THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

was held Thursday 18th May 2006

Winscombe Community Centre at 7.30 p.m.

 

Present:         Mrs. M Ballard, Mrs. A Brading, Mr. S Bridges, Mr. A Forbes, Mr. G Lloyd, Ms. D Powell (vice-chair), Miss B Roper, Mr. J Westlake, Mrs. P Witter, Mrs. K Wynne

 

Members of the public:                 four

District Councillors:                                  Mr. A Lake

Parish Liaison Officer:                  Mr. J Foster

Police Beat Manager:                   PC Church

Clerk:                                               Mrs. L Rampton.

 

Press Representatives:               Mr. P Burton – Weston & Somerset Mercury

           

Apologies for absence:                    Mrs. P Cram (vice-chair), Mr. C Sampson (chairman), Mr. G Luckett, Mrs. A Harley

 

In the absence of Mr. Sampson, Ms Powell took the Chair

 

1.         CHAPLAIN – Mr. J Westlake

(Agenda item 1)

 

2.                  TO ELECT A NEW CHAIRMAN

(Agenda item 3)

Nominee Mr. C Sampson (1 nomination received for Mr. C Sampson)

Mr. C Sampson was elected Chairman.

 

3.                  TO RECEIVE THE CHAIRMAN’S DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE

(Agenda item 4)

The Declaration of Acceptance of Office will be signed in front of, and collected by the Clerk following this meeting.

 

4.                  TO ELECT TWO VICE-CHAIRMEN

(Agenda item 5)

Nominees’ Mrs. P Cram and Ms. D Powell were elected.

 

5.                  CO-OPTION OF PARISH COUNCILLORS

(Agenda item 6)

As Councillors have previously been advised, Councillor Symons has resigned and the Notice of Casual Vacancy in the Office of Councillor been advertised in the required manner. NSC has confirmed that no request for a poll has been received during the requisite period set out in the notice and that the Parish Council may now proceed in accordance with statutory requirements to fill both vacancies by co-option.

 

Letters of application have been received from Mr. M Hagen and Mr. J Bushnell, copies of which were circulated with the Agenda papers to the April Parish Council meeting. The vacant position of Parish Councillor has been advertised on Parish notice boards until today with no further applications being received. Councillors were advised that they were not obliged to elect candidates onto the Parish Council; either/both positions may remain vacant.

 

 

It was proposed that the selection of 2 Councillors take place by secret ballot.

Proposed:      Mrs. A Brading                      Seconded:     Mr. S Bridges

All in favour

Mr. J Foster assisted The Clerk in the circulating and collecting of voting papers and the recording of votes.

 

The Clerk advised that Mr. Bushnell and Mr. Hagen had both unanimously been co-opted onto the Parish Council.

 

Ms Powell welcomed Mr. Bushnell and Mr. Hagen onto the Council and advised that the Declarations of Acceptance of Office will be signed in front of, and collected by the Clerk following this meeting.

 

6.         TO APPOINT PARISH REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES Annex 1

(Agenda item 7)

Mrs. Brading requested that she be appointed as Parish Council Representative to the Cheddar Valley Railway Walk Society.           

 

It was proposed that the Representatives to outside Bodies and Committee Structure were elected en-masse.

Proposed:                  Mr. J Westlake          Seconded:     Mr. G Lloyd

All in favour.

 

            The representatives to Outside Bodies named in Annex 1 were elected.

            Proposed:                  Mr. A Forbes              Seconded:     Mrs. P Witter

All in favour

 

An additional Parish Council Representative is required for the Winscombe Community Centre Association and this should be considered as an Agenda item at the next meeting of the Parish Council.

 

7.         TO APPOINT PARISH COUNCIL COMMITTEE STRUCTURE Annex 2

(Agenda item 8)

As the Community Safety Local Action Team had been placed in abeyance in 2004 due to lack of volunteers, this should now be removed from the Committee Structure List.

 

Nominations were received, with the consent of those Councillors’ for the Planning, Environment, Cemetery & Allotments, Award Land, War Memorial Recreation Ground, Youth Club, Skate Park/Play Area and Road Safety Committees. Newly co-opted Councillors had previously indicted to the Clerk their committee preferences.

The Chairmen’s Committee should consist of all Chairmen elected by their relevant Committee.

The Parish Council Chairman & Vice-Chairmen act as ex-officio members on all Committees of the Council.

 

The Finance Committee should consist of all Chairman elected by their relevant Committee with the addition of Mrs. K Wynne and Mr. M Hagen as ex-officio members. The necessary amendment should be made to Parish Council Standing Orders.

 

Proposed:                  Mr. G Lloyd                Seconded:     Miss B Roper

All in favour

 

The Parish Council Committee Structure nominees named in Annex 2 were elected.

            Proposed:                  Mr. A Forbes              Seconded:     Mr. S Bridges

All in favour

 

An additional Parish Council Representative is required for the War Memorial Recreation Ground Committee and this should be considered as an Agenda item at the next meeting of the Parish Council.

 

8.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – none declared

(Agenda item 9)

 

9.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 20TH APRIL 2006.

(Agenda item 10)

The minutes of the meeting were approved as a correct record subject to the following amendments:

Min 197 – point 3 of Mr. Ballard’s comments should refer to an industrial tip close to the AONB.

Min 204 - first line, effect being replaced with affect.

Min 209 – last paragraph first line, Mr. Dennis to be amended to Mr. Davies.

Min 210 – third paragraph, credit should be given to Mr. Lloyd & Mrs. Harley

 

Proposed:      Mrs. A Brading                      Seconded:     Mr. A Forbes

All in favour

 

10.       MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES & CLERKS REPORTS– Annex 3

            (Agenda item 11)

Clerk’s Report

Code of Conduct, Making Declarations of Interest – a discussion ensued in which some Councillors

expressed concern regarding the disclosure of personal information during a public meeting, this could lead to Councillors not attending a meeting in which they must declare a personal interest. Councillors were reminded that they had all signed a declaration agreeing to abide by the code of conduct. Prejudicial interests must be declared or Councillors could be reported to the Standards Board for investigation and possible punishment. Personal interests are declared at the discretion of Councillors and the decision to declare or not rests with the individual.

Strawberry Line Management Committee – minutes to the meeting held 3rd May 2006 were issued to Councillors at this meeting.

Licence Applications made to NSC – Grant of Licence application has been made by The Community Centre, Sandford Road, Winscombe.

Sandford Stone Site, Station Road, Sandford – Mr. White, Media Consultant to the Bird Group had today contacted the Parish Office to request a meeting with the Parish Council in July 2006. Resolved: This should be included as an Agenda item at the next Parish Council meeting to discuss the format of the meeting to take place.

Additional Green Waste Collection Sacks – NSC has now run out of supplies of additional sacks with next delivery anticipated mid-June. A supply of plain paper sacks will be distributed to outlets early June that can be used although it is not known if a charge will be made for these.

Min 197 Public Participation – Parish Council web-site – The correct MP details have been shown on the web-site since the redesign and update to this commenced late 2005/early 2006. Minutes and Agenda have only been accessible via the new site. To avoid any confusion, the link to the old web-pages have been removed and Mr. Ellis advised.

 

11.       PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - none

(Agenda item 12)

 

12.       CRIME REPORT 19th April – 18th May 2006 – PC Church  Annex 4

PC Church  direct office no 01934 638123

(Agenda item 13)

PC Church advised that representatives of North Somerset Council will be attending the Police Surgery next Tuesday with a view to making an assessment regarding the much requested pedestrian crossing point close to Birds Bakery, Woodborough Road. This action was commended by the Chairman of the Environment Committee.

 

PC Church offered seasonal advice regarding items left on display in motor vehicles to avoid theft. The display of posters issued the Police and available at the weekly surgery was thought to reduce theft from these vehicles by as much as 25-30% and car alarms are still considered effective.

 

Details of cars reported to be driving without lights along the Lynch after dark should be given to PC Church.

Articles this week in the press advise that the poor police detection rate within NS last year has been improved upon.

 

13.       TO AUTHORISE BILLS FOR PAYMENT – The Clerk Annex 5

(Agenda item 14)

The first instalment of precept payment from North Somerset Council has been received and banked late April.

Business Account Chqs 101782 – 101801 and WMRG Chqs 100227 - 100231 were authorised for payment in addition to reported Direct Debit Payments

Proposed:      Mr. A Forbes                          Seconded:     Mr. J Westlake

All in favour.

 

The Winscombe Wooborough County Primary School Report has been included within this months Clerk’s Report due to the absence of Mrs. Cram.

 

14.        SANDFORD COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT – Mrs. P Witter

(Agenda item 15)

Mrs. Witter has recently completed a day in school whilst the Year 6 pupils were sitting SATS exams, results are due for these early July. Year 3 & 4 pupils have had an enjoyable trip to Kilve Court and the school will be participating in a ‘walk to school’ NSC initiative next week. The wildlife garden is progressing well, assisted by local businesses for which the school is grateful.

Mr. Westlake has attended the Primary School to present the musket balls recently found in the vicinity – these have been passed around the classes.

 

            Mr. Westlake was thanked for the supplying the Parish Office with a presentation frame also containing musket balls.

 

15.       RESPONSE TO WINSCOMBE COMMUNITY SURVEY Annex 6

(Agenda item 16)

It was proposed that a response as outlined in annex 6 is sent to the organising group of the Winscombe Survey, welcoming them to attend any future Parish Council and Committee meetings.

Proposed:      Mrs. A Brading                                  Seconded:     Mr. A Forbes

8 in favour, 2 abstained.

 

16.       WAR MEMORIAL RECREATION GROUND – INSTALLATION OF APPROVED FENCING

(Agenda item 17)

The fencing approved at the January 2006 meeting of the Parish Council is to be installed at the expense of the football club mid June. The fencing will be of the style seen by Parish Councillors at Portishead and will have five gates accessing the pitch. The War Memorial Committee has requested that the football club forward a plan showing locations of access points to both the Committee and Parish Office.   

 

 

17.       RE-IMBURSEMENT OF COST OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO A PARISHIONER

            (Agenda item 18)

Upon spotting a fire in a North Somerset Council litter bin located at the junction of Belmont Road and Sidcot Lane, a gentleman stopped his car and used his personal fire extinguisher to put out the flames. This prompt action saved the litter bin from destruction before the fire brigade arrived to ensure the flames were properly doused.

 

It was proposed that the Parish Council reimburse the gentleman with the cost of a new extinguisher at approx £22.

Proposed:      Mr. G Lloyd                            Seconded:     Mrs. P Witter

All in favour

 

18.       AWARD LAND COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – Mr. J Westlake Annex 7

(Agenda item 19)

A meeting had taken place as requested at the last meeting of the Parish Council with Mr. G (Chris) Ballard and Mr. Harley. Councillors present were Mr. Westlake, Mr. Forbes and Mrs. Brading. 

Mr. G Ballard insists still that the tree cut down by Mr. Webb on the Award Land is an ash tree and is seeking further advice to prove this. Councillors were sceptical that the recently cut ash trunk presented to the Environment Committee, and thought to have been obtained from Mr. Webb’s wood pile actually came from the same very dead stump in question on the Award Land.

 

Arrangements should be made to remove the barbed wire from the top of a fence on the Award Land and a tree expert consulted as to the maintenance of the woodland.

 

The text for the plaque to be placed at the Award Land was agreed with the addition of the word ‘other’ before the final word ‘animals’.

Proposed:      Mr. G Lloyd                            Seconded:     Mr. A Forbes

All in favour

 

The minutes of this Committee were accepted by the Council.

Proposed:      Mr. G Lloyd                Seconded:     Mrs. A Brading

All in favour

 

19.       ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr. G Lloyd  Annex 8

(Agenda item 20)

Following receipt of a letter from the Inspectorate some doubt was expressed as to the status of AX3/53 and AX29/70, were these still considered a RUPP or a restricted byway? The Clerk should send an e-mail enquiry to NSC public rights of way along with a copy of the Inspectors letter.

The letter also advised that the only way to challenge a decision made by the Inspector is in the High Court once a final decision has been published.

Land owners at Ilex Lane, including the Parish Council have not been consulted regarding the Towerhead BOAT application and it was considered distressing for residents to learn of the Inspector’s comments in this report.

 

Resolved: That a letter of complaint be sent to the Quality Assessment Unit concerning the Inspectors comments on Ilex Lane during the Towerhead BOAT enquiry, copied to our local MP.  These comments could prejudice any future application made for Ilex Lane.

Proposed:      Mr. A Forbes              Seconded:     Mrs. A Brading

All in favour

 

Mr. Westlake requested that North Somerset Council take action regarding the closure of footpaths on land owned by High Action Ltd. Mr. Foster offered to investigate.

The minutes  for this Committee were accepted by the Council.

            Proposed:      Mr. J Westlake          Seconded:     Mr. A Forbes             

All in favour

 

 

20.       PLAY AREAS & SKATE PARK COMMITTEE REPORT – Mrs. A Brading Annex 9

(Agenda item 21)

Mrs. Brading requested that the recommendation of the Committee, ‘that the Infant Play Area at the WMRG is replaced as one unit rather than piecemeal’ be added to the minutes of the meeting held 25th April 2006.

Committee members had visited Ashcombe Park WSM and thought this very impressive. Further graphics have been received following suggestions received during the public consultation being incorporated into the design.

Grant funding is now to be applied for and companies asked for sponsorship of shelters and bins. The Youth Club should be asked if they would like to help raise funds towards this project.  

 

The minutes of this Committee were accepted by the Council.

Proposed:      Mr. G Lloyd                Seconded:     Mr. A Forbes

All in favour

 

21.       CEMETERY & ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE – Ms D Powell

(Agenda item 22)

            During the upgrade to improve access onto the Strawberry Line, a hedge has been removed leaving the Parish Council allotments exposed. No contact has been received from North Somerset Council Legal Department regarding the lease of this land.

            Harris fencing has been positioned to enclose the allotment area on a temporary basis until this matter is discussed by the Committee at their next meeting.

 

            A report in the local press implied that Banwell Parish Council had contacted this Parish Council by letter regarding the purchase of land for allotments and a cemetery. No letter has been received although their Clerk has contacted the Office by telephone to ascertain how our Cemetery and Allotments work in tandem.

 

            Mr. Westlake requested that items removed from the garage at the Cemetery for restoration be returned to this storage place. Mrs. Brading requested that a mower belonging to the Railway Walk also be stored. These matters will be discussed by the Committee.

 

22.       ANY OTHER BUSINESS

(Agenda item 23)

A film is currently being made in Wells about a fictitious city of Sandford. The millennium stones in Sandford were filmed by the news crew reporting on this.

 

Recent consultations have been carried out concerning changes to the Primary Care Trust health care for this area. The Government was considering proposals to merge this region with other counties or to retain existing boundaries. An announcement has now been made to keep the North Somerset PCT and to merge the two Bristol areas – this was considered excellent news and an example of what can be achieved with local support from many organisations.

 

It is with regret that we learn that our NS Streets and Open Spaces Area Officer, Helen MacBean will be leaving the employ of North Somerset Council end May 2006. No replacement has yet been appointed.  

 

The meeting concluded at 8.50 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.