David House, Trevor Williams & Robert Hembrow.

In attendance Rod Watson (County Cllr), Nobby Clarke, (Liz Smith (Clerk)

& David Lake (Footpath Officer & Tree Warden).

Apologies were received from Chris Pitman.

DH said that he had received a bottle of wine and a card from Mr & Mrs M Hembrow, thanking him and the Council for their help, they now have a secure tenancy on their house.

JH thanked the Council for their card and expressions of kindness following the death of his wife.

Matters arising:

Footpaths

DL thanked TW for providing the timber to mend the stile on the footpath to Polkesfield.

A complaint has been received about heaps of stone on Pound Drove. It will be moved within the next two weeks.

Low Cost Housing

A progress report has been received from Justin Roxburgh: they have decided to appoint Merlin Timber Frame as the contractors and use timber frame construction providing they can find a lender who will give mortgages on this type of building. There may be some cost savings to be made if MT also build the new village hall. The design he has in mind is stone finish for the bottom half, wither blue lias or blue/grey slate with shiplap cladding on the first floor. He will be meeting with the planners next week and hopes to attend the next Council meeting on 9^th May. Progress report on low cost housing to be included in the newsletter, as there is a feeling in the village that it has been forgotten and no progress is being made.

TW said that Wessex Water are replacing and improving the 6" pumped main in the field behind his house. It should be reinstated within two weeks.

Community Transport

The clerk has contacted Graham Joll and obtained a file from him. It was decided that the first step is to establish what the need is for transport and as a first step the clerk was asked to include a tear off slip with the Annual Report for people to fill in and return. The clerk was asked to write to Paddy Scott, the local Age Concern representative.

Memorial on Playing Field

A reply has been received from Nick Sloan confirming that he will make the stone. Members of the Parish Council were invited to call on him to see the work in progress. He will be in touch again when the design is ready.

Wick Railway Bridge

Work on the bridge has been delayed by an overturned crane and also by badgers. SCC are waiting for DEFRA to come and look at the sett. They hope that the bridge will be open by 24^th April.

Verge Stones

SCC advise that verge stones can be classified as an obstruction and the owner can be liable for any damage if there is an accident. Reflector posts are legal. If SCC receive a complaint then they will look into it, however, they prefer not to as they lose goodwill. The verge has become badly eroded in places. The clerk was asked to include this item in the newsletter.

Coal Yard

The owner doubts whether the land could be developed for light industrial use if the Council insists on placing noise restrictions on it. She had lost two tenants as a result. Nevertheless, she will see about making the site safe and would also be contacting agents. It was felt that the Council had alerted the owner to possible danger and no further action should be taken. There is asbestos on the site that will have to be disposed of in the correct way, the onus for ensuring safety being on the contractors who move it.

Planning

36/2005/004LB Dormer window, etc at 2 Woodhill Farm

36/2005/005 front and rear extension at 1 & 2 Woodhill Cottages

TDBC advise that planning permission for the above has been granted.

36/2005/007 Construction of interior and exterior wall at Turkey Cottage, Curload

TDBC advise that this is a permitted development.

There were two planning applications to comment on this month. Although every member of the Council had been informed of the date and time of the site visits, no one had turned up and she had viewed them on her own. It was decided that site visits will take place in the evening in summer. Please will all Councillors contact the chairman to let her know whether they can or cannot attend.

36/2005/008 Demolition of industrial building and alteration to form double garage at Withygrove House, Curload. The owners have been unable to find tenants for the buildings due to their poor condition and lack of amenities. One of the buildings is very close to the main house. It was decided the Council should support this application.

36/2005/009 Erection of two-storey extension at 1 Curload, Burrowbridge.

This used to be the railway porter’s house. This extension will tidy up the property, have little visual impact on the neighbourhood and give the family some much needed extra space. It was decided to support this application.

Finance

000460 SSG Village Hall Man’t Comm. 38.00 Donation to newsletter

000461 Community Council for Somerset 20.00 Subscription

000462 E J Smith 433.63 Clerk’s fee & Burial Gd fee

000463 C.P.R.E. 20.00 Subscription

JH proposed, seconded DH that the above cheques be passed for payment. All in favour.

Draft Accounts for the year were circulated with the agenda. DL will audit them. DH asked if money could be placed in an interest bearing account and moved to the current account as and when needed. The clerk said she would contact Burrowbridge PC to see which bank they use.

5. Insurance

The Chairman said that she had looked through the insurance policy and cover. The clerk was asked to ascertain that all the Council’s assets are included in the cover: the burial ground & gates, bus shelter and village signs.

 

Feedback from Meetings

None.

Correspondence

13: Code of conduct questionnaire to be completed by the clerk and anyone else who wishes to.

10: Age Concern advise that Mrs Paddy Scott is now their local representative.

14: TDBC Weekly Bulletin announces that in future there will be a charge for advice from the planning officer. DH feared that this would lead to an increase in retrospective planning applications and intends to oppose it.

Matters for Discussion

SH said that the Playing Fields Committee is having problems finding members and officers. There is a lack of support from the village. There is no football team at the moment. The cricket team are amalgamating with a team in Bridgwater that does not have a ground.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.55pm.

followed by an ordinary meeting of the Parish Council