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

APOLOGIES. D.Reynolds, A.Clarke, A.Sherrin, M. Heaven.

CHAIRMANS NOTICES.
Mr. Powell reported that he and Mr. Mountjoy had attended a Market & Coastal Towns meeting and discussed some funding projects, which Martock would like to investigate. CCTV, information boards, and street scene items such as street lighting were possibilities for further investigation. A joint meeting with M3 and the PCC had been held on 16th September. A further meeting had been arranged for the 16th October at the Market House at 7.30pm to discuss the proposals, and it was intended to bring specific projects to the council for discussion at the next meeting.

There was also a need to consult the public in order to identify and prioritise projects, such as the business and economic issues, and a public meeting had been arranged for the 15th November at the School.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. None.
DISCUSSION WITH SSDC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER , G.TUCKER
ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR- THE PRECINCT, CAR PARK ETC.

Mr. Tucker reported that a joint meeting had been held to address issues relating to the Car Park area, and attempts had been made to identify solutions to the problems. He confirmed some of the recycling bins would not be returned to the site, but that the paper/cardboard and plastic were likely to remain. There had been numerous problems with anti-social behaviour in the area and young people had found the recycling bins to be good items of play equipment. There were a number of issues discussed and suggestions made to improve the situation.

Issue 1. It may be beneficial to re-locate the recycling bins, and alternative site was required and Mr. P. Palmer would investigate this matter.

Issue 2. Improvements could be made to the precinct area adjacent to the shops, which could improve the area; Funding for this could be available from the M & C.T. Initiative. The Parish Council agreed that Mr. Tucker to approach the Co-op to take this idea forward.

Issue 3. There were problems with the main car parking area, especially with the new entrance to Vincent Way. The District Council would carry out a survey to improve the lighting, alter the entrance to Vincent Way and look at the wide pavement, which had caused discontent with the loose of parking spaces.

Issue 4. There had been numerous complaints regarding the young people congregating in certain areas of the village. There was an opportunity for the police to act on this problem by using a Dispersal Order.

There were a number of issues that required consultation with the public, and it was suggested that this could be done at the producers market. The use of CCTV and lighting alterations were some items suggested. The area covered by the Dispersal Order would also need to be considered. It was reported that additional PCSOs would be available for the Somerton police area, and it was likely that the Parish Council would no longer have to contribute towards this cost. Mr. R. Powell and Mr. C. Bell offered to be the contact persons for this idea, and Mr. Tucker would now make further investigations towards implementing a Dispersal Order.

A letter had been received from Sergeant Nick Stone regarding the complaint made by the Council at the lack of policing in the village recently, and he would contact C/ Bell to discuss this matter.

PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION.
Two residents from Coat informed the Meeting that they had concerns regarding speeding traffic and the increase in noise level. Mrs. Campbell reported that she had discussed the problems with the residents and that the Highways Authority would be asked to investigate these complaints, with a view to obtaining a 20mph speed limit and a 7.5 tonne weight restriction. The residents felt that Coat had become a ‘rat-run’ and there was an increasing danger to pedestrians. Mr. Palmer asked if the accident level had risen and if any speed checks had been done. Mr. Campbell said that it was unlikely for a 20mph speed limit to be introduced as this was usually imposed near urban school areas. Community Speed Watch was also discussed. Mrs. Campbell felt it important to ascertain what was happening and that the residents log speed/ time/ vehicles. (The Clerk declared an interest and left the meeting during the remainder of the discussion on this matter)

Mr. Powell said he was reluctant to support a weight restriction, and Mr. & Mrs. Campbell recommended that the Community Speed Watch Initiative be implemented at Coat.

MINUTES.
The Minutes of the meeting held on the 30th August 2006 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
M3 REPORT. It was reported that there had been a very disappointing response to the questionnaire sent out with the Leveller. The response to the Youth Club document had also been very poor.

YOUTH CLUB. Letters had been received from Tony Clark and John Kirby; it was felt that the best way forward was to hold a meeting with a smaller group. Mr. Powell would organise a meeting and advise interested members.

HIGHWAY MATTERS. A copy of the response to Mrs. Loveless from the County Council was received. Whilst sympathising with Mrs. Loveless, it was pointed out that the accident history was showing one in the last five years, and priority would be given to locations with high accident histories. It was suggested that the Police are asked to deal with speed enforcement and the Parish Council to consider a Community Speed Watch Initiative.

Mr. Price was concerned that Mr. Shire had still not responded to the invitation to attend a Parish Council meeting to discuss traffic issues and improvements. Mr. Campbell agreed to try to arrange a meeting but that it may have to be during the day.

DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS. None.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
The undermentioned accounts were approved and passed for payment: -

HM Revenue & Customs 175.26 Contra On Line Submission 37.38

Wages 1490.96 D.Palmer 6.58

M Hurford 140.95 STL 146.87

Bee Signs 70.50 Flex Martock 681.50

Stable Print 89.30 SSDC Playground Inspection 70.50

Greenslade Taylor Hunt 150.00 K.M. Dike 1523.40

Play UK (TC expenditure) 17258.40

Mr. Hetherington, the Finance Chairman ratified the accounts for August.

Correspondence had been received from the District Council informing the Parish Council that if the precept was for more than £100,000 it would be paid in two instalments.

It was agreed that the Highways Authority is asked to alter the socket for the Xmas Tree, at a cost of up to £250.

The Clerk reported that Mrs. Rowswell would not be continuing as groundsperson. This matter would be discussed at the mid-month meeting, and comment was made regarding the extension to the hours required for this job.

RECREATION COMMITTEE.
A representative from the Pre-School Play group attended the meeting and asked the Council to permit the storage of outside area for play equipment. The group would also like to have a fenced area in which the children could play. This was briefly discussed and a meeting was to be arranged with

D.Parris to decide on the most appropriate site. Consideration should be given to the grass cutting and possible grass cutting issues.

A letter was received from Mrs. Connolly regarding the work on the Tennis Courts, Community Centre and Car Parking at the Recreation Ground. The Clerk was to reply.

An invitation to attend a Playground Inspection Training Course at Chard was received. No one wished to attend this course, and it was noted that Mr. Wilkinson had recently attended a course organised by SSDC.

Details of the Annual Playground Inspection Report had been received. A copy had been sent to Mr. Parris for his perusal.

Details of the scheme for the provision of cricket nets had been received. The Council had set aside £500 for this project, and the District Council was prepared to offer a grant of £350 to cover the remaining funding. The Parish Council confirmed that they would be prepared to organise the purchase of the equipment required for this project.

Mr. Mountjoy reported that he was waiting to contact Mr. Stroud for another quote for the required work to the car park area. When the work is finished there should be sufficient space for 60 cars plus an area for disabled parking. The current work to the tennis courts and this project will mean there is a considerable amount of soil to be used, which could be used for the provision of banking around the cricket pitch and car park area.

Mr. Wilkinson was still seeking quotes for the improvements to the showers, the latest idea was for the installation of a storage tank and pump. A quote had been received from Sparrows and Mr. Parris would try to obtain another quote for the required work. A meeting was to be arranged to ascertain what funds were left in the Recreation Committee budget.

The Clerk reported that Zurich had insisted that the Tennis Club should insure the contents and huts. The solicitor had suggested that the Council land at the Recreation ground should be registered with the Land Registry, and a cost was to be sought for carrying out this action. The term of the lease was again questioned, and this would have to be discussed with the Tennis Club.

The goal post on the 2nd pitch needed to be re-erected and Mr. Parris asked if a meeting could be arranged with Kim Dike to discuss items requiring attention.

It was reported that the Rugby Club had made enquiries from the Planning Authority regarding floodlighting and changing facilities at the new pitch. The Planning Officer had been very negative regarding any type of building etc. this location; Mr. Parris would arrange another meeting and ensure that the District Councillors were present.

VILLAGE COMMITTEE.
Mrs. Terrell asked if Mr. Dike could be reminded to remove hedge trimmings from the area near the footpath access to Church Close.

Correspondence had been received from the Community Council asking Parish Councils to consider submitting an expression of interest to take part in a project to bring Broadband access to village halls. Mr. Powell would consider this item.Mr. Powell asked the council for their opinion regarding the use of the Market House for a Community Office. Apparently some funding may be available to carry out a feasibility study, and although the

Council was totally in favour of this proposal; they had no objections to a study being done. In the long term it was felt that an office at the Gospel Hall more be a better option. Mr. Powell would complete the application for funding.

It was reported that the Nippy Bus would now stop at the Hospital at Yeovil.

Mr. Wilkinson reported that there had been a good response to put up Christmas Trees on buildings through the Village, although volunteers were needed to help put the trees into the brackets.

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

06/03263/FUL Erection of a double garage and workshop/store, 55, Bower Hinton, Martock, Somerset.

Notification of an Appeal for 06/01918/FUL –Change of use and conversion of former jigsaw factory to 2 no. holiday lets, Gastons Lane, Bower Hinton, had been received. The original comments would be forwarded to the Inspectorate, and the Council decided they had no further comments they wished to make.

Notification of a planning application 06/03179/COU , Tintinhull had been received for consultation.

This item would be considered at the mid-month meeting.

Notifications of granted permission were received for:-

06/01085/LBC Alterations to dormer and windows on rear elevation and internal changes converting the existing bathroom into a bedroom and making new bathroom in an existing bedroom.

06/02370/FUL Proposed Office/Workshop garage, Khazad-dum, Stapleton, Martock.

06/02201/FUL New classroom block, Martock Primary School, Elmleigh Road, Martock..

PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.
CORRESPONDENCE.
SSDC Items of Interest. The Parish Council was reminded of various initiatives being promoted by the District Council.

Housing Stategy Seminar. The Council had received an invitation to a seminar.

SCC Single Water Management Partnership. Details of proposal to establish a new single water management partnership had been received. As Mr. P. Palmer was a representative on the Drainage Board, it was agreed that the Council would prefer to receive information and fill out consultation questionnaires.

Victim Support. A document had been received outlining volunteer training courses, and asking for financial support.