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MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL held on Wednesday 30th August 2006, at the Market House commencing at 7.30pm.

THOSE PRESENT: D. Palmer (Chairman), A.Terrell, P.Jackson, C.Bell, M.Heaven, C.Price, D.Reynolds, G. Mountjoy, D.Wilkinson, J.Hetherington, D.Campbell County Councillor, V. Budge Clerk, Western Gazette Reporter and one parishioner.

APOLOGIES. D.Parris, A.Clarke, A.Sherrin, R.Powell, P.Palmer, A.Campbell.
Mrs. Sherrin had reported that she would be working abroad until Christmas, and Mr. Reynolds reported that he would be absent for several months following an operation. It was unanimously resolved that both councillors were granted a leave of absence.

CHAIRMANS NOTICES. None.
POLICE MATTERS.
Concern had been expressed regarding the riding of bicycles at the precinct. It was agreed to ask the Co-op if it would be possible to have signs prohibiting cycling and skateboarding in this area. Comment was also made regarding the late night activities in the open area at the Market House; the installation of lighting at this location would hopefully control this problem.

It was reported that our beat officer had been on leave and the PCSO had also been absent for several weeks, leaving the parish with no police cover. A letter was to be written expressing the Council’s concern at the lack of alternative cover during this time and the apparent increase in incidents in the village.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS. None.
MINUTES.
The Minutes of the meetings held on the 26th July 2006 and the 2nd August 2006 had been circulated, and were confirmed and signed as correct.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS. Mr. Wilkinson reported that Mrs. Rogers had a good response regarding the trees. It was agreed that the two brackets for the Market House should be put on the north facing wall and the Parish Hall brackets on the front of the building. Mr. Reed would be asked to ensure there were adequate power points for the lighting.

M3 REPORT. Mr. Mountjoy reported that he would be attending a Market Towns Initiative meeting and would request some funding for the improvements to Church Street.

Mr. Powell had informed the Council that a Community Partnership Workshop would be held on 16th September at the White Hart, 10.00 – 16.00 lunch included. Mr Powell and Mr. Bell put their names forward to represent the Parish Council. David Parris, Andrew Clarke and Patrick Palmer would be asked if they could also attend.

HIGHWAY MATTERS. Mr. Sharpe had informed the Council that the 30mph sign at Bower Hinton did not need to be replaced, but the one on the South Petherton by the side of Yandles was in poor condition and would be replaced. The County Council could do a larger socket for the Christmas tree, and enquiries made regarding the cost.

Notification of a road closure at North Street Crewkerne was received. Details of the Councils’ responses on the Highway Related Services were received.

It was agreed that a letter should be written to Mr. Sharpe asking when the 30mph signs at Stapleton would be moved, if there was any news of the new signs for Stoke Road/Water Street junction.

The yellow lining at Church Street near the Market House was still not reinstated, and comment was to be made regarding the colour of the lines in the conservation area.

A copy letter from Kate Loveless to the Highway Department was received and although the Council could sympathise with the comments made, there was little the Parish Council could do.

Another request was to be sent to Mr. Shire to attend a council meeting to discuss the upgrading of the highways in the area.

PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.
DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS. Mr. Campbell expressed his concern at the correspondence received from the Youth Service regarding the discontinuation of the use of the youth centre/ closure of the Wednesday night Youth Club. Copies of the correspondence relating to this matter were circulated to councillors present. Mr. D. Palmer said that the centre needed more help not less, and that a village the size of Martock warranted a full time youth worker, which we had a few years ago. Mr. D. Palmer would prepare a letter to Mr. D. Taylor, copies to be sent to Mr. Campbell and Mr. Heath.

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

Initial Washroom Supplies 201.91 D.Palmer 16.57

Paull & Co 18.68 First Class Improvements 350.00

Flex Martock 41.13 STL Welding 528.75

K.M. Dike 1523.40 SSDC Premises Licence 70.00

HM Customs & Excise 212.62 Wages 1503.36

The accounts for July were ratified and signed by the Finance Chairman.

The statement of assurance for the External Auditor was approved and the document signed by the chairman.

The Councillor felt that although work had been done to update the Risk Assessments, it would be prudent to seek some advice from the District Council on this subject. The Council also confirmed that they wished to maintain the current investment procedure with the bank.

Two quotes had now been received for the provision of lighting to the storage shed, the Council accepted the quote from Mr. Reed, Flex Martock for £294.90

RECREATION COMMITTEE.
The minutes of the meeting held on the 9th August 2006 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

Two ladies attended the meeting from the Pre-School Play Group asking if provision could be made for the storage of some outside play equipment. It would appear that the Rugby and Cricket Clubs wish to have some secure storage at the new end of the Recreation Ground, this would result in free space in the green store. This matter would be discussed with Mr. Parris and the Pre School Group said that they would be happy to await the decision reached.

(Mrs. Carter complained about the charging system for the green recycling bins and the problems she had encountered. She would take up this matter with Mrs. Campbell District Councillor).

A letter had been received from the Rugby Club asking if the public liability section could be deducted as this item was now covered under their policy. Unfortunately the Council had agreed, some time ago, that all lettings would include the hirers liability. The Council did agreed that the Club could use the kitchen facilities on a Sunday morning, at no charge for the making of drinks providing the area was left clean and tidy.

Mr. Parris reported that the Cricket Club had secured funding for the wicket, the £500 set aside from the Parish Council would now be used to provide practice nets. Mr. Mountjoy informed the Council that it is necessary to cut the crickets area more often to make sure the grass establishes and it will also need to be rolled.

Mr. Mountjoy was progressing with plans for the extension to the car parking area with a new section nearer the pavilion for the disabled. Mr. Mountjoy would contact the Project manager for the Tennis Court work to inform him that any topsoil could be stored with the existing topsoil, any sub soil must be removed or stored elsewhere, to be agreed with Mr. Mountjoy.

Mr. Wilkinson was still investigating the problem of the showers and reported on the progress to date.

The Clerk reported that work would soon start on the tennis courts/play area. Investigations were being made into the installation of keypad locks and closure fittings for the gate to the public gate.

Mr. Reynolds reported that he had contacted the LTA regarding the required length of lease when related to funding, and had established that 21 years was the minimum required. It was agreed that the Tennis Club should be asked about this and that the lease should not be signed until this item was resolved.

VILLAGE COMMITTEE.
Correspondence had been received from the District Council regarding advice on Gaming in Licensed Premises. The Council was advised that Mr. Lloyd had agreed to take over the contract to decorate the Hall , as Mr. Marsh was unwell and would not be able to carry out the work. The Council was happy with this arrangement.

PLANNING COMMITTEE
The minutes of the meeting held on 9th August 2006 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

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

06/02815/FUL Erection of two storey side extension to dwelling

3, Gastons Lane, Bower Hinton.

06/02352/FUL Erection of a conservatory

5, Barton Close, Bower Hinton, Martock.

06/02755/LBC Extension and alteration to form residential development

Railway Hotel, Coat Road, Martock

06/02967/FUL Proposed demolition of existing garage and erection of new double garage

9 Beech Road, Martock,

SSDC Notifications of Decisions:-

Notifications of granted permission were received for:

06/01519/FUL Erection of rear extension

30 Marwin Close, Martock.

06/02027/LBC Replacement Conservatory & Alterations

06/02031/FUL 7a The Moorings, Water Street, Martock.

06/01720/FUL Erection of a dwelling

Manor Barn, Manor Road, Martock.

06/02070/LBC Conversion of existing coach house to 2 bed domestic dwelling with demolition of existing workshops. Change of use from A2 to C3

Coach House, 27 North Street Martock.

06/02232/FUL Removal of three windows and replace with french doors in north east elevation

The Wagon House, Stapleton, Martock.

06/02044/FUL Demolition of existing dwelling and construction of new detached house including widening of existing drive.

The Rockery, Bower Hinton, Martock.

Notification of refused permission was received for:-

06/02018/FUL Erection of two storey and single storey extension

88 North Street, Martock

The Parish Council was advised that the Planning Department would now be located at Brympton Way from the 18th September. Planning notes on two applications had been received and had been forwarded to the Planning Chairman.

13. PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.

CORRESPONDENCE.
SSDC CORPORATE PLAN The preparation of this document is a legal requirement and can be viewed on line, and comments would be welcomed.

SCC MOBILE LIBRARY QUESSTIONNAIRE. A document was received for completion by the clerk.

SSDC CLEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD AND ENVIRONMENT ACT. Details of the fixed penalty for Fly Posting was received.

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY. A discussion leaflet with provision for expressing a choice for flood management was received.

URGENT MATTERS.
Mr. Campbell reminded councillors of the forthcoming Art Week.

The Clerk reported that the Howe family had expressed a wish for some form of memorial to Albert, a former resident of Martock, and who had kept a constant interest in the village although he had moved away some considerable time ago. He had regularly written to the Parish Council with illustrations, to emphasise the points he was raising. A suggestion had been made to have a picture with some of his illustrations on display at the Market House, the Council was happy with this idea and would await the decision of the family.

Mr. Price reported that he had been in discussions regarding the arrangements for the visit of HRH Princess Royal.