MINUTES of the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, on Wednesday 14th May 2003 at 7.30 p.m.
Councillors M.Hudson (Chairman) , P.Fronteras, B.Marshall, A.Samphier, M. Parks and L. Kenny
Councillor R. Cann (DCC.) Councillor L. Brown. ( NDDC )
0503/1 Apologies for Absence.
No apologies.
0503/2 Police Report
There had not been any reported crime in the Westleigh Parish during the past month. The Police have recently been successful in reducing drug related crime and they hope this trend will continue.
The Neighbourhood Watch schemes in Westleigh and Eastleigh are progressing and coordinators for both areas have now been found.
PC Johnson was informed of the problem of vehicles leaving the Banger Racing meetings late at night and towing unsafe competition cars. PC Johnson asked to be provided with any relevant details and he would warn the event organisers of the consequences should this practice continue.
0503/3 Minutes of the Meeting held on 2nd April 2003.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the Meeting held on 2nd April 2003 to be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
0503/4 Matters Arising
An attempt to obtain local assistance in maintaining the Memorial Garden has proved unsuccessful.The Clerk was instructed therefore to approach Mr M. Harris the “Handyman “ for Instow Parish Council to find out whether he would be prepared to take on Westleigh Parish for similar maintenance work. If Mr. Harris was interested, he should contact the Chairman M. Hudson to discuss necessary details.
Westleigh Website.
Cllr P. Fronteras reported that there had been 257 “Hits” on the Westleigh Website in the past month.
Contributions of £175.00 over the past year had covered the annual running costs.
Northern Devon Community Transport Association Ltd.
The Clerk had passed the questionnaire prepared by Cllr L. Kenny onto NDCTA. and a response is awaited.
Street Lighting.
A location for the street light in the vicinity of Meurig House has now been agreed with local residents and 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.
Cllr R.Cann was requested to ask the County Council Environment Dept. to carry out a check on traffic speeds within the village, with the view to create a traffic calming scheme if necessary.
Councillors were provided with a plan of the Village in order to mark problem areas which may help DCC to appreciate local concerns.
Millenium Book.
Chairman M. Hudson expressed his disappointment that his position as coordinator of the Millenium Book had turned out to be a solo effort with little or no help from others.
Following a vigorous debate on the subject and in particular on the future of the book, it was resolved that council members would actively assist in the progress, production and completion of the project.
It was proposed that the Chairman would bring the book in its current condition to the next meeting and an item to be included on the agenda for a detailed discussion on the way forward, together with a decision on a deadline for completion.
Westleigh Emergency Plan.
Cllr. P. Fronteras reported that he had entered the plan onto the Westleigh Website and it could now be referred to and updated as required. The Chairman thanked Cllr. Fronteras for his work on this matter.
0503/5 Parishioners Questions.
A question was raised on the progress of Parking and Play areas.
It was reported that one of the Bus Shelters needed some repair work carried out.
0503/6 County & District Reports.
Cllr. R.Cann referring back to the complaints of traffic speeds in the Village reported that Westleigh was on the DCC programme for appropriate monitoring.
Cllr Cann also explained in response to complaints on certain areas of spending ,how the attainment of agreed targets led to further grants for DCC projects.
Cllr L.Brown expressed her delight in being re-elected to represent the Instow Ward and would do her best to justify the honour.
Cllr. Brown also explained the make up of the new District Council and that boundaries of Area Committees might change.
NDDC had arranged a series of seminars, which may be of interest to Parish Clerks and Councillors.
NDDC we were informed, is currently being subjected to a Comprehensive Performance Assessment.
0503/7 Parking / Play Area.
Discussions were continuing on the ways and means of resolving this problem, although there was nothing specific to report at this stage.
Concern was expressed regarding the discussions that were taking place on the subject, without the involvement of the Parish Council. It was resolved therefore that the Chairman would contact Cllr.R.Cann to clarify the situation.
0503/8Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence was made available to all Councillors.
Resolved that correspondence be noted.
Cllr B. Marshall volunteered to complete the Audit Commission questionnaire on the Performance of NDDC.
0503/9 Finance.
A copy of expenditure was presented to Councillors
Resolved that the expenditure totalling £424.34 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.
The Chairman thanked Mr. T. Lowry for volunteering to act as Internal Auditor for Westleigh Parish Council.
0503/10 Planning.
There were no Planning matters
0503/11 Any Other Business at Chairmans Discretion.
Mr. M. Cumiskey agreed to be Co-opted onto Westleigh Parish Council. The Clerk to contact NDDC and complete the necessary paperwork as required.
The subject of the Undergrounding of Cables to be included on future monthly agendas in order for the issue not to be forgotten.