Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday 10 January 2007
In the Meeting Point, High Bickington at 7.30pm

Present:
Myc Riggulsford (Chairman), David Brown, Stella Burrows, Roger Keen, Mike Leatham, Stan Parker,
Peter Tucker.

In attendance:
Devon County Councillor John Rawlinson, David Venner - CPT Ltd, 5 Members of the public,
Mrs Di Carter - Clerk

1. Apologies were received from Roger Bickley..

2. The Chairman opened the meeting by wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. He welcomed Councillor John Rawlinson to the meeting.

3. Matters raised by the public
   

   There were no matters raised by the public.

4. The Chairman invited Councillor John Rawlinson to address the meeting.
   
   Councillor Rawlinson said he hoped 2007 would be more rewarding for High Bickington than 2006 had been.
   Despite an increase in the Government grant things are getting progressively worse, Devon now has £39 less per person than the average authority in the UK. This year the deficit per person against the budget will be £46. Adult services have been given an increase of 5% but the reality is that the cost of these services will be much higher than 5% and a considerable amount of money will be needed to maintain services at the current level. The age of the population is gradually increasing thereby increasing the call on services. Savings of around £12,000,000 have so far been identified against a deficit of £15,000,000. This will inevitably lead to a cut in services. The same problem applies to Highways - an increased grant of 7% against an increase in costs of £12-£15,000,000. Government has capped Council Tax at 5% and Councillor Rawlinson felt that Devon County Council would come in at 4.9%.
   The Chairman raised the question of the zebra crossing at the Fountains Field site which has still not been installed. He read a letter from Poltair who blamed the delay on Highways being able to prove title to the highway verge. They were, however, hopeful that work on the zebra crossing would begin in January. Councillor Rawlinson promised to follow this up urgently with Highways.
   The Community grant form will be completed when costings on enhancements at Barton Meadow play area are received.

5. Police Matters
   Stella Burrows reported that the new Neighbourhood Watch signs at Nethergrove will be installed shortly - application forms are with the authorities in Barnstaple. Stella Burrows reported on the Police Newsletter from WPC Sally Middleton. A new PCSO, Sandra Brown, will be starting in January. The third and final PCSO will be in post in April. Police patrols have been increased at the recycling and play areas in an effort to stop the vandalism.
   It was agreed to ask WPC Middleton and PCSO Brown to attend a NAG immediately prior to the next Parish Council meeting on Wednesday 14 February at 7pm.
   Councillors were pleased to note that Torrington police station will shortly be back up to full strength.

6. Minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2006.
   The Minutes of the meeting held on 8 November 2006 were agreed and adopted by Councillors present. The Chairman signed the minutes.
   Roger Keen and Stan Parker to confirm that the sum of £180 in item 9 Footpaths and Byways (a) includes skimming work on the roadway from Dadland to Deptford as well as at Braggs Hill.

7. 5. Matters arising from the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2006
   

   1. Vandalism at Recycling pavilion - Councillors felt this was a valuable facility for the area and urged everyone to value it and ensure it continued.

   2. Dog fouling - the Clerk had reported further problems to the Dog Warden and increased visits to the village are planned. The Clerk was asked to report to Torridge District Council the infrequency of the emptying of the dog bins.

8. Parish Plans
   

   1. January update. David Venner outlined the contents of the update which were circulated. Assuming agreement is reached on the way forward at a meeting with Devon and Torridge Chief Executives in February, it is hoped to hold a public exhibition of the new scheme in the spring. Confirmation of the approval of the planning application for the change of use at the community woodland had been received to-day. The improvements can now be taken forward, namely the provision of public access to the woodland, installation of two bridle gates, pedestrian gate, seats, picnic table. Bill Holman will be planting a holly tree in the woodland in February to mark his involvement in the project.

9. Barton Meadow Recreational Play Area
   

   1. Cycle ramps - insurance and notices. The Clerk reported that Zurich insurance has agreed to insure the cycle ramp area for a premium of £210.00 p.a as from 1 December 2006. A written report from Roger Bickley was read to the meeting. Due to the Christmas holiday and the bad weather it has not been possible to carry out any work on the rough area. When it is cut down a plan showing the layout will be produced. Peter Tucker has spoken to Mr Hedges and he will carry out the work as soon as the weather permits. Peter Tucker is also following up quotations for the signs but to date has not been able to obtain written quotes. The Chairman agreed to take this matter up. Roger Bickley reported that he has not been able to arrange a formal meeting with the committee but has been in contact with some of the users.

   2. Football nets. The Clerk reported that the quotation of £800.00 from Steelway Fensecure for 2 goal post sets has been accepted and they will be delivered shortly. Stan Parker has kindly agreed to take delivery of the goal posts.

   3. Shelter. Roger Bickley has obtained a quotation for a 8' x 6' wooden shelter with seating on three sides for a total price of £890. Compared to shelters illustrated in play equipment catalogues this appeared to be a very competitive price, more environmentally attractive and offered best value. The Clerk was asked to accept this quotation and ascertain a delivery timetable.

   4. Working party meeting. This has not yet been arranged.

10. Matters Raised by the Chairman

    1. The Chairman read a letter from Chulmleigh Community College in which they express an interest in developing closer ties with local communities. They also requested a copy of the Parish Plan and said they would be prepared to attend a future to discuss possible co-operation further. Councillors felt this was a good idea and the Clerk was asked to extend an invitation to the March meeting and to let them know that the Parish Plan can be accessed via the website.

    2. Local elections will be held on 3 May 2007. An information pack has been received to encourage more public interest and the Chairman will raise the matter at the next meeting in February. He hoped a number of applications to join the Parish Council will be received in order to allow a democratic election to be held. It is also very important to encourage as many people as possible to vote.

11. Maintenance

    1. Highways

       1. Repairs update. The situation at Nethergrove and Seckington is appalling with the edges of the road crumbling and potholes becoming more serious. This is due to a lack of good drainage and will require considerable remedial works.

       2. Fountains Field - zebra crossing. This matter was dealt with earlier in the meeting.

    2. Footpaths and byways:
       Roger Keen reported that he has carried out the annual inspection and everything seems to be in good order.

12. Finance

    1. (a) The finance statement at 31 December 2006 was agreed and cheques issued were accepted by Councillors present as follows:
       100130 - D Carter - Salary and expenses December - £222.96
       100131 - Head Projects - amended to £1566.66. To be reimbursed from Parish Council 106 monies being held by the CPT Ltd. (Agreed at meeting held on 13 December 2006)
       100132 - Audit Commission - 2006 audit - £293.75

13. Planning

    1. Planning applications received before the meeting.

       1. 1/2704/2006/FUL
          Barn Conversion to form 1 unit of staff accommodation.
          Land at Part Field OS7566 Weirmarsh Farm, High Bickington.
          Mr P May
          Decision: Following a discussion the Chairman proposed that the Council support the application. Seconded by Mike Leatham this was unanimously agreed by those Councillors present.

    2. Planning decisions:

       1. 1/2166/2006/CON
          Retrospective application for removal of chimney
          1 Mews Cottage, High Street, High Bickington
          Paul Chapman
          This application was not proceeded with.
          Decision: Following a discussion the Chairman proposed that the Council support the application. Seconded by Mike Leatham this was unanimously agreed by those Councillors present.

       2. 1/1973/2006/COU
          Change of use to community woodland with public access and installation of bridle gates, etc.
          Quarry Wood, Quarry Road, High Bickington.
          TDC Decision: Granted.
          David Brown reported that TDC had withdrawn the requirement for parking facilities to be incorporated into the application. The Chairman wished to thank the High Bickington Playing Field Association for their willingness to allow the parking to be on their site when this was required by the planners.

       3. Biomass Development at Winkleigh Airfield - update. David Brown reported that he had chaired a meeting of the MCTi with SWRDA to draw up alternative plans for the airfield site. The meeting had been very amicable and SWRDA are obviously keen to move away from large scale biomass developments and to concentrate on smaller schemes. SWRDA are unable to give any assurance that should the appeal be successful they will not be required to uphold their original financial backing for the Biomass development. Devon County Council has announced the building of an incinerator at Exeter for burning rubbish.

14. Correspondence

    1. Letter from Jane Williams - Torridge Community Transport Association - enclosing a press release about the new plans for the service. The Clerk was asked to invite Jane Williams to attend the April Parish Council meeting.

    2. DCC - letter from John Wilde re Highway management re-organisation. Notification of changes to the way in which the highway network is managed. The Highway Engineer for High Bickington will be Paul Stewart and he will be contacting the Parish Council early in the new year.
       The Clerk reported that this is in line with new arrangements for Devon County Council's switchboard. All calls will now be routed to the Customer Service Centre's General Enquiries number (0845 155 015). Individual services have their own designated 0845 number and these will be printed in Ramblings.

    3. TDC - letter re recording Declarations of Interest. It is required that as well as ensuring that all Declarations of Interest are accurately recorded, any instances when members challenge other Members over their Declaration or non Declaration, this should also be recorded.

    4. TDC - letter re Section 106 Planning Obligations. Circulated in pack for Councillors' comments.

15. Outstanding Matters

    1. Mike Leatham has reproduced the book on High Bickington written by Mr R W Pitman into CD versions. Copies were circulated to Councillors and two copies were given to the School. The original books will be placed in the archives at Barnstaple. All Councillors thanked Mike Leatham for carrying out this very valuable task. Roger Keen raised the question of the faulty light - this had been reported before Christmas and the Clerk was asked to follow it up. There are also two faulty lights in Mill Road and outside Lower Farm.

16. Items for information

    There were no items for information.

17. Date of Next meeting

    Wednesday 14 February 2007 at 7.30pm in the Meeting Point preceded at 7pm by a Neighbourhood Watch meeting to be attended by WPC Sally Middleton and PCSO Sandra Brown.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.47pm.