Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday 10 June 2009
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:
David Venner – Community Property Trust; 1 member of the public; Mrs Di Carter, Clerk

Neither the County Councillor nor the District Councillor was in attendance and there were no representatives present from the Police. There were no matters raised by the public.

The formal meeting was convened at 7.35pm.

1. Apologies for absence
   Apologies were received from PCSO Sandra Brown


2. Declarations of Interest
   David Brown declared an interest in item 6 – Parish plans - as Chairman of the Community Property Trust, and Mike Leatham also declared an interest in item 6 as the Parish Council representative to the Community Property Trust.
   


3. Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on held on 13 May 2009
   The Minutes of the meeting held on 13 May 2009 were agreed and adopted by Councillors and the Chairman signed the Minutes.
   


4. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 May 2009
   Minor injuries unit at Torrington Hospital. The Clerk had written a letter expressing the Parish Council’s concerns at the proposed closure of the minor injuries unit at Torrington Hospital and read the letter of response which included the following statement:
   "Prior to Devon Primary Care Trust (PCT) being formed in 2006, North Devon PCT had made provision for Minor Injury Unit cover by awarding a contract to two local GP surgeries to undertake this service. I am pleased to be able to inform you that due to this very specific circumstance within Torrington and the fact that there is now a full understanding of the previous local arrangement, it has been agreed the service should be reinstated."
   Councillors welcomed the reinstatement of the service.


5. Police Matters
   Stella Burrows reported that she had attended the Neighbourhood Watch coffee evening on 21 May but had been unable to attend the co-ordinators’ meeting. A Police newsletter had been received and Stella Burrows reported the recent worrying arson incident at Dobbs where a shed had been set alight with petrol. The property owner had discovered the fire - Police were informed and are investigating. There are no positive results at present but information which may be relevant has been passed to the Police. Stella Burrows again asked everyone to report any suspicious activity immediately to the Police on 08452 777444. She also stressed the importance of keeping any fuel securely locked away and recommended items of equipment be marked and listed by property owners.
   


6. Parish Plans
   
   1. David Venner circulated copies of the June Report from the Community Property Trust. The Board are discussing possible dates for an exhibition of the plans.
      David Brown reported on a recent successful meeting with Devon County Councillors and Committee members when possible dates for the provision of the new school were discussed. This will be dependent on decisions made by Committee members later in the year.
      David Brown also clarified the position regarding the provision of allotments at the Little Bickington Farm site. They will be subject to a 125-year lease agreement with the Community Property Trust and will legally be required to be administered by them. The Parish Council will have no jurisdiction.
   2. Roger Keen reported that he had spoken to Ros Davies, the County Footpaths Officer and she will be invited to attend the July Parish Council meeting when the question of the provision of a replacement gate at the Community Woodland can be discussed.


7. Barton Meadow Recreational Play Area
   Chris Brown had nothing to report.
   1. ROSPA Inspection – the Clerk reported receipt of the correct inspection report. Copies have been given to Peter Tucker and Chris Brown.
   
   
   2. Devon Bank repairs – this work is still outstanding.
   
   
   3. Memorial Seat – there is no further information on the siting of the seat.
   
   


8. Matters raised by the Chairman
   
   1. The Chairman reported a recent incident arising from incorrect parking outside the Doctors’ surgery.
   
   
   2. The Chairman said that concerns are continuing to be expressed about possible development and increased activity at Eaglescott Airfield. Flights over High Bickington have increased recently.
   
   
   3. The Chairman reported a recent problem faced by a Parish Council over the way it dealt with planning applications which require a response within a timescale which does not include a full Parish Council meeting. It was felt that a policy should be drawn up for High Bickington Parish Council to ensure everyone is aware of the procedure. The Clerk was asked to draft a procedure for discussion.
   
   


9. Maintenance
   
   1. Highways – Repairs: Stan Maskell reported weedkilling has been carried out on some verges. The Clerk reported that she has been informed that repair work is due to be carried out shortly.
   
   
   2. Footpaths and Byways – Roger Keen reported that Ros Davies, Devon County Council Footpaths Officer has expressed an interest in attending the meeting in July and he will follow this up. Some residents have expressed concern about the condition of the footpath at Old Park and this will be raised with Ros Davies.


10. Finance
    
    1. Accounts as at 29 May 2009. These were agreed, accepted by Councillors present and showed a bank carry forward figure of £12,734.87 following authorisation for payment of the cheques listed below:
       100250 Came & Co – Parish Council insurance £877.00
       100251 D Jones & Son – grasscutting £30.00
       100252 D Carter – salary and expenses £298.48
       
    2. Council insurance – the Finance Committee had recommended that the quotation from Came & Co for £877.00 be accepted and a cheque was authorised to be paid by the renewal date of 1 June 2009. This premium represents a considerable saving with an enhanced cover.
    3. Audit of Accounts – the Clerk reported that the audit will be carried out on Monday 30 June 2009
    4. High Bickington Directory – It appears that the application to Devon County Council for grant funding has not been successful and the Clerk was asked to approach James Morrish to see whether an application to their annual grants scheme might be appropriate.


11. Planning
    
    1. Applications: No applications were received for decision at this meeting:
    2. Decisions: No decisions had been received.


12. Correspondence
    
    1. South West Highways – notification of a road closure between Atherington and High Bickington for resurfacing work from Monday 17 August to Friday 21 August 2009. Copies of the letter and suggested diversions will be placed on the noticeboards and Ramblings..


13. Items for information
    There were no items for information.


14. Date of next meeting:
    Wednesday 8 July 2009 at 7.30pm in the Meeting Point, High Bickington.
    

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8:23pm.