Wellington Town Council 2008 minutes: July 2008

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 7 July 2008 at 7.00pm.

PRESENT: Councillor P Critchard (Mayor),
Councillors R. Bowrah, J. Clark, G. Copley, A. Govier, J. Govier, J Lloyd, D Mitton, J Reed, V. Stock-Williams and S. Walters.

Greg Dyke (Town Clerk), Mrs J Thorne (Assistant Clerk)

There were 16 members of the public present.

14755. APOLOGIES
Councillors G. Goodwin, R. Henley K.C. Hindley and N. Wilson

14756. MINUTES
The minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 2 June 2008 copies of which had been circulated were taken as read and were signed as correct by the Mayor.

14757. TOWN MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Town Mayor reported that since the last meeting he had presented the money raised at Tony Brown’s retirement party to the Friends of Wellington Cottage Hospital. He had attended the Somerset Schools Folk Dancing Festival at Cathedral Green, Wells and had joined in with children from St John School who had brought credit on themselves and the town with their display. He had attended a lunch with residents of Nynehead Court, been present at the National Veterans Day Civic Service in Taunton, handed out awards at the St John Ambulance Cadet Awards Evening and taken part in the Wellington Food Town Event.

14758. POLICE REPORT
Wellington Police Sergeant Stuart Bell reported a slight increase in certain types of criminal damage. Some offences appeared to be linked. The up to date crime figures for the Wellington area were submitted. These showed that there had been a significant decrease in thefts from motor vehicles. The overall level of crime had remained fairly constant although the figures revealed decreases in some areas and increases in others.
A Youth Disco had been organised by the Police in collaboration with the Youth Service. This had proved to be sufficiently successful for others to be planned.
Sergeant Bell also drew attention to a pilot scheme currently being trialled in Wiveliscombe which was designed to identify where alcohol seized from young people had originated from.
The Police, led by the Divisional Superintendent, would be taking part in the Wellington 10k run.
Councillor Stock-Williams thanked the Police for their involvement and attendance at the Wellington Food Event.

14759. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME
Joan Hadland, speaking on behalf of a number of users, drew attention to the proposed withdrawal of concessions for persons over 60 years of age at the Wellington Sports Centre. Whilst acknowledging that this was not the responsibility of the Town Council she sought its support in opposing these proposals. Members were concerned that concessions were also to be withdrawn from other categories of users. The proposal to withdraw these concessions did not sit comfortably with the general encouragement given to people to take exercise. It was agreed that Taunton Deane Borough Council and Tone Leisure be informed that this Council’s supported the objectors and would wish to see the concessions reinstated.
Isabel Ward informed the Council that judging day for the Town’s Britain in Bloom entry was 15 July 2008. She also mentioned that in her opinion the recent Food Event had been a great success.
Following an enquiry from Diana Land about Wellington Monument the Mayor, with the consent of the Council, varied the order of the agenda and brought the following item forward:

14760. MONUMENT WORKING PARTY

The minutes of the meeting of the Monument Working Party held on 23 June 2008 were submitted. The Working Party had given detailed consideration to the present situation regarding the repair and maintenance of the Monument. In addition, concern was expressed at the problems that persisted at the car park despite the fact that the incidents of crime in this area had reduced significantly. A planning application had apparently been submitted by the National Trust to move the location of the car park.

Resolved that Council be recommended that:
1) the National Trust be asked to make Wellington Monument its major fund raising appeal for the region and to ask how the Council could help;
2) the Duke of Wellington be thanked for his support;
3) a media release be issued drawing attention to the action taken by the Council;
4) the National Trust be asked about its plans to move the car park nearer to the Monument.

14761. COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
Following the publication of the first Council Newsletter an analysis had been undertaken on its cost and quality. It had been produced using the Council’s own equipment and the overall quality had been disappointing. In addition an analysis of the cost indicated that it could be produced by specialist printers at much the same price. Quotations obtained from local printers had therefore been obtained.

Resolved that:
1) the printing of future editions of the Newsletter be outsourced to specialist printers;
2) the quotation submitted by Acanthus Press in the sum of £348 be accepted.

14762. GRANT APPLICATION: WELLINGTON TWINNING ASSOCIATION
An application for a grant of £500 had been received from the Wellington Twinning Association in connection with a visit to Wellington by adults from Torres Vedras, Portugal.
Resolved that a grant of £500 be made.
(Councillors Copley and Stock-Williams both declared personal interests as members of the Wellington Twinning Association. They left the meeting during consideration of this matter).

14763. POOLE BENCH
Further to Minute 14768 (2 June 2008) the Town Clerk reported that the whereabouts of the Bench were now known. A public spirited individual from Nynehead had been concerned that it would not survive the road works being carried out in the area and had removed it for safe keeping.
Resolved that the report be noted.

14764. PARKING AT BUCKWELL
With reference to Minute 14762 (2 June 2008) it was reported that the Town Mayor and Town Clerk had had meetings with Taunton Deane Borough Council and with the Highway Authority regarding parking at Buckwell. Although no illegal parking was currently taking place it was generally accepted that a significant amount of indiscriminate and inconsiderate parking was resulting in obscuring vision at the junctions. The Highway Authority had agreed that the junctions should be protected and suggested that this course of action be included in the next appropriate Traffic Regulation Order for the town.

Resolved that the suggestion of the Highway Authority be agreed and steps be taken to protect these junctions with parking restrictions.

14765. TAUNTON AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
Following the previous decision to award it a grant, a letter was submitted from Taunton and District CAB inviting the Town Council to become a member of the Bureau (Minute No. 14755 – 2 June 2008 refers)

Resolved that the Town Council become a member of the Taunton and District CAB and Councillor Stock-Williams be appointed as its representative.

14766. TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 11 HIGH PATH, WELLINGTON
Further to Minute 14759 (2 June 2008) it was reported that the TPO at 11 High Path had now been confirmed.

Resolved that the report be noted.

14767. PUBLIC CALL BOXES.
It was reported that following receipt of figures which indicated regular useage of local call boxes a stronger objection to their closure has been lodged on behalf of the Council (Minute 14763 – 2 June 2008 refers)

Resolved that the further objections be confirmed and supported.

14768. WELLINGTON AND DISTRICT ORAL HISTORY GROUP
Further to Minute 14666 (7 April 2008) a letter was submitted from the above Group thanking the Council for its grant.

Resolved that the letter be noted

14769. FLOODING AT IMPROVEMENT PLACE, WELLINGTON.
With reference to Minute 14757 (2 June 2008) it was reported that a meeting had taken place between representatives of the Town Council, Wellington School and the Highway Authority to discuss further the problems of flooding in the Improvement Place area of Wellington. Following an inspection of the Wellington School grounds and the surrounding area it appeared that much of the problem might be caused by storm water coming from the School and through the bank opposite Martin’s Buildings. The School had subsequently confirmed that it intended to undertake certain remedial works during the school holidays. It was hoped that this, together with the proposed highway drainages works at the top of the hill, might alleviate the problems experienced by the local residents during periods of heavy rainfall.

Resolved that the present position be noted and monitored.

14770. ADDITIONAL HIGHWAY LIGHTING AT CLIFFORD TERRACE, WELLINGTON
The Clerk reported that some time ago the County Council had been requested to provide an estimate of the cost of installing additional lighting at Clifford Terrace, Wellington (Minute 13707 – 6 March 2006 refers). A quotation in the sum of £3,366.60 had now been received.
Since this matter was originally discussed it appeared that the lack of lighting in this area might not be quite as bad as at first feared. In addition the proposed new link from the Somerfield development might evolve as the route of choice through that area of town. In the circumstances it was agreed that no further action should be taken at this stage.

Resolved the provision of additional lighting at Clifford Terrace be held in abeyance.

14771. TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER, WEST BUCKLAND ROAD, WELLINGTON
It was reported that the Highway Authority proposed to make a TRO which prohibited vehicles making a right hand turn on a length of road leading to the County Council Meteorology Centre in West Buckland Road.

Resolved that no objection be raised to this Traffic Regulation Order.

14772. SOMERSET LOCAL INITIATIVES BUDGET
Submitted a letter from Somerset County Council regarding the Somerset Local Initiatives Budget for Somerset County Councillors. This was a scheme which provided an allocation of £15,000 “to help deliver projects to benefit local communities within their areas”. This budget was aimed at contributing towards Local Area Agreement targets. It would be an opportunity to think strategically and link into other initiatives.

Resolved that the information be noted.

14773. LOCAL ACTION BID
A copy of an email from the Blackdown Hills Local Products Strategy Co-ordinator was submitted which informed the Council that a bid for funding had been submitted to the Regional Development Agency.

Resolved that the information be noted.

14774. WELLINGTON FEDERATION OF SPORTS CLUBS SUMMER SPECTACULAR
It was reported that a letter had been received from Wellington Sports Federation asking if the Town Council would like to be involved in its Summer Spectacular 2008 by taking a stand/display. Members recognised that it would be necessary to find enough volunteers to staff the stall for the duration of the event.

Resolved that councillors be circulated with details and asked to indicate if they were willing to act as volunteers and staff a Town Council stall.
(Councillor Bowrah declared a personal interest in this matter as the Chairman of the Sports Federation)

14775. LEISURE NOTICE BOARDS
A letter was submitted from TDBC asking if the Council would like any of its yellow Leisure Noticeboards.

Resolved that TDBC be thanked but informed that this Council did not wish to take advantage of its kind offer.

14776. COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMITTEE
The minutes of a meeting of the Community Safety Committee held on 11 June 2008 were submitted for consideration.
The Committee had considered it Terms of Reference. It had also considered requests for a mobile CCTV camera to be placed in Buckwell and in Rockwell Green.

Resolved that Council be recommended that;
1) the terms of reference as set out in the minutes of the meeting be adopted;
2) TDBC be asked to investigate the costs of a permanent camera at Rockwell Green;
3) the CCTV camera at Waterloo Road be relocated to a lighting pole outside Brock’s shop at Rockwell Green.

14777. STAFFING AND TRAINING COMMITTEE
The minutes of a meeting of the Staffing and Training Committee held on 16 June 2008 were submitted for consideration.
In addition to its Terms of Reference, the Committee had considered Maternity cover for the Assistant Clerk, Learning and Development Strategies for Members and Officers, Planning Refresher Training, Time Recording of Town Clerk’s Working Hours, Guidance on Work Priorities, Transport for the Deputy Mayor and working conditions in the Town Clerk’s office.

Resolved that Council be recommended that;
1) the terms of reference as set out in the minutes of the meeting be adopted;
2) the Town Clerk, in consultation the Mayor and the Chairman of the Committee, be authorised to appoint suitable candidates to provide maternity cover for the Assistant Clerk;
3) the Town Clerk be paid overtime for the extra hours worked in April and May;
4)the cost of official transport for the deputy mayor during her term of office both as Deputy Mayor and as Mayor be met by the Council subject to being selective in undertaking engagements outside the ton and restricting them to those that would promote the town;
5) appropriate improvements to the lighting, flooring, decoration and storage of files in the Town Clerk’s office be made as soon as possible and the necessary expenditure be authorised

14778. EMERGENCY COMMITTEE
The minutes of a meeting of the Emergency Committee held on 17 June 2008 were submitted for consideration.
The Committee considered its Terms of Reference. It also discussed the Somerset Local Authorities Civicl Contingencies Plan Template, the operation of the Civil Contingencies Plan and agreed to take part in any appropriate training opportunities.

Resolved that Council be recommended that;
1) the terms of reference as set out in the minutes of the meeting be adopted;
2) John Lewis, Civil Contingencies Manager at Taunton Deane Borough Council attend a future meeting of the Committee to discuss the Town Council’s role and responsibilities within the Civil Contingencies Plan.

14779. ALLOTMENTS COMMITTEE
The minutes of a meeting of the Allotments Committee held on 24 June 2008 were submitted for consideration.
The terms of reference for the Committee were considered. In addition, the Committee discussed issues in relation to the provision of fencing and entrance gates, the clearing of footpaths and hedges, a number of operational matters and the method of inspecting plots.

Resolved that Council be recommended that;
1) the terms of reference as set out in the minutes of the meeting be adopted;
2) in view of the cost of replacing the fencing at the entrance to the Allotments it be not currently proceeded with. There did, however, appear to be a willingness among certain allotment holders to provide some replacement fencing themselves. The Committee felt that this was an option that should be pursued;
3) the quotation submitted by Wadham Fencing for the provision of 1 pair of 1.8 x 3metre wide weld mesh gate in the sum of £650 plus VAT be accepted;
4) the quotation submitted by the Basins Allotments Restoration Group in the sum of £250 for the clearing of footpaths and hedges be accepted
5) in order to help maintain a sustainable allotment the request for the provision of a mains water supply be not agreed;
6) action be taken to cut undergrowth at the entrance and investigate further the possibility of levelling the area immediately in front of the entrance gate;
7) consideration be given to the rental levels before January 2009 (in the meantime rental levels of other allotment sites be investigated);
8) the current principle of giving a reduction in rent for more than one plot be discontinued when the rental levels are reviewed;
9) the current Waiting List be noted;
10) in order to maintain a consistent approach to inspection of all plots the draft flow chart submitted at the meeting be used.
(Councillor Bowrah declared a personal interest in this matter as an Allotment tenant)

14780. ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
It was noted that the planned meeting of the Environment Committee had been cancelled due to insufficient business to transact at the present.

14781. FOOTPATHS COMMITTEE
It was noted that a meeting of the Footpaths Committee had taken place on 1 July 2008 .The minutes of that meeting would be circulated at the next meeting of the Council.

14782. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Councillor Mitton submitted a paper regarding community engagement across Taunton Deane. Consultation with the community had taken place by TDBC and the County Council using different mechanisms. Taunton Deane had consulted through the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) and Community Partnership meetings whilst the County Council had used Area Working Panels as a method of consultation with parishes and other community organisations.
This had inevitably led to unnecessary confusion and duplication. An outline of the role of the LSP and Local Area Agreements (LAA) were submitted. Also submitted was a summary of the headings included in the LAA submission to the Government Office for the South West as its key targets and activities.
It was important that the Town Council continued to be represented at future Community Partnership meetings and that all funding streams were properly investigated.

Resolved that the report be noted.

14783. WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
It was noted that communication with the Partnership had recently become less frequent.
Resolved that the Wellington Economic Partnership be asked to provide copies of the minutes of its meetings.

14784. WELLINGTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Resolved that Councillor Janet Lloyd be appointed as the Town Council’s representative to serve on this Association

14785. MARKET AND COASTAL TOWNS INITIATIVE
Councillor Mitton reported that the Vision Statement had now been finalised and published. It was to be launched at the Community Day event on 13 July 2008. The Vision contained a number of ideas an suggestions that now had to be turned into reality and delivered. It was felt that the document could form the basis of the Council’s “Parish Plan”.
One of the suggestions contained within the Vision was the formation of a Youth Council. It was agreed that this was a subject that should be placed on the agenda of a future meeting of the Council.
Resolved that the current position be noted.

14786. WELLINGTON FOOD EVENT
It was reported that the Wellington Food Event had taken place on 5 and 6 July 2008 at Wellington School. Despite horrendous weather conditions the event was attended by approximately 12,000 people over the two days.
Although it appeared to have been hugely successful for those that visited or took part in the event, a certain amount of negative feedback had been received from some local traders in the town. A full review and evaluation of the two days was needed with feedback from all parties.
Consideration was given to the contribution from Wellington Town Council to Wellington Food Town. The Town Council had agreed to release £5,000 as soon as it received a written assurance that the contribution would go towards the cost of providing the extra marquee space for the Food Fair and not be used for any other purpose

Resolved that;
1) subject to the above assurance being given by the Wellington Economic Partnership, the sum of £5,000 be released as this Council’s contribution to the Wellington Food Town;
2) Wellington School be thanked for its efforts in connection with the staging of the Food Event.

14787. WEBSITE WORKING PARTY
The Working Party had considered three quotes it had received for updating and refreshing the Council web site. The lowest and most appropriate quote had been received from Magellan Projects.

Resolved that the quote submitted by Magellan Projects be accepted.

14788. POWER OF WELL BEING
The Town Clerk reported that that Communities Secretary had recently announced a new era of 'parish power' where parishes would have a real purpose in modern society
She felt that Parish councils were often the most immediate form of representation, acting as a focal point for local debate and identity. Parish councils could also be very effective at connecting with local people, and stoking enthusiasm for getting involved.
An 'Empowerment' White Paper, with proposals designed to reinvigorate local democracy and devolve power to the grass roots would be complemented by separate powers for parish councils including;
· Plans to make it easier to bring in local experts onto parish councils to help drive key priorities and shape services that matter;
· Parishes would be able to temporarily appoint local experts as additional councillors to advise on issues within their field of expertise, such as teachers on schools or businessmen on finance;
· A new 'wellbeing' power for eligible local parish councils. This would shift more power locally, so eligible parish councils could freely make decisions as long as they were in their community's interest and promoted the wellbeing of its area.
The new power was extended to eligible parish and town councils by last year's Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act. Secondary legislation was being drawn up, in order to bring it into operation this year. Any parish or town council could decide to use the power, if it met criteria that were currently being finalised.
The Local Government Act also introduced a new power for parish councils to appoint a limited number of additional councillors in order to bring extra skills and expertise to their work, on a temporary basis. This provision would also be brought in later in 2008.
The Somerset Association of Local Councils would be offering appropriate training in this new power for members.

Resolved that the report be noted.

14789. PLANNING DECISIONS OF TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL
It was reported that the following planning decisions had been made by Taunton Deane Borough Council:

PERMISSION GRANTED for the following applications:
(a) Retention of boundary wall to north west boundary at The Salvation Army, Scotts Lane, Wellington (43/2008/065)
(b) 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 (43/2008/063)
(c) Erection of industrial unit, Ryelands Farm Industrial Estate, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2008/044)
(d) Erection of replacement double garage at the Coach House, South Street, Wellington (43/2008/038)
(e) Change of use of ground floor retail use to dog grooming parlour and ancillary pet supplies 20 Howard Road, Wellington (43/2008/048)
(f) Management Work to one prunus tree included in a TPO at Wellington House, Longforth Road, Wellington (43/2008/070T)
(g) Extension of wall into front garden and replacement of wooden fencing at 41 Warren Street, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2008/045)
(h)Conversion of buildings and erection of new buildings to provide 223 dwellings and a number of commercial units Tonedale Business Park, Tonedale Mill, Milverton Road, Wellington (43/2007/093LB and 43/2007/092)
(i) Residential development to provide 51 dwellings at Cades Farm, Taunton Road, Wellington (43/2007/171)
(j) Erection of conservatory to southwest elevation at 14 Quantock Road, Wellington (43/2008/051)

PERMISSION REFUSED for the following applications:
(a) Erection of dwelling adjacent to 10 Blackberry Court, Wellingtonb (43/2008/047)
(b) Erection of 14 Apartments (Block E) land to the rear of Fore Street and North Street, Wellington (43/2007/184)
(c) Erection of 24 apartments (Blocks A & B) land to the rear of Fore Street and North Street, Wellington (43/2007/185)
(d) Erection of 40 apartments (Blocks C & D ) land to the rear of Fore Street and North Street, Wellington (43/2007/187)

The following applications had been WITHDRAWN:
(a) Erection of extension and raising of roof to form loft conversion, 3 Oldway Park, Wellington (43/2008/055)
(b) Construction of 5 flats with pedestrian access only at 12 High Street, Wellington (43/2008/061)

Resolved that the report be noted.

14790. COUNCIL PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS
The Clerk reported that the Council’s receipts for the period from 31 March to 31 May 2008 was £80,179.75 and that the expenditure for the same period £78,318.63.

Resolved that the report regarding Payments and Receipts be noted and approved.

14791. ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

Resolved that the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques be authorised:

(a) House of Flags – for designing and providing “pop up” banner £362. 09
(b) St John’s Church of England Primary School for Crossing Patrol Spring Term £221. 88
(c) Taunton and District CAB – previously authorised grant £1,130
(d) Viking Direct for office supplies £115.61
(e) Taunton Deane Borough Council – Rental of offices July to September 2008 £250
(f) Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £120
(g)Hinewood Cleaning Services £64.00
(h) Deane DLO for erection of CCTV camera £54.05
(i) Konica Minolta Photocopier rental £272.20
(j) Powells Workwear and Safety for high visibility vests - £35.26
(k) Councillor Critchard – travelling expenses for Mayoral duties £35.20
(l) Wellington Twinning Association - £500 grant
(m) Wellington Food Town - £5,000 grant

The meeting closed at 8.44p.m.

Wellington Town Council 2008 minutes

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