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MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL, held on Wednesday 4th January 2006, at the Market House commencing at 7.30pm.

THOSE PRESENT: - R.Powell (Chairman), D.Palmer, A.Terrell, A.Sherrin, M.Heaven, C.Price, D.Reynolds, A.Clarke, C.Bell, D.Parris, G.Mountjoy, P.Jackson, J.Hetherington, P.Palmer, V.Budge

Clerk, Western Gazette reporter and three parishioners. Mr & Mrs. Campbell arrived later in the meeting.

APOLOGIES None.
CHAIRMAN’S NOTICES. None.
CO-OPTION OF COUNCILLOR.
The District Council confirmed that it was in order for the Parish Council to co-opt a councillor for the vacant position. (Councillors were reminded that changes to their registered details should be notified to the District Council through the Clerk within 28 days, and also of any gifts or hospitality to the value of £25 received in their official capacity)

POLICE MATTERS.
PCSO John Winfield reported that Matt Beckett was going to Chard to partake in the Pub Watch Scheme. Mr. Bell had received a report from Matt regarding incidents which had occurred in the village, he also reported on a joint meeting with the Police. Mr. Bell now had weekly contact with the Beat Officer and PCSO, it had also been established that a police presence was required at each council meeting, other items discussed were also reported. Mr. Powell reported that the Youth Meeting had discussed the provision of a drop-in facility, the busing of young people to South Petherton Youth Club and also of the intention to invite some young people to a meeting to discuss their needs.

The problem of drinking in the streets was also discussed, and it was suggested that bright lighting at the Market House open area could be helpful. Mr. Reed was to be asked for advice on this matter.

Mr. Heaven also reported on the meeting he had attended.

Sue Marks reported the incidents that had occurred in the Moorland House area, and felt that the seats should be moved to prevent the youngsters gaining access to the wall. Several ideas were discussed and it was agreed that Raglan Homes should be invited to a meeting to discuss the problems. The introduction of an alcohol free area would be discussed at a meeting to be held on the 2nd February at the Market House at 7.00pm. PCSO Winfield was asked if more community officers would be allocated to Martock, and he would ask his superiors for details on this matter. Two other parishioners commented on the amount of vandalism in the village. PCSO Winfield explained that the police were unable to act unless the public were willing to come forward and report incidents.

A letter had been received from Inspector Pitmen, expressing his wish to attend a parish council meeting, and he was to be invited to the next meeting.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. None.
MINUTES.
The minutes of the meeting held on the 30th November 2005 had been circulated, and were confirmed and signed as correct.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
COMMUNITY CENTRE. Mr. Price reported that the committee was trying to obtain charity status, but the commissioners required details of the yearly income. Mr. Price asked the Parish Council if they would be willing to donate £1000 per annum, after the initial three year contribution of £5000 per annum, until such time as the community centre was self-supporting, this request was agreed by the council.

M3 REPORT. Mr. P. Palmer reported that the next meeting would be held on 24th January at the school.

SIGNAGE MARTOCK/ASH LANE. A response had been received from the District Council regarding this matter. Unfortunately they are unable to amend the street names, and they have checked their records and can find no mention of Ash Lane. A letter would be sent to the County Council in the hope of finding a resolution to this matter.

PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.
DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS.
Mr. Campbell supplied the Film Itinerary to Mr. Jackson, and encouraged councillors to attend the LTP meeting.

Mrs. Campbell had details of the insurance discount plan for investigation.

Mr. P.Palmer reported that Vega Sturgess had been promoted to Strategic Director and it was agreed to write thanking her for all her work relating for the parish.

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

Absolute Fencing 1853.13 Holden Engineering 235.00

Dave Smith 91.00 K.M.Dike 1957.01

Information Comm. 35.00 Flex Martock 1151.50

Npower 470.68 Clark Bus Prod 15.66

The Financial Chairman ratified the accounts for November.

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

The precept as prepared was circulated and it was proposed by David Palmer, seconded by Chris Bell that the sum of £105253 is precepted for the financial year 2006/07, this was unanimously approved.

The clerk alerted the council that as the precept had now exceeded £100k it might be paid in two instalments.

Mr. Powell reported that the council had been successful in securing a 30% grant for the provision of disabled facilities at the council’s properties. The District Council had also awarded money to the Tennis Club.

The Finance Committee had received a copy of the Risk Assessment document, Mr. Hetherington felt unqualified to comment and the District Council was to be asked if they could offer any advice on the matter.

The Council accepted the renewal offer for the supply of gas from Powergen.

It was agreed to appointment Mr. Bullen as the internal auditor for the accounts ending 31st March 2006.

Three quotations had been received for the decorating schedule at the Pavilion and Parish Hall, the quote from Mr. Marsh was accepted by the Council.

Mr. D. Palmer advised the Council that no money is outstanding for the Outreach Project, and he would advise the Council when the £1500 allocated to the Youth Club was required.

RECREATION COMMITTEE.
Mr. Parris reported that he was to meet with the proprietor of the White Hart to discuss the possibility of the court bookings being done through them

Mr. Moore had been reminded of the urgency for the details relating to the signage for the skate-park.

Hags Play had invoiced the council for the total amount due for the skate park, and only 95% is due for payment immediately. They would be asked to amend the invoice, and it was noted that the remaining 5% would be due in twelve months.

The Parish Council agreed to accept the District Council’s offer to carry out the annual inspection and also the risk assessment.

Mr. D. Palmer reported that the entrance gates would be taken away for work to be done regarding the automatic opening mechanism, he would also discuss the opening procedure for emergency vehicles.

Mr. Parris was still progressing a team for the stone picking at the new recreation field.

VILLAGE COMMITTEE.
The Council did not wish to entry the Village of the Year Competition. It was agreed to ask the District Council’s Parks Dept. for advice regarding the extension of the Garden of Remembrance.

PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.
CORRESPONDENCE.
SSDC REVIEW OF PARISH BOUNDARIES. The District Council invited representation from parishes by the 3rd March. At present they have no proposals to amend the boundaries. This item would be discussed at the next meeting.

SSDC HOMELESSNESS & Temporary Accommodation Stategy 2005-08.The District Council is a provider through the Housing Association and the private sector, and a document was received outlining the details of the stategy.

WESTERN GAZETTE – MARTOCK DIRECTORY. The Parish Council did not wish to include any additional information.

SOMERSET LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN. Copies of the LTP summary were provided, and feedback would be welcome.

URGENT MATTERS. The clerk was asked to ensure the clock was regularly wound. Mr. Lloyd
was also to be asked to take down the outside face of the clock

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

A letter had been received notifying the Council that the Area North Planning Team will move to Chard, current administration of applications and the admin. Team will remain at the four existing area offices.

(Mr. P. Palmer declared an interest and left the meeting)

Mr. Reynolds reported that the retention wall/fence at Higher Barton did not appear to coincide with the plan, and there was some confusion relating to an agreement to amend the plan submitted to the Parish Council for consideration. Mrs. Campbell was aware of the problem and reported that the amendment was being investigated.

Mr. Reynolds reported that the Ringwell Application was to be considered at the Regulation Committee meeting on the 17th January, and expressed his concern that the Parish Council had not been advised.

Mr. Reynolds reported that he had spoken to a planning consultant in a private capacity and had been advised to write to the Government Office for the South West requesting that the application 05/00887 was ‘called in’. Mr. Reynolds had prepared a letter for the Council’s consideration, and after amendment, the council unanimously agreed to submit the letter to the Bristol Office.