Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 2 June 2008 at 7.00pm.
PRESENT: Councillor P Critchard (Mayor)
Councillors R. Bowrah, G. Copley, G. Goodwin, A. Govier, J. Govier, , R. Henley, C. Hindley, D Mitton, J Reed, V. Stock-Williams, S. Walters and N. Wilson.
Greg Dyke (Town Clerk), Mrs J Thorne (Assistant Clerk)
There were 4 members of the public present.
14750 APOLOGIES
Councillors Clark, Henley and Lloyd
14751 MINUTES
The minutes of the Annual meeting of the Council held on 12 May 2008 and the meetings of the Council held on 12 May 2008 copies of which had been circulated were taken as read and were signed as correct by the Mayor.
14752 TOWN MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Town Mayor reported that he had attended a performance of Annie Get Your Gun by the Wellington Operatic Society, represented the Council at the Green Flag judging day at Wellington Park, opened the Annual Street Fair and attended an Induction Service for Churchwardens
He had also received an invitation to attend the Summer Spectacular being organised by the Wellington Sports Federation. This invitation had also been extended to all councillors.
14753 POLICE REPORT
Standing Orders were suspended to allow Mr Stan Broom to speak.
Mr Broom referred to a recent incident where he had occasion to report a suspicious package to the Police. In view of recent events in Exeter, Mr Broom expressed disappointment at the amount of time it took the Police to respond.
Wellington Police Sergeant Stuart Bell thanked Mr Broom for calling the Police. He confirmed that the Wellington Police Station was not a response Station. He advised that 999 should be dialled in similar circumstances. Sergeant Bell undertook to discuss this particular incident further with Mr Broom. Councillor Jackie Govier also assured Mr Broom that his concerns had been taken seriously and that this matter would be discussed by the Council’s Emergency Committee.
Sergeant Bell then went on to report the latest crime figures for May. There had been a general increase in criminal damage to motor vehicles and in thefts from motor vehicles. This appeared to be an increasing crime trend. However, there had been a reduction in other types of criminal damage and in burglaries from non dwellings and theft from shops. Although the figures showed an overall reduction, he was concerned with those areas where an increasing trend had been noticed. Action had been taken to put additional patrols in place to try and deal with this.
Details were also submitted of the recent discovery of a drug production enterprise and arrests made.
Councillor Andy Govier gave an update on the Restorative Justice Scheme. Seven volunteer coordinators had been appointed and it was hoped that Panels would be in operation shortly. The Council were informed that Rowena Stratford, the Restorative Justice Coordinator had recently been in a car accident and was unable to be present at the meeting. Members sent their best wishes to Rowena for a speedy recovery.
14754 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME
Isabel Ward reported that the Wellington in Bloom organisation were still waiting to be informed of the date for judging. It was intended to take the judges to visit the Basins and the Allotments. She drew attention to various areas that would benefit from some attention.
It was unfortunate that the recent spate of vandalism in the Park had reduced the time available to be spent on providing floral displays.
(Councillor Bowrah declared a personal interest in this matter as an Allotment holder).
14755 GRANT APPLICATION: TAUNTON AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
A request was submitted from Taunton and District CAB for an annual grant of £1250. It was reported that when a similar grant was made last year, an additional amount of £120 had been given to enable the installation of Broadband in the office used by CAB. However, as Broadband had subsequently been provided by Taunton Deane Borough Council this sum had not been used. In the circumstances it was felt that a grant should be made, but that the sum of £120 should be deducted from the amount requested.
Members were also keen to hold talks with the CAB to see if there was any possibility of enhancing the service currently provided in Wellington.
It was agreed that:
· a grant of £1,130 be made to Taunton and District Citizens Advice Bureau;
· further discussions take place with the CAB to investigate the possibility of its service in Wellington being enhanced.
14756 WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
With reference to Minute 14743 a note had been received from the Treasurer of Wellington in Bloom thanking the Council for its grant and saying that the money would be spent in enhancing this “special town”. The comments were noted.
14757 ROAD SURFACE, IMPROVEMENT PLACE, WELLINGTON
Further to Minute 14736 an email from the Highway Authority was reported which stated that the road surface at Improvement Place had been inspected several months ago and this site had been added to their Proposed Scheme Resurfacing List for future work.
Concern was also expressed at the recent problems of flooding in this area. It appeared from an inspection of the area that the problem could have been caused by a range of issues including inadequate road surface drainage and excess storm water coming down through the bank under the Wellington School Astroturf area. It was agreed that a meeting be held with the Highway Authority and the Bursar, Wellington School to investigate what action might be taken to solve this recurring problem.
14758 WELLINGTON PLASTIC BAG FREE TOWN
With reference to Minute 14726 a further letter had been received from Christian Care for One World (CCOW) regarding making Wellington Plastic Bag Free. The Clerk reported that this initiative had now been drawn to the attention of the Wellington Economic Partnership and the Wellington Chamber of Trade and Commerce.
It was agreed that a report be submitted giving further information on how this initiative had been successfully implemented in other areas.
14759 TPO, 11 HIGH PATH, WELLINGTON
With reference to Minute 14735 a report of the Development Manager to TDBC Planning Committee regarding TPO at 11 High Path, Wellington was submitted. The report had recommended that this TPO be confirmed. The report was noted.
14760 PARKING PROBLEMS, CORAMS LANE, WELLINGTON
Further to Minute 14732 a letter was submitted from Wellington RFC regarding parking problems in and around Corams Lane. The Rugby Club had acknowledged the problem and gave details of procedures they had put in place to ensure that it did not happen again. Members felt that this was a very satisfactory result and noted the Rugby Club’s letter.
14761 GRANT – WELLINGTON RFC
With reference to Minute 14719 a letter was submitted from Viridor Credits following the decision to bring forward the grant payable to Wellington RFC for its proposed Stand. The Town Council’s assistance in this matter was appreciated which would help to achieve a successful project. The letter was noted.
14762 PARKING AT BUCKWELL, WELLINGTON
With reference to Minute 14713 the Clerk reported that the parking situation at Buckwell had been monitored by TDBC’s Civil Enforcement Officers. Although there was evidence of irresponsible and inconsiderate parking there had been no breaches of the parking regulations. It was noted that the situation would continue to be monitored. The Clerk would establish the legal position regarding parking in this area and investigate the possibility of the introduction of parking restrictions.
14763 PUBLIC CALL BOXES
A letter was submitted from TDBC drawing attention to proposals by BT to remove a number of public payphones from the area. The views of the Town Council had been requested by the Borough Council who would be coordinating responses on behalf of BT..
Members were generally very concerned at these proposals. It was felt that public call boxes continued to provide a valuable service, particularly to vulnerable sections of the community. It was agreed that in the absence of detailed useage figures, BT be informed that the Town Council did not believe that a case had been made to support any closures at this stage.
14764 TRO SPRINGFIELD ROAD, WELLINGTON
A Traffic Regulation Order regarding the temporary closure of Springfield Road, Wellington on 20 July 2008 was noted.
14765 SAFER, STRONGER COMMUNITIES
A letter was received from Chief Superintendent Sandy Padgett updating the Council on the development of safer, stronger neighbourhoods and the end of year performance regarding reducing and detecting crime. The letter was noted.
14766 WELLINGTON TOWN GUIDE
Members noted that the 2008 edition of the Wellington Town Guide was now available. Copies were currently being distributed around the town.
14767 BYWAYS OPEN TO ALL TRAFFIC
A letter was submitted from the Environment Directorate, Somerset County Council regarding applications to modify the Definitive Map by upgrading restricted byways to Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs). The letter was noted
14768 POOLE BENCH
Councillor Bowrah reported that the public bench located at Poole crossroads had been removed. It appeared that it had been removed as part of the residential development which was taking place in the area. The Council were keen to see the seat reinstated or to receive reimbursement for its value which was £535.
It was agreed that the Clerk should contact Persimmon Homes in the first instance to establish whether they could provide any information regarding its removal.
14769 MARKET AND COASTAL TOWNS INITIATIVE
Councillor Mitton reported the latest position with this Initiative. He thanked those who had been involved in the consultation and visioning exercise.
The Steering Group had been looking at the long term structural issues, the strengths and weaknesses of the town, the vision for the future and ways of promoting a strong economy. It was hoped to involve all parts of the local community and to engage especially with young people.
The process would continue to be driven by the Town Council and the Wellington Economic Partnership and a final Plan would be produced.
Work was currently proceeding with consultants focusing on the “Wellington Green Lung”.
The position was noted.
14770 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN
Councillor Mitton reported that plans were well advanced for the Food Town event on 4 and 5 July 2008. The event would be bigger this year and would be over a 2 day period. It would take place at Wellington School. It was hoped to involve the local community more this year with opportunities being provided for community stalls. Volunteers to assist in the event were being sought. The position was noted.
14771 ALLOTMENTS COMMITTEE
Councillor Lloyd, as Lead Councillor on Allotments had submitted a report which stated that since the last meeting of the Council she had undertaken a site visit of the council’s allotments, accompanied by Councillor Mitton and the Town Clerk.
There were a number of issues that needed to be addressed by the committee at its first meeting.
These ranged from replacing some of the fencing and the barbed wire that was present on the fencing and replacing the present gate to arranging for grass and hedge cutting on the site. Some work had already been undertaken on obtaining estimates for the cost of replacing/renewing the fencing and gate.
A site meeting for the Allotments Committee Members had been arranged for 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 12 June 2008 and the first Allotments Committee Meeting was to be held at 3.00 p.m. on Tuesday 24 June 2008 in the Council Chamber.
14772 CUSTOMER ACCESS PROJECT – SOUTH WEST ONE
The Town Clerk reported upon a meeting that had taken place with the Mayor (Councillor Critchard), Councillor Mitton, the Town Clerk and 2 representatives of South West One.
After setting this Project against the background of the failed Unitary Council bid, Team Somerset and now Pioneer Somerset, the representatives from SW One had explained that they had been tasked with undertaking a project to look at locality based service delivery.
They stressed that their role was to look at the “proof of concept” and not to deliver any solutions at this stage. They would be looking at Wellington as a whole, apply local needs and local solutions and see if a viable business case could be prepared.
They would be working with many different stakeholders including the Town Council. It was their intention to analyse the data they collect before arranging a workshop at the end of June at which all stakeholders would be invited to attend.
The over riding philosophy was to see whether the concept of a “One Stop Shop” providing a range of services in one place was possible.
The Town Council would play a major role in this Project and any further developments would be reported to members. The report was noted.
14773. THINKING BIG FOR WELLINGTON
Councillor Mitton reported that the Wellington Market and Coastal Town Initiative had held consultation meetings earlier this year on a Vision for the future of Wellington and was close to publishing its plan. Consultations on the draft would be taking place shortly.
In the meanwhile he felt that the Council should be thinking about the present in Wellington.
The proposed move of the Medical Centre to Mantle Street was one of the most unpopular recent ideas. The site had been chosen because of a lack of alternative sites in Wellington. The local Library was too small. Under the Pioneer Somerset initiative local authorities were looking at a single point for customers to access public services in Wellington.
At the same time, the Cooperative appeared to be about to buy Somerfield As the new Somerfield Superstore was going to be ready at the end of this year it was possible that the Cooperative would want to move its present store to the new site. It might be that their existing store could be used as Wellington’s own centre for public services provision.
An opportunity like this probably occurred rarely and Councillor Mitton felt that it should be grasped.
Members generally welcomed the opportunity for discussion of this matter. They did, however, wish to guard against raising expectations unnecessarily. At this stage, there were many loose ends still to tie up.
It was agreed that the Clerk should contact the landowner to establish their plans for the future of the site and to inform them of this idea.
14774 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) Erection of two dwellings with car ports and bike store on land opposite Bridge House, Westford, Wellington (43/2007/061)
(b) Carry out management work to one beech tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No 5) Tree Preservation Order 1987 at 3 Hoyles Close, Wellington (43/2008/052T)
(c) Carry out management work to 3 birch trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No 1) Tree Preservation Order 1994 at 15 Willcocks Close, Wellington (43/2008/053T)
(d) Erection of 1 condenser at rear of building at 63 High Street, Wellington (43/2008/029)
(e) Erection of single storey extensions and conservatory 5 Orchard Close, Lower Westford, Wellington (43/2008/050)
14775 COUNCIL PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS
The Clerk reported that the Council’s receipts for the period from 31 March to was £78,087 and that expenditure for the same period was £87,833. The report was noted.
147766 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
It was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques:
(a) BT – calls and rental charges £59.49
(b) Janet Disney – for providing refreshments for Tony Brown’s retirement evening £405
(c) Zurich Municipal – additional cost of insurance for CCTV Camera and laptop. Also increased cover for MUGA. £401.92
(d) Inland Revenue underpayment - £86.71
(e) Deane DLO for works to CCTV Camera - £135.13
(f) WCCTV – 17 March to 17 April 2008 - £32.00
(g) WCCTV – 17 April to 17 may 2008 - £2.09
(h) Somerset County Council (SWRA) Payment for training for Clerk and Assistant Clerk in relation to Finance for Local Council Clerks - £230.30
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.43PM
