Sue Hembrow, & Robert Hembrow.

Rod Watson (County Councillor).

Apologies were received from Chris Pitman & Ian Parker.

In attendance David Lake (Footpath Officer) & Liz Smith (Clerk).

One member of the public was present.

The Chairman welcomed Jo Cox from the Community Council of Somerset. Jo Cox said that there had been a 40% response to the housing needs questionnaire. Only 14% of the houses in the village are small – two bedrooms or less. 47% of the respondents have lived in the village for over 20 years. 10% of the respondents had a housing need. Many of these would need to move within 1 – 3 years. Jo recommended that 6 – 8 units be built; split 50:50 between rented & shared ownership. There was a demand for one bedroom properties but it was unlikely that these would obtain planning permission so two bedrooms would be better. Jo has a meeting with the Quantock Housing Partnership on 24^th August. It was agreed that she would set up an open meeting for the village some time in September. Extracts from the report will be on display, there will be an opportunity to ask questions, ascertain if there is any further need and discuss where the houses might be situated. Landowners with a plot of land that they might be willing to sell for more than agricultural value but less than development price, can come forward with offers. Jo will send copies of the report to the Parish Council; further copies are available on request. The Chairman thanked Jo. (Jo Cox left the meeting.)

Minutes of the meeting of 12^th July were agreed to be a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Matters Arising

a. Footpaths DL reported that there is still barbed wire across the path behind Meare Green Farm. TDBC are aware of the situation.

Path behind Huntham Close – the landowner had agreed to have waymarkers placed so that members of the public can see where the path is. He had also put up notices asking members of the public to keep their dogs under close control.

A letter has been received from TDBC saying that they are considering handing back responsibility for footpaths to the County Council. RW said that there was a certain amount of duplication of work, however he thought it would be a retrograde step. It is better that the Footpath Officers be close to their local area. DL said that the village has been very well served; the local officers had built up a knowledge over the years that it would be a shame to throw away. DH said that TDBC is providing an excellent service but SCC is only paying for a basic service; the County should pay its way. The Clerk was asked to reply to TDBC with these observations.

A leaflet has been received giving details of grants for community access. The clerk was asked to write to the owner of the path by the Post Office asking if he would give his permission for a gate suitable for disabled access to be installed.

b. Dogs The Clerk had been in touch with the Dog Warden, who said that problems with aggressive dogs should be reported to the police. The Clerk had attempted to contact the Community Beat Officer without success. There is also a problem at the junction of Woodhill Terrace and Slough Lane with a dog frightening horse riders and walkers. The Clerk was asked to try to contact PC Simmons again. There are a number of dogs fouling Huntham Lane. It was suggested that a news item could be put on the website.

c. 30mph Speed Limit No reply has been received from the Highways Agency. The Clerk was asked to pursue this. She was also asked to request that the 30mph speed limit sign in Meare Green be made lower and the faded 40mph sign at the entrance to the village be replaced.

d. Highways The Chairman informed the meeting that tractors with trailers had been parking outside the shop leaving their engines running. PC Simmons had spoken to the drivers concerned as it is illegal to leave any vehicle unattended with the engine running. Residents in nearby properties had objected as the smell of diesel gets into the house along with oil that has leaked onto the road. Whilst the Parish Council cannot take action in the matter, a note could be put on the website reminding drivers to be considerate when parking their cars.

e. Badgers A comprehensive reply has been received from SCC. Posts and two sheets of galvanized iron are holding the bank in place. The Clerk was asked to ask the landowner for his comments.

f. Frog Lane The Council has received a copy of a letter sent by a resident to the Highways Authority expressing his deep dissatisfaction with the condition of this public highway over the past four years; he will take legal action if the situation is not improved soon. The Clerk was asked to write to the HA strongly supporting the resident; his situation is unacceptable. RW will look into it.

2. Election of School Governor It was proposed that Irene Browning be elected as the Council’s representative on the School Governing Body. Proposed: TW, Seconded: RH, All in favour. The Clerk was requested to write and inform the Chairman of the Governors.

Matters for discussion

a. Information Officer The Clerk offered to act as Information Officer and collect information for the website. Dave Evans to be asked if there could be a current newspage.

b. Strip of land behind the Church Room A letter had been received from SSG Parochial Church Council offering the strip of land behind the Church Room adjoining the Burial Ground to the Parish Council on permanent loan providing the Council is prepared to maintain it free of charge. It was agreed that this was a sensible suggestion and the Clerk was asked to write and accept.

The Clerk was asked to arrange a meeting between the Burial Ground Committee and John Attwood to discuss removal of stumps, replacing the gate post, etc.

Michael Clewes has offered to treat the gate with preservative and this kind offer was accepted.

Burst Sewage Pipe TW reported that the sewage pipe in the field behind his house had burst. Although the pipe is 3m deep underground, the sewage under pressure had risen 2’ like "Old Faithful", contaminating the land and nearby water courses. Wessex Water uncovered a split in the pipe 1.5m along its length. He praised WW for their thorough action removing the contaminated top soil, etc, nevertheless, the Parish Council has been in correspondence with WW about this problem for a number of years. The Clerk was asked to write requesting, as a matter of urgency, that the entire pipe be replaced before further sections burst under pressure.

The gravity pipe at Polkesfield has been blocked by fat and sewage has leaked over the footpath.

In the course of their work it was discovered that water pressure in the bowser was unusually low and the Clerk was asked to report this as well, so that it can be checked.

 

 

Planning

TDBC advise that the following applications have been granted permission:

36/2004/011 Removal of condition restricting the use of the garage at Lovells Farm, Dark Lane.

36/2004/012 Change of use from holiday unit to private dwelling at Lovells Farm.

36/2004/013 Tree works on copper beech and 2 holm oaks at the Old Vicarage, Huntham Lane.

36/2004/014 Erection of livestock building at Slough Court.

36/2004/015 Erection of livestock building at Slough Court.

APP/D3315/C/04/1152718 Appeal against removal of unauthorized fence at

No 2, Meare Green. To go on the agenda for the next meeting.

36/2004/014 Use of holiday cottage as a permanent residence. The Clerk was asked if anything further had been heard from the Enforcement Officer. She was asked to pursue the matter.

Finance

Grants have been received from TDBC: £130 for maintenance of the Burial Ground and £100 for footpaths.

SALC have sent out a notice of the nationally approved wage scales and allowances for clerks for 2004 – 06.

The following cheque was approved for payment:

000433 G Joll (re SSG parish appraisal group) £8.50 final balance of account

Correspondence

A request for a donation from Victim Support was refused.

SALC intend to put on training for new councillors in the autumn.

Feedback from Meetings and matters to report

RW said he had been to meeting about Wick Railway Bridge but as yet there is no definitive answer. He said he would keep the Council informed.

The Clerk said that SCC & TDBC did not give any information about who does what jobs in the Councils. (Employees, not councillors). RW & DH said they would pass this information on.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.25pm.