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MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL, held on Wednesday 28th February 2007, at the Market House commencing at 7.30pm.

THOSE PRESENT :- R.Powell (Chairman), D.Parris, A.Terrell, C.Bell, A. Campbell District Councillor, C.Price, D.Reynolds, A.Clarke, C.Bragg, D.Wilkinson, G.Mountjoy, D.Campbell County Councillor, J.Hetherington, P.Palmer, V.Budge Clerk, G.Tucker (part of meeting), and six parishioners.

1. APOLOGIES. M.Heaven, D.Palmer, P.Jackson.

2. CHAIRMANS NOTICES. None.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. None.

4. N. HEBDITCH – Play Area Development/ Land adjoining Recreation Ground.

Mr. Hebditch explained that he was a joint owner of the land adjoining the Recreation Ground, and that the Parish Council had asked if he would give permission for the piping of the ditch and cutting back of the hedge. He explained that the owners wished to develop this land, but understood that it was outside of the planning development line. Mr. Powell reported that the Parish Council was not opposed to the development of the land, but the problem remained that it was outside the planning line. Mr. P. Palmer said that he was surprised that the owners had not proposed the land for inclusion in the current Local Plan. Mr. Tucker suggested that Mr. Hebditch may like to consider the land for inclusion in the Rural Exception scheme for community housing, and Mr. Powell explained that affordable housing strategy was currently being discussed. There was some discussion relating to the entrance of the field and the Recreation Ground. Mr. Hebditch told the meeting that he was not able to give permission for the piping of the ditch and that ‘the ball was in the Parish Council’s court’. Mr. Powell said that he understood Mr. Hebditch’s position, it was not the ideal safety situation for the new play area extension, but the failure to procure the owners’ permission to pipe the ditch would not stop the project, and he hoped that Mr. Hebditch would reconsider his position.

Mr. Tucker informed the meeting of the disturbing incidents, which had occurred, mainly in the Precinct area over the past week. There was a lengthy discussion relating to the policing level in the village, and various options available to get the situation under control. The PCSO’s remit was also discussed. Mr. Tucker intended to call a meeting of the Local Action Team on the 8th March, but it was essential that the police were present.

It was agreed that a letter should be sent to Chief Constable, Police Committee and MP to bring the Council’s concerns to the authorities.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 31st January 2007 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

7. MATTERS ARAISING FROM THE MINUTES.

UNITARY AUTHORITY & SCC Working Panel. Confirmation was received from SSDC that the East Somerset submission had been delivered. A copy of the Executive Summary had been received.

Several councillors had attended the Area Panel workshop. Mr. Clarke reported that some grant aid was available for specific headings and he would get the relevant information.

COMMUNITY OFFICE. A public consultation would be held tomorrow, the proposals for the building would be available in a few weeks. The District Council had been investigating the history of the building. There had been a suggestion that the office could be used as a Police Post.

PRECINCT IMPROVEMENTS. It was reported that a meeting had been held prior to the meeting, and the proposals for the lighting improvements had been discussed. The ideas mainly agreed with those discussed at the site meeting. The re-siting of the bike stand was discussed, and it was reported that the Co-op would not make any alterations to the trolley storage area. The use of some art-work on the wall between the fish & chip shop and newsagent’s was considered, and it the use of art on the metal (night) shutters was felt to be a good idea. This would improve the appearance of the area at night and could be a project for the youth of the village.

LOCAL COMMUNITY PLAN. Mr. Powell reported that the text of the Plan had been agreed, and would be distributed with the Leveller, as well as an advertisement for the meeting to be held on the 19th April. Details of the Community Office Plan would also be on display at that meeting.

8. PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION.

ALLOTMENTS. Four parishioners attended the meeting to complain mainly about the condition of the track, which it would seem has been damaged by contractors using the track as access to the building work being done at No. 31. Concern was expressed at the size of vehicles using the track and after discussion it was decided that the conditions of the track licence would be considered at the next meeting.

Mr. Mountjoy kindly agreed to contact contractors to lay some of the planings stored at the Recreation Ground to make the repairs to the track and also to Pound Lane.

CAR PARKING – CHURCH STREET. Mr. Firth attended the meeting and explained that he has difficulty in getting access to his garage, which is situated in the Doctors Lane off Church Street, when there is a function on at the Hall. This problem was discussed and Mrs. Terrell agreed to speak to the Martock Players, the Surgery was to be asked if No Parking signs could be put up along the Hall wall adjoining the lane, and the reinstatement of yellow lines at the junction with Church Street would be considered after the resurfacing in September. A note on the booking form would also be considered.

Mr. Powell said that the parking in this part of the village was a problem and would need to be addressed.

9. DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS.

Mr. Campbell suggested that a letter regarding the policing level be sent to various authorities. The distribution of the Police Duty Rota at Stanchester School was of concern. ( Mr. Price left the meeting)

Mrs. Campbell and Mr. P. Palmer would be assessing the village with regards to street cleanliness, and asked for details of areas requiring attention.

10. FINANCIAL MATTERS.

The undermentioned accounts were approved and passed for payment:-

Inland Revenue 212.40 Wages 1493.17

Initial Washroom Sol. 201.91 Npower 26.08

D J Morris 45.00 Martock Junior Cricket 87.60

R. Doble 41.13 Paull & Co 23.31

K.M. Dike 1523.40 Building Craftsmen 2056.25

Mr. Hetherington, Financial Chairman, ratified the accounts for January.

The Parish Council declined to subscribe to the National Association of Councils.

Mr. Parris reported that Mr. Lloyd had quoted £250 to erect and provide temporary fencing around the children’s play area. The Council approved he acceptance of this quote.

Mr. Lloyd had also given a verbal quote for the decorating of the Parish Hall. One contractor had declined to quote, another had not submitted a price, and one was received from AJS Painting & Decorating. The quote from AJS was approved and accepted.

The Council was advised of the relaunch of the Somerset Community Chest.

11. RECREATION COMMITTEE.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 14th February 2007 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

Mr. Powell explained that the order for the first phase of the refurbishment of the children’s play area had been placed with Hags Play. It was unfortunate that the ditch could not be piped at present, but it was hoped to have the first phase completed by Easter. Grants would be sought for the next phase, and hopefully some money would be forthcoming from Belways in lieu of the play area at Paulls Court. Mr. Reynolds asked if consideration could be given to the provision of a ‘helicopter’ climbing frame.

Mr. Sharpe. SCC Highways confirmed that more planings would be available later in the year

An Energy Efficiency survey letter had been received, the contents would be considered.

The length of the tennis Court Lease was discussed, and Mr. Powell explained that the term of 40 years had always been in place and that it had been thought appropriate by Council officials and especially the Amigo Trust. Mr. Powell felt the council should be positive about the project, if anything went wrong the Parish Council can rescind the lease. Mr. Powell also outlined a system to be operated by the tennis coach for the bookings of the public courts, the coach would continue to book the courts for his own use at the fee agreed, and would retain 50% of the takings for public use. It was estimated that this would net the council about £1000 per annum. The fees suggested for the public courts were £4 per hour/court for adults and £1.50 per hour/court for children. The Council approved the proposition relating to the 40 year term with one opposition, and unanimously approved the scheme for the public hire of the courts. The booking system would be advertised in due course.

Mr. Parris was still awaiting comments regarding the showers, and Julian Zagni, was investigating the problem relating to the lights nuisance at 18-22 Water Street.

12. VILLAGE COMMITTEE.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 14th February 2007 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

An energy efficiency survey document had been received for the parish hall.

Details relating to the Gaming Act had been received from the District Council. The Clerk had been informed that a licence was not required for Bingo or Whist providing the entrance fee was not more than £4, and the prizes did not exceed £400.

There had been a report that the situation regarding Pair Trees had got worse, and Mr. P. Palmer would investigate.

13. PLANNING COMMITTEE.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 14th February 2007 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

Consideration of planning applications received for the submission of comments to the planning office:-

07/00724/FUL The erection of a conservatory to rear of dwellinghouse

7, Bridge Rose, Martock.

07/00611/FUL Demolition of existing single storey rear extension and the construction

of a two storey extension

67 Bower Hinton, Martock.

SSDC Notifications of decisions.

Notifications of granted permission were received for:-

07/00080/FUL Erection of two storey side extension to dwelling

3, Gastons Lane, Bower Hinton.

06/04627/FUL The erection of a single storey rear extension to dwellinghouse

1, The Acres, Martock.

06/04746/FUL Proposed extension and alterations

8, Matfurlong Close, Martock.

14. PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.

SALS FUND. Details of this funding scheme were received but did not apply to Martock.

NALC Details were received of the review of the Quality Town & Parish Scheme. Mr. Powell would peruse this document.

BOUNDARY REVIEW. The District Council intends to suspend the review until the new powers in the LG & Health Bill are published later in the year. This will allow the District Council to implement the recommendations without having to refer to the Secretary of State. This should mean a quicker implementation of the proposals.

SSDC HEALTH WALK LEADER TRAINSING DAYS. Details were received of this free training.

REVISED MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY MEMBERS. A book outlining the proposed changes was received.

SALC – DO YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO YOUR COMMUNITY. Details of four sessions for anyone interested in becoming a councillor were received. The cost would be £30 per person.

16. DATES OF MEETINGS.

The date of the Annual Parish meeting would be the 25th April commencing at 7.00pm

The Annual Parish Council meeting would be the 16th May, there would be no full council meeting at the end of May.