Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday 8 November 2006
In the Meeting Point, High Bickington at 7.30pm

Present:
Myc Riggulsford (Chairman), Roger Bickley, David Brown, Stella Burrows, Roger Keen, Stan Parker,
Peter Tucker (7.45pm).

In attendance:
County Councillor John Rawlinson, Sgt Paul Tyzack - Devon & Cornwall Police, David Venner - CPT Ltd,
5 Members of the public, Mrs Di Carter - Clerk

1. Apologies were received from Mike Leatham

2. The Chairman welcomed Councillor John Rawlinson and Sgt Paul Tyzack to the meeting.

3. Matters raised by the public
   A member of the public questioned the involvement of the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative with the Little Bickington Farm project. The Chairman and David Brown explained that the MCTI operates under the banner of SWRDA (South West Regional Development Agency), David Brown represents High Bickington on the initiative, and now chairs the local Torridge group. MCTI meets approximately six times a year and is responsible for assisting with plans and funds for community development, one plan being the High Bickington Parish Plan for a new school, community hall and affordable housing. It is an organisation for town councils, charities, community groups and others to come together to ensure that money from central government is well invested. Updates following meetings are widely published.

4. The Chairman invited Councillor Rawlinson to address the meeting. Councillor Rawlinson reported that there has been no further development on the provision of a zebra crossing at Fountains Field. The Chairman has talked with Poltair and expressed the concerns about the lack of suitable traffic calming at this point resulting in increased speed of vehicles. It is understood that legal papers are with Poltair's solicitors. Highways indicate the delay is with Poltair. As a result of the closure of part of Kingford Hill an increased number of vehicles have been coming through the village and this is causing concern for the safety of pedestrians, particularly children living at Fountains Field and walking to school. The delay in installing this zebra crossing following considerable representations to Poltair and Highways was regretted. Sgt Tyzack acknowledged the concerns and will visit the Poltair site tomorrow to take up this matter in the interests of public safety. Councillor Rawlinson and Councillors thanked Sgt Tyzack for this. Councillor Rawlinson reported that he has a locality budget which is intended to help parish councils with special schemes they are promoting. Funds per parish council would be in the region of £500-£600. Applications must be submitted by February 2007. Proposed Biomass development at Winkleigh Airfield. Councillor Rawlinson reported that Peninsular Power have appealed against the decision to reject the application. SWRDA have said the availability of the land is no longer guaranteed and funding has been withdrawn. SWRDA has approached the MCTI to work with Winkleigh Parish Council to put forward alternative plans for the site.

5. Police Matters
   Sgt Paul Tyzack is in charge of the policing team based in Torrington and responsible for 27 parishes in the area. He was born and raised in the area and has spent much of his police career in North Devon. Sgt Tyzack gave a resume of his career to date and his plans for the improvement of the police service in the Torrington area. A replacement PCSO following Steve Henderson's departure will be appointed in January 2007, the appointment of the second PCSO for the area will be made in June/July 2007. PC Tony Hagan has emigrated to Canada and until his appointment is confirmed in the Ottawa police force an appointment to replace him here cannot be made. Sgt Tyzack said it was vital to maintain links with communities and parishes through being approachable and thoroughly professional. PCSOs do not have the same powers as Police officers but their role is seen as being approachable to the public and involving the public. There is ongoing training of Police officers to learn the art of public communication. Following a question from Stella Burrows, Sgt Tyzack said his team, with a full complement of staff, will comprise of 2 response officers, 2 neighbourhood beat officers, 2 PCSOs. At present there are 3 vacancies but Sgt Tyzack is committed to filling these vacancies as soon as possible. The Police newsletter will continue.

6. Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 11 October 2006
   Subject to the following amendment, the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 11 October 2006 were agreed and adopted by Councillors.
   Page 544 - 10(iii) Decision: the word "charities" to be substituted by "organisations". The Chairman signed the minutes.

7. Matters arising
   There were no matters arising not covered elsewhere in the agenda.

8. Parish Plans
   November update - David Venner presented the November update which was circulated to all Councillors and public present. The report will be published in Ramblings. Following some apparent misunderstanding about the proposals for the Community Woodland David Venner outlined the proposals and the arrangements for parking at the playing field, necessitating the planning notice being posted there. A positive meeting with planners from Government Office South West, Devon County Council and Torridge District Council was reported. A proposed timetable will be drawn up and new plans will be exhibited in the village.
   The CPT will be renewing its lease of the land at Little Bickington Farm next year. Monies invested have so far accrued interest at the current rate of 4.16% giving an income in excess of £12,500, no payments have yet been made from these accounts. David Brown reported that a meeting to discuss the redesign of the scheme will be held on 21 November, the revised plans need to be available for a meeting of MPs, Devon County Council, Torridge District Council in January. The preparation of these plans will incur expense and the CPT is asking for funding from the Parish Council and other partners. The CPT will present a proposal to the Parish Council at their meeting in December. If a full planning application is submitted this will involve further expense.

9. Barton Meadow
   

   1. The Chairman thanked Roger Bickley, Stan Parker, Peter Tucker, Barry Rayment and the young people for their work on the surface of the cycle track. Roger Bickley reported that scalpings and hire of the roller had incurred an expense of less than £150 against a budget figure agreed of £300. This work appears to have been very successful with users being very satisfied with the results.

   2. Cycle Ramps on village hall site. Peter Tucker reported that Jim Hedges is able to do the clearing work within the budget of £60 and this should be completed within the next 10 days.
      A proposal has been put to Zurich Insurance and they have indicated that they will be prepared to cover the cycle ramps, a firm quotation is awaited.
      David Venner has visited Abbeyford Woods in Okehampton and provided a report and photographs of his visit which will be circulated to all councillors.
      Peter Tucker reported that certain activities have already been taking place on the site and it was felt this was inadvisable until insurance cover is obtained. A meeting of the working party will be arranged as soon as possible to update those involved on progress to date and advising of the need to restrict any activities at the present time. Roger Bickley will arrange a meeting.

   3. Football nets. Barton Meadow Recreational Area Group has agreed to provide two football nets for the play area. Helen Carn is getting details and costs for these, it appears there is the choice of nets for either 5 a-side or 7 a-side football. When firm quotations and details of installation are received Councillors will make a decision on the size of net to be installed.

   4. iv) Shelter - various possibilities have been obtained and quotations are awaited. A decision will be made when quotations are to hand and consultation with the young people has taken place.

10. David Brown reported that funding from Leader Plus is available up to a maximum of £5,000 for projects specifically run by young people. It was agreed that the young people involved should be encouraged to follow this up.

11. Matters Raised by the Chairman

    The Chairman reported a visit by Ben Read, a student doing a Masters degree, who has visited High Bickington to learn about the Little Bickington Farm project and wider Parish Plan. The Chairman reported various correspondence with Geoffrey Cox MP regarding the provision of alternative energy schemes and GM crop planting.

12. Maintenance

    1. Highways

       1. Repairs update - There was nothing to report. Peter Tucker reported that tape instead of railings has been in place for some considerable time from the junction of the A377/Kingford Hill to Weirmarsh Farm and repairs are needed.

       2. Fountains Field - Zebra crossing. This matter was discussed during Councillor Rawlinson's visit.

       3. Atherington - Speeding and overtaking. The Chairman reported the concerns of Atherington Parish Council regarding speeding and overtaking on the B3227. The major concern is speeds on the road and overtaking at the bottom of the dip. Atherington Parish Council is calling for either of two options - double white lines at the bottom of the dip to ban overtaking, or a 40mph limit. High Bickington and Yarnscombe Parish Councils are being asked for their support. The clerk was asked to respond to Atherington Parish Council to confirm our support and to write to Highways asking for some measures to be undertaken to improve the safety of this road.

    2. Footpaths and byways:
       Roger Keen reported on his meeting with Ros Davies. She had suggested that the unclassified roads should be skimmed to remove mud and water. A quotation and advice will be sought on this suggestion and a proposal put forward to secure funding from the Footpaths agency. Stan Parker reported that a quad bike using Braggs Hill is causing considerable problems with mud at the bottom left from council ditch clearing - the skimming of the road would prevent this happening.

13. Finance

    1. Accounts as at 31 October 2006. Acceptance of the finance statement was proposed by David Brown, seconded by Roger Keen and unanimously agreed by councillors present.

    2. Grant to Torridge Community Transport Association - All Councillors present agreed that a grant of £95 in line with other local organisations be awarded. The Clerk was asked to write explaining that it was not the Council's normal procedure to award grants to organisations outside the parish and to ask for information on how many village residents use the service.

    3. NALC Housing Awards. A cheque for £500 has now been received from NALC. The Clerk was asked to forward this to the CPT to use towards local needs affordable housing.

    4. Budget 2007/08 - A final decision on the budget will be made at the December meeting. A meeting of the Finance Sub-committee will be arranged prior to the December meeting to finalise the precept requirement following receipt of the revised insurance quotation. The precept requirement to be submitted to Torridge by 3 January 2007.

14. Planning

    1. Applications received before the meeting - there were no new planning applications.

    2. Decisions:

       1. 1/2004/2006/AGR
          Erect New Building - Storage for implements and machinery, Hay and Straw
          North Heale Farm, High Bickington
          Mr D M Ginns
          DECISION: TDC - Refused 1.11.06
          HBPC - no comment 11.10.06

       2. 1/1727/2006/FUL
          Single Storey Extension
          Gratleigh, High Bickington
          Mr & Mrs D'Olley
          DECISION: TDC - Refused 13.10.06
          HBPC - Supported 13.9.06

       3. 1/2028/2006/FUL
          Retrospective consent for retention of upvc conservatory
          30 Barton Meadow Road, High Bickington
          Mr & Mrs N Campion
          DECISION: TDC - Granted 1.11.06
          HBPC - Supported 11.10.06

15. Dates of Meetings 2007

    Wednesday 10 January	Wednesday 11 July
    Wednesday 14 February	August - no meeting
    Wednesday 14 March	Wednesday 12 September
    Wednesday 11 April	Wednesday 10 October
    Wednesday 9 May - Annual Parish Meetings	Wednesday 14 November
    Wednesday 13 June	Wednesday 12 December

16. Correspondence

    1. (a) Devon Conservation Forum - notification of meeting on Saturday 25 November 2006 at County Hall, Exeter - Climate Change Action Day. Details in circulation pack.

    2. (b) Countryside Alliance - a letter requesting support from the Parish Council for the retention of rural post offices. Myc Riggulsford and Peter Tucker declared an interest as members of the Countryside Alliance and took no part in the discussion. Those Councillors eligible to discuss (5) unanimously agreed to ask the Clerk to write a letter to the Minister responsible for post offices pointing out what this loss would mean to the community.

17. Outstanding Matters

    Stella Burrows reported a request from residents at Nethergrove for Neighbourhood Watch notices to be installed. Councillors agreed to this request and it was suggested these might be put on footpath signposts. Stella Burrows will follow this up. Stan Parker agreed to replace the post in Mill Road.

18. Outstanding Matters

    There were no items for information.

19. Date of next meeting

    The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 13 December 2006 at 7.30pm in the Meeting Point.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.59pm.