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MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL, held on Wednesday 25th January 2006, at the Market House commencing at 7.30pm.

THOSE PRESENT:- R. Powell (Chairman), D. Palmer, P.Jackson, M.Heaven, D.Parris, D.Reynolds, A.Clarke, C.Bell, G.Mountjoy, J.Hetherington, P.Palmer, D.Wilkinson, V.Budge Clerk, Western Gazette Reporter.

APOLOGIES C.Price, A.Terrell, A.Sherrin, A.Campbell, D.Campbell.

CHAIRMANS NOTICES. None.

CO-OPTION OF COUNCILLOR.

Mr. P. Palmer proposed, seconded by Mr. D. Palmer that Mr. David Wilkinson be co-opted councillor, unanimously agreed. The declaration of acceptance of office was duly signed.

Mr. Wilkinson was appointed committee member for the Recreation Committee and Mr. Heaven appointed as committee member for the Village Committee.

POLICE MATTERS.

PC Matt Beckett attended the meeting and reported that Inspector Pitman was unwell at present and could not attend the meeting. PC Beckett reported that he was maintaining contact with Mr. Bell, and gave a short report of the crime situation. It is hoped to launch a Pub Watch Scheme in Martock and Mr. Bell would be the council contact. The Crime prevention Officer was compiling a report on the shops in the Precinct area, which should be complete within the next week.

The Council discussed the Designated Public Places Order and it was noted that the police could seize alcohol in the possession of under 16s. The trading standards may be asked to check on shops selling alcohol to ensure that they were not breaking the law and selling to under age people, if this was the case their licence could be rescinded. Sponsorship for a vehicle was being sought from local business and a circular letter was received from Chief Inspector Marsh, detailing the Neighbourhood Policing Initiative and Operation relentless.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS. P.Palmer Planning – Ringwell Hill.

MINUTES.

The Minutes of the meeting held on the 4th January 2006 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.

COMMUNITY CENTRE. A report had been received from Mr. Price in which he reported that that the Design Brief had been given to ROK, the initial drawing should be available in February and it was hoped to have planning permission by the autumn. Comment was made regarding the Youth Club and the new site, Bracey Road or the Recreation Ground. There was the option of using the Parish Hall from 2009 and the Committee felt the Council should engage on this issue with some urgency.

The use of the Youth Club facilities by the Cadets was also questioned. They could not use the main hall of the Community Centre for two times a week, would the Youth Club incorporate them in the new centre, or another option would be to use the Parish Hall from 2009. The Committee had agreed that the Police Post would not be incorporated in the new centre, as it was felt that it should be established on the main road.

Mr. D.Palmer reported that the Youth Club would prefer to have premises at Bracey Road.

Mr. Hetherington expressed his concern that there would be a conflict of interest if the centre was built, with the users of the parish hall. It was agreed that a meeting with the Centre Committee should be arranged to discuss this matter. Mr. Hetherington asked how much it was estimated the hall was worth and if any prospective purchasers had shown any interest. It was agreed that a meeting should be arranged for March to discuss this matter with the Community centre Committee.

M3 REPORT. Mr. P.Palmer reported that M3 intended to re-invigorate the interest in M3 as more people were required to achieve the Parish Plan Projects. Some ideas had been realised e.g. The producers market, and the Leveller magazine. Other projects were being investigated.

REVIEW OF PARISH BOUNDARIES. Mr. P. Palmer suggested that the dwellings at Highway should become part of the Ash Parish. It was agreed to write to the District Council advising them of this decision.

MARTOCK LANE SIGNAGE. A letter had been received from the County Council reporting that according to records the lane is shown as Martock Lane, the District Council has been informed, and they are undertaking investigations into this matter.

HIGHWAY MATTERS. A copy letter sent to the County Council from Mr. Davies of Paull & Co. had been received. Mr. Davies had to have repairs done to his car after driving into a deep pothole at Highway. The Parish Council would write to the County Highways complaining of the state of the road at this location.

PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.

DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS.

Mr. P.Palmer reported that the planning department at Kelways had moved to Chard, and that Mr. Belli had taken over control from Mr. Cato.

FINANCIAL MATTERS.

The undermentioned accounts were approved and passed for payment:-

A1 Access 6100.00 Npower 300.84

Hags Play 528.75 KS Electrics 920.00

Paull & Co 21.87 Powergen 157.56

Bee Signs 99.88 Inland Revenue 237.99

Wages 1502.89 Npower 142.69

The clerk reported that the total amount of the invoice to A1 Access had not been paid, as the gates were still not working correctly.

Mr. Hetherington ratified the accounts for December as being correct.

The District Council reported that the following grants had been awarded to the Parish Council:-

£75 for Hall Improvements, £525 for improvements to the Pavilion, £338.10 for the Market House, and £3375 for the floodlighting of the existing tennis courts. The clerk was asked to obtain a quote for the provision of the continuous handrails at the Market House from the fabricators at Great Western Road.

A quote for £650 was received from GBF for the removal of graffiti from the Market House and Pinnacle. It was emphasised that the earliest removal proved the most satisfactory, and the company was to be asked for an estimate of costs for treating further areas should this type of incident arise, in order to deal with these problems quickly.

RECREATION COMMITTEE.

A safety inspection report had been received from the District Council for the play equipment and Mr. Parris would advise on the remedial action required. Mr. Parris reported that the cricket club was happy to use the far corner of the new field, but expressed concern at the weeds, which were growing in the new grass. Mr. Dike was to be asked to mow the area at the earliest opportunity with a rotary type mower. Stone picking exercises would be organised for the 5th and 12th February

The White Hart had indicated that they were prepared to take bookings for the tennis courts, but it was noted that they were not open in the afternoons. It was agreed to investigate the possibility of using combination locks, Mr. Parris to obtain and get appropriate signage.

It was reported that the Tennis Club had obtained a grant from the L.T.A., and that the lease was needed as soon as possible. Mr. Parris would arrange a meeting with all sports clubs to discuss the moving of the play area.

The showers were still not functioning correctly and Mr. Parris had asked several companies to quote for a more efficient system.

The Clerk reported that the Church Fete may require a temporary entertainment licence.

The gates had been installed but were not yet working correctly, and the balance owing would not be paid until the next meeting. Mr. Reed was to be asked to investigate the socket loadings for functions such as the fete etc. A tree was obscuring the light from the light on the telegraph pole and Mr. Dike was to be asked to investigate what action could be taken to rectify this problem.

The placement of an ambulance key would be discussed at the next meeting.

VILLAGE COMMITTEE.

DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES ORDER & DISPERSAL OF GROUPS. Following enquiries regarding the DPPO the Community Safety Project Officer advised the council that the police already had the authority to take alcoholic drinks from young people under 16, and therefore there was no need to apply for a DPPO if there was a problem with underage drinking.

Mr. Biggenden had inspected the flat roof of the hall and had advised that it was almost at the limit, and he would advise the clerk of a specification and contractors to carry out the required work.

PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.

CORRESPONDENCE .

YOUTH PARISH COUNCIL PRESENTATION EVENING. An invitation had been received to attend this function, Mr. D.Palmer indicated that he would like to attend.

NHS DRUG & ALCOHOL ACTION TEAM- PUBLIC CONSULTATION. Leaflets describing proposals for the way people with drug problems are able to access drug treatment were received and distributed. Comments could be sent by completing the reply slip.

SSDC DEVELOPING A VISION FOR MARKET TOWNS. A workshop would be held on the 30th January, Mr. Powell and Mr. Heaven would attend.

SOMERSET HIGHWAYS.ROAD CLOSURES. Details of closures at Creedy Bridge Road, South Petherton, A356 North Street Crewkerne, and Charity Lane Coleford Kilmersdon & Mells were received.

SCC LIBRARY OPENING HOURS. Details of alterations to the Library opening hours were received. The library will now close at 6.00pm on Fridays and will stay open until 1.00pm on Saturday.

TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING, PROPOSED STOPPING UP OF HIGHWAY AT BRACEY ROAD. Details of the order for the above were received.

CHURCHES TOGETHER – LETS CELEBRATE. The Parish Council was asked if they would like to take part in a Flower Festival to celebrate Whitsuntide, the clerk would organise the Council’s entry.

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY. The Parish Council was asked if they would like to be consulted on the review of the Hinkley Point nuclear power station, but decided they did not wish to take part.

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING DATES. The Clerk asked if the date of the June meeting could be changed, this was agreed.

PLANNING COMMITTEE.

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

06/00031/FUL Alteration to post office retail area with rear.

06/00032/LBC Martock Post Office, East Street, Martock.

06/00036/FUL Removal of existing gates and fence and replace with new

DT Commercials, Great Western Road, Martock.

06/00133/FUL To demolish building and rebuild for use under classes B1 &B8

Sparrow Works, Bower Hinton, Martock.

05/03420/FUL Extension and alterations comprising kitchen, hall utility and garage

05/03421/LBC Careys Mill Cottage, Parrett Works, Martock.

SSDC Notifications of Decisions.

Notifications of granted permission were received for: -

05/03042/FUL Erection of a conservatory at rear of dwelling

14, Ashfield Park, Martock.

05/03110/FUL Amend existing permission for garage and erect boundary wall to enclose side plot

Timberland, Manor Farm, Stapleton, Martock.

Notification of refused permission was received for: -

05/03029/FUL Erection of one dwelling and erection of garage for Orchard Farm House, Orchard Farm, Highway Road, Coat, Martock.

The Parish Council was advised that an informal Hearing for Appeal in respect of application 04/02872/FUL, erection of two houses, land adjoining 24, Marwin Close, would be held on

1st February, Mr. Reynolds would attend on behalf of the Parish Council.

South Somerset Local Plan Deposit Draft- further proposed modifications, notice of intent to adopt and associated documents were received, these related to employment land at Bunford Lane and land at Milborne Port and Templecombe.

RINGWELL HILL . Mr. P. Palmer declared an interest and left the meeting.

Mr. Powell agreed to represent the Parish Council at the Regulations Committee meeting on the 21st February.

Mr. Reynolds suggested that the council appoints a highways consultant to represent the council at this meeting, but after discussion it was agreed not to proceed with this idea.

Following the publication of the advertisement relating to the Ringwell Hill site, Mr. Reynolds had prepared a letter for submission to the Development Control Manage and Planning Policy Manager of the District Council, and it was unanimously agreed to submit this letter.

Mr. Reynolds also reported of investigations he had been doing regarding the Planning Office’s processing of the application.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING WAS DECLARED CLOSED.