MINUTES of the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, on Wednesday 6th Dec. 2006 at 7.30 p.m.

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

1206/1 Apologies for Absence. Cllrs, M.Hudson, M.Parks, B.Marshall and Cllr.L.Brown. (NDDC)

1206/2 Police Report.
In the absence of PCSO Charles there was no police report.
Apologising for his absence, PCSO Charles had informed the clerk that there had not been any reported crime in the parish of Westleigh within the past month.

1206/3 Minutes of the Meeting held on 1st Nov. 2006.
Resolved that the minutes of the Meeting held on 1st Nov. 2006 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

1206/4 Matters Arising
Co-option of Mr Jonathan Craze.
Mr Craze completed and signed the appropriate forms, namely Candidate’s consent to co-option, Undertaking to observe the Members Code of Conduct, Notice of Financial and other interest and Declaration of Acceptance of office.
It was proposed, seconded and resolved that Jonathon Craze be co-opted onto the Westleigh parish council.
The clerk was directed to notify NDDC accordingly.

Memorial Garden / General Maintenance
Two quotations have been received for the maintenance of the Memorial Garden and other areas within the parish.
It was proposed, seconded and resolved that the quotation of £45.00 per month received from Mr A.Jacobs be accepted.
The clerk was asked to write to Mr Jacobs and formally accept his quotation.

Bus Shelter. The clerk has written to several manufacturers for details of vandal proof seating. Details have been received and the matter is to be included for discussion on the January agenda.

Westleigh Website
Nothing to report

Westleigh Heritage Forum.
Nothing to report

Parish Clerk.
The parish council resolved that following an interview with a candidate for the post of parish clerk, Mr M. Harding of Torrington should be offered the job.
The current clerk was asked to write to Mr Harding with a formal offer together with conditions of employment and job specification.

Instow-Westleigh and W. Yelland Community on show.
A report in a previous agenda incorrectly referred to the above show as the North Devon Festival. The parish council had proposed to become more involved with the above project
Nothing further to report at the moment.

1206/5 Parishioners Questions.
There were no questions

1206/6 District and County Council Reports.
In the absence of Cllr. Brown there was no report from NDDC.

Cllr. R. Cann DCC.
Cllr Cann reported that he is now a member of the joint shadow fire authority working on the amalgamation of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service.
The amalgamation will provide significant savings.

NDDC are considering adopting the DCC scheme that provides Ward members with a £6000-00 fund to use locally subject to policy guidelines.

RE4D (Renewable Energy 4 Devon )
RE4D is a partnership run by DCC providing free independent advice and support on a variety of topics.
Assess technology and installers. Develop your financial case. Access grants and loans Address planning issues.

Litter Bin Sponsorship.
Businesses are being invited to take part in a litter bin sponsorship scheme in partnership with NDDC. The scheme will provide the opportunity to advertise on litter bins within town centres.
For further information, contact Simon Green on 01271 340396.

1206/7 Parking / Play Area.
Nothing to report

1206/8 Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence received in the past month was made available to all councillors. Resolved that all correspondence be noted.

1206/9 Finance.
A copy of expenditure was presented to councillors. Resolved, that the expenditure totalling £ 1104.48 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.

The clerk will make an application to NDDC for a parish grant of £570.00
( £285.00 Village Hall & £285.00 Burial Ground.), together with a provisional Precept application of £3000.00.

1206/10 Planning
Application Ref No.43184 (Listed Building Application )
Proposal. Alterations to Chimney.
Location. 1 Rock Cottage, Eastleigh Bideford.
Parish Response. No Comment.

1206/11 Any Other Business.
Cllr J.May reported that the remedial work on the highway at Meadow View had been completed.