Minutes of the Meeting of Westleigh Parish Council held in the Village Hall, Westleigh, on Wednesday 1st.April 2009 at 7.30pm.

Present: Cllrs.B.Marshall (Chairman), Mrs.M.Parks (Vice Chairman), P.Fronteras, W.J.Dart.
0409/01: Apologies. Cllrs.J.May, J.Craze.

0409/02: Police Report.
PCSO.D.Cornish attended the meeting, and presented the following information:-
Crime Report for Westleigh and Eastleigh for the period Thursday 5th March 2009 to Wednesday 1st.April 2009. Throughout this period there has been 1.no. reported crime;
Criminal damage to vehicle in Eastleigh. This has been investigated and has been filed as undetected pending any more information. Over this period there have been 6.no. logs created of which 4.no. were vehicle related, 1.no. concern for welfare of male, and 1.no. referring to water ponding on the road on the B3233. PCSO Cornish also stated that he is always available to hear of concerns from parishioners.

0409/03: Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 4th, March 2009.
Proposed by Cllr.P.Fronteras and Seconded by Cllr.Mrs.M.Parks that the minutes be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman accordingly.

0409/04: Matters Arising.
(A). Memorial Garden and Bus Shelter.
The metal seat at Blackgate, near Westleigh Church has been taken away by Mr.A.Jacobs as the seat had become unsafe, and no longer able to use; further details to follow.
(B). Westleigh Website.
Cllr.P.Fronteras continues to maintain a very successful website.

0409/05: 15 Minutes for Parishioners Questions.
Two parishioners attended the meeting, and several concerns would be investigated.

0409/06: County and District Council Reports.
Devon County Councillor Mr.R.Cann presented the following information:
Road defects were repaired on the Instow/Westleigh road.
County Council funding ensures continued services for victims of domestic violence.
Action is being taken to clamp down on dog mess.North Devon Council is looking to adopt new powers under the Cleaner Neighbourhoods and Environment Act.
Dog owners are being reminded once again that they are ultimately responsible for cleaning up after their dog.
A new food waste recycling service is being rolled out from this summer across North Devon. There will be an ‘In Vessell Compostor coming on line in June, which will bring improvement into the way waste is collected.
Tough targets to improve Devon’s environment have been smashed by Devon County Council – two years earlier than expected. This includes key targets for recycling, air pollution and the cleanliness of town centres.
North Devon District Councillor. Mr.B.Moores apologised for being unable to attend the meeting, and advised that there was nothing to report.

0409/07: Correspondence.
Mr.A.Jacobs submitted his tender for the Westleigh Parish Council – Schedule of Maintenance contract for 2009. The tender price remained the same as his 2008 details.
Proposed by Cllr.Mrs.M.Parks and Seconded by Cllr.P.Fronteras that the Parish Council accept this tender, and a letter be sent to Mr.Jacobs accordingly.
A copy of all correspondence received was available to all Parish Councillors.
RESOLVED: All correspondence be noted.

0409/08: Finance.
Income. Nil

Expenditure for Authorisation & Payment. Nil

0409/09: Planning.
North Devon District Council
Town and Country Planning Act 1990

No items.

0409/10: Parish Council Vacancies.
Co-option of member on to the Parish Council.
A letter of invitation was sent to the applicant to attend the next Parish Council Meeting on Wednesday 1st. April 2009.
Mr.B.Marshall (Chairman) welcomed Mr.Duncan Peel (Landlord of the Westleigh Inn) and thanked him for his letter requesting to be co-opted onto the Parish Council.
The Chairman asked him relevant questions and eligibility to become a Parish Councillor. Mr.Peel expressed his interest in why he would like to become a Councillor. The Chairman then asked councillors for their comments.
Cllr.Mrs.M.Parks Proposed and Cllr.W.J.Dart Seconded that Mr.D.Peel become the newly co-opted Parish Council Member of Westleigh.
Mr.Peel duly completed the ‘Candidates Consent to Co-option’ – Co-option of Parish Council Form, and also completed the ‘Declaration of Acceptance of Office’ Form; both of which were signed by the Chairman.
Mr.Peel was also given ‘The Code of Conduct’ Guide for members May 2007 book, and Pocket Guide.

0409/11: Any other business at the Chairman’s discretion.
The Chairman asked Councillor Mr.R.Cann if he was able to kindly help with the replacement of the seat by the church. Cllr.Mr.R. Cann said he was unable to help financially at this time, but would speak to the Grounds Maintenance Manager at North Devon District Council for any guidance.