MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 9th OCTOBER 2006

Present: Cllr J Horrocks (Chairman)

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

In Attendance: Cllr R Giles (DCC), PC C Vickery, PCSO Phil Anning, Mr Paul Wilson (DCC), Senior Traffic Warden Peake and 6 members of the public

Matters raised by the Public

Several of the public present raised their concerns on the recent fly infestation and produced letters they had received from EDDC. These letters talked about the problem but did not indicate what the environmental officers of EDDC intended to do to prevent a similar problem in the future. It was agreed the Council would write to EDDC to ask what their intention was, as it was not clear whether they intended the use of a natural predator beetle, improved code of practice for chicken farmers or take no action. It was reported a petition had been raised at short notice. The Council expressed concern that EDDC had not thought fit to copy correspondence to individuals to the Parish Council as it was clear this was a parish-wide problem, and the Parish Council had already written to EDDC on the matter.

Mrs Daniels sought information as to the reported expansion of Cranbrook from the initial 2500 houses and was informed the expansion after 2012 arose from the South Western Regional Authority and that EDDC were opposed to this.

A member of the public present wished to record his gratitude for the work carried out by Mr Spry, the village handyman.

46. Apologies

There were none.

47. Minutes

The Minutes of the meeting held on 11th September 2006 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

48. To consider the arrangements for the 2006 Beautiful Days Event at Escot

Mr Paul Wilson of DCC reported that the traffic arrangements for this year’s event had worked well though there was naturally room for improvement. He stated that the 10,000 attendance figure was probably the maximum that could safely be managed for the site. He would act upon comment that the gates required to be open and manned earlier and that closing the gates at 9pm was too early. The closing of the public footpaths had caused considerable complaints in the parish and Mr Wilson agreed that only the sections of the paths which posed a danger to the public would be closed, and that notice of closure would be communicated to the Parish Council at a much earlier date for 2007. The Chairman thanked Mr Wilson and Senior Traffic Warden Peake for their attendance before both left the meeting.

49. Police Officer’s Report

PC Vickery reported 6 crimes during the month, 3 of the theft of milk, 1 criminal damage to a vehicle and 1 theft from a vehicle and 1 child protection incident. PCSO Jay Bowden had now been re-appointed to Sidmouth and PCSO Phil Anning would be looking after Feniton. PCSO Anning was keen to identify key Neighbourhood Watch individuals and intended to call a meeting of all NW personnel in the village in the near future. PC Vickery and PCSO Anning then left the meeting.

50. County and District Councillor’s Reports

Cllr Giles produced a written report which is attached. He was pleased to announce the Stagecoach Group had been awarded the SW main line rail franchise and this will include an hourly service from Exeter to Waterloo once the passing loop at Chard Junction was in place. The passing loop requested for Whimple which would have allowed a half hourly service from Axminster to Exeter had not been approved, and the Council agreed they would write to the Transport Minister and to Mrs Angela Browning MP to seek a reversal of this decision. Cllr Giles also reported he had raised with DCC the need to include within the sale documents for Exeter Airport restrictions on night flying (there are currently none) in order to safeguard the environment of those living under the flight paths. Cllr Giles also reported that the land at Metcombe Cottage covenanted to DCC some 30 years ago remained in the ownership of DCC until 21 years after the death of the last surviving child of the Sovereign!

51. Declarations of Interest

No declarations were made.

52. Planning Matters

06/2629/FUL Feniton School – siting of mobile classroom. No objection.
06/2734/FUL 7 Winchester Close – single storey extension. No objection.
06/2144/LBC 3 Court Cottages – new kitchen and bathroom in annexe and bedroom in adjoining barn Granted by EDDC.

53. Finance

The following payments were authorised:

1468 Audit Commission £141.00 Audit fee
1469 A Spry £144.00 Village handyman
1470 Clerk £290.74 Clerk’s salary
1471 Inland Revenue £77.92 Clerk’s salary

54. Village Handyman’s Report

Mr Spry had repaired/replaced the tap on the allotments site.

55. To Consider EDDC’s Priorities for 2007/8

No change to the list produced by EDDC was suggested.

56. To Consider Quotations for the Replacement of the Post and Chain Fencing in the Old Village.

It was agreed to proceed with the quotation produced by SW Fencing subject to the following minor changes: oak posts to be used, posts to be left natural (ie not painted), subject to a total cost of £1000.00.

57. Correspondence

a. Inter Route M5 Improvements. Members took note of the improvements to Junctions 29 and 30 which were scheduled to take place from now until April 2007.
b. EDDC Cultural Events. It was agreed to make EDDC aware of the annual Sidmouth Junction Ploughing Match.

58. Late Entry Correspondence

a. DAPC Government White Paper Workshop. It was agreed the Clerk attend the event in Exminster on 21 November 2006.
b. Devon & Cornwall Police Authority Appointment of Independent Members. Members took note.

59. Council Website

Cllr Smith had received the input from the Parochial Church Council which would be passed on.

60. To Review the Parish Boundary

It was agreed to discuss this matter at the November meeting once maps had been produced.

61. Individual Member Responsibilities

Cllr Preston raised a few points on the trees at the Spar Shop. The Clerk would remind DCC that they promised to plant a further tree on the grass triangle.
At the suggestion of Cllr Mrs Powell it was agreed the Clerk investigate the production of a notice to mark the Coronation Tree in the old village.
Cllr Smith reported on the recent 30th anniversary of the twinning event in France. The Twinning Association had presented Louvigny with 6 rose bushes, and the Council had been given an apple tree by Louvigny. The planting of this tree would be discussed at the November meeting.
The Clerk reported the Council was required to nominate a Member to sit on the Twinning Association’s Committee and it was Resolved to appoint Cllr Horrocks with immediate effect.
Cllr Privett reported vehicles were parking on highway land adjacent to Metcombe Cottage thus causing a danger to traffic. The Clerk would ask the PCSO to have a word with the owners of the vehicles concerned. Cllr Privett also reminded the Chairman that the Remembrance Day service at the village church would occur before the next meeting, and the Council required details from the PCC. The Chairman undertook to speak to David Lanning and advise members accordingly.

62. Date of Next Meeting. Monday 13th November 2006 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall Annex.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 2132 hrs.

Signed this 13th day of November 2006 ………………………………….Presiding Chairman

Last Updated 8th October 2008