Julia Clewes (chairman), Robert Hembrow, David House, Ian Parker, Irene Browning, Trevor Williams, Sue Hembrow.

In attendance: Liz Smith – Clerk, David Lake – Footpath Officer,

Jo Cox – Community Council for Somerset.

One member of the public.

a.

b.

Litter. There was concern about the amount of litter in the village, although it has improved since some members of the Council, SH, JC & IB, have started picking up litter in their area. The shop help by trying to encourage customers to leave wrappers in bins. North Curry PC are having a litter picking week. JC said she had contacted TDBC, who advise using grabbers. These are available from the Red Cross at £6 each. It was decided to purchase two of these. The bank on the corner of Church Close is affected by the litter problem. The clerk to find out from TDBC who owns the verge. The verge by Bull Place bridge is strewn with litter. The clerk was asked to write to the railway contractors, copy to Burrowbridge Parish Council.

The Chairman introduced Jo Cox, Rural Housing Enabler for the Community Council of Somerset. Mrs Cox explained that she helps Councils to carry out surveys and produced a sample. This should go out with a covering letter from the Council explaining why it is being done and that it follows on from the Parish Appraisal. There should be articles in the local magazines and posters to help people understand the purpose of the survey and encourage them to return the forms. People should reply within four weeks. A further four weeks is required before the report is produced. The forms are returned to Mrs Cox to preserve confidentiality. TDBC pays for the printing and postage costs; a prepaid envelope is provided. It was decided that 450 forms would be needed and they would be distributed with the Village Hall newsletter. Mrs Cox would provide posters and an outline letter to accompany the forms. They also go to employees of local companies. When the report has been written there will be an open meeting to display the results and discuss the next steps.

There are a number of Housing Associations that specialise in rural housing.

Declarations of Interest – None.

2.

a.

b.

c.

Highways – Some residents of Woodhill would like to see the 30mph speed limit extended past the Church. The clerk was asked to write to Somerset County Council and ask for their observations.

Street signs – SH said she had phoned TDBC and asked for signs for Frog Lane, Lane End and Huntham Lane. The fingerpost at Lane End has been repainted. There are a few more to be done.

John Musgrove will strim round signs. SCC will ask the contractors not to flail them.

Burial Ground – The clerk apologised for misleading the Council at last month’s meeting. The Burial Ground Committee has not been given authority to spend money on behalf of the Council or make major decisions. SH asked that there could be closer liaison with the Church. The ditch behind the Garden of Remembrance has not been piped; the dead shrubs will have to be removed so that the ditch can be piped before levelling can take place. The Church will erect a fence behind the Church Room for the playgroup. The clerk to obtain a quote from John Attwood for work to tidy up the Burial Ground. Mr A House to be approached to repair the seat. It was agreed not to build a compost heap for dead flowers as people will put plastic wrappers in it. A rubbish bin to be provided instead. The clerk to contact TDBC for advice and supply. It was decided that the Burial Ground Committee be authorised to spend up to £500 in the current financial year. Proposed: IB, Seconded: IP, All in favour.

Planning:

36/2004/005 Conversion of barn at Bryre House – TDBC advise permission granted.

RH said that he had attended the Planning Committee meeting at TDBC on behalf of the Council to explain their concerns over application 36/2004/003. The Planning Committee had agreed that conditions should be imposed in respect of a tanker turning area and to contain traffic movements on farm. The clerk was asked to write to TDBC Environment department regarding silage effluent in the ditch and that this should be attended to before the new season’s grass is cut.

The clerk was asked to write to the Enforcement Officer regarding the fence to be taken down.

000433 S A L C 157.69 subscription

000434 Community Council for Somerset 20.00 subscription

It was proposed by IP, seconded by IB that the above cheques be passed for payment. All in favour.

A request had been received from Taunton CAB for a donation. DH proposed a payment of £20, seconded: RH. 2 in favour, 3 against.

The draft accounts were circulated with the minutes.

IB to carry out internal audit.

5.

Details of a grant scheme was passed to SH for the Playing Field committee.

6.

a.

b.

DH said he had attended a LAMP meeting about recognition of the area as a cultural landscape. If the application was successful it would be the first in this country and he was keen to see it go ahead. There would be another meeting in June for the parish groups to take it forward.

IP said he had been to the School public meeting. Unfortunately it had been poorly attended. The governors are proposing a change from VC to VA status, which would give them greater independence, but, they would have to fund some of their own schemes. As the Vicar is leaving at the end of the month and the Headteacher will be leaving at the end of the summer term, IP said he felt it was the wrong time to go ahead with this proposal.

JC said she had been to the "Vision for Taunton" meeting. The merits of an inner relief road against a cultural centre were debated. It was not clear where the finance would come from for any redevelopment.

7

a.

TW said that R. Dare had won best in show at Taunton for a pair of sheep. He was to be congratulated.