Shortly after the March Parish Council meeting, lockdown guidance was issued, causing an extraordinary meeting to be called, on March 19th. This meeting proposed to delegate the conduct of essential PC business to The Parish Clerk, during the lockdown period. Needless to say, this was passed unanimously.
In the absence of guidance on how best to manage PC meetings, there was no meeting in April, but subsequently SALC (Somerset Association of Local Councils) sanctioned the use of virtual meetings, subject to certain protocols.
On May 11th we held our first virtual meeting. Members of the public were offered to opportunity to participate however no one took-up this option. The meeting was successful with no unanticipated disruptions due to the technology.
Two planning applications are noteworthy. Plans have been submitted to convert the current visitor carpark at the Willows and Wetlands centre to a pedestrian plaza with additional amenities. An application was also received for change of use of the Royal Oak from a public house, to a public house with a shop. Both of these were fully supported.
It was reported that an advisory 20 miles per hour speed limit would be implemented outside schools in the County. This includes Stoke St Gregory Primary School which has been assessed and prioritised for implementation. Our thanks to David Fothergill for putting our case forward.
The next PC meeting will be held as per the normal calendar and will be a virtual meeting. Notification of the agenda and meeting details will be made in the usual way