MINUTES of the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall, Westleigh on Wednesday 4th, July 2007 at 7.30pm.

Present: Cllrs: B.Marshall (Chairman), Mrs.M.Parks(Vice Chairman), P.Fronteras,M.Hudson,J.Craze,W.Dart.

0707/1: Apologies – None.

0707/2: Police Report:
There was no report, as there was no attendance by police representative.

0707/3: Minutes of Meeting held on the 6th. June 2007:
Proposed by Cllr.J.May and Seconded by Cllr.M.Parks that the minutes be agreed as a correct record, and signed by the Chairman accordingly.

0707/4: Matters Arising:
A). Memorial Garden/General Maintenance:
It was agreed that Cllr.M.Hudson liaise with Mr.Jacobs regarding site problems to do with the Grounds Maintenance Contract, and report any difficulties that need resolving.
B). Bus Shelter:
The two wheelie bins; one placed by each bus shelter have been a success, and reduced the litter problem. Cllr.M.Parks did comment that on occasions these bins were overflowing with litter, and a request was made to Cllr.R.Cann about the possibility of increasing the number of wheelie bins at this location. Cllr.R.Cann offered to investigate this possibility.
C). Westleigh Website:
Cllr.P.Fronteras advised that the website continues to be well supported.

D). Instow & Westleigh Parish News:
Copies of the approved minutes are being sent to the new officers of the Parish News.

0707/5: 15 Minutes for Parishioners Questions:
There were no questions.

0707/6: County and District Council Reports:
Devon County Councillor. R.Cann advised that following a meeting with the Cllr.B.Marshall (Chairman) and Mr.A.Bowman (DCC.), it was suggested that a ‘Weight Limit’ could be a way of reducing heavy lorries using local roads to Holmacott. Cllr.R.Cann asked if the Parish Council would support this proposal.
‘Strategic review of Health and Social Care Conversation Events’ have been organised across Devon to obtain a wide range of views to inform future priorities; with brief presentations by representatives of Devon Primary Care Trust and Devon County Council.
Devon County Council have had an offer to provide five recycling bins for ‘Tetra Packs’. These will be located mainly in Supermarket Car Parks, and will help reduce refuse going to landfill sites.
Cllr.R.Cann will be taking a report to the Executive recommending the reintroduction of annual free bulky goods collection for private households. (One item free per household).
Cllr.R.cann advised that he has a minor budget for Parish Councils within his ward, if the parish wish to apply for funding for a project.

North Devon District Councillor. Cllr.B.Moores wished to add that he also has a minor budget for his ward parishes, and NDDC have a Community Grant Scheme which can be used by parishes on application.
Cllr.B.Moores would also bring attention to NDDC policies to future council meetings.

0707/7: Correspondence:
A copy of all correspondence received was made available to all councillors.
Resolved: that all correspondence be noted.
The correspondence from NDDC regarding the adoption by the Parish Council of the ‘Revised Town & Parish Council Members Code of Conduct’ which came into force 3rd. May 2007, would be placed as an agenda item for the next parish council meeting.

0707/8: Finance:
Income of £60.49 has been received in the form of reclaimed 2006/2007 VAT.

Expenditure:
A copy of Expenditure was presented to Councillors.
RESOLVED: the expenditure totalling £67.90 be approved, and the accounts paid accordingly.
The Annual Return/Accounts have been sent to the Audit Commission on the 2nd, June 2007.

0707/9: Planning:
There were no planning issues.

0707/10: Any Other Business at the Chairman’s Discretion:
The Chairman confirmed his meeting with Cllr.R.Cann and Mr.A.Bowman (DCC) regarding the proposal of a ‘Weight Restriction’ on local roads to Holmacott, with a proviso ‘Access Only for HGV Vehicles’.
The Chairman also brought to the meeting two ‘Environmental Initiatives’:
- The possibility of ‘Dimming’ Street Lighting overnight within the Parish. DCC are already discussing this issue countywide.
- The planting of trees on highway verges within the parish to enhance the environmental aspect of the countryside.
The Parish Clerk was requested to correspond with DCC on the above matters to seek their advice and guidance.
The Chairman also advised that the ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ has changed their Information Sheets for the Parish Notice-boards from ‘RED to ‘YELLOW’.