Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 7 April 2008 at 7.00pm.
PRESENT: Councillor D Mitton (Chairman), Councillors R. Bowrah, P Critchard, J. Clark, G. Copley, A. Govier, J. Govier, G. Goodwin, R. Henley, C. Hindley, J. Lloyd, S. Walters, N. Wilson, and V. Stock-Williams, the clerk A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne and the clerk designate Greg Dyke. There was an apology from Councillor Reed. There were 17 members of the public present.
14661 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman reported that he had recently attended meetings in connection with the Markets and Coastal Towns Initiative and the Food Town. He had supported the Mayor of Taunton Deane at a charity event and had also represented the town council at the Chard Town Council civic service. The vice chairman had also represented the council at a county scouting event where he had been presented with a friendship neckerchief.
14662 TOWN CLERK -APPOINTMENT AND RETIREMENT
Greg Dyke, who had recently been appointed as town clerk designate was welcomed to his first council meeting. This was also the last meeting that Tony Brown would be attending as clerk. Tony had served the council with distinction as its clerk for 34 years. During that time the responsibilities of the post had grown considerably and Tony had successfully adapted to the role. The chairman paid tribute to Tony for his service and commitment over the years. He had been passionate about local affairs and his local knowledge and enthusiasm would be sorely missed. On behalf of the council and many other well wishers, Tony was presented with a laptop computer and an inscribed town council plaque. Members of the public including John Nash and Diana Land paid their own tributes to Tony and wished him a long and happy retirement.
14663 POLICE MATTERS
Wellington police sergeant Stuart Bell informed members of the latest crime figures for March. There had been 2 reports of criminal damage, 2 of criminal damage other than to dwellings, 2 of criminal damage to dwellings and 6 to motor vehicles. 2 reports had been received of dwelling burglaries and 6 non dwelling burglaries. There had been 6 reports of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and 3 of common assault. A number of thefts, including 2 instances of thefts from shops and theft from a motor vehicle had also been reported. One of the items stolen from the shop was small blow torch which was used to commit some acts of arson. A total of 12 people had been involved and there had been 6 arrested and the rest had been brought to justice. The general trend showed an encouraging reduction. Sergeant Bell drew attention to the importance of crime being reported to the police unless the police were told about crimes committed they could not act on them. It was often possible to link different offences and to subsequently secure a conviction. He reported further on initiatives that had recently been set up in partnership with the youth service to provide diversionary activities for young people. He also referred to initiatives aimed at incentivising young people who appeared on the anti social behaviour register. The aim was to provide an opportunity for these young people to take part in some kind of activity if they were able to demonstrate that they had maintained good behaviour over a certain period of time. The Community Restorative Justice scheme would be officially launched on 9 April. It had already had a positive impact. Pauline Sturgess, Chair of Friends of Wellington Park, informed the council that following incidents of vandalism in the park, she together with the secretary would be visiting Court Fields Community School to encourage participation by young people in the various events that took place at the park.
14664 RADIOWATCH – GRANT REQUEST
A request from Wellington Radiowatch for a grant of £4569.09 was submitted and considered. The grant would be used to assist in the purchase of a radio base station. This would allow shops to communicate with each other and assist the police in crime prevention in the town centre. The Finance Committee were sympathetic toward this request but felt that further avenues of funding should be explored before a final decision was made. It was agreed that further options for funding be discussed with Radiowatch.
14665 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 3rd March 2008, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read, confirmed and signed as correct by the chairman.
14666 WELLINGTON AND DISTRICT ORAL HISTORY GROUP
Consideration was given to an application from the Wellington and District Oral History group for a grant of £500 towards the cost of producing a booklet and upgrading its website. It was agreed that a grant of £500 be made.
14667 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: ADVERTISING IN SHOP WINDOWS
Mrs Isabel Ward of the Wellington in Bloom Committee, thanked the retiring clerk for his help support during his time in office. She also drew attention to invitations to the launch of Britain in Bloom 2008 which had been circulated to all councillors.
14668 APPOINTMENT OF EXTERNAL AUDITOR
It was reported that the Audit Commission had reappointed Moore Stephens as external auditors to the town council. The appointment covered the audit of accounts for the financial years 2007/08 to 2011/12. It was noted that the audit of the town council’s accounts for the year ending 31 March 2008 had to be completed by 2 June 2008. It was anticipated that an appropriate report would be completed and submitted to the council for consideration at its meeting on 12 May 2008.
14669 QUALITY COUNCILS UPDATE
A report was submitted from the chairman which updated councillors on the progress regarding the achievement of Quality Council status. The criteria for achieving Quality status were about to change and as such, the report highlighted areas where progress had been made and identified those areas which still required some work.
14670 LEAD COUNCILLORS AND COMMITTEES
At the January meeting it had been agreed that lead councillors should be appointed for a number of functions of the council. The chairman had now submitted a further report which identified those areas where he felt that lead councillors would be appropriate. It was also suggested that a more formal reporting system should be introduced for all those councillors appointed to outside bodies. This would help to maintain two-way communication and contact between the council and the outside bodies on which it was represented. These proposals would all help in attaining Quality Council status. It was suggested that councillors consider the proposals and that the appointments be formally made at the Annual meeting of Council in May.
14671 HGV TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN BURCHILL’S HILL
Councillor S Walters reported that she had received complaints regarding the use of HGV vehicles in Burchills Hill. This road was considered by many local residents to be too narrow to safely accommodate vehicles of this size. It was felt that Somerset Highways should be asked if there were any weight restrictions on the bridges that could be found at either end of this route. It was suggested that these problems might well be exacerbated by the use of satellite navigation. It was agreed that these problems be reported to Somerset Highways for consideration by them.
14672 WELLINTON AFC – GRANT APPLICATION
It was reported an application for a grant had been submitted by Wellington Town AFC. Full consideration of the application would be given to the application at the next meeting.
14673 WEBSITE WORKING PARTY
A meeting of the website working party was arranged for Tuesday 15th April at 2.30pm to look at quotes for updating the town council website.
14674 WELLINGTON SQUASH CLUB – GRANT
With reference to minute 14632 it was reported that an email had been received from James Luard of Wellington Squash Club thanking the council for its grant of £1,000 towards the cost of upgraded heating and spectator viewing.
14675 WITHDRAWN PLAN FOR FLATS TO THE REAR OF PENNY CLOSE
It was reported that a planning application for 6 flats on land to the rear of 2-8 Penny Close had been withdrawn.
14676 SOLAR HEATING PANELS AT 49 HIGH STREET
With reference to minute 14444 regarding a planning application for the above which had been refused, standing orders were suspended to allow the applicant Mr Sumner to speak. He thanked the council for its support for this proposal. He explained that he had now appealed to the Secretary of State against the refusal of planning permission. On the motion of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Goodwin it was agreed that the Secretary of State be informed that the town council supported this application. It was felt that a refusal had been inconsistent with other decisions from the conservation officer, the proposal was environmentally friendly, and would not be obtrusive.
14677 WITHDRAWN PLAN FOR DWELLING ON LAND ADJACENT TO BRUINS, BURCHILLS HILL
With reference to minute 14588 regarding an application for a dwelling on land adjacent to Bruins, Burchills Hill, it was reported that a letter had been received from Taunton DBC stating that the application had been withdrawn.
14678 COMMUNITY WOODLAND
With reference to minute 14575 a letter was reported from Wellington Parish tree warden Steve Palmer in response to a letter from the council asking for the tree wardens’ views about the establishment of a community woodland in Wellington. Mr Palmer said they would be formulating a outline project plan which will be presented at a public meeting to be held in April.
14679 FOOTWAY RESURFACING PROGRAMME
With reference to minute 14631 details were submitted from Somerset Highways of its programme for footway re-surfacing schemes in Wellington for the next financial year which were for Grange Close, Corner Close, end of Laburnum Road, outside the Wellesley Cinema in Mantle Street, part of Waterloo Road, and Bovet Street.
14680 DOG WARDEN SERVICE
With reference to minute 14628 a letter was submitted from Taunton DBC which drew attention to changes to dog warden services. It was agreed to write to the borough council asking it to ensure that there was still sufficient capacity to retain the current level of service. The borough council had also been previously contacted regarding the possibility of an increase in the dog warden service. No further information was yet available on this particular matter.
14681 WESTFORD FOOTPATH LEVEL CROSSING
With reference to minute 14598 and following the site meeting with Network Rail it was reported that there was no benefit from having the whistle boards replaced as there already existed a light and whistle system for people wishing to cross the railway and it was felt the boards were unnecessary. The emergency number to report any problems at the crossing was 01793 515428. This was in Network Rail’s control office at Swindon which was manned 24 hours 365 days a year.
14682 CADES FARM ROUNDABOUT
With reference to minute 14557 reported an email from Taunton DBC planning manager John Hamer about the Cades Farm roundabout. It was noted that there was no spur proposed to access any possible future development at Longforth Farm. In addition there was no specific requirement for daffodils to be replanted alongside the proposed cycleway.
14683 GRANT TO REMINISCENCE LEARNING
With reference to minute 14376 a letter was received from Fiona Mahoney, Chief Executive of Reminiscence Learning about its Community Activity Angel Project. The council had previously agreed to grant £500 on condition the full target for the project was reached.
COURTLAND ROAD CAR PARK - LIGHTING
With reference to minute 14625, a letter was received from Councillor Ross Henley, Leader of TDBC saying that at present there was no money in the budget for this but that he would investigate the matter and come back to the town council
14685 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 11 HIGH PATH
Notification had been received from Taunton DBC of a tree preservation order at 11 High Path, Wellington. The letter was noted.
14686 FOOTPATH CLOSURE AT THE THREE CUPS OFF FORE STREET
A letter had been received from Somerset Highways about a temporary footpath closure from the Three Cups to Bulford from 25th March. The work was expected to last for three weeks. The letter was noted.
14687 POPLAR TREE, FOXDOWN TERRACE
The council received a letter sent from Taunton DBC to Wellington School about a potentially hazardous Poplar tree in Foxdown Terrace. The Borough Council confirmed the tree, which was the subject of a Tree Preservation Order, could be removed. The letter was noted.
14688 STRATEGIC HOUSING MARKET ASSESSMENT AND CONSULTATION
A letter had been received from Taunton DBC asking for help to collect information for a housing needs survey as part of the strategic housing market assessment and consultation. The letter was noted.
14689 15 OAKFIELD PARK
A letter was received from Taunton DBC about an enforcement notice issued at 15 Oakfield Park, Wellington for unauthorised change of use for the purpose of operating a roofing business from the property. The letter was noted.
14690 HGV PINCH POINT CONSULTATION
A letter was received from Somerset CC about the HGV pinch point consultation. The consultation was designed to help the Highway Authority understand local perspectives on pinch points which were felt to make roads unsuitable for HGV’s. It was agreed to notify Somerset CC about pinch points at Burchills Hill and Eight Acre Lane in Wellington.
14691 PARISH PLAY AREA GRANT SCHEME
A letter was received from Taunton DBC about the parish play area grant scheme and which advised of a change regarding the amount that might be awarded. The letter was noted.
14692 CHELSTON ROUNDABOUT
A letter was received from Somerset Highways regarding a temporary 30 mph speed restriction during the construction of new roundabout at Chelston. Speed would be restricted for 8 months starting on 25 March 2008.
14693 PLASTIC BAGS
A letter had been received from Christian Care For One World asking the town council to adopt a policy of making Wellington known as a “Plastic Bag Free Town”. This would be considered further and a decision made at the next meeting of the council.
14694 HIGHWAYS GROUP CHANGES
A letter was received from Somerset Highways about organisational changes to the Area Highways Offices. The Highways Group had been modified to provide clearer points of contact and more robust lines of communication for highways maintenance issues. The letter was noted.
14695 TAUNTON DEANE LSP
It was reported that Taunton Deane LSP would shortly be holding the next round of community partnership meetings in Taunton Deane. The next meetings for the West Community Partnership were on 30 April 2008 at 6.30 pm at Wiveliscombe Community Centre and on 9 September 2008 at 6.30pm. It was agreed that the town council be represented at these meetings.
14696 COMMUNITY JUSTICE PANEL LAUNCH
An invitation had been received from Rowena Stratford, coordinator of the Community Justice Panel, to the panel’s launch event on Thursday 10th April 2008 at 3pm at The Cleve Hotel, Wellington. It was also noted that there would be a presentation about the scheme at the annual parish meeting on May 12th.
14697 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
A report was submitted from the assistant to the clerk, Mrs J. Thorne on the Wellington Economic Partnership meeting held on 31st March 2008. The partnership had developed a draft constitution which changed quite dramatically the way it would operate in the future. It was agreed that the draft constitution, a copy of which had been circulated to all councillors, be approved. The next meeting of the partnership would be held on Thursday May 22 2008 at 6pm in the council chamber of the town council offices.
14698 PLANNING DECISIONS OF TAUNTON DBC AND SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL
It was reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans:
(a) Erection of close boarded post and rail fence with gate at 4 Corams Lane, Wellington (43/2008/010)
(b) Erection of porch to north east elevation at Linden House Nursing Home, Wellington (43/2008/025)
(c) Conversion of Mill Building (Former Haymans Coalyard Warehouse) and extension to form 21 two bed apartments and formation of 32 car parking spaces and bike lockers for 42 bikes, Haymans Mill, Payton Westford, Wellington (43/2007/087)
(d) Extension and conversion of public house into 11 flats, Sanford Arms, 57 South Street, Wellington (43/2008/006)
(e) Installation of submersible foul sewage pumping station, erection of control panel kiosk and formation of access track on land to the north of Chelston House Farm, Wellington (43/2008/009)
(f) Re-Roofing of Friends Meeting House, High Street, Wellington (43/2008/011LB)
(g) Erection of first floor bay window extension at 4 White Hart Lane, Wellington (43/2008/023)
(h) Erection of smoking shelter and covered walkway between public house and skittle alley to the rear of The Sportsmans Arms, Wellington (43/2008/020)
(i) Erection of single storey extension at 21 Buckwell, Wellington (43/2008/019)
(j) Erection of single storey extension to the rear of 5 Longmead Close, Tonedale, Wellington (43/2008/021)
(k) Erection of single storey extension to rear of 16 George Street, Wellington (43/2008/008)
(l) Erection of signage at the Co-op Food Store, Longforth Road, Wellington (43/2008/015A)
The following applications had been refused:
(a) Erection of two dwellings at land opposite 11A Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/189)
(b) Retention of fence at 32 Seymour Street, Wellington (43/2008/016)
(c) Erection of dwelling 1 Greenway Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2008/004)
14699 COUNCIL INCOME AND EXPENDITURE TO END OF MARCH
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 29 February 2008 was £149,467 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31 March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £167,034 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31 March 2008). The report was noted.
14700 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Mitton seconded by Councillor Critchard it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques:
(a) Society of Local Council Clerks £70 for CiLCA Management Fee, (b) Taunton Deane BC £148.52 recharge for gas for Fore Street, Wellington April 07 to January 08, (c) Zurich Municipal £1,768.89 for Insurance Renewal premium,(d) Somerset Association for Local Councils £15 for one place at Audit and Accounts training event at Edington, (e) Konica Minolta £216.98 for copy and printing, (f) WCCTV £36.92, (g) Hinewood Cleaning £190 for cleaning council office windows and bus shelters, (h) Taunton Deane BC £250 for rental of offices at 28 Fore Street, Wellington, (i) Wellington Sports Federation £50 for Trophy, (j) Councillor Bob Bowrah £17.60 travelling expenses for visit to CCTV Centre, Bridgwater, (k) Taunton Deane DLO £243.23 for works for CCTV camera in February 2008, (l) Somerset Association of Local Councils £1128.81 Affiliation Fee for 2008/09, (m) Dillington Advertising Services £629.74 for advertisement for Town Clerk post, (n) Judith Goss £30 for flowers for war graves, (o)Taunton Deane Community Transport £112 for concessionary journeys to Musgrove Park hospital, (p) £100 councillors allowance to each of the following councillors: Councillor Bob Bowrah BEM, Councillor Andrew Govier, Councillor Mrs Jackie Govier, Councillor Mrs Nicola Wilson, Councillor Chris Hindley, Councillor Peter Critchard, Councillor David Mitton, Councillor Mrs Vivienne Stock-Williams, Councillor John Clark, Councillor Mrs Gloria Copley, Councillor Guy Goodwin, Councillor Ross Henley, Councillor Mrs Janet Lloyd, Councillor Mrs Sue Walters, Councillor Mrs Janet Reed,(q) HM Revenue and Customs £722.63 for income tax and national insurance, (r) Mr A. Brown £168.70 for petty cash,(s) Mrs J. Thorne £29.93 for additional hours worked in March, (t) Taunton Deane BC £135.13 for removal of CCTV camera. (This was to be claimed back from WCCTV because the camera was faulty after being repaired), (u) Mr A. Parkman (Basins Restoration Group) £336 for clearing overgrown plots and laying out the allotments in a new configuration.
14701 RE-GRADING OF ASSISTANT TO THE TOWN CLERK
It was agreed to hold a meeting of the staffing committee on Wednesday April 16th to look into the issue of re-grading the assistant to the town clerk and it would report back to the council at the next meeting in May.
14702 ARRANGEMENT FOR RETIREMENT OF TOWN CLERK
The assistant to the town clerk reported that arrangements for the retirement working party were progressing well. It was agreed to hold the next meeting of the retirement working party on Tuesday 22nd April 10am and there would be an update at the next council meeting.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.50PM
