Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday 8 March 2006 at 7.30pm
In the Meeting Point, High Bickington

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

In Attendance:
9 members of the public
PC Tony Hagan
Mrs Di Carter - Clerk

1. Apologies
   Apologies were received from David Venner.

2. Matters Raised by the Public
   There were no matters raised by the public.

4. Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 8 February 2006.
   The minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2006 were agreed and adopted by Councillors. The Chairman signed the minutes.

5. Police Matters
   

   1. Review of the first Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG). This was held prior to the Parish Council meeting. Sgt Harper and PC Hagan were in attendance and PC Hagan reported to the meeting the purpose of the NAG is to improve liaison with the Police. The main points raised were those of speeds and parking in the village and the potential of increased traffic if the proposed Biomass application is approved.

      PC Hagan is producing a regular newsletter which is posted on noticeboards and in Ramblings.

      PC Hagan stressed the importance of keeping him informed of any events in the village and to contact the Police as a matter or urgency, if matters are not reported immediately it is unlikely that a successful outcome will be achieved.

      PC Hagan reported that Torrington area is to have four PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) in post in June, one of which will be dedicated to High Bickington and the immediate area. PC Hagan will continue as the local Beat Manager but it will mean that extra resources will be available in the village and give an increased Police presence. These officers will not have the same powers as Police officers but will liaise closely with residents and the Neighbourhood Watch. They will also organise community events such as cycle safety courses for children and crime prevention advice.

      It was agreed that the NAG will be incorporated into the regular Parish Council meetings, Sgt Harper agreed to attend the June meeting and to introduce the new officers.

      The Chairman thanked PC Hagan for reporting to the meeting.

      PC Hagan left the meeting.

   2. Stella Burrows reported a recent problem where dogs had been worrying sheep. This has now been resolved. She also reminded everyone to be very vigilant and to ensure the security of all possessions and equipment, particularly quad bikes, farm machinery, gates etc which have recently been targeted.

      Councillors expressed their pleasure to hear about the appointment of four PCSOs and thanked Stella Burrows for her efforts in this matter.

6. Matters arising from the Minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2006.

   1. Low flying aircraft – The Chairman reported a letter from Eaglescott Airfield in which they state that they have been unable to find any evidence of low flying microlights in the area. The Chairman asked everyone to let him have details of any future problems; he will take up the invitation to visit the Airfield.

7. Parish Plans
   

   1. March update. In David Venner's absence David Brown presented the March update.

   2. 106 Agreement. This is a legal document and will shortly be finalised for signature by the Parish Council. David Brown outlined the contents of each of the 10 schedules contained in the agreement. Once it is executed it is registered as a charge alongside the Land Registry records. Partners to the agreement are Devon County Council, High Bickington CPT, High Bickington Parish Council and Torridge District Council.

   3. In the absence of a Parish Council seal it was agreed that the document be prepared in the form of a Deed. If, however, a seal was legally required David Brown would arrange to obtain one.

      Proposed by Peter Tucker and seconded by Roger Keen, Councillors eligible to vote agreed that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman be allowed to sign the document as required.

      David Brown abstained from the vote.

   4. The Chairman reported a letter from the Clerk to Atherington Parish Council in which he asks that a condition is placed on the contractors involved in the Little Bickington Farm project to access the site by a route other than through Atherington to avoid causing nuisance and discomfort to the residents of Atherington during the construction phase.
      Councillors felt that such a condition could not be imposed but they would agree to ask contractors to mitigate any traffic issues. The Chairman will write to the Clerk at Atherington Parish Council to inform him of this.

8. Barton Meadow
   

   1. Village Hall Site. Mike Leatham presented initial plans submitted by Pearce to Torridge District Council for the village hall site at Barton Meadow. If Torridge accept the plans Pearce will approach the Parish Council for their approval. If Torridge do not give approval then Pearce are likely to submit alternative plans. At this stage Pearce are endeavouring to ascertain what Torridge will accept on this site before taking the matter further.

   2. Barton Meadow Recreation Area. The tree planting will take place shortly. The contractor has suggested leaving the work on the cycle track for a while to allow the land to dry out. Roger Bickley will follow up this and the re-surfacing of the car park.

   3. Insurance. The insurance cover taken out by BMRAG runs out at the end of March 2006. The Parish Council has agreed to insure this equipment as an addition to their policy which is renewed on 1 June 2006. The Clerk was asked

      to contact the insurance company to ascertain the cost of covering this equipment until 1 June. The BMRAG will hold a meeting before 31 March 2006 to agree the handover of this equipment to the Parish Council.

      Decision: Proposed by David Brown and seconded by Mike Leatham, Councillors agreed that providing the BMRAG approve the handover of the equipment by 31 March and upon receipt of the quotation for adding this equipment to the Parish Council policy until 1 June, the Finance Committee be allowed to make a decision on whether the Parish Council covers this additional equipment in the interim period.

9. Matters raised by the Chairman

   1. The Chairman reported that following concerns about the proximity of a new property being built at Fountain Fields, Poltair has agreed to erect a fence between Mr & Mrs Stevens' property in Wardens Close and the new property. Torridge District Council has ruled that the fence should be on the Poltair side of the hedge. All parties are happy with this decision.

   2. Pavements in High Bickington. The Chairman reported a letter from a resident in High Street enclosing documents from their Solicitor which show that the pavements are not a part of their property and ownership is unknown. The Clerk was asked to forward this correspondence to Devon County Council Highways for their comments.

      David Brown expressed concern that the Parish Council appears to be getting involved in matters raised by residents which are outside of the control of the Parish Council. He felt it was more appropriate for residents to follow these matters up with the responsible authority. Chairman accepted the importance of not wasting Parish Council time or interfering in matters outside our remit, but feels that there is a reasonable role to play as an honest broker or mediator in discussions between individual residents and official bodies. Also the Parish Council may help represent parishioners' interests when the case has wider implications for several residents, providing this does not raise unreasonable expectations of the Parish Council's very limited powers.

10. Maintenance

    1. Highways. Stella Burrows reported serious potholes at Leigh Hill. She also reported the transporting of several loads of spoil from Fountain Fields on the Langridgeford Road. Roger Bickley said this had been as a result of problems with the original tip and an alternative disposal site had been found at Hiscott.
       Further problems were reported at the junction of Mill Lane and Church Meadow.
       The Clerk was asked to report these to Highways and to ascertain the general position with regard to repairs.

    2. Footpaths and byways. Roger Keen reported that the owners of the land opposite Old Park have indicated that they would like to install a kissing gate. Roger Keen has the gate and necessary equipment and asked for Council approval to pass this to the owners. Councillors unanimously agreed to this proposal.

11. Finance

    1. Finance statement at 28 February 2006.
       David Brown explained that the Parish Council was being asked to fund the website domain registration for the next 2 years at a cost of £41.13 including VAT. The previous 2 years was funded by the CPT. Councillors agreed this payment.
       In addition to the cheques listed an additional cheque for £48.00 payable to the Meeting Point for the hire of the hall was required. The statement including this addition was agreed. An increase to the cost of hiring the Meeting Point was approved, from 1 April the charge will be £10.00 per meeting.

12. Planning

    1. Planning applications received before the meeting: there were no applications.

    2. Decisions:

       1. 1/1539/2005/LBC

          1/1529/2005/FUL

          Erection of conservatory

          Dadland, High Bickington

          DECISION: Granted.

       2. 1/1978/2005/COU

          New kennel block of 10 kennel cubicles, office, store, toilet.

          White Bridge House, High Bickington.

          DECISION: Granted

       3. 1/1979/2005/FUL
          Timber frame kennel block – retrospective application
          
          White Bridge House, High Bickington
          
          DECISION: Granted

    3. Biomass Power Station, Winkleigh Airfield. Torridge District Council are holding a public meeting on the morning of 4 April 2006 in Winkleigh. A planning meeting in the afternoon is scheduled to make a decision on the application. The Chairman and/or Peter Tucker will attend the public meeting to present the objections of High Bickington Parish Council. Everyone is welcome to attend. The Clerk was asked to prepare a bullet point list of objections already raised with local authorities.
       The Clerk reported that as yet James Morrish has not responded to the Council's letter of 20 February asking for his support for the traffic concerns for High Bickington. The Chairman will contact Councillor Morrish.

13. Correspondence

    1. DAPC – Parish Councils IT Survey – the Clerk will complete.

    2. TDC – letter and poster re housing advice information service. Peter Tucker will put the poster on the school noticeboard.

    3. Community Council of Devon – Calor Village of the Year competition. Councillors agreed not to participate.

    4. TDC – information re procedure for filling casual vacancies – in circulation pack.

    5. Great Torrington & District MCTI Community Planning Partnership – notice of AGM on 29 March 2006. David Brown said everyone was welcome to attend. In circulation pack.

14. Outstanding Matters
    There were no matters outstanding.

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

16. Date of next meeting
    Wednesday 12 April 2006 at 7.30pm in the Meeting Point.