MINUTES of the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall, Westleigh, on Wednesday 7th. March 2007 at 7.30pm.

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

0307/1. Apologies for Absence: Cllrs J.May and J.Craze.

0307/2. Police Report:
PCSO Charles apologised for his absence. There was nothing to report.

0307/3. Minutes of the meeting held on the 7th, March 2007
Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on the 7th.February 2007 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

0307/4. Matters Arising:
Memorial Garden/General Maintenance.
The letter of acceptance and copy of insurance has been received from Mr.Jacob regarding the schedule of maintenance within the parish of Westleigh.
There were concerns raised by Councillors regarding ‘Dog Litter’ within the parish which does not help when the schedule of maintenance is being carried out.

Bus Shelter.
Mr.Trowl has accepted to do the works regarding re-establishing seating in the bus shelter, and works will commence March/April 2007

Westleigh Website.
The Chairman informed the Councillors that the Website continues to be well used.

Instow and Westleigh Parish News.
The Chairman requested that the Parish News are noted regarding the ‘Dog Litter’ concerns.

0307/5. Parishioners Questions.
There were no questions.

0307/6. County and District Council Reports.
Cllr.R.Cann. DCC
Cllr Cann advised the council that a 4.75% increase was agreed by the County Council recently.
The Coast and Countryside Grant proposed cut of 40%; Cllr Cann challenged this cutback at Scrutiny and the DCC Executive has agreed funding for a further year.
A recent Audit Commission Report has given Devon County Council a ‘three star’ rating although in 2005 the Council received a ‘four star’ rating. Cllr Cann would make enquiries as to the change.
Scheme Boosts Income for Families of Special Needs through the Local Public Service Agreement; although difficulties are experienced in claiming by families because the forms are found to be too complex. It is estimated that in Devon alone £60M in benefit is not being claimed by people entitled to it every year.
Cllr. Cann was asked (under this item); by Councillors their concerns regarding litter left by the Bus Shelters; and what were the regulations regarding having two litter bins/wheelie bins being secured at these locations, and the procedure for emptying and maintenance, and the costs incurred. The Clerk was requested to send a letter to Cllr. Cann on this matter.

Cllr.L.Brown. NDDC.
Cllr. Brown advised that North Devon District Council had arranged an ‘Open Evening’ for Local Councillors if any member wished to attend.

0307/7. Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence received was made available to all Councillors.
Resolved that all correspondence be noted.

0307/8. Finance.
A copy of expenditure was presented to Councillors.
Resolved that the expenditure totalling £231.80 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.

0307/9. Planning.
Nothing to report.

0307/10. Any other business at the Chairmans’s discretion.
A Parish complaint had been received regarding the possibility of having signs placed on the Little Southcott Farmhouse road, Westleigh, marked ‘Unsuitable for Heavy Goods Vehicles’.
The Clerk was requested to send a letter to Devon County Council on this matter.