MINUTES of the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, on Wednesday 7th Dec. 2005 at 7.30 p.m.
Present. Cllrs. P.Fronteras (Chairman) M.Hudson, B.Marshall, A.Samphier, M.Cumiskey and J.May
Also Present. Cllr. L.Brown.NDDC. Cllr R.Cann DCC .
1205/1 Apologies for Absence. Cllrs M.Parks, L.Kenny and PC Benbow
1205/2 Police Report.
In the absence of PC.Benbow there was no report
1205/3 Minutes of the Meeting held on 2nd November. 2005.
Resolved that the minutes of the Meeting held on 2nd November. 2005 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
1205/4 Matters Arising
Reports have been sent to the North Devon Journal and the Instow and Westleigh parish news for publication on the problem of dogs fouling public areas within Westleigh village.
Cllr L.Brown NDDC.is arranging for the district dog warden to visit the village on a random basis to monitor the situation and take the necessary action.
Bus Shelter.
Two quotations have now been received for the re roofing of the Bus Shelter.
It was proposed to obtain further quotations.
Members were asked to seek available and competent contractors.
The clerk was asked to approach North Devon District Council to investigate the availability of financial help in the form of grants.
Westleigh Website Nothing to report
Undergrounding of Cables Nothing further to report.
1205/5 Parishioners Questions.
There were no questions.
1205/6 District and County Council Reports. Cllr. L.Brown.NDDC.
NDDC have changed their website to meet new guidelines that ensure all council websites are compatible. www.northdevon.gov.uk
Under the new 2005 Gambling Act, NDDC will now be responsible for licensing gambling premises in the district.
Cllr Brown has explored several options of funding and assistance in connection with the repairs required to the bus shelter roof.
As a result it was suggested the clerk contact Brian Holmes at NDDC to discuss the possibility of obtaining a grant.
With regard to the problem of dogs fouling the public highway Cllr Brown reported that NDDC did not have any prohibition notices available at the moment, but arrangements have been made for the dog warden to pay an occasional visit to the village.
Following last months complaints of “fly tipping “ in the area, District Council wardens have visited the sites referred to and clearance of rubbish from the public highway will be carried out.
Investigations are continuing to identify the culprits.
Cllr R. Cann ( DCC )
The County Council is reminding landowners of their responsibility in maintaining roadside hedges in the correct manner.
Free leaflets can be obtained by calling 01392 383191.
Devon Library Service. Strategic review.
Devon meets only 13 of 21 Public Library Standards.
The Strategic Review will ask what the service should offer, what it’s priorities are and how it can be provided.
School Transport.
DCC has agreed to provide a free bus service to primary school children whose designated school lies more than two miles from their home.
This service will be phased in over a three year period.
Fly Tipping.
Cllr Cann supporting Cllr brown on the subject of “fly tipping”, reported that the cost of investigating a complaint can cost as much as £700 even before a case is brought to bear on the accused.
So far this year there has been six successful prosecutions and both DCC and NDDC are determined to clamp down on offenders.
Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2006/07 and 2007/08/
Details have been received regarding the grant increase for 2006/07 and the proposed grant for Devon compares very unfavourably with neighbouring counties.
DCC is investigating the reasons for this discrepancy but the Council Tax for the next two years will be kept below 5%
1205/7 Parking / Play Area.
Cllr Cann reported that planning applications which may have some bearing upon the possibility of acquiring car parking and a play area within the village of Westleigh, have not yet materialised.
1205/8 Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence was made available to all Councillors. Resolved that correspondence be noted.
1205/9 Finance.
A copy of expenditure was presented to Councillors. Resolved , that the expenditure totalling £881.73 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.
The 2006/07 grant applications, together with the provisional estimate for the 2006 /07 precept, have to be submitted to the North Devon District Council by Dec 15th.
An estimated expenditure of £556.00 for grant purposes and a provisional estimated precept requirement of £2600.00. was approved.
Resolved that the clerk submit the above amounts for consideration.
In accordance with the current parish risk assessment policy, the clerk presented the following items for inspection.
The minute book for 2005 /06.
The receipt and payment ledger.
Bank Statements and cheque book
Current Insurance documents.
1205/10 Planning
Application Ref. 41043
Installation of CCTV equipment @ Zeta berth, Instow.
NDDC has resolved to Indicate Approval.
1205/11 Any Other Business at Chairman’s Discretion.
Cllr Cann suggested a visit by a relevant NDDC Officer together with a Magistrate, might make an interesting “Alliance” meeting to discuss the problems of “fly tipping” in the area, with the subject matter including the investigation, apprehension and punishment of people involved in this activity.