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MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL, held on Wednesday 22nd February 2006, at the Market House commencing at 7.30pm.

THOSE PRESENT:- R.Powell (Chairman), D.Palmer, A.Terrell, M.Heaven, C.Bell, D.Reynolds, C.Price, D.Parris, P.Palmer, V.Budge Clerk and Western Gazette Reporter.

APOLOGIES. D.Campbell, A.Campbell, P.Jackson, D.Wilkinson, A.Clarke, A.Sherrin, J.Hetherington, G.Mountjoy.
CHAIRMANS NOTICES. None.
POLICE MATTERS.
PCSO Winfield that he was dealing with more problems relating to the riding of mini motorbikes on private property. Matt Beckett reported on incidents, which had occurred in the village over the last month, and informed the Council that he would be attending a joint meeting with Social Services and Raglan Housing.

Mrs. Terrell asked PC Beckett of his opinion on the removal of the blue lights from the Market House Toilets, and felt that they should have been retained in order to act as a deterrent. PC Beckett reported that they was not a problem of drug usage at the present time. Mr. Parris reported the driving of vehicles on the football pitch.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS. P.Palmer -Ringwell Hill item.

MINUTES.
The Minutes of the meeting held on the 25th January 2006 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.

COMMUNITY CENTRE. Mr. Price suggested that the Parish Council attend the MCC meeting on the 9th March at 7.30pm at the Market House to discuss the conflict of interests issue. Mr. Price referred to the memo from Peter Woodley (2003) which outlined suggested uses for the Parish Hall, and it was noted that there was no intention to consider the selling of the Parish Hall until the Community Centre was built. Details of the preliminary floor plan for the centre was discussed, and it was hoped that the planning application ready for submission in the autumn. A survey of the water levels would be done, and comment was made regarding the lay-out, especially the siting of the toilets immediately inside the entrance.

M3 REPORT. Mr. P. Palmer reported that three trustees had been appointed for the company status application. A leaflet drop was planned with the aim of obtaining more volunteers, and it was noted that the parish council M3 links needed to be re-established. It was also noted that a new chairman was required to replace Mr. Hedges, who was leaving at the end of March.

HIGHWAY ISSUES. Further communications had been received regarding the state of Highway at Ash/Martock. The Somerset Highways Authority had confirmed that the road will be resurfaced in the new financial year. Somerset Highways was to be asked to pay particular attention to the diversion of traffic at this time, so as to avoid unnecessary problems.

Notification was received from the District Council of the intention to rename Martock Lane as Ash Lane for Foldhill to the parish boundary. Details of the constructions of speed humps and the imposition of a 20mph speed limit at Bearley Bridge Road etc. Mr. Heaven was concerned that this could cause damage to vehicles, but these items resulted from conditions relating to the new Yeo Paull housing development. Notification of a road closure at East Lambrook Road was received.

PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.

DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT.
Mr. P.Palmer reported that Gastons Lane development had received planning permission with conditions. Alterations are to be made to the Nippy Bus Service and the District Council are to assist with publicity costs.

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

Inland Revenue 250.99
Wages 1430.52
Perf Right Scy 91.6
Flex Martock 29.14
GBF Masonry Cleaning 763.75
D.Parris 5.56
Npower 219.90
Paull & Co 5.00
K.M. Dike 1093.38
Hags Play 27906.25
J.Lloyd 1647.95

The accounts for January were ratified by confirmation from Mr. Hetherington.

A quotation of £175 from Mr. Lloyd for the fitting of the emergency exit bar, to the rear entrance of the pavilion was accepted.

Mr. P. Palmer reported that the clock had been taken away for repair. The existing system was not very reliable, and it was suggested that an outside clock be purchased to replace the existing one, and the inside clock kept. This was felt to be a good idea but as the existing arrangement could carry on for some time, an amount would be put in the following year’s precept to cover this expenditure.

Two quotes had been received for the alteration to the consumer unit and the provision of outside sockets and the Council accepted the quote from SEC for £375.

A suggestion had been made to the Council regarding a fence to prevent cars being able to access the

football pitch, this idea was rejected and Mr. Parris would investigate this problem further.

Three quotes had been received for the grounds maintenance contract, the Council was mindful to award the contract to Mr. Dike.

Details of grant aid had been received.

RECREATION COMMITTEE.
The minutes of the meeting held on the 8th February 2006 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

Problems were still being experienced with the automatic gates.

Mr. Parris reported that it was possible that someone was willing to take on the responsibility of the tennis court lettings.

Mr. Powell reported that all the funding for the lighting and new courts was now in place, and it was necessary to assess the power supply requirements for the community centre. It was also necessary for a quotation to be obtained for the moving of the children’s play equipment. The District Council was also keen for the parish council to utilise the grant funding.

Mr. P. Palmer reported that Mr. Braybon would be putting in the hedging and doing the fencing.

Confirmation was received that the Council had received grant funding for a set of goal posts.

VILLAGE COMMITTEE.
Mr. Reed had supplied details for the lighting of the open area at the Market House, the cost would be £580, which was accepted.

Mrs. Terrell updated the council on the MLAT meeting and also on the Crime Reduction Survey from P.c. Nickerson. The removal of the recycling bins for the construction work on the walkway from Yeo Paull site was causing a litter problem, and it was suggested that the bins be resited in the car park on a temporary basis.

Mrs. Terrell reported that a litter bin was required in the Hills Orchard Play Area, and that there was a large amount of fly-tipping in Hills Lane.

Mr. Price asked the Council to record the very professional performance of the Martock Players Pantomime.

Mr. P. Palmer reported that the seat outside the library had been moved because people were climbing onto the roof. The Library were investigating this problem. He also commented that some of the gravestones were listed.

PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.

CORRESPONDENCE.
SCC ROAD CLOSURE- MERRIOTT. The Council was advised on a temporary road closure at Egwood Hill, Merriott for 5 days starting 27th February.

SSDC EVENT ORGANISER SEMINAR. Details of various venues were received.

SSDC YOUNG PEOPLE & YOUTH FACILITIES WORKSHOP. Mr. Powell indicated that he would like to attend this function.

PLANNING COMMITTEE.
The minutes of the meeting held on the 8th February 2006 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

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

06/00362/FUL Proposed extension and alterations

44 Lavers Oak, Martock.

05/03044/FUL Erection of entrance porch

34, Steppes Crescent, Martock.

Approved, subject to building materials matching existing.

06/00434/LBC Replacement of front entrance door with automatic sliding door

Martock Post Office, East Street, Martock.

06/00303/LBC Repair and replace existing guttering and repointing of dwelling with lime mortar

Little Manor, Coat Road, Martock.

Mr. Powell reported that he had attended a joint parish council meeting at Norton, at which Mr. Shaw, the Planning Policy Manager had spoke about the policy for the next Local Plan. It seems possible that housing development will be centred around larger towns, and that development at Yeovil will be towards Montacute, Stoke etc. The Parishes present expressed concern that they may lose their local character if this happens. The group would meet again when required.

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

Mr. Powell reported that he had attended the Regulations Committee meeting and spoke on behalf of the Parish Council. Most of the comments made by the Parish Council had been addressed, although not amended. The Committee did agree to the widening of the screening on the north side, and the application was passed, and would now be referred to the DPM Office for ratification.

The Parish Council will have the opportunity to make their views known, and Mr. Reynolds would investigate various aspects of the application, and prepare the submission on behalf of the parish council.