MINUTES of the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, on Wednesday 7th April 2004 at 7.30 p.m.

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

0404/1 Apologies for Absence.
M. Parks and A.Samphier.
Cllr R.Cann DCC and Cllr L. Brown NDDC.

0404/2 Police Report.
PC Parker informed the meeting that there had not been any crime reported in the parish over the past two months.
He did however report on a number of incidents in Barnstaple, where elderly ladies have had their handbags or purses stolen whilst shopping.
Please be aware of this problem and take all necessary precautions.
PC Parker was asked if he was aware of the amount of rubbish and in particular, car tyres being dumped in the area.
He acknowledged that he was aware of the matter and was trying to resolve the problem.

0404/3 N. Devon Biosphere Project.
Mr. R. Butler MBE who is a member of the UK Committee on Man and the Biosphere , presented his view on the N. Devon Biosphere project..
The presentation, at the request of the Parish Council, although limited for time, provided an insight into the Conservation, Development and Logistic Function of the Reserve.
A question and answer session followed, together with a series of slides showing the natural and diverse landscapes and traditions , worthy of conservation and protection.
The Chairman thanked Mr Butler for his time and his obvious enthusiasm for the subject.

0404/4 Minutes of the Meeting held on 3rd March. 2004.
Resolved that the minutes of the Meeting held on 3rd March 2004 to be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

0404/5 Matters Arising
Memorial Garden / General Maintenance.
Cllr. B. Marshall reported that the repairs to Eastleigh notice board had not yet been repaired.
Clerk to contact Mr. Harris.

Westleigh Website.
The Website is continuing to attract many “Hits” and “Visits”, with a current daily average of 84 “Visits”.

Undergrounding of Cables
Nothing further to report.

Conservation Area & Listed Buildings.
Following a previous resolution to form a sub committee to review the Listed Buildings within the parish, an alternative proposal was submitted from Clls. P.Fronteras M.Cumiskey and B.Marshall.
The proposal advocated that Westleigh Parish Council should set up an independent body to advise / investigate History / Heritage matters for the Parish Council.
After due consideration it was proposed , seconded and Resolved unanimously that this body should be founded.
Preliminary details of the new body had already been prepared by Cllr’s Fronteras, Cumiskey and Marshall, for the formation of what will be known as, The Westleigh Parish Heritage Forum.
Although this Forum will be independent of the council it will at Parish Council meetings keep the council informed and advised of any points of interest.

Refuse Collection & Litter
There are still problems in certain areas.
The situation to be monitored.

Parish Alliance.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 6th May @ 7.00 pm. At Lovacott Village Hall.
The Chairman requested that councillors try and attend.
A reminder to be issued at the next Council meeting in May.


0404/6 Parishioners Questions.
There were no questions from parishioners.

0404/7 County & District Reports.
In their absence, there were no reports from either councillor.

0404/8 Parking / Play Area.
Nothing further to report.

0404/9Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence was made available to all Councillors.
Resolved that correspondence be noted.

0404/10 Finance.
A copy of expenditure was presented to Councillors. Resolved, that the expenditure totalling £19.73 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.

0404/11 Planning
Torr House.Westleigh Planning Ref. 36844.
Proposed Dwelling Additional Information.
Council Recommendation ……… Refuse….Details attached.

Rose mill Cottage Southcott .Planning Ref. 37235.
Alteration and Extension to Dwelling.
Council Recommendation…………Approve.

Application for Public Entertainment Licence.
The Old Showground , Westleigh 9th /10th April2004.
Application Withdrawn

Application for Public Entertainment Licence.
Tapeley Park 30th August 2004.
Council Response………No objection or comments.

0404/12 Millennium Book
Nothing further to report.

0404/13 Any Other Business at Chairman’s Discretion.
There was no other business.