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

In attendance: Liz Smith – Clerk, Rod Watson (Somerset County Council)

Dave Evans, Julie Hector,

a.

b.

Dave Evans said that the new website is on the server but there is a little more work still to be done.

Julie Hector said that she was interested in low cost housing as many of the workers at English Hurdle are unable to afford accommodation in the village. DE said that he hoped that the PC would explore the possibility of other types of housing – not just shared ownership.

Declarations of Interest – None.

2.

a.

b.

c.

T25/16 – TDBC have reached an agreement with the owner that a stile will be placed at the top left hand corner of the car park. The owners have also agreed to put some hardcore on the track where it is very muddy, however, they are reluctant to have a waymarker on the stile.

RH asked if a waymarker could be placed on T25/11 where it leaves Huntham Close by the Daniels’ front garden.

Highways – Drains. Somerset Highways have supplied a map showing the route of the drains in the village. However, it does not show where the drainage grids are. It was agreed that each councillor should take the map and mark the grids in his/her area. JC agreed to start in Willey Road.

Street signs – SH said that TDBC are happy to relocate the Griggs Hill sign. The clerk to write to the Chapel and ask them if it can be placed on their wall. (The sign cannot be used on legs once it has been placed on a wall.) It was suggested that a sign be placed at the entrance to Frog Lane.

Village Signs - The clerk confirmed that an order had been placed asking Somerset Highways to renew the village signs.

Potholes – TW said he had reported potholes in Slough Lane, Windmill and Frog Lane and these had now been attended to.

Mud – Somerset Highways had supplied a copy of their mud policy: mud on priority one roads (those which are salted) will be reported to the police who will attend and assess the risk. In consultation with the highways Authority they will then arrange to have the risk removed. Mud on priority two roads will be reported to the Community Beat Officer who will work in partnership with the Highways Authority and those persons whose activities are responsible for depositing mud on roads.

The Highways Act 1980 states that an individual can serve a notice on the Highways Authority in the County Court requiring them to put the Highway in proper repair.

Low Cost Housing – DH said he was keen to take this forward. There was some debate over the type of housing to be provided and whom it should be for. The clerk was asked to contact the Community Council and enquire about having a survey conducted into housing need in the village. DE said that one option was "Planning for Real" – where an open day is held.

Burial Ground – JC said that the Burial Ground Committee had met in the Burial Ground. (Notes of the meeting are attached). JH said that the ditch behind the Garden of Remembrance belongs to the Church. He would look at it to see if it has been piped. He would then fill in that portion of the ditch with soil from the playing field, covering the dead shrubs.

Planning:

36/2004/002 9 Willey Rd.

TDBC advise planning permission refused.

36/2004/007LB & 36/2004/006 Replacement conservatory at Laurel Farm.

TDBC advise permission granted.

E377/36/2003 Fence at 2 Meare Green

TDBC copy of notice of enforcement.

000432 SSG Youth Drama Group 75.00 s137 donation

Proposed by JH, seconded by CP. 7 in favour, 1 against.

A proposal to donate £100 was rejected.

5.

a.

b.

Audit Commission – CPA questionnaire re TDBC to be completed by the Chairman and Clerk.

Community Council Subscription, Taunton Deane Cab and Taunton Deane CVS requests for donations – to be placed on the agenda of the next meeting.

Taunton Deane "Vision for Taunton" presentation to be held at Creech St Michael on 31^st March, 7.00pm. DH will attend.

DL said he had attended a SALC course on risk assessment and internal audit. The Parish Council has corporate responsibility for all its actions. He said that the quarterly accounts should be examined and signed by a councillor (not the Chairman). IB offered to look at the records for the quarter ended March 04. If the precept is over- or under- spent then explanations have to be provided to the internal auditor in writing. It is not acceptable simply to increase (or decrease) the precept by an amount – the precept has to be set to cover foreseeable expenses plus contingencies such as bye-elections. An audit report should be sent to each individual councillor.

7

a.

b.

Trees – DL said these will no longer be available free of charge from TDBC. Possible sites for tree planting were discussed.

Pound Drove – Young cyclists are driving off-road bikes along Pound Drove. Pound Drove is a public highway and it is thought that the bikers are underage. The clerk was instructed to contact the Community Beat Officer. JC said she would raise the matter at the police surgery.