Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday 9 April 2008
In the Meeting Point, High Bickington at 7.30pm

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

In attendance:
Mr John Rawlinson, Devon County Councillor, 4 members of the public, Mrs Di Carter - Clerk

The Chairman welcomed Councillor John Rawlinson to the meeting.

Following James Morrish’s report at the previous meeting about the Boundary Commission review, the Chairman outlined the proposals and the information received to date. An e-mail update on Devon County Council’s preference for a unitary authority to take responsibility for the services currently provided by the County and District Councils of Devon was circulated. A consultation period from June will be undertaken with Parish and Town Councils and the Boundary Commission recommendation is expected in December 2008. The adopted recommendation will take effect in May 2010 which is likely to coincide with a general election. It was felt that there is not currently sufficient information on costings for Parish and Town Councils to make a decision on a preferred option. It was also felt that this would be an ideal opportunity for more consultation with local residents and this opportunity appeared to have been overlooked.

The Chairman invited Councillor Rawlinson to report Devon County Council’s view on the proposals and he outlined their report on the initial concept for unitary local government across Devon as follows:

• Through our concept for a unitary Devon we aim to achieve:
• High quality and community focused local government.
• Better value for tax-payers.
• Fair access to public services.
• A stronger Devon economy which improves the quality of life for all communities.
• A county that champions civic pride and a strong Devon identity.
  
  We believe that is best achieved by:
• Creating three unitary councils – Plymouth, Torbay and Devon – to reduce the administrative costs of local government and ease the burden on Council Tax.
• Maintaining existing countywide services to minimise disruption, retaining professional expertise and preserving economies of scale to ensure maximum efficiency savings.
• Strengthening existing countywide services and raising the performance of existing District Council services to the level of the best.
• Turning local government on its head; reinvesting savings in devolved budgets and innovative city and community governance arrangements to support local priorities. This would bring local government closer to the people and communities it serves.
• Widening public participation in setting local priorities and involving those from outside local government such as the business community and voluntary sector in helping to deliver solutions.
• Greater integration and co-ordination with partner agencies such as Devon PCT and the Police to ensure the public benefits from joined-up services in the community.” local focus

It is also suggested that Community Boards be established to cover each of Devon’s 28 market and coastal towns, membership comprising of Town Mayor, Town and Parish councillors, Unitary Councillors, Police representative, Primary Care Trust representative and local representatives nominated by the Community Forum. It is intended to strengthen the role of town and parish councils by providing an opportunity to support their local unitary councillors in meeting the needs of their communities.

Councillor Rawlinson recommended all Councillors to read the Way Ahead booklet which explains the proposals to bring a more united service for PCT, county health facilities and social services. It is also proposed that facilities at district hospitals will be enhanced to enable residents in rural areas to access treatment more easily.

At the Chairman’s request, Councillor Rawlinson agreed to provide the Parish Council with the background information on Devon County Council’s response to the review in order that all facts are with the Parish Council before the consultation process comes into operation.

In response to a query from a Councillor, Councillor Rawlinson said he did not feel the suggestion that Councils take on the running of Post Offices would be a practical solution.

The Chairman thanked him for his report and Councillor Rawlinson left the meeting. It was felt that at the present time with a lack of information on the financial implications for the various options and varying views on the preferred options, it was impossible to come to a decision.

Matters raised by the public

The rubbish bin at Barton Meadow play area is regularly overflowing and the Clerk was asked to check who installed the bin and who is responsible for emptying it.


The formal meeting was convened at 8. 23pm.

1. Apologies
   Apologies were received from David Venner and PCSO Sandra Brown.
   
   
2. Declarations of Interest
   David Brown and Mike Leatham declared a personal interest in item 6 – Parish Plans.
   
   
3. Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 12 March 2008
   The Minutes of the meeting held on 12 March 2008 were agreed and adopted by Councillors. The Chairman signed the Minutes.
   
   
4. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 March 2008
   1. Removal of recycling pavilion at the Playing Field: The Clerk reported a letter from Torridge District Council informing the Council that the recycling pavilion would be removed during week commencing 7 April 2008.
   2. County Council Locality Budget: No suggestions for grant funding have been received and the Clerk was asked to write to Councillor Rawlinson thanking him for offering the grant but regretting no projects were currently being undertaken which would benefit from the grant.
      
      
5. Police Matters
   Stella Burrows reported that PCSO Sandra Brown has visited the village a number of times to try to deal with the continuing problem of unacceptable behaviour. PCSO Brown is asking anyone who sees such behaviour to immediately telephone 08452 777 444 giving times and details of the complaint.
   
   Stella Burrows outlined the contents of the April Police Newsletter and particularly mentioned the recommendation that outbuildings are kept locked and secure and an accurate record kept of items in those outbuildings, ie serial numbers, any identifying marks any other details to aid identification.
   
   With the lighter evenings and longer days there is more social activity and it is important to ensure no nuisance is caused to other residents.
   
   Stella Burrows reiterated strongly the need to report anything suspicious immediately.
   
   
6. Parish Plans
   In David Venner’s absence David Brown outlined the contents of the April CPT report. It is now proposed that the new primary school will be included as part of the full planning application although it is unlikely to be built at the same time as the remaining development. The team are on course to submit the application in early May.
   
   Some new applicants are coming forward to register an interest in the affordable homes and it is important to submit any interest as soon as possible. There is an encouraging interest in the proposed workshop units.
   
   The new website is up and running and David Brown encouraged Councillors to review the site and report any comments. It is hoped that the Clerk will be able to update details and suggestions for items for inclusion on the site would be welcomed.
   
   
7. Barton Meadow Recreational Play Area
   
   1. Play area monitoring. There was nothing to report.
   2. Play Area Safety Inspection. The clerk reported that ROSPA has carried out the annual inspection and the report is awaited.
      
      
8. Matters raised by the Chairman
   Ramblings. The Chairman reported that the new editor, Alan Graveley, has agreed to attend the Annual Parish meeting on May 14th. He will confirm whether Cliff Dean and Sharne Worrall are also able to attend. Following a discussion it was agreed to invite members of Atherington Parish Council to attend as members of the public to hear the plans for Ramblings.
   
   
9. Maintenance
   Highways
   
   1. Stan Maskell reported that some remedial highways work has been carried out. There is still an urgent need for drainage works to be carried out in certain areas and the Clerk was asked to follow this up with Highways. It was felt that it was important to address the causes of blocked drains rather than the effect.
   Footpaths and Byways
   
   1. Roger Keen reported reported a quotation from Derek Herniman for signposts. Following a discussion it was agreed that the Chairman would speak to Mr Herniman to establish the recommended size and height of the posts before a final quotation is accepted. It was agreed that oak would be the preferred timber and that a maximum cost of £50 per post would be acceptable. It was further agreed to install one post per designated footpath, ie giving a total of 4 posts.
   2. Roger Keen agreed to ascertain the cost of removing the high layer of earth and grass in Taylor’s Lane (to Peter Young’s bungalow) as it has caused damage to the underside of cars.
      
      
10. Finance
    
    1. Accounts as at 28 March 2008. These figures were agreed, showing a bank balance and carry forward figure of £6,815.12 following authorisation for payment of the three cheques below:
       100193 Architects fees £11,196.25 less CPT Cheque for £10,150.00 £1776.25
       100194 Ramblings Sub £ 5.00
       100195 DPFA – sub £ 15.00
       100196 Mrs D Carter Sal £224.46 – Exp £45.14 £ 280.60
    2. Draft statement of income and expenditure at 31 March 2008. The Clerk tabled these figures for adoption at the Annual Parish Council meeting on 14 May 2008. Any comments to be with the Clerk prior to the May meeting.
    3. Community First Insurance – the Clerk reported the renewal figure of £976.76 due 1 June.
       
       
11. Planning
    
    1. Applications:
       1/0334/2008/FUL
       Demolition of existing house, garage and shed and new build environmentally sustainable house.
       Greenwood, formerly Broadwood, Pound Lane, High Bickington.
       Peter Godfrey & Tess Guilding
       Decision: Following a discussion and by a show of hands (7 in favour, 1 abstention) Councillors agreed to support the application with the following comments: The Parish Council feels that its comments on the previous application have been taken into account and the concerns addressed.
       Stan Maskell was concerned that an oak tree at the entrance to the site is not removed and queried whether a preservation order could be obtained. Stan Maskell was asked to follow this up with Torridge, but it was not felt it should be included in the application response.
       
    2. Decisions:
       1/0125/2008/FUL
       Erection of dwelling, alterations to existing garage and garage/workshop, and access alterations.
       Land at Devonia, Junkett Street, High Bickington
       Mr & Mrs Pidler
       TDC Decision: 18.3.08: Granted
       PC Decision: 13.2.08 Supported
       
       
12. Correspondence
    
    1. The Rural Housing Trust – invitation for two Councillors to attend Affordable Village Housing Seminar to be attended by HRH The Princess Royal on Tuesday 13 May 2008 at The Clinton Hall, Merton, Okehampton 10.30 am – 4.15pm. The Chairman will attend.
    2. Copy letter from Mr & Mrs J M Blewett re road accidents on A377. The Clerk was asked to respond supporting the concerns for safety on the A377.
    3. TDC – letter confirming removal of recycling pavilion w/c 7 April 2008 – reported earlier.
       
    4. DCC – letter informing that Sherri Henry, Highways Superintendent will be leaving her post on 4 April. This was regrettable, as Sherri Henry has been a great help and support in efforts to improve highways maintenance. The Clerk had sent an e-mail sending best wishes from the Council.
    5. Burrington PC – copy letter re Eaglescott Airfield – in information pack.
    6. Zurich Insurance – letter re enhanced public liability cover to comply with new Corporate Homicide and Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007 – for information.
       
       
13. Items for information
    Roger Keen reported
    1. Damage to the larger noticeboard outside the village hall. The Clerk was asked to follow this up and to ascertain ownership of the board and responsibility for its upkeep.
    2. South West Lifelong Learning Network, Plymouth – questionnaire. Completed questionnaires were returned to the Clerk and she will forward these to Plymouth University.
    
    
14. Date of next meeting:
    Annual Parish and Annual Parish Council Meetings - Wednesday 14 May 2008 at 7.30pm in the Meeting Point, High Bickington.
    

They’re being no further business the meeting closed at 9.30pm.