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MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL, held on Wednesday 25th April 2007, at the Market House following the Annual Parish Meeting.

THOSE PRESENT:- R. Powell (Chairman), D. Palmer, A.Terrell, C.Bell, P.Jackson, C.Price, D.Reynolds, C.Bragg, M.Heaven, D.Wilkinson, D.Campbell County Councillor, J.Hetherington, D.Parris, P.Palmer, V.Budge Clerk and three parishioners.

1. APOLOGIES. A.Clarke, G. Mountjoy, A.Campbell.

2. CHAIRMANS NOTICES. None.

3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. M.Heaven – item regarding Short Mat Bowling.

PCSO Winfield updated the Council on various items of interest including seat belt checks and Special Constable procurement. Mr. Bell reported that Inspector Pitman had launched a new neighbourhood watch scheme, and he reported that the communication problem with the Beat Officer had been overcome.

A letter had been received from Somerton, confirming that PCSO Winfield’s name would be included on further issues of the Neighbourhood News Leaflets. A letter was also received from the Admin and Finance Manager relating to the funding arrangements for our PCSO. It was noted that the funding from the District Council was no longer forthcoming, and was being covered by the Police force, and may mean occasional abstraction to PCSO duty on other wards.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 25th. March 2007 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct

6. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.

UNITARY AUTHORITY. Various items had been received from the SCC.

COMMUNITY OFFICE / PLAN. Mr. Powell reported that an encouraging meeting had been held with almost 100 people attending. The Sub Plan was now being circulated for consultation, and it was hoped to be agreed by the end of May. The steering group would meet again in June.

It was hoped to get the Project Data Base ready and it would be clear who was responsible for what project, and the funding etc would be established. M3 was now a private limited company and would attract funding. Copies of the plan would be emailed to councillors.

Mr. Reynolds mentioned that a suggestion had been made that Moorlands House would make a better community office but this idea may be very expensive to implement.

Mr. Powell reported that there was a need to improve the Market House to maintain it as a community asset. He hoped that he would be able to obtain a considerable amount of funding for this project, without incurring expense to the Parish Council. The District Council would assist with the preparation of the submission for funds, and if successful the Council would know by November if the funds were available. The project would then need to be completed by the end of March 2008.

The Council also discussed the provision of a shelter at the Bus Stop near the Library.

HIGHWAY MATTERS. An information sheet had been received from the County Council outlining the standards relating to various highway issues. The Parish Council was advised that the A30 at Roundham, Crewkerne would be closed on 16th May for three nights. The Council was also advised that Town Tree Lane would be surface dressed in late May.

7. PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.

8. DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT.

Nothing to report, most items had been covered in the Annual Parish Meeting.

9. FINANCIAL MATTERS.

The undermentioned accounts were approved and passed for payment:-
Zurich 9076.01 A J Styants 2250.00

HM Revenue & Customs 231.39 Wages 1399.00

K.M. Dike 1569.11 Ist Office 58.33

Wessex water 87.22 A J Styants 500.00

K.M. Dike 564.00 N.Power 1085.47

Powergen 614.94 D.Smith 112.00

Mr. Hetherington ratified the accounts for March.

There were still some outstanding issues relating to the construction cost of the new courts, and a meeting would be held with the Club representatives to resolve these problems.

Mr. Powell reported that the refurbishment was progressing and should be complete by the summer holiday. The installation of the fencing can not be completed until the end of the football season.

Mr. Powell reported that negotiations were still being progressed with Bellways with regards to the play equipment provision at Paull’s court, it is hoped that some finance may be available for the

Two quotations had been received for the piping of the ditch, after discussion, as it was understood that the third person wished to quote, it was decided to accept the quote from Mr. Dike.

Mr. Hetherington (or the Finance Chairman) would attend the LCAS Seminar at Blandford on the 7th June.

10. RECREATION COMMITTEE.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 11th April 2007 had been circulated, and were confirmed and signed as correct.

A copy of the Safety Inspection Report from the District Council had been received; Mr. Parris and Mr. Wilkinson would consider the contents and advise on the items requiring attention.

The Clerk reported that a job description for the groundsperson’s job had been sent to the gentleman in Slough. The Council discussed the Parish Lengthsman Scheme; further consideration would be given to this idea at a later date.

Permission was given for the Rugby Club to have vehicular access to the Pavilion area via the Ambulance Gate at the weekend. It was reported that there was graffiti on the sides of the skate park. Mr. Lloyd would be asked to paint over with anti-graffiti paint. He was also to be asked to remove the temporary fencing, which had been pulled down by vandals. Comment was made at the amount of wood etc. which was being brought into the Recreation Ground from the adjoining field, this was of great concern, and consideration would be given to find a solution to this problem.

The new play equipment was to be insured on the council’s policy.

Mr. Powell reported that he may be able to secure some funding for the perimeter track, and volunteered to submit the proposal.

Mr. Mountjoy had sent a report informing the Council of the progress of the repairs to the allotment track.

11. VILLAGE COMMITTEE.

The Minutes of the meeting held on the 11th April 2007 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

Copies of the Tree Warden Newsletter and Child Safe Seminar were received.

An invitation was received to attend a seminar relating to the Gambling Act 2005.

A questionnaire was received regarding footpaths in the parish, help was required regarding vegetation cutting schedule, and the most heavily used footpaths and the confirmation of a Liaison Councillor. These had been passed to Mr. Jackson for completion.

12. PLANNING COMMITTEE.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 11th April 2007 had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

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

07/01501/CON Demolition of preparation room to kitchen of kebab house

15, North Street Martock.

SSDC Notifications of Decisions.

Notifications of granted permission were received for:

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

7 Bridge Rise, Martock.

07/00555/CPO Use of Building for the deployment of waste vehicle airbags

Unit 47, Great Western Road, Martock.

The County Council advised the Council that the Statement of Community Involvement has been adopted & published. It sets out the minimum level of consultation the County Council must carry out on planning policy documents to do with mineral & waste, and on planning applications determined by the County Council.

13. PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.

SALC Details of new councillors training events were received.

The Parish Council proposed that Philip Horsington is asked if he would like to continue as a Parish Council representative on the District Council Standards Committee.

The Parish Council had been advised that 13 parishioners had been nominated for the parish council. The remaining two positions can be filled by co-option before the 22nd June.

A letter of complaint had been received from the Bowls Club relating to the dust from the floor which gets on the bowling carpets. The club also asked if consideration was given to reducing the charge for the junior bowls. Mr. Jackson reported that the floor was now in a very clean condition following the decorating of the main hall. To reduce the fees for one hirer would set a precedent and could not be permitted.