MINUTES of the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, on Wednesday 6th Sept. 2006 at 7.30 p.m.


Present. Cllrs. P.Fronteras (Chairman) B.Marshall, M.Cumiskey, A.Samphier and M.Hudson.

0906/1 Apologies for Absence. Cllr. J.May

0906/2 Police Report.
The meeting was attended by the recently appointed P.C.S.O. Charles who gave a summary of his responsibilities and an indication of his working area.
At present his area extends from Longbridge in Barnstaple to Westleigh but the intentions are for the working area to be reduced in the future.
Over the past two months, reported crime in the parish consisted of a theft from an unattended property and damage to a motor vehicle. Neither matter had been resolved.
Police contact No 08452 777444.

0906/3 Minutes of the Meeting held on 5th July 2006.
Resolved that the minutes of the Meeting held on 5th July 2006 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

0906/4 Matters Arising
Memorial Garden / General Maintenance
A replacement for Mr.Souster to carry out ground maintenance has not yet been found.
Cllr B Marshall volunteered to approach “Gardener’s Delight” to investigate the possibility of assistance and the associated publicity.

Bus Shelter.
Mr Stevens, ( the contractor for repairing the roof) has been asked to provide a quotation for the provision and installation of vandal proof seating.
There has not been any response from Mr Stevens. The clerk was asked to pursue the matter.

Holmacott Landfill Site.
Cllr B. Marshall is still concerned over the activities in connection with the collection and disposal of waste material at Holmacott landfill site and would be grateful if Cllr R. Cann could obtain clarification of exactly what their licence allows.

Westleigh Website
The website is currently recording an average of 5000 visits per month and is being well used.

Westleigh Heritage Forum.
It is understood that Sheila Law is currently researching the history of local families.


0906/5 Parishioners Questions.
There was none.



0906/6 District and County Council Reports.

Cllr. L.Brown.NDDC.
Instow Quay car park is still the subject of much discussion and investigation with regard to it’s future.
Cllr. Brown considers this car park with it’s toilet facilities is important to Instow residents and visitors alike and with the village hall not having a car park and the storage of boats in the winter, careful consideration should be given to any future proposals.
Further investigation is required with the possibility of finding another car park.

During September / October NDDC will be sending out a questionnaire to 2000 randomly selected households to identify peoples needs and priorities.
The results will be used to improve services and to assist in the allocation of budgets.
For information call Mathew Blackburn on 01271 388446 or Email Matthew Blackburn@northdevon.gov.uk.

Cllr. R. Cann DCC.
Cllr Cann reported that the Westleigh Junction was still proving difficult for many drivers and there are reports of continuing minor accidents.
DCC are again investigating the situation to try and establish what changes could be made to improve safety.

The Vegetation obscuring the Westleigh sign on the Westleigh straight has now been cut back but Cllr Cann agreed that moving the sign closer to the carriageway would improve matters further and he would consult the DCC Highways Dept.

Recycling. Between April and June, North Devon recycled 42% of all household waste. The Government target is 30%.
This figure means that more than 4,864Tonnes was diverted away from landfill sites.

0906/7 Parking / Play Area.
Nothing to report

0906/8 Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence received in the past month was made available to all councillors. Resolved that all correspondence be noted.

0906/9 Finance.
A copy of expenditure was presented to councillors. Resolved, that the expenditure totalling £139.73 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.


0906/10 Planning
Holmacott landfill Site.
Retrospective application for existing lighting scheme has been withdrawn with the intention to disconnect and remove lighting at the site.

Lester House Westleigh.
A copy of a letter from Planning Dept to Christie Estates has been received, indicating planning requirements relating to the work being carried out on the boundary wall.

Application Ref;- 42716
Southcott , Bideford. Agricultural Buildings with improved access.
Comments to NDDC Planning Dept.


0906/11 Any Other Business.
It was with regret that the council had received a letter of resignation as a councillor, from Lyn Kenny.
The clerk was instructed to carry out the required procedure to formalize the matter.
Arrangements to be put in hand to fill the vacancy, either with a by-election or
co-option in accordance with Local Election rules.


Cllr B Marshall proposed that thanks should be recorded to Arthur Samphier and Will Dark in particular together with The Westleigh Inn and everyone else who helped in assisting with the Instow and Westleigh show in July.

The clerk was asked to purchase 3 No “Litter Pickers “ for use by any councillor or parishioner that would like to assist in the collection and disposal of litter within the parish.
The clerk was asked to write to Cllr R. Cann for a possible contribution from DCC towards the cost of providing these implements.

The clerk announced his intention to retire next April and it might be appropriate to start seeking a replacement as soon as possible.
The clerk was asked to include the matter on the next agenda.