Minutes of the Meeting of Westleigh Parish Council held in the Village Hall on Wednesday 7th October 2009 at 7.30pm.


Present: Cllrs.B.Marshall (Chairman), Mrs.M.Parks (Vice Chairman), J.May, WJ Dart.

1009/01: Apologies:- Cllr.D.Peel.

1009/02: Police Report.
There was no Police attendance, and no report was received.

1009/03: Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 2nd September 2009.
Proposed by Cllr.J.May and Seconded by Cllr.WJ Dart that the minutes be agreed as a correct record , and signed by the Chairman accordingly.

1009/04: Matters Arising.
A). Memorial Garden and Bus Shelter.
Devon County Council have again been reminded about the matter of the bolts not been made safe on the seat at the Memorial Garden.
Mr.Jacobs has been approached regarding taking the ivy away from the bus shelter on the river side. Mr.Jacobs has advised that growth needs to be removed and taken away to stop any further growth onto the bus shelter; the same also refers to the bus shelter on the village side. This work would not be included in his maintenance contract, and would take approx 3-4 hours to complete both sites.
Resloved: Mr.Jacobs be requested to carry out this work and the cost to be added onto his invoice at the end of the season.
B). Westleigh Website.
Information has been received from Capt Fronteras advising of continued usage of the website, with hits from all over the world.
C). BT Telephone Kiosk. Eastleigh.
The Chairman and Councillors received favourable information regarding the ‘adoption’ of the BT Telephone Kiosk at Eastleigh.
Resolved: The Parish Council formally adopts the BT Telephone Kiosk; Eastleigh, for the cost of £1. (that being the asset value).
Also, ‘Community First’ the Parish Councils insurers confirm that the current policy will provide public liability cover; this means that any third party accident, injury, loss or damage in relation to the kiosk will be covered. The Parish Council confirm that the above arrangements are adequate cover, and would not require to insure the kiosk ‘all risks’ which would cover it for material damage.

1009/05: 15 Minutes for Parishioners Questions.
There were five parishioners in attendance.
- Question regarding a meeting by the Parish Council regarding ‘development’ in Westleigh. The Chairman advised that the Parish Council were not aware of any meeting regarding this matter.
- Could the hedgerow behind the Bus Shelter on the riverside be cut back for visibility. Devon County Council Highways to be requested for information as to ownership, and whether maintenance could be done.
- Footway and Hedgerow at ‘Langmead’ requires maintenance; details to be passed to Devon County Council, Highways.
- Minutes of 23rd July Parish Council Meeting – Item: Finance only. To be posted on Westleigh and Eastleigh Noticeboards.
- Information from questions asked for this item would be separately minuted.
- Question regarding road safety improvements needed at Westleigh Junction.
The Parish Council will send a letter of support to Devon County Council
requesting immediate consideration of major improvements at this site.
- Question of concern regarding the property ‘Myrtle Cottage’ Westleigh;
letter to be sent to Cllr.Moores, NDDC regarding state of property.


1009/06: County and District Council Reports:
Devon County Councillor Mr.R.Cann apologised for being unable to attend, but sent the following report:-
Devon County Homes will be the subject of externalisation achieved through a tender process.
A site meeting has been arranged with Highway Officers to agree a position for a Traffic Queuing Sign at the junction of Westleigh Village on the Instow/Bideford road.
Extension of Instow 30mph limit to to be carried out on November 5th 2009.
Cllr.Cann is pursuing ongoing pressure regarding improvements on the A39 Westleigh.
North Devon District Councillor Mr.B.Moores presented the following:-
Unauthorised Development – Lester House and White House ongoing.
North Devon Council’s Executive has agreed in principle to the demolition of Barnstaple’s Queen Street multi-storey car park and replace it with a surface-level car park within five years.

1009/07: Correspondence:
Letter received from North Devon District Council regarding the ‘Register of Electors 2009/2010’. NDDC are awaiting a number of returns of completed forms from properties within the Parish of Westleigh. The Parish Council would assist if they have any relevant information.
Correspondence received from ‘Community First’ regarding insurance information regarding the Adoption of BT Telephone Kiosk, Eastleigh. (Information. see item 1009/04 item.(C))

1009/08: Finance.
Income :– NIL.

Expenditure for Authorisation and Payments:-
A copy of expenditure was presented to Councillors.
RESOLVED: That the expenditure of £67.90 be Approved and Accounts paid accordingly. Proposed by Cllr.J.May and Seconded by Cllr.Mrs.M.Parks.

1009/09: Planning.
North Devon District Council.
Planned (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
Listed Building Consent (Execution of Works)
Listed Building Application for Erection of Conservatory & Replacement Extension Roof at Little Pillhead Webbery Bideford. Application no: 48872.
NDDC hereby grant Listed Building Consent.

1009/10: Parish Council Vacancies.
Notices have been placed on the Noticeboards at Westleigh and Eastleigh, requesting any person who would be interested in being co-opted onto the Parish Council to write to the Chairman of the Parish Council Mr.B.Marshall.

1009/11: Any other business at the Chairman’s discretion.
There was no other business.