A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
was held Thursday 20th July 2006
Winscombe Community Centre at 7.30 p.m.
Present: Mrs. M Ballard (arrived during the meeting), Mrs. A Brading, Mr. S Bridges, Mrs. P Cram (vice-chair), Mr. A Forbes, 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: two
Ward Councillors: Mrs. A Harley
Parish Liaison Officer: Mr. J Foster
Clerk: Mrs. L Rampton.
Guest Speaker: Mr. A Mallender, NSC Strawberry Line Heritage Trail Project Officer
Press Representatives: Mr. O Hulme – Cheddar Valley Gazette
Mr. G Jones – freelance reporter
Apologies for absence: Mr. J Bushnell, Mr. M Hagen, PC Church
43. CHAPLAIN – Miss B Roper
(Agenda item 1)
44. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST - none declared
(Agenda item 3)
45. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 15TH JUNE 2006.
(Agenda item 4)
The minutes of the meeting were accepted and signed as a correct record.
Proposed: Mr. A Forbes Seconded: Mrs. A Brading
All in favour
46. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES & CLERKS REPORTS– Annex 1
(Agenda item 5)
Min 33 Sandford Stone Site – no further progress to report regarding the requested meeting.
Min 37 Tractor purchase WMRG – the WMRG Orderly took delivery of the new tractor yesterday.
Min 42 Knightstone Housing – two applicants have been selected from those that applied to Knightstone Housing for the Homebuy fund to assist with property purchase within the Parish.
47. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
(Agenda item 6)
Winscombe Square – Mr. R Starr.
As a resident living close to the Square, Mr. Star expressed his dissatisfaction with the recent works carried out to this area. He felt that the money could have been better spent replacing the faded road markings at this complicated junction.
48. STRAWBERRY LINE HERITAGE TRAIL – WORKS UPDATE – Mr. A Mallender, NSC Strawberry Line Heritage Trail Project Officer
(Agenda item 7)
Mr. Mallender reported on works that have been carried out recently and advised of future plans for the Strawberry Line.
A number of improvements have been made to the route between Winscombe & Sandford that include the widening of the path along side Sandford Station from 1m to 3m in width. Additional land behind The Grove has been purchased from Mooseheart to enable this section of the path to also be widened, maintaining existing trees but planting a new hedge line alongside the recently installed post and rail fence. The ramp access onto the Millennium Green is now complete as is the upgraded path at Ilex Lane. Barriers have been installed at access points to prevent motor cycles passing through onto the line whilst still allowing entry to allowed users. The base of the barriers are to be filled in to allow dogs to walk over these and replanting is planned for the Autumn to replace hedgerow removed. A planting scheme for the area adjacent to the public conveniences is being drawn up and the future maintenance of this will rest with North Somerset Council. Agreements are being finalised with The Millennium Green Trust and the Parish Council.
Lights have been installed in the railway tunnel that will be solar powered and operational during daylight hours only. The solar panel is to be situated close by on the roof of an animal shelter. As a walker had advised that the lights could be a trip hazard in the dark, it was considered that signage advising of the lights and the hours of operation should be displayed.
Signs are currently being made for the walk. Fingerpost signs at entry points will advise of direction and distance and signs at Winscombe will advise of local services available. Half railway sleepers will be placed long the walk giving symbols and further signage.
The footpath diversion route between Thatchers Orchard and Nye Road is to be surfaced.
All works are expected to be complete by Spring 2007.
£100,000 is expected to be spent on the Strawberry Line Heritage Trail within the Parish in this financial year and therefore the annual financial contribution made by the Parish Council is very welcome as this assists in securing other funding.
Beyond the Parish in Yatton, grant approval has now been given to open a café that will revert into a cycle hire shop after one year. The other end of the line is also served with a cycle hire shop in Cheddar.
It was reported that a local resident on a mobility scooter was very impressed with the improvements made to the Strawberry Line until they came to the bottom of the newly installed ramp by Woodborough Road railway bridge. At this point they were unable to leave the railway line walk through the gate belonging to the Millennium Green Trust as it was not sufficiently wide enough! NSC is currently in negotiation with the Millennium Green Committee about replacing this gate, although no decision has been reached by the Committee. It was requested that the Clerk write to The Millennium Green Trust outlining this incident and suggesting the removal of the gate in the interim period until a decision is made about the replacement. Mr. Mallender will offer to place a field gate in this position as a temporary measure.
Mr. Mallender answered questions from Parish Councillors that included the procedure involved when working around badger sets and confirmed that cattle were now no longer able to gain access onto the Strawberry Line Walk.
49. CRIME REPORT 15TH JUNE – 20TH JULY 2006 – Mr. S Bridges
PC Church direct office no 01934 638123
(Agenda item 8)
An abbreviated crime report has been supplied this month due to IT problems at Avon & Somerset Police Headquarters. 7 crimes have been reported during this period, broken down as follows:
2 x attempted bilking
1 x criminal damage
1 x fraud
3 x theft
The number of calls and detection rate are unavailable. Crime tends to be in the area of vehicle crime, theft from more than theft of vehicles. This could be due to more cars being left with property on show at local beauty spots whilst the owners take advantage of the pleasant weather.
A report in the local press advised that incidents of violent crime in Avon and North Somerset are down by 4%.
50. TO AUTHORISE BILLS FOR PAYMENT – The Clerk Annex 2
(Agenda item 9)
Business Account Chqs 101826 – 101852 and WMRG Chqs 100237 - 100239 were authorised for payment in addition to reported Direct Debit Payments
Proposed: Mrs. P Cram Seconded: Mr. G Luckett
All in favour.
51. RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND APPROVAL OF THE ANNUAL RETURN Annex 3
(Agenda item 10)
The attention of the Council was drawn to min.15, Internal Audit – Clerks Salary in accordance with NALC/SLCC Guidance and the recording and verification of minutes (Parish Council and Committee meetings) by the Chairman. It was considered that a common system for the recording and verification of minutes should be in place and a discussion ensued.
Resolved: Committee Meeting minutes will be approved by the Committee and signed by the Committee Chairman at the Parish Council Meeting following the Committee meeting. This will apply to all Parish Council Committees which are composed solely of Parish Councillors.
Proposed: Mr. G Lloyd Seconded: Miss B Roper
9 in favour, 1 abstention
An appropriate amendment to Parish Council standing orders should be made.
After the approval of Committee meeting minutes, the decisions of the Committee will be considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council.
The Clerk has contacted Mrs. A Richmond and verbally discussed the position of Internal Auditor to the Parish Council. Mrs. Richmond is happy to assume this role and will start works from the period commencing April 2006. Mrs. Richmond will meet with The Clerk and Mr. Lund (temporary internal auditor to the Parish Council) to familarise herself with the responsibilities of this role and to discuss the position further.
Min 16 i) The basis for recharge of utility bills to the sports clubs had been investigated and explained by the Clerk and Finance Assistant to the satisfaction of Mr. Hagen. This matter along with minutes and the manner in which the War Memorial Recreation Ground Committee is treated in relation to all other Parish Council Committees will be addressed over the coming months. Mr. Bridges and Mr. Forbes offered to accompany the Clerk to meetings with the WRMG officers.
i) Section 1 – The Statement of Accounts
The Clerk had issued the completed statement of accounts, consolidated income and expenditure account, bank reconciliation and balance sheet for the period 1st April 2005 – 31st March 2006 with the Agenda to the meeting.
Questions were invited from the Council – there were none.
Resolved: The Accounts were approved by the Council and duly signed by the Chairman.
Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Mr. S Bridges
All in favour
(a.) Section 2 – Statement of Assurance
The Annual Internal Audit report to the Parish Council was considered by the Parish Council and the Statement of Assurance had been issued along with the Agenda to the meeting. Questions were invited from the Parish Council – no questions were received.
Resolved: The Statement of Assurance was approved by the Council and duly completed and signed by the Chairman.
Proposed: Mr. G Lloyd Seconded: Mrs. P Cram
All in favour
The minutes for the Finance Committee from the meeting dated 3rd July 2006. were approved and signed as a correct record by the Committee Chairman
Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Mr. G Luckett
All Committee members present in favour
The decisions of the Committee were considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Mrs. P Cram
All in favour
52. REPORT ON ALCA MEETING - Mrs. P Cram Annex 4
(Agenda item 11)
As the main speaker at the ALCA meeting had also addressed this Parish Council on the same topic, there was little to add to this report. Questions were invited from the Parish Council but there were none.
53. FAMILY FUN DAY – SCOUT FUNDRAISING EVENT AT WMRG
(Agenda item 12)
A request has been received from Mr. N Sweet, Scout Leader for permission to use the training area at the WMRG for a family fund raising event on either Sunday 3rd or Saturday 16th September 2006. This would assist three Winscombe Scouts trying to raise funds to allow them to attend the World Jamboree next year.
Confirmation has been received from the Chairman, WMRG Committee that the request for either of these dates is acceptable during the afternoon, although it is likely that a football match will be taking place on the adjacent pitch.
Resolved: Permission to use the training ground on Sun 3rd or Sat 16th September 2006 during the afternoon is given to Winscombe Scout Group to assist in fund raising efforts for the 2007 Scout World Jamboree.
Proposed: Mr S Bridges Seconded: Mrs P Cram
All in favour
The Clerk should investigate the possibilities of making a donation from the Moot account and report to the Parish Council at the next meeting. It was noted at this point that the Guides in Sandford have been fund raising or the past two years for chalet trip to Switzerland.
54. SCREENING OF FOOTBALL PITCH FENCE AT WMRG Annex 5
(Agenda item 13)
The plan showing fence and gate positions issued with the agenda to the meeting was considered by the Parish Council. The chairman, treasurer and secretary of the WMRG Committee have also been issued with copy plans and have confirmed their approval. The Orderly has advised that the fence location will allow easier cutting of the grass verge.
Winscombe AFC have been advised (letter of 2nd Feb 2006) that the installation, maintenance and removal of this screening along with all associated works will be the responsibility of Winscombe AFC and works will only be carried out after consultation with the Parish Council. Maintenance of the fence to comply with health and safety requirements will also be carried out at the expense of Winscombe AFC. To comply with the constitution of the War Memorial Recreation Ground Committee, gaps will be left in the fence to allow “free and unhindered access to all” and should gates be added to the fencing, these will be locked in an open position.
Health & Safety matters have been addressed and a preferred working method issued to J & G Fencing by Harness-it, Health and Safety Advisors to the Parish Council. A representative from Harness-it will meet with contractors on site as works commence.
It was proposed that Winscombe AFC may now proceed with the installation of the agreed fencing at the War Memorial Recreation Ground.
Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
All in favour
55. WINSCOMBE WOODBOROUGH COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT – Mrs. P Cram
(Agenda item 14)
An alfresco performance by the children of the musical Pirates of Penzance has been held in the school grounds and an open day held so that parents were able to visit classrooms and view students work. The leavers service and cream teas for helpers are to be held next Monday. Deputy Head Teacher, Mr. Doswell was wished success in his new job, but the school would be sorry to see him go.
56. SANDFORD COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT – Mrs. P Witter
(Agenda item 15)
The school term finishes Monday 24th July 2006 and 23 pupils will move onto secondary education.
23 Peer Mediators aged between 9 & 11 have received an award from Princess Diana’s charity recognising their efforts to prevent bullying within the school. This is a major accolade and the school is very proud of all involved. A new catering contract has been agreed with lunches being provided to 11 schools in the cluster The village hall committee has invited children to design a new logo for the hall
Forms are now available to register children entering reception class in 2007 from the school office or North Somerset Council.
57. ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr. S Bridges Annex 6
(Agenda item 16)
A report by the Committee Chairman updating the Council on previous actions was issued at the Parish Council meeting as no meeting of this committee has taken place.
Sandmead Road missing chevrons on the corner towards Churchill Green and an overgrown hedge are considered a problem. Potholes can be directly reported to NSC
58. AWARD LAND COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT & MINUTES– Mr. J Westlake Annex 7
(Agenda item 17)
The minutes for the Award Land Committee from the meeting dated 17th July 2006. were approved and signed as a correct record by the Committee Chairman with an amendment being made min 7, 5th line ‘hold’ replacing ‘hole’.
Proposed: Mrs. P Cram Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
All Committee members present in favour
Mr. Westlake requested permission to accept the stone move quotation from Steve Bailey, Bobcat Services of £400,
Proposed: Mr. S Bridges Seconded: Mr. G Lloyd. All in favour.
Volunteers may be requested when works take place to warn footpath users.
Mr. Luckett will arrange for a free estimate from a surveyor to digitally map the Award Land
Mrs. Ballard arrived at the meeting.
Confirmation should be sought as to when any grant funding, if successful, will be paid from the forestry commission. The Parish Council may have to pay for the management plan in advance of this. Volunteers were requested to attend and man the Parish Council stall at the Michaelmas Fair in September.
The decisions of the Committee were considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mr. S Bridges Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
All in favour
59. ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr. G Lloyd Annex 8
(Agenda item 18)
The minutes for the Environment Committee from the meeting dated 11th July 2006. were approved and signed as a correct record by the Committee Chairman subject to min 11 b iv) ‘disks containing’ being removed.
Proposed: Mr. A Forbes Seconded: Mrs. A Brading
All Committee members present in favour
Winscombe Square has today been renovated as agreed by the Environment Committee and Parish Council. The results were considered excellent by those Councillors that have seen these completed works. The former earth mound was considered unsightly by residents living in sight of this area and previous efforts to plant bulbs etc.. to make this more pleasurable to view were not successful as these were trampled on. The paved enhancement is considered not only much tidier but also a much safer area for the school children to wait for school buses each day.
The location for the soon to be delivered grit bin for this area is yet to be decided.
Mrs. Cram has also received comment from a Parishioner regarding the Square enhancement who claims to be too busy to read Parish Council minutes available for the public to view at a number of places.
Mr. Bridges has obtained from North Somerset Council a new map showing public rights of way and public highways.
Further questions regarding the minutes were asked and answered by the Committee Chairman.
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
60. CEMETERY & ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT – Ms D Powell Annex 9
(Agenda item 19)
The minutes for the Cemetery & Allotment Committee from the meeting dated 23rd June 2006. were approved and signed as a correct record by the Committee Chairman
Proposed: Mr. C Sampson Seconded: Mrs. P Witter
All Committee members present in favour
It was requested that the Clerk contact Bristol Water to enquire if it is possible to install a new pipe route to the stand pipe at the allotments.
The allotment waiting list continues to grow, it is therefore recommended that as whole plots are relinquished, these be divided into half plots. Priority is still to be given to Winscombe & Sandford residents and from this date, waiting list order priority will be given to new allotment holders.
Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Mr. S Bridges All in favour
It has been noted that in addition to the reported tree planted on a grave, a rosebush is growing on a separate grave. Solar powered lights are also considered inappropriate in this rural setting. The Clerk should telephone or write to the relatives requesting removal of these items.
The tree planted along the boundary line, with the permission of the Parish Council in memory of a loved one has now been pruned as requested.
Three applications have been received for the vacant position of Cemetery Orderly. The Committee Chairman and Clerk should meet with the applicants and a suitable candidate appointed.
The decisions of the Committee were considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mr. A Forbes Seconded: Mr. G Luckett
All in favour
61. ANY OTHER BUSINESS -none
(Agenda item 20)
The meeting concluded at 9.15 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.