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

Apologies received from M. Cumiskey and Cllr. R.Cann (DCC)

The Chairman welcomed PC Darren Johnson, the new Community Policeman to the meeting.

Following a brief summary of his career background and present area of responsibility, PC Johnson presented a crime analysis of Westleigh Parish.

Burglary:- Forced entry to store in Crampit Lane. Property stolen.

Criminal Damage:- Females dropped items from Westleigh overpass in front of HGV. Causing damage.

Theft:- Motor Vehicle broken into at The Pines, Eastleigh. Stereo stolen.

Whilst the crime rate remains low within the Parish of Westleigh, PC Johnson is keen to promote the Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

The chairman offered to investigate the current situation and report back.

0203/3 Minutes of the meeting held 8^th January 2003.

Resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 8^th January to be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The proposed amendments to the NDCTA questionnaire were to be placed on the March agenda for further discussion.

Although there appeared to be no noticeable difference ,Cllr. L. Brown had been informed by the owner that remedial work had been carried out on the hedgebank.

A further inspection was proposed.

Cllr. P. Fronteras reported 180 "hits" in the Month of January.

Contributions towards running costs had now reached £100.00.

It was also reported that a search for a long lost "wartime relationship" featured in the North Devon Journal had started with a "visit" to the Westleigh Website.

It was reported by the clerk that DCC. had approved our proposal for a "planter",

and confirmed the scheme would not require insurance, providing it was kept to a reasonable size and did not obstruct visibility.

Street Lighting.

The location of the proposed street light in the area fronting Meurig House is still proving difficult. The Chairman M. Hudson with Cllr. M. Cumiskey will arrange a site meeting with local residents to discuss the matter and report back to the Council with the result.

Council Tax Increases ( Letter to Member of Parliament)

A reply has been received to a letter sent to local MP Mr. N. Harvey expressing our concern over the forecasted increase in Council Tax for the year 2003-2004

A copy of the letter and the reply is attached to these minutes.

The clerk reported that the Information Commissioner had accepted our proposal for a publication scheme. The scheme has been approved for a period from 28^th February 2003 to 28^th February 2007.

0203/5 Parishioners Questions. There were no questions from parishioners.

Cllr. R. Cann had tendered his apologies for his absence.

Whilst Cllr.L. Brown had nothing to report that directly concerned Westleigh Parish, a summary was given on a number of projects currently being undertaken by NDDC.

0203/7 Parking / Play Area Nothing further to report

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

Resolved that correspondence be noted.

A copy of expenditure was presented to Councillors

Resolved that the expenditure totalling £62.73 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.

The District Audit had completed the audit for the year ending March 31^st 2002.

Notices have been posted accordingly.

The Chairman reported that on investigating the cost and cover of suitable alternative insurance for the Parish Council , it has been confirmed by a local Insurance Broker that our current arrangements are entirely appropriate and extremely good value.

White Lodge Westleigh. Conversion of Apple Loft to Dwelling.

It was resolved to recommend refusal on the grounds that it was an attempt to create an additional dwelling and concern continued to be that of isolated development and problems of access onto the public highway.

Complaints had been received of unaccompanied dogs wandering around Westleigh village, together with the additional problem of the fouling of the public highway. The clerk was asked to approach NDDC. regarding a possible visit by the Dog Warden and to enquire into any other measures that might be available to resolve the problem.