MINUTES of  the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, on Wednesday  1^st Feb.  2006 at 7.30 p.m.

Present. Cllrs.  P.Fronteras (Chairman) M.Hudson, B.Marshall, A.Samphier,  M.Cumiskey,  J.May and L.Kenny.

Also Present.   Cllr R.Cann DCC .

0206/1  Apologies for Absence.   Cllrs M.Parks. Cllr L.Brown NDDC.

0206/2  Police Report.

PC. Benbow reported on an attempted burglary and a vehicle “break in “. Investigations are still in progress.

With the advent of CCTV cameras in the urban areas, the criminal element  appear to be targeting more rural properties.

The police are therefore increasing their patrols in rural areas and using unmarked police vehicles.          

0206/3  Minutes of the Meeting held on 4^th January.  2005.

Resolved that the minutes of the Meeting held on 4^th January. 2006 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

0206/4  Matters Arising

Memorial Garden / General Maintenance

Nothing to report.

Bus Shelter.

A grant application has been made to NDDC to assist towards the cost of repairs to the roof of the bus shelter.

Cllr Cann offered to investigate the situation regarding the chances of success in obtaining a grant.

It was proposed and resolved that following Cllr Cann’s enquiries and regardless of the result, the council would offer the work to the lowest tender.

Fly Tipping.  

Cllr Cann was urged by the council to encourage all relevant authorities to pursue the problem of local “fly tipping”

Westleigh Website      Nothing to report.

Equal Opportunities and  Human Rights.

It was resolved that Westleigh Parish Council is committed to the development and promotion of equal opportunities and will endorse the NDDC policy accordingly.

It was also resolved that the council will operate ethically and within the framework of the Human Rights Act.

Undergrounding of Cables      Nothing further to report.

0206/5  Parishioners Questions.

There were no questions.

0206/6   District and County Council Reports.

Cllr. L.Brown.NDDC.

In the absence of Cllr L.Brown there was no report from NDDC.

Cllr R. Cann ( DCC )

Cllr Cann as requested, provided the council with copies of plans showing the Public rights of Way within the parish

Westleigh Footpath No 1.

Cllr Cann has arranged for the PROW Warden and the accident investigation officer to inspect the path and the possible safety implications where the path crosses the North Devon Link Rd.

Cllr Cann will report back in due course.

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act is designed to help clean up the environment with new powers on fly-tipping, dropping litter and abandoning cars.

All districts in England will be scrutinised on all aspects of cleanliness and quality of the local environment.

In April further measures covering fly-posting and nuisance lighting will become offences.

There is to be a re-launch of keep North Devon Tidy campaign.

Cllr Cann also included in his report, details of DCC policy on the emptying of road gullies, the County Council’s position of being one of the leading authorities in re-cycling and the budgetary pressures being imposed upon the authority.

0206/7 Parking / Play Area.

Nothing to report

0206/8  Correspondence.

A copy of all correspondence was made available to all Councillors.   Resolved  that correspondence be noted.

0206/9  Finance.

A copy of expenditure was presented to Councillors. Resolved , that the expenditure totalling £109.73 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.

Following a request for a grant by the Instow and Westleigh Parish News, it was resolved to approve a donation of £80.00.

0206/10  Planning

Application Ref. 41358.

Proposal.     1 Agricultural Workers Dwelling

Location.     Wearlands Farm, Westleigh.     Application has been withdrawn.

Application Ref no. 40622 & 40623 ( Listed Building )

Proposal, Conversion of Barns & Annexe to Holiday Accommodation.

Loacation Eastleigh Barton, Eastleigh.

Planning Permission and Listed Building consent : Granted.

0206/11 Any Other Business at Chairman’s Discretion.

Unauthorized advertising on the Tarka Trail.

Cllr Cann informed the meeting that a letter has been sent to those responsible

The clerk reported that he had  been contacted by the police in connection with a proposal for a senior police officer to attend a parish council meeting.