A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
was held Thursday 20th April 2006
Winscombe Community Centre 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, Ms. D Powell (vice-chair), Miss B Roper, Mr. C Sampson (chairman), Mr. K Symons, Mr. J Westlake, Mrs. P Witter,
Members of the public: six
District Councillors: Mrs. A Harley
Police Beat Manager: PC Church
Finance Assistant Mrs. N Flint
Press Representatives: Mr. G Jones
Mr. P Burton
Apologies for absence: Mrs. L Rampton – (Parish Clerk)
Mr. J Foster
The minutes were taken by Mrs. N Flint in the absence of the Parish Clerk,
193. CHAPLAIN – Mr. K Symons
(Agenda item 1)
194. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – none declared
(Agenda item 3)
195. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 16TH MARCH 2006.
(Agenda item 4)
The minutes of the meeting were approved as a correct record.
Proposed: Mr. G Luckett Seconded: Mr. A Forbes
11 in favour, 1 abstention
196. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
(Agenda item 5)
Min 175. Public Participation – Incorrect spelling of Mr. G Vennell – this should be amended to Mr. .G Vennall.
DIYSO/Homebuy Scheme – Although not in the previous minutes, Mrs. Witter wanted to know the current position regarding the DIYSO/Homebuy Scheme, as nothing had yet appeared in the press nor, did she feel was it very well advertised in Winscombe & Sandford. Mr. Bridges advised her that as far as he knew application forms were being printed. The Parish Council were concerned as their understanding was that they would be involved in the application process.
It was suggested that the Parish Clerk clarify the situation with Knightstone Housing as the Parish Council must be kept informed.
197. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
(Agenda item 6)
Mr J. Ellis – Chairman of Senior Citizens Forum, and one of the team who organized The Winscombe Community Survey
He advised the Council that Mr B Cotter was still on our website as our local M.P. and suggested this was amended.
He asked 2 questions concerning “Empowerment and the Deal for Devolution” - Annexe 3
(1) Did the Council respond by 31/03/06?
(2) What were the thoughts of the Council?
He was advised by the Chair that a response would be given at Agenda Item 12.
Mrs. M Forbes is a member of the ad hoc committee, which was set up by the Environment Committee to advise the Parish Council with regard to the BOAT inquiry concerning Towerhead. At the end of the Public Inquiry she was advised by North Somersets’ solicitor that costs would be claimed against her as she had acted in an “unreasonable manner”. She welcomed the Council’s comments on this.
She was advised by the Chair that a response would be given at Agenda Item 16.
Mr C Ballard – Chairman of Shipham Lane Neighbourhood Watch bought up 3 issues:
(1) The destruction of ancient hedgerow in Shipham Lane
(2) The demolition of ash trees on the Award Land
(3) “The industrial tip” on land close to the AONB south of the Quarry
These issues have been raised by Mr. Ballard on previous occasions The Parish Council, the Environment Committee and the Award Land Committee are all aware of the situations and are working with the necessary parties involved to sort these issues. Mr. Ballard will be kept informed of any developments. A copy of the Award Land Report re the ash trees to be sent to Mr. C Ballard.
198. CRIME REPORT 15th March – 19th April 2006 – PC Church
(Agenda item 7)
50 calls received from the parish resulting in 13 crimes being recorded.
The Parish Council wanted to know how many people had visited P C Church since the commencement of his Tuesday Surgery. To date the figure was approximately 250, on average between 5/6 each week.
The village will shortly share a PCSO ( Police Community Support Officer) who will be able to issue fixed penalty notices where necessary. (He works 40 hours a week in all the surrounding villages)
The issue concerning the crossing opposite Dunster Court is still being looked at by North Somerset.
199. TO AUTHORISE BILLS FOR PAYMENT – The Clerk Annex 1
(Agenda item 8)
Business Account Chqs 101760 – 101781 and WMRG Chqs 100223 - 100226 were authorised for payment in addition to reported Direct Debit Payments
Proposed: Mr. G Lloyd Seconded: Mrs. P Cram
All in favour.
200. PARISH COUNCILLOR VACANCY – Annex 2
(Agenda item 9)
Due to unforeseen circumstances the Parish Clerk was unable to attend the meeting and consequently , as no official officer was present to record the votes, it was postponed to the next Parish Council Meeting in May.
201. MENDIP HILLS AONB SERVICES FORUM – Mr. G Luckett
(Agenda item 10)
This was in 2 parts – a site visit in the morning to either the Strawberry Line at Winscombe or Chancellors Farm which was purchased by the Somerset Wildlife Trust in 1979.and a forum report in the afternoon.
The Forum Report covers 6 subjects:
1) Paper “A” Mendip Hills AONB Partnership Committee
2) Paper “B” Mendip Hills AONB Action Plan
3) Paper “C” Mendip Hills AONB Sustainable Development Fund
4) Paper “D” Planning
5) Paper “E” Mendip Hills AONB Partnership Funding
6) Paper “F” Mendip Hills Partnership Committee
Should further information be required there is a brief synopsis at the Parish Office of for more detailed information reference should be made to the full report.
Although Mr. Luckett was nominated as Parish Member of Mendip Hills Joint Advisory Committee - he was unsuccessful in securing the position which was decided by lots.
Mr. Forbes was keen to know what North Somerset’s policy was as regards planning in ANOB. It was felt that only selective applications were put forward for further discussion.
District Councillor Ann Harley stated that there was an A.O.N..B Policy for North Somerset.
202. AVON LOCAL COUNCIL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION 2006/2007 – The Clerk
(Agenda item 11)
Authorisation was needed from the Parish Council to renew the annual subscription with ALCA. It was felt that the Clerk benefited greatly from this membership and that the subscription should continue.
Proposed: Miss. B Roper Seconded: Mr. J Westlake
All in favour
203. EMPOWERMENT AND THE DEAL FOR DEVOLUTION – RESPONSE TO RT HON D MILLIBAND – Annex 3 – Mrs P Cram
(Agenda Item 12)
It was generally felt that there was no better way of managing local affairs than through the Parish Councils. They represent the grass root opinions, via committees and council meetings and take on board for consideration any views expressed by the public. Our council is in close contact with the next layer of local government and is assisted very ably by our District Councilors
One of the local council strengths is that it is unpaid, conscientious and trustworthy and works together with its parishioners for the benefit of the village.
It must also be remembered that the Parish Council is an elected body.
In view of the deadline date a letter of reply to be sent as soon as possible to Rt Hon D Milliband in strong defense of Parish Councils.
204. DECISIONS MADE BY NON-ELECTED BODIES - Annex 4 – Mr C Sampson at the request of Bitton Parish Council
(Agenda item 13)
Bitton Parish Council are concerned about significant decisions, which affect people and communities in local areas being made by non-elected bodies .
A councillor had visited the website for The South West Regional Assembly and noted that out of 79 regional authorities with a total of 117 representatives – only 3 representing North Somerset had been elected
Proposal: It was agreed that the council would support the resolution. in opposing the existence of such non -elected bodies and seeking the return of the functions they carry out to the appropriate level of national or local government, with its democratic safeguards
A letter is to be sent confirming this.
Proposed: Mr. A Forbes Seconded: Mrs. P Cram
All in favour
205. PARISH COUNCIL PROCEDURE – POLICY TO ISSUE AN AGENDA SUMMONS
(Agenda item 14)
The current procedure to issue an agenda summons is through the Parish Clerk. The standing orders need to be amended – “If the proper officer is ill or on holiday, the Parish Council will allow the Chairman of the Parish Council to sign any notice calling the meeting and this will deem to be duly called”
Proposed: Ms. D Powell Seconded: Miss B Roper
All in favour
206. MAY FAIR ON THE MILLENIUM GREEN, SATURDAY 6TH MAY 2006 – Mr C SAMPSON
(Agenda Item 15)
Volunteers were needed to man the stall at the Millenium Green May Fair as both Mr. G Lloyd and Mr. C Sampson would not be available on the day
Mrs. P Witter and Mr. S Bridges will man the stall and will collect all relevant information/equipment from Mr. G Lloyd.
207. TOWERHEAD ENQUIRY – (Annex 5) – Mr. G LLOYD
(Agenda item 16)
It was claimed, at the BOATS inquiry dated 21st February 2006, that members of the ad hoc committee, acting on behalf of the Parish Council, had acted in an “unreasonable manner” which has resulted in North Somerset claiming costs against the council. The chairman of the Environment Committee, Mr. G Lloyd , feels strongly that North Somerset District Council is wrong to claim costs against Winscombe & Sandford Parish Council – (e-mails have been sent and received on this matter).
Proposal: should costs be awarded then the Parish Council should endeavour to discover from NSDC how and where this money is to be spent.
Proposed: Mr. A Forbes Seconded: Mr. S Bridges
8 in favour
3 against
1 abstention
Mr. P Harley, from the floor, spoke at this point to advise the council that he had been at the said inquiry and had also produced additional information but, unlike the members of the ad hoc committee had not been advised that he had acted in an “unreasonable manner”
Mr. A Forbes confirmed the comments of both Mr. G Lloyd and Mr. P Harley.
He also stated that an interim decision had been made on the Towerhead Inquiry with the Inspector proposing that the footpath is made into a BOAT with a modification. The Inspector stated that based on the evidence before him the whole route to Sandford Road, Ilex Lane, which passes the cemetery, carried vehicular rights. This was not part of the Towerhead footpath inquiry although North Somerset did mention it in their documents. Mr. A Forbes felt that this now pre-judged the route and will jeopardize any defence the Parish Council might make in the future when its status from RUPP has to change.
District Councillor, Mrs. A Harley. spoke at this point from the floor to advise that she had been liaising with North Somerset regarding this objection and suggested that the council read the various e-mails between her and North Somerset before writing to them. It was pointed out to her that the grievance was with the Inspector and not North Somerset.
Proposal: the Parish Council to send a formal letter of complaint to the Inspectorate stating that the Inquiry was unfair, incorrect and possibly illegal.
A copy of the letter to be sent to Mr. J Penrose M.P.
Proposed: Mr. A Forbes Seconded: Mrs. M Brading
All in favour.
208. ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr S Bridges Annex 6
(Agenda item 17)
Appreciation was given to the Woodborough Drive sub-committee in producing a detailed report on the perceived problem with house entrances being obstructed by badly parked cars and road safety on Woodborough Drive adjacent to the two car parks.
The Committee believed that householders in Woodborough Road, adjacent to the car park, should be supported in any request to North Somerset for white “H” lines painted on the road outside house entrances (including “no parking”)
Mr. S Bridges/ Parish Clerk to ask our three district councilors to combine in an effort to persuade North Somerset to agree, when requested as above, for these white “H” lines to be painted onto the road.
The pick-up/drop-off point of the Churchill School bus in Woodborough Drive is considered to be unsatisfactory because of the amount of traffic, width of road and general access. It was proposed that a letter should be sent to the bus company pointing out the problem and asking whether there was a suitable and better alternative. Well Close, near the bowling green, was suggested as a possibility., but there are problems with visibility onto Sandford Road.
Mr. S Bridges/Parish Clerk to contact the bus company.
It was suggested that a copy of the letter is forwarded to Churchill School but was rejected as nothing definite has been decided yet. The Parish Council is only asking for advice from the bus company at present.
Proposal: A letter to be written to the bus company pointing out the problem and asking whether there is a suitable/better alternative.
Proposed: Miss B Roper Seconded: Mr. G Lloyd
11 in favour
1 abstention
The Minutes of this Committee were accepted by the Council
Proposed: Mr. A. Forbes Seconded Mrs. A Brading
All in favour
209 AWARD LAND CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – Mr. J Westlake – Annex 7
(Agenda item 18)
Mr. Westlake had, once again, investigated the cutting down of the ash trees on the Award Land.
He confirme that the two trees that had been cut were elm and not ash trees and showed signs of disease. In view of Mr. C Ballards comments in public participation regarding the ash trees it was suggested that he and Mr. J Westlake liaise and investigate the matter and report back their findings to the Council.
Mr Hardcastle and Mr Davies are to attend a meeting on the Award Land with Mr. J Westlake on 21st April 2006. Any Councillors who are available are welcome to attend.
210 ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr. G Lloyd Annex 8
(Agenda item 19
A proof copy of the updated Parish Guide was distributed to all members of the Parish Council.
Councillors were asked to read and advise Mr. G Lloyd of any necessary amendments in time for and at the latest by the next Environment Committee meeting dated 2nd May 2006. It would be too late to change anything if suggestions are received after that date.
The Parish Council formally thanked Mr. G Lloyd for his dedication and hard work in producing the Parish Guide.
Credit was given to Mr Lloyd and Mrs Harley for the work currently being carried out on the footway at Winscombe Bridge. .
The next item to be discussed was the Towerhead Inquiry and at this point Mrs Brading “declared an interest” and left the room.
The sentiments from Agenda Item 16 were once again reiterated and the proposal was that regardless of the sum involved, the 2 people involved with this inquiry were acting on behalf of Winscombe and Sandford Parish Council and any costs should be met in full by the Parish.
Proposed: Mr. S Bridges Seconded: Mrs. P Witter
All in favour.
Mrs A Brading came back into the room
The minutes for this Committee were accepted by the Council.
Proposed: Mr. S Bridges Seconded: Mr. J Westlake
11 in favour
1 abstention
211. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
(Agenda item 20)
Mr. J Westlake has found some musket balls, dating back to the Civil War 1642 – 1647,
on the land to the west of Sandford School.
He will present a frame containing 2 musket balls Sandford School.
As several musket balls were found, it was suggested a second frame be made and kept on display at the Parish Office.
Mr. C Sampson had been approached by Mr Andrew White – Media Consult P.R. for the Bird Group of companies, Llantrisant. He wanted to know the Parish Councils’ wishes concerning the development of Sandford Stone. A meeting of the Bird Group of companies is to be held on May 9th to discuss, among other matters, local aspirations for the site.
The Council felt it was very important that the results of this meeting are reported at the next Parish Council Meeting dated 18th May 2006. Would it be possible for a representative from the Bird Group to come to this meeting and discuss the outcome with Councillors.
Parish Clerk to phone Mr. White, thank him for his approach to the Council and advise him of the Council’s wishes
Mr. S Bridges advised the Parish Council that he had seen Mr. Jim McDonald putting out a litter bin fire in Belmont Road.. It was proposed that it would be a nice gesture if the Parish Council purchase a new fire extinquisher for him, the cost being in the region of £22 plus vat.
It was agreed to put this proposal on the agenda of the next Parish Council meeting dated 18th May 2006.
The Chairman of the Parish Council, Mr. C Sampson advised that he would be out of action as from Monday 24th April 2006 due to an operation..
The meeting concluded at 9.35pm
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.