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MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL, held on Wednesday 28th September 2005, at the Market House commencing at 7.30pm.

THOSE PRESENT:- R.Powell (Chairman), D.Palmer, A.Terrell, A.Campbell District Councillor, C.Price, D.Reynolds, D.Parris, C.Bell, G.Mountjoy, J.Hetherington, P.Palmer, D.Campbell County Councillor, V.Budge Clerk, Western Gazette Reporter, and one parishioner.

APOLOGIES. A.Sherrin, A.Clarke, P.Jackson.
CHAIRMANS NOTICES. Mr. Powell welcomed Mr. Heaven a prospective councillor to the Meeting.

Sue Morse the M3 Project Officer attended the meeting and outlined details of the three feasibility studies she was currently undertaking. The first project was a Martock to Cartgate Recreational Route, the second was ways in which to upgrade the Precinct Area and the third was the starting up of a Martock Business Association.

Sue Morse elaborated on the scheme to improve the Precinct Area, and hoped that improvements to the paving could be done and possibly some sort of cover for the Produce Market.

Mrs. Terrell pointed out that this area had suffered from constant vandalism in the past, and suggested that this should be kept in mind. It was also mentioned that the Council would like to have periodic reports on the work being done by the Project Officer. Mr. Powell asked if some consideration could be given to the provision of a suitable bus shelter at the front of the Library.

DECLARARTIONS OF INTEREST. None.

POLICE MATTERS.
PCSO John Winfield reported that 2 people were in custody for the use of the ball-bearing gun.

Sgt Want was retiring and would be replaced by Nick Stone, who would be attending the next Parish Council meeting.

He felt that the unauthorised parking on the taxi rank was a problem and could not be enforced unless a licence was obtained. The Council agreed to proceed with this idea. The PCSO went on to discuss the problem of the parking of vehicles near the Foldhill Lane junction and the obstruction to vision. He has asked traffic management to look at this for advice. He has two volunteers that help to man the police post at present, but the computer cannot be installed until adequate security measures are in place.

MINUTES.
The minutes of the meeting held on the 31st August 2005 had been circulated, and were confirmed and signed as correct.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
COMMUNITY CENTRE. Mr. Price referred to the minute relating to the contribution of £5000 for this fund in the next financial year, and asked if the council could maintain this principle for a period of three years. Mr. Hetherington thought that this was possible subject to other financial commitments, which the Council accepted.

Mr. Price reported that the architect had been interviewed and a User Group meeting would be held on 20th October, at which the architect would give a presentation.

PARISH COUNCIL ALLOWANCES. Mr. Powell had looked at the documentation received from the District Council, and recommended that the Council continue with the policy of no allowances being made, this suggested was accepted, although Mr. Hetherington felt that the Council may need to consider this option in the future, in case prospective councillors were precluded because of finances.

HIGHWAY MATTERS. A letter was received from the SSDC confirming that they would consider the Parish Council’s request for the installation of a speed hump at the Precinct Car Park.

Somerset Highways advised the Council that they intend to introduce a prohibition of waiting and loading at Beech Road. The site is in the vicinity of the school and will be implemented between 8.15 to 9.15 am, and 3.00pm to 4.00pm. The Council felt this measure would be helpful.

ALL SAINTS CHURCH. A letter was received confirming that an arborist will inspect the tree near the War Memorial.

PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.
DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS.
Mrs. Campbell had been discussing the problems relating to vandalism and unruly behaviour of youths in the Moorlands House area. She also reported that a meeting would be held on the 1st November, for councillors, relating to the new methods of delegation for planning applications.

FINANCIAL MATTERS.
The undermentioned accounts were approved and passed for payment:-

Inland Revenue 248.37 Wages 1418.36

KM Dike 1093.38 The Consortium 128.92

Mr. Hetherington ratified the accounts for August.

A verbal quote of £1176.25 had been received from Absolute Fencing for the provisional of the gate/kissing gate. This quote was accepted and the work was to be completed as soon as possible.

RECREATION COMMITTEE.
The minutes of the meeting held on the 14th September 2005 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

Mr. Powell confirmed that he had submitted a grant application for the gate mechanism but the District Council was concerned that it could be vandalised. The Community Chest had also been asked to assist, and it was agreed that until the Council knew if money was available the final decision relating to the automatic system would not be taken.

It was confirmed that the Tennis Club had amended the plans to show the courts in line with the existing. The District Council had indicated that they would prefer for the Parish Council to purchase the floodlighting and for the Club to lease them from the Parish Council. It was understood that the lights would take six weeks to install, and the cable should be sufficient for the four courts and community centre. Mr. P. Palmer would contact Western Power to assess what was required and to indicate the cost. Although the District Council felt the Heads of Agreement favoured the Tennis Club, the lease would completely secure the Parish Council’s interest. Mr. Hetherington was concerned about the financing as only £5000 had been allocated for the cable. It was also noted that it had been made quite clear to the District Council that the Tennis Club must pay for the relocation of the play equipment.

Mr. Powell asked the council if they would agree in principle to the purchase of the floodlights providing the Tennis Club paid money to the Parish Council and that the grant money also came to the Parish Council and that the Club would then lease back the lights. The Tennis Club would be sked if this idea was acceptable.

Mr. Parris reported an accident at the Video Shop regarding a Tennis Club member, consequently Tina does not continue to hold the court keys and take the bookings. Messrs. Parris, D.Palmer and R.Powell would try to resolve this situation.

Mr. Jackson sent a report regarding the Rugby Pitch, and it was noted that the bald patches on the new pitch have now been reseeded

Mr. Parris reported that the Cricket Wicket had not been moved, and after discussion it was decided to hold another joint meeting to discuss the problem regarding the effect this will have on the football club. It was felt that a timetable of intended development needed to be drawn up for agreement by all clubs.

It was reported that there was a problem with the shower heads and that the Skate Park was still not completed due to a problem with the surface.

Mr. P. Palmer said that there be a problem with the levels between the new & second rugby pitch, and it may need rolling out. There was also a problem with the number of dogs being allowed to foul on the new pitches. An small length of fencing was required between the new recreation ground and

Mr. Paull’s field to prevent access by dog owners, Absolute Fencing would be asked to do this work when installing the gate. Mr. P. Palmer would also ask Mr. Stroud to estimate the cost of digging the ditch following on from the new culvert to ensure that the water drained.

VILLAGE COMMITTEE.
The minutes of the meeting held on the 14th September 2005 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

Mrs. Terrell expressed her concern relating to the state of the cemetery, some suckers required removing from a tree and the brambles should be removed from the yew trees, and the soil box needed to be emptied after pruning from the yew trees in the church yard had been deposited in it

The churchyard was also looking in need of attention, and a letter was to be written asking if work could be done, especially to the yew trees. It was also noted that neighbours adjoining the churchyard seem to be dumping their hedge/tree cuttings in the churchyard.

Comment was made regarding the untidy state of the Great Western Trading Estate, and Mr. Jackson reported that the Parish Hall gates required attention. It was agreed to ask Mr. Lloyd to replace the gates with a similar design.

Mr. Mountjoy reported that he had attended a meeting regarding the Nippy Bus. It would appear that more publicity was require to promote its use, and ways were being explored to extend the service, and the District & County Councillors were asked consider the funding issue for this service.

PLANNING COMMITTEE.
The minutes of the meeting held on the 14th September 2005 had been circulated and were confirmed as correct. Mr. Hetherington commented on the use of ‘majority vote’ in the planning minute on page 18/05/06 and felt this should read ‘nem con’.

Consideration of Planning Applications received for submission of comments to the Planning Office:-

05/02573/FUL Erection of a conservatory

15, Foldhill Lane, Martock.

05/02538/FUL Proposed 2 storey extension at front and single storey conservatory and

covered way at the rear.

4, Church Close, Martock.

SSDC Notifications of Decisions

Notification of granted permission was received for

05/01991/TCA Works to be carried out to Holly Tree, 2x Poplar Aurora Trees & Conifer

Hollybank House, Back Lane, Bower Hinton.

Notification of withdrawn application was received for

04/03624/FUL Conversion of garage with living accommodation

2, Hills Orchard, Martock.

Notification of dismissed appeal was received for

04/02555/FUL Erection of first floor extension

21, Beech Road, Martock.

Statement of Community Involvement for Planning – Issues & Options Report.

Mr. Reynolds had studied this document, and basically felt that it dealt with minerals and waste development, and had no comments to make.

An invitation to attend a workshop relating to the Scheme of Delegation was received. The venue was at the Long Sutton Golf Club on 1st November.

A reply had been received from D.Heath M.P. confirming that he had written to Mr. Prescott supporting the Parish Council request relating to Ringwell Hill.

PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.

CORRESPONDENCE.
SCC PROVISIONAL LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN. The Council was advised that this document had been approved by the County Council and was submitted to the Government.

YEOVIL & DISTRICT COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE. An invitation was received to attend the AGM

MINERALS & WASTE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK. Due to the changes to the planning system, the County Council will now need to produce a Minerals & Waste Development Framework.

A copy of the Somerset Minerals Local Plan was sent as a background document for the new scheme.

LAMP Details of the meeting to be held on the 29th September were received together with the Annual Report.