MINUTES of the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, on Wednesday 2nd June 2004 at 7.30 p.m.

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

Also present. Cllr R. Cann. DCC. Cllr. L. Brown NDDC. and 6 Parishioners.

0604/1 Apologies for Absence. Cllr L.Kenny and PC P.Parker.

0604/2 Police Report. In the absence of PC. P. Parker, there was no police report.

0604/3 NDDC/ Wheelie Bins.
Mr Danson the Greensweep representative reported that owing to the reprogramming of collection rounds, the introduction of “Wheelie Bins” to Westleigh Parish has been deferred and the new arrangements will probably not begin until September.
Although he was unable therefore to present detailed proposals for Westleigh, he was able to provide general information on how the system operates and the benefits and problems that have been encountered elsewhere.
During a question and answer session., concerns were expressed by several parishioners on the suitability of Wheelie Bins in certain locations within the Village.
Mr. Danson assured the council that detailed consultation would take place and householders would be contacted by letter prior to the commencement of the new system.
The Chairman thanked Mr. Danson for the presentation and will await further consultation.
0604/4. Mr. Hector Christie.
The Chairman welcomed Mr.Christie to the meeting.
Mr Christie began his presentation by providing an insight into his background and experiences, together with the highlights and low points in his time at Tapeley Park, from both a personal and commercial standpoint.
Mr Christie continued by outlining his views and concerns over current ecological problems along with his ideals, which are not always conducive with the commercial demands of managing a large estate.
Conservation and protection of the environment was high on his list of priorities and he explained how he was trying to manage the estate based on sound conservation principles.
Braunton Burrows and Instow produced their own special problems and the numerous relationships including the Military, English Heritage, Local Authorities and not least the General Public each with their own agenda created quite a demanding situation for both himself and his agent.
In conclusion Mr. Christie indicated that he was currently in discussion with the NDDC Planning Department regarding the possibility of small scale housing development within the Westleigh Parish.
It was put to Mr. Christie that for many years the parish council had been trying to secure a car parking area for the Village Hall with perhaps a play area for children.
Did he consider therefore that within his proposals there might be the possibility for land to be dedicated in order for these facilities to be provided.
Mr. Christie replied that he would be happy to consider the matter within his plans, which he is currently pursuing enthusiastically with the local Planning Dept

The Chairman thanked Mr. Christie for attending the meeting and for a very impressive, interesting and enlightening presentation.

0604/5 Minutes of the Meeting held on 5th May. 2004.
Resolved that the minutes of the Meeting held on 5th May 2004 to be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

0604/6 Matters Arising
Memorial Garden / General Maintenance.
The clerk to contact Mr Harris asking him to liaise with The Chairman regarding maintenance items required in Westleigh Village and with Cllr B.Marshall concerning the Eastleigh NoticeBoard.

Westleigh Website.
The Website is continuing to progress and attract numerous “Hits” and “Visits”.

Undergrounding of Cables Nothing further to report.

Westleigh Parish Heritage Forum.
Research was continuing into many aspects of the parish in general and in particular good progress had been made on the history of the church.

Parish Alliance. The meeting of the Community Alliance of Parishes, Horwood/Lovacott/Newton Tracey, Westleigh, Instow and Tawstock. took place at Lovacott Village Hall, on 6th May.
Presentations were made by J. Deasy Local Services Officer DCC. and Martin Coles from NDDC.
Date of next meeting Thursday 9th September at 7.30 pm. At Westleigh Village Hall.
Subject matter to include Education ( Instow School ) and Community Safety.

.0604/7Parishioners Questions.
A complaint was made concerning dogs fouling the Public Highway and the Church steps.
Concern was also expressed on the likelihood of excessive housing development within the parish.

0604/8 County & District Reports.
Cllr L. Brown reported on the recent evacuation of the Civic Centre. It appeared that an error by a Contractor undertaking work in a nearby building caused electrical faults resulting in computer damage and minor safety problems. Staff were redeployed elsewhere and insurers are cooperating fully over claims.

Greensweep. Council consultants are examining ways of re-programming and re-routing vehicles to improve efficiency over the collection of waste and recycled items.
In a move to provide greater efficiency, office staff have been requested to record details of incoming phone calls, visits and E mails.
The information will be analysed and the information gained will hopefully enable priorities to be identified and customer services improved.

Cllr. Cann DCC. responded to questions previously submitted by parishioners.
He also reported that DCC are committed to improving recycling targets and the problems involved instigate a serious challenge.

0604/9 Parking / Play Area.
Following the earlier presentation it was felt that Mr Christie was well aware of the hopes of the parish council and we must await further progress.

0604/10Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence was made available to all Councillors.
Resolved that correspondence be noted.

0504/11 Finance.
A copy of expenditure was presented to Councillors. Resolved, that the expenditure totalling £73.37 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.
An income of £46.48 had been received from Customs & Excise (VAT rebate 03/04)
The Statement of Accounts together with the Statement of Assurance has been sent to the District Auditor for inspection.

0604/12 Planning
Outline application for the Erection of a Dwelling at Torr House, has been refused.

0604/13 Any Other Business at Chairman’s Discretion.
The clerk was asked to write to Mr A.T.Lowry thanking him for acting as Internal Auditor to the parish council.