Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting
Wednesday 14 May 2008 at 7.30pm
In the Meeting Point, High Bickington

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

In attendance:
Councillor Margaret Squire – Atherington Parish Council, Councillor Roy Street – Atherington Parish Council, Sharne Worrall – Deputy Editor, Ramblings, Cliff Dean – Treasurer, Ramblings (7.55pm), Mr James Morrish, Torridge District Councillor (8.25pm), Mr David Venner – High Bickington CPT, PCSO Sandra Brown (8.15pm), 4 members of the public, Mrs Di Carter – Clerk

1. Apologies for absence
   Apologies were received from Alan Graveley - Editor of Ramblings, Joe Umpleby - Clerk to Atherington Parish Council, and Ken and Penny Povey.

2. Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 17 May 2007
   The Minutes of the meeting were agreed, adopted and signed by the Chairman. There were no matters arising

3. Ramblings
   The Chairman welcomed Sharne Worrall to the meeting. The Chairman reported an ongoing discussion with the Editor, Alan Graveley, regarding the continuation of the inclusion of the full Minutes of Parish Council meetings. Sharne Worrall outlined the following facts from the magazine’s viewpoint:

   The Editorial panel felt it was reasonable to allow the Parish Council 2 free pages for its minutes, anything above this to be paid for, or the Minutes ‘edited’ to 2 pages.

   The magazine currently contains 44 pages, new items are being introduced to try to encourage an increased subscriber base and cost considerations do not allow for additional pages at the present time.

   Some advertising revenue has been lost but efforts are being made to increase this.The current year’s subscription rate has been set but an increase is likely next year.

   From the Parish Council’s viewpoint:

   If the Minutes are ‘edited’ they are officially no longer ‘Minutes’ and would have to be inserted as a report, which would necessitate additional time being spent preparing this. This could also lead to possible queries being raised on what had been ‘edited’ out. A considerable number of members of the public have expressed a view that the magazine is a local community publication and as such they expect to be able to read full details of everything that is happening in the Parish. All Atherington and High Bickington Councillors and those members of the public present endorsed this view.

   A much respected local business, The Old Stores, run by Penny Povey, has invested in new equipment and is well placed to continue to print and distribute the magazine. The loss of the magazine business would seriously damage their viability. Mike Leatham reported that Penny Povey would be willing to print the Minutes in full as an insert in the magazine and distribute as required. Some concern was raised at the loss of the original “Parish” basis for the magazine with the two Churches being removed from the cover and replaced with sheep, flowers, etc.

   Cliff Dean joined the meeting. A full discussion followed. The Parish Council wishes to support the continuation of the magazine as it has always been a popular local publication and Peter Tucker suggested that the Parish Council awards an annual grant which could cover the cost of additional pages to allow for the inclusion of full Minutes. Councillors supported this suggestion.

   Atherington Parish Councillors endorsed the comments made but do have problems with the timescale to allow their Minutes to be included.

   Sharne Worrall and Cliff Dean agreed to take the matters raised back to the Editor but it was felt a meeting with Alan Graveley would be helpful. A decision on the best way forward would be taken following this meeting.

   The Chairman thanked Sharne Worrall and Cliff Dean for attending the meeting.

4. Report from the Police
   PCSO Brown updated the meeting on the crime statistics for the year. The total number of reported incidents was 15, 2 down on the previous year.

   Following a question from Peter Tucker, PCSO Brown said that officers had attended the village on a more regular basis this year due to an increase in anti-social behaviour and vandalism. It is intended that these regular visits will continue in the hope that the problem can be resolved.

   There will be a multi-agency fun day in Winkleigh during Winkleigh Fair week. Details will be widely advertised.

   Speed checks will be carried out in the village following the acquisition of a new speed gun.

   PCSO Brown urged everyone to report anything untoward immediately and to use the 01452 777444 telephone number.

   The Chairman thanked PCSO Brown for attending the meeting.

5. Report from District Councillor James Morrish
   Councillor Morrish informed the meeting that he has been re-elected as Leader of the Council. He was pleased to inform the meeting that Torridge District Council has been given a much improved rating from Government following a lengthy Government inspection. Reserves are now running at £2,000,000 whereas previously they were £340,000. This signifies a vastly improved financial situation.

   Councillor Morrish outlined the present situation with the Boundary Commission review – Parish Councils are due to be consulted from 9 July 2008 with a decision due in December 2008 and implementation in June 2010. However, the Minister could decide to continue with the present arrangement so it is important for Torridge to continue to operate well and not let standards drop.

   In answer to a question Councillor Morrish was pleased to report that his Deputy, Des Shadrick’s health had improved. However, he had to report that another officer, Bill Bowman was now seriously ill. Councillors sent their best wishes to both officers.

   Councillor Morrish reported some sharing of expertise – Torridge are taking help and advice from staff at Mid-Devon’s excellent planning department in an effort to improve. Mid-Devon in return are benefiting from help from Torridge in other areas.

6. Chairman's Review of the Year
   The Chairman opened by thanking the Clerk, Vice Chairman and all Councillors for their help and support during the past year. The work put in by the Community Property Trust has been enormous and hopefully will shortly come to fruition with the submission of the revised planning application. The affordable housing and the possibility of a new school will be a big bonus for the village.

   The School continues, under the leadership of the Headteacher, Rob Norton, to do a tremendous job. The Community Woodland, which David Venner and a team of volunteers have made a pleasant place to visit, continues to be well used. Unfortunately there was a spate of petty vandalism earlier in the year and it is important that this is removed and a village community spirit rebuilt.

   The Barton Meadow play area and cycle track continues to be well used, thanks to Chris Brown and Peter Tucker the cycle area is now safely fenced off.

   Stan Maskell and Roger Keen continue to monitor the condition of the roads, footpaths and byways and the condition of the roads has improved considerably. Signposts will shortly be installed in the green lanes to allow their ancient names to be carried forward. The Winkleigh Biomass development has been withdrawn, but alternative plans are in the process of being drawn up for the land Liaison with Burrington Parish Council over the move by the Devon Air Ambulance continues to ensure there is not a huge increase in commercial and private flight activities.

   New residents in Fountains Fields are encouraged to get involved with village activities. Decisions on the closure of some village Post Offices are awaited and it is hoped High Bickington will be spared, but it is essential that their services are well used. The Boundary Commission Review is under way and the Parish Councils will be consulted in July 2008. Anyone with any views on the proposals can pass them to any Parish Councillor so that your views can be properly represented when the Council is consulted.

   Climate change is likely to become a very important issue in the coming years.

   The Chairman wished everyone a successful year.

   (The Chairman’s full report can be accessed via the High Bickington website)

7. Finance
   The accounts as at the end of year 31 March 2008 were circulated. There were no questions from Councillors or members of the public. The accounts will be adopted in the Annual Parish Council meeting following and copies placed on the noticeboards. Audit will take place in July.

8. Matters Raised by the Public
   Barton Meadow - The gate to the play area is in need of attention and the dustbin is not able to be removed for emptying. It may be possible to drill it but if not a new dustbin may be required.

   A white line has appeared in the lane by the Doctors’ surgery. The Clerk was asked to ascertain who was responsible, it is causing access difficulties for neighbouring householders.

   Street light No 1 opposite the Post Office is not functioning and street light no 9 opposite the Methodist Chapel is on all the time. The Clerk will report these.

9. Date of next meeting
   Wednesday 13 May 2009