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

Councillor R. Cann (DCC.) Councillor L. Brown. ( NDDC )

Apologies had been received from Cllr. J. May, and PC Johnson.

There was no report from the Police.

PC Johnson had been in contact with the clerk to suggest that whilst he was quite happy to attend every meeting, a visit every three months might be sufficient to cover all the relevant police matters.

It was proposed by the council to request PC Johnson to try to attend at least every other month.

At the February meeting PC Johnson had indicated that he was trying to re –establish the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in Westleigh and Eastleigh.

Cllr. B. Marshall volunteered to act as Co-ordinator for the NHW scheme in Eastleigh.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Meeting held on 5^th February 2003 to be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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.

Cllr Hudson expressed his concern over the condition of the Memorial Garden . Following a discussion on the subject it was proposed by Cllr Fronteras and seconded by Cllr.Marshall that Cllr M. Parks Investigate the possibility of a particular parishioner taking on the maintenance of several areas within the parish including the Memorial Garden.

Cllr P. Fronteras reported that there had been 244 "Hits" on the Westleigh Website in the past month.

Contributions are still being received and the total to date is £150.00

Members were provided with a copy of the basic questionnaire and were asked to consider any amendments that might improve the format.

The matter to be placed on the next agenda .

The chairman is to arrange a site meeting with Cllr Cumiskey and local residents to discuss the location of a proposed street light on the road fronting Meurig House.

The result to be reported back to the council.

It had been noticed by several members of the council that some parishioners were allowing their dogs to wander unaccompanied around Westleigh Village.

This lack of control of the animals was considered to be not only a problem of

"health and safety " but a general nuisance to members of the public.

The clerk was instructed to ask NDDC to erect the appropriate warning notices within the village.

It was also suggested that NDDC Dog Warden visit Westleigh and contact either directly or by letter the owners responsible .

Questions were raised over the speed of traffic through the village of Westleigh ,

together with the continuing problem of "On Street Parking "

It was proposed to discuss the subject at the next meeting . The clerk was asked to place the matter on the agenda for April.

Cllr. R.Cann reported that the structural problems with the old Bideford Bridge had resulted in a heavy increase in the amount of traffic using the Westleigh junction on the A39.

Cllr Cann was pressing for more permanent improvements to be carried out on the Westleigh junction, before work starts on the old bridge in Bideford, when even more traffic will be diverted onto the junction.

The Parish Council RESOLVED to support Cllr. Cann on this matter.

Following a request from Cllr. L. Kenny, Cllr L. Brown NDDC. provided details of the "ECO" house being completed in Barnstaple by NDDC.

The development is a project promoting a variety of energy / cost saving methods involving insulation, heating , lighting efficiency etc.

The house will be open to the public in April and will include an exhibition on all aspects of energy saving.

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 £245.72 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.

The clerk requested approval for the transfer of £150.00 from the Instant access account to the Cheque account. RESOLVED Transfer approved.

NDDC. have granted Conditional Planning Permission for:-

Three air valve inspection boxes to match existing railway grit boxes along the Tarka trail

1 Rock Cottages Eastleigh ( Listed Building ) Proposed Conversion / Extension of Outbuilding.

Parish Council . Recommend Approval / No Comments.

Cllr M. Cumiskey reported that he had been approached by a new representative of the Instow and Westleigh News who was anxious to include more news from Westleigh in future publications.

Subject to be placed on the agenda for April to discuss ways and means of providing appropriate information to the magazine.

Cllr M. Hudson raised the subject of the Millenium Book he had attempted to

produce but which still remains unfinished.

Mrs Hickman a parishioner present at the meeting volunteered to assist Mr Hudson in his effort to complete the project.