MINUTES of the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, on Wednesday 2nd July 2003 at 7.30 p.m.
Councillors P.Fronteras (Chairman ) , B.Marshall, A.Samphier, J. May, M.Cumiskey.
0703/1 Apologies for Absence.
Apologies had been received from M.Hudson, L.Kenny and M.Parks.
Cllrs R.Cann and L.Brown had also sent their apologies as they unfortunately had another meeting to attend and would therefore be arriving late.
0703/2 Police Report
Whilst Westleigh parish was relatively crime free, PC Johnson reported several problems within his operational area.
Theft of hanging baskets and garden ornaments have taken place and the public should be aware of these activities and take the necessary precautions to protect their own property .
A man has been charged following a burglary from a Hi Tech Drains storage shed in the area.
Two motoring offences concerning a disqualified driver and a positive breath test had occurred and been dealt with over the past month.
PC Johnson was hopeful that in the near future there would be the appointment of an additional Constable in the area, which would effectively reduce his operational area and improve efficiency.
0703/3 Minutes of the Meeting held on 4th June 2003.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the Meeting held on 4th June 2003 to be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
0703/4 Matters Arising
Mr. Melvyn Harris had carried out a variety of maintenance tasks within the Parish.
The Memorial Garden has been tidied with the banks being strimmed and the paths sprayed.
The grass around the Parish seats has been strimmed and the bus shelters have been cleared of litter and the seats repaired.
It was reported that the work had been carried out most satisfactorily.
The matter of the damaged Notice Board in Eastleigh and the “Gateway” scheme in Westleigh was discussed and it was resolved that the work should be put in hand as soon as possible. The Clerk was asked to get in touch with Mr Harris for him to liaise with Cllr B. Marshall and Mrs Pidler over the repairs to the Eastleigh Notice Board and with Cllr J.May regarding the supply, construction and maintenance of the”Planter” in Westleigh.
Westleigh Website.
Cllr P. Fronteras reported that there had been 248 “Hits” on the Westleigh Website in the past month.
Northern Devon Community Transport Association Ltd.
The Clerk had received the revised questionnaire prepared by NDCTA. and whilst the Council considered the improved format to be satisfactory , it was felt that as Cllr L.Kenny had dealt with the subject previously, it would be appropriate for her to give the final approval , prior to going for printing and distribution
Street Lighting.
A location for the street light in the vicinity of Meurig House has now been agreed with local residents and Cllr M. Parks has spoken to residents concerning the position of a new street light opposite Oxman’s Cottages .
The Clerk is to inform Mr K. Griffin the Street Lighting Engineer for DCC. in order for the work to be reprogrammed.
Traffic Management Westleigh Village.
Speed checks have been carried out by DCC. and a report is awaited from Cllr R.Cann.
Millenium Book.
Cllrs. B. Marshall and J. May have read the draft copy of the Millenium book and it has now been passed to Cllr A, Samphier.
Undergrounding of Cables.
Nothing to report.
Co-option onto Parish Council.
The co-option of Mr. J. May has now been completed.
0703/5 Parishioners Questions.
There were no questions.
0703/6 County & District Reports.
Cllrs R. Cann. and L.Brown.had unfortunately been delayed and therefore reports were not available.
0703/7 Parking / Play Area.
Discussions were still continuing on the ways and means of resolving this problem, although there was nothing further to report at this stage.
0703/8Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence was made available to all Councillors.
Resolved that correspondence be noted.
0703/9 Finance.
A copy of expenditure was presented to Councillors
Resolved that the expenditure totalling £117.26 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.
The Clerk was given approval to purchase “ The Parish Councillors Guide” price £13.50.to be used for reference by Councillors and the Clerk.
It was also resolved that as a result of the Portman B. Soc. intention to impose an administration charge against the council’s cheque account. The Clerk should commence proceedings for all WPC’s accounts to be transferred to Barclays Bank as soon as possible.
0703/10 Planning.
Application No 35486. Erection of Agricultural Grain Store , Eastleigh Barton.
Council recommend approval / no comments.
0703/11 Any Other Business at Chairmans Discretion.
As a result of the damaged lock on the Eastleigh Notice Board it was found that other organisations had been using the board for advertising. It was agreed to discuss the matter at the next meeting.
The Clerk was asked to record in the July Minutes , the Councils thanks for the help received from Mrs. Pidler in attending to the Eastleigh Notice Board. The reliable and regular posting of Parish information is greatly appreciated.
Does anyone know the location of the old Parish Minute Books ?.
As Councillors R.Cann and L.Brown had still not arrived , their earlier meeting evidently lasting longer than expected , the meeting was declared closed.,