Wellington Town Council meeting April 2007
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 2nd April 2007 at 7pm.
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Bowrah, A. Govier, R. Henley, G. James, S. Palmer, and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors C. Biscoe and C. Hindley. There were 22 members of the public present.
14192 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that he had attended the Tonedale Local Action Team litter picking exercise a couple of Saturdays previously. It had been great to see so many people turn up and the co-operation between LAT, the town council and the police. In all about 30 people had attended and a lot of rubbish had been picked up in the Tonedale area. He had also attended the St John Ambulance HQ in Victoria Street to see the new automatic external defibrillator which had been purchased with the aid of a grant made by the town council in March. He had also attended one of the early meetings of the area working panels of the county council designed to strengthen links with town/parish councils and the county and also a Market and Coastal Town Association meeting. He had attended the annual Wellington Spring Flower Show the previous Saturday and the opening of Wellington Museum for the new season that day (2nd April).
14193 RETIRING COUNCILLORS
The chairman reported that four councillors were not standing at the May elections and so were attending their last council meeting. He presented Town Council shields to Councillor Valerie Byrne, who had served on the council for two terms and who had been chairman at one time, Councillor Gary James, who had served for 4 years, and Councillor Steve Palmer who had been very active since his co-option 2 years ago. He thanked all the councillors for their service and all suitably replied. The chairman then presented an inscribed silver salver to Councillor Ernie Warren to mark 36 years of outstanding service on the council. He had been a great servant to the town, had been council chairman and was the first Wellington councillor to have been Mayor of Taunton Deane. He would be greatly missed. Councillor Warren replied that he had enjoyed his council work, it had been a real privilege and he had met so many people. He would miss the council work. He wished the new council all the very best for the future. Tributes to Councillor Warren were also paid by Councillors A. Govier, R. Henley and R. Bowrah.
14194 POLICE MATTERS
In the absence of Sgt Doc Nurse the monthly police report was presented by PC Scott Windsor who reported that there had been 13 criminal damage offences in March with 1 arrest; 10 thefts from insecure sheds and buildings and unlocked bikes; 14 offences of criminal damage to motor vehicles; 11 assaults with 5 arrests; 5 thefts from motor vehicles such as radios and satellite navigation equipment; and 3 burglaries, mainly in residential streets where there was no CCTV cameras. He was thanked for attending.
14195 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: 8 FORE STREET
Mrs Isabel Ward reported that 8 Fore Street, a listed building, had recently been re-painted in purple and orange which she felt was unsuitable. It was agreed to refer the matter to Taunton Deane Borough Council’s conservation officer.
4196 PPT: LAUNCH OF 2007 BLOOM COMPETITION
The chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward invited councillors to the launch of the 2007 annual gardens and allotments competition at the Blackdown Garden Centre on Friday, 27th April at 7pm.
14197 PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
The chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, Mrs Pauline Sturgess reported that the 2007 summer musical programme would be available very shortly and that there would be a big May Day event in the Park on Monday, 7th May. She was pleased to report that Taunton DBC had rescinded its decision to charge the Friends for the use of the Park.
14198 MINUTES OF MARCH COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 5th March 2007, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and signed as correct.
14199 ROCKWELL GREEN-WESTFORD PATH
With reference to minute 14156 consideration was given to a detailed report from Councillor D. Mitton on a suggested new combined footpath/cycle path between Westford and Rockwell Green. It was agreed unanimously to approach the Market and Coastal Towns Association and Wellington Economic Partnership for the scheme to be considered as MCTA project and also to send a copy to Somerset Highways.
14200 1ST WELLINGTON SCOUT GROUP GRANT REQUEST
A letter, grant application form and accounts were received from 1st Wellington Scout Group asking the town council to consider making a grant of £1,000 towards the £8,500 cost of new camping equipment. On the proposition of Councillor Copley, seconded by Councillor James it was agreed unanimously to make a grant of £1,000.
14201 WHERE GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 14158 a letter was received from Westcountry Health Education and Research Enterprise stating that its £20,000 restricted funds were for the provision of specific services and could not be used for other purposes such as funding catering equipment. After some discussion, Councillor G. James proposed, with Councillor C. Critchard seconding, that the council should make a grant of £1,136.21 for catering equipment at the Northfield Centre, Wellington to provide hot meals for residents at the sheltered housing accommodation at Lodge Close. The proposal was carried 3-2 with 3 abstentions. It was agreed to ask WHERE if competitive tenders had been obtained for the equipment. Councillors V. Byrne and A. Govier declared interests as board members of WHERE and left the hall while this item was discussed.
14202 ROSEMARY EATON GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 14159 more personal details were received from Rosemary Eaton and also about the African Conservation Experience organisation. On the proposition of Councillor A. Govier, seconded by Councillor V. Byrne it was agreed to make a grant of £100 towards the £3,582 cost of a nature/wildlife project in South Africa she was undertaking with ACE. There was one abstention.
14203 LISTED BUILDINGS
Councillor P. Critchard suggested that the town council should approach English Heritage about listing Lloyds Bank at 27 Fore Street and The Old Forge in Cornhill as buildings of architectural and historical interest. This was agreed. It was also decided to invite Mr Benjamin Webb, Taunton DBC conservation officer to the next meeting.
COUNCILLOR CRITCHARD LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 7.59PM
14204 WELLESLEY PARK PARKING PROBLEMS
Councillor R. Henley reported that a lot of residents had complained about parking problems at the lower end of Wellesley Park. On his suggestion it was agreed, with one abstention, to ask Taunton DBC to seek the views of residents on the current parking problems and possible solutions.
COUNCILLOR HENLEY LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.05PM
14205 NEW COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
A detailed report was received from the assistant to the clerk, Mrs J. Thorne on a suggested complaints procedure which was based on guidance from the National Association of Local Councils on how to deal with complaints from the public. The report, attached to these minutes, was approved.
14206 PARKING PROBLEMS IN BOVET STREET
Councillor G. Copley reported that there were growing parking problems in Bovet Street where some disabled residents in the sheltered housing accommodation were unable to park outside their homes because their allocated spaces were taken by other motorists. It was agreed to ask Taunton DBC to consider installing lockable bollards to protect the allocated parking spaces and erecting larger notices about the restricted parking in the area.
14207 PARKING PROBLEMS IN CLIFFORD TERRACE
A letter was received from Mr and Mrs E. Dowsey about parking problems in Clifford Terrace, particularly at the northern end where some new houses were being erected on a former office site. They suggested there should be parking restrictions 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday on the west side of Clifford Terrace. It was agreed to defer the request until the May meeting and in the meantime to ask Somerset Highways for their comments on the suggestion.
14208 AIDEN HODGE GRANT REQUEST
A letter was received from 14 year old Aiden Hodge, of 42 Oaken Ground, Rockwell Green, Wellington, a county youth pool player, asking the town council to consider providing financial support for him to attend the 2007 World Pool Championship qualifiers event at Great Yarmouth on 11th May. It was agreed to authorise the chairman and vice chairman to make a decision on possibly making a reasonable award after obtaining more personal information from Aiden Hodge. Councillor Bowrah declared an interest and left the chamber while this item was discussed.
14208 BUSINESS/APPRENTICESHIPS SURVEY
Councillor R. Bowrah suggested that steps should be taken to find out from the Chamber of Trade about how many people in Wellington were on apprenticeships and what opportunities were available for these. After some discussion it was agreed to refer the matte to Wellington Economic Partnership.
COUNCILLORS G. JAMES AND E. WARREN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.25PM
14209 WELCOME TO TONEDALE SIGNS
A letter was received from Mr David Allen, the treasurer of the newly formed Tonedale Local Action Team seeking the town council’s approval of the proposed erection of two “Welcome to Tonedale” signs on the B3187 near the entrance to Swallowfield and near the bus shelter at Tone Industrial Estate. Permission would need to be obtained from landowners and Somerset Highways. Beneath the signs would be shrubs or flower beds which would be maintained by volunteers. Under the main sign there would be provision for a supplementary board to advertise events, such as those used at Bishops Hull to promote their car boot sales. In was agreed to support the proposals in principle but some councillors expressed concern that the second board to advertise forthcoming events might be distracting to motorists. Councillor S. Palmer declared an interest as a member of Tonedale LAT and left the hall while this item was discussed.
14210 MARKET & COASTAL TOWNS INITIATIVE
With reference to minute 14179 a report was received from the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne on a meeting held on 29th March 2007 to discuss community projects to be put forward for consideration by the Market and Coastal Towns Association. It was decided to approve the report and the 12 projects put forward which included a youth forum/youth council; improved accessibility to community facilities; better co-ordination of local services; support for the arts; lobbying for a Northern Relief Road; more plastic and cardboard re-cycling; better networking between service providers and communities; skills training; more accessible green spaces; improving pedestrian access between Westford and Rockwell Green; developing the small field next to Wellington Sports Centre into a play area for older children; and providing a one-stop community shop for local residents. It was also agreed that Councillors D. Mitton, R. Bowrah and V. Stock-Williams should form the MCTI steering group.
14211 COUNTY STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
With reference to minute 13756 a letter was received from Somerset County Council stating that the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) had been adopted and published. The SCI sets out the minimum level of consultation the county council must carry out on planning policy documents and on planning applications. It was agreed to note the letter.
14212 TONEDALE MILL REDEVELOPMENT
The clerk reported that a meeting had been arranged with the new owners of Tonedale Mill to discuss their redevelopment plans. The meeting would be held in the town council chamber on Monday, 16th April 2007 at 6pm. The report was noted and it was agreed to raise the issue of the future of the Basins at the meeting.
14213 POSSIBLE PURCHASE OF SECOND CCTV CAMERA
With reference to minute 14162 the clerk reported that the cost of purchasing a second relocatable CCTV camera would be £8,390. The report was noted.
14214 TONE PLAY AREA GRASS CUTTING QUOTE
With reference to minute 13752 it was agreed to accept a quote from Deane DLO of £41.12 per cut for cutting the grass at the Tone play area during 2007.
14215 PUBLIC FOOTPATH MAINTENANCE QUOTE
With reference to minute 13753 it was agreed to accept a quote from Deane DLO of £1,805.17 for cutting Crosslands (including behind Relyon), Church Lane and Victoria Street footpaths for 2007.
14216 WATERPATH DOG WASTE BIN REQUEST
With reference to minute 14176 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the request for the provision of a dog waste bin at Waterpath, Westford would be considered. The letter was noted.
14217 WEAVERS REACH DOG WASTE BIN
With reference to minute 14161 the clerk reported that a site for the dog waste bin to be provided by the town council at Weavers Reach had been agreed with Taunton DBC and that it should be installed shortly. The report was noted.
14218 NOTICE BOARD FOR BURROUGH WAY ESTATE
With reference to minute 14160 the clerk reported that a site meeting had been held with residents, that a site near the entrance to the Burrough Way estate had been agreed and that Councillors P. Critchard and V. Stock-Williams had accepted a quote of £391 from Deane DLO to supply and erect a wooden notice board. It was agreed to confirm the councillors’ action. It was stated that a quote for a metal notice board was £200 more.
14219 SOMERSET UNITARY AUTHORITY PLAN
With reference to minute a letter was received from Somerset County Council inviting councillors to meetings to discuss the county’s unitary proposals, including one at Wiveliscombe’s Kingsmead School on 21st May at 6.30pm. It was agreed to consider the letter again at the May meeting following the council elections.
14220 HIGHER CAR PARKING CHARGES
With reference to minute 14129 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the higher car parking charges in Wellington and Taunton came into force on 2nd April 2007. The letter was noted. The chairman reported that he had received a reply from Councillor J. Williams, the leader of Taunton DBC, in response to Councillor Mitton’s objections to the increases. The report was noted.
14221 ROPE WALK GATEWAY PROPOSAL
With reference to minute 14121 the clerk reported that a site meeting had been held with Taunton DBC, Somerset Highways and residents, that most residents were in favour of making an official path on to Farthings Pitts Road but planning conditions did not include such provision. Taunton DBC had now blocked the route for legal reasons. A resident had offered £500 towards the cost of construction a path with a pedestrian barrier where it would join the road. Standing orders were suspended to allow Mr P. Donnelly, of 3 Farthings Pitts, Mrs F. Hamacher, of 2 Farthings Pitts and Mr J. Hill, of 22 Rope Walk to speak. All stated they were in favour of creating an official footpath. It was agreed to ask County Highways for approval for such a link.
14222 TONE MULTI USE GAMES AREA
With reference to minute 13633 the clerk reported that work on the multi use games area (MUGA) at the council’s Tone play area would start on Monday, 23rd April. It was expected the work would take 3 weeks to complete. The report was noted.
14223 BASINS ALLOTMENTS
With reference to minute 14122 the clerk reported that 12 new allotments had been created at the council’s Basins allotments following the clearance work which had been carried out near the entrance. All 12 had been let and there were still 6 people on the waiting list. The report was noted.
14224 MANTLE STREET RE-SURFACING
With reference to minute 14006 Councillor R. Bowrah reported that the state of Mantle Street road surface was deteriorating daily. It had been reported in November 2006 that County Highways hoped to re-surface the road during the current financial year. He pressed County Councillors A. Govier and R. Henley to ensure that the scheme was included in the budget for this year.
14225 TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF NYNEHEAD ROAD
A letter was received from Somerset Highways about the temporary closure of the Nynehead Road for 5 days from 2nd April while the railway bridge over the road was repaired. The letter was noted.
14226 REVIEW OF TENDERED BUS SERVICES
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about the review of tendered bus services in Taunton Deane and asking for the town council’s comments and suggestions. It was agreed to note the letter.
14227 COMMUNITY WOODLANDS
A letter was received from Somerset Wildlife Trust about suggested community woodlands. It was agreed to reply that the town council was interested in the project.
14228 TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EAST NYNEHEAD ROAD
A letter was received from Somerset Highways about the temporary closure of the East Nynehead Road for one ay on 16th April 2007 to allow a permanent reinstatement to be carried out in the road. The letter was noted.
14229 NEW WELLINGTON MEDICAL CENTRE PROPOSALS
With reference to minute 14147 a letter was received from Wellington Medical Centre thanking the council for the opportunity to make their presentation about the proposed new medical centre off Mantle Street. The letter was noted.
14230 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 14178 it was agreed that the Market and Coastal Towns Association report (see minute 14210) and the item about apprentices (see minute 14208) should be put on the agenda for the next meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership to be held on Monday, 23rd April 2007.
14231 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of dwelling to side of 8 Burgage, Wellington (43/2006/159); (b) Erection of replacement porch to west elevation at 19 Lyddon Close, Wellington (43/2007/027: delegated decision); (c) Display of internally illuminated fascia and projecting sign, Halifax, 11 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2007/014LB and 43/2007/015A); (d) Erection of extension at Willow Bank, Payton, Wellington (43/2007/016: delegated decision); (e) Erection of single storey conservatory to the rear of 13 Beech Hill, Wellington (43/2007/025); (f) Removal of cast iron water tank supports, skylight from roof of single storey extension and replacement of roof and installation of lead box gutter at The Manse, Westford, Wellington (433/2007/023LB); (g) Erection of garage with layby to rear of 28 Church Fields, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 20th December 2006 with accompanying plan (43/2006/154: delegated decision); (h) Conversion of garage to additional living accommodation, 91 Dobree Park, Wellington (43/2006/173: delegated decision); (i) Erection of double garage on land adjoining 2 Oakleigh, Pyles Thorne, Wellington (43/2006/108: (j) Erection of dwelling on land adjoining Oakhill, Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington (43/2007/007: amended scheme to 43/2005/143); (k) Retention of external works including replacement doors and windows and repainting, 3 Laburnum Cottages, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/105LB); (l) Installation of solar panels on roof, The Stables, Church Green, Wellington (43/2006/167LB); (m) Erection of two storey extension at Wellington House Nursing Home, Longforth Road, Wellington (43/2006/176; amendment to 43/2006/056); (n) Display of sign and illuminated sign at Lloyds TSB, 27 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/175A); (o) Erection of 8 flats and provision of 10 parking spaces for existing and proposed residents, land to east and north of 57 Priory, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 11th November 2006 and accompanying plans DWG 0602.3.02/A, 03/0A, 04/A, 06/A and 07/A and as amended by agents letter dated 17th November 2006 and accompanying plan DWG 0602.3.05/A); (p) Application to pollard one eucalyptus tree within Wellington conservation area at 35 High Street, Wellington 43/2007/011T)
The clerk reported that Somerset County Council had approved the following plan: (a) Application for an additional 300kw generator module to the existing operational developments permitted under 4/46/99/010 and 4/46/04/021 at Poole Landfill Site, Poole (46/2007/001).
14232 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST MARCH 2007
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 31st March 2007 was £92,468 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £91,751 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.
14233 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor Palmer, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Mr A. Brown £210.53 petty cash; Mrs J. Thorne £74.22; Inland Revenue £649.18; Haslam’s Precision Engineering £58.75 for a new locking system on council noticeboard; Tone Leisure £2,000 for organising local youth activities (cheque for this amount already received by town council from County Youth Opportunity Fund); Wellington St John Ambulance £1,400 grant; Wireless CCTV £6.27 for telephone calls re CCTV camera; Konica Minolta £73.78 for photocopier servicing charges; Taunton Deane Borough Council £250 for museum lease for quarter 1/4/07 to 30/6//07; Taunton DBC £407.99 for supply and erection of metal seat for Longforth Road coach park bus shelter; Judith Goss Florists £30 for flowers for local war graves for January and February 2007; Wellington in Bloom Committee £1,250 grant; Friends of Wellington Park £1,650 grant; Somerset Association of Local Councils £1,084.22 annual affiliation fee; Community Council for Somerset £25 annual subscription; Stonehenge Masonry £406 for 50% of cost of new Popham shield.
14234 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: Taunton DBC’s What’s On for April 2007; Thatch magazine, Spring 2007; Lillebonne Town Council’s municipal magazine for March and April.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.05PM
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Bowrah, A. Govier, R. Henley, G. James, S. Palmer, and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors C. Biscoe and C. Hindley. There were 22 members of the public present.
14192 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that he had attended the Tonedale Local Action Team litter picking exercise a couple of Saturdays previously. It had been great to see so many people turn up and the co-operation between LAT, the town council and the police. In all about 30 people had attended and a lot of rubbish had been picked up in the Tonedale area. He had also attended the St John Ambulance HQ in Victoria Street to see the new automatic external defibrillator which had been purchased with the aid of a grant made by the town council in March. He had also attended one of the early meetings of the area working panels of the county council designed to strengthen links with town/parish councils and the county and also a Market and Coastal Town Association meeting. He had attended the annual Wellington Spring Flower Show the previous Saturday and the opening of Wellington Museum for the new season that day (2nd April).
14193 RETIRING COUNCILLORS
The chairman reported that four councillors were not standing at the May elections and so were attending their last council meeting. He presented Town Council shields to Councillor Valerie Byrne, who had served on the council for two terms and who had been chairman at one time, Councillor Gary James, who had served for 4 years, and Councillor Steve Palmer who had been very active since his co-option 2 years ago. He thanked all the councillors for their service and all suitably replied. The chairman then presented an inscribed silver salver to Councillor Ernie Warren to mark 36 years of outstanding service on the council. He had been a great servant to the town, had been council chairman and was the first Wellington councillor to have been Mayor of Taunton Deane. He would be greatly missed. Councillor Warren replied that he had enjoyed his council work, it had been a real privilege and he had met so many people. He would miss the council work. He wished the new council all the very best for the future. Tributes to Councillor Warren were also paid by Councillors A. Govier, R. Henley and R. Bowrah.
14194 POLICE MATTERS
In the absence of Sgt Doc Nurse the monthly police report was presented by PC Scott Windsor who reported that there had been 13 criminal damage offences in March with 1 arrest; 10 thefts from insecure sheds and buildings and unlocked bikes; 14 offences of criminal damage to motor vehicles; 11 assaults with 5 arrests; 5 thefts from motor vehicles such as radios and satellite navigation equipment; and 3 burglaries, mainly in residential streets where there was no CCTV cameras. He was thanked for attending.
14195 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: 8 FORE STREET
Mrs Isabel Ward reported that 8 Fore Street, a listed building, had recently been re-painted in purple and orange which she felt was unsuitable. It was agreed to refer the matter to Taunton Deane Borough Council’s conservation officer.
4196 PPT: LAUNCH OF 2007 BLOOM COMPETITION
The chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward invited councillors to the launch of the 2007 annual gardens and allotments competition at the Blackdown Garden Centre on Friday, 27th April at 7pm.
14197 PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
The chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, Mrs Pauline Sturgess reported that the 2007 summer musical programme would be available very shortly and that there would be a big May Day event in the Park on Monday, 7th May. She was pleased to report that Taunton DBC had rescinded its decision to charge the Friends for the use of the Park.
14198 MINUTES OF MARCH COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 5th March 2007, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and signed as correct.
14199 ROCKWELL GREEN-WESTFORD PATH
With reference to minute 14156 consideration was given to a detailed report from Councillor D. Mitton on a suggested new combined footpath/cycle path between Westford and Rockwell Green. It was agreed unanimously to approach the Market and Coastal Towns Association and Wellington Economic Partnership for the scheme to be considered as MCTA project and also to send a copy to Somerset Highways.
14200 1ST WELLINGTON SCOUT GROUP GRANT REQUEST
A letter, grant application form and accounts were received from 1st Wellington Scout Group asking the town council to consider making a grant of £1,000 towards the £8,500 cost of new camping equipment. On the proposition of Councillor Copley, seconded by Councillor James it was agreed unanimously to make a grant of £1,000.
14201 WHERE GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 14158 a letter was received from Westcountry Health Education and Research Enterprise stating that its £20,000 restricted funds were for the provision of specific services and could not be used for other purposes such as funding catering equipment. After some discussion, Councillor G. James proposed, with Councillor C. Critchard seconding, that the council should make a grant of £1,136.21 for catering equipment at the Northfield Centre, Wellington to provide hot meals for residents at the sheltered housing accommodation at Lodge Close. The proposal was carried 3-2 with 3 abstentions. It was agreed to ask WHERE if competitive tenders had been obtained for the equipment. Councillors V. Byrne and A. Govier declared interests as board members of WHERE and left the hall while this item was discussed.
14202 ROSEMARY EATON GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 14159 more personal details were received from Rosemary Eaton and also about the African Conservation Experience organisation. On the proposition of Councillor A. Govier, seconded by Councillor V. Byrne it was agreed to make a grant of £100 towards the £3,582 cost of a nature/wildlife project in South Africa she was undertaking with ACE. There was one abstention.
14203 LISTED BUILDINGS
Councillor P. Critchard suggested that the town council should approach English Heritage about listing Lloyds Bank at 27 Fore Street and The Old Forge in Cornhill as buildings of architectural and historical interest. This was agreed. It was also decided to invite Mr Benjamin Webb, Taunton DBC conservation officer to the next meeting.
COUNCILLOR CRITCHARD LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 7.59PM
14204 WELLESLEY PARK PARKING PROBLEMS
Councillor R. Henley reported that a lot of residents had complained about parking problems at the lower end of Wellesley Park. On his suggestion it was agreed, with one abstention, to ask Taunton DBC to seek the views of residents on the current parking problems and possible solutions.
COUNCILLOR HENLEY LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.05PM
14205 NEW COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
A detailed report was received from the assistant to the clerk, Mrs J. Thorne on a suggested complaints procedure which was based on guidance from the National Association of Local Councils on how to deal with complaints from the public. The report, attached to these minutes, was approved.
14206 PARKING PROBLEMS IN BOVET STREET
Councillor G. Copley reported that there were growing parking problems in Bovet Street where some disabled residents in the sheltered housing accommodation were unable to park outside their homes because their allocated spaces were taken by other motorists. It was agreed to ask Taunton DBC to consider installing lockable bollards to protect the allocated parking spaces and erecting larger notices about the restricted parking in the area.
14207 PARKING PROBLEMS IN CLIFFORD TERRACE
A letter was received from Mr and Mrs E. Dowsey about parking problems in Clifford Terrace, particularly at the northern end where some new houses were being erected on a former office site. They suggested there should be parking restrictions 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday on the west side of Clifford Terrace. It was agreed to defer the request until the May meeting and in the meantime to ask Somerset Highways for their comments on the suggestion.
14208 AIDEN HODGE GRANT REQUEST
A letter was received from 14 year old Aiden Hodge, of 42 Oaken Ground, Rockwell Green, Wellington, a county youth pool player, asking the town council to consider providing financial support for him to attend the 2007 World Pool Championship qualifiers event at Great Yarmouth on 11th May. It was agreed to authorise the chairman and vice chairman to make a decision on possibly making a reasonable award after obtaining more personal information from Aiden Hodge. Councillor Bowrah declared an interest and left the chamber while this item was discussed.
14208 BUSINESS/APPRENTICESHIPS SURVEY
Councillor R. Bowrah suggested that steps should be taken to find out from the Chamber of Trade about how many people in Wellington were on apprenticeships and what opportunities were available for these. After some discussion it was agreed to refer the matte to Wellington Economic Partnership.
COUNCILLORS G. JAMES AND E. WARREN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.25PM
14209 WELCOME TO TONEDALE SIGNS
A letter was received from Mr David Allen, the treasurer of the newly formed Tonedale Local Action Team seeking the town council’s approval of the proposed erection of two “Welcome to Tonedale” signs on the B3187 near the entrance to Swallowfield and near the bus shelter at Tone Industrial Estate. Permission would need to be obtained from landowners and Somerset Highways. Beneath the signs would be shrubs or flower beds which would be maintained by volunteers. Under the main sign there would be provision for a supplementary board to advertise events, such as those used at Bishops Hull to promote their car boot sales. In was agreed to support the proposals in principle but some councillors expressed concern that the second board to advertise forthcoming events might be distracting to motorists. Councillor S. Palmer declared an interest as a member of Tonedale LAT and left the hall while this item was discussed.
14210 MARKET & COASTAL TOWNS INITIATIVE
With reference to minute 14179 a report was received from the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne on a meeting held on 29th March 2007 to discuss community projects to be put forward for consideration by the Market and Coastal Towns Association. It was decided to approve the report and the 12 projects put forward which included a youth forum/youth council; improved accessibility to community facilities; better co-ordination of local services; support for the arts; lobbying for a Northern Relief Road; more plastic and cardboard re-cycling; better networking between service providers and communities; skills training; more accessible green spaces; improving pedestrian access between Westford and Rockwell Green; developing the small field next to Wellington Sports Centre into a play area for older children; and providing a one-stop community shop for local residents. It was also agreed that Councillors D. Mitton, R. Bowrah and V. Stock-Williams should form the MCTI steering group.
14211 COUNTY STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
With reference to minute 13756 a letter was received from Somerset County Council stating that the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) had been adopted and published. The SCI sets out the minimum level of consultation the county council must carry out on planning policy documents and on planning applications. It was agreed to note the letter.
14212 TONEDALE MILL REDEVELOPMENT
The clerk reported that a meeting had been arranged with the new owners of Tonedale Mill to discuss their redevelopment plans. The meeting would be held in the town council chamber on Monday, 16th April 2007 at 6pm. The report was noted and it was agreed to raise the issue of the future of the Basins at the meeting.
14213 POSSIBLE PURCHASE OF SECOND CCTV CAMERA
With reference to minute 14162 the clerk reported that the cost of purchasing a second relocatable CCTV camera would be £8,390. The report was noted.
14214 TONE PLAY AREA GRASS CUTTING QUOTE
With reference to minute 13752 it was agreed to accept a quote from Deane DLO of £41.12 per cut for cutting the grass at the Tone play area during 2007.
14215 PUBLIC FOOTPATH MAINTENANCE QUOTE
With reference to minute 13753 it was agreed to accept a quote from Deane DLO of £1,805.17 for cutting Crosslands (including behind Relyon), Church Lane and Victoria Street footpaths for 2007.
14216 WATERPATH DOG WASTE BIN REQUEST
With reference to minute 14176 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the request for the provision of a dog waste bin at Waterpath, Westford would be considered. The letter was noted.
14217 WEAVERS REACH DOG WASTE BIN
With reference to minute 14161 the clerk reported that a site for the dog waste bin to be provided by the town council at Weavers Reach had been agreed with Taunton DBC and that it should be installed shortly. The report was noted.
14218 NOTICE BOARD FOR BURROUGH WAY ESTATE
With reference to minute 14160 the clerk reported that a site meeting had been held with residents, that a site near the entrance to the Burrough Way estate had been agreed and that Councillors P. Critchard and V. Stock-Williams had accepted a quote of £391 from Deane DLO to supply and erect a wooden notice board. It was agreed to confirm the councillors’ action. It was stated that a quote for a metal notice board was £200 more.
14219 SOMERSET UNITARY AUTHORITY PLAN
With reference to minute a letter was received from Somerset County Council inviting councillors to meetings to discuss the county’s unitary proposals, including one at Wiveliscombe’s Kingsmead School on 21st May at 6.30pm. It was agreed to consider the letter again at the May meeting following the council elections.
14220 HIGHER CAR PARKING CHARGES
With reference to minute 14129 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the higher car parking charges in Wellington and Taunton came into force on 2nd April 2007. The letter was noted. The chairman reported that he had received a reply from Councillor J. Williams, the leader of Taunton DBC, in response to Councillor Mitton’s objections to the increases. The report was noted.
14221 ROPE WALK GATEWAY PROPOSAL
With reference to minute 14121 the clerk reported that a site meeting had been held with Taunton DBC, Somerset Highways and residents, that most residents were in favour of making an official path on to Farthings Pitts Road but planning conditions did not include such provision. Taunton DBC had now blocked the route for legal reasons. A resident had offered £500 towards the cost of construction a path with a pedestrian barrier where it would join the road. Standing orders were suspended to allow Mr P. Donnelly, of 3 Farthings Pitts, Mrs F. Hamacher, of 2 Farthings Pitts and Mr J. Hill, of 22 Rope Walk to speak. All stated they were in favour of creating an official footpath. It was agreed to ask County Highways for approval for such a link.
14222 TONE MULTI USE GAMES AREA
With reference to minute 13633 the clerk reported that work on the multi use games area (MUGA) at the council’s Tone play area would start on Monday, 23rd April. It was expected the work would take 3 weeks to complete. The report was noted.
14223 BASINS ALLOTMENTS
With reference to minute 14122 the clerk reported that 12 new allotments had been created at the council’s Basins allotments following the clearance work which had been carried out near the entrance. All 12 had been let and there were still 6 people on the waiting list. The report was noted.
14224 MANTLE STREET RE-SURFACING
With reference to minute 14006 Councillor R. Bowrah reported that the state of Mantle Street road surface was deteriorating daily. It had been reported in November 2006 that County Highways hoped to re-surface the road during the current financial year. He pressed County Councillors A. Govier and R. Henley to ensure that the scheme was included in the budget for this year.
14225 TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF NYNEHEAD ROAD
A letter was received from Somerset Highways about the temporary closure of the Nynehead Road for 5 days from 2nd April while the railway bridge over the road was repaired. The letter was noted.
14226 REVIEW OF TENDERED BUS SERVICES
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about the review of tendered bus services in Taunton Deane and asking for the town council’s comments and suggestions. It was agreed to note the letter.
14227 COMMUNITY WOODLANDS
A letter was received from Somerset Wildlife Trust about suggested community woodlands. It was agreed to reply that the town council was interested in the project.
14228 TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EAST NYNEHEAD ROAD
A letter was received from Somerset Highways about the temporary closure of the East Nynehead Road for one ay on 16th April 2007 to allow a permanent reinstatement to be carried out in the road. The letter was noted.
14229 NEW WELLINGTON MEDICAL CENTRE PROPOSALS
With reference to minute 14147 a letter was received from Wellington Medical Centre thanking the council for the opportunity to make their presentation about the proposed new medical centre off Mantle Street. The letter was noted.
14230 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 14178 it was agreed that the Market and Coastal Towns Association report (see minute 14210) and the item about apprentices (see minute 14208) should be put on the agenda for the next meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership to be held on Monday, 23rd April 2007.
14231 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of dwelling to side of 8 Burgage, Wellington (43/2006/159); (b) Erection of replacement porch to west elevation at 19 Lyddon Close, Wellington (43/2007/027: delegated decision); (c) Display of internally illuminated fascia and projecting sign, Halifax, 11 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2007/014LB and 43/2007/015A); (d) Erection of extension at Willow Bank, Payton, Wellington (43/2007/016: delegated decision); (e) Erection of single storey conservatory to the rear of 13 Beech Hill, Wellington (43/2007/025); (f) Removal of cast iron water tank supports, skylight from roof of single storey extension and replacement of roof and installation of lead box gutter at The Manse, Westford, Wellington (433/2007/023LB); (g) Erection of garage with layby to rear of 28 Church Fields, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 20th December 2006 with accompanying plan (43/2006/154: delegated decision); (h) Conversion of garage to additional living accommodation, 91 Dobree Park, Wellington (43/2006/173: delegated decision); (i) Erection of double garage on land adjoining 2 Oakleigh, Pyles Thorne, Wellington (43/2006/108: (j) Erection of dwelling on land adjoining Oakhill, Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington (43/2007/007: amended scheme to 43/2005/143); (k) Retention of external works including replacement doors and windows and repainting, 3 Laburnum Cottages, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/105LB); (l) Installation of solar panels on roof, The Stables, Church Green, Wellington (43/2006/167LB); (m) Erection of two storey extension at Wellington House Nursing Home, Longforth Road, Wellington (43/2006/176; amendment to 43/2006/056); (n) Display of sign and illuminated sign at Lloyds TSB, 27 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/175A); (o) Erection of 8 flats and provision of 10 parking spaces for existing and proposed residents, land to east and north of 57 Priory, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 11th November 2006 and accompanying plans DWG 0602.3.02/A, 03/0A, 04/A, 06/A and 07/A and as amended by agents letter dated 17th November 2006 and accompanying plan DWG 0602.3.05/A); (p) Application to pollard one eucalyptus tree within Wellington conservation area at 35 High Street, Wellington 43/2007/011T)
The clerk reported that Somerset County Council had approved the following plan: (a) Application for an additional 300kw generator module to the existing operational developments permitted under 4/46/99/010 and 4/46/04/021 at Poole Landfill Site, Poole (46/2007/001).
14232 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST MARCH 2007
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 31st March 2007 was £92,468 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £91,751 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.
14233 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor Palmer, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Mr A. Brown £210.53 petty cash; Mrs J. Thorne £74.22; Inland Revenue £649.18; Haslam’s Precision Engineering £58.75 for a new locking system on council noticeboard; Tone Leisure £2,000 for organising local youth activities (cheque for this amount already received by town council from County Youth Opportunity Fund); Wellington St John Ambulance £1,400 grant; Wireless CCTV £6.27 for telephone calls re CCTV camera; Konica Minolta £73.78 for photocopier servicing charges; Taunton Deane Borough Council £250 for museum lease for quarter 1/4/07 to 30/6//07; Taunton DBC £407.99 for supply and erection of metal seat for Longforth Road coach park bus shelter; Judith Goss Florists £30 for flowers for local war graves for January and February 2007; Wellington in Bloom Committee £1,250 grant; Friends of Wellington Park £1,650 grant; Somerset Association of Local Councils £1,084.22 annual affiliation fee; Community Council for Somerset £25 annual subscription; Stonehenge Masonry £406 for 50% of cost of new Popham shield.
14234 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: Taunton DBC’s What’s On for April 2007; Thatch magazine, Spring 2007; Lillebonne Town Council’s municipal magazine for March and April.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.05PM
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 11:43 am
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