MINUTES of  the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, onWednesday  4th  December  2002 at 7.30 p.m.

 Present
Councillors M.Hudson (Chairman) , P.Fronteras, M.Cumiskey,  M.Parks, A.Samphier   J. May, and L. Kenny

 1202/1 Apologies for Absence.
Apologies received from  B.Marshall .   Cllr. R.Cann (DCC)  and L.Brown (NDDC)

 1202/2 Police Report
There was no report from the Police.

 1203/3  Minutes of the meeting held  6th November 2002.
Resolved
 that the minutes of the meeting held on 6th November to be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

1202/4 Matters Arising.

Northern Devon Community Transport Association Ltd.

The questionnaire provided by the NDCTA. was discussed, and it was felt that additional questions were required to produce a more comprehensive understanding of people’s  needs, and their views on how they might be resolved.

Lyn Kenny was asked was asked to review the questionnaire to determine how it could be improved. The clerk would inform the NDTCA.of our intention.

Co-option of Mrs. Lyn Kenny

Mrs. Kenny has completed all the necessary forms and the clerk will convey all the relevant  details to NDDC. in order to conclude the matter.

Memorial Gardens.

The damaged and overgrown  hedgebank has still not been dealt with, and whilst the clerk will yet again approach the owner, Cllr R.Cann will be asked to pursue the matter through the NDDC. Planning Department.

Westleigh Website

Cllr. P Fronteras reported that although one or two minor problems had           occurred , progress was being maintained. Councillors were asked to continue promoting the Website and seek additional contributors.

1202/5 Parishioners Questions.

There were no questions from parishioners.

1202/6 County and District Reports.

Although Cllr. R. Cann had tendered his apologies for his absence he had submitted a report.

Whilst the installation of the reactive speed limit sign is proving effective, monitoring of the Westleigh junction on the A39 has identified a number of problems.

DCC. is continuing its efforts to improve the safety aspects generally on the A39 and in particular at the Westleigh junction.

It has been agreed to provide two additional street lights in Westleigh village, but the provision of a third light in the area of Meurig House will not proceed due to location difficulties.

The clerk to approach DCC. in connection with a possible alternative.

1202/7  Parking / Play Area

The clerk has requested a meeting  with Christie Estate and is waiting for a response.

1202/8 Correspondence.

A copy of all correspondence was made available to all Councillors.

Resolved  that correspondence be noted.

1202/9  Finance

A copy of expenditure was presented to Councillors

Resolved  that the expenditure totalling £1134.57 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.

The clerk presented an intermediate statement showing the current financial situation.

The Receipt and Payment Ledger was also available for inspection. As a result of the ensuing debate it was resolved to discuss next years budget at the January meeting together with a review of the current insurance policy.

The clerk also reported that Parish Grant applications were due and it was resolved to apply for £275.00 for Burial Grounds, and £275.00 for Village Hall.

The council were informed that a copy of Novembers minutes would be sent  to the District Audit as part of the audit for year ending March 2002.

1202/10 Planning.

NDDC. had granted planning  permission for:-

a.       Extension to The Mews Westleigh.

b.      Extension to Popes Cottage Westleigh.

Rosemary Cottage Westleigh.  An appeal against refusal for an Extension and Conservatory has been submitted . The clerk was asked to respond with “No comment” to NDDC.

1202/11Any Other Business at Chairmans Discretion.

Cllr P. Fronteras  was asked to assess the DCC. Self Help Emergency Plan and report back to the council.

Concern over “Fly tipping” was expressed by several members of the council. The situation was to be monitored.