DRAFT

DRAFT

ABBAS AND TEMPLECOMBE PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting held on the 13^th November 2007

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

IN ATTENDANCE

PCSO Fiona Wilson, County Councillor/District Councillor Mr William Wallace, District Councillor Mr Tim Inglefield, 2 Parishioners

Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and commenced the open session.

PCSO Fiona Wilson reported that extra patrols had been put in place to cover Halloween/Firework night. There had been a few incidents of fireworks being let off at the Recreation Ground and there had been a small amount of anti-social behaviour. Shops had been visited prior to Halloween and notices given out to householders. Reports of graffiti on the pavements turned out to be an indication of work to be carried out by South Somerset Homes.

Mr William Wallace reported on the success of Avon and Somerset Police. He referred to the recent report in the Western Gazette concerning the ongoing problems with the A357. He considered the three action points namely:-

· Consolidation of satellite navigation systems

· Weight restrictions

· Signs on the A357 and surrounding road diverting traffic. The A357 being a non-strategic A Road and not used by non-local HGV’s.

A meeting had taken place with the Somerset Freight operators who do not recommend the A357. Better signing was required on the A350 which may reduce the amount of port traffic using the A357. Further talks would be held in January 2008. I Middleton commented that the surveys undertaken need to be reviewed. Sarah Webb enquired as to the possibility of a flashing School Zone sign which would also indicate speed and the suitability of it for our Village. Mr Richard Matthews had now taken on the A357 problems.

It was noted that the concrete batching plant, on the Henstridge Airfield, was under construction. Approval had been given initially but permission had not been granted.

Paul Hawkins thanked the Parish Council, on behalf of the Templars Tennis Club, for the trench and electric cable work carried out at the Recreation Ground and handed a cheque to the Clerk for the costs of the cable, as agreed. It was his intention to have a meter installed in the Changing Rooms. He also reported a boulder was obstructing the Station Road pavement.

1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

L Bennett, G Wilson

2 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THE 10^TH OCTOBER 2007

It was proposed by I Middleton and seconded by C Hukins that the draft Minutes be agreed, as previously circulated, with the inclusion of the agreed amendments.

3 DECLARATIONS INTERESTS

None

4 CORRESPONDENCE

Correspondence received since the last meeting was discussed:-

1) Avon and Somerset Constabulary – Newsletter. Circulated amongst Members.

2) Somerset Art Week – Request for contribution in support of activities. Noted.

3) South Somerset District Council – South Somerset District Council State of the

District Meeting – 22^nd November 2007 6.15pm Yeovil. Circulated amongst Members.

4) Avon and Somerset Authority – Community Policing Awards – Nomination

form. Members were in agreement that the Parish Council should nominate PCSO Fiona Wilson. Clerk to complete nomination form.

5) Somerset County Council – Future Waste Planning in Somerset – Issues and

Options Consultation October 2007 – details of presentation dates/Venues. Chairman passed correspondence to Sarah Webb, who agreed to deal with the consultation form.

6) Chairman of Somerset County Council – 2012 Olympic Games – Request for financial assistance. Noted.

7) Somerset’s Youth Opportunity Fund and Youth Capital Fund (2006/08) – PCSO Fiona Wilson reported on the available funding and the criteria of requirements to apply for a grant. It would be necessary to nominate a young person, with the Parish Council acting as supporter. Members discussed various suggestions and felt a “kick wall” for footballs, with possibly a basket ball hoop on the other side, could be constructed at the Recreation Ground in the area left by the removal of the skate ramps. G Foers would look at possible costings and liaise with PCSO Fiona Wilson and Clerk. Application would have to be in by the 9^th February 2008.

5 PLANNING

1) The following determinations of Applications were reported:-

Application No 07/03939/FUL – Erection of attached garage – 39 High Street, Templecombe Somerset BA8 OJG (Refused)

Application No 07/04379/R3C – New Elliott unit for Pre-school and extended school use – Abbas and Templecombe Primary School School Lane Templecombe Somerset BA8 OHP

Application No 07/03840/FUL – Alterations to roof to form loft conversion and formation of 4 no. dormer windows – Greenways 52 Bowden Road Templecombe Somerset BA8 OLF

Application No 07/03642/FUL – The erection of a new cubicle house to replace existing which is to become milking parlour and covered yard – Slades Farm Slades Hill Templecombe Somerset BA8 OHF

Application No 07/03892/FUL – The relocation of dry cow and straw barn to allow milk tanker access – Slades Farm Slades Hill Templecombe Somerset BA8 OHF

2) Clerk reported that the Area East Meeting would take place on the 14^th November 2007 at 9.30 am at the Council Offices, Churchfield, Wincanton, Somerset.

Chairman reported that the following planning application was received after the Agenda was issued.

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

Redline Engineering – Repair to bottom of slide 100.00

Vale Signs and Print – School Lane Car Park sign 45.00

Southern Electric – 25.7.07 to 31.10.07 – Changing rooms 49.24

Wessex Water – 21.4.07 to 15.10.07 – Changing rooms/Social Club 432.13

Gartell and Son – trench to tennis Courts and electric cable 1,200.03

Gartell and Son – Installation of BMX Track and sub soil to

Form jumps 5,334.50

Mr J Pratt – work at Recreation Ground 10.10.07 to 12.11.07

Grass cutting/strimming, purchase of new strimmer head 101.88

A J Dunn – Salary/Expenses November 2007 135.00

T J Chapman – Salary/Expenses November 2007 248.49

2) Clerk reported that prior to the meeting a cheque was drawn for the sum of £1,852.09 payable to Bourton Fencing Limited in respect of the required 25% deposit for the Bow top fencing/gates – BMX Track.

3) Clerk reported that the following sums had been paid in since the last meeting:-

Somerset County Council (Mr William Wallace) – Grant for BMX track

Awarded from Community Budget 2,000.00

Templecombe Rovers Football Club – Pitch fees for October 2007 80.00

4) Clerk reported that the following sums had been transferred to the Nat West Current Account:-

£5,500.00 – From Nat West Capital Reserve Account

£6,975.00 – From Nat West Capital Reserve Account (Play Area)

7 PARISH COUNCIL PRECEPT FOR THE YEAR 2008/2009

Clerk circulated copies of the forecast, payments and receipts for discussion. Members agreed that there were a number of matters namely, provision of cemetery, High Street bus shelter replacement and replacement of showers in the changing rooms, that would require considerable financial expense in excess of available funds. It was proposed by C James and seconded by I Middleton that the precept should be increased to £20,000.00 for the year 2008/09. All Members present were in agreement.

8 HIGHWAY MATTERS

1) Bus Shelter – High Street

Chairman read out letter received from Mr D Staunton concerning the condition of the bus shelter and the parking of vehicles in the lay-by approaching the bus stop. G Foers circulated copies of plans he had prepared for a replacement shelter. It was estimated that it would cost in the region of £2,500.00. G Foers agreed to produce a more accurate costing for the project and Clerk would contact the Planners to see if planning permission was required.

2) Speedwatch Scheme – update

I Middleton reported that Scott Pollard had now taken over as co-ordinator and would be contacting people to arrange a speedwatch session. Chairman thanked I Middleton for his work in setting up the scheme and being the initial co-ordinator.

3) Village Christmas Lights – update

Post meeting note – G Wilson contacted Clerk to confirm that the lights should be put up at beginning of December.

4) Other

No matters to report.

9 REVIEW OF GRASS CUTTING – HORSINGTON

Members discussed the current arrangements for grass cutting at Horsington. It was proposed by C Brown that due to the age of the tractor and the recognition that it did not conform to the requirements needed, to be driven on the road, the arrangement with Horsington should not be continued next season. Clerk would write to Horsington Parish Council accordingly.

10 TRAFFIC CALMING ISSUES/HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES – UPDATE

Members agreed that this item should be included under “Highways” at future meetings.

11 FOOTPATHS

Footpath 29/20 Lily Lane to Newleaze – P Andrew reported that Railtrack had now replaced the gate and posts on the other side of the railway bridge.

Footpath 29/15 High Street - He confirmed that this had now been added to the vegetation cutting scheme. Overhanging branches would be dealt with this week.

P Andrew had now completed three-quarters of the circular walk and copies of the booklets were now available from the Doctor’s Surgery. C Brown had provided further copies.

12 TREE WARDEN’S REPORT

I Middleton reported that he had attended the Annual Tree Warden’s meeting in Yeovil. He had spoken to Barbara Collier about tree planting in the prospective cemetery and she had spoken to County who intimated that they would be interested in planting it up completely. The weed growth, around the 10 oaks in Temple Lane, required strimming and this would be dealt with in early December. He reported that he had met with Julian Kiddle concerning the Manor Close tree planting scheme, which would cost in the region of £300.00, the residents had been asked for contributions and Julian was waiting for responses. The trees could be purchased from Ashridge Trees. I Middleton had spoken to the resident of the Hamlet, whose garden the horse chestnut with the TPO stood, and he confirmed that he was happy with its state.

13 PROVISION OF CEMETERY

Chairman reported that a response had been received from the District Valuer indicating that his fee would be in the region of £300-£400. He reported that the Environmental Agency had pointed out the four controls that were required and from an initial look at the location of the proposed land it met with these. It would be necessary to have a margin abutting the field drainage ditches. They indicated that we could go ahead and have a test hole done and we were advised to have this done during a dry period. It was agreed to ask Gartells to carry out this work and Clerk would speak to Mr Hunt to obtain his permission for this work to be carried out. It was felt the next stage would be to put in a planning application and the Environmental Agency would be involved at this stage also.

14 NEWSLETTER

C Brown circulated copies of the proposed Newsletter that would go out in December. The following articles were discussed for forthcoming issues:-

Buildings of interest – The Manor House
Precept
BMX Track opening – G Foers agreed to produce an article
St Mary’s Bellringers – Clerk would speak to Team Captain – Audrey Riley
New School Building

It was agreed that a gift, up to the value of £25.00, should be purchased for Amanda White to thank her for the work she contributes in putting the newsletter together. Sarah Webb and Clerk would deal with obtaining gift.

15 RECREATION GROUND MATTERS/CHILDRENS PLAY AREA

A) Play Area – South Somerset District Council Inspection Report dated 5.10.07

Chairman referred to the report and confirmed that the work to the coach bolts, on the Multi Twist unit, had been dealt with and a new gate bumper had been fitted to the pedestrian gate into the Play Area.

B) BMX Bike Track – update

The track had now been constructed and the fencing commenced. Members were happy with the draft for the sign supplied by Vale Sign and Print. It was agreed to wait until all works were completed and then arrange a suitable date for the official opening. Clerk had contacted the Blackmore Vale/Western Gazette who were happy to attend and take photos. The Western Gazette would like us to supply an article. The young people would be asked to attend. Clerk had applied for additional funding for the further fencing required.

C) Social Club

G Foers had attended the last meeting and circulated a copy of the accounts. The bar staff were now all volunteers and the Club was still in need of a Treasurer.

D) Football Club

It was noted that insulation tape was still be left outside of the Changing Rooms. This was a problem, when it became shredded by the topper, as the bits do not disperse and are scattered over a wider area. Clerk would speak with the Secretary.

E) Templars Tennis Club

The work to the trench and electric cable to the courts had been completed successfully.

F) Changing rooms – Replacement of Showers – update

Clerk reported that G Parsons had inspected the showers and now two were working in each changing room. The Secretary of the Football Club had indicated that the account for this work would be passed to Mr William Wallace. It was felt further funding should be sought for the replacement showers. Members agreed that as from the 1^st January 2008 the Football Club would be asked to be responsible for cleaning the Changing rooms, provided that they were the only users. The Tennis Club would be asked if they ever use the changing rooms or intended to in the future.

G) Other

Nothing to report.

16 ANY OTHER BUSINESS/ITEMS FOR THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING ON 11^TH DECEMBER 2007

Clerk reported that J Pratt had reported dog fouling was a problem in areas where the strimmer was used. C James commented on the dog bins which were overfilled and the number of bags left around one of the bins. Clerk would speak to South Somerset District Council to see if the arrangement for a weekly pick up could be reinstated.

Chairman read out a letter dated 12^th November received from Mr Alan Berry – Treasurer of the Village Hall concerning the work that was required to refelt and batten the hall roof. Grants were being applied for and the Parish Council were being asked to make a donation towards the work. Members discussed the matter and felt that due to ongoing and forthcoming financial commitments this was not possible at present but the matter would be considered at a later date.

Meeting Closed at 10.00 pm

Signed……………………………………………….dated…………………………….