MINUTES of the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, on Wednesday 5th JULY 2006 at 7.30 p.m.


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

0706/1 Apologies for Absence. Cllrs. L.Kenny and J.May

0706/2 Police Report.
In the absence of PC J.Benbow there was no police report.

0706/3 Minutes of the Meeting held on 7th June 2006.
Resolved that the minutes of the Meeting held on 7th June 2006 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

0706/4 Matters Arising
Memorial Garden / General Maintenance
The clerk had received a letter from Mr. Souster giving notice of his intention to discontinue with the Westleigh grounds maintenance.
Mr Souster’s decision was based on the fact that he was no longer prepared to work on the areas of grass that were permanently contaminated with dog excrement.
The parish council supported Mr Souster in his condemnation of people allowing their dogs to foul public areas.
The clerk was asked to advertise through the parish magazine, the notice boards and the council minutes for a replacement ground maintenance person.
For further information, contact the parish clerk on 01271 374356

Bus Shelter.
Mr Stevens, ( the contractor for repairing the roof) has been asked to provide a quotation for the provision and installation of vandal proof seating.

Holmacott Landfill Site.
Cllr. Cann reported that DCC are currently dealing with the retrospective application for the existing lighting scheme at Holmacott.
Following queries by Cllr. B. Marshall over various aspects of the terms and conditions relating to the Holmacott site, Cllr Cann indicated he would consult the relevant officers on the matter.

Westleigh Website The website is currently recording an average of 5000 visits per month.

Westleigh Heritage Forum. Nothing to report.

Undergrounding of Cables Nothing further to report.
To be deleted from agenda until further notice.

0706/5 Parishioners Questions.
There was none.


0706/6 District and County Council Reports.

Cllr. R.Cann. DCC.
DCC are in the process of seeking tenders for the provision of an “in vessel composter” for Deep Moor Landfill site.
The composter will be capable of composting kitchen waste and food stuff in addition to garden waste.

A “Handy person scheme” has been introduced by DCC and NDDC and a contract awarded to Devon Care and Repair, a subsidiary of Devon and Cornwall Housing.
The cost for the service is claimed to be very reasonable and for help and advice please contact North Devon Care and Repair team on 01271 326141.

A fund of £6,000 is available to County Councillors to spend at their discretion in their wards.
The fund has to be used within certain guidelines.

In the battle to reduce waste and stop “Junk mail” contact :
Mailing Preference Service
Freepost 22
London W1E 7EZ

Dear Sir
Please add my details to the Mailing Preference Service Register.
I no longer wish to receive unsolicited mail which I consider to be a waste of natural resources.

Name, Address and Postcode.

Cllr Cann elaborated on his reported criticism of the design and cost of the proposed “Artwork” for the roundabout on the new Barnstaple Western Bypass.
A lively debate followed, with opinions divided over Art / Financial implications.

Cllr. L.Brown.NDDC.

Cllr Brown gave a very comprehensive report covering a variety of subjects involving North Devon District Council.

Grant funding has to be cut in order to stick to strict financial plans.
NDDC has been forced to cut grants to concentrate on priority areas.

Additional funding for toilet and street cleaning was being met from Contingency Reserve.

Recycling of waste. NDDC had exceed their target of 30%

New licensing laws for Landlords and Letting Agencies on properties with multiple occupancy.

Improved “Mooring” facilities for boats at Castle Quay, Barnstaple.

The variety of exhibitions proposed at Barnstaple Museum

NDDC’s Summer of Sport Activities.
Five weeks of activities covering 20 different sports.
(Booking line 01271 388264


0706/7 Parking / Play Area. Nothing to report


0706/8 Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence received in the previous two months was made available to all councillors. Resolved that all correspondence be noted.

0706/9 Finance.
A copy of expenditure was presented to councillors. Resolved, that the expenditure totalling £84.73 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.

Income of £60.81 had been received in the form of reclaimed 2005-2006 VAT.

Annual return / accounts had been sent to Auditor on 20th June 2006.


0706/10 Planning There were no planning issues this month.


0706/11 Any Other Business.
The Chairman will be unable to represent Westleigh at the Instow and Westleigh Show on the 22nd of July and asked Cllr B.Marshall if he would deputise.
Cllr Marshall to confirm.

Volunteers required to assist Arthur Samphier at the BBQ.