of the centre during building works. The possibility of a minibus for use between the Centre and this Parish is being considered and Winscombe Youth Club was congratulated on the service that they provide. The next meeting will be held on 25^th September at 4pm, venue to be confirmed.

57 FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT- Mr C Sampson Annex 6 (Agenda item 16)

Mr Sampson as Committee Chairman gave a brief of the meeting.

The minutes for the Finance Committee from the meeting dated 9^th July 2007 were approved and signed as a correct record.

Proposed: Mr C Sampson Seconded: Ms D Powell

All Committee members present were in favour

Although verbal confirmation of approval has been obtained from the Community Association Chairman, Mr Westlake as requested had sought official permission to fix a projector screen in the Amesbury Room and a discussion ensued regarding the issues raised by the Association.

Resolved: The Parish Council should proceed with the immediate purchase of projector and screen plus installation from The First Choice Group. The screen, once installed would then be donated to the Community Centre for the use of the Parish. Insurance of this item will be the responsibility of the Community Centre.

Proposed: Mr M Williamson Seconded: Mr G Lloyd All in favour

Mr Westlake asked that a written request be made to the Community Association and a response waited prior to the screen being fixed in the Amesbury Room.

The decisions of the Committee were considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council.

Proposed: Mr J Westlake Seconded: Mrs P Cram All in favour

58. PLAY AREA AND SKATE PARK COMMITTEE UPDATE – Mrs A Brading(Agenda item 20)

A site meeting between Parish Council Representatives, Record RSS Ltd and the installers of the play area to discuss the snagging list has now been held. Matters of concern have now been addressed and contractors are currently on site again. It was agreed that a land drain connected to the existing drain from the skate-park has not been installed and even with recent heavy rain, this is not now thought necessary as the water drains through the porous surface. Record RSS have issued a credit against the final invoice for the non-installation of the drain. Confirmation and comment is awaited regarding the post installation inspection report carried out and compliance with EN1176.

Obscene graffiti and graphics recently appearing on the skate park ramps will hopefully be removed by Mr Forbes and a supply of graffiti wipes. As approved in previous committee minutes, the replacement youth shelter constructed of a non-flammable material, largely funded by an insurance claim is now to be ordered with installation planned to take place before end September 2007.

59. ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr. G Lloyd Annex 7 (Agenda item 22)

The minutes for the Environment Committee from the meeting dated 3^rd July 2007 were approved and signed as a correct record with min. 17 b being amended to read Lynchmead rather than Lynch Bridge..

Proposed: Mr A Forbes Seconded: Mr G Lloyd

All Committee members present were in favour

The Parish Council are supportive of the Zero Waste Project in their quest to eliminate the use of plastic bags sold and used within the Parish by production of a non-plastic reusable ‘Parish Shopping Bag’. This item and the problems encountered by the group should be discussed at the next meeting of the Environment Committee.

Mrs Gibbs had sent her thanks for the provision of a new/refurbished seat on Hill Road.

Ward Councillors have requested that the road and footway problem list emailed to them following the last meeting of the Parish Council be prioritised. As our NSC Area Officer is advising that due to budget constraints a number of pot holes will only be filled with loose gravel that will be washed away in rain rather than being repaired, Mr Bridges was authorised by the Parish Council to attend and speak at a Parish Voice session prior to a South Area Committee on these issues

Min 2 4 b) further discussions have taken place resulting in agreement for the Strawberry Line to purchase and install a litter bin at the junction of Yadley Way and the Recreation Ground with the Parish Council to be responsible for the regular empty of this. Proposed by SB Seconded by AF All in favour

Min 15 a) the signs reported as vandalised are to be replaced on a new gate and metal post.

The decisions of the Committee were considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council.

Proposed: Mr G Lloyd Seconded: Mr R Jones All in favour

60. AWARD LAND COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr. J Westlake Annex 8 (Agenda item 19)

Concern was again expressed by Mr Westlake regarding the plan submitted by High Action in their recent planning application. The correct shape of the Award Land is not correctly shown on this and therefore registration of Parish Council owned land should be progressed.

It was proposed that a method to record the area of land be carried out by the committee and that Goblin Combe Centre be given permission to carry out works on the Award Land in accordance with the woodland management plan at no financial cost to the Parish Council.

Proposed: Mr J Westlake Seconded: Mr R Jones 13 in favour, 1 abstention

It was reported that the NSC Archaeologist has no yet been authorised to purchase a GPS system for the district. Mr Bridges would try to source an alternative contact that has access to similar equipment.

61. CEMETERY & ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT – Ms D Powell Annex 9(Agenda item 20)

The minutes for the Cemetery & Allotment Committee from the meeting dated 2^nd July 2007 were approved and signed as a correct record.

Proposed: Mr M Williamson Seconded: Mrs A Brading

All committee members in favour

Planning permission obtained for the cemetery field was not clear and the Clerk has submitted a written request to NSC planning department for clarification on this matter detailing relevant planning application numbers. The Environment Agency now impose stronger conditions in relation to burial grounds and a detailed survey of the cemetery field will be required prior to use of the field for burial purposes. A limited number of companies are able to provide this survey service.

The NSC Archaeologist has requested that he may dig a few small trenches in the cemetery field prior to the field being adopted for burial purposes.

Quotations to carry out an Enhanced Tier One Risk Assessment of the Cemetery Field should now be obtained.

Proposed: Ms D Powell Seconded: Mr M Williamson All in favour

The revised cemetery conditions were considered by the Council and adopted with minor amendments.

Proposed: Mr M Williamson Seconded: Mr C Sampson All in favour

The decisions of the Committee were considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council. Retrospective permission given to the creation of two small gardens on children’s graves 111 & 111a

Proposed: Mr G Lloyd Seconded: Mrs A Brading All in favour

62. ANY OTHER BUSINESS (Agenda item 21)

Rural Primary Care Group Meeting – Miss Roper reported on details of a recent meeting, a written report of which would be distributed to Parish Councillors. Many staff are now applying for their own jobs due to re-organisation and it was thought that if specialist consultation clinics moved to the rural areas, transport of patients could be an issue. Greater reliance would be placed on voluntary car drivers and cheaper insurance schemes could be sourced as a collective group of Parishes. The new assistant director would welcome an invitation to speak at a future meeting of the parish council to widen discussions as much as possible before the 5 year forward plan is produced.

NALC Model Code of Conduct Training – Thurs 19^th July at Hilton Birmingham Metropole. Please advise the Clerk should you wish to attend.

Knightstone Flexible Homebuy Funding for the Parish – an application from a family resident in the parish has been approved for the remaining amount of funding. Confirmation will be sent from Knightstone once completion of the purchase has taken place.

Winscombe Cricket Club – the official opening of the new nets will take place on Wed 1^st August at 7.15 pm. John Penrose MP and the press will be attending on club night when the junior teams train. Parish Councillors are invited to this event and confirmation of attendance should be given to the Clerk by 25^th July for cricket club catering purposes.

Flower Festival “Anniversaries” – a colourful display of flower arrangements is on display in the Parish Church of St James July 19^th – 22^nd

With no further business, the meeting concluded at 9.50 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.