MINUTES of the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, on Tuesday 2nd Nov. 2005 at 7.30 p.m.

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

Also Present. Cllr. L.Brown.NDDC. .

1105/1 Apologies for Absence. Cllr M.Parks. Cllr R. Cann DCC.

1105/2 Police Report.
In the absence of PC.Benbow there was no report

1105/3 Minutes of the Meeting held on 5th October. 2005.
Resolved that the minutes of the Meeting held on 5th October. 2005 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

1105/4 Matters Arising
Memorial Garden / General Maintenance
Cllr Hudson reported on a recent conversation with Mr Souster our current maintenance contractor.
Mr Souster had told Cllr Hudson that on more than one occasion this summer he needed to return home to change his clothes, having been covered with dog excrement whilst strimming grass as a result of irresponsible dog owners not clearing up the mess made by their dogs.
Under the circumstances Mr Souster quite understandably, will prabably not be prepared to carry out our maintenance work next year.
It is the intention of the council to try and keep our parish clean and tidy and the failure to clean up the mess made by your dog, is not only anti-social but provides a significant health hazard to us all and for children in particular,
We the parish council therefore, would be grateful for any assistance by parishioners in the identification of offenders, in order that we may instigate action against them through the appropriate authority.

Bus Shelter.
Only one quotation was received for the re roofing of the Bus Shelter.
It was proposed to obtain further quotations.
Members were asked to seek available and competent contractors

Westleigh Website
The chairman Cllr P. Fronteras reported on a variety of contacts made to local businesses via the Website.

Undergrounding of Cables Nothing further to report.

Westleigh Parish Heritage Forum.The chairman Cllr Fronteras had recently spoken with Peter Christie regarding the possible involvement with local schools. Mr Christie had indicated that he would try and promote the idea.


1105/5 Parishioners Questions.
Cllr L.Brown responded to a complaint by a parishioner on the receipt of an unreasonably premature demand for council tax payments, by offering to investigate the matter.

1105/6 District and County Council Reports.
Cllr. L.Brown.NDDC.

Drink Control Order
Cllr Brown reported on the Drink Control Order covering the centre of Barnstaple.
A change in the law making the current bylaw obsolete provides the opportunity to replace the current bylaw with a new Control Order and at the same time create a geographical extension to the existing area.
The police have requested the extension and are encouraged by the success of the original order.
Safer Food Better Business.
New European community regulations come into force on 1st Jan. 2006.
The new approach namely “Safer Food Better Business “ is to be launched through local media and internet sites.
Publicity and information provided to client contacts by ND College and Business Link.
Coaching both individually and through seminars to provide business owners an understanding of the new regulations.

Cllr R. Cann ( DCC ) sent his apologies for his absence but had forwarded a written report.
Cllr Cann has performed the official opening of the Home Farm Marsh, an important area of farmland and foreshore owned by the Gaia Trust. The public will be able to visit the site and use a circular track to view the area which has been sympathetically created to provide a valuable habitat for plants , animal and birdlife.

Wind Farm.
The Development Control Committee has refused the application for the Wind farm by 10 votes to 2.
Cllr Cann seconded the recommendation of refusal.

Greensweep.
NDDC have acquired a 4.4 ton Min RCV and it is hoped once trials are complete, another 2,400 dwellings will be added to the wheelie bin service.

Collection routes are being refined to accommodate something in the region of 14,000 dwellings.

1105/7 Parking /Play Area.
Nothing further to report. Await meeting with Planning Dept.


1105/8 Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence was made available to all Councillors. Resolved that correspondence be noted.

1105/9 Finance.
Income received this month - £25.00 Website contribution from Cllr L.Brown.

A copy of expenditure was presented to Councillors. Resolved , that the expenditure totalling £328.32 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.

Conclusion of Audit notices to be displayed on the Westleigh notice board for
14 days, commencing 3rd Nov and ending 17th Nov 2005.


1105/10 Planning

Application Ref. 40806.
Proposal Conversion of barn into one unit of holiday accommodation
( amended plan )
Location . Weach Barton.
PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED.

Ref No. 40622. & 40623 ( Listed Building ) Amended Plans.
Conversion of 3 Barns to form 2 Units of accommodation , together with annex accommodation (Amended Plans. )

Parish response APPROVE / NO COMMENT

Cllr. J. May declared an interest in these applications left the room and was not involved in the decisions.

1105/11 Any Other Business at Chairman’s Discretion.