MINUTES of the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, on Wednesday 7th January 2004 at 7.30 p.m.
Councillors M.Hudson , (Chairman) P.Fronteras , B.Marshall, A.Samphier and J.May.
Also Present.
Cllr. R. Cann DCC.
0104/1 Apologies for Absence.
Cllrs M..Parks, M.Cumiskey and L. Kenny.
Apologies were also received from Cllr. L Brown NDDC.
0104/2 Police Report. PC D.Johnson.
In the absence of PC Johnson there was no Police report.
PC Johnson however had sent a letter, indicating that he was taking a career break and would therefore be leaving the police force to assist his wife in a new business venture.
PC Johnson will be replaced by PC. J. Parker.
The Parish council expressed its thanks to PC Johnson for his support and councillors passed on their best wishes to him and his wife for the future.
0104/3 Minutes of the Meeting held on 7th January. 2004.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the Meeting held on 7th January 2004 to be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
0104/4 Matters Arising
Clerk to contact Mr Harris for progress report.
Traffic Speed / Management Westleigh Village.
Cllr R.Cann reported that the speed check by DCC had been completed and the results satisfied the necessary criteria required to establish a 30 mph. speed limit through the village.
Following a discussion, it was considered that the traffic speeds generally, together with the problem of enforcement of the traffic order, did not merit the expense of commissioning a 30 mph. speed limit through the village.
It was also felt that the number of additional road signs required to formalize such a scheme, would be disproportionate to the benefits received.
It was RESOLVED therefore not to pursue this matter any further at this time.
The Chairman proposed a vote of thanks to Cllr Cann for his work in obtaining the relevant information on this matter and confirming that Cllr Cann’s efforts on behalf of the parish of Westleigh , are very much appreciated.
Westleigh Website.
Cllr P. Fronteras reported that there had been 149 “Hits” on the Westleigh Website in December. Cllr Fronteras also informed the council that the Website had been updated by moving to a new “Server”.
A further contribution of £10.00 has been received with thanks from John’s of Instow.
Northern Devon Community Transport Association Ltd.
Completed questionnaires from the recent local transport survey had now been received and would be forwarded to the NDCTA.
Conclusions drawn from the survey suggested that personal transport within the parish did not appear to be too much of a problem.
Street Lighting.
Indications are that the provision of the street light in the vicinity of Oxman’s cottages would be proceeding shortly.
Wayleave difficulties however together with the excessive costs of an alternative arrangement, means that the installation of a street light near Meurig House will not take place.
Undergrounding of Cables.
Nothing further to report .
0104/5 Parishioners Questions.
A query in connection with the new traffic scheme in Instow was raised.
Cllr R. Cann responded by indicating that he was aware of the complaint and had been in touch with the appropriate authority.
0104/6 County & District Reports.
Cllr Cann DCC reported on various items including, Instow school site, Westleigh traffic speed survey and the progress of the Parish Alliance proposals.
Parking and Play Area.
Negotiations are continuing, with further correspondence being exchanged later this week.
The Parish Council was also informed that the County Council precept is likely to be in single figures.
0104/7 Parking / Play Area.
Discussions continue at County and District levels.
0104/8Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence was made available to all Councillors.
Resolved that correspondence be noted.
0104/9 Finance.
A copy of expenditure was presented to Councillors. RESOLVED , that expenditure totalling £128.23 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.
The Clerk presented the budget for the year 2004-2005.
In the discussion on the detail of the budget, the clerk brought to the attention of the members some anomalies between the clerk’s expenses and the costs against printing and stationery.
It was RESOLVED therefore to discuss this matter at a future meeting. The Clerk to prepare the necessary information for members to consider.
In the meantime however, it was RESOLVED by the council to award an immediate “one off ”payment of £50.00 to the clerk, for out of pocket expenses.
The clerk thanked the council for their consideration.
It was also RESOLVED to apply for a Parish precept of £2500.00, this being the same as the previous year.
The precept would be paid by NDDC in two equal instalments. The first £1250.00 would be paid in April less a deduction for the subscription to The Devon Association of Parish Councils.
0104/10 Planning
There were no Planning matters.
0104/11 Millennium Book
The draft copy of the Millennium book has been returned to the chairman Cllr. M Hudson.
Mr Boswell is continuing to research items for the book.
0104/12 Braunton Burrows Biosphere Project.
The Clerk to contact Mr R.Butler to ascertain whether he would be prepared to give a presentation on the subject, and if so, the possible date it could take place.
0104/13 Any Other Business at Chairman’s Discretion.
Concern was expressed over two matters.
1. The problem of householders putting out refuse onto the highway too early, thus allowing animals to scavenge the bags and cause a nuisance by spreading rubbish over the road.
On the other hand some people are not retrieving their “recycling” boxes expeditiously, allowing them to litter the highway for some time, following a collection.
2 The Chairman felt that Westleigh Parish was not getting it’s share of publicity either in the ND Journal or The Instow and Westleigh Parish News.
The Clerk to contact the appropriate persons to discuss the situation.