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STOKE ST GREGORY PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 12^th July 2004

in the Village Hall.

Present Julia Clewes (Chairman), John Hembrow, Irene Browning, David House,

Sue Hembrow, Chris Pitman & Robert Hembrow & Ian Parker.

Apologies were received from Trevor Williams.

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

Two members of the public were present.

The meeting was preceded by a short presentation from Louise Riley of the Somerset Waste Partnership. She explained that the Partnership had been formed to raise awareness of the need to recycle. At present 20% of the waste in Somerset is recycled and the government has set a target of 40%. Parish councils can help by putting articles in newsletters, running swap shops and community composting schemes. DH said that it is essential to reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill sites; he confirmed that Taunton Deane intend to introduce kerbside collections of recyclable material (paper, cans, foil, textiles, shoes and some glass) by the March 2005 throughout 98% of the Deane. CP requested statistics on the use of the recycling banks in the village. By 2006 it will no longer be possible to dispose of shredded tyres. Old mobile phones, computers, electrical equipment, furniture and linen can all be reused; contact details are available from Taunton Deane Waste Management: 01823 356346.

Mr Bateman said he had problems with dogs out of control on the footpath behind his property; one in particular had been quite aggressive. He understood that the law requires that dogs should not be out of control when there is stock in the field. The footpath officer said he had put notices on the path but they had been removed, however, he would put up signs saying that dogs must be kept under close control. The clerk was asked to report the situation to the Dog Warden.

Dave Evans gave a cheque to the Council for £365.72, this being the remaining balance in the Appraisal Group’s account, which has now been closed. This amount to be ring fenced for making the website accessible. The village website has been upgraded: www.stokestgregory.org . Details are given of village organisations, businesses and events and people are asked to keep DE up to date when contact details change or when there is an event that needs publicizing. The clerk was asked to put details of the new address in the parish magazine and village news. The PC will appoint an Information Officer – to go on next agenda.

 

Minutes of the Previous Meetings

Page 11, Item 7(b): "Turkeys" should be "Turkey Cottage". Subject to this amendment, the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 14^th June 2004 and the Planning Meeting held on 28^th May 2004 were agreed to be a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

Matters Arising

Footpaths DL reported that the Bristol Gates were now in place at Ivy Villa Farm. There is still barbed wire across T25/15 behind Meare Green Farm.

Speed Limit Signs Two letters had been received from residents of Woodhill expressing concern at the speed of the traffic going up through Woodhill and requesting that the 30mph limit be extended past the church and up to Woodhill Terrace. There was some discussion about the proliferation of signs through the village and whether a speed limit would be enforceable. It was decided that a site meeting be arranged for the residents, the County Council’s officer and the Parish Council so that the implications could be thoroughly discussed.

Highways SH said the landowner had agreed that a "Frog Lane" sign could be placed on his verge. SCC is looking at the condition of Frog Lane.

 

3. Planning

36/2004/016 Conservatory and residential land at The Barton, Woodhill (retrospective)

The conservatory is not visible from the road and has little visual impact on the surrounding

area. The strip of land from the field is approximately 6m wide. It was decided that the

Council has no objection to this application.

36/2003/030 Boundary wall and Fence at 2 Meare Green.

It is understood that the owners have lodged an appeal, but notice of this has not been

received yet.

36/2004/014 Crotchet Rest, Dark Lane

The TDBC Enforcement Officer has written to the owner regarding the alleged breach of

planning condition (4).

 

4. Finance

The following cheques were approved for payment:

440 D Lake 50.00 Internal Audit

441 E Smith 404.30 Clerk’s Salary

442 Village Hall 51.00 Rent

443 J Musgrove 58.00 Strimming signs and footpath maintenance.

Proposed CP, Seconded: DH.

The quarterly accounts and budget figures were presented. There were no questions.

The clerk was asked to contact Mr Attwood again concerning improvements to the Burial Ground.

 

5. Correspondence

a. SCC Joint structure plan – circulated for comment. The Council noted that due to the alteration of the bus timetable, students at Richard Huish College have a 12-hour day. Affordable homes may be under threat if the government scraps the targets in small villages (Settlements under 3000 people). A newspaper article was circulated.

b. Annual Meeting with Adrian Flook MP JC will attend the meeting at West Monkton with one other person (RH or CP)

c. SCC Highways Questionnaire SH to complete.

 

6. Feedback from Meetings

Village Hall – JC said the trustees had discussed 3 options: to renovate the Old Hall, to reduce the costs of the New Hall, to look at a long-term development project, eg: with the School. The Trustees will meet again on 2^nd August.

JH said that he had had informal discussions with the School Governors about the possibility of a combined hall/school hall on the Playing Field but this is very much a long term prospect. The Governors would consult their architect. SH said she had talked informally to the Planning Authority; parking could be a problem. Refurbishment of the Old Hall is a short term solution as a new hall is some years away.

The clerk reported that the results of the low cost housing survey had shown a need in the village. Jo Cox of the Community Council will be meeting TDBC this month. She will attend the August meeting and be able to tell the Council what they can do next.

 

 

7. Matters for Discussion

a. School Governor CP has written a letter of resignation to the Chairman of Governors. Unfortunately, other commitments make it difficult for him to give the time required. Election of a new governor to go on the agenda for the next meeting.

b. Rooks There are an increasing number of rooks nesting in the trees in Huntham Lane, making noise and pollution. The clerk had sought guidance from DEFRA. Removing the nests when the trees are pruned could help to reduce the nuisance.

c. The triangle at the top of Woodhill is gradually being eroded. It is up to drivers to preceed carefully.

d. RH said the village is looking tidy and clean and congratulated SH.

 

There being no further business, the meeting finished at 9.30pm.

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