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

Present. Cllrs. P.Fronteras (Chairman) M.Hudson, B.Marshall, M.Cumiskey, J.May and M.Parks.

Also Present. Cllr R.Cann DCC . Cllr.L.Brown. NDDC.

0306/1 Apologies for Absence. Cllrs. L.Kenny and A.Samphier

0306/2 Police Report.
In the absence of PC J.Benbow there was no police report.

0306/3 Minutes of the Meeting held on 1st February. 2005.
Resolved that the minutes of the Meeting held on 1st February. 2006 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

0306/4 Matters Arising
Memorial Garden / General Maintenance
With the re- commencement of the grass cutting contract imminent
and following complaints last summer of the dog fouling problem, it was considered appropriate that the council should carry out an inspection of the grassed areas in the village to ascertain whether the situation had improved.
Members to report back at the next meeting.

Bus Shelter.
A number of estimates had been received for repairs to the bus shelter roof and following due consideration of the various options, it was resolved to offer the work to Mr P. Stevens of Bideford.
The unsuccessful contractors to be notified accordingly.

Fly Tipping.
Cllr Cann was again urged by the council to encourage all relevant authorities to pursue the problem of local “fly tipping”
Cllr Cann outlined the difficulties the authorities were experiencing in providing evidence for successful prosecutions.
Parishioners were asked to remain vigilant and take down details of any vehicle
being used for the unauthorized depositing of waste and which could provide the relevant information that might lead to a successful prosecution

Westleigh Website 3390 Visits, 19000 Hits for Feb 2006.

Undergrounding of Cables Nothing further to report.

0306/5 Parishioners Questions.
A complaint was received from Mrs Sylvia King regarding the problem of litter being scattered around the parish generally and in particular the local bus shelters and the Tarka trail.
Mrs King regularly picks up litter during her daily walks and would invite other parishioners to do the same.
The council commended Mrs King for her public spirited attitude and would try and seek ways of involving others to take part
Mrs King also congratulated North Devon District Council on their positive response to her complaints concerning more serious littering problems.
As a result of this discussion the clerk was asked to write to South Molton re-cycling
regarding the amount of material “spilled “ during the course of their weekly collection.

0306/6 District and County Council Reports.

Cllr. L.Brown.NDDC.
Cllr Brown reported on a variety of subjects, which included a review being undertaken of how well NDDC is communicating with the media and partners as well as the general public
.
A new “Keep Britain Tidy “ campaign survey is to be undertaken to highlight how effectively the environment is being managed.

Some of the new powers under the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act have
already come into force. These include increased and fixed penalties for fly tipping,
abandoned cars, dropping chewing gum and cigarette butts. New offences such as fly
posting and nuisance lighting are part of a raft of new measures.

Grants and discounts are available for home insulation. For further information on the subject please ring Freephone 0800 512 012 or 01271 879490

NDDC have set the rate of council tax increase for 4.5%

Cllr R. Cann ( DCC )
Westleigh Footpath No 1.
Cllr Cann had received a report from the accident investigation officer regarding the safety implications where the path crosses the North Devon Link Rd.
The report indicated that the situation is not out of the ordinary and all the factors involved generally provided a safe crossing point
Herton Junction.
The reconstruction work at Herton junction has been completed.
People with learning difficulties.
DCC have a new website specifically tailored for people with learning difficulties.
The site is very user friendly and a one stop information shop..
The address is www.learningdisabilitydevon.org.uk

Cllr Cann also included in his report, information on the 2006 –2007 DCC budget and an “update” on the progress of the Barnstaple Bypass

0306/7 Parking / Play Area.
Nothing to report

0306/8 Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence was made available to all Councillors. Resolved that correspondence be noted.

0306/9 Finance.
A copy of expenditure was presented to Councillors. Resolved , that the expenditure totalling £224.42 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.
Following a quotation from Community First / Zurich Municipal for £375.01 compared to the current premium of £433.27. it was Resolved that the new offer should be accepted and the clerk to arrange the transfer as required.

0306/10 Planning

There were no planning issues this month.

0306/11 Any Other Business.

Proposed that Cllr M.Hudson’s name to be put forward for the ballot to attend a Royal Garden Party in July.