A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
was held Thursday 19th October 2006
Winscombe Community Centre at 7.30 p.m.
Present: Mrs. M Ballard, Mrs. A Brading, Mr. S Bridges, Mrs. P Cram (vice-chair) arrived during the meeting, 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: three
Ward Councillors: Mrs. A Harley
NSC Parish Liaison Officer: Mr. J Foster
Police Beat Manager: P.C.Church
Clerk: Mrs. L Rampton
Guest Speakers: Mr. M Dodd - Bristol Water, Mr. R Fancourt - Costain Site Agent,
Ms F McIntyre – NSC Parish Plan Officer, Mr. R Snelling – Community Action
Press Representatives: Mrs. N Jones – Freelance Reporter
Apologies for absence: Mr. J Bushnell, Mrs. P Cram is to arrive a little late.
83. CHAPLAIN – Mr. M Hagen
(Agenda item 1)
84. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST - none declared
(Agenda item 3)
85. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 21ST SEPTEMBER 2006.
(Agenda item 4)
The minutes of the meeting were accepted and signed as a correct record.
Proposed: Mr. J Westlake Seconded: Miss B Roper
9 in favour, Mrs. Witter & Mrs. Ballard abstained as not present at the meeting.
86. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES & CLERKS REPORTS– Annex 1
(Agenda item 5)
Clerks Reports – ALCA Report. It was confirmed that the Parish Council is complying with the new minimum wage rates effective October 2006.
Councillor’s attention was drawn to the fact the Windows 98 software is now unsupported by Microsoft making users more vulnerable to security risks and bugs.
87. CRIME REPORT 20TH SEPTEMBER – 19TH OCTOBER 2006 – P.C.Church Annex 2
PC Church direct office no 01934 638123
(Agenda item 6)
It was thought that the recent acts of criminal damage are being carried out by residents of the Parish. A flow of information regarding suspicious happenings is being reported to PC Church and this is to be encouraged. Crime within the parish has risen over the past three month period but figures compared to last year are still lower to date.
A Councillor advised of the concerns of users of the Community Centre especially when leaving cars in the car park. In light of the recent spate of vandalism suffered by the Centre, and to include the arson of the Parish Council Youth Shelter, it is now considered necessary to install a CCTV camera system costing in the region of £10,000. It was anticipated that the Community Centre Committee will be approaching the Parish Council for support in meeting these costs and this request should be considered favourably by the Parish Council when setting the 2007/08 budgets.
88. BRISTOL WATER PLC, PIPELINE LINK FROM BANWELL TO ROWBERROW TREATMENT WORKS – Mr. M Dodd, Bristol Water & Mr. R Fancourt, Costain Site Agent
(Agenda item 7)
On the written request of five Parish Councillors, the decision of the Planning Committee (21.08.06 min 41 b) regarding the method for the pipe to cross the Ilex Lane Bridge should be reconsidered
Mr. Dodd advised that alternative routes for the pipeline had been investigated before deciding on the Shipham and Ilex Lane route and these were discounted due to the disruption the works would cause to a popular public right of way. The proposed method to cross the Ilex Lane bridge by a raised footway/verge and additional railings had met with the approval of a North Somerset Council Engineer.
As concern had been expressed by the Parish Council by letter and at the September 2006 meeting of the Council regarding the proposed method for the new pipeline to cross the Ilex Lane bridge, this matter had been reconsidered by Bristol Water. Whilst an independent pipe bridge had been discussed, this was not thought practical due to the safety implications of children climbing from the main bridge onto the pipe bridge and also the aesthetics from the Strawberry Line Heritage Trail Walk below.
Bristol Water now propose to route the pipe through the garden of a house on Broadleaze Way with the consent of the land owner, down the embankment, across the Strawberry Line an up the other side before entering open fields owned by a local farmer. The pipeline will be totally concealed underground although the Strawberry Line Walk will be closed for a period of up to three weeks around December 06/January 07.
Disruption will be kept to a minimum for the duration of the works and arrangements will be made between Bristol Water and residents of Shipham & Ilex Lane. Burials at the Cemetery would be treated respectfully and given notice, could be carried out through the period of closure for Ilex Lane if necessary. A new water supply to the Cemetery and Allotments will be installed during the works.
It was confirmed that all excavation works will be reinstated to the same, if not a higher standard than previously. Although not water quality scientists, new treatment works should reduce the loading on the sand filters and therefore the Lox-Yeo discharge should also reduce - this matter could be confirmed by an expert at Bristol Water at a future Parish Council meeting should concerns over water quality within the Parish persist. It was reported that Costain had made very good progress at the start of this project and it was anticipated that the 30th April 2007 deadline will be met. Councillors were invited to visit the Banwell plant on completion of the works.
A vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Hagen, seconded by Mr. Sampson, all in favour, to Bristol Water and Costain for listening to the views of the Parish Council and revising plans accordingly.
Mrs. Cram arrived at the meeting 7.55pm
89. PARISH PLANS – Fay McIntyre, North Somerset Council Parish Plan Officer & Richard Snelling, Community Action Rural Development Officer
(Agenda item 8)
Mr. Snelling gave a PowerPoint presentation to the Parish Council highlighting the benefits of a Parish Plan. It was explained that Community Action are a charitable company that promotes, develops, manages and supports community projects and groups across the former Avon area. Community Action is part of a network of 38 Rural Community Councils and is funded by national and local bodies and charities.
The aim of a Parish Plan is to identify environmental needs and characteristics of a community and can cover problems and opportunities relevant to different parts of the community. A Parish Plan can convey how a community wants to develop over a 5 to 10 year period in a detailed living report through a sustainable action plan. The Plan can be used to demonstrate need and local support when applying for grants and can also contribute to the development of other plans and community strategies. A Parish Plan may influence local authorities and service providers so that they may understand the needs of the Parish and so that communities can understand what these organisations can and cannot do for them. It may also provide evidence for funding bids and assist in attaining Quality Parish Council status.
A Plan brief should be drawn up prior to consultation with the community and a steering group of 8 to 12 people formed. The steering group should manage the project (but not do everything), this should be a cross section of the community and include a range of skills, experience, ages and interests - one or two should be Parish Councillors. The Rural Community Council can help to secure funding and offer guidance throughout the plan process regarding consultation methods, identifying local resources and research methods. A completed Action Plan should be presented to the Parish Council for adoption and then the steering group would implement and monitor the progress of the Parish Plan, maintaining links with the Rural Community Council.
North Somerset Council has provided a dedicated Parish Plan Officer who works with, but is not in the Planning Department. NSC would be involved from the Action Plan stage of the process and would help the Parish liaise with other officers within NSC. Ms McIntyre, Parish Plan Officer offered to forward links to the relevant Parish Council websites and to confirm what, if any influence a Parish Plan has with Mr. M Reep, NSC Planning Department. The Government is to launch a new white paper on double devolution allowing local authorities to divulge further powers to Parish Councils. Parish Liaison Officer, Mr. J Foster offered to update the Parish Council on this at the November 2006 meeting.
A question and answer session from Councillors followed with the following points being confirmed:
· Eight Parishes within NSC have completed Parish Plans with another eight in the process.
· A Parish Plan was considered a long term living document that could be amended or updated periodically.
· Funders look for evidence of need within a community and a Parish Plan will provide this.
· A Parish Council should take the lead in getting a steering group together and then oversee progress.
Resolved: Four Parish Councillors should contact other Parishes to investigate Parish Plans completed and in the consultation stage within North Somerset. Findings would be reported to the Parish Council at a future meeting for consideration.
Proposed: Mr. J Westlake Seconded: Mr. G Luckett
9 in favour, 2 against, Miss Roper abstained.
90. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - none
(Agenda item 9)
91. TO AUTHORISE BILLS FOR PAYMENT – The Clerk Annex 3
(Agenda item 10)
Mr. Lloyd invited those present at the meeting to view a copy of the restored map that had now been framed. Business Account Chqs 101894 – 101923 in addition to reported Direct Debit Payments were authorised for payment.
Proposed: Mr. G Lloyd Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
All in favour.
92. WINSCOMBE WOODBOROUGH COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT – Mrs. P Cram
(Agenda item 11)
A new Deputy Head, Mrs. Lin Williams has now been appointed to start at Winscombe Primary school January 2007. Mrs. Williams is an Advanced Skills Teacher currently teaching at Bournville Junior School and previously in Zambia. Mrs. Cram reminded Parish Councillors that the Bonfire Night Party and Firework Display is to be held on Nov 3rd starting at 6pm. Mulled wine, chips and a barbeque would be amongst the refreshments available.
93. SANDFORD COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT
(Agenda item 12)
Rev. Slade has been in school for the recent Harvest Services. All continues to be well with the school as they head towards the end of their first term. As previously reported, representatives of Sandford Village Hall have contacted the school regarding a competition of a new logo.
94. TO APPROVE MEETING SCHEDULE JANUARY – DECEMBER 2007 Annex 4
(Agenda item 13)
It was requested that the future of the Road Safety Committee be considered as an Agenda item at the next meeting of the Parish Council and that meetings scheduled for this committee in 2007 be removed from the calendar. The Environment Committee meeting for October 2007 should be amended to 9th October.
The meeting schedule for 2007 was approved.
Proposed: Mr. A Forbes Seconded: Miss B Roper
All in favour
95. CLEAN NEIGHBOURHOODS AND ENVIRONMENT ACT 2005
CHANGES TO DOG CONTROL LEGISLATION - Mrs. A Brading Annex 5
(Agenda item 14)
Mrs. Brading had attended an information presentation evening along with the Clerk at the Winter Gardens in Weston Super Mare. It is proposed that footpaths and all public spaces will be controlled with dog control measures by North Somerset Council but Parishes are requested to advise NSC of other areas to possibly be included within the restriction. Areas must be easily defined for the Act to be enforceable. Means of enforcing this law within this Parish would be considered at a later date, but the task could not be carried out by a Parish Councillor. North Somerset Council will not provide any additional dog waste bins but could assist with signage.
It was proposed the recommendation of the Environment Committee (min 12) be supported and that no dogs should be allowed on the War Memorial Recreation Ground, on any children’s play area or any sports grounds.
Proposed: Mr. G Lloyd Seconded: Mr. S Bridges
All in favour
96. AVON LOCAL COUNCILS ASSOCIATION REPORTS – Mrs. P Cram & Mr. G Luckett Annex 6
(Agenda item 15)
No questions were received for either report.
97. REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES SUNDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2006
(Agenda item 16)
Arrangements have been made with PC Church to assist with the road crossing of Guides in Sandford. It was agreed that as in previous years, Mrs. Ballard should lay the poppy wreath in Sandford and Mr. Sampson, the Winscombe wreath. A deputy would be appointed by the Chairman to lay the Winscombe wreath should he still not be mobile.
98. CHAIRMANS’ COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr. C Sampson Annex 7
(Agenda item 17)
The minutes to the meeting had been issued to all Councillors previously. No further correspondence has been received from Parish Council Insurers.
99. AWARD LAND COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – Mr. J Westlake Annex 8
(Agenda item 18)
Three quotations to tarmac the newly created turning area at the end of Quarry Road have been requested. Mr. V Russett has been contacted for advice on repairing the forge.
Mendip Wardens have requested permission to install a base plate for a camera on the Award Land. A camera will be fitted to this up to 8 times a year to capture the changing images of the landscape.
The plate would be at ground level and not visible.
Permission should be granted to the Mendip Wardens to install the base plate for a camera on the Award Land.
Proposed: Mr. J Westlake Seconded: Miss B Roper
All in favour
100. ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr. G Lloyd
(Agenda item 19)
a.) Committee Meeting Minutes Annex 9
The flower container adjacent to the Mabbett seat has been smashed. Permission was given to the Committee Chairman to replace this immediately.
The minutes for the Environment Committee from the meeting dated 3rd October 2006. were approved and signed as a correct record by the Committee Chairman
Proposed: Miss B Roper 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.
Proposed: Mr. A Forbes Seconded: Mrs. A Brading.
All in favour
b.) Planning Inspectorate Proposed Modifications – AX3/23 at Towerhead Annex 10
A letter has been received advising that some proposed modifications to this order cannot now be made. This is because of the provisions of section 67 on the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, which came into effect on 2nd May 2006 and extinguished public rights for mechanically propelled vehicles subject to certain exceptions – apparently none of which apply in this case. The Inspectorate has advised that the continuation of the route to Ilex Lane along the road used as a public path AX3/53 will have become a restricted byway automatically on 2nd May 2006 when section 47 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 came into force, unless there is an outstanding application with North Somerset Council to record it as a Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT). The Inspector has requested that in light of these legislative changes, whether the Parish Council wish to reconsider their objection to his proposed modifications or to make further comments.
The requested response date of 1st November 2006 by the Inspectorate was considered little notice considering a decision has been awaited from this Public Enquiry for six months. The Planning Inspectorate had confirmed by letter that a mistake had been made and public rights of way footpath numbers had been recorded incorrectly in previous correspondence.
Section 67 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act is 10 pages long and not interpreted easily. Concern was expressed that an appeal could be lodged by the applicants of this BOAT application using this act and that it was the mechanism for dealing with such applications that has changed rather than the evidence.
It was proposed that the Parish Council do not withdraw their objection to the Inspector’s proposed modifications. The objection and subsequent new evidence submitted relating to the ownership of the relevant land in the 19th century and the capacity of leaseholders to dedicate any rights of way should remain.
Proposed: Miss B Roper Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
All in favour.
101. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
(Agenda item 20)
Parish Councillors were reminded about the ‘Five Village Meeting’ to be held Thursday 26th October at Winscombe Community Centre.
The meeting concluded at 9.10 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.