A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
was held Thursday 16th February 2006
Sandford Village Hall at 7.30 p.m.
Present: Mrs. M Ballard, Mrs. A Brading, Mr. S Bridges, Mrs. P Cram (vice-chair), Mr. A Forbes,
Mr. G Lloyd, Mr. G Luckett, Miss B Roper, Mr. C Sampson (chairman), Mr. K Symons,
Mr. J Westlake.
Members of the public: Three
District Councillors: Mr. A Lake
Parish Liaison Officer: Mr. J Foster
Police Beat Manager: PC Church
Clerk: Mrs. L Rampton.
Press Representatives: Mrs. N Jones – Freelance Reporter
Mr. P Burton – Weston & Somerset Mercury
Apologies for absence: Ms. D Powell (vice-chair), Mrs. P Witter
152. CHAPLAIN – Mr. C Sampson
(Agenda item 1)
153. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
(Agenda item 3) - none were declared.
154. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 19th January 2006.
(Agenda item 4)
The minutes of the meeting were approved as a correct record.
Proposed: Mr. J Westlake Seconded: Miss B Roper
All in favour
155. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES & CLERKS REPORTS– Annex 1
(Agenda item 5)
Min 138. North Somerset Primary Care Trust, Public Consultation Meeting, St James Church Hall 19th January 2006
Mr. Luckett had attended this event and provided the following comments. Transport was considered by far the greatest problem in rural areas and it was suggested that the PCT should appoint a Transport Co-coordinator to encourage schemes such as Winscombe Contact.
Mobile equipment was not practical as a delay would be encountered until this was due at your surgery, otherwise transport would be needed.
It was suggested that Doctor Surgeries should be open for longer hours with doctors working a shift system. A & E Nurses should be at surgeries to deal with minor accidents.
Min 143. Winscombe Football Club proposed screening of pitch
It was noted that the proposed fence should be less than 2m in height to eliminate the need for planning permission.
156. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
(Agenda item 6) - none
157. BEAT REPORT 19th January – 13TH February 2006 – PC Church Annex 2
PC Church direct office no 01934 638123
(Agenda item 7)
The reduction in the number of reported crimes for a month period was considered remarkable by the Parish Council. Concern was again expressed at the continued illegal parking in the centre of Winscombe. PC Church advised that the PSCO was currently absent, but on his return fixed penalties will be issued to offenders.
158. TO AUTHORISE BILLS FOR PAYMENT – The Clerk Annex 3
(Agenda item 8)
Business Account Chqs 101721 – 101738 and WMRG Chqs 100217 were authorised for payment in addition to reported Direct Debit Payments
Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
All in favour.
159. TO SET COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE APRIL – DECEMBER 2006 Annex 4
All Committee Chairmen had been consulted in the formulation of this calendar. It was agreed that this schedule of meetings be published although additional meetings may be added should the need arise. These would be advertised in the required manner.
Proposed: Mr. S Bridges Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
All in favour.
160. WESTON AREA ACTION PLAN REPORT – Mr. S Bridges
Mr. Bridges had attended this consultation event at The Winter Gardens, Weston-Super-Mare on behalf of the Parish Council. This event formerly known as ‘Weston Vision’ was of prime interest to this Parish regarding transport and the situation regarding ‘The Five Villages’. Although the plan concentrates on the Weston area to include areas such as Locking Camp & Weston Airport, it was a requirement that an infra-structure was built up before further developments were permitted. Parish Council representatives that had attended meetings of ‘The Five Villages’ expressed concerns regarding large vehicles on primary routes, of which Banwell is one.
Information is fed into the Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study (GBSTS) but this study does not deal, to a large extent with villages in this area.
The Parish Liaison Officer confirmed that the plan considers employment before houses. As Bristol International Airport (BIA) is anticipating an increase of 3m to 12m in passenger numbers, the employee number from this area will increase. A new link road is being considered from Weston-Super-Mare to BIA that would potentially benefit surrounding villages, this is supported by North Somerset Council.
Minutes to ‘The Five Villages Meetings’ held 24.01.06 were issued to all Councillors at this meeting
161. WINSCOMBE COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT – Mrs. P Cram
(Agenda item 11)
The School will shortly be hosting a Governor Training Evening.
At the end of the current contract, and to try to improve standards, the school is currently sourcing suitable caterers for their cluster to provide improved school meals for the children. As Winscombe Primary School provides meals for Sandford Primary due to lack of kitchen space, both Parish Schools are affected by this decision.
As recent Government initiatives are encouraging schools to re-open kitchens and prepare school meals on site, the primary school were urged to be cautious when committing to a contract for a number of years.
162. SANDFORD COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT – Mrs. P Witter
(Agenda item 12) – no report received as Mrs. Witter presented her apologies to this meeting.
163.PARISH COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
(Agenda item 13)
Communication through three Parish Council notice boards, the Parish Council website and Parish Council Office were considered to reach many members of the Community. All Parish Council meetings are open to the public (with approved exclusions) with a section of the meeting dedicated to public comments at all meetings. Another Parish Council notice board was soon to be situated outside the Parish Office that could be used to display full Parish Council & Committee meeting minutes. The web-site has been, and currently continues to be updated and approved, accepted minutes and agendas are now posted onto this on a regular basis. The Committee Schedule of meetings for 2006 should also be placed onto the site.
A lengthy discussion ensued in which a Parish Council Report be entered into two Parish magazines produced and distributed by Churches at a cost to Parishioners within the Parish was considered. It was concluded that a brief report on monthly activities could not fully portray all activities carried out by this Council and therefore an inclusion to these magazines should outline the work of the Parish Council, give Committee details, advise of future meetings and give Parish Office contact details along with web-site and e-mail information. This information could be repeated on a quarterly basis.
It was proposed that a quarterly inclusion to the two Parish magazines would portray what the Parish Council does and advertise meeting dates.
Proposed: Mr. S Bridges Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
All in favour.
164.COUNCILLOR VACANCY
(Agenda item 14)
Pursuant to section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972, due to the failure to attend meetings of this authority for a period of six consecutive months by Councillor Miss Sybil Tucker, a casual vacancy has arisen in the Office of Councillor for this Parish.
The Clerk outlined the procedure to be followed and advised that notices would be posted 17th February 2006 for a period of 14 working days.
165.MAY FAIR ON THE GREEN
(Agenda item 15)
Winscombe & Sandford Millennium Green Trust will be holding this annual local event on Saturday 6th May 2006. Volunteers will be requested to run the Parish Council stall nearer the time.
The Parish Council should provide a stall at the May Fair on The Green on Saturday 6th May 2006
Proposed: Mr. G Luckett Seconded: Mr. G Lloyd
All in favour.
166. ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr. S. Bridges Annex 5
(Agenda item 16)
Min 6. Vehicle activated Signs – no further communication regarding the installation of the poles has been received from North Somerset Council.
Min 8. Woodborough Road Parking – a sub-committee of the Road Safety Committee has been formed to conduct a new survey of the residents of Woodborough Drive regarding parking restriction lines. The proposed survey will be submitted to the RS Committee and the Parish Council before being issued to residents.
The minutes of this Committee were accepted by the Council.
Proposed: Mr. S Bridges Seconded: Mr. G Lloyd
9 in favour, Mr. Symons abstained
167. AWARD LAND COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – Mr. J Westlake Annex 6
(Agenda item 17)
It was requested that Mrs. Cram be added to those listed as present at the meeting held on 13th Feb 2006. Volunteers were requested to attend a site meeting to be held on Friday 24th Feb to check the positioning of the boundary posts prior to Mr. V Russett accurately recording the site. The evergreen oak (Ilex) tree was considered invasive and does not support local insects; therefore Mr. Westlake offered to contact Bristol Zoo to enquire if leaves from this tree could be used to feed certain animals. The Parish Council agreed to the wording submitted for an interpretation panel to be positioned at the Award Land. The Award Land Committee should agree the final draft of this.
The minutes of this Committee were accepted by the Council.
Proposed: Mr. S Bridges Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
All in favour
168. ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr. G Lloyd Annex 7
(Agenda item 18)
Min 6b Metal street signs – a handyman has now been found to initially repaint one metal road name sign. An estimate to repaint a number of other signs will then be submitted to the Parish Council for approval prior to works being instructed.
Min 7b Towerhead public enquiry – support at this public enquiry commencing 21st Feb 2006 was requested.
Min 8 Additional Plaques – text for the plaque to be situated at The Community Centre has been agreed by the Environment Committee at a meeting.
The minutes for this Committee were accepted by the Council.
Proposed: Mr. A Forbes Seconded: Mr. S Bridges
All in favour
169. WAR MEMORIAL RECREATION GROUND COMMITTEE REPORT - Mr. C Sampson
(Agenda item 19)
Drainage Scheme – the committee proposes to instigate works to install an additional spur to the current drainage system across the centre of the 2nd football pitch early April 2006.
Car Parking – due to parking congestion especially during week-end periods, the Committee requested that the Parish Council approach North Somerset Council to ask that NSC ‘cede’ a piece of land adjacent to the Strawberry Line to enable the car park to be extended. Current improvements to the Strawberry Line cycle way would encourage users to start at either Cheddar or Yatton and therefore it was thought that less users of the Strawberry Line would park at the Recreation Ground car park. North Somerset Council Strawberry Line had contributed a sum of £2,000 towards the recent resurface of this car park and walking and cycling were considered recreational activities in addition to rugby, football and cricket.
It was proposed that North Somerset Council are not approached in relation to land donation and that the War Memorial Recreation Ground Committee be requested to source alternative solutions to the car park congestion occurring at week-ends.
Proposed: Mrs. P Cram Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
8 in favour, 2 against
Bristol Water tests have shown that there are no leaks in the underground piping across this ground. The football club intends to proceed with the screening to the agreed football pitch as soon as possible and league officials have confirmed that covered spectator areas should be at the side of the pitch rather than at the end. It was confirmed that seating is not necessary to progress to the next league.
The new water tank installed at the changing rooms appeared to be leaking. Further checks on piping connections are currently being made.
Tractor and mowing equipment – the clutch and gearbox to the tractor are now in such a condition that a replacement tractor is considered necessary. Although the work load of the tractor is now considerably less due to the addition of the mowing machine, it can not be dispensed with. A suitable second hand replacement tractor has been found at ‘Boulters of Banwell’ and inspections of this are being made to check on the compatibility with existing attachments. Dependant upon monies gained for trading-in the current tractor, the War Memorial Recreation Ground Committee envisage being able to finance this from within their current budget with a possible shortfall of approximately £500 anticipated.
The Parish Council request that the War Memorial Recreation Ground Committee investigate further the purchase of a replacement tractor from Boulters. A financial report into the potential purchase should be submitted to the Parish Council before committing to any purchase.
Proposed: Mr. S Bridges Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
All in favour
The specialized annual service for the mowing machine is now due at a cost of £1,250. Alternative companies have been sourced for comparative quotations by the committee. A small compression unit has been purchased at a cost of £200 to blow grass cuttings away from the radiator area and avoid the machine overheating.
Annual pitch hire fees – an increase of 5% is to be added to fees charged for 2006/2007.
170. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
(Agenda item 20)
Projector – Parish Liaison Officer, Mr. James Foster was thanked for obtaining a second hand projector from North Somerset Council under ‘The Town and Parish Charter’.
Green Waste Recycling Sacks – additional sacks may now be purchased from the Parish Office at a cost of £1 each.
North Somerset Council Car Parking Charges – a Councillor reported that North Somerset Council does not intend to make any charge for parking in the North Somerset Council owned Woodborough Drive and Browns Corner car parks.
Winscombe Scout Group – a card congratulating this group on the anniversary of 40 years of Scouting in Winscombe should be sent.
Winscombe Book and Art Shop – as the current tenants will be retiring at the end of February 2006, a letter thanking them for their co-operation over the years should be sent.
The Winscombe & Sandford History Society would like to thank PC Church for a quiet, uneventful meeting held at the Community Centre after he had spoken to local youth.
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.