DRAFT

ABBAS AND TEMPLECOMBE PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting held on the 12th February 2008

 

PRESENT  Councillors I Speight (Chairman), C James (Vice Chairman), R F B Saunders, C Brown, Sarah Webb, G Wilson, G Foers, C Hukins

 

IN ATTENDANCE

County Councillor/District Councillor Mr William Wallace, PCSO Fiona Wilson, PCSO Jenny Tetstall, Laura Johns – Linx Project, 1 Parishioner.

 

Chairman welcomed everyone and commenced the open session.

 

PCSO Fiona Wilson reported that during January she had dealt with two domestic incidents, smashed car window, attempted garage break in and spray painting on a garage door and at the Railway Station. G Wilson reported that he had dealt with youths climbing the Yew tree.   The application for Youth Funding had gone in during February, no funds were available and application would now be put on the list for March/April.  She felt it would be favourable as it is in a rural area.  She would be holding a Beat Surgery on the first/second Thursday afternoon of each month at the Post Office (Westcombe Stores).  A room would be made available for confidential matters and a box for messages.  Details would be advertised in the BMV/Western Gazette/newsletters.  C Brown reported the complaints of dog fouling on the Recreation Ground.

 

Chairman introduced Laura Johns – Wincanton Area Co-ordinator with the Linx Project.  She outlined the Activ8 scheme they wished to run in the Village, involving the community/young people, from the 24th to 27th July.  It was suggested that an article could be included in the June edition of the newsletter asking for any possible jobs/ventures.  Chairman suggested she spoke with the Scouts so they did not clash with any events they had planned.  Tasks would have to be risk assessed.  Members would discuss the matter in the meeting and Clerk would e-mail Laura with suggestions.

 

William Wallace reported on the A357 Traffic issues, due for discussion at the Area East meeting.  He reported that the committee were not happy with the replies received to a letter sent from the Chairman, arising from October 2007 meeting.  There was no mention of re-signing or regularisation of speed limits.  Dorset County Council was felt to be more pro-active.

 

Councillor L Bennett joined the meeting at 7.40 pm

 

He reported that Somerset County Council were happy with the masterplan at Henstridge and Dorset County Council were making more enquiries.  Vehicles from the concrete batching plant were crossing over the A357.  He discussed the recent serious accidents on the A371, the bridge hits in Templecombe, lack of School crossing, volume of traffic and narrow pavements and the Station traffic parking problems.  He felt the officials should be present when the School/pre-school children are leaving to fully appreciate the problems experienced.  Sarah Webb pointed out that the actual school crossing light protrudes at the narrowest part of the pavement, on Church Hill, causing pedestrians to have to step out into the road.  Currently the light is activated by a key; an automatic light would be more beneficial.

He commented on the grant of £2,800.00 to the Village Hall, for the roof repairs and grant of £1,250.00 he and Tim Inglefield had made to the new build at the School.  He had now received the account from G. Parsons for replacement of six showers with auto shut off, for the changing rooms at the Recreation Ground amounting to £2,560.00.  He intended to make a grant of £1,600.00; the Football Club were putting up £500.00.   £460.00 remained and he asked if the Parish Council could meet this sum.  Chairman felt that the meeting should continue with discussions as to the future of the football club.  He outlined the wishes of the football club to take on the maintenance/upkeep of the changing rooms and then not paying pitch fees.  They would also pay the water/electricity.  The pitches would be cut to an acceptable level and the football club would accept responsibility for cutting them shorter, if required.  It was proposed by C Brown and seconded by R Saunders that the Parish Council should make up the shortfall of £460.00 for the

replacement of the showers and an acceptable system should be adopted to accommodate the Football Club and Parish Council in respect of the use of the changing rooms/pitches.  It was agreed to run system for a season and then carry out a review.

 

1              APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

I Middleton, P Andrew, District Councillor Tim Inglefield

 

2              MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THE 8TH JANUARY 2008

It was Proposed by R Saunders and seconded by G Foers that the draft Minutes be agreed, as previously circulated.

 

3              DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

G Foers expressed an interest in Agenda item 14 (D) – Football Club.

 

4              CORRESPONDENCE

Correspondence received since the last meeting was discussed:-

1)             South Somerset District Council – SSDC Annual Parish Meeting with Area East Town and Parish Councils – Members were invited to attend on Wednesday 19th March 2008 7.00 pm at the Council Offices Wincanton.  Members were asked to let Clerk know if they wished to attend.

2)             Local Works – Sustainable Communities Bill – Chairman informed Members that the Bill had now become law and is now an Act of Parliament.  Support was now requested for the Planning and Energy Bill.

3)             Avon and Somerset Constabulary – Chairman read out the letter dated the 29th January indicating that the Police Station at Wincanton will be sharing the Council Offices at Churchfields as from March 2008.  A police cell will also be available which will mean suspects will not have to be transported to Yeovil. 

4)             South Somerset District Council – Steve Fox – Landscape Officer.  Chairman read out e mail which detailed a scheme whereby Parishes could take up the offer of spring bulbs for planting within a Village. Areas would have to be identified and help provided to plant them.  Members thought that this may be possible for the area of bank outside of No. 1 Station Road.  Clerk informed the meeting that there had been a better take up of the offer and it was unlikely we would get any now but be put on a list.  Further enquiries would be made.

5)             Consultation on Orders and Regulations relating to Conduct of Local Authority Members in England.  Chairman referred to the documentation received and summary of replies received from SALC but felt this was more directed at District Council as it dealt with the devolution of the handling of allegations of Member misconduct from the Standards Board for England to individual local authorities’ Standards Committees.   Paperwork was available for Members to observe.

 

5              PLANNING

1)             The following determinations were reported:-

Application No 07/05446/FUL – Demolition of existing workshops and the erection of 2 no. dwellinghouses with associated car parking – Ken Doyle Motorcycles Limited Throop Road  Templecombe Somerset (Application withdrawn)

Application No 07/05057/FUL – Formation of access road, the erection of 3 detached bungalows and garages to serve existing house – Land read of No 30 Bowden Road  Templecombe  Somerset (Refusal)

Application No 07/05453/S73 – Application to remove condition 01. of decision notice 04/02837/FUL dated 03.12.04 i.e. to permit the permanent retention of loose boxes and store -  Land OS 1463 Part Temple Lane  Templecombe  Somerset

Application No 07/05366/FUL – The construction of an eyebrow over the first floor east Northeast facing bedroom window (Retrospective Application – 28 Throop Road  Templecombe  Somerset

 

2)           Clerk reported that the Area East meeting would take place on the 13th February 2008 at 9.30 am at the Council Offices, Churchfield, Wincanton.  Discussions were due to take place on the A357.

 

3)           Planning Application No 08/00150/FUL – Erection of 2 no. polytunnels – Land adjoining Temple Lane  Templecombe  Somerset BA8 OJD.  Members discussed the application and raised the following objections:-

·         As there are no other polytunnels within the area and it is felt that they are out of character and not in keeping with the surrounding area.

·         Members felt that two polytunnels, of the measurements given, were inappropriate for personal use.

·         Members were concerned about planning creep, which could ultimately result in a residential application.

 

4)           Planning Application No 08/00496/FUL – Conversion of barns into 4 units of Office accommodation – Newleaze Farm  Bowden Road  Templecombe  Somerset BA8 OPG.  Members discussed the application and raised no objections.

 

6            ACCOUNTING MATTERS

1)           It was proposed by  R Saunders  and seconded by C Brown that the following accounts be paid:-

 

Southern Electric – 1.11.07 to 28.1.08 Changing room                                                    59.32

Gartell and Son – Test hole for proposed burial ground Temple Lane                         70.50

Somerset County Council – Photocopying Sept 07 to Dec 07                                       16.95

Glasdon UK Limited – Litter Bin for BMX track                                                             121.15

Mr J Pratt – Basic pay/hours February 2008                                                                     67.50

Mrs T Chapman (Clerk) – Salary/Expenses/Back pay February 2008                          488.87

 

2)           Clerk reported that the following monies had been received:-

 

Templecombe Rovers Football Club – Pitch fees Nov/Dec 07                                      120.00

Templecombe Rovers Football Club – Pitch fees Jan 08                                                  45.00

Horsington Parish Council – grass cutting 2007 season                                                280.00

NatWest Bank PLC – Capital Reserve Account interest to 31.12.07                            109.28

NatWest Bank PLC – Capital Reserve Account (Play Area) Interest to 31.12.07        20.74

 

3)           Clerk reported that a letter dated 28th January 2008 had been received from Audit Commission indicating the appointment of Moore Stephens as auditor to Abbas and Templecombe Parish Council.  The appointment will be for a period of five years commencing with the 2007/08 accounts.

 

7            ACTIV8 SCHEME – 24TH TO 27TH JULY 2008 

Chairman read out the email dated 30th January received from Heather Crewe requesting permission for the Activ8 scheme to use the School Lane Car park/Recreation ground car park for car washing and the recreation ground for children’s activities.  Members had no objections provided the relevant Insurance Companies were happy with the activities taking place.  Discussions followed as to possible projects they could undertake and the following were suggested:-

·         Planting on the bank outside of no 1 Station Road.  Shrubs were suggested.

·         Footpaths

·         Clear up of area by Combe Hill dip traffic lights

·         Painting of Stocks and roof – situated at Slades Hill/Church Hill

 

Members also discussed the possibility of relocating the Stocks.  They were in the past located in the Churchyard.  Other locations suggested were the grass areas at Manor Close entrance and Templars Barton.  Clerk was asked to contact the Rev Peter Hallett to see what he felt about the Stocks being relocated in the Churchyard.

8            HIGHWAY MATTERS

1)           Bus Shelter – High Street – update

Chairman read out letter sent to Somerset Highways dated 30th January concerning the state of the bus shelter and the fact that it is on highway land and whether Highways would be prepared to replace the shelter.  If they carried out the replacement no consent would be required.  A reply had been received indicating that the letter was now with Mr Mark Pedlar – Transporting Somerset County Hall for reply.

2)           Traffic Calming/HGV’s

Covered in open session.

3)           Car parking problems – Station Road – update

Chairman read out letter received from Mr Clive Sutton – Somerset Highways dated 7th February.  As regards parking problems in Station Road he indicated that other than the provision of additional parking by British Rail the only way forward would be to wait for the introduction of Civilian Parking Enforcement (CPE) when it may be possible to introduce residents’ parking in this area.  The downside of this is that it is unlikely CPE will be provided for another two years.

Mr Sutton also referred to the lack of a school crossing and the £100,000.00 allocated by Thales for improvements at the Throop Road junction.  Although the money is still available the scheme proposed some years ago, was costed at £400,000.00 due to the nature of the site.  For the scheme to achieve medium status for funding under the Local Transport Plan (LTP2) the contribution would have to be in the order of £170,000.00.  Therefore, it is unlikely the scheme would progress unless a further contributor could be found to meeting the additional £70,000.00 required.   It was thought that Tommy Walker had priced up a pelican crossing for a lot less, enquiries would be made.  William Wallace thought that officials should be asked to attend a site meeting at school/pre-school going home time to see the problems that exist.  He also wondered if the £10,000.00 available from Thales would be conditional on the provision of a link road.

4)           Other

R Saunders reported that there were a number of potholes in Lily Lane which were causing problems for a user of an invalidity car.  Clerk would report the matter to Highways along with potholes now appearing in Temple Lane.

A water hydrant has been broken off by the Mendip Flats, Yarnbarton.  Clerk would report matter to Wessex Water. 

The planters, from the entrance to the Hamlet and Village sign on Combe Hill, had now been removed by Gartells.  They may be interested in purchasing them or selling them on.  R Saunders would speak to Mr John Gartell and negotiate a price; only one could be used as a trough.

 

9            SOMERSET YOUTH OPPORTUNITY FUND AND YOUTH CAPITAL FUND (2006/08) – PROPOSED GOAL ENDS/YOUTH SHELTER – UPDATE

Covered under open secession.

 

10          FOOTPATHS

Nothing to report.

 

11          TREE WARDEN’S REPORT

1)           Temple Lane Oaks

I Middleton had reported to Clerk that he had cleared the weeds from around the trees and had been informed by Phil Poulton that a supply of chipped wood as mulch could be obtained and he would arrange for a load on his return.

2)           Notice of Confirmation of Tree Preservation Order – The Rectory, Church Hill

South Somerset District Council confirmed that they wished to confirm, without modification, the above TPO in respect of the Rectory, Church Hill, as at the 17th day of January 2008, made on the 12th day of July 2007.

 

12          PROVISION OF CEMETERY

Chairman reported that a site meeting had taken place with Mr Jim Milton and Clerk and draft Plans had been prepared for the proposed cemetery.  Plans were circulated amongst the Members and they were in

 

 

agreement to proceed with them as drawn.  Clerk would inform Mr Milton; also paperwork had been

received in connection with the proposed planning application.  R Saunders would inform Mr Gartell if was in order to fill in the test hole.

 

13          NEWSLETTER

C Brown circulated copies of the proposed March edition of the newsletter.  Dates for the Village Fete – 12th July and Pagenet - 31st May/1st June could be included. The following future articles were discussed namely, rebuild at School for the pre-school, property articles – Mrs Riley (The Homestead), was willing to do an article, C Brown said he would be prepared to help her. G Wilson would also prepare article on the Manor House.  Information on the stocks could be included in a future edition. 

 

14          RECREATION GROUND MATTERS/CHILDRENS PLAY AREA

A)          Play Area – South Somerset District Council – Play Policy and Strategy – update

Sarah Webb took Members through the attached report.  Chairman thanked her for preparing the report.

B)          Quarterly/Weekly Play Area Inspection Reports

The inspection reports were reported to Members.  It was also noted that vegetation was growing though the baby swings wet pour.

C)          Social Club

Chairman, R Saunders and G Foers had recently attended an emergency meeting.  G Foers and C Hukins had attended the last monthly meeting and reported that there was now no paid staff. Accounts were outstanding for electricity/VAT.  The Committee were proposing to hold fortnightly meetings.

D)          Football Club – Pitch fees/Use of changing rooms

Further discussions on the arrangements for the changing room/football pitches on Recreation Ground took place as follows:-

·         Water meter covered changing rooms and Social Club.  It was felt that a separate meter should be installed for the changing rooms.  Clerk would make enquires with Wessex Water.

·         Electricity – the Parish Council would still hold the account and read the meter, Football Club would be billed for the account.

·         The Parish Council were prepared to make up the shortfall for the replacement of the showers in the sum of £460.00 on the understanding that the reduced pitch fees received, and subsequent pitch fees, were paid in full.

·         The arrangements should be for a trial period of a year

·         Sarah Webb agreed to draw up a form of contract and suggested arrangements should commence as from the 2008/09 season.

 

Clerk would write to Football Club with details of suggested arrangements.

 

E)           BMX Bike Track – update

Clerk circulated copies of BMX Track – Analysis of Project account; it showed a deficit of £2,811.81 which was partly met by the Parish Council out of the £2,500.00 put forward for the project, leaving a shortfall of £311.81.  It was proposed by C Brown and seconded by G Foers that the accounts be accepted.

The litter bin had now come and G Foers would arrange to fit it.  Clerk had spoken to Mr Orr – Bourton Fencing in respect of the repair to the pedestrian gate latch.

F)           Village Fete 2008 – letter dated 11.1.08 – Scout Group

Chairman read out letter indicating proposed date for the Village Fete being Saturday 12th July.  Members were in agreement for the use of the Recreation Ground and BMX track for a cycling competition if required.  Clerk would reply accordingly.

G)          Dog Fouling – Recreation Ground/Yarnbarton

Chairman referred to complaints received concerning dog fouling on the footpath through the Recreation Ground leading to Yarnbarton.  Clerk had endeavoured to contact the Dog Warden and would do so again to ask her to attend the Recreation Ground.  Spot fines could be issued.

H)          Other

R Saunders reported that a post had been displaced by the side of the gate.  G Foers agreed to have a look at the broken seat.

 

15          ANY OTHER BUSINESS/ITEMS FOR AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING ON 11TH MARCH 2008 

Clerk had received a copy of the Validation of Planning Applications document from South Somerset District Council detailing changes to protocol, comments were needed by the 1st April.  G Wilson took away the document for consideration.

G Wilson reported that £49.00 had been collected, from the collection tins, towards the Village Christmas lights.

 

Meeting closed at 9.45 pm         Signed……………………………………….