MINUTES of the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, on Wednesday 4th Oct. 2006 at 7.30 p.m.

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

1006/1 Apologies for Absence. Cllr. M.Parks and Cllr. R. Cann. (DCC)

1006/2 Police Report.
In the absence of CSO Charles there was no police report.

1006/3 Minutes of the Meeting held on 6th Sept 2006.
Resolved that the minutes of the Meeting held on 6th Sept 2006 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

1006/4 Matters Arising
Memorial Garden / General Maintenance
A replacement for Mr.Souster to carry out ground maintenance has still not yet been found and although not urgent at this time of year, the search is to continue.
Cllr B Marshall’s approach to “Gardener’s Delight” unfortunately, appears to have been unsuccessful

Bus Shelter.
There has not been any progress on the provision of vandal proof seats for the Westleigh bus shelter.
The clerk was asked to investigate the cost of prefabricated seats and members were asked to canvass the opinions of any local builders that might be interested in providing a solution.

Holmacott Landfill Site.
Cllr B. Marshall has met Cllr Cann and Mr A Bowman of the planning authority to discuss various aspects concerning the operation of the site.
It would appear that several conditions of their licence are being contravened and Cllr. Marshall has been told that the planning dept. will look into the matter.
Mr Bowman will arrange for details of the operating conditions to be sent to the parish clerk.

Westleigh Website
The website has received 4400 visits during the last month and is generally being well used.

Westleigh Heritage Forum.
Cllr Cumiskey is currently communicating with a gentleman in Australia who spent his childhood in Westleigh and has many fond memories of the Village.
Cllr Cumiskey intends to keep in touch.

Parish Clerk
The vacancy for a parish clerk is to be advertised with an item in the Instow and Westleigh News.

1006/5 Parishioners Questions.
There was none.

1006/6 District and County Council Reports.

Cllr. L.Brown.NDDC.
The consultancy period to comment on the Gambling Act is drawing to a close.
NDDC has written a draft licensing policy and a copy can be obtained from the Licensing Officer, Mark Curgenven on 01271 388312. or e-mail
mark.curgenven@northdevon.gov.uk
Feedback on the draft policy can be made obtained from the same address .

A new range of grants will soon be available for property owners
NDDC as recently been allocated £764,000 from South West regional Housing to raise the standard of homes for the most vulnerable of people.
For further information contact Environmental Health Dept on 01271 388870
Or e-mail www.northdevon.gov.uk/decenthomes

Discussions are already taking place on the regeneration plans for Barnstaple which include.
Seven Brethren Bank
Anchorwood Bank
Queen St / Bear St
Mill Rd and The Strand.


Cllr. R. Cann DCC.
There was no DCC report this month and Cllr Cann had sent his apologies for his absence.


1006/7 Parking / Play Area.
Nothing to report

1006/8 Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence received in the past month was made available to all councillors. Resolved that all correspondence be noted.

1006/9 Finance.
A copy of expenditure was presented to councillors. Resolved, that the expenditure totalling £ 69.14 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.

An income of £1578.00 was received as part of the Parish Precept and Grant.

1006/10 Planning
Application Ref No.42906
Proposal. Extension and Alterations to Dwelling.
Location. Southcott, Bideford.
Recommend. Approval Comments None.

Application Ref;- 42716
Southcott , Bideford. Agricultural Buildings with improved access.
Comments to NDDC Planning Dept.
Application has been withdrawn


1006/11 Any Other Business.
Cllr Cumiskey reported on his meeting with the independent committee responsible for the Instow, Westleigh and West Yelland Festival.
The meeting was also attended by a representative of the North Devon Festival committee and Cllr Cumiskey admitted that he had been most impressed with the interest and enthusiasm of all concerned.
Cllr Cumiskey’s suggestion that Westleigh parish should become involved with this annual venture was fully supported by Cllr Marshall.
The subject was due to be discussed by the parish hall committee and the chairman asked for Cllr Cumiskey to report back on the matter.
The clerk was asked to include the topic on the next agenda.

Cllr Marshall reported that he had met a representative of DCC Highways and the area of carriageway at The Rock, will be reconstructed and resurfaced in due course.