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

In attendance: Mr John Rawlinson - County Councillor, Mrs Di Carter - Clerk and 11 members of the public

The Chairman welcomed John Rawlinson to the meeting.

1. Apologies
   There were no apologies.
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 10 March 2004
   The Minutes of the meeting were approved, accepted and adopted by the Council. The Chairman signed the Minutes.
3. Matters Arising from the Minutes
   
   1. Obscured lighting at Barton Meadow adjacent to BT Exchange - a letter has been received from Highways confirming the tree will be removed as soon as possible in the new financial year.
   2. Dog bins - The Clerk confirmed that these have been ordered and will be delivered shortly.
   3. Recycling facility - This matter to be dealt with under agenda item 9 - Maintenance.
4. Matters Raised by the Public
   
   1. Helen Carn reported that the Barton Meadow Recreation Committee has been fundraising and would like to erect a seat and play equipment, possibly football goalposts, on the play area. They would also like to put up two dog signs informing the public it is a children's play area and dogs are not allowed. They would also like to include on the notice "By order of the Parish Council". The Council agreed to these requests, but asked that the Committee keep the Parish Council informed of progress in order that any additional items of equipment can be included in the Council's insurance policy.
   2. Concern was expressed about refuse in the village centre being put out before collection day. It is possible for Torridge District Council to prosecute persistent offenders. Following a discussion it was agreed that a notice be put in Ramblings and on the noticeboards requesting residents to put out refuse sacks only on collection days and not before.
   3. Village Shop - Serious concern was expressed at the loss of a once-successful retail outlet in the village and the Parish Council was asked to take firm measures to try to ensure it was reinstated.
   4. A member of the public reported his concerns about the development at Little Bickington Farm and the fact that despite having raised them previously, he had not received any acceptable answers:
      He felt the present School was situated in a more healthy position for the children, rather than on the new site amongst industrial units.
      Who will be eligible for the affordable homes?
      Sewage system - fears that the system is inadequate to cope with the increase in the number of homes in the village.
      The Chairman felt these points would be best dealt with individually with the person raising them and either he or David Brown would be happy to discuss them.
5. Police Matters
   Stella Burrows reported that a recent traffic survey carried out by PC Hagan had unexpectedly shown a very small number of motorists speeding through the village. A suggestion has been made that if 4-5 villages were interested in sharing the cost of a flashing speed device the Police would be prepared to arrange for it to be available in those villages on a rota basis. The full cost of the device is £2,000. Stella Burrows was asked to make further enquiries about any maintenance, insurance costs etc which might be involved before a final decision was made.

   Stella Burrows confirmed that PC Hagan now has the keys to the Police message box.

6. Matters Raised by the Chairman
   The Chairman reminded those present that the next meeting on 12 May 2004 is the Annual Parish Meeting.

   The Chairman asked Councillor John Rawlinson to address the meeting.

   Councillor Rawlinson reported that the Devon County Council tax has been raised by 5.2%. Compared with other areas Devon has received a very poor settlement from the Government. Spending on education is obligatory, the only areas where spending can be streamlined are Social Services and Highways. An increasingly older population in the County creates a requirement for higher spending on Social Services. Highways are committed to repairing A and B roads, they will respond to emergency problems on minor roads only. There is little likelihood of minor roads being resurfaced and there is a threat of closure of minor roads which become dangerous for vehicles to use. Councillor Rawlinson asked that any potholes be reported immediately and if any difficulty in getting repairs done is experienced, to please contact him for his assistance.

   Councillor Rawlinson said the present School is inadequate and quite unsuitable for children, there is money available for the building of the new School.

   There is now a 90% Council Tax charge on second homes in the County, this will raise £370,000. This can go towards the cost of providing affordable homes in the form of land purchase and he felt that High Bickington should be able to claim some of this money for the Little Bickington Farm project.

   In response to a query from Myc Riggulsford, Councillor Rawlinson reported that the County has provided £5,000 in funding to the Plough. Grants have been made for 3-year terms to give some stability of funding and the 3-year period is up this year. The Plough has increased turnover from £27,000 to £110,000 and he is hopeful that in view of its success the County will continue its funding.

   The Chairman queried the possibility of the District Council insuring other play areas as they are doing in Torrington. Councillor Rawlinson said that corporate insurance terms are considerably more favourable and as there is a commitment for villages to have parity with towns he would hope that the District Council would be prepared to cover this.

   The Chairman thanked Councillor Rawlinson for his report.

7. Village Shop
   The Chairman reported that the closure of the village shop was raised at the previous Council meeting. A letter had been sent to Torridge District Council stating concerns about the closure and the intention of the owner to re-open as an Estate Agent. The Chairman read the response which suggested the Parish Council report its concerns when a planning application for change of use is received. Mr MacDonald had telephoned the Clerk informing her of his intentions. Enforcement officers cannot take any action unless and until such time as the shop re-opens without planning permission. The Planning Officer had indicated that this breach of planning rules would not be considered to be a serious one.

   Mr MacDonald denied that the shop had re-opened to-day (14 April) and said he would inform the Parish Council when it was re-opened.

   Following a discussion it was agreed that the Council would take no further action until a planning application was submitted. If the shop re-opens before the application is received the Council will contact the Enforcement Officer to inform him.

   The Chairman said he echoed the sentiments of a large number of residents who regretted the loss of a retail outlet in the village.

8. Parish Plan - April update
   David Brown circulated copies of the April update to members. He outlined the contents and reported on the highly successful visit of the Rt Hon Alun Michael MP, Minister for Rural Affairs and Local Environmental Quality. He had been most impressed with the project and had briefed the Minister for Housing on his return to Westminster.

   In addition to the notes circulated David Brown reported that Project 2000 are in discussion with South West Water regarding the sewage system. A further public consultation weekend will be arranged when more detailed plans are available. The affordable housing plans are seen as a trailblazer in view of the different arrangements being made available for people to own property. This is where the Community Property Trust will be in control.

   Myc Riggulsford congratulated everyone involved in Project 2000 so far, and this was endorsed by all Councillors. He asked for clarification of the Community Property Trust and Joint Venture Heads of Terms. David Brown confirmed that the Joint Venture Heads of Terms will bring together the County Council, District Council, Parish Council and Church of England Diocese so that they are bound into the Project. The document should be available for all parties to sign shortly. The total investment has been estimated to be in the region of £10-13 million. The Community Property Trust will be the vehicle for administering the housing.

   The Chairman reported that he has spoken to Poltair Homes regarding the new development on land off the B3217. Some legal issues have had to be overcome but they hope to own the land in the next few days and will then contact the Parish Council to inform them of their proposals.

   Councillor Rawlinson left the meeting.

9. Maintenance
   Jean Checksfield reported that a large number of bags of rubbish have been left alongside the recycling hut. It was felt that this was a case of fly-tipping. The Chairman reported that he has spoken to Peter May, Chairman of the Playing Field Association who is concerned about the level of tidiness on the site and the amount of waste being deposited there. They feel they cannot be responsible for garden rubbish.

   Following a discussion the Clerk was asked to contact Torridge District Council to ascertain the schedule for checking the recycling facility and also to arrange for the fly-tipping rubbish to be cleared.

   The Chairman asked Councillors to agree a payment to the Playing Field Association for looking after the recycling area. This payment is accounted for in the Concurrent Functions Grant and there is a sum of £122 available for the year 2003/04.

   The Chairman declared an interest and abstained from the decision. Proposed by Myc Riggulsford, seconded by Roger Keen, Councillors unanimously agreed that £122 should be paid to the Playing Field Association.

   A letter from Highways informing of the visit of the one-man gang Lengthsman in August and September 2004 was passed to Jean Checksfield.

   The kissing gate has been erected. Latches on other gates on the bridleway are required. The Chairman asked Roger Keen to speak to David Venner about this. Roger Keen will also ask David Venner if he would be prepared to erect the 4' gate. There is a dead beech tree next to the kissing gate; the Chairman agreed to look into this.

   Potholes were reported at Vauterhill and on the lane from White Bridge to Old Park at the Old Park end. The Clerk was asked to report these to Highways.

10. Finance
    
    1. The financial statement as at 14 April 2004 was agreed and accepted by the Council.
    2. The year end accounts at 31 March 2004 were circulated. These will be adopted at the Annual Parish Meeting in May. Councillors were asked to direct any queries to the Chairman or Clerk.
    3. Insurance quotations - these are still awaited.
    4. Quality Parish Status - the recommended number of hours required for the work involved is 25. Proposed by David Brown, seconded by Jean Checksfield, Councillors unanimously agreed that the Clerk be paid for these hours.
11. Planning
    
    1. Applications received before the meeting:
       1. Application 1/0518/2004/FUL
          Erection of porch and conservatory
          Clay Down Pounds Lane, High Bickington
          Mrs J Underhill
          DECISION: NO OBJECTION
    2. Planning decisions:
       1. Application 1/0249/2004/FUL
          Utility Room
          Nethergrove, High Bickington
          DECISION: GRANTED
12. Correspondence
    1. Torridge District Council - Change of structure. A copy of the documents was given to each Councillor.
    2. Torridge District Council - War memorials - new grant scheme - letter passed to Roger Keen.
    3. Community Safety Partnership - Appointment of Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator. Circulated in pack.
13. Outstanding Matters
    There were no outstanding matters.
14. Items for information
    Mike Leatham reported that BT now have the required 150 names of people interested in receiving Broadband.
15. Date of next meeting
    Annual Parish Meeting - Wednesday 12 May 2004 at 7.30pm in the Meeting Point, High Bickington. There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.20pm.