Parish Council Minutes: January |
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Minutes of the meeting of Westwood Parish Council held in the Parish Rooms, Westwood at 7.30 pm on Monday 9 January 2012. Present Cllr. J Cllr. J Bishop Cllr. G Edwards Cllr. S Harding (Part-time) Cllr. Cllr. R Howard-Evans Cllr. I Richardson (Part-time) Mr. R Coleman Clerk Wiltshire Council, Cllr. Linda Conley attended (Part-time). There was one member of the public present (Part-time) and two representatives from the 1. Welcome and Introductions. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting. 2. Apologies. Apologies for non-attendance were received from Parish Councillors A Parker (Chairman) and T Biles. 3. Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on 5 December 2011. The minutes of this meeting were signed as a true and accurate record. 4. a. Alex Clark and Belinda Lawrie, respectively the Chair and Secretary of the Westwood Nursery School Management Committee, gave a presentation on the future of the Nursery School and the proposal, yet to be confirmed, of moving from its present site to a refurbished room at Westwood Primary School, Boswell Road. Ms. Clark stated that the possible move was prompted by a reduction in the Nursery School roll, the necessity to effect cost savings and the synergy that already exists between the two schools – the latter being the school of choice for most Nursery School children. She added that this possible move was strongly supported by the Headteacher and Governing Body of Westwood Primary School and by the Nursery School Management Committee and that a decision whether to move had to be made by 31 March 2012 in order to secure funding to support the move. Ms. Clark added that if the move did proceed then the Nursery School would open at the The Parish Council expressed its full support for the Nursery School and that it applauded any actions that would ensure its survival because it was an important and much valued facility within the village Cllr. Harding counselled against the possible move arguing that the independence and separate identity of the Nursery School would be lost and that any gains by combining with the Primary School were purely illusory. He added that the current problems of car parking near to the Primary School would also be exacerbated. Cllr. Richardson proposed that the Nursery School Management Committee ask to have sight of the Westwood Primary School Travel Plan to ensure that any additional traffic arising from the possible move can be safely accommodated. Cllr. Richardson offered, and was nominated, to be the link between the Nursery School and the Parish Council regarding the possible move in order to alert the Parish Council to take any necessary action to protect the existing Nursery School building should it become vacant, as it was a Parish Council asset. The Clerk stated that whilst the Parish Council fully supported the continuance of the Nursery School it also had to recognise that the existing Nursery School building at Westwood Park could only be used for ‘community purposes’ should it become vacant. He added that seeking an alternative use for that building could prove difficult. b. The Parish Council decided that no action be taken at present to investigate other uses for the existing Nursery School building. 5. Adjournment. In the absence, at this point, of any members of the public, the meeting continued without an adjournment. a. Cllr. Bishop reported that there was now a timetable for the road safety works to be implemented and in view of the recent CATG Meeting, he invited Cllr. Richardson to give a report. Cllr. Richardson stated that he had that afternoon attended the CATG Meeting and commented that there was now an agreed schedule of works for the road safety measures to be implemented. He gave the following details:
b. Cllr. Richardson stated that in addition to the matters already reported the following were raised at the CATG Meeting: · · All Parish Councils are to be asked to provide a list of any additional signage that they consider necessary to improve road safety in their respective villages. · New ‘Sat Nav’ road traffic warning signs are to be installed locally to warn HGV drivers of the unsuitability of certain roads for Heavy Goods Vehicles. Councillors questioned the effectiveness of such signs and Cllr. Edwards suggested that a more effective means of preventing HGVs from using unsuitable roads was to insist that the HGV drivers utilised the appropriate Sat Nav software package specifically designed for HGVs. · Wiltshire Council is to write to all Parish Councils enquiring whether additional ‘Dropped Kerbs’ are required. · The next CATG Meeting is to be held in March. Councillors queried whether the wording of the proposed questionnaire had been agreed. Cllr. Richardson stated that Wiltshire Council was keen to have a set of generic questions suitable for each of the six ’20 mph Speed Trial’ areas and that a draft questionnaire was still in preparation. Councillors noted that Cllr. Parker was devising possible questions for consideration. Cllr. Bishop was requested to obtain the timetable for the production of the questionnaire and to contact Cllr. Parker to establish whether he was still involved in assisting in its production. 7. Neighbourhood Policing. a. In the absence of a representative from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, no report was given. b. Cllr. Harding reported that a newly occupied property in Boswell road had resulted in the parking of five additional cars at the kerbside. He commented that this was particularly anti-social and enquired whether any action could be taken. Councillors replied that it was a public road and if the cars were taxed and insured then no action could be taken. The Clerk commented that if a ‘car sales’ business was being operated from the kerbside then Wiltshire Council may take an interest. Cllr. Harding was advised to contact the NPT and to report the matter. There were no other matters reported. 8. Bradford on a. The Clerk stated that he had not yet received a reply from the Area Board Chairman to the Council’s invitation to address the Parish Council on the role of the Area Board. He commented that there did not appear to be overall support from the other rural parishes to examine more closely the role and constitution of the Area Board. b. There were no matters that the Parish Council wished to have raised at the forthcoming Area Board meeting. 9. Sub-Committees - Sub-Committee Reports. a. The Council noted the status of extant planning applications thus: W/11/02028/FUL Elms Cross/Westwood Agricultural Building (Retrospective) Pending W/11/02742/LBC 48 W/11/02923/OUT Hudd’s Farm, Westwood Road Equestrian worker’s dwelling Pending W/11/02924/FUL Hudd’s Farm, Westwood Road Stationing of mobile home Pending b. The Council resolved to send comments to Wiltshire Council on the following planning application as shown in italics:. W/11/03304/FUL 9 Chestnut Grove Single Storey Extension NEW The Parish Council has no objections to this proposed development. c. There were no planning applications received after 2 January 2012. d. The Clerk reported that Wiltshire Council had sent guidance to him on the planning implications of fitting solar panels and that he had forwarded this information to councillors. He also reported that he had advised Wiltshire Council of the car parking space, including the laying of a hardstanding, that had been created along the road towards Staples Hill and that Wiltshire Council had confirmed that it is investigating the matter. e. The Clerk advised that an appeal is to be held in respect of planning application W/11/01632/FUL, The Clerk tabled the following document: ‘CPRE/WALC – Planning Explained’ and handed it to Cllr. Bishop for retention. Cemetery. a. Cllr. Harding reported that following the high winds there is a lot of debris on the cemetery paths. The Clerk stated that he would ask Mr Cooke to clear it away. b. The Clerk stated that he had progressed this matter and that the Churchwardens and the Parochial Church Council (PCC) were active in seeking a solution, especially as Wiltshire Council now claimed that the maintenance of the closed churchyard is entirely the responsibility of the PCC. The Clerk added that Jonathan Azis, one of the Churchwardens and a solicitor, was now intending to write to Wiltshire Council challenging its view. The Clerk added that he would keep the Parish Council informed of developments. Finance. a. The Clerk reported the current financial position – details of which are appended to these minutes. He added that the Interest on the National Savings Account for 2011 was £15.58. b. The Council resolved that the Office Allowance for the Clerk be £200, an increase of £25. The Clerk thanked the Council for this increase. c. The Council resolved that the Budget, as shown appended to these minutes, be adopted and it further resolved that a Precept of £10,500 be requested d. The Council resolved that S&J Grounds Ltd be invited to submit tenders for undertaking the Open Spaces Maintenance for FY2012/13. Two tenders are to be requested; one in accordance with the current specification, the other to include the removal of the cut grass. e. The Clerk stated that the quotation from Playforce for a new pathway in the Play area was £585.08. Councillors commented that this was excessive and the Council resolved that a maximum of £450 be expended on this project and invited the Clerk to use his best endeavours to obtain a lower quotation. f. The Council noted the contents of the two letters received from Mr Parsons of Westwood Post Office and Stores for a donation towards the cost of improving the lighting in the shop. The Council discussed this request at some length, especially in relation to the value of the shop and Post Office to the village community. The Parish Council resolved not to make a donation on the basis that it would be an inappropriate use of limited public funds to support a purely commercial enterprise. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Parsons explaining the reason for denying his request but emphasizing the value that the Parish Council places on the existing of the shop and Post Office and his unremitting efforts to make a success of the business. g. The Council resolved to make the payments shown under ‘Payments to be authorised’ above. Open Spaces. a. The Parish Council noted the correspondence from a parishioner regarding the use of the Playing Field for football practice and agreed to its use for that purpose. Cllr. Bishop agreed to contact the parishioner and to inform him of the decision and to address one or two other concerns that he had expressed in his correspondence to the Parish Council. The Council confirmed that RoSPA is to be invited to continue to undertake the annual inspection of the Play Area. Cllr. Johnston stated that access across the Playing Field is required by a Tree Surgeon to attend to her oak tree. The Clerk commented that he had authorised such access and this decision was endorsed by the Council. The Clerk reported that Cllr. Biles in a written report had stated that Neville Day will inspect the trees in b. Cllr. Harding reported on behalf of the Open Spaces sub-Committee and stated that some six palings were missing from the Play Area fence and that there appeared to be a new panel on the Environment. a. There were no matters reported by the Environmental Sub-Committee. The Clerk reported that a letter had been received from a parishioner regarding the necessity to clear the ditch alongside b. Cllr. Edwards reported that the Parish Steward had visited and had undertaken a number of tasks, including filling the pothole opposite the shop. He added that there was a lot of moss at The Pastures that needed clearing and that he would speak to Denise Grech about the matter. He added that the next visit was planned for 25 January. Footpaths. Cllr. Johnston reported on behalf of the Footpath Sub-Committee and stated that a parishioner had complained of a fallen tree at the back of the Social Club. She added that she, with the assistance of her husband, had cleared it away. 10. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration 2012. Cllr. Biles in a written report read out by the Clerk stated that forty-two replies had been received from the five hundred or so questionnaires distributed and that the next meeting of the Jubilee Committee is to be held on 27 January after which he would be able to inform the Parish Council of any plans for the Jubilee Celebration. 11. Neighbourhood Plans. The Clerk stated that he had written to Wiltshire Council on this subject, as requested, and although he had received two acknowledgements of his letter no formal reply had yet been received. 12. Valley Parishes There was nothing reported, except that the next meeting is to be held on 9 February. 13. Date of Parish Council Meeting. The Council noted the date of the next Meeting: · Ordinary Parish Council meeting – Monday 6 February at 7.30pm. Clerk’s Note: The following dates have been arranged for Parish Council meetings to avoid the Bank Holidays on Mondays in May and June and the absence of the Clerk on the first Monday in July. Tuesday 8 May 2012. Monday 11 June 2012. Monday 10 July 2012. 14. Any Other Business. Exchange of views on matters not requiring a decision. The Clerk advised the Parish Council of the following: VE Memorial Garden – Selwood Housing had contacted him regarding the ownership and nature of this artefact. Jubilee Oak Tree/ Seat – A parishioner had contacted him enquiring where in the village would be available for a Jubilee Celebration Oak Tree/ Seat. Localism Bill, Standards/Code of Conduct – The Standards Board of England has been scrapped and Wiltshire Council are preparing new guidelines regarding Code of Conduct/Standards that Parish Councils will be invited to adopt. Wiltshire Council, Proposed Dog Control Orders – Westwood PC has no need for additional ones. West Wilts Motor Club, James Cup Trial (12 February 2012) – Cllr. Howard-Evans stated that it has taken almost a year for that area of Becky Addy woods to recover from the previous motorcycle trials. The Clerk was asked to write to the Organising Committee to ask that the area is restored, as far as is practicable, to its original state immediately following the trial. Pharmaceutical Services – Permission has been granted for The Health Centre to dispense medicines to the former patients of St Margaret’s Surgery. Cllr. Howard Evans commented that the footpath entrance near to the Bus Stop at Good Neighbour Scheme – Cllr. Biles had confirmed that he is awaiting confirmation that the coordinator will address the Parish Council at its meeting on 9 March. Councillors reported that Messrs. Morris and Stockwell had cleared a route for surface water to drain away that was causing an obstruction on the Lower Westwood road; Mr Morris at the bottom of The Pastures, Mr Stockwell near to Housels Field. The Clerk was asked to write a letter of thanks to both individuals. There was no other business. The meeting concluded at 10.20 pm. Chairman 6 February 2012. To obtain Questionnaire timetable and to contact Cllr. Parker (re. questions). Action 2 (9/1/12) Clerk. To write to WC – Planning Applications Action 3 (9/1/12) Clerk. To write to Appeal Inspector – Action 4 (9/1/12) Clerk. To contact V Cooke – Debris on cemetery paths. Action 5 (9/1/12) Clerk. To invite S&J to provide quotations. Action 6 (9/1/12) Clerk. To invite Playforce to reduce quotation. Action 7 (9/1/12) Clerk. To make agreed payments. Action 8 (9/1/12) Clerk. To write to R Parsons – PC Donation. Action 9 (9/1/12) Cllr. Bishop. To contact Action 10 (9/1/12) Clerk. To invite RoSPA to undertake Annual Inspection.. . Action 11 (9/1/12) Cllr Edwards. To contact Denise Grech – Parish Steward tasks (The Pastures). Action 12 (9/1/12) Clerk. To write to organisers of The James Cup Trial. Action 13 (9/1/12) Clerk. To write to A Morris, D Stockwell. NB. Details of the actions above are contained in the minutes. << Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Past year & earlier meetings>> Content Management Powered by CuteNews
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