MINUTES of the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, on Wednesday 4th February 2004 at 7.30 p.m.

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

Also Present.
Cllr. R. Cann DCC. & Cllr L. Brown NDDC.

0204/1 Apologies for Absence.
All Councillors were present

0204/2 Police Report. PC J. Parker.
The new Community Police Officer PC J. Parker introduced himself to the council and reported that in the past month, there had not been any recorded crime in the Parish of Westleigh.
The Chairman welcomed PC Parker to the Parish meeting and expressed the hope the crime free trend continues.

0204/3 Minutes of the Meeting held on 7th January. 2004.
Resolved that the minutes of the Meeting held on 7th January 2004 to be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

0204/4 Matters Arising
Memorial Garden / General Maintenance.
The Clerk has spoken with Mr. Harris and reported that all of the spring flowering bulbs had been planted.
The painting of the tyre at the Westleigh “Gateway” and the problem of the lock on the noticeboard at Eastleigh will be dealt with in the near future.
Cllr. B.Marshall reported that the back of the noticeboard at Eastleigh is decaying badly and appears to require a completely new and more serviceable replacement.
The Clerk to discuss the matter with Mr. Harris.


Westleigh Website.
Cllr P. Fronteras reported that a new counter system was in place on the Website which produces greater information on the “usage statistics”. This system provides more details of the source and reasons for “Hits” and “Visits”
A vote of thanks was proposed to Cllr Fronteras for the work he undertakes on behalf of Westleigh Parish Council in managing the Website.
A further contribution of £20.00 has been received with thanks from Mrs K. May of Eastleigh Barton.

Street Lighting.
The clerk to contact Mr. K. Griffin (DCC) to ascertain the current situation regarding the proposed street lighting in Westleigh.

Undergrounding of Cables.
Nothing further to report.

Refuse Collection & Litter
The Clerk to make a formal complaint to the NDDC Environmental Health Dept, with a request for assistance over the problem of refuse bags being put out onto the Public Highway far too early, together with the nuisance caused by the recycling boxes being left out too long afterwards, following a collection.

Instow and Westleigh Parish News.
Providing newsworthy items for the I&W News is proving to be a little difficult.
Mr F. Scott has offered to attend a Parish Meeting to discuss the problem he is encountering.
The Clerk to contact Mr Scott to accept his offer to speak at a Parish Council Meeting and to make the necessary arrangements.

0204/5 Parishioners Questions.
Complaints regarding the litter problem were raised together with an indication of support for the Council in their efforts to deal with the problems caused by refuse bags and recycling boxes being left out on the highway.


0204/6 County & District Reports.
Cllr. L. Brown NDDC.
Proposals for replacement toilets at Instow are progressing and it is hoped to have the much needed facility open for Easter 2005.
Funding for Beach Life Guard Service is under review. The existing contract ends in September 2004. At present the full cost is met by NDDC.
Budget:- The Government settlement has been disappointing and the Council are predicting a shortfall of £313,000 on next years budget. The Corporate Management Team is working on the issue at present and have been meeting with Lead Members to discuss priorities.
Freemasons:- Under the new Code of Conduct rules, Councillors must now declare their membership of the Freemasons.

Cllr Cann DCC.
Devon Composting Partnership :- DCC have won £5 Million grant to enable in-vessel composting of garden and kitchen waste.
Instow School Site :- A decision has been taken and will hopefully be announced in the next few weeks.
Holmacott Landfill Site :- A Planning application has been submitted for a Transfer Station and Recycling Centre.
Resurfacing work on the B3233. from Muddlebridge to Fremington and Westleigh to Huish to be carried out later this month. The reclaimed Tarmac will be used to improve the surface of the Tarka Trail.

0204/7 Parking / Play Area.
Cllr. Cann reported that Hector Christie has put forward a number of proposals that include the land suggested for a parking and play area. Planning Officers have responded with informal guidance on policy issues.
Mr. Christie has agreed to make a presentation to the Parish Council if requested.

0204/8Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence was made available to all Councillors.
Resolved that correspondence be noted.

0204/9 Finance.
A copy of expenditure was presented to Councillors. Resolved , that expenditure totalling £68.54 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.

0204/10 Planning
An Outline application for the erection of a dwelling at Torr House has been submitted to NDDC.
The Parish Council’s response was as follows:-
Recommend :- Refusal.
Reasons for recommendation of refusal :-
1. The effect the proposal might have on the character of the Westleigh Conservation area.
2.The effect on the living conditions of the occupiers of adjoining properties.

0204/11 Millennium Book
Nothing further to report.

0204/12 Braunton Burrows Biosphere Project.
The Clerk to contact Mr R.Butler to confirm that April 7th would be acceptable for his presentation on the subject.

0204/13 Any Other Business at Chairman’s Discretion.
The Council considered that it maybe of some value to review the Listed Buildings and Gardens within the parish
The Clerk was asked to make enquiries into the matter, in order to determine how this project might proceed.