MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL ON WEDNESDAY 3rd MARCH 2010 AT 7.30PM.

Present: Cllrs. B.Marshall (Chairman), J.May, WJ Dart, D.Peel,(Items no.1.to no.7.) Mrs.D.Gibbs, B.Moores.

0310/01: Apologies. Cllr.Mrs.M.Parks (Vice Chairman).

0310/02: Police Report.
PCSO Jessica Meaker attended the meeting and presented the following information:-
Period from 4th February 2010 to the 3rd March 2010.
There have been 2.no. reported crimes – Concern for Welfare, Westleigh, and Road Obstruction; 2.no. Wheelie Bins in the carriageway on the A39. Westleigh.
There have been no reported logs for this period.
PC.Terry Hodgson apologised for not being able to attend.

0310/03: Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 3rd March 2010.
Proposed by Cllr.J.May and Seconded by Cllr. WJ Dart, that the minutes be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman accordingly.

0310/04: Matters Arising.
A). Memorial Garden/Bus Shelter.
Mr.Jacobs tender for the Westleigh Parish Council Grounds Maintenance Contract for the 2010 season was received, and his tender price was accepted. Proposed by Cllr.J.May and Seconded by Cllr.WJ Dart that Mr.Jacobs carry out the agreed programme of works. Cllr.B.Marshall would liaise with Mr.Jacobs regarding any queries that may arise during the season.
B). Westleigh Website.
The Website continues to be a great success, and very well subscribed.
C). BT.Kiosk. Eastleigh.
Matter still ongoing.
D). Rural Housing Project.
Mr.Colin Savage the Rural Enabler Officer has sent a draft letter headed ‘Westleigh Parish Housing Needs Survey’ for the Parish Council Chairman to check and sign on behalf of Westleigh Parish Council, and on receipt of this signed letter Mr.Savage will proceed with the survey . Proposed by Cllr.D.Peel and Seconded by Cllr.WJ Dart, that the letter be signed by the Chairman and returned to Mr.Savage.

0310/05: 15 Minutes for Parishioners Questions.
One parishioner attended the meeting.
There was concern recently regarding the road being closed by the Water Authority Contractors for an emergency water supply problem at Rock House, Westleigh.
The parishioners who lived in this area did not receive any notification or information from the Water Authority or their Contractors regarding this matter.
Correspondence would be sent to the Water Authority requesting an explanation.

0310/06: County and District Council Reports.
Devon County Councillor Mr.R.Cann presented the following information:-
Plans to reduce Devon’s street lighting power bill and curb pollution across the County will take a step forward in coming months, which will phase part-night lighting in residential areas. Main road lighting and areas of high night activity, such as town centres, will remain lit all night, but consideration will be given to dimming lighting where possible.
The Historic Instow/Appledore ferry closed down for the last time in October 2007.Proposals to investigate reinstating the Ferry Service; a public meeting at Instow Village Hall would be arranged to establish if there is sufficient local support to reinstate the service.
Devon County Council have not reached a technical conclusion on what might be the best measures to improve safety at Westleigh Junction.
Devon County Councillors to freeze allowances for second year.
Seven thousand potholes repaired in the past two weeks.
Devon County Council’s biggest ever road safety campaign has helped reduce traffic speeds on the A361 North Devon Link Road.
Lowest ever Council Tax increase for Devon County Council 2010/11 of 1.98%.
North Devon District Councillor Mr.B.Moores presented the following information:-
Unauthorised Development:
EMF 206 Lester House. Notice Served.
EMF 626 White Lodge. Notice Served.
Local Government Review. The Secretary of State John Denham announced that plans for a Devon-wide unitary council have been scrapped.
North Devon District Council have agreed to increase Council Tax by 2.50%.
The range of cuts next year could be more severe with even less money likely from the government.

0310/07. Correspondence.
A copy of correspondence received was available to all Parish Councillors.
RESOLVED. All correspondence be noted.

0310/08. Finance.
Income:- ………………….NIL
Expenditure for Authorisation and Payment:-
A copy of Expenditure was presented to Councillors.
RESOLVED:- That the Expenditure of £171.66 be approved and Accounts be paid accordingly. Proposed by Cllr.J.May and Seconded by Cllr.WJ Dart.

0310/09. Planning.
North Devon District Council. Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Listed Building Consent (Execution of Works)
Application no: 49375. Listed Building Application for improvement to Access & Re-Alignment of Stone Wall at Eastleigh Manor Eastleigh Bideford.
Listed Building Consent Granted.

Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Permission for Development.
Application no: 49338. Improvement to Access & Re-Alignment of Stone Wall at Eastleigh Manor Eastleigh Bideford. Planning Permission Granted.

Torridge District Council.
Planning reference: 1/123/2009/ADV. Erection of Logo to Shipyard Door.
Location: Appledore Shipbuilders Bidna Yard Hubbastone Road Appledore Devon
The Application was granted permission.

0310/10. Parish Council Vacancies.
Letter has been received from applicant for co-option on to Westleigh Parish Council; the application has now been withdrawn. A reply would be sent to thank them for their interest.
Since the last By-Election for Parish Councillors when only seven applications were made to North Devon District Council to cover the eight number places; the seven were therefore elected, and no By-Election took place. Since that period the Parish Council have never been able to fill the quota of eight councillors. Because of this concern the Parish Council discussed the matter of possibly reducing the actual numbers to seven members. This problem is not just a local concern, as there have been other parishes that have faced the same dilemma.
This matter would have to be further discussed and agreed by the Parish Council, and officially dealt with by North Devon District Council.


0310/11. Matters raised by Councillors.
Potholes at ‘Pillhead’ have been filled, and those larger than potholes have been traffic coned off for more extensive repairs.