Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday 12 July 2006 at 7.30pm
In the Meeting Point, High Bickington

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

In attendance:
Councillor James Morrish, David Venner – CPT Ltd, 8 Members of the public,
Mrs Di Carter - Clerk

1. Apologies
   Apologies were received from Myc Riggulsford and Roger Bickley.

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

3. Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 14 June 2006
   The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 14 June 2006 were agreed and adopted by Councillors. The Chairman signed the minutes.

4. Matters arising
   

   1. Verges at Church Meadow. The Clerk read a letter from Devon County Council Highways – they have asked Torridge to attend to these verges. It is likely that some of the larger areas will be grassed due to the cost involved in replanting with shrubs. The timescale for this work is uncertain.

   2. Refuse collections – the Clerk reported a telephone call from Torridge apologising for the lack of communication regarding the refuse collections during the strike. They will, if possible, give prior warning and details of refuse collection dates if there was a similar occurrence in the future.

   3. Litter bin at Wardens Close – TDC have acknowledged this request and will install a litter bin as soon as possible. This matter will be monitored.

   4. Dog Fouling – The Clerk reported a telephone conversation with the Dog Warden. He agreed to make regular visits to the village in an effort to stop dog fouling. There are now measures in place to fine any owners who allow their dogs to foul the public highways.

   5. Communications with Torridge District Council – the Clerk reported that following the letter to the Chief Executive, several e-mails and telephone calls had been received regarding outstanding matters. New contact details have been supplied.

5. Police Matters
   Stella Burrows reported on the Police Liaison Committee meeting she had attended in Torrington. There is currently understaffing in Torrington due to sickness and problems are being experienced in getting officers to cover for this. The overall staffing situation is far from satisfactory and there are problems with transport for the new PCSOs. The new car parking charges applied in Torrington were a major concern – these charges are on a 12-month trial basis and the issue, which has caused much public concern, is being followed up by the Scrutiny Committee at Torridge District Council.
   Stella Burrows said that Craig Bulley, Chairman of the Police Liaison Committee, has expressed a willingness to come to a Parish Council meeting to outline the work of the Committee. She suggested that Mr Bulley be invited to attend a NAG meeting prior to the next Parish Council meeting in September. Councillors present agreed to this suggestion and Stella Burrows agreed to contact Mr Bulley. WPC Middleton and PCSO Steve Henderson will also be invited to attend.

6. Parish Plans
   July update – David Venner presented the July update which was circulated to all Councillors. Geoffrey Cox and Lord Burnett are discussing general policy issues with Ruth Kelly at the Department for Communities and Local Government and a report of their discussions is awaited.
   Section 106 monies – the two separate bank accounts for monies held by the CPT are being set up. No expenditure has been incurred and balances remain intact.
   David Venner and Roger Keen are putting together a list of owners of various parcels of land which are potential County Wildlife Sites. They will write to the owners to request permission to survey the sites to confirm their wildlife status.
   David Venner reported that he is now working part-time, the office will be open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. David Brown will be available to deal with urgent matters on Mondays and Tuesdays.

7. Barton Meadow
   Peter Tucker reported that children had built a cycle ramp which was causing safety concerns. Following advice from the Insurers it has now been dismantled and the situation will be monitored to ensure only official equipment is used on the site. Roger Bickley is carrying out weekly monitoring inspections.

8. Matters Raised by the Chairman
   Mike Leatham reported that Myc Riggulsford will be addressing the National Association of Local Councils annual conference in September on issues of community involvement experienced by the Parish Council.

9. Maintenance
   

   1. Highways

      1. Repairs update. Resurfacing work has been carried out but potholes at Lee are still causing concern. The Clerk was asked to report these problems to Councillor John Rawlinson and ask for his support in ensuring this work is carried out.

      2. Fountains Field – Zebra crossing. The Clerk reported that work had been delayed due to the unsuitability of the existing road surface to enable the installation of the required anti-skid surface. Now that resurfacing work has been carried out Devon County Council highways department have stated that they will pursue Poltair Homes to install the zebra crossing as soon as possible. The Clerk was asked to write to Poltair to ascertain a timescale for this work.

   2. Footpaths and byways:

      1. Unclassified Roads – The Clerk reported a letter from Mr John Wilde at Highways advising that the work suggested by the Parish Council would not be legal. It was felt that the work suggested by the Parish Council had not been fully understood and David Brown agreed to follow this matter up with Mr Wilde.

      2. A schedule of work will be drawn up in conjunction with Ros Davies at Devon County Council. She will arrange a meeting with Roger Keen in September to discuss this further.

10. Finance
    

    1. Accounts as at 30 June 2006. The finance statement as at 30 June 2006 was agreed and accepted by those Councillors present. The following cheques were agreed for payment:
       D Carter – Clerk : £220.16
       Browns Plant Hire: £1316.00

    2. Internal Audit – the Clerk reported a satisfactory visit from the Internal Auditor on 3 July 2006. He has requested that in future all cheques agreed for payment be listed in the minutes of the appropriate meeting and a note be made in the accounts book of the date and minute number of the cheque entries.

11. Planning
    

    1. Applications received before the meeting:

       1. 1/1074/2006/FUL
          Renewal of planning consent no. 1/2073/2001/27/2005
          Plot 3 (No.7) Libbaton Golf and Holiday, High Bickington
          Mrs A Fenge, Forest Park Lodges.
          DECISION: Having supported the renewal of this application in 2001, Councillors present agreed to support the further renewal.

       2. 1/1266/2006/FUL
          Stella Burrows declared an interest in this application and did not take part in the discussion and decision.
          Proposed construction of footway crossing.
          Mrs M Elmhirst, 1 Wardens Close, High Bickington
          Mrs Elmhirst attended the meeting and at the request of Councillors outlined the reasons for the application.
          DECISION: Those Councillors present and eligible to vote (5) agreed unanimously to support the application.

       3. 1/1245/2006/FUL
          Replacement of holiday chalets with 22 modern energy efficient holiday lodges.
          Forest Park Lodges, Kingford, High Bickington
          Mr R Smith attended the meeting and explained to Councillors the reasons for the application to replace the old holiday chalets. He also circulated photographic evidence to back this up. If the application was granted there would be a total of 44 chalets on site, which represented a small reduction in the total number currently on site; however the footprint of the proposed new chalets would be increased. Facilities on site include a playground and swimming pool – the number of chalets would not be sufficient to support a shop, bar or restaurant and owners would be encouraged to make use of local facilities. Every chalet pays Council Tax and has a 12-month holiday licence.
          Peter Tucker proposed that the application for 22 chalets as presented be refused as it represents an overdevelopment of the site.
          DECISION: Following a discussion Councillors present voted on Peter Tucker’s proposal as follows: 5 in favour of the proposal, 1 against.

    2. Planning Decisions:
       No decisions had been received from Torridge District Council prior to the meeting.

12. Correspondence

    1. TDC – letter asking for comments on increased car parking charges – comments to be evidence based on the effect on businesses, shops, leisure, etc. Letter circulated in pack for Councillors to respond individually if they wished.

    2. Local Council External Audit fees – the new fees for the Audit Commission were reported and circulated in pack.

    3. DAPC – training courses.

       1. Planning seminar 14 September 2006. James Morrish reported that Torridge District Council will be holding further seminars in the future. Councillors have previously attended TDC seminars and will continue to support these.

       2. CILCA (previously AQA qualification) 18 July. The Clerk will attend.

    4. Turners – bus timetable. Timetables were distributed at the meeting and further copies included in circulation pack.

13. Outstanding Matters
    Stella Burrows reported that a car had been damaged in High Bickington – tyres were slashed and paintwork damaged. The glass on the noticeboard in the church porch had also been broken.

14. Items for information
    Peter Tucker reported that the Clerk had received an e-mail from Amanda Chuter who has found a book “The Story of High Bickington” written by Mr R W Pitman, a previous High Bickington school master. Peter Tucker has been in touch with Amanda Chuter and is arranging for the book to be returned to the village. The book is of great interest to the village and thanks are due to Amanda Chuter for arranging its return.
    Peter Tucker reported that there is a vacancy for a community governor on the Board of Governors at High Bickington school. If anyone is interested in applying for the vacancy could they please speak to Peter Tucker.

15. Report from Councillor James Morrish
    Councillor Morrish reported that the Chief Executive of Torridge District Council is having some success in improving the status of the Council but it is proving to be a more difficult task than expected. A number of staff are no longer employed by the Council but some new appointments have been made. It was noted that Mal Brown has left the Council and currently there is no Director of Planning in post. The Chief Executive is temporarily undertaking this duty and a second appointment process is under way to fill the vacancy.
    Councillor Morrish is chairman of the Environment and Leisure committee. Refurbishments are being carried out to the swimming pool in Torrington which will necessitate its closure during August. The car parking charges are currently being reviewed by the Scrutiny committee and are a matter of concern. Councillor Morrish asked to be kept informed of any problems incurred with communication with Torridge District Council which he acknowledged has been a problem.

16. Date of next meeting
    The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 13 September 2006 at 7.30pm in the Meeting Point to be preceded by a NAG at 7pm. There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.40pm.

HIGH BICKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL, Clerk: Mrs Di Carter, 20 Springfield, Four Seasons Village, Winkleigh, Devon EX19 8DP. Tel: 01837 680125 E-mail: cartergrth@aol.com

High Bickington CPT Ltd, The Meeting Point, North Road, High Bickington. Telephone 01769 560161, or email david.venner@highbickington.org