Minutes of the meeting of Westwood Parish Council held in the Parish Rooms, Westwood at 7.30 pm on Monday 3 October 2011.
Present
Cllr. A Parker Chairman
Cllr. J Bishop
Cllr. T Biles
Cllr. G Edwards
Cllr. S Harding
Cllr. S Higgs
Cllr. R Howard-Evans
Cllr. J Johnston
Cllr. I Richardson
Mr. R Coleman Clerk
There was one member of the public present.
1. Welcome and Introductions.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Apologies.
Apologies for non-attendance were received from Wiltshire Councillor L Conley and PC M Barrett.
3. Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on 12 September 2011.
The minutes of this meeting were signed as a true and accurate record.
4. Adjournment.
The Chairman adjourned the meeting for members of the public to raise any matters of concern and then reconvened the meeting.
5. Westwood Road Safety.
a. Cllr. Bishop confirmed that the data from the latest Metrocount had been received but that there was nothing else significant to report. He added that a parishioner, Chris Humphries, had requested that the Parish Council arrange a meeting with Wiltshire Council that he could also attend in order to review the progress of the ‘20 mph’ Trial. Cllr. Bishop added that he would arrange such a meeting. In respect of the proposed Virtual Pavement, Cllr. Johnston commented that the one at Limpley Stoke had become very indistinct and that a simple white line might be just as effective and considerably cheaper. The general view of the Council was that there was a need for some form of Virtual Pavement between Lyefield Lane and the New Inn and Cllr. Richardson stressed that the emphasis should be on an effective solution that will give some protection to pedestrians and that there may be alternatives to the traditionally painted road surface. Cllr. Richardson stated that he would be attending the CATG Meeting on 7 October and that he had noted the views of the Council and would represent those views at that meeting. He added that some priority should be given by the CATG to this project in view of the proposal by the Parish Council to make a significant financial contribution towards it. The Council resolved that Cllr. Richardson would represent the Parish Council at that meeting.
b. The Council noted that Wiltshire Council had, apparently, already decided on a number of the questions to be posed in the questionnaire, although these had not been communicated to the Parish Council. The Parish Council also queried the timescale for such a questionnaire to be distributed to parishioners and the method by which Wiltshire Council was intending to distribute them. Cllr. Edwards suggested that Limpley Stoke Parish Council should also be consulted because they, too, would have had to propose questions for their ‘20 mph Trial’ questionnaire. Cllr. Richardson stated that he would ask the CATG Meeting for sight of the questions and would also raise the other points to obtain clarification, especially details of the timescales for the consultation process.
c. Cllr. Biles advised the Council that the grant application would be determined by the CATG and not the Area Board and that it was to be discussed at the CATG Meeting on 7 October. Cllr. Richardson commented that the rules for the grant application appear to have changed yet again and that he would also pursue this matter at the CATG Meeting.
6. Neighbourhood Policing.
a. In the absence of a representative from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), no report was given.
b. Cllr. Harding reported that there may be an abandoned car at Boswell Road. Cllr. Johnston stated that she would advise the police on the new 101 number.
There were no other matters reported.
7. Bradford on Avon Community Area Board.
a. Cllr. Biles reported that he had attended the Area Board held on 21 September and had sent a written report of that meeting to all councillors. He stated that the proposed ‘Lorry Watch’ scheme was discussed at some length and he circulated maps to councillors showing the proposed ‘lorry routes’ following the imposition of the Weight Restrictions at Cleveland Bridge, Bath. He added that the purpose of ‘Lorry Watch’ was to deter lorry drivers from ignoring the weight restrictions that are present on many local roads, including the one imposed on Bradford on Avon Town Bridge. He commented that, curiously, if someone spots a lorry that clearly exceeded the weight limit then it has to be reported to Wiltshire Council, Trading Standards and not the police. Cllr. Howard-Evans observed that the use of vehicle number recognition technology and CCTV at key locations would prove more effective.
b. Councillors expressed their disappointment with the Area Board, describing it as ineffective and as a ‘talking shop’ that was largely dominated by self interest groups who appeared able to control the agenda. Cllrs. Howard-Evans and Richardson commented that the Area Board appeared unable to make decisions on a very wide range of issues and decisions that were made rarely addressed the concerns of the wider community – especially the villages.
The Clerk commented that he was aware of a general disquiet from other parishes regarding the effectiveness or role of the Area Boards and that in his view Parish Councils needed to protect the democratic principle that it is the Parish Council and Wiltshire Council who are the democratically elected bodies and not the Area Boards.
A general discussion ensued and the Council resolved to consult with other Parish Councils in the Bradford on Avon Community Area to gauge their views and, if necessary, to make representations to Wiltshire Council. The Clerk was asked to make the necessary arrangements for the Chairs of the relevant parishes to communicate their views. Cllr. Biles stated that he would discuss this subject with his fellow members of the Community Area Grants Advisory Committee at the forthcoming meeting.
The Clerk commented that in view of the proposed Localism Bill that would encourage the creation of a Neighbourhood Plan that would describe how communities wished their neighbourhoods to develop, it was essential that the views of the parishes were included in such a plan. He added that he was fearful that if a Neighbourhood Plan was developed by the Bradford on Avon Community Area it may prove to be ‘town centric’ with little consideration given to the rural communities. The Chairman stated that this would also be a useful topic to discuss with the Chairs of the other Parish Councils. Cllr. Richardson offered to contribute to this meeting, if requested.
8. Sub-Committees - Sub-Committee Reports.
Footpaths.
The following matters were reported by Cllr. Johnston on behalf of the Footpath Sub-Committee:
Path 12 (at its junction with the Lower Westwood Road) – This path had now been cleared by an adjoining land owner.
Path 16 (The Pastures to the Upper Westwood Road) – Overgrown vegetation to be cut back. The Clerk was asked to request Mr Cooke to undertake this task.
Path 26 (Upper Westwood to Avoncliff) – The overgrown vegetation has now been cut back and the tree branch has been removed. Cllr. Higgs stated that she had spoken to the land owner across whose land the path runs and that she had been very helpful and co-operative.
a. The Council noted the status of extant planning applications thus:
W/11/02028/FUL Elms Cross Agricultural Building Pending.
(Retrospective0
b. There were no other planning applications received after 27 September 2011
c. The Clerk passed the CPRE Guide ‘How to respond to planning applications – an 8-step guide’ to Cllr. Bishop.
There were no other planning matters raised.
Cemetery.
a. Cllr. Bishop reported on behalf of the Cemetery Sub-Committee and stated that the cemetery appeared in good order. The Clerk stated that he had now received a new Register of Purchased Graves and a Register of Burials.
b. The Clerk stated that he intended discussing the matter of the closed churchyard with the churchwardens following the recent quinquennial inspection of the church and churchyard that had identified that some of the tombs needed cleaning. He commented that he would be taking a cautious approach when resolving the matter of the Cemetery Grant and was keen, initially, to receive confirmation that Wiltshire Council (previously West Wiltshire District Council) did have responsibility for maintaining the tombs.
Finance.
a. The Clerk stated that the current financial position was as follows:
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Lloyds TSB A/C 1643417 |
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Bank Statement |
£4,900.90 |
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31-Aug-11 |
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Credits (1 September to 30 September 2011) : |
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22-Sep |
Wiltshire Council Precept (2nd Instalment) |
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£ 5,250.00 |
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Total: |
£ 5,250.00 |
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Debits (1 September 2011 to 30 September 2011): |
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STO |
Clerk's Salary (August) |
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£ 344.62 |
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1220 |
Clerk's Expenses (July) |
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£ 4.67 |
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1220 |
Clerk's Expenses (August) |
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£ 4.10 |
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1222 |
S&J Grounds (July) |
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£ 182.00 |
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1222 |
S&J Grounds (August) |
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£ 182.00 |
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1223 |
Mazars External Audit |
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£ 162.00 |
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1224 |
St Johns CC (Aug/Sept) |
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£ 81.87 |
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1225 |
Valley Parishes Alliance |
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£ 150.00 |
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1226 |
Cemetery Register Books |
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£ 396.00 |
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1227 |
V Cooke (July/August) |
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£ 350.00 |
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Total: |
£ 1,857.26 |
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Balance at 30 September 2011: |
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£ 8,293.64 |
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Credits (1 October 2011 to 3 October 2011) : |
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None |
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£ - |
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Total: |
£ - |
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Debits (1 October 2011 to 3 October 2011): |
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01-Oct |
Clerk's Salary (September) |
£ 344.62 |
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Total: |
£ 344.62 |
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Balance at 3 October 2011: |
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£ 7,949.02 |
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Lloyds TSB A/C 7573321 |
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Bank Statement |
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£ 5,577.41 |
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11-Jul-11 |
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Credits: |
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09-May |
Interest |
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£ 0.21 |
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09-Jun |
Interest |
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£ 0.24 |
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11-Jul |
Interest |
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£ 0.24 |
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11-Aug |
Interest |
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£ 0.24 |
(Approx) |
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11-Sep |
Interest |
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£ 0.21 |
(Approx) |
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Total: |
£ 1.14 |
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Debits: |
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None |
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£ - |
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Total: |
£ - |
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Balance at 3 October 2011: |
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£ 5,578.55 |
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National Savings A/C 138409348 |
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Balance at 1 January 2010 |
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£ 7,772.06 |
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Credits: |
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Interest 1/1/10 to 31/12/10: |
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£ 15.54 |
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Debits: |
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£ - |
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Balance at 3 October 2011: |
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£ 7,787.60 |
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Total Balance in hand at 3 October 2011: |
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£ 21,315.17 |
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Payments to be authorised 3 October 2011). |
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Clerk's Salary (October 2011) |
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£ 344.62 |
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Clerk's Expenses (September 2011) |
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£ 29.40 |
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Val Cooke (September) |
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£ 106.28 |
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S&J Grounds Ltd (September) |
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£ 182.00 |
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TOTAL: |
£ 662.30 |
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Donations/Subscriptions to be considered - 3 October 2011 |
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£ - |
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TOTAL: |
£ - |
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b. The Clerk advised the Council that the second part of the Precept, £5250, had now been paid to the Parish Council by Wiltshire Council.
c. The Council resolved to make the payments shown under ‘Payments to be authorised’ above, including a payment of £12 to Cllr. Edwards in respect of his expenses incurred in connection with providing photos for the Area Board meeting held in July.
Open Spaces.
a. Cllr. Harding confirmed that some five fence palings were now missing. The Clerk stated that Mr Say had now run out of spare palings and was ordering a further supply. Cllr. Harding added that the new palings had been fastened more securely than previously to deter vandals from removing them.
Cllr. Edwards reported that the Play equipment appears in good order and that there was no new graffiti. He added that the waste bin had been emptied. Cllr. Edwards commented that the new gravel on the path to the Play Area had not been laid. The Clerk stated that he would remind Mr Cooke again.
Environment.
Councillors reported that Wiltshire Council had made it known that it was not responsible for cutting back the hedge and overgrown vegetation either side of the Upper Westwood road running westwards from Upper Farm and that it was the responsibility of the landowner. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Turner to request that this vegetation is cut back.
The Clerk stated that Mr Say had repaired the noticeboard at the Post Office.
Cllr. Johnston reported that a sign advertising the New Inn had been erected on the fence at the crossroads. The Clerk stated that he would obtain details of the planning rules for advertising hoardings from Wiltshire Council to allow the Council to decide whether to take any action.
Cllr. Howard-Evans commented that there had been a significant increase in the use of the field at Farleigh Hungerford for motorcycle scramble events this year and that the noise pollution was very intrusive. The Clerk was asked to contact the Clerk to Farleigh Hungerford Parish Council to enquire whether that Parish Council had received any complaints from parishioners or had made any representations itself to Mendip District Council.
Cllr. Parker reported that there had been a very noisy party held in the Old Chapel until 3am in the morning at the weekend. Cllr. Richardson commented that this was exactly what was feared when the original planning application was made for it to be used as a residence and something that the neighbours would not hesitate to bring to the attention of Wiltshire Council Development Control.
Cllr. Johnston asked Cllr. Edwards to remind the Parish Steward to undertake weed spraying in the village – especially in The Pastures, Boswell Road and the National Trust wall along the Lower Westwood Road - and to fill in the various potholes.
Cllr. Edwards stated that he had now put photos of the potholes at Staples Hill on the Westwood website.
Cllr. Johnston stated that she had been asked by the Manager of the Nursery School to place a link for the school on the website. Cllr. Edwards replied stating that he believed that one already existed but a new addition had been the new Wiltshire Council Recycling and Waste Collection rota.
9. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration 2012.
Cllr. Biles stated that the next meeting on this subject is to be held on 12 October and requested that this item is deferred until the next Parish Council meeting.
10 Valley Parishes Alliance (VPA).
a. The Council noted that Cllr. Edwards had resigned as the Westwood Parish Council representative. Cllr. Edwards explained his reasons for his resignation. He reported that he had sent councillors a copy of the latest minutes of the VPA Meeting held on 22 September 2011.
b. The nomination and appointment of a new Parish Council representative was deferred until the next meeting.
11. Date of Parish Council Meeting.
The Council noted the date of the next Meeting:
· Ordinary Parish Council meeting – Monday 7 November 2011 at 7.30pm.
12. Any Other Business.
Exchange of views on matters not requiring a decision.
The Parish Council decided that the date for the Christmas Meal is to be Monday 19 December 2011.
The Clerk drew the attention of the Council to the following and he gave a brief explanation of each topic:
· The Boundary Commission – Review of Parliamentary Boundaries.
· BANES – Invitation to comment on Proposed Changes to the BANES Draft Core Strategy.
Cllr. Edwards stated that the VPA has already provided comments to BANES Council in respect of this document.
· Freshford Memorial Hall – Redevelopment.
· NHS Wiltshire – Pharmaceutical Services Review
There was no other business.
The meeting concluded at 9.55pm.
Chairman 7 November 2011.
Action 1 (3/10/11) Clerk.
To contact Chairs of PCs (BoACB) – Area Boards/Neighbourhood Plans meeting.
Action 2 (3/10/11) Clerk.
To contact Churchwarden(s) – Closed Churchyard/Tombs.
Action 3 (3/10/11) Clerk.
To make agreed payments.
Action 4 (3/10/11) Clerk.
To contact Mr Cooke – Gravel on Play Area path.
Action 5 (3/10/11) Clerk.
To contact Mr Turner – Cutting back vegetation (Upper Westwood Road).
Action 6 (3/10/11) Clerk.
To contact Wiltshire Council – Advertising Hoardings ‘planning rules’.
Action 7 (3/10/11) Clerk.
To contact Farleigh Hungerford PC – Motorcycle nuisance.
Action 8 (3/10/11) Cllr. Bishop
To arrange meeting with WC and C Humphries to review ’20 mph Trial’.
Action 9 (3/10/11) Clerk.
To contact Mr Cooke – Gravel for Path 16.
Action 10 (3/10/11) Cllr. Edwards
To contact Parish Steward – Weed Spraying/Pot-hole filling.
NB. Details of the actions above are contained in the minutes.