Wellington Town Council minutes September 2007
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 3rd September 2007 at 7pm
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman) who presided, Councillors P. Critchard (vice-chairman), J. Clark, R. Bowrah, A. Govier, R. Henley, G. Goodwin, Councillors Mrs S. Walters, J. Reed, J. Govier, N. Wilson, J. Lloyd, and V. Stock-Williams, and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and police inspector R. Tolley and PC Kim Davidson. There were apologies from Councillors C. Hindley and Mrs G. Copley, and the clerk Mr A. Brown who was recovering following an operation. There were 7 members of the public present.
14414 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported he had attended a number of meetings for the Market and Coastal Town’s Initiative, Wellington Economic Partnership, and Wellington Food Town. He had also attended the music events in Wellington Park, and the Wellington Flower Show. He wanted to remind people about Wellington Food Town event taking place on September 8th and 9th and the John Popham play taking place on September 13th and 14th. Wellington Carnival would be taking place on Saturday September 29th.
14415 POLICE MATTERS
Inspector Roger Tolley, of Taunton and Wellington Sector, introduced himself and PC Kim Davidson to members and explained his role in creating safer and stronger neighbourhoods. His responsibility covered Wellington and the surrounding areas. One of the biggest challenges for him lay in managing resources which was a subject which generated much debate. He explained there were 8 police officers stationed at Wellington Police Station including a full time sergeant and 5 police community support officers and there was also 24 hour a day policing provided by officers stationed at Taunton Police Station. A new sergeant for Wellington was to be shortly announced and should be in position by the end of the month. Anybody requiring the police could call the call centre number 0845 456 7000 or in an emergency 999. Inspector Tolley said the town was fortunate in having members of the public who lived in Wellington and helped the police. Councillor Bowrah praised the work of the police and said there was great support from the PCSO’s and he hoped that would continue. Councillors allowed a member of the public Frank Bishop to speak who asked Inspector Tolley about the launch of the pilot scheme of arming policing with Tasers in Avon and Somerset. Inspector Tolley explained the taser would only be used in situations where it was justified and where it was the minimum amount of force needed to achieve safety. Members also allowed Mr Trevor Morgan to speak who asked about police resources and crime figures in Wellington compared to areas in Bristol. Inspector Tolley said there were more officers in stations who were further away from their main station where other officers could be deployed. There were also more officers per crime per month in Wellington. The chairman urged members of the public to report all crimes to the police because of the importance of the crime figures. Inspector Tolley also emphasised the importance of special constables to the community. The chairman also pointed out the need for Local Action Teams in setting up preventative crime measures and expressed his disappointment at the lack of response to this in Wellington as there was only one area in the town which had a LAT up and running. He also looked forward to the implementation of the restorative justice scheme in the town which was soon to be up and running. The chairman thanked Inspector Tolley and PC Davidson for attending the meeting.
14416 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: TRAFFIC IN HOLYOAKE STREET
Mrs Shirley Angus, of Holyoake Street, informed members about an incident in which a lorry travelling down Holyoake Street late in the evening brought down an overhead electric cable and caused damage to one house and four cars. She said many lorries took no notice of the junction signs and she felt they needed to be made much larger. She also reiterated her call for a one-way system in the street. Her comments were supported by another member of the public, Mr Frape, who also felt the traffic flow needed to be addressed. Councillor Bob Bowrah asked for this issue to be placed on the next council agenda so members could consider it fully.
14317 PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
Mrs Pauline Sturgess, chairman of Friends in Wellington Park, informed councillors the season of musical entertainment in the park had finished. Although the events had sometimes been marred by bad weather no event had to be cancelled. The final event had been extremely popular and attracted over 200 people during the bank holiday weekend. Planning for next year’s season was now underway and new talent was being sought to put together a good programme for next year. There were also a couple events organised by the friends which would take place before the new season. The chairman congratulated Mrs Sturgess on her hard work
14418 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 6th August 2007, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read and signed as correct by the chairman Councillor Mitton.
14419 GRANT APPLICATION FOR WELLINGTON CARNIVAL COMMITTEE
Councillors were asked to consider granting £700 to Wellington Carnival Committee towards the cost of staging the carnival at the end of September. The chairman explained the costs were exactly the same as last year and were to help towards the cost of providing signs and barriers for the event. He proposed approval which was seconded by Councillor Bowrah and was agreed unanimously. Councillor Bowrah proposed the grant should be added to the council’s annual item of expenditure in the same was as the grants for Wellington in Bloom and the Friends of Wellington Park were and this was agreed.
14420 CLEANING OF CHAINS OF OFFICE
The council considered the recommendations from the chain of office working party regarding the cleaning and refurbishment of the council chains of office. It was agreed to send the chairman’s chain and pendant to Thomas Fattorini Ltd for an exact quote for cleaning, obtain a quote for name engraving, and to purchase a black velvet collar for the chain and details of a new case to hold the chain with the velvet backing. It was also agreed to obtain quotes for the cleaning of the vice chairman’s pendant and the consort’s chain and pendant and for a suitable attachment which would enable the consort’s pendant to also be worn as a badge so that it would be suitable to be worn by either a man or woman.
14421 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN
The chairman reminded the meeting the food town event would be taking place at the weekend. Volunteers were still needed to help steward the event and briefings for the volunteers were taking place during the week. Preparations were going well and there would be about 60 commercial stalls with about 5 or 6 community stalls, children’s entertainment, street entertainment. It was hoped the event would be successful and would put Wellington on the map as Somerset’s food town.
14422 CODE OF CONDUCT TRAINING SESSION
It was noted that a special Code of Conduct training session for councillors had been organised by Taunton DBC parish liaison officer David Greig and would take place before next month’s planning meeting on Monday 1st October at 5.30 pm in the United Reformed Church hall.
14423 CORNHILL TASK AND FINISH GROUP
It was noted that there would be a meeting of the Cornhill Task and Finish Group in Committee Room 1 at The Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton, on Tuesday September 4 at 6.15pm.
14424 PAVING SLABS REPAIRED IN FORE STREET
It was reported that the paving slabs outside the Scout Hall in Fore Street had been repaired by Somerset Highways after a second spate of vandalism there. The report was noted.
14425 NORTHERN RELIEF ROAD
With reference to minute 14382 the council received a letter from Somerset County Council which stated the Northern Relief road was not on the county’s list of 16 road schemes. Councillors also received a copy of the clerk’s reply stating Taunton DBC’s support for a mixed use scheme at Longforth Farm to include a relief road for Wellington and asking for the county council to similarly support the scheme. It was agreed to write to Taunton DBC to ask what steps could be taken by the town council to enhance the relief road scheme.
14426 CCTV CAMERAS
With reference to minute 14381 the council was circulated with an email from CCTV manager Barry Donbavand stating an order had been placed for 6 new CCTV cameras in Wellington town centre and that they should be in place within a couple of weeks.
14427 ANTI-SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN TOWN CENTRE
With reference to minute 14380 a letter was received from Taunton DBC temporary accommodation officer Mrs L Hedges stating enforcement action had been taken against council tenants in one flat. A meeting was also being organised between councillors, the police and traders about how to tackle future anti-social and shoplifting problems in the town centre.
COUNCILLOR BOWRAH LEFT HERE AT 8.20 PM.
14428 CLOSURE OF COURT FIELDS PUBLIC FOOTPATH
A letter was received from Somerset Highways about the closure of Court Fields public footpath for six months from 3rd September while the school’s new sports centre was built. The letter was noted.
14429 A38 ROAD SAFETY STUDY AND IMPROVEMENTS
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about the A38 road safety study and proposed improvements at Pyles Thorne crossroads and roundabouts at Perry Elm and Chelston. The letter was noted.
14430 FELLING OF TPO TREE AT WELLINGTON SCHOOL
A copy of a letter from Taunton DBC was received about the felling of a TPO tree which was in poor health at Wellington School playing field. The letter was noted.
14431 TAUNTON DBC ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2007/08
A letter was received from Taunton DBC about its annual report which described Taunton DBC’s vision, business principles, and core values and was now available to read on the Taunton DBC website. The letter was noted.
14432 SOMERSET PLAYING FIELDS ASSOCIATION REPORT AND AGM
A letter and report was received from Somerset Playing Fields Association about its annual general meeting taking place on Monday 24th September at 10.30 am at Woolavington Village Hall. The letter was noted.
14433 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS CONFERENCE
A letter was received from the National Association of Local Councils about its conference to be held at the Bournemouth International Centre from 5th to 7th October 2007. The letter was noted.
14434 TAUNTON DEANE STANDARDS COMMITTEE
A letter was received from Taunton Deane Standards Committee stating that the town council’s nomination for a parish representative on the committee had been unsuccessful. The letter was noted.
14435 COMMUNITY COUNCIL FOR SOMERSET AGM
A letter was received from the Community Council for Somerset about its annual general meeting taking place at Edington Village Hall on Tuesday 11th September 2007 at 7.30 pm. The letter was noted.
14436 TAUNTON AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU AGM
A letter was received from Taunton and District Citizens Advice Bureau about its annual general meeting taking place at St John Ambulance HQ in Taunton on Thursday 13th September 2007 at 12 noon. The letter was noted.
14437 TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE AT COMEYTROWE LANE, TAUNTON
A letter was received from Somerset Highways about a temporary road closure at Comeytrowe Lane, Taunton, for two days from 10th September 2007 for resurfacing and associated works. The letter was noted.
14438 SOMERSET ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS GENERAL MEETING
An invitation was received from Somerset Association of Local Councils general meeting to be held at Barrington Village Hall on Saturday 29th September 2007 from 11am to 4 pm. The chairman said he would attend the meeting. There was also information about training events for new councillors and chairmen which was noted.
14439 WITHDRAWN APPLICATION FOR TREE WORK AT OAKFIELD PARK
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the application to carry out management work to one oak tree at 31/33 Oakfield Park (43/2007/110T) had been withdrawn. The letter was noted.
14440 WATERLINKS PROJECT
A letter was received from Waterlinks Somerset about the Waterlinks project and the River Festival on Sunday 23rd September from 10 am to 5 pm at French Weir Park. The letter was noted.
14441 PERMISSION FOR MONOPOLE AT BLACKDOWN TRADING ESTATE
A report was received of an appeal decision from The Planning Inspectorate regarding an application for a 15m high slimline monopole with antennas at Blackdown Trading Estate, Scotts Lane, (43/2007/017TEN) which stated the appeal had been allowed and permission had been granted.
14442 REVIEW OF POLLING DISTRICTS AND POLLING PLACES
A letter was received from Taunton DBC about a review of the polling districts and polling places in the Taunton constituency and asking for the council’s comments. The chairman felt Tonedale House was not a good site for a polling place as people needed to walk up a long drive to get to it. He felt they should look for an alternative polling place on the Tonedale Mill redevelopment site.
14443 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
A report was received from the assistant to the town clerk, Mrs J Thorne, on the Wellington Economic Partnership meeting held on 13th August 2007 which updated members on the developments on the food town event taking place on the 8th and 9th September. There was also an update on the constitutional amendments to the partnership and an update on the appointment of a co-ordinator for food town and the MCTI. The report was noted. No recommendations or suggestions were put forward for inclusion on the agenda for the next meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership to be held on Tuesday October 2 2007 at 6pm.
14444 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The assistant to the clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Retention of alterations to fenestration at Unit B Drakes Place, Wellington, (43/2007/084); (b) Retention of alterations to fenestration at Unit A Drakes Place, Wellington, (43/2007/083); (c) Retention of alterations to fenestration and internal alterations at Unit B Drakes Place, Wellington, (43/2007/085LB); (d) Residential development to provide 69 dwellings (comprising 45 houses and 24 flats), formation of access and associated works, former ABL and Westford Plastics Premises, Payton Road, Westford, Wellington (43/2006/163); (e) Application to carry out management work to 3 Horse Chestnut Trees and one Lime Tree at Wellington School (43/2007/088T); (f) Erection of single storey extension to rear at 8 Wellesley Park, Wellington (43/2007/096); (g) Alterations to form basement gymnasium at the Cleve Country House Hotel, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2007/079); (h) Erection of a dwelling at land adjacent to 1 Wayside Cottages, Pyles Thorne Lane, Wellington, (43/2007/074); (i) Erection of extensions and modifications to existing vehicular access at 28 Eight Acre Lane, Wellington (43/2007/099); (j) Erection of single storey garage with link to dwelling and new boundary fence at 34 John Grinter Way, Wellington (43/2007/098). The assistant to the clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plans: (a) Retention of alterations to rear side of roof and proposed alterations to front side of roof at 50 High Street, Wellington, (43/2007/068LB); (b) Retention of solar water heating panels on the roof of front elevation of 49 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/129LB).
14445 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31st AUGUST 2007
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2007 to 31st August 2007 was £97,165 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £92,115 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008). The report was noted.
14446 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor Mitton, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Coach Drivers Club of Great Britain £ 105.75 for entry in the 2008 yearbook; WCCTV £2.09 for calls to CCTV camera in July and August; Tone Leisure (Taunton Deane) Ltd £2,300 grant for Summer Vibe activities; Judith Goss Florists £45 for flowers for war graves for May to July; The Edge Directory £60 for delivery of Wellington Food Town flyers; BT £53.94 for line rental, calls and service charges for fax line; Konica Minolta £272.20 for rental of photocopier from1.9.07 to 30.11.07; Hinewood Cleaning Services £178 for monthly cleaning of council office windows, town centre bus shelters and six monthly clean of all bus shelters; Inland Revenue £699.15 for income tax and national insurance; Mr A. Brown £100 petty cash; Mrs J. Thorne £108.89 for extra hours worked during August; Taunton Deane Borough Council £204 for CRB checks for Wellington Residents and Tenants Association; United Reformed Church £90 for hire of hall in July, August, and September 2007.
14447 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The assistant to the clerk reported that the following papers, reports, newsletters had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: Somerset Association of Local Councils annual report and accounts 2006-7 and briefing sheet for parish councils ‘Working Together for a Safer Somerset’ August 2007, CPRE’s publication Fieldwork September 2007, Taunton DBC’s publication ‘What’s On’ September 2007.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.30PM
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman) who presided, Councillors P. Critchard (vice-chairman), J. Clark, R. Bowrah, A. Govier, R. Henley, G. Goodwin, Councillors Mrs S. Walters, J. Reed, J. Govier, N. Wilson, J. Lloyd, and V. Stock-Williams, and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and police inspector R. Tolley and PC Kim Davidson. There were apologies from Councillors C. Hindley and Mrs G. Copley, and the clerk Mr A. Brown who was recovering following an operation. There were 7 members of the public present.
14414 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported he had attended a number of meetings for the Market and Coastal Town’s Initiative, Wellington Economic Partnership, and Wellington Food Town. He had also attended the music events in Wellington Park, and the Wellington Flower Show. He wanted to remind people about Wellington Food Town event taking place on September 8th and 9th and the John Popham play taking place on September 13th and 14th. Wellington Carnival would be taking place on Saturday September 29th.
14415 POLICE MATTERS
Inspector Roger Tolley, of Taunton and Wellington Sector, introduced himself and PC Kim Davidson to members and explained his role in creating safer and stronger neighbourhoods. His responsibility covered Wellington and the surrounding areas. One of the biggest challenges for him lay in managing resources which was a subject which generated much debate. He explained there were 8 police officers stationed at Wellington Police Station including a full time sergeant and 5 police community support officers and there was also 24 hour a day policing provided by officers stationed at Taunton Police Station. A new sergeant for Wellington was to be shortly announced and should be in position by the end of the month. Anybody requiring the police could call the call centre number 0845 456 7000 or in an emergency 999. Inspector Tolley said the town was fortunate in having members of the public who lived in Wellington and helped the police. Councillor Bowrah praised the work of the police and said there was great support from the PCSO’s and he hoped that would continue. Councillors allowed a member of the public Frank Bishop to speak who asked Inspector Tolley about the launch of the pilot scheme of arming policing with Tasers in Avon and Somerset. Inspector Tolley explained the taser would only be used in situations where it was justified and where it was the minimum amount of force needed to achieve safety. Members also allowed Mr Trevor Morgan to speak who asked about police resources and crime figures in Wellington compared to areas in Bristol. Inspector Tolley said there were more officers in stations who were further away from their main station where other officers could be deployed. There were also more officers per crime per month in Wellington. The chairman urged members of the public to report all crimes to the police because of the importance of the crime figures. Inspector Tolley also emphasised the importance of special constables to the community. The chairman also pointed out the need for Local Action Teams in setting up preventative crime measures and expressed his disappointment at the lack of response to this in Wellington as there was only one area in the town which had a LAT up and running. He also looked forward to the implementation of the restorative justice scheme in the town which was soon to be up and running. The chairman thanked Inspector Tolley and PC Davidson for attending the meeting.
14416 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: TRAFFIC IN HOLYOAKE STREET
Mrs Shirley Angus, of Holyoake Street, informed members about an incident in which a lorry travelling down Holyoake Street late in the evening brought down an overhead electric cable and caused damage to one house and four cars. She said many lorries took no notice of the junction signs and she felt they needed to be made much larger. She also reiterated her call for a one-way system in the street. Her comments were supported by another member of the public, Mr Frape, who also felt the traffic flow needed to be addressed. Councillor Bob Bowrah asked for this issue to be placed on the next council agenda so members could consider it fully.
14317 PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
Mrs Pauline Sturgess, chairman of Friends in Wellington Park, informed councillors the season of musical entertainment in the park had finished. Although the events had sometimes been marred by bad weather no event had to be cancelled. The final event had been extremely popular and attracted over 200 people during the bank holiday weekend. Planning for next year’s season was now underway and new talent was being sought to put together a good programme for next year. There were also a couple events organised by the friends which would take place before the new season. The chairman congratulated Mrs Sturgess on her hard work
14418 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 6th August 2007, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read and signed as correct by the chairman Councillor Mitton.
14419 GRANT APPLICATION FOR WELLINGTON CARNIVAL COMMITTEE
Councillors were asked to consider granting £700 to Wellington Carnival Committee towards the cost of staging the carnival at the end of September. The chairman explained the costs were exactly the same as last year and were to help towards the cost of providing signs and barriers for the event. He proposed approval which was seconded by Councillor Bowrah and was agreed unanimously. Councillor Bowrah proposed the grant should be added to the council’s annual item of expenditure in the same was as the grants for Wellington in Bloom and the Friends of Wellington Park were and this was agreed.
14420 CLEANING OF CHAINS OF OFFICE
The council considered the recommendations from the chain of office working party regarding the cleaning and refurbishment of the council chains of office. It was agreed to send the chairman’s chain and pendant to Thomas Fattorini Ltd for an exact quote for cleaning, obtain a quote for name engraving, and to purchase a black velvet collar for the chain and details of a new case to hold the chain with the velvet backing. It was also agreed to obtain quotes for the cleaning of the vice chairman’s pendant and the consort’s chain and pendant and for a suitable attachment which would enable the consort’s pendant to also be worn as a badge so that it would be suitable to be worn by either a man or woman.
14421 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN
The chairman reminded the meeting the food town event would be taking place at the weekend. Volunteers were still needed to help steward the event and briefings for the volunteers were taking place during the week. Preparations were going well and there would be about 60 commercial stalls with about 5 or 6 community stalls, children’s entertainment, street entertainment. It was hoped the event would be successful and would put Wellington on the map as Somerset’s food town.
14422 CODE OF CONDUCT TRAINING SESSION
It was noted that a special Code of Conduct training session for councillors had been organised by Taunton DBC parish liaison officer David Greig and would take place before next month’s planning meeting on Monday 1st October at 5.30 pm in the United Reformed Church hall.
14423 CORNHILL TASK AND FINISH GROUP
It was noted that there would be a meeting of the Cornhill Task and Finish Group in Committee Room 1 at The Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton, on Tuesday September 4 at 6.15pm.
14424 PAVING SLABS REPAIRED IN FORE STREET
It was reported that the paving slabs outside the Scout Hall in Fore Street had been repaired by Somerset Highways after a second spate of vandalism there. The report was noted.
14425 NORTHERN RELIEF ROAD
With reference to minute 14382 the council received a letter from Somerset County Council which stated the Northern Relief road was not on the county’s list of 16 road schemes. Councillors also received a copy of the clerk’s reply stating Taunton DBC’s support for a mixed use scheme at Longforth Farm to include a relief road for Wellington and asking for the county council to similarly support the scheme. It was agreed to write to Taunton DBC to ask what steps could be taken by the town council to enhance the relief road scheme.
14426 CCTV CAMERAS
With reference to minute 14381 the council was circulated with an email from CCTV manager Barry Donbavand stating an order had been placed for 6 new CCTV cameras in Wellington town centre and that they should be in place within a couple of weeks.
14427 ANTI-SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN TOWN CENTRE
With reference to minute 14380 a letter was received from Taunton DBC temporary accommodation officer Mrs L Hedges stating enforcement action had been taken against council tenants in one flat. A meeting was also being organised between councillors, the police and traders about how to tackle future anti-social and shoplifting problems in the town centre.
COUNCILLOR BOWRAH LEFT HERE AT 8.20 PM.
14428 CLOSURE OF COURT FIELDS PUBLIC FOOTPATH
A letter was received from Somerset Highways about the closure of Court Fields public footpath for six months from 3rd September while the school’s new sports centre was built. The letter was noted.
14429 A38 ROAD SAFETY STUDY AND IMPROVEMENTS
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about the A38 road safety study and proposed improvements at Pyles Thorne crossroads and roundabouts at Perry Elm and Chelston. The letter was noted.
14430 FELLING OF TPO TREE AT WELLINGTON SCHOOL
A copy of a letter from Taunton DBC was received about the felling of a TPO tree which was in poor health at Wellington School playing field. The letter was noted.
14431 TAUNTON DBC ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2007/08
A letter was received from Taunton DBC about its annual report which described Taunton DBC’s vision, business principles, and core values and was now available to read on the Taunton DBC website. The letter was noted.
14432 SOMERSET PLAYING FIELDS ASSOCIATION REPORT AND AGM
A letter and report was received from Somerset Playing Fields Association about its annual general meeting taking place on Monday 24th September at 10.30 am at Woolavington Village Hall. The letter was noted.
14433 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS CONFERENCE
A letter was received from the National Association of Local Councils about its conference to be held at the Bournemouth International Centre from 5th to 7th October 2007. The letter was noted.
14434 TAUNTON DEANE STANDARDS COMMITTEE
A letter was received from Taunton Deane Standards Committee stating that the town council’s nomination for a parish representative on the committee had been unsuccessful. The letter was noted.
14435 COMMUNITY COUNCIL FOR SOMERSET AGM
A letter was received from the Community Council for Somerset about its annual general meeting taking place at Edington Village Hall on Tuesday 11th September 2007 at 7.30 pm. The letter was noted.
14436 TAUNTON AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU AGM
A letter was received from Taunton and District Citizens Advice Bureau about its annual general meeting taking place at St John Ambulance HQ in Taunton on Thursday 13th September 2007 at 12 noon. The letter was noted.
14437 TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE AT COMEYTROWE LANE, TAUNTON
A letter was received from Somerset Highways about a temporary road closure at Comeytrowe Lane, Taunton, for two days from 10th September 2007 for resurfacing and associated works. The letter was noted.
14438 SOMERSET ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS GENERAL MEETING
An invitation was received from Somerset Association of Local Councils general meeting to be held at Barrington Village Hall on Saturday 29th September 2007 from 11am to 4 pm. The chairman said he would attend the meeting. There was also information about training events for new councillors and chairmen which was noted.
14439 WITHDRAWN APPLICATION FOR TREE WORK AT OAKFIELD PARK
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the application to carry out management work to one oak tree at 31/33 Oakfield Park (43/2007/110T) had been withdrawn. The letter was noted.
14440 WATERLINKS PROJECT
A letter was received from Waterlinks Somerset about the Waterlinks project and the River Festival on Sunday 23rd September from 10 am to 5 pm at French Weir Park. The letter was noted.
14441 PERMISSION FOR MONOPOLE AT BLACKDOWN TRADING ESTATE
A report was received of an appeal decision from The Planning Inspectorate regarding an application for a 15m high slimline monopole with antennas at Blackdown Trading Estate, Scotts Lane, (43/2007/017TEN) which stated the appeal had been allowed and permission had been granted.
14442 REVIEW OF POLLING DISTRICTS AND POLLING PLACES
A letter was received from Taunton DBC about a review of the polling districts and polling places in the Taunton constituency and asking for the council’s comments. The chairman felt Tonedale House was not a good site for a polling place as people needed to walk up a long drive to get to it. He felt they should look for an alternative polling place on the Tonedale Mill redevelopment site.
14443 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
A report was received from the assistant to the town clerk, Mrs J Thorne, on the Wellington Economic Partnership meeting held on 13th August 2007 which updated members on the developments on the food town event taking place on the 8th and 9th September. There was also an update on the constitutional amendments to the partnership and an update on the appointment of a co-ordinator for food town and the MCTI. The report was noted. No recommendations or suggestions were put forward for inclusion on the agenda for the next meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership to be held on Tuesday October 2 2007 at 6pm.
14444 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The assistant to the clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Retention of alterations to fenestration at Unit B Drakes Place, Wellington, (43/2007/084); (b) Retention of alterations to fenestration at Unit A Drakes Place, Wellington, (43/2007/083); (c) Retention of alterations to fenestration and internal alterations at Unit B Drakes Place, Wellington, (43/2007/085LB); (d) Residential development to provide 69 dwellings (comprising 45 houses and 24 flats), formation of access and associated works, former ABL and Westford Plastics Premises, Payton Road, Westford, Wellington (43/2006/163); (e) Application to carry out management work to 3 Horse Chestnut Trees and one Lime Tree at Wellington School (43/2007/088T); (f) Erection of single storey extension to rear at 8 Wellesley Park, Wellington (43/2007/096); (g) Alterations to form basement gymnasium at the Cleve Country House Hotel, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2007/079); (h) Erection of a dwelling at land adjacent to 1 Wayside Cottages, Pyles Thorne Lane, Wellington, (43/2007/074); (i) Erection of extensions and modifications to existing vehicular access at 28 Eight Acre Lane, Wellington (43/2007/099); (j) Erection of single storey garage with link to dwelling and new boundary fence at 34 John Grinter Way, Wellington (43/2007/098). The assistant to the clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plans: (a) Retention of alterations to rear side of roof and proposed alterations to front side of roof at 50 High Street, Wellington, (43/2007/068LB); (b) Retention of solar water heating panels on the roof of front elevation of 49 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/129LB).
14445 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31st AUGUST 2007
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2007 to 31st August 2007 was £97,165 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £92,115 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008). The report was noted.
14446 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor Mitton, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Coach Drivers Club of Great Britain £ 105.75 for entry in the 2008 yearbook; WCCTV £2.09 for calls to CCTV camera in July and August; Tone Leisure (Taunton Deane) Ltd £2,300 grant for Summer Vibe activities; Judith Goss Florists £45 for flowers for war graves for May to July; The Edge Directory £60 for delivery of Wellington Food Town flyers; BT £53.94 for line rental, calls and service charges for fax line; Konica Minolta £272.20 for rental of photocopier from1.9.07 to 30.11.07; Hinewood Cleaning Services £178 for monthly cleaning of council office windows, town centre bus shelters and six monthly clean of all bus shelters; Inland Revenue £699.15 for income tax and national insurance; Mr A. Brown £100 petty cash; Mrs J. Thorne £108.89 for extra hours worked during August; Taunton Deane Borough Council £204 for CRB checks for Wellington Residents and Tenants Association; United Reformed Church £90 for hire of hall in July, August, and September 2007.
14447 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The assistant to the clerk reported that the following papers, reports, newsletters had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: Somerset Association of Local Councils annual report and accounts 2006-7 and briefing sheet for parish councils ‘Working Together for a Safer Somerset’ August 2007, CPRE’s publication Fieldwork September 2007, Taunton DBC’s publication ‘What’s On’ September 2007.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.30PM
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 9:47 am
