Welcome To Martock Online

MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL, held on Wednesday 29th November 2006, at the Market House commencing at 7.30pm.

THOSE PRESENT:- R, Powell (Chairman), D.Palmer, A.Terrell, C. Bell, M. Heaven, C.Price, Campbell District Councillor, P.Jackson, D.Parris, G.Mountjoy, D.Campbell County Councillor, J.Hetherington, P.Palmer, V.Budge Clerk, Western Gazette Reporter, Inspector Pitman and PCSO Winfield for Police Matter item and G. Tucker for Community Project item

APOLOGIES. D.Reynolds, D.Wilkinson, A.Clarke.

CHAIRMAN NOTICES.
Mr. Powell reported that Mrs. Sherrin had tendered her resignation. The Clerk would check if the position had to be advertised, or if the Council could co-opt as the vacancy had occurred within six months of the election.

POLICE MATTERS.
Inspector Pitman explained the new organisation of the Martock Beat Area. Matt Beckett has now

left and will be replaced by Ian Selly who will cover the Langport and Martock Areas, whose office will be at Langport. He will be supported eventually by six PCSOs, but only has one at the present.

The Council discussed the new arrangements at some length, and mostly felt dissatisfied with the new arrangements, although Inspector Pitman reported that the new scheme was working at Wincanton. The Council discussed the role of the PCSO in the village, and whether the Council should continue to contribute towards the cost, which would ensure that he would be in the parish of Martock for 90% of his time. The recruitment and training of new PCSOs was discussed.

Generally the Parish Council was disappointed with the new system and felt that the area needs ‘feet on the ground’. A circular letter from Nikki Watson had been received, reporting that Andy Marsh had moved from the area. An update of crime figures and types was included in the letter.

4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. None.

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

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.

COMMUNITY PROJECT/RECYCLING. Gerard Tucker reported that the recycling bins should be moved on the 6th December. It was decided that no work would be done at the new site until after the three-month trial period. The barriers at the access from the Car Park to Paulls Court should be erected very soon. It was agreed to request the District Council to replace the wide pavement with three parking spaces parallel to the wall. The Council also discussed a suggestion to limit the parking time on the left side of the entrance off North Street, but decided not to go ahead with this suggestion. They would however like the area on the right hand side to be designated for 3 disabled and 1 mother & toddler spaces. The meeting discussed the project to improve the Precinct/Street Lighting, and Mr. Mountjoy and Mrs. Terrell agreed to become involved in this project. It was noted that the money in the Enhancement Fund must only be used for the Street Lighting project at Church Street.

YOUTH CLUB- REPORT OF MEETING. Mr. Powell reported that a meeting had been held, and a positive strategy proposed. It was hoped that a new centre could be provided within three years, but it was accepted that funding for the existing centre and management was required to provide a service

for the young people in the village. The Council agreed to fund the cost of a course which Mr. D. Palmer would attend (£150).

HIGHWAY MATTERS. A leaflet was received from County Highways outlining the policy on the salting of routes. A copy of the letter sent to Mr. Waldron at Coat, was received, relating to items discussed at the site meeting held recently.

7. PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.

DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS.
Mr. P. Palmer reported that discussions had commenced regarding the formation of a unitary authority for Somerset. The District Council felt that two authorities formed from the four district councils would best suit Somerset. Mr. P. Palmer said that it was unlikely that District Council elections would be held next year in view of this matter. Mr. Douglas Campbell reported that the County Council was also considering this matter. Mr. Powell suggested that this matter be considered as an agenda item in the near future.

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

M A White 11750.00 Inland Revenue 188.20

Wages 1410.64 K M Dike 564.00

K.M. Dike 1523.40 K.M. Dike 105.75

The Finance Chairman ratified and signed the accounts for October.

Details of the gas renewal charges were received from Powergen.

The Parish Council decided they did not wish to make donations to CVS, CAB or subscribe to Somerset Playing Fields Association.

A letter was received from Zurich Municipal requesting details of wages/salaries, property list & contents, and business interruption details.

Two quotes had been received for the painting of the seats; the contract was awarded to AJS Painting.

The District Council informed the Parish Council that for the year 2007/08 the payments split would be 70% in April and 30% in September. In the following year the money will be a 50/50 split in April and September.

Mr. Hetherington presented the first draft of the Precept, including all items suggested by the Committees. The figure represented a 78% rise, which was not felt to be acceptable. The figure as presented would use almost the total of the Section 137 allowance, and contributions towards a Youth Worker would have to be justified under another appropriate L.G. Act.

The content was discussed for some time with some councillors suggesting a percentage that they felt was acceptable. A meeting of the Finance Committee would be held on Thursday to prepare some proposals that would be more acceptable to the Council.

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

Mr. Parris reported that most items relating to the Users Committee had already been covered. The Tennis Courts were progressing and were now approaching the final stage, and no more payments should be made without consultation to the Project Manager.

The District Council sent forms to the Council offering the council the opportunity for Playground Management training. Mr. Wilkinson had recently attended a similar course and it was not felt to be required.

A letter was received from the Rugby Club, several questions were included, and some would be considered at the mid-month meeting. With regards to the storage shed, the Council suggested that an additional temporary shed be used for the time being until other more permanent arrangements can be made.

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

Mr. Clarke had sent a report to the effect that the charge for training course for assessing the memorials would be £600 for 10 people. It was suggested that Charlotte Jones be asked to enquire if any other parish councillors would be interested in attending this course, in order to reduce the overall cost to Martock.

The Council confirmed that it was in order for Mr. D. Palmer to acquire the additional tree lights for the Christmas trees.

Mr. P. Palmer reported that the inside clock had been taken away for repair, alternatives for the outside clock were discussed and would be onsidered by the Finance Committee for inclusion in the Precept.

PLANNING COMMITTEE.
The Minutes of the meeting held on the 8th November 2006 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct. Consideration of planning applications received for the submission of comments to the planning office: - (As Mr. Clarke was absent and the plans not available for inspection the council felt that the best policy would be to submit a reply of no comments to all applications)

06/04043/FUL Proposed single storey extension and internal alterations to existing bungalow

45, Moorlands Park, Martock.

06/04117/LBC Form a first floor ensuite shower room

98 Ringwell Hill, Bower Hinton.

06/04169/FUL Erection of a conservatory

5 Barton Close Bower Hinton.

06/04152/FUL Alterations and the erection of an extension to rear of dwelling

06/0451/LBC Little Manor, Coat Road, Martock.

06/04213/FUL The erection of a shed for agricultural implements

Sparrow Works, Bower Hinton.

Notifications of granted permission were received for:-

06/03263/FUL Erection of double garage & workshop/store

55, Bower Hinton, Martock.

06/03428/FUL Erection of a two storey side extension

20 Highfield Terrace, Bower Hinton.

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

9 Beech Road, Martock.

Notification that the Public Local Inquiry for the change of use of land to private gypsy caravan site at Gawbridge will take place on 23rd January at the Council Offices.

A letter had been received from the Planning Enforcement Section requesting comments on the review of the Service. A copy had been forwarded to Mr. A. Clarke.

No comments were received for forwarding to the Planning Policy Team Leader relating to the Statement of Community Involvement, which had been sent to all councillors.

A copy of the Officers report relating to application 06/03507/FUL, 8 Barton Close had been received.

Mr. Mountjoy referred to the Tree Preservation Order at Ashfields, and expressed the comments of the owner of the tree. He was not particularly happy with the current situation, and Mr. Mountjoy would encourage him to contact the District Councillors to discuss the matter further.

The Council received details of the timetable, preliminary list of matters and participants of the SW Draft Regional Spatial Strategy.

13. PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.

CORRESPONDENCE.
LOCAL COUNCIL SURVEY. Mr. Powell had completed the questionnaire relating to the Local Council Charter.

SCC – PARISH EMERGENCY PLANS. Mr. Price agreed to join the working group to review potential templates for development and then issue in the New Year.

PREMISES LICENCE. It was noted that Southfork Caravan Park had applied for a variation to their licence.

SCC Localisation & Frontline Councillors. A proposal to enhance SCC existing arrangements for working within the local community. A report was enclosed and details of opportunities to discuss the proposals at SALC meetings during December.

SHOPMOBILITY. This service will be operating on an additional day during December. The service will operate on Wednesdays from 8th November until 3rd January, and for late night opening on Thursdays.