Wellington Town Council November 2007
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 5th November 2007 at 7.30pm
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman) who presided, Councillors P. Critchard (vice-chairman), J. Clark, R. Bowrah, A. Govier, R. Henley, C. Hindley, G. Goodwin, Councillors Mrs G. Copley, S. Walters, J. Reed, J. Govier, N. Wilson, and V. Stock-Williams, the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There was an apology from Councillor J. Lloyd. There were 6 members of the public present.
14485 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton said it had been a great delight to attend the Wellington in Bloom presentation evening which had achieved such success in the South West in Bloom and paid tribute to community effort in the achievement. He highlighted the contribution of The Court residential home who several prizes at the event. He attended Wellington Music Day at the end of October and said it was one of the best £5 worth of entertainment to be found in Wellington and featured some great local talent. The chairman regretted that the Wellington Food Town event planned for December would not be going ahead and the next big event was planned for the first week in July at Wellington School but it was hoped to also stage a smaller event around Easter.
14486 POLICE MATTERS
Police Community Support Officers Steve Hill and Scott Windsor attended the meeting on behalf of Wellington Police Station and presented the latest crime figures to the meeting which were encouraging. They were still looking for the man who had indecently exposed himself in the Bulford area. A new sergeant was still being awaited but had been chosen and was hoped to be in place shortly.
14487 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
Mrs Pauline Sturgess, chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, informed the meeting of a conference she attended with the secretary Mrs Iris Ellins, about parks and green spaces. She said they had learnt a great deal and hoped to be able to apply their knowledge to Wellington and were also looking at the possibility of creating a forum between parks and green spaces in the area. The first winter event by the operatic society was on 24th November at the arts centre and cost £5.
14488 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
Mrs Isabel Ward, chairman of Wellington in Bloom, informed the meeting the organisation had received the feedback report from the South West in Bloom judges and they were very pleased with it. They had started the bulb planting. The chairman thanked Mrs Ward and Mrs Sturgess and their organisations for all their hard work year on year.
14489 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Councillors Bowrah and Hindley declared personal interests on the item about traffic problems in Holyoake Street.
14490 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 1st October 2007, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read and signed as correct by the chairman Councillor Mitton.
14491 INCREASED CAR PARKING CHARGES
Details were received from Taunton Deane Borough Council about the proposed increased car parking charges in Wellington which showed proposed increase of 10 pence on all current parking tariffs and increase of £10 on the season ticket. Considerable discussion with varied views was put forward by the councillors. Councillor Bowrah proposed the town council should object to the charges but later withdrew his proposal. Councillor Goodwin proposed with Councillor Critchard seconding the council accept the charges which was agreed by 7 votes to 3 with 4 abstentions.
14492 A MAYOR FOR WELLINGTON
A report was received from the chairman about a proposal the council should adopt the title town mayor instead of chairman from May 2008. Councillor Mitton stated in the report the reasons he felt the new title should be adopted such as helping to raise the profile of the town, create less confusion with the public, and come into line with many of the other towns in Somerset. He also stated that under clause 6 of section 245 of the Local Government Act 1972 a town council can decide to change the title of Chairman and Vice Chairman to that of Mayor and Deputy Mayor and it does not need the approval or consent of any other council or Secretary of State. Councillors Bowrah, Hindley, and Copley all approved of the idea and thought it would help to raise the profile of Wellington. Councillor A. Govier approved of the idea in principle but thought the matter needed to be further looked into. Councillor Henley said he was concerned about the proposal particularly if it would mean spending money. However Councillor Mitton pointed out the proposal was to project Wellington’s image not to spend a lot of money on the office. Councillor Hindley proposed with Councillor Reed seconding to adopt the new title from May 2008 which was agreed by 8 votes to 3 with 1 abstention.
14493 GRANT REQUEST FOR WELLINGTON WEAVERS RUNNING CLUB
An application for £361 was received from Wellington Weavers Running Club to help cover the costs of running vests and liability insurance. The finance committee had looked at the application and recommended to the council it write back to the organisation applauding its efforts and ask it to re-apply for a grant when it was more established with a formal constitution and had its own bank account and was able to give more information to the council. Councillor Bowrah proposed to follow the committee’s recommendation with Councillor Critchard seconding and this was agreed by 10 votes to 0 with 2 abstentions.
14494 POSSIBLE RESIDENTIAL PARKING AT BULFORD
The issue was raised by Councillor Stock-Williams who wanted the council to consider the possible use of the tarmac at Bulford to be used for residential parking.
The council agreed to suspend standing orders to let local resident Mr Bill Slocombe speak who pointed out the problems with parking at Bulford. He explained parking had been allowed on that area in the past for the housing warden and residents had also tried unsuccessfully to have posts installed on that area to allow for parking. Councillor Stock-Williams said she had been asked to raise the matter by two residents in Mount Pleasant who found it difficult to park on the street. It was agreed to write to Taunton DBC housing and ask if it had any objections and if it raised none to arrange a site visit with Somerset Highways to look into the issue.
14495 STUDENTS CONCERN ABOUT LITTER IN WELLINGTON
A letter was received from Year 8 students of Courtfields Community School who complained about the amount of litter on the pavements in Wellington with suggestions about how to improve the state of streets such as placing different coloured bins around the town and hiring street cleaners or litter wardens. There was also a reply from the clerk informing the students about the existing street cleaners and litter bins in the town centre. He supported the idea of litter wardens and explained the council suggested to Taunton
DBC that its parking attendants could double up and act as litter wardens but unfortunately the idea was turned down. Councillor Copley felt the council could do more to combat litter in the town. However, Councillor A. Govier felt much of the responsibility laid with the people of Wellington. Councillor Bowrah thought the mechanical equipment could be up-dated and also advocated re-visiting the idea of requesting parking attendants to also be litter wardens. It was agreed to write to Taunton DBC to ask them to look into this issue again.
14496 MEETING OF THE SOMERSET ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS
Councillor Mitton gave a detailed report of his attendance at the annual meeting of the association and reported on the passing of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act which would provide an important opportunity to give real power and influence to communities, through parish and town councils. The Act would provide a number of new powers to town and parish councils, the most significant of which is the power of wellbeing which would give councils the power to spend on any activity which adds to the wellbeing of its community. There was also discussion about the possibility of London becoming parished and the implications this could have on the National Association of Local Councils membership.
14497 DEFERRED PROPOSAL FOR CLOSURE OF PUBLIC FOOTPATH AT COURT FIELDS COMMUNITY SCHOOL
A letter was received from Court Fields Community School chairman of governors, Mr Steve Altria, asking for the council’s support for the proposed permanent closure of the footpath running next to the school. Mr Altria explained there had been a long list of incidents of which had taken place at the school such as youths paying inappropriate attention to female pupils, concealed packages being passed through fencing and profanities and abuse being shouted. He believed the closure of the footpath was necessary to reduce the risk a major incident occurring. The footpath was currently closed on health and safety grounds while the new sports hall was being built. The council agreed to defer the matter for full consideration at the December meeting because the request had only just been received and councillors had only seen the letter at the meeting.
14498 ERECTION OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
With regard to minute 13985 a quote was received from Taunton DLO for the erection and subsequent removal of the town council’s Christmas decorations for High Street, South Street, North Street, Fore Street, Mantle Street and Rockwell Green at a cost of £6,959. The council agreed to accept the quote.
14499 WITHDRAWN APPLICATION FOR GREENWAY ROAD
With reference to minute 14412, it was reported that the application for the demolition of a garage and the erection of 2 semi-detached dwellings at 1 Greenway Road, Rockwell Green had been withdrawn. The information was noted.
14500 TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN HOLYOAKE STREET
With reference to minute 14457 a letter was received from Relyon’s divisional transport manager Mr Richard Murphy stating that the company’s drivers were all well aware of the Holyoake Street weight limit and knew not to use that route at any time. Letter was noted.
14501 CCTV CAMERAS
With reference to minute 14465 a letter was received from CCTV manager Mr Barry Donbavand welcoming the council’s and the public’s response to the installation of the upgraded CCTV cameras in the town centre area. The letter was noted.
14502 WELLINGTON CARNIVAL COMMITTEE GRANT
With reference to minute 14419 a letter of thanks was received from Wellington Carnival Committee for the council grant of £700. The letter was noted.
14503 ROAD SIGNAGE AT BURROUGH WAY
With reference to minute 14459 the clerk reported that following a site meeting, Taunton DBC had agreed to provide a “Burrough Way” sign as requested. The report was noted.
14504 ROAD SIGNAGE FOR TWYFORD PLACE
The clerk reported that following a site meeting, Taunton DBC had agreed to provide two “5-8 Twyford Place” signs at Bulford to overcome current confusion. The report was noted.
14505 DOG WASTE BINS
With reference to minute 14462 the clerk reported that Taunton DBC had installed a new dog waste bin at the entrance to the playing field car park at the junction of Courtland Road with Beech Grove, which was a better location than the previous one. The report was noted.
14506 DAMAGED BUS SHELTER IN STATION ROAD
With reference to minute 14352 the clerk reported that the damaged bus shelter in Station Road had been replaced by a new one. The report was noted.
14507 HOLYOAKE STREET TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
With reference to minute 14457 the clerk reported that a site meeting had taken place on 30th October 2007, that County Highways stated they currently had no funds for traffic calming measures but had agreed to provide an advance weight restriction sign in Station Road to deter large vehicles from turning left into Holyoake Street. Councillor A. Govier had written the county council expressing concern at the amount of traffic that would come from the new developments at Tonedale Mill and turn left into Holyoake Street and had suggested that the developers should pay for a detailed traffic capacity assessment which he felt could lead to traffic calming measures in the short term and support for the town council’s case for the Northern relief road from Tone to Poole Crossing in the long term. The information was noted.
14508 QUALITY COUNCIL STATUS
With reference to minute 14371 the clerk reported that the town council met the majority of the seven tests to qualify for quality council status and that the main outstanding matter was the production of 4 newsletters a year. Councillors were circulated with a draft newsletter, produced by the assistant clerk Mrs J. Thorne, showing the type of stories and information which could be used. It was agreed to produce the newsletters.
14509 PROVISION OF ALLOTMENTS
With reference to minute 14458 a letter was received from Taunton DBC’s forward planning unit stating that the need for additional allotment provision in Wellington was recognised and that work had started on the preparation of a draft allotment strategy which was expected to conclude that allotments should be provided as part of the open space requirement on larger housing developments in the future. The letter was noted.
14510 FUTURE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about consultation on the future of management of waste in the county for the next 20 years and about a presentation to parish councillors at Creech St Michael Village Hall on Friday, 9th November 2007 at 7.30pm. Councillor P. Critchard agreed to attend the presentation.
14511 COURT FIELDS SCHOOL PRESENTATION EVENING
A letter was received from Court Fields Community School inviting the chairman and councillors to its presentation evening for ex-year 11 students on 22nd November at 7pm. Councillors were asked to reply direct to the school.
14512 BENCH IN NORTH STREET CAR PARK
A letter was received from Taunton DBC over concerns about a possible safety risk to children climbing on a wooden bench in the North Street car park to gain access to the top of a wall over which there was a drop down to Bishops Court’s car parking area. It was agreed to reply to the town council wished to see the bench retained as it was very useful for the elderly at it was at the top of a slope and had been in place for years.
14513 A38 ROAD SAFETY WORKSHOP
A letter was receiving from Somerset Road Safety Partnership inviting the council to attend the A38 road safety workshop to be held at Huntworth on 19th November 2007 between 7pm and 9pm. Councillor D. Mitton agreed to represent the council.
14514 TPO ON OAK TREE AT 2 BLACKDOWN ROAD
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that a tree preservation order had been placed on an English Oak tree at 2 Blackdown Road, Rockwell Green. The letter was noted.
14515 ANNUAL COMMUNITY POLICING AWARDS
A letter was received from the Police Authority and Avon & Somerset Constabulary looking for nominations for the annual community policing awards to be held in March 2008. It was agreed that members should give consideration to possible nominees.
14516 CHELSTON PARK NURSING & RESIDENTIAL HOME
A letter was received from Chelston Park Nursing and Residential Home inviting councillors to its open days on 9th and 10th November 2007. The letter was noted.
14517 DOG MESS ON BEECH GROVE PLAYING FIELD
Members received a copy of a letter sent by Wellington Rugby Club to Taunton DBC raising concerns about dog mess on the newly drained Beech Grove playing field and asking for warning signs to be erected about fouling and improved fencing to restrict access. It was agreed to consider the letter at the council’s December meeting as members had only just received the rugby club’s letter on the evening of the November meeting.
14518 FUTURE WASTE PLANNING IN SOMERSET
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about future waste planning in the county, enclosing an issues and options consultation document. The clerk reported that he had copies of the detailed report for members to read if they wished.
14519 FOOTPATH AND PLAY AREA GRANTS
The clerk reported that grants of £1,540 for footpath maintenance and £735 for Tone play area maintenance had been received from Taunton DBC. The report was noted.
14520 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
A detailed report was received from the assistant clerk Mrs J. Thorne on the meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership held on 2nd October 2007 and on community interest companies (CIC) in the light of the proposed change to the partnership to form a new CIC to be called the Wellington Economic and Community Partnership Ltd. She also reported that the next WEP meeting would be held on Tuesday, 4th December 2007 at 6pm.
14521 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Residential development (295 dwellings), affordable housing, recreational open space, structural landscaping and associated works on land forming part of Cades Farm, Taunton Road, Wellington (43/2005/004); (b) Construction of new business park, including formation of new roundabout, pumping station and lagoon on land adjoining Chelston House Farm, Chelston, Wellington (43/2006/016); (c) Erection of extension to warehouse (use class B8), including associated site works and the formation of additional access to un-adopted estate road, Lowmoor Industrial Estate, Wellington (43/2007/109); (d) Erection of first floor extension over garage at 55 Immenstadt Drive, Wellington (43/2007/130); (e) Erection of detached garage and workshop at Westford Barn, Westford, Wellington (43/2007/127); (f) Demoliton of conservatory and erection of single storey day room, Popham House elderly persons home, Courtland Road, Wellington (43/2007/116); (g) Erection of dwelling adjacent to 40 Church Fields, Wellington (43/2007/128); (h) Erection of single storey extension to rear of Dye Ponds Barn, Westford, Wellington (43/2007/129); (i) Erection of dwelling and refurbishment of existing accommodation to form 2 dwellings at 15a Fore Street, Wellington (43/2007/117); (j) Erection of terrace of 4 two bedroom cottages and terrace of 3 two bedroom cottages on land to the rear of The Three Cups, Fore Street, Wellington (43/2007/094); (k) Erection of dwelling on land adjacent to 16 Victoria Street, Wellington (43/2007/136); (l) Extension and conversion of public house into 11 flats, Sanford Arms, South Street, Wellington (43/2007/107; (m) Erection of two storey extension to 2 flats at Fenton, Buckwell, Wellington (43/2007/135); (n) Demolition of dwelling and replacement with 2 new dwellings at 17 Oaken Ground, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/137).
14522 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST OCTOBER 2007
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2007 to 31st October 2007 was £140,389 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £107,521 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008). The report was noted.
14523 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Wellington Royal British Legion £22 for Poppy Wreath; Beech Grove Community Co-op £300 grant; Wellington Rugby Club £3,750 grant; A. Parkman £250 for grass cutting and hedge trimming at Basins allotments; Mrs J. Thorne £26.30 for extra hours worked in October; Mr A. Brown £100 petty cash; Inland Revenue £709.73 for income tax and national insurance; Councillors R. Bowrah, J. Clark, G. Copley, P. Critchard, G. Goodwin, A. Govier, J. Govier, R. Henley, C. Hindley, J. Lloyd, D Mitton, J. Reed, V. Stock-Williams, S. Walters, N. Wilson £100 each (first payment of annual £200 allowance); PC Webshop Ltd £316.80 for annual hosting fee for council website; Somerset Association of Local Councils £7.50 for lunch at annual meeting; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £320 for concessionary hospital patient transport to
14523 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT (continued)
Musgrove Park Hospital in September 2007; Taunton Deane Borough Council £628.75 for set of goal posts at Howard Road open space; Taunton DBC £70 for premises licence annual fee for period from 3/11/07 to 2/11/08; EDF Energy 1 Ltd £166.95 for electricity for office/chamber from 5/7/07 to 23/10/07; St John’s Primary School £369.80 for school crossing patrol for Summer term (April-August 2007); Viking Direct £72.25 for 20 reams of paper; Viking Direct £98.50 for fax machine, box of ribbons and files; EDF Energy 1 Ltd £11.06 for Rackfield street light for period 1/7/07 to 30/9/07.
14524 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported the following newsletters and reports were available from the clerk’s office for members to read if they wished: What’s on in Taunton Deane for November 2007; Taunton town centre area action plan.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.18PM
Signed………………………………Chairman
3rd December 2007
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman) who presided, Councillors P. Critchard (vice-chairman), J. Clark, R. Bowrah, A. Govier, R. Henley, C. Hindley, G. Goodwin, Councillors Mrs G. Copley, S. Walters, J. Reed, J. Govier, N. Wilson, and V. Stock-Williams, the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There was an apology from Councillor J. Lloyd. There were 6 members of the public present.
14485 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton said it had been a great delight to attend the Wellington in Bloom presentation evening which had achieved such success in the South West in Bloom and paid tribute to community effort in the achievement. He highlighted the contribution of The Court residential home who several prizes at the event. He attended Wellington Music Day at the end of October and said it was one of the best £5 worth of entertainment to be found in Wellington and featured some great local talent. The chairman regretted that the Wellington Food Town event planned for December would not be going ahead and the next big event was planned for the first week in July at Wellington School but it was hoped to also stage a smaller event around Easter.
14486 POLICE MATTERS
Police Community Support Officers Steve Hill and Scott Windsor attended the meeting on behalf of Wellington Police Station and presented the latest crime figures to the meeting which were encouraging. They were still looking for the man who had indecently exposed himself in the Bulford area. A new sergeant was still being awaited but had been chosen and was hoped to be in place shortly.
14487 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
Mrs Pauline Sturgess, chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, informed the meeting of a conference she attended with the secretary Mrs Iris Ellins, about parks and green spaces. She said they had learnt a great deal and hoped to be able to apply their knowledge to Wellington and were also looking at the possibility of creating a forum between parks and green spaces in the area. The first winter event by the operatic society was on 24th November at the arts centre and cost £5.
14488 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
Mrs Isabel Ward, chairman of Wellington in Bloom, informed the meeting the organisation had received the feedback report from the South West in Bloom judges and they were very pleased with it. They had started the bulb planting. The chairman thanked Mrs Ward and Mrs Sturgess and their organisations for all their hard work year on year.
14489 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Councillors Bowrah and Hindley declared personal interests on the item about traffic problems in Holyoake Street.
14490 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 1st October 2007, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read and signed as correct by the chairman Councillor Mitton.
14491 INCREASED CAR PARKING CHARGES
Details were received from Taunton Deane Borough Council about the proposed increased car parking charges in Wellington which showed proposed increase of 10 pence on all current parking tariffs and increase of £10 on the season ticket. Considerable discussion with varied views was put forward by the councillors. Councillor Bowrah proposed the town council should object to the charges but later withdrew his proposal. Councillor Goodwin proposed with Councillor Critchard seconding the council accept the charges which was agreed by 7 votes to 3 with 4 abstentions.
14492 A MAYOR FOR WELLINGTON
A report was received from the chairman about a proposal the council should adopt the title town mayor instead of chairman from May 2008. Councillor Mitton stated in the report the reasons he felt the new title should be adopted such as helping to raise the profile of the town, create less confusion with the public, and come into line with many of the other towns in Somerset. He also stated that under clause 6 of section 245 of the Local Government Act 1972 a town council can decide to change the title of Chairman and Vice Chairman to that of Mayor and Deputy Mayor and it does not need the approval or consent of any other council or Secretary of State. Councillors Bowrah, Hindley, and Copley all approved of the idea and thought it would help to raise the profile of Wellington. Councillor A. Govier approved of the idea in principle but thought the matter needed to be further looked into. Councillor Henley said he was concerned about the proposal particularly if it would mean spending money. However Councillor Mitton pointed out the proposal was to project Wellington’s image not to spend a lot of money on the office. Councillor Hindley proposed with Councillor Reed seconding to adopt the new title from May 2008 which was agreed by 8 votes to 3 with 1 abstention.
14493 GRANT REQUEST FOR WELLINGTON WEAVERS RUNNING CLUB
An application for £361 was received from Wellington Weavers Running Club to help cover the costs of running vests and liability insurance. The finance committee had looked at the application and recommended to the council it write back to the organisation applauding its efforts and ask it to re-apply for a grant when it was more established with a formal constitution and had its own bank account and was able to give more information to the council. Councillor Bowrah proposed to follow the committee’s recommendation with Councillor Critchard seconding and this was agreed by 10 votes to 0 with 2 abstentions.
14494 POSSIBLE RESIDENTIAL PARKING AT BULFORD
The issue was raised by Councillor Stock-Williams who wanted the council to consider the possible use of the tarmac at Bulford to be used for residential parking.
The council agreed to suspend standing orders to let local resident Mr Bill Slocombe speak who pointed out the problems with parking at Bulford. He explained parking had been allowed on that area in the past for the housing warden and residents had also tried unsuccessfully to have posts installed on that area to allow for parking. Councillor Stock-Williams said she had been asked to raise the matter by two residents in Mount Pleasant who found it difficult to park on the street. It was agreed to write to Taunton DBC housing and ask if it had any objections and if it raised none to arrange a site visit with Somerset Highways to look into the issue.
14495 STUDENTS CONCERN ABOUT LITTER IN WELLINGTON
A letter was received from Year 8 students of Courtfields Community School who complained about the amount of litter on the pavements in Wellington with suggestions about how to improve the state of streets such as placing different coloured bins around the town and hiring street cleaners or litter wardens. There was also a reply from the clerk informing the students about the existing street cleaners and litter bins in the town centre. He supported the idea of litter wardens and explained the council suggested to Taunton
DBC that its parking attendants could double up and act as litter wardens but unfortunately the idea was turned down. Councillor Copley felt the council could do more to combat litter in the town. However, Councillor A. Govier felt much of the responsibility laid with the people of Wellington. Councillor Bowrah thought the mechanical equipment could be up-dated and also advocated re-visiting the idea of requesting parking attendants to also be litter wardens. It was agreed to write to Taunton DBC to ask them to look into this issue again.
14496 MEETING OF THE SOMERSET ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS
Councillor Mitton gave a detailed report of his attendance at the annual meeting of the association and reported on the passing of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act which would provide an important opportunity to give real power and influence to communities, through parish and town councils. The Act would provide a number of new powers to town and parish councils, the most significant of which is the power of wellbeing which would give councils the power to spend on any activity which adds to the wellbeing of its community. There was also discussion about the possibility of London becoming parished and the implications this could have on the National Association of Local Councils membership.
14497 DEFERRED PROPOSAL FOR CLOSURE OF PUBLIC FOOTPATH AT COURT FIELDS COMMUNITY SCHOOL
A letter was received from Court Fields Community School chairman of governors, Mr Steve Altria, asking for the council’s support for the proposed permanent closure of the footpath running next to the school. Mr Altria explained there had been a long list of incidents of which had taken place at the school such as youths paying inappropriate attention to female pupils, concealed packages being passed through fencing and profanities and abuse being shouted. He believed the closure of the footpath was necessary to reduce the risk a major incident occurring. The footpath was currently closed on health and safety grounds while the new sports hall was being built. The council agreed to defer the matter for full consideration at the December meeting because the request had only just been received and councillors had only seen the letter at the meeting.
14498 ERECTION OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
With regard to minute 13985 a quote was received from Taunton DLO for the erection and subsequent removal of the town council’s Christmas decorations for High Street, South Street, North Street, Fore Street, Mantle Street and Rockwell Green at a cost of £6,959. The council agreed to accept the quote.
14499 WITHDRAWN APPLICATION FOR GREENWAY ROAD
With reference to minute 14412, it was reported that the application for the demolition of a garage and the erection of 2 semi-detached dwellings at 1 Greenway Road, Rockwell Green had been withdrawn. The information was noted.
14500 TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN HOLYOAKE STREET
With reference to minute 14457 a letter was received from Relyon’s divisional transport manager Mr Richard Murphy stating that the company’s drivers were all well aware of the Holyoake Street weight limit and knew not to use that route at any time. Letter was noted.
14501 CCTV CAMERAS
With reference to minute 14465 a letter was received from CCTV manager Mr Barry Donbavand welcoming the council’s and the public’s response to the installation of the upgraded CCTV cameras in the town centre area. The letter was noted.
14502 WELLINGTON CARNIVAL COMMITTEE GRANT
With reference to minute 14419 a letter of thanks was received from Wellington Carnival Committee for the council grant of £700. The letter was noted.
14503 ROAD SIGNAGE AT BURROUGH WAY
With reference to minute 14459 the clerk reported that following a site meeting, Taunton DBC had agreed to provide a “Burrough Way” sign as requested. The report was noted.
14504 ROAD SIGNAGE FOR TWYFORD PLACE
The clerk reported that following a site meeting, Taunton DBC had agreed to provide two “5-8 Twyford Place” signs at Bulford to overcome current confusion. The report was noted.
14505 DOG WASTE BINS
With reference to minute 14462 the clerk reported that Taunton DBC had installed a new dog waste bin at the entrance to the playing field car park at the junction of Courtland Road with Beech Grove, which was a better location than the previous one. The report was noted.
14506 DAMAGED BUS SHELTER IN STATION ROAD
With reference to minute 14352 the clerk reported that the damaged bus shelter in Station Road had been replaced by a new one. The report was noted.
14507 HOLYOAKE STREET TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
With reference to minute 14457 the clerk reported that a site meeting had taken place on 30th October 2007, that County Highways stated they currently had no funds for traffic calming measures but had agreed to provide an advance weight restriction sign in Station Road to deter large vehicles from turning left into Holyoake Street. Councillor A. Govier had written the county council expressing concern at the amount of traffic that would come from the new developments at Tonedale Mill and turn left into Holyoake Street and had suggested that the developers should pay for a detailed traffic capacity assessment which he felt could lead to traffic calming measures in the short term and support for the town council’s case for the Northern relief road from Tone to Poole Crossing in the long term. The information was noted.
14508 QUALITY COUNCIL STATUS
With reference to minute 14371 the clerk reported that the town council met the majority of the seven tests to qualify for quality council status and that the main outstanding matter was the production of 4 newsletters a year. Councillors were circulated with a draft newsletter, produced by the assistant clerk Mrs J. Thorne, showing the type of stories and information which could be used. It was agreed to produce the newsletters.
14509 PROVISION OF ALLOTMENTS
With reference to minute 14458 a letter was received from Taunton DBC’s forward planning unit stating that the need for additional allotment provision in Wellington was recognised and that work had started on the preparation of a draft allotment strategy which was expected to conclude that allotments should be provided as part of the open space requirement on larger housing developments in the future. The letter was noted.
14510 FUTURE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about consultation on the future of management of waste in the county for the next 20 years and about a presentation to parish councillors at Creech St Michael Village Hall on Friday, 9th November 2007 at 7.30pm. Councillor P. Critchard agreed to attend the presentation.
14511 COURT FIELDS SCHOOL PRESENTATION EVENING
A letter was received from Court Fields Community School inviting the chairman and councillors to its presentation evening for ex-year 11 students on 22nd November at 7pm. Councillors were asked to reply direct to the school.
14512 BENCH IN NORTH STREET CAR PARK
A letter was received from Taunton DBC over concerns about a possible safety risk to children climbing on a wooden bench in the North Street car park to gain access to the top of a wall over which there was a drop down to Bishops Court’s car parking area. It was agreed to reply to the town council wished to see the bench retained as it was very useful for the elderly at it was at the top of a slope and had been in place for years.
14513 A38 ROAD SAFETY WORKSHOP
A letter was receiving from Somerset Road Safety Partnership inviting the council to attend the A38 road safety workshop to be held at Huntworth on 19th November 2007 between 7pm and 9pm. Councillor D. Mitton agreed to represent the council.
14514 TPO ON OAK TREE AT 2 BLACKDOWN ROAD
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that a tree preservation order had been placed on an English Oak tree at 2 Blackdown Road, Rockwell Green. The letter was noted.
14515 ANNUAL COMMUNITY POLICING AWARDS
A letter was received from the Police Authority and Avon & Somerset Constabulary looking for nominations for the annual community policing awards to be held in March 2008. It was agreed that members should give consideration to possible nominees.
14516 CHELSTON PARK NURSING & RESIDENTIAL HOME
A letter was received from Chelston Park Nursing and Residential Home inviting councillors to its open days on 9th and 10th November 2007. The letter was noted.
14517 DOG MESS ON BEECH GROVE PLAYING FIELD
Members received a copy of a letter sent by Wellington Rugby Club to Taunton DBC raising concerns about dog mess on the newly drained Beech Grove playing field and asking for warning signs to be erected about fouling and improved fencing to restrict access. It was agreed to consider the letter at the council’s December meeting as members had only just received the rugby club’s letter on the evening of the November meeting.
14518 FUTURE WASTE PLANNING IN SOMERSET
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about future waste planning in the county, enclosing an issues and options consultation document. The clerk reported that he had copies of the detailed report for members to read if they wished.
14519 FOOTPATH AND PLAY AREA GRANTS
The clerk reported that grants of £1,540 for footpath maintenance and £735 for Tone play area maintenance had been received from Taunton DBC. The report was noted.
14520 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
A detailed report was received from the assistant clerk Mrs J. Thorne on the meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership held on 2nd October 2007 and on community interest companies (CIC) in the light of the proposed change to the partnership to form a new CIC to be called the Wellington Economic and Community Partnership Ltd. She also reported that the next WEP meeting would be held on Tuesday, 4th December 2007 at 6pm.
14521 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Residential development (295 dwellings), affordable housing, recreational open space, structural landscaping and associated works on land forming part of Cades Farm, Taunton Road, Wellington (43/2005/004); (b) Construction of new business park, including formation of new roundabout, pumping station and lagoon on land adjoining Chelston House Farm, Chelston, Wellington (43/2006/016); (c) Erection of extension to warehouse (use class B8), including associated site works and the formation of additional access to un-adopted estate road, Lowmoor Industrial Estate, Wellington (43/2007/109); (d) Erection of first floor extension over garage at 55 Immenstadt Drive, Wellington (43/2007/130); (e) Erection of detached garage and workshop at Westford Barn, Westford, Wellington (43/2007/127); (f) Demoliton of conservatory and erection of single storey day room, Popham House elderly persons home, Courtland Road, Wellington (43/2007/116); (g) Erection of dwelling adjacent to 40 Church Fields, Wellington (43/2007/128); (h) Erection of single storey extension to rear of Dye Ponds Barn, Westford, Wellington (43/2007/129); (i) Erection of dwelling and refurbishment of existing accommodation to form 2 dwellings at 15a Fore Street, Wellington (43/2007/117); (j) Erection of terrace of 4 two bedroom cottages and terrace of 3 two bedroom cottages on land to the rear of The Three Cups, Fore Street, Wellington (43/2007/094); (k) Erection of dwelling on land adjacent to 16 Victoria Street, Wellington (43/2007/136); (l) Extension and conversion of public house into 11 flats, Sanford Arms, South Street, Wellington (43/2007/107; (m) Erection of two storey extension to 2 flats at Fenton, Buckwell, Wellington (43/2007/135); (n) Demolition of dwelling and replacement with 2 new dwellings at 17 Oaken Ground, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/137).
14522 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST OCTOBER 2007
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2007 to 31st October 2007 was £140,389 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £107,521 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008). The report was noted.
14523 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Wellington Royal British Legion £22 for Poppy Wreath; Beech Grove Community Co-op £300 grant; Wellington Rugby Club £3,750 grant; A. Parkman £250 for grass cutting and hedge trimming at Basins allotments; Mrs J. Thorne £26.30 for extra hours worked in October; Mr A. Brown £100 petty cash; Inland Revenue £709.73 for income tax and national insurance; Councillors R. Bowrah, J. Clark, G. Copley, P. Critchard, G. Goodwin, A. Govier, J. Govier, R. Henley, C. Hindley, J. Lloyd, D Mitton, J. Reed, V. Stock-Williams, S. Walters, N. Wilson £100 each (first payment of annual £200 allowance); PC Webshop Ltd £316.80 for annual hosting fee for council website; Somerset Association of Local Councils £7.50 for lunch at annual meeting; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £320 for concessionary hospital patient transport to
14523 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT (continued)
Musgrove Park Hospital in September 2007; Taunton Deane Borough Council £628.75 for set of goal posts at Howard Road open space; Taunton DBC £70 for premises licence annual fee for period from 3/11/07 to 2/11/08; EDF Energy 1 Ltd £166.95 for electricity for office/chamber from 5/7/07 to 23/10/07; St John’s Primary School £369.80 for school crossing patrol for Summer term (April-August 2007); Viking Direct £72.25 for 20 reams of paper; Viking Direct £98.50 for fax machine, box of ribbons and files; EDF Energy 1 Ltd £11.06 for Rackfield street light for period 1/7/07 to 30/9/07.
14524 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported the following newsletters and reports were available from the clerk’s office for members to read if they wished: What’s on in Taunton Deane for November 2007; Taunton town centre area action plan.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.18PM
Signed………………………………Chairman
3rd December 2007
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 10:16 am
