Present Julia Clewes (Chairman), Sue Hembrow, Chris Pitman,

David House, Trevor Williams & Robert Hembrow.

2 members of the public.

In attendance Nobby Clarke (Somerset County Councillor), (Liz Smith (Clerk)

& David Lake (Footpath Officer & Tree Warden).

Apologies were received from Ian Parker & Irene Browning.

A member of the public asked if any action was being taken over the fences at 9 Willey Road. To object to one set of fences and not another would be inconsistent. She was assured that the matter had already been reported to the enforcement officer at Taunton Deane, who is looking into the matter.

Minutes of the meetings held on Monday, 9^th May, the Annual Parish Council Meeting and the ordinary meeting of the Council that followed, were agreed to be a correct record of that meeting and signed by the Chairman.

Matters Arising

a. Footpaths. DL said that the stile at Lane End Farm had been replaced. The path by the school needs to be cleared of weeds. DL will talk to the owner about the hedge.

b. Low cost housing. Justin Roxburgh was unable to attend this meeting due to a prior commitment. He would like to arrange another short meeting with the PC so that they can approve the plans before they are submitted for planning. June 27^th or 28^th were suggested as possible dates.

c. Transport. NC had enquired about transport for the elderly. There are two departments at County Hall: the Rural Transport Partnership and Community Transport Development. The Officer can attend the next meeting. Community buses generally charge more than the ordinary buses. Bus pass holders only pay half. DH will ask Burrowbridge PC if they would also like to attend the meeting.

d. Memorial Stone. SH produced a sample of the stone with lettering cut into it. SH to liaise with JH and IP when the time comes to erect it.

e. School Bus. Replies have been received from Berrys and SCC saying that the bus will stop in Dark Lane. No reply has been received from the school. The children are still standing outside the pub.

f. Dog Warden. She is happy for a notice to be displayed on the playing field giving the Warden’s contact details. Anyone reporting a stray dog must leave their name and telephone number. The warden will not act on anonymous information.

g. Polkesfield. Provision for youth – to be discussed with Justin Roxburgh.

h. Noise. A member of the public has complained about young people congregating in the Royal Oak car park with loud music and bad language. P.C. Hicks to be asked to have a quiet word with them.

 

3. Planning

36/2005/008 Demolition of part of industrial building at Withygrove Farm

36/2005/009 Two-storey extension at 1 Curload, Burrowbridge.

TDBC advise permission has been granted.

36/2005/010 Change of use garage/workshop to residential annexe at Merles Barn, Dark Lane. TDBC advise this is a permitted development.

RH & DH had accompanied JC on a site visit to the following two properties:

36/2005/011LB Alteration of roof space to form en-suite bathroom at Poplar Farm, Meare Green. DH said that a former chimney space will be used to create the en-suite; the only external alteration will be a velux window, which will hardly be visible. There is no overlooking. It was agreed that the proposed alteration would have little impact and there is no objection to it.

36/2005/012LB Conversion of workshop & other works at Frog Lane Farm. The owners are working closely with TDBC’s conservation officer to restore part of an old that is falling into disrepair. A bat and bird survey has been carried out. The upper storey is dangerous because of the rotting floorboards. It was agreed that the PC should support this application, which would help to preserve the building.

4. Finance

a. (JC declared a prejudicial interest in the following item and left the room).

The following cheque was passed for payment:

000467 J Clewes 18.74 Teak oil, &c for Burial Ground gates & bench.

(JC returned to the meeting).

b. Annual Return The Internal Auditor has completed section 4 of the annual return and is satisfied that all procedures have been carried out correctly.

The statement of accounts for the year ended 31^st March 2005 was signed by the Chairman.

The statement of assurance was read out to the meeting. The Council approved the

statement and it was signed by the Chairman.

c. Interest bearing account It was agreed that an account should be opened for surplus funds to earn interest. There will be three signatories: the chairman, vice chairman and one other.

5. Phone Box. BT wish to convert the phone box in Willey Road to a cashless machine. It was agreed that the clerk to reply saying that the PC do not wish to see the box removed completely, asking where cards can be purchased from and asking why BT wish to convert one machine when they will still have to empty the box in Woodhill.

6. Correspondence.

7. Feedback from Meetings.

a. Footpaths. DL attended a meeting held by the SCC in North Curry. The law may be changed so that it is possible to ban any motor vehicle from some RUPPs. There is a Community Access Fund available for upgrading footpaths, providing walking maps, interpretation boards, etc, to make paths generally more accessible to the public.

b. SALC. The Clerk had attended a SALC meeting. QPCs, the Local Vision and the Code of Conduct had been discussed. She had asked what things should be taken into consideration if the Village Hall approaches the PC asking for certain invoices to be paid on their behalf.

 

 

 

8. Matters for discussion.

a. Evacuees. It is hoped that a few people who were evacuated to this village during the war will be able to attend the VE/VJ day celebrations. It was agreed that the PC will entertain them on Friday evening. The clerk to send out invitations.

b. BMX track. SH said that the Playing Field Committee had agreed to have a BMX track on the edge of the field by Dunfield Drove but it must be fenced off to keep out any motor bikes. No planning permission is required. It has not been possible to obtain any health and safety guidelines. JH will dig the area. SH had obtained a quote from a fencing contractor for chain link fencing with 6’ angle iron posts set in concrete. The cost to fence an area 30m x 15m is £2,500. It was suggested that post and rail fencing would be more appropriate, with a squeeze gate or similar to deter scooters from using the track. It was agreed in principal that the Council will help to fund the track. TW will ask Mike Boobyer for a quote, SH will obtain another quote for post & rail fencing. The playing field committee will present a formal request to the next meeting.

9. Other Business:

TW reported that Wessex Water have finished replacing the sewage main.

IB will be unable to attend the Annual meeting of the Parish Councils at TDBC. Can anyone else go?

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