A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
was held Thursday 21st September 2006
Winscombe Community Centre at 7.30 p.m.
Present: Mrs. A Brading, Mr. S Bridges, 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 K Wynne.
Members of the public: two
Ward Councillors: Mr. H Parsons
Police Beat Manager: P.C.Church
Clerk: Mrs. L Rampton.
Guest Speakers: Mr. A Smith, Costain Customer Information Manager
Mr. R Fancourt, Costain Site Agent
Press Representatives: Mr. P Burton – Weston & Somerset Mercury
Apologies for absence: Mrs. M Ballard, Mr. J Bushnell, Mrs. P Cram (vice-chair), Mrs. P Witter,
Mr. J Foster Mrs. A Harley. Mr. A Lake.
62. CHAPLAIN – Ms D Powell
(Agenda item 1)
63. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST - none declared
(Agenda item 3)
64. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 20TH JULY 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
65. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES & CLERKS REPORTS– Annex 1
(Agenda item 5)
Clerks Reports Aug & Sep – Attention was drawn to the “Councillor Training” to be held in Yatton on 11th October 2006 by ALCA. It was requested that any Councillor interested in attending contact the Clerk as soon as possible.
Clerks Report Sep, Annex I. ALCA Newsletter, p2 & 8, The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 – “Through this act the Government seeks to curtail the inappropriate use of byways by motor vehicles by putting an end to claims for motor vehicles access on the basis of historical use by horse-drawn vehicles.” Clarification was requested as to how this act could effect future Byways Open to All Traffic (B.O.A.T) applications and if the act was retrospective?
66. BRISTOL WATER PLC, PIPELINE LINK FROM BANWELL TO ROWBERROW TREATMENT WORKS – Costain Mr. A Smith, Customer Information Manager & Mr. R Fancourt, Site Agent
(Agenda item 6)
Mr. Dodd, Bristol Water Representative was unable to attend this meeting.
As towns and villages expand, the consumption of water grows and the treatment works at Rowberrow are now barely able to cope with demand. Two new pipelines between the stations at Banwell and Rowberrow are to be installed through this Parish to deal with this increased demand with the majority of works crossing private land, although road closures of Shipham Lane and Ilex Lane will be unavoidable as the lanes are too narrow to safely accommodate both works and vehicles. Pedestrian access will be maintained if possible for the duration of works on Shipham Lane, but due to other services already installed along Ilex Lane leaving no alternative but to install the pipe in the centre of the road, no pedestrian access will be possible for Ilex Lane. Works for Ilex Lane are to be scheduled over two Fri – Sun week-ends with alternative pedestrian access to the Cemetery and Allotments via The Grove, the “Public Right of Way” (P.R.O.W) AX 25/42 will be closed whilst works are carried out in this area. Consideration will be given to funerals scheduled for the closure period and private arrangements will be made with the occupants of the four houses in Ilex Lane affected by the closure. Works on Shipham Lane will commence 24th Nov, being completed into the New Year but no disruption to residents will be experienced over the Christmas period. Temporary traffic lights will be in operation on Sandford Road when necessary.
The Parish Council was advised that works will be disruptive and noisy with additional lorries entering the Parish to deliver pipes, although all of these will be kept to the minimum possible. The current proposal is to install the pipeline over the Ilex Lane Bridge spanning the Strawberry Line Heritage Trail Walk, partially burying the pipe within the bridge structure, although a new verge would need to be created at the highest point of the bridge reducing the width of the carriageway as the pipe can not be fully concealed. An additional barrier/handrail would be installed at this point due to health and safety requirements.
Alternative methods of constructing a separate pipe bridge adjacent to the Ilex Lane bridge had been considered but were thought by Bristol Water to be unsightly from the walk below and the Strawberry Line Heritage Trail would need to close for several weeks to accommodate such works.
Whilst Costain representatives were unable to comment on the quality of water currently delivered to the Parish, it was considered that the pipeline upgrade was to be installed due to the quantity of water used rather than the quality of water as recently reported in the local press. A Parish Councillor had been involved in the recent testing of water delivered to households in the area and the Bristol Water conclusion to survey was that the water is of a very high quality.
Further questions from Councillors were answered by Costain representatives to include tanks discharging water into a local river, the quality of cast iron pipes & safety of Parishioners using the proposed increased height new verge.
Costain representatives are aware that the Parish Council oppose the creation of a verge and hand rail on the Ilex Lane Bridge and were again requested to consider alternative routes for the pipeline. Design drawings were given to the Clerk by Costain for public information showing current plans to span the Ilex Lane Bridge and diversionary routes during road closures.
67. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - none
(Agenda item 7)
68. CRIME REPORT 20TH JULY – 20TH SEPTEMBER 2006 – P.C.Church Annex 2
PC Church direct office no 01934 638123
(Agenda item 8)
PC. Church is willing to visit homes and offer advice on how to improve security. Avon & Somerset Constabulary also offer a free handyman service to upgrade security in homes of the elderly.
A new Area Inspector at Weston-Super-Mare has recently met with representatives of Local Action Teams and Neighbourhood Watch groups to discuss the approach to “Community Policing” and the recruitment of additional PCSOs is planned
69. TO AUTHORISE BILLS FOR PAYMENT – The Clerk Annex 3
(Agenda item 9)
It was noted that the second installment precept has been received from NSC
Business Account Chqs 101853 – 101893 and WMRG Chqs 100240 - 100253 were authorised for payment in addition to reported Direct Debit Payments
Proposed: Mrs. M Brading Seconded: Mr. S Bridges
All in favour.
Mr. A Burton, press representative left the meeting at 8.15 pm.
70. WINSCOMBE WOODBOROUGH COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT – Mrs. P Cram Annex 4
(Agenda item 10)
The report prepared by Mrs. Cram was read by the Chairman
71. SANDFORD COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT
(Agenda item 11)
The new school year has started with school numbers high – 133 pupils. As recently reported in the local press, a teacher from the school has been charged and the police case is pending. It was emphasized that the charges are in no way linked with Sandford Primary School or to any of the pupils there. Until all legal aspects have ended, no further comment on this matter will be given.
72. TO APPROVE MEETING SCHEDULE NOV-DEC 2006 FOR INCLUSION IN LOCAL PUBLICATIONS Annex 5
(Agenda item 12)
The meeting schedule was approved for publication in local magazines
Proposed: Ms D Powell Seconded: Mr. G Luckett
All in favour
73. INTERNAL AUDIT RECOMMENDATIONS 2005/2006 – Mr. M Hagen Annex 6
(Agenda item 13)
i) War Memorial Recreation Ground Committee
As requested by the Council, a meeting had taken place with WMRG Committee representatives where internal audit recommendations were discussed and measures agreed to address issues.
It was proposed that the War Memorial Recreation Ground Committee Financial dealings are brought back into the main Parish Council business account and the two separate bank accounts amalgamated.
Proposed: Mr. M Hagen Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
All in favour
ii) Internal Auditor Position
As previously reported to the Council, the Internal Audit position is currently vacant. Mr. Hagen outlined the roles and responsibilities of internal and external audit functions to the Council. Research into how other similar Parish Councils fulfill this requirement has been carried out and details of Internal Auditors and accountancy firms willing to tender for this position been obtained. A sum of £300 has been included within the 2006/07 budget although this may not meet the full costs of a professional internal audit.
Competitive proposals should be sought from interested persons for the position of internal auditor to the Parish Council for a fixed term and findings reported to the Council.
Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Miss B Roper
All in favour
Mr. Hagen and The Clerk should now approach interested parties
Proposed: Miss B Roper Seconded: Ms D Powell
All in favour
74. PARISH COUNCIL STANDING ORDERS
(Agenda item 14)
Councillors were issued with a full copy of Standing Orders and associated documents adopted by this Council. This document has been copied into a usable size, easily amended and is to be used as a living document. “Terms of Reference” were requested from the Finance and Road Safety Committee. Miss Roper was thanked by the Council for her considerable input in producing this document.
Parish Council Standing Orders and associated documents issued to Councillors were accepted.
Proposed: Mr. S Bridges Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
All in favour
75. TO APPOINT A SECOND PARISH COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE TO WINSCOMBE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION.
(Agenda item 15)
There were no volunteers for this position, Mr. Westlake will continue as sole Parish Council representative until the next Annual Meeting of the Parish Council.
76. REGISTER OF ELECTORS – ANNUAL CANVASS 2006
(Agenda item 16)
North Somerset Council is seeking canvassers from the Parish Council to visit non-responding properties during a three week period commencing 21st October 2006. Visits are to be made during daylight hours at week-ends and from 5.30 pm onwards on weekdays. A fee will be paid for each property visited. There were no interested parties.
77. PLAY AREA AND SKATE PARK COMMITTEE REPORT – Mrs. A Brading Annex 7
(Agenda item 17)
Tender applications for the proposed Play Area at the War Memorial Recreation Ground were considered to be of a very high standard by the Committee members present and finance options are still being considered. All play equipment considered “high risk” on inspection reports has now been removed.
The minutes of the Play Area and Skate Park Committee from the meeting dated 18th September 2006. were approved and signed as a correct record by the Committee Chairman.
Proposed: Mr. A Forbes 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: Miss B Roper Seconded: Mr. G Lloyd
All in favour
78. AWARD LAND COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – Mr. J Westlake Annex 8
(Agenda item 18)
Works to clear the area for the information board have now been carried out, resulting in a larger turning bay at the end of Quarry Road. The waste collection truck will now be able to turn in this bay rather than reversing down the road. Mr. Westlake spoke about the management plan for the Award Land written by Mr. Bill Ayres that will be submitted to the Forestry Commission after an accurate map has been obtained from Mr. V Russet, NSC Archaeologist. Notices should then be posted on the notice boards advising that a copy of the management plan is available from the Parish Office.
The Management Plan for the Award Land, written by Mr. Bill Ayres was accepted by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
All in favour
Mr. Westlake requested permission to accept quotations from Stan Ellis for the clearance of Mike’s Path and Uplands Path and the removal of barbed wire at £164 & £140
Proposed: Mr. J Westlake Seconded: Mr. G Lloyd.
All in favour.
79. ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr. G Lloyd Annex 9
(Agenda item 19)
The minutes for the Environment Committee from the meeting dated 5th September 2006. were approved and signed as a correct record by the Committee Chairman
Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Miss B Roper
All Committee members present in favour
Min 10b) The Church have now supplied written consent to the Parish Council Environment Committee to investigate alternative methods to increase the height of the seat.
Min 11) The Parish Guide should now be advertised for sale on the web-site and a letter of thanks should be sent to Mr. Geoff Newland for his considerable efforts in upgrading the Parish Council web-site free of charge.
Min 14) Considerable delays are still being experienced for the replacement of two columns in Sidcot on Fountain Lane and Newcombe Lane. Complaints have been received from local residents who have been without lighting for a year, the delay is considered a danger in this area frequently used by a large number of children.
Miss Roper proposed, seconded by Mr. Lloyd that the Clerk sends a letter encouraging SEC & WPD to proceed with these works as soon as possible. All in favour.
Min 3b) over the past week, clearance of the recycling site behind the Woodborough Inn was not considered to be quite as appalling as previously experienced. The request of the WMRG Committee to install a second site in the Recreation Ground car park could alleviate some of the problems being experienced. Confirmation should be obtained from NSC that recycling bins will be removed from the WMRG car park at the request of the Parish Council should problems occur.
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
80. WAR MEMORIAL RECREATION GROUND COMMITTEE REPORT Annex 10
(Agenda item 20)
Min 4.4 It was reported by Mr. Bridges that the Cricket Club continue to seek builders quotations.
Min 4.5 The WMRG Committee would like dogs banned from the Recreation Ground.
A water leak has been discovered from the stop cock and pipes that run beneath the changing rooms, a new short pipe is to be installed to resolve the problem and the WMRG Treasurer has entered into negotiations for a rebate on water charges made.
On initial consultation, Sidcot School Governors appear amenable to car parking space in Longfield. A more detailed proposal is to be submitted to the school by the WMRG Committee.
Investigation into the ownership to the lane leading to the recreation ground car park continues with Parish Council Solicitors. Documentation proving that the Parish Council has maintained this roadway dating back to 1951 has been found at the Parish Office and forwarded to Bennetts & Mr. Westlake will be required to sign a declaration.
The decisions of the Committee were considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mr. G Lloyd Seconded: Mr. J Westlake
All in favour
81. CEMETERY & ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT – Ms D Powell Annex 11
(Agenda item 21)
As a quorum of this Committee was not present at the scheduled meeting, a site meeting took place with recommendations to be ratified by the Parish Council (recommendations are recorded in italics).
Ms Powell outlined recommendations made by the Committee for approval and advised the Council that the water pipe will cross the bridge on Ilex Lane, although the method was yet undecided.
Fresh flowers have been placed on the grave with a tree growing, although no response has been received to the first letter sent. A dry summer was thought partly responsible for some allotment plots not being up to their usual standard.
The decisions of the Committee were considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mr. G Luckett Seconded: Mr. J Westlake
All in favour
With his consent, Mr. G Luckett was co-opted onto the Cemetery & Allotment Committee
Proposed: Mr. S Bridges Seconded: Mr. G Lloyd
10 in favour, Mr. Luckett abstained.
82. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
(Agenda item 22)
Mr. Bridges advised that the Sidcot School planning application 06/P/1632/F for the demolition of existing buildings and erection of a two storey extension to create a new creative and performing arts centre had been passed by the South Area Committee earlier that week with only the roof design to be reconsidered in “reserved matters”.
The meeting concluded at 9.20 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.