Wellington Town Council meeting May 2007
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 14th May 2007 at 9.22pm (start of meeting was delayed due to preceding planning meeting over-running)
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs G. Copley, J. Govier, J. Lloyd, J. Reed, V. Stock-Williams, S. Walters and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Bowrah, J. Clark, G. Goodwin, A. Govier, R. Henley and C. Hindley and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were 10 members of the public present.
14257 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 2nd April 2007, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read and signed as correct.
14258 WELLINGTON RUGBY CLUB GRANT REQUEST
A letter, grant application form and the club’s financial details were received from Wellington Rugby Club asking the town council to consider making a grant of £7,500 towards the estimated £200,000 cost of new grandstand, additional accommodation and upgrading existing facilities. A proposal by Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor Hindley, that the council should make a grant of £7,500 phased over a two year period, was carried 9-0 with 1 abstention after amendments (i) that the council should indicate its financial support but decide actual amount at a later date and (ii) that the grant should be £5,000 were defeated 9-4 and 11-2 respectively. It was agreed that half of the grant should be paid when worked started on the project, which was estimated to be the spring/summer of 2008 and that the balance should be paid when the work had been completed which was estimated to be 2009/2010.
14259 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse reported that during April and the early part of May crime had been higher than average, with 5 reports of damaged windows; 12 thefts including farm machinery and plant equipment, horse box and mobile phones; a large increase in criminal damage to vehicles, mainly scratched paintwork and broken wing mirrors; 16 assaults, which was a high figure (9 were domestic); 20 thefts from vehicles (again a very high figure) with tools being stolen from vehicles in the town centre and the town area. It was a district wide problem with criminals crossing the border to steal tools from white vans. Police forces were working together to try to catch the offenders. Last year 100 vehicles had been broken into in the Wellington and Wiveliscombe central areas and 30 per cent of the vehicles were insecure and some vehicles had items on value on view. The police advice was always to lock vehicles and never leave valuable items on view. Another community police officer for the Priory area would be starting on 4th June 2007.
14260 POSSIBLE PURCHASE OF SECOND CCTV CAMERA
With reference to minute 14213 a letter was received from the police asking the town council to consider purchasing a second relocatable CCTV camera. Sgt Nurse stated that the cameras were another set of eyes in the fight against crime, made people feel safer and helped to deter offenders. It was reported there were problems at Buckwell, the old Kwiksave car park off High Street and Longforth Road car park. On the proposition of Councillor Hindley, seconded by Councillor A. Govier, it was agreed to buy a second CCTV camera and locate it in a suitable place.
14261 PROBLEMS WITH TOWN CENTRE TRAFFIC LIGHTS
A letter was received from Mr S. Palmer about the failure of the town centre traffic lights from 4am to 9.25am on 10th May 2007, stating that it had been hazardous for pedestrians to cross the staggered 4-way junction and asked who was responsible for public safety during such occurrences. Sgt Nurse stated it was not a police matter but was the responsibility of Somerset Highways. The police knew of the failure at 4am and had been told that Highways would be coming out quickly to sort it out. The public were responsible for their own safety and he suggested that instead of crossing near the junction they should have moved 30/40 yards away to cross the road.
14262 PARKING PROBLEMS IN CLIFFORD TERRACE
With reference to minute 14207 a letter was received from Mrs E. Dowsey enclosing the responses from residents of Clifford Terrace to the suggested introduction of waiting restrictions, most of whom wanted to see the introduction of parking permits. There were also proposals for double yellow lines at both end s of the terrace to allow for safe turning, the removal of the additional wide pavement near Scotts Lane and the possible removal of the pavement on the Clifford Mews side of the road. It was agreed to seek the views of Taunton Deane Borough Council and Somerset Highways.
14263 PLANNING MEETINGS AND STANDING ORDERS
A detailed report, attached to these minutes, by the chairman, Councillor Mitton about voting at planning meetings, planning training for town councillors and the position of the chairman and vice chairman on council committees, was approved on the proposition of Councillor Stock-Williams, seconded by Councillor Bowrah.
14264 PURCHASE OF A NEW PHOTOCOPIER MACHINE
A detailed report was received from the assistant to the clerk, Mrs J. Thorne stating that the present photocopier, purchased 5 years ago, was coming to the end of its useful life and recommending the council to acquire a new colour multifunctional device (copier, printer, scanner) on a five year lease rental option at a rent of £231.69 per quarter, which included toner, servicing, maintenance and parts. The digital machine would be directly networked to the council’s computers with multiple access to process more than one job at a time to save time and increase productivity. It was agreed to accept the recommendation.
14265 COUNCIL ACCOUNTS FOR 2006-2007
Members received copies of the reports of the clerk and the internal auditor, Mr A. Bullen on the town council’s accounts for 2006-07 which showed that the council had made a surplus of £13,828 and now had total funds of £160,138, which included an earmarket reserve of £42,000 It was unanimously agreed to approve the reports and to answer “yes” to the 8 questions in the annual governance statement.
14266 COUNTY COUNCIL’S UNITARY PROPOSALS
With reference to minute 14219 a letter was received from Somerset County Council inviting councillors to a meeting at Kingsmead School, Wiveliscombe on 21st May 2007 at 6.30pm to discuss the county’s unitary proposals. There was also a letter from the chief executive Mr A. Jones outlining the benefits the county felt that a unitary authority would bring plus a paper dealing with “myths” and “facts” about the unitary proposals.
14267 WELLESLEY PARK PARKING PROBLEMS
With reference to minute 14204 an email was received from Councillor C. Bishop, of Taunton DBC stating that action would be taken to seek the views of residents on current parking problems and possible solutions. The letter was noted.
14268 MANTLE STREET RESURFACING
With reference to minute 14224 a letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that Mantle Street was proposed to be re-surfaced in 2007-08. The letter was noted.
14269 LITTER PROBLEMS IN WELLINGTON
With reference to minute 14175 a letter was received from Councillor Mrs D. Bradley stating that the suggestion of parking attendants doubling up as litter wardens had been considered by Taunton DBC but had been rejected. The letter was noted.
14270 1ST WELLINGTON SCOUT GROUP GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 14200 a letter of thanks was received from group scout leader Mr S. Altria for the council grant of £1,000 for new camping equipment. The letter was noted.
14271 PAINTING OF 8 FORE STREET
With reference to minute 14195 it was reported that Taunton DBC were seeking to get the shopfront redecorated in a more appropriate colour. The report was noted.
14272 USE OF TAUNTON DBC’S RELOCATABLE CCTV CAMERA
With reference to minute 14162 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that its relocatable CCTV camera was currently deployed in Halcon, Taunton in response to some persistent anti-social behaviour and would remain in that location for the foreseeable future. Should circumstances in Wellington change then not only would the town’s position re the relocable camera provision change but Taunton DBC would have an interest in helping Wellington to address the problem. The letter was noted.
14273 WELLINGTON POSTCARD CO-OPERATIVE
With reference to minute 13893 a letter of thanks for the council’s support to the postcard co-operative was received from Mr C. Spackman, co-operative co-ordinator. The letter was noted.
14274 COMMUNITY COUNCIL FOR SOMERSET
With reference to minute 14233 a letter of thanks was received from the Community Council for Somerset for the council’s £25 subscription. The letter was noted.
14275 ROPE WALK GATEWAY PROPOSAL
With reference to minute 14221 letters were received from Somerset Highways, Taunton DBC and Mr P. Wright, of The Ramblers’ Association about the Rope Walk gateway proposal to Farthings Pitts Road. It was agreed that a working party of Councillors A. Govier, Critchard, Stock-Williams and Walters should have a site meeting with Taunton DBC and Somerset Highways to discuss the construction of a suitable and safe path.
14276 PHONE MAST AT BLACKDOWN TRADING ESTATE
With reference to minutes 14075 and 14104 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that an appeal had been lodged by Hutchinson 3G UK Ltd against the decision to refuse permission for the mast. The letter was noted.
14277 ERECTION OF GARAGE/WORKSHOP AT COURT FIELDS SCHOOL
With reference to minute 14152 it was reported that the planning application to erect a garage, workshop and 9 additional parking spaces at Court Fields Community School, Wellington had been withdrawn. The report was noted.
14278 AIDEN HODGE GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 14208 it was reported that the chairman and vice chairman had agreed to make a grant of £50 to 14 year old Aiden Hodge to take part in the 2007 World Pool Championships at Great Yarmouth after considering the grant application form and visiting the family. The report was noted.
14279 PROPOSED SOMERFIELD REDEVELOPMENT
With reference to minute 14031 a letter was received from Taunton DBC planning manager Mr J. Hamer giving an update on the present position over the Somerfield supermarket redevelopment. The letter was ntoed.
14280 POPHAM ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
With reference to minute 14127 it was reported that the new stone commemorative shield funded by the town council had been erected at the site Popham almhouses site in Victoria Street and that an invitation had been received for councillors to attend the thanksgiving service at St John’s Parish Church on Sunday, 10th June 2007 at 9.45am. Councillors were asked to inform the clerk if they would be attending so that seats could be reserved.
14281 DOG WASTE BINS
With reference to minute 14217 the clerk reported that irresponsible dog owners in the Hoyles Road, Barn Meads Road and Oakfield Park areas had been dumping bags of dog waste in a gulley/drain on a public footpath near Hoyles Road/relief road. Somerset Highways had been asked to remove the bags which had filled much of the drain. He asked for the public help in reporting this anti-social behaviour.
14282 FOUNDATION TRUST PROPOSAL
A letter was received from Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust about becoming a NHS Foundation Trust by January 2008 and stating that there was a public consultation meeting about the proposals at Wellington Community Centre on 16th May 2007 between 4pm and 5.30pm. It was agreed that councillors should attend that meeting if possible and to consider the topic at the June meeting to formulate the council’s views on the proposals. The consultation period expires on 15th July 2007.
14284 TPO ON TREE AT FOXDOWN HILL
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that a tree preservation order had been placed on a Wellingtonia tree on land to the north east of Twiga, Foxdown Hill, Wellington. The letter was noted.
14285 ROAD SURFACE DRESSING IN WELLINGTON
A letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that surface dressing was planned to be carried out in late July on Exeter Road, Rockwell Green and on the A38 Wellington Relief Road. The letter was noted.
14286 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 14230 it was reported that the Wellington Economic Partnership meeting due to have been held on 23rd April 2007 had been cancelled. and that the next WEP meeting would be held on Monday, 11th June at 6pm.
14287 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of single storey extension to rear, first floor extension, construction of two dormer windows and erection of pitched roof to garage at 32 Wellesley Park, Wellington (43/2007/043); (b) Erection of conservatory to rear of 6 Rope Walk, Wellington (43/2007/049); (c) Erection of single storey extension to rear of 2 Orchard Close, Lower Westford, Wellington(43/2007/038); (D) Erection of extension, alterations and new stand at Wellington Rugby Football Club, The Athletic Ground, Corams Lane, Wellington (43/2007/036); (e) Application to carry out tree works on three beech trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No.9) Tree Preservation Order 1997 at 14 Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington (43/2007/TD380); (g) Erection of single storey lean-to at rear of 25 Oakfield Park, Wellngton (43/2007/040); (h) Erection of first floor extension to rear of 2 Five Houses, Tonedale, Wellington (43/2007./035LB); (h) Erection of dwelling on land adjoining 40 Church Fields, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 26th March 2007 and accompanying plan (43/2007/021); (i) Internal alterations including redecoration and replacement floorboards to bedroom, 3 Laburnum Cottages, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2007/030LB0 (j) Retention of pole used for radio communication, Monument Mini Cabs, 35a Fore Street, Wellington (43/2007/031LB); (k) Erection of two dwellings and garages with access from Blackberry Court, Swains Cottage, Swains Lane, Wellington (43/2007/040); (l) Application to carry out three work to 2 poplar trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington no. 1) Tree Preservation Order 1993 at Wellington School Playing Fields, adjacent to Swains Lane, Wellington (43/2007/028T); (m) Erection of gates of 38 Warren Street, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/020); (n) Demolition of existing asbestos garage and erection of new single storey garage with attached wood store at Linden Cottage, Linden Hill, Wellington (43/2007/032); (o) Conversion of first and second floor accommodation to 4 one bedroom self contained flats, alteration to ground floor to allow bin storage and new staircase, 3 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/160). The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plans (a) Erection of two storey dwelling at 1 Wayside Cottages, Pyles Thorne, Wellington as amended by agents letter received 22nd December 2006 with attached drawing No. 1429A (43/2006/156); (b) Erection of dwelling on land to rear of 36 Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/018).
14288 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 30TH APRIL 2007
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2007 to 30th April 2007 was £37,874 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £9,545 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008). The report was noted.
14289 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques EDF Energy £11.06 for electricity for Rackfield street light; Somerset Association of Local Councils £55 resubmission CILCA examination fee; Mr N. Hodge £50 grant for Aiden Hodge; Mr A. Brown £300; Mrs J. Thorne £296.89; Inland Revenue £786.29; BT £377.97 for telephone, fax, internet calls and servicing charges; Stonehenge Masonry £594 balance for erection of Popham plaque; Judith Goss Florists £30 for flowers for local war graves; Hinewood Cleaning Services £124 for cleaning town centre bus shelters and office/chamber windows for March and April 2007; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £428 for subsidised hospital patient transport for March and April; Mr A.J. Bullen £423.33 for internal audit of2006-07 accounts; EDF Energy £140.04 for electricity for office; Filcris Ltd £22.33 for 80 magnetic strips; Somerset County Council £112.80 annual subscription to South West Provincial Employers Organisation; Customs Plastics £73.80 for engraved name tags, name plates and badges for new councillors.
14290 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 May 2007; Avon & Somerset Police Authority’s Policing Plan 2007/08; Spring 2007 edition of The Playing Field by Somerset Playing Fields Association; 10th birthday edition newsletter of Somerset Rural Youth Project; May magazines of Councils & Clerks Direct and The Clerk from Society of Local Council Clerks; May and June edition of Lillebonne Town Council’s municipal magazine; European Union March newsletter on regional policy matters.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 10.33PM
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs G. Copley, J. Govier, J. Lloyd, J. Reed, V. Stock-Williams, S. Walters and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Bowrah, J. Clark, G. Goodwin, A. Govier, R. Henley and C. Hindley and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were 10 members of the public present.
14257 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 2nd April 2007, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read and signed as correct.
14258 WELLINGTON RUGBY CLUB GRANT REQUEST
A letter, grant application form and the club’s financial details were received from Wellington Rugby Club asking the town council to consider making a grant of £7,500 towards the estimated £200,000 cost of new grandstand, additional accommodation and upgrading existing facilities. A proposal by Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor Hindley, that the council should make a grant of £7,500 phased over a two year period, was carried 9-0 with 1 abstention after amendments (i) that the council should indicate its financial support but decide actual amount at a later date and (ii) that the grant should be £5,000 were defeated 9-4 and 11-2 respectively. It was agreed that half of the grant should be paid when worked started on the project, which was estimated to be the spring/summer of 2008 and that the balance should be paid when the work had been completed which was estimated to be 2009/2010.
14259 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse reported that during April and the early part of May crime had been higher than average, with 5 reports of damaged windows; 12 thefts including farm machinery and plant equipment, horse box and mobile phones; a large increase in criminal damage to vehicles, mainly scratched paintwork and broken wing mirrors; 16 assaults, which was a high figure (9 were domestic); 20 thefts from vehicles (again a very high figure) with tools being stolen from vehicles in the town centre and the town area. It was a district wide problem with criminals crossing the border to steal tools from white vans. Police forces were working together to try to catch the offenders. Last year 100 vehicles had been broken into in the Wellington and Wiveliscombe central areas and 30 per cent of the vehicles were insecure and some vehicles had items on value on view. The police advice was always to lock vehicles and never leave valuable items on view. Another community police officer for the Priory area would be starting on 4th June 2007.
14260 POSSIBLE PURCHASE OF SECOND CCTV CAMERA
With reference to minute 14213 a letter was received from the police asking the town council to consider purchasing a second relocatable CCTV camera. Sgt Nurse stated that the cameras were another set of eyes in the fight against crime, made people feel safer and helped to deter offenders. It was reported there were problems at Buckwell, the old Kwiksave car park off High Street and Longforth Road car park. On the proposition of Councillor Hindley, seconded by Councillor A. Govier, it was agreed to buy a second CCTV camera and locate it in a suitable place.
14261 PROBLEMS WITH TOWN CENTRE TRAFFIC LIGHTS
A letter was received from Mr S. Palmer about the failure of the town centre traffic lights from 4am to 9.25am on 10th May 2007, stating that it had been hazardous for pedestrians to cross the staggered 4-way junction and asked who was responsible for public safety during such occurrences. Sgt Nurse stated it was not a police matter but was the responsibility of Somerset Highways. The police knew of the failure at 4am and had been told that Highways would be coming out quickly to sort it out. The public were responsible for their own safety and he suggested that instead of crossing near the junction they should have moved 30/40 yards away to cross the road.
14262 PARKING PROBLEMS IN CLIFFORD TERRACE
With reference to minute 14207 a letter was received from Mrs E. Dowsey enclosing the responses from residents of Clifford Terrace to the suggested introduction of waiting restrictions, most of whom wanted to see the introduction of parking permits. There were also proposals for double yellow lines at both end s of the terrace to allow for safe turning, the removal of the additional wide pavement near Scotts Lane and the possible removal of the pavement on the Clifford Mews side of the road. It was agreed to seek the views of Taunton Deane Borough Council and Somerset Highways.
14263 PLANNING MEETINGS AND STANDING ORDERS
A detailed report, attached to these minutes, by the chairman, Councillor Mitton about voting at planning meetings, planning training for town councillors and the position of the chairman and vice chairman on council committees, was approved on the proposition of Councillor Stock-Williams, seconded by Councillor Bowrah.
14264 PURCHASE OF A NEW PHOTOCOPIER MACHINE
A detailed report was received from the assistant to the clerk, Mrs J. Thorne stating that the present photocopier, purchased 5 years ago, was coming to the end of its useful life and recommending the council to acquire a new colour multifunctional device (copier, printer, scanner) on a five year lease rental option at a rent of £231.69 per quarter, which included toner, servicing, maintenance and parts. The digital machine would be directly networked to the council’s computers with multiple access to process more than one job at a time to save time and increase productivity. It was agreed to accept the recommendation.
14265 COUNCIL ACCOUNTS FOR 2006-2007
Members received copies of the reports of the clerk and the internal auditor, Mr A. Bullen on the town council’s accounts for 2006-07 which showed that the council had made a surplus of £13,828 and now had total funds of £160,138, which included an earmarket reserve of £42,000 It was unanimously agreed to approve the reports and to answer “yes” to the 8 questions in the annual governance statement.
14266 COUNTY COUNCIL’S UNITARY PROPOSALS
With reference to minute 14219 a letter was received from Somerset County Council inviting councillors to a meeting at Kingsmead School, Wiveliscombe on 21st May 2007 at 6.30pm to discuss the county’s unitary proposals. There was also a letter from the chief executive Mr A. Jones outlining the benefits the county felt that a unitary authority would bring plus a paper dealing with “myths” and “facts” about the unitary proposals.
14267 WELLESLEY PARK PARKING PROBLEMS
With reference to minute 14204 an email was received from Councillor C. Bishop, of Taunton DBC stating that action would be taken to seek the views of residents on current parking problems and possible solutions. The letter was noted.
14268 MANTLE STREET RESURFACING
With reference to minute 14224 a letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that Mantle Street was proposed to be re-surfaced in 2007-08. The letter was noted.
14269 LITTER PROBLEMS IN WELLINGTON
With reference to minute 14175 a letter was received from Councillor Mrs D. Bradley stating that the suggestion of parking attendants doubling up as litter wardens had been considered by Taunton DBC but had been rejected. The letter was noted.
14270 1ST WELLINGTON SCOUT GROUP GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 14200 a letter of thanks was received from group scout leader Mr S. Altria for the council grant of £1,000 for new camping equipment. The letter was noted.
14271 PAINTING OF 8 FORE STREET
With reference to minute 14195 it was reported that Taunton DBC were seeking to get the shopfront redecorated in a more appropriate colour. The report was noted.
14272 USE OF TAUNTON DBC’S RELOCATABLE CCTV CAMERA
With reference to minute 14162 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that its relocatable CCTV camera was currently deployed in Halcon, Taunton in response to some persistent anti-social behaviour and would remain in that location for the foreseeable future. Should circumstances in Wellington change then not only would the town’s position re the relocable camera provision change but Taunton DBC would have an interest in helping Wellington to address the problem. The letter was noted.
14273 WELLINGTON POSTCARD CO-OPERATIVE
With reference to minute 13893 a letter of thanks for the council’s support to the postcard co-operative was received from Mr C. Spackman, co-operative co-ordinator. The letter was noted.
14274 COMMUNITY COUNCIL FOR SOMERSET
With reference to minute 14233 a letter of thanks was received from the Community Council for Somerset for the council’s £25 subscription. The letter was noted.
14275 ROPE WALK GATEWAY PROPOSAL
With reference to minute 14221 letters were received from Somerset Highways, Taunton DBC and Mr P. Wright, of The Ramblers’ Association about the Rope Walk gateway proposal to Farthings Pitts Road. It was agreed that a working party of Councillors A. Govier, Critchard, Stock-Williams and Walters should have a site meeting with Taunton DBC and Somerset Highways to discuss the construction of a suitable and safe path.
14276 PHONE MAST AT BLACKDOWN TRADING ESTATE
With reference to minutes 14075 and 14104 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that an appeal had been lodged by Hutchinson 3G UK Ltd against the decision to refuse permission for the mast. The letter was noted.
14277 ERECTION OF GARAGE/WORKSHOP AT COURT FIELDS SCHOOL
With reference to minute 14152 it was reported that the planning application to erect a garage, workshop and 9 additional parking spaces at Court Fields Community School, Wellington had been withdrawn. The report was noted.
14278 AIDEN HODGE GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 14208 it was reported that the chairman and vice chairman had agreed to make a grant of £50 to 14 year old Aiden Hodge to take part in the 2007 World Pool Championships at Great Yarmouth after considering the grant application form and visiting the family. The report was noted.
14279 PROPOSED SOMERFIELD REDEVELOPMENT
With reference to minute 14031 a letter was received from Taunton DBC planning manager Mr J. Hamer giving an update on the present position over the Somerfield supermarket redevelopment. The letter was ntoed.
14280 POPHAM ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
With reference to minute 14127 it was reported that the new stone commemorative shield funded by the town council had been erected at the site Popham almhouses site in Victoria Street and that an invitation had been received for councillors to attend the thanksgiving service at St John’s Parish Church on Sunday, 10th June 2007 at 9.45am. Councillors were asked to inform the clerk if they would be attending so that seats could be reserved.
14281 DOG WASTE BINS
With reference to minute 14217 the clerk reported that irresponsible dog owners in the Hoyles Road, Barn Meads Road and Oakfield Park areas had been dumping bags of dog waste in a gulley/drain on a public footpath near Hoyles Road/relief road. Somerset Highways had been asked to remove the bags which had filled much of the drain. He asked for the public help in reporting this anti-social behaviour.
14282 FOUNDATION TRUST PROPOSAL
A letter was received from Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust about becoming a NHS Foundation Trust by January 2008 and stating that there was a public consultation meeting about the proposals at Wellington Community Centre on 16th May 2007 between 4pm and 5.30pm. It was agreed that councillors should attend that meeting if possible and to consider the topic at the June meeting to formulate the council’s views on the proposals. The consultation period expires on 15th July 2007.
14284 TPO ON TREE AT FOXDOWN HILL
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that a tree preservation order had been placed on a Wellingtonia tree on land to the north east of Twiga, Foxdown Hill, Wellington. The letter was noted.
14285 ROAD SURFACE DRESSING IN WELLINGTON
A letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that surface dressing was planned to be carried out in late July on Exeter Road, Rockwell Green and on the A38 Wellington Relief Road. The letter was noted.
14286 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 14230 it was reported that the Wellington Economic Partnership meeting due to have been held on 23rd April 2007 had been cancelled. and that the next WEP meeting would be held on Monday, 11th June at 6pm.
14287 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of single storey extension to rear, first floor extension, construction of two dormer windows and erection of pitched roof to garage at 32 Wellesley Park, Wellington (43/2007/043); (b) Erection of conservatory to rear of 6 Rope Walk, Wellington (43/2007/049); (c) Erection of single storey extension to rear of 2 Orchard Close, Lower Westford, Wellington(43/2007/038); (D) Erection of extension, alterations and new stand at Wellington Rugby Football Club, The Athletic Ground, Corams Lane, Wellington (43/2007/036); (e) Application to carry out tree works on three beech trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No.9) Tree Preservation Order 1997 at 14 Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington (43/2007/TD380); (g) Erection of single storey lean-to at rear of 25 Oakfield Park, Wellngton (43/2007/040); (h) Erection of first floor extension to rear of 2 Five Houses, Tonedale, Wellington (43/2007./035LB); (h) Erection of dwelling on land adjoining 40 Church Fields, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 26th March 2007 and accompanying plan (43/2007/021); (i) Internal alterations including redecoration and replacement floorboards to bedroom, 3 Laburnum Cottages, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2007/030LB0 (j) Retention of pole used for radio communication, Monument Mini Cabs, 35a Fore Street, Wellington (43/2007/031LB); (k) Erection of two dwellings and garages with access from Blackberry Court, Swains Cottage, Swains Lane, Wellington (43/2007/040); (l) Application to carry out three work to 2 poplar trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington no. 1) Tree Preservation Order 1993 at Wellington School Playing Fields, adjacent to Swains Lane, Wellington (43/2007/028T); (m) Erection of gates of 38 Warren Street, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/020); (n) Demolition of existing asbestos garage and erection of new single storey garage with attached wood store at Linden Cottage, Linden Hill, Wellington (43/2007/032); (o) Conversion of first and second floor accommodation to 4 one bedroom self contained flats, alteration to ground floor to allow bin storage and new staircase, 3 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/160). The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plans (a) Erection of two storey dwelling at 1 Wayside Cottages, Pyles Thorne, Wellington as amended by agents letter received 22nd December 2006 with attached drawing No. 1429A (43/2006/156); (b) Erection of dwelling on land to rear of 36 Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/018).
14288 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 30TH APRIL 2007
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2007 to 30th April 2007 was £37,874 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £9,545 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008). The report was noted.
14289 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques EDF Energy £11.06 for electricity for Rackfield street light; Somerset Association of Local Councils £55 resubmission CILCA examination fee; Mr N. Hodge £50 grant for Aiden Hodge; Mr A. Brown £300; Mrs J. Thorne £296.89; Inland Revenue £786.29; BT £377.97 for telephone, fax, internet calls and servicing charges; Stonehenge Masonry £594 balance for erection of Popham plaque; Judith Goss Florists £30 for flowers for local war graves; Hinewood Cleaning Services £124 for cleaning town centre bus shelters and office/chamber windows for March and April 2007; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £428 for subsidised hospital patient transport for March and April; Mr A.J. Bullen £423.33 for internal audit of2006-07 accounts; EDF Energy £140.04 for electricity for office; Filcris Ltd £22.33 for 80 magnetic strips; Somerset County Council £112.80 annual subscription to South West Provincial Employers Organisation; Customs Plastics £73.80 for engraved name tags, name plates and badges for new councillors.
14290 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 May 2007; Avon & Somerset Police Authority’s Policing Plan 2007/08; Spring 2007 edition of The Playing Field by Somerset Playing Fields Association; 10th birthday edition newsletter of Somerset Rural Youth Project; May magazines of Councils & Clerks Direct and The Clerk from Society of Local Council Clerks; May and June edition of Lillebonne Town Council’s municipal magazine; European Union March newsletter on regional policy matters.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 10.33PM
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 11:15 am
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