WINFORD PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES-June

Date:   Monday 8 June 2009.            Venue: Felton Village Hall, Felton

Time:   7.00pm                                            

Councillors Present:  

                  Mr A Parker                      Mrs G Patch

                  Mr S Banks                       Mr L Curry

                  Miss K Bye                       Mr A Sage

                  Mr P Longden                   Mrs M Murphy      

                  Mr P Hatherell                 

Mr P Roberts (Clerk)

Also present     

                   Cllr Hugh Gregor

                   WPC Jackie McDonald

                   Graham Quick (NSC)

AP took the Chair and opened the meeting with a prayer.

1. Apologies

Cllr Mrs B Smith

Cllr Mr P Etheridge

Ms Stephanie Jones (NSC) had also apologised for being unavoidably unable to attend as planned.

2. Minutes of the previous meeting

2.1  The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.

2.2  Matters arising (references to March minutes):-

2.2  One of the oak trees planted on West Lane has been damaged and although the cause is not certain it could have been the result of vandalism.  The (as yet unplanted) 10^th tree may be used as a replacement.  BS will be consulted.

3.2  The post box at Winford Manor has been repaired.

6.1   David Neale has been in correspondence with NSC about the possibility of the council’s preferred option for Market Place Steps being implemented.  He has suggested consultation with a disability access group and that a potentially similar scheme being implemented in Midsomer Norton be looked at. 

3.  Crime and Disorder

3.1  WPC Jackie McDonald reported the following 12 crimes in the last month:-

1 house burglary – ground floor window broken and money on windowsill stolen;

1 burglary of bicycle from garage left open;

2 criminal damage;

2 assaults – one domestic (not pursued by victim,) one at a business premises reported for information only;

2 thefts – solar lights from a garden and one of purse left on a food counter;

4 thefts from cars/vehicle interference.  CD players and licence plates stolen.

3.2  WPC McDonald pointed out that a number of these incidents were preventable by people taking basic security measures such as locking doors and not leaving valuable items on display.

3.3  Avon and Somerset Police would also like to know what the local community consider to be priorities for policing in the future.  They propose to continue to target anti-social behaviour and driving vehicles on Felton Common.

4.  Open Forum

4.1  Nothing raised.

5.  Highways and Footpaths

5.1  Chew Road/Regil Lane junction.  AP reported that the landowner has agreed to cut the vegetation.  Growth inside the fence will be tackled first and NSC has offered to provide traffic signals to enable the outside to be cut.  The fence may also need re-painting once the vegetation has been cleared.

5.2  AP had also received comments from residents suggesting that the white lines at the bottom of Regil Lane are set too far back from the junction so that traffic approaching from the right cannot be seen.  NSC will be asked to rectify this. 

5.3  Brookside to Prince of Waterloo footpath.  AP has been assured by NSC that the order for the work has been placed with its contractor and that it should be completed by the end of June.

5.4  Pinchay Lane.  The gates and signs closing the lane have been removed and it is therefore now open again.

5.5  Condition of local roads.  SB presented some photographs taken recently which illustrate to very poor condition of roads in Regil in stark contrast with those in neighbouring BANES which have been repaired to a high standard.  It is generally felt that, although some patching work has been done, its standard is very poor and has left many potholes untouched.  At best it provides a temporary solution and far more needs to be done to bring local roads up to an acceptable standard.

5.6  The general condition of West Lane, and particular problems with potholes on Barrow Lane were also raised as issues that need to be prioritised for action.

5.7  It was agreed that this should be raised in a letter to NSC at a senior level.  The possibility of attending the Parish Voice session on 15 July will also be pursued in order to let NSC know the extent of local feeling on this subject. 

5.8  Revised proposals for the diversion of a footpath at Court Farm, Winford had been received from NSC.  This was only slightly different from the original proposal and the council has no objection to it.

6.  Planning

6.1  Previous applications.

Applications granted:-

8 Moorlay Crescent, High Winford.  Enlargement of conservatory.

Oakacre, Lower Strode, Regil.  Garage, carport and other alterations.

Application withdrawn:

3 Hillview Gardens, Felton.  Loft conversion.

 6.2  New applications:-

South View, Pool Lane, Regil.  Minor change to existing permission.  It was resolved to make no objection.

20 Hillview Gardens, Felton.  Loft conversion including raising the roof ridge.  The council had objected to a similar application previously and resolved to maintain its objection to this one.

6.3  An e-mail had been received from Mr Mike Teggin proposing that the council asks NSC to place a Tree Preservation Order on 2 trees (one copper beech and one ash) in the grounds of The Rectory, Parsonage Lane, Winford. He is concerned to ensure that development at Winford School does not damage these mature specimens which contribute to the visual enjoyment and natural environment of the community.  BS had spoken to the Rector who is happy with the proposal.  The council resolved unanimously to write to NSC as proposed. 

6.4  BS has spoken to the proprietor of the hairdresser in Winford who has agreed to remove the advertising board once the business has been established.

7.  Parish Council Property

7.1   The Cricket Club had written pointing out that the replacement fence erected by the owner of 14 Moorlay Crescent has been located slightly to one side of the original line of the fence.  They would like the situation remedied. AP

had looked at the site and felt that the change was so minor that no action is required.  PL proposed that the council writes to the owner saying that the cricket club has pointed this out and that, although the council does not propose to take any action at the present time, if the fence needs further replacement in the future it should be located in its correct position.  This was agreed unanimously. 

7.2  AP had spoken to Mr Maggs about the council’s concerns.  The quality and frequency of cutting remains a concern.  Grass around the bus shelter at Long Cross is not being cut properly.  AS reported that alternative contractors would be interested in the work.  PL felt that a full re-tendering exercise so soon after the previous one is not needed.  AP proposed that the Finance Group should consider this at its forthcoming meeting and report back.  This was agreed. 

8.  Bristol International Airport

8.1   PL reported that the impending planning application has not yet been submitted.  There are contradictory reports of the airport being put up for sale.

8.2  The proposed change of road layout agreed at the previous meeting has been submitted to NSC.  PL will provide copies for the file.

8.3  The PCAA has responded to the consultation about primary schools suggesting that the proposal to close Felton School is a result of the airport’s expansion and that further expansion should not be allowed in order for Felton School to remain.  PL and BS had asked that the council be specifically disassociated from this in the PCAA’s comments.  The council endorsed the action that had been taken.

8.4  PL and GP had noted the issue of development within Public Safety Zones raised in an Airports Environmental Federation publication.  It was agreed that the current extent of the BIA zone should be established.

9.  Finance

9.1  Money received:-

Compost Sales - £47-00

Landfill Tax Credit (NSC) £159-87

9.2  Invoices received:-

Streets Ahead – surgery transport  £103-50

Paul Roberts (stationery) £33-01

Oak Accountancy (internal audit) £287-50

Colin Patch (compost site) £149-50

Summit Chairs (Regil Village Hall) £862-50

North Somerset (Reading Room NDR) £234-75

It was resolved unanimously that these invoices should be paid.  Streets Ahead will be reminded that it should be made clear to users of the surgery transport service that the contribution is 50p and any tip for the driver is entirely voluntary. 

Action Finance WG

Action Clerk

9.3  The Clerk presented the Annual Return that is required to be submitted to the external auditors.  It includes a certificate from the internal auditor who has conducted a review and made 3 recommendations.  The Finance Group has had the opportunity to review the annual return and is content with it.  They accept the 3 internal audit recommendations and will ensure that the agreed action is taken.  The council approved the annual governance statement.

9.4  AP formally proposed that the Annual Return be approved, seconded by PH.  The proposal was agreed unanimously.

9.5  Winford Pre-School had written confirming their current position on funds to meet their obligations to repay loans in September 2009 and September 2010.  They have a substantial proportion of the £6000 payable this year in a deposit account and further fund raising will narrow the gap further.  However, a shortfall is probable.  The council is largely sympathetic to making a suitable contribution providing it can be assured that the management of the pre-school is adequate and effective.  AP will take further soundings and a final decision will be reached in July.  In the meantime the pre-school will be kept informed of the council’s preliminary views.

9.6  Risk Management.  The Finance Group had considered this at its last meeting and taken the view that in terms on non-financial risks, the Working Groups are best placed to conduct risk assessments of the compost site, Felton Common, the allotments, Vee Lane play area and, at a future date, Felton Quarry.   HG circulated documents that will help these assessments.  Groups will report back on their work in September.

10.  Primary Schools

10.1  PH reported briefly on the consultation events held on 19 and 20 May and outlined the next stages of the statutory process that is being followed.

10.2  AP read a response to the consultation that BS has submitted personally.  It was noted that the deadline for submissions had now passed.  Whilst a number of councillors remained very concerned that earlier opportunities to develop a school on a new and better site had not been pursued as hard as they might, the position is now so far advanced that further representations are inappropriate.  However, concerns in particular relating to traffic and road safety in Winford remain strong and the council will seek to ensure these are taken on board in the course of developments.

11.  Meeting

None were reported.

12.  Other Correspondence and items for next agenda

12.1   HG requested that the Youth Opportunity Fund be discussed at the next meeting.

12.2  AP reported a response from NSC about the council’s complaints regarding the handling of development at 11a Church Road, Winford.  This largely repeated a previous response and apologised for failures to respond properly to complaints about the development made at an early stage.  Although the situation is very unsatisfactory the council has taken this as far as it can.

12.3  AP reported that defibrillators have been replaced due to problems with corrosion in the original units.

12.4  A Policing Plan has been received from Avon and Somerset Constabulary and will be placed on the file for councillors to read.

The meeting concluded at 9.40  PM.

The next council meeting is on Monday 6 July 2009 at 7.00pm at Felton Village Hall.