The Minutes of the previous meeting (May 2008)

MINUTES OF MEETING OF HARDINGTON MANDEVILLE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 17th JUNE 2008 AT 7.30PM AT THE VILLAGE HALL

Members were reminded that the Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions - Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status & any disability); Crime & Disorder, Health & Safety and Human Rights.
Diane Howes, Parish Clerk

PRESENT

Peter Bysouth, Robin Carpenter, Kevin Margetts, David Beckley and Malcolm White.

IN ATTENDANCE

Diane Howes (Clerk), Hannah Lefeuvre (District Councillor) and 2 members of public.
Before the meeting commenced Peter Bysouth introduced James Divall, Community Plan Officer for South Somerset District Council.

  1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
    Bill Turner, Rob Lloyd, Lesley Boucher (District Councillor) and Cathy Bakewell (County Councillor).
  2. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 20th May 2008 (Already Circulated).
    The minutes were approved and signed.
  3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
    There were no declarations of interest.
  4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
    1. Parish Website. The Garden Club have a space and Brian Dodd is now working on something for the oil purchase consortium.
    2. Proposed Recreation Field at North Lane. An email had been received from the planning Officer suggesting that members of the Parish Council attend a planning surgery to discuss the proposal. Robin Carpenter offered to attend a surgery on Monday 23rd June. Robin Carpenter had spoken to Ernest Kong who suggested that the Parish Council obtain a valuation. Robin Carpenter felt no buildings would be needed but hard standing for parking for approximately 10 cars and maybe fixed play equipment. James Divall advised on more natural equipment. Ernest Kong had indicated that he would like to see a new village hall built on the site. Peter Bysouth thought that there was an officer from SSDC who would deal with a valuation, etc, and could bring it all together. Robin Carpenter will ask at the planning surgery. Grants were discussed. Steve Barnes is responsible for Area South or Rob Parr. Hannah LeFeuvre agreed to ask about provision for young people.
    3. Peter Bysouth introduced James Divall, Community Play Officer who explained that his role, funded by a Big Lottery Grant, but for SSDC is for 3 years. He is looking at annual play days to give children and young people an opportunity to play using the natural environment. This will teach children to take risks. The first day took place at Tintinhull.
      James is looking at a play day in Hardington but involving the Cokers. He is also looking into voluntary play days, possibly 2 or 3 days during the holidays. He is looking at a play audit – what provisions are available and find out what children do at the moment, etc. He has looked this year specifically at play days. Hardington and the Cokers are linked areas for the Jigsaw bus. He is also talking to Bill Whetham to do an environmental play day at Bryants Farm, Pendomer, using the wood. This would probably be combined with the Cokers. David Beckley informed James Divall that Bill Turner’s Farm Open Sunday was a great success but Bill had said he would like more for children next year. James Divall expressed interest in supporting this.
      David Cleaton mentioned that in the Parish Plan it was suggested setting up a young people’s forum. He also asked if James could help in the drama workshop for young people, which is planned by the Players. Peter Bysouth suggested advertising the play day at Bryants Farm in the Messenger. James Divall will forward information to the Clerk.
    4. Declaration of any changes to the Register of Interests. No changes.
    5. Peter Bysouth will attend the party on 11th July to thank Alan Cornelius for his work as District Councillor.
  5. DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLORS' REPORTS
    Hannah Lefeuvre reported that East Coker Post Office is closing. SSDC are looking at anything it can do to support Post Offices. The front line community grant scheme information will be updated as soon as possible. Halfords are offering a free bike to those signing up for 12 months membership at Goldenstones. Ham Hill is in the final to become one of the best picnic places in the UK. You can vote on line at Welovebread (NB voting has now closed). There are free energy efficient light bulbs at SSDC offices which were unused due to the cancellation of the Sunrise Festival. There is a consultation on a new flagship play area. Comments can be made on the SSDC website.
  6. PLANNING MATTERS
    1. There were no planning applications.
    2. There were no results of previous applications.
  7. AFFORDABLE HOUSING
    1. Peter Bysouth asked Hannah Lefeuvre about the Local Development forum. He had looked at the on-line questionnaire but it did not seem to be relevant to what Hardington was trying to do. The Clerk to send a copy of the Parish Plan to Simon Gale and ask him to take this into account where issues were relevant to the Local Development Forum. Robin Carpenter will mention affordable housing at the planning surgery.
    2. Rob Lloyd had obtained information on affordable housing in particular community land trusts. Peter Bysouth felt that a Community Land Trust should be set up in readiness. Peter Bysouth will draft an article asking for volunteers to form a steering group to look at forming a Community Land Trust which will be in the Messenger.
  8. PARISH PLAN
    1. The next Village Hall meeting is on 24th July where the Parish Council will outline their views for the village hall.
      Things to consider:
      1. Do we see the village hall mainly for the village or for external use. At the moment external groups are charged more.
      2. Peter Bysouth would like to see a proper meeting room. Malcolm White felt parking is the problem which does not encourage outsiders. Hannah Lefeuvre felt villages that had a new, modern village hall were feeling the benefit from more lettings.
      3. Internet access. East Chinnock has screens and PCs in the village hall. It was felt this would need supervision. Brian Dodd suggested wireless connection. The Parish Plan had suggested computer classes.
      4. Peter Bysouth said he would like to see the Village Hall try for the Hallmark Award which is at 3 levels.

      David Beckley felt that all these things would depend on whether they went for a new hall or stayed with the same and the Parish Plan suggested that no-one wanted a new hall. Robin Carpenter felt that there was no way parking could be achieved on the existing site. Peter Bysouth felt that a decision should be made on whether the hall should be developed or a new hall built on a new site.
      Peter Bysouth would like to see improvement to the lighting. It was commented that the Pre-school seemed to take up most of the storage room.
      A vote was taken and 3:2 were in favour of retaining and improving the existing village hall. Peter Bysouth suggested that a letter be drafted at the next meeting.

    2. Status and Role of Implementation Team.
      David Beckley will co-ordinate oil purchasing consortium. This can be carried out via the internet although those without internet are also welcome. Minimum order is 500 litres of oil.
      Peter Bysouth asked if it was felt that a Parish Council member should be in the Implementation Team. David Cleaton said he would be happy to implement the team as outlined in the minutes of the May meeting.
      Hannah Lefeuvre will look at computer class provision.
      The Parish Council will look at bus service and Clerk to obtain details of the Nippy bus and publish in the Messenger.
  9. FOOTPATHS
    1. The railings on the footpath from the Post Office have been completed.
    2. Malcolm White said the gate at the top of Pig Hill has been left open twice and cattle have got out. He enquired about a stile but it was felt the space was not wide enough. Robin Carpenter suggested contacting SSDC asking them to supply a self closing gate. Clerk to contact SSDC.
  10. HIGHWAYS
    1. Malcolm White offered to remove the concrete post in the ditch on the footpath from Moor Lane to the Post Office.
    2. There is damage to the lower edge of the triangle of grass at the top of North Lane. Clerk to contact Highways Authority.
    3. Wessex Water had not mentioned on their diversion signs that Hardington Moor was not affected. Clerk to contact Wessex Water and ask for signs to be removed.
    4. There is a blocked drain opposite Field View. Clerk to contact Highway Authority.
    5. The sign post at the Northern end of Lyatts is damaged and requires replacing. Clerk to contact Highway Authority.
    6. Peter Bysouth will ask Mike Bickerton to mark the positions of orchids at Primrose Hill before the verge is cut.
  11. PARISH LENGTHSMAN SCHEME
    1. Richard Thorne had said he is up to date with all work.
    2. Work for this month:
      1. Clear lane from the Ridge to North Lane.
      2. Contact Karen Clotworthy about painting which is needed at the village hall.
    3. Apologies had been sent to Roy Hodder for the meeting this same night.
  12. RISK MANAGEMENT
    1. No items of risk management.
  13. FINANCE
    1. The Clerk confirmed that she had worked 17¼ hours in the previous month.
    2. A cheque was raised for £430.55 being £428.75 Clerk's salary plus £1.80 expenses.
    3. Nat West has deducted £20 for deed storage.
    4. A cheque was raised payable to David Cleaton for £117.07 Parish Plan expenses.
  14. CORRESPONDENCE
    1. SSDC questionnaire to be returned.
    2. Notification had been received that the red payphone boxes in the village are to be removed - no action.
    3. Invitation to Water Management meeting - no action.
    4. An email had been received from Cathy Bakewell about the budget allocation for local use. She is asking for projects. The money has to be committed by 29th November 2008.
  15. MATTERS OF REPORT & ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
    There were no items of report.
  16. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING & CLOSURE
    There being no other business the meeting ended at 9.40pm. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 15th July 2008 at 7.30 pm. (Apologies from David Beckley).

©
Hardington Mandeville
Parish Council
2010