MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 13TH MARCH 2006

Present: Cllr J Horrocks (Chairman)

Councillors: Mrs B Powell, Mrs K Tomkins, P Privett, J Selmes, G Preston, M Smith

In Attendance: Cllr R Giles (DCC), Cllr N Spence (EDDC), PC C Vickery, Mr P Wilson (DCC) and 5 members of the public

Apologies: There were none

Matters raised by the Public

Mr Burton asked if there were any planning applications in train regarding the land at the old riding school on Ottery Road. It was explained this site was not within the parish (it is part of Ottery St Mary), and to the Council’s knowledge there were no current applications. However, Mr Burton was advised to check with the Planning Dept at EDDC.

137. Apologies.

There were no apologies.

138. To Consider DCC Proposals for the Traffic Management for the 2006 Escot beautiful Days Event

Mr Wilson explained that it was the intention to direct all non-commercial traffic for the event from Patteson’s Cross to enter the Escot estate from Ottery Road. All commercial traffic would use the normal Escot entrance via Fairmile. The general consensus of the Council was that this was not a good plan and would merely switch the 2005 problem of traffic chaos at Fairmile eastwards to Patteson’s Cross and Ottery Road. It would seem sensible to use both the Talaton Road and Ottery Road entrances for all traffic. DCC undertook to revisit the use of both entrances and to report back in April. Mr Wilson also stated the promoters of the event should have liaised with the Council and he would take up the lack of this with them.

139. Minutes

The Minutes of the meeting held on 13 th February 2006 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

140. Police Officer’s Report

PC Vickery reported one crime, theft from a motor vehicle, in the month and also confirmed he had spoken to the farmer regarding hens on Talaton Road. In response to a question from the public, PC Vickery advised that compensation for injury sustained as a result of an accident due to the hens on the road was a civil matter between the individual and the owner of the hens.

141. County and District Councillors Reports

A written report by Cllr Giles (DCC) is attached. In addition the waste disposal site at The Bowd was discussed. Cllr Spence had nothing to report from EDDC. Cllr Spence then left the meeting.

142. Declarations of Interest from Members and Officers

No declarations were made

143. Planning

144. Payment of March Invoices

The following payments were approved:

Inland Revenue £92.00 PAYE
Clerk £235.51 Clerk’s salary/expenses
A Spry £112.00 Village handyman

145. Parish Council Website – Development

Cllr Mrs Tomkins asked as to how much of the current text the Council wanted to be changed. She was advised she was “de facto” editor and to proceed accordingly. A list of those who had written the original text was available from one of the Website group. The Chairman undertook to hasten the input from the Church.

146. Proposed Sale of the Cricket Pitch – to Consider a letter from Feniton Playing Fields Association

Mr Graham Phillips, as Chairman of Feniton Playing Fields Association, was invited to join the debate by describing the current situation with the sale of the land, and the aspirations of the Association. The land was not currently on the market, but Mr Phillips considered it was the intention of the Aclands for the land to be put up for auction. The Association wished for the land to be purchased by “the community” in order to safeguard it as an amenity in perpetuity. Despite writing to ask the agents for an idea of the selling price, no response had been received.

The Council considered it right and proper, in order to safeguard this amenity, to begin an information gathering process. To this end, the Clerk was to write to the agents to attempt to gain an idea of price, and to write to the education authorities and any other interested parties in order to obtain their position as to the future of this land. The Association also undertook to pass to the Clerk any relevant information they hold on the matter. Mr Phillips then left the meeting.

147. The Council’s IT Hardware

The Clerk explained that he had purchased a new PC and printer at a cost of £729.99 because the previous machine had suffered terminal failure. The Clerk was quite happy for the Council to purchase the machine by means of a number of equal monthly payments, but it was Resolved to purchase the PC and printer by means of a single payment and the Clerk was invited to produce the necessary invoice.

148. Correspondence

149. Late Entry Correspondence

150. Village Handyman’s Report

Mr Spry had now manufactured and erected the signs in the Ely close Play Area.

151. Individual Member Responsibilities

Cllr Selmes raised matters of signage and insurance for Bickleigh PC, both of which were dealt with at the time.

The Chairman asked the Clerk to display posters encouraging residents to hand in their completed Parish Plan questionnaires.

Cllr Privett reported that all the trees had been cut down at the station. He had written to Railtrack to complain and it was agreed the Council act similarly. He also reported on further damage to the grass verge outside the Spar Shop and it was suggested that in addition to the trees promised by DCC a post was required at the eastern end of the verge. Cllr Giles undertook to take this further need up with DCC. Cllr Privett also reported the street name sign “ Wells Avenue” at the junction with York Crescent had been damaged and needed replacement. The Clerk would contact EDDC.

Cllr Preston reported the hedge from The Mill to the old A30 required cutting back. The clerk would contact DCC.

152. Date of Next Meeting.

The next meeting would be held on Monday 10 th April 2006 at 7pm, to be followed by the Annual Parish Meeting at 7.30pm. There being no further business the meeting closed at 2120 hrs.

Signed this 10 th day of April 2006……….....................................
Presiding Chairman

Last Updated 8th October 2008