homeMinutes of meetings
FENITON PARISH COUNCILMINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON
25 JUNE 2007 TO DISCUSS IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VILLAGE PLAN
Present: Cllr M Smyth (Chairman) Cllrs Mrs B Powell, P Privett, G Preston Cllr R Giles (DCC)
Apologies: Cllr Mrs K Tomkins, Cllr M Jolly
38. Apologies
Apologies were accepted and approved.
39. Minutes
The Minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2007 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.
40. Matters arising from the Minutes
- a. Traffic calming measures Station Road. The Clerk reported that following the last meeting, Ms Duffin had stated that DCC would not approve any enhancements to the school until the school had produced a travel/transport plan, the latter being the means to provide funding for traffic calming measures in the vicinity of the school.
- b. Level Crossing – letter from Mr A J Powell. Mr Powell explained the procedures the station staff had to operate under for the closing of the level crossing gate and suggested that an approach to the rail authorities for the staff to exercise discretion when dealing with trains stopping at Feniton might lead to the gates being closed for slightly less time than at present. After considerable discussion it was agreed that Members would not try to influence any lessening of safety standards and that no further action on the point of reducing the gates closed time would be taken.
41. To discuss Minute 21 dated 21 May 2007 with a view to achieving progress on the Plan Actions
- a. Investigate the possibility of acquiring the Playing Fields. The Clerk reported that Savills were to sell the playing field land and the land on which the Sports and Social Club stood as a single lot. Whilst it was highly unlikely that development on the playing field land would be granted, the Sports and Social Club area was a brownfield site within the Local Plan Development envelope and development was therefore quite probable. This move to sell the whole as a single lot had taken the cost outside of what the Sports and Social club, the Parish Council and DCC could afford. A meeting was to be held in the Sports and Social Club on 11th July, to which the Chairman and Clerk had been invited, in order to discuss the situation. In the meantime it was agreed the Clerk write to Chris Cooper the DCC Estates officer to make him aware that development of the Sports and Social Club area would prevent any expansion of the school in the future.
- b. Invite EDDC to adopt the Plan. No further change to that reported in May had been received.
- c. Look at Ways to Reduce Dog Fouling. It was generally agreed that the provision of additional dog bins was not the answer, but rather a policy of education and naming and shaming may be more productive. The Chairman had noticed signs on properties in Beer encouraging residents to report those allowing their dogs to foul to the EDDC Dog Warden. The Clerk was instructed to contact the Beer Clerk to obtain the relevant wording of their signs and any estimates of cost.
- d. Improve the Appearance and Facilities of the Station. Considerable discussion took place on this matter. It was recognised that visual enhancements would only be achieved through the station staff “doing more than what their job demanded”. In the end it was agreed to press for an additional shelter.
- e. Seek Adoption of the Sewers. Cllr Privett reported that there had been a recent Sunday Times article which indicated the government was to instruct water companies to take responsibility for unadopted sewers in their areas. The Clerk had written to John Winson Associates and it was agreed to await a response.
- f. Address Flooding Issues. It was agreed to hasten a report from EDDC on their recent investigations by a firm of consultants from Exmouth (note Mike Baker is the EDDC officer). Cllr Giles left the meeting at this point.
- g. Solve Fly Infestation Problem. It was agreed to await the results of the work done by EDDC for the current season. (Note the Clerk to pass contact details at EDDC to the Chairman).
- h. Review of Sports Facilities. It was agreed that it would be a good idea for the contact details of each major sports organiser in the village to be placed in the Village Magazine. The Clerk would write to John Virgin for a list.
- i. Seek Improved publicity to Parishioners on Local Facilities. Cllr Mrs Powell was asked if it could be the case that all copy for the village magazine relating to clubs etc might include the name and contact number of the appropriate committee member.
- j. Seek Introduction of Evening Classes in Computer Skills. No further action was possible pending a report by Cllr Mrs Tomkins on her discussions with the School.
- k. Raise awareness to all age groups of clubs and activities available. The clerk reported EDDC ran a website for children during the summer holiday period and it was agreed to publicise this in the Village Magazine (www.eastdevonunlimited.net).
- l. Encourage the Development of the Youth Centre. It was stated that an enthusiastic group of “mums” were now trying the increase the use of the Youth Centre. It was agreed to write to the Chairman of the Management Committee to state the Council’s support for their aims and to offer financial support too.
- m. Consider provision of Skateboarding Facilities. Members discussed the suggestion by Ms Duffin that a Skateboarding Club be formed. It was decided to take no positive action to this end, but to wait and see whether the idea of a club was forthcoming from skateboarders.
- n. Review parking Arrangements in the New Village. It was agreed that parking of vehicles on the grass verges in Station Road and Feniton Gardens was far from ideal but generally speaking residents had little option otherwise. On the roads of the estate it was agreed that car parking provided a natural form of traffic calming. However, cases of driving at excessive speed within the village and parking on the pavement would be reported to the Police.
- o. Review Danger Points on main Access Roads and Consider Traffic Calming Measures. It was agreed to await the publication of the School Transport Plan before taking any further action. However, Members should continue to raise for discussion at Council meetings, particular danger points as they saw them.
- p. Make representations re Frequency of Trains, station facilities and timing of level crossing barrier. It was known that plans for increased frequency of trains should come to fruition in 3 – 4 years, application for an additional shelter will be made, and no further action regarding the timing of the level crossing barrier would be taken.
- q. Ensure the Village Magazine has the widest circulation. The Chairman stated that Feniton was very fortunate in having a group of individuals committed to the production of an excellent magazine on a monthly basis. However, the magazine was the only means of achieving 100% contact with all parishioners and he asked Cllr Mrs Powell if the magazine team might give serious thought to the possibility of having the magazine delivered to all households free of charge. It may be that this action might be considered say once every six months as a trial. He was sure the Parish Council would be willing to offer some financial support if this was necessary. 100% coverage would ensure that everyone was made aware of what was going on and would allow the magazine to develop further as a conduit of information. Furthermore, if the production of the magazine was to be done digitally, this would allow important extracts to be put on the website.
- r. Promote Parish Council Website. The Chairman stated he was to undertake a review of the site content to correct the many mistakes and to improve the service to the user.
- s. Social Housing. It was agreed the Council would not be proactive in seeking the provision of social housing, but would consider any planning applications for such on their merits.
42. Late Entry Items
The Clerk reminded the Group that during the Plan Questionnaire production stage, it was suggested that action to maintain the geography of the village hamlets (Colesworthy, Cheriton etc) should be considered. This might be achieved by the erection of suitable signs and the clerk was asked to investigate costs and designs.
43. Date of Next Meeting. This was set for Monday 23 July 2007 at 7.30pm.
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 2130 hrs.
……………………………………………………………Presiding Chairman
Last Updated 8th October 2008