MINUTES of  the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, onWednesday  8th January 2003 at 7.30 p.m.

 Present
Councillors M.Hudson (Chairman) , P.Fronteras, M.Cumiskey, B.Marshall, J.May and A.Samphier.

Also present
Councillor R. Cann (DCC.)

 0103/1 Apologies for Absence.
Apologies had been received from M.Parks, L. Kenny, and Councillor L.Brown(NDDC)

 0103/2 Police Report
There was no report from the Police.
The clerk was asked to contact the Police regarding the replacement of PC Ringrose.

 0103/3 Minutes of the Meeting held  4th December 2002.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Meeting held on 4th December 2002 to be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 0103/4  Matters Arising

Westleigh Gateway Scheme. “Planter”
The clerk reported that DCC. have not yet replied to the letter in connection with the proposals for a planting scheme at the Westleigh Gateway site.
DCC to be contacted again for a response.

Co-option of  Mrs. L. Kenny.
All the relevant signed documents relating to Mrs. Kenny’s co-option have been sent to NDDC. as required.

Memorial Garden

The problem concerning the hedgebank adjoining the Memorial Garden is still unresolved. Cllr R.Cann to be asked if he would resurrect the matter with the NDDC. Planning Dept.

Westleigh Website.
Cllr P. Fronteras reported that there had been 153 “Hits” on the Westleigh Website in the past month.
Contributions are still being received and the total to date is £80.00

Northern Devon Community Transport Association Ltd.

Cllr L.Kenny has composed a letter to the NDCTA. suggesting amendments which might prove helpful in obtaining the appropriate information.

The clerk was instructed to forward the letter to NDCTA.

Street Lighting.

The matter concerning street lighting within the Village of Westleigh was discussed and the clerk had been informed by DCC.that two of the proposed street lights will be established in this years programme.

The location of the third light is under discussion and the clerk is to arrange a site meeting between Cllrs M.Hudson, M. Cumiskey and Mr. K. Griffin the Street lighting Engineer for DCC.

Cllr M.Hudson to inform local residents of the time and date of the meeting.

Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Following a discussion it was resolved to adopt  the Model Publication Scheme For Local Councils ( Core Classes Only )

The clerk was requested to complete the necessary documentation and forward to the Information Commissioner.

 0103/5 Parishioners Questions.

The parishioner concerned over street lighting would be notified  of  the time and date of the proposed site meeting.

 0103/6   County  &  District  Reports.

Cllr R.Cann reported that minor alterations were continuing to be carried out to improve safety on the A39.

He also gave a brief appraisal of DCC’s  budgetry proposals and problems for the forthcoming year.

It was resolved that a letter be sent to the local MP. Mr. N.Harvey, expressing our concern over the current situation.A copy of the letter to be sent to N.D.Journal.

 0103/7 Parking / Play Area.
Nothing to report. Clerk is still trying to obtain a meeting  with Mr.Coldwell of Christie Estate.

 0103/8Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence was made available to all Councillors.

Resolved  that correspondence be noted.

 0103/9 Finance.

A copy of expenditure was presented to Councillors

Resolved  that the expenditure totalling £88.67 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.

It was also resolved to request a Parish Precept of £2500.00 for the year 2003-2004.

As in previous years the DAPC subscription would be deducted from the first Precept payment.

 0103/10 Planning.

NDDC. have granted Planning Permission for:-

1.   Jaspers ,Eastleigh………   First floor Extension.

2.  West Ashridge Farm ……  Agricultural Building.

NDDC. have refused Planning Permission for:-

1.      White Lodge Westleigh…. Proposed Dwelling.

 0103/11 Any Other Business at Chairmans Discretion.

The clerk was asked to contact Mr. T. Lowry in connection with his offer to act as the  Internal Auditor to Westleigh Parish Council.