PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE DRAFT MINUTES TO BE CONFIRMED ON DECEMBER 1
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 3 November 2008 at 7.00p.m.
PRESENT: Councillor P Critchard (Mayor),
Councillors J Reed (Deputy Mayor), R Bowrah, J Clark G Copley J Govier, A Govier, G Goodwin, R Henley, K C Hindley, D Mitton, V Stock-Williams, S Walters and N Wilson
Greg Dyke (Town Clerk)
There were 8 members of the public present.
14889 APOLOGIES
Councillor J Lloyd
14890 MINUTES
The minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 6 October 2008, copies of which had been circulated, were taken as read and signed by the Mayor as correct.
14891 TOWN MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Mayor reported that since the last meeting he had attended the Wellington in Bloom Awards evening when he had taken the opportunity to thank everyone concerned on behalf of the Town Council. Together with the Mayoress, he had also been present at the Big Brew Up event which had been organised by SSAFA.
He had also attended The Writhlington School Orchid Project presentation organised by the Wellington Garden Project, been the guest of the Mayor of Taunton Deane at the Taunton Carnival, hosted a presentation for the Land Army Girls and Bevin Boys and judged a poster competition with the Deputy Mayor at Wellesley Park School.
14892 POLICE REPORT
Details were submitted of the latest crime figures for the area. It was noted that there had been a slight increase in certain types of crime during the last month. Sergeant Bell drew attention to a spate of crimes in the three allotment sites within the Town. As a result of this, the Police were working to set up an Allotment Watch Scheme. Appropriate advice had also been given to Allotment holders. Attention was drawn to an arson attack on the former ski lodge on land adjoining Wellington Sports Centre.
Sergeant Bell was pleased to report that following representations made to his commanding officer, arrangements were now in hand to make Wellington Police Station a response Station once again. This would take effect from 1 January 2009.
14893 PROPOSED YOUTH SHELTER ON LAND ADJOINING WELLINGTON SPORTS CENTRE
The Mayor reported that a number of members had mentioned a proposal to provide a Youth Shelter on the land adjoining Wellington Sports Centre. The item
had therefore been included on this agenda so that councillors might have an opportunity to discuss the matter further.
Some years ago the Police had available sufficient funds to provide such a shelter. However, as a suitable site could not be found at that time the proposal did not materialise and the funds were diverted elsewhere. It was now felt that the site of the former ski lodge at Wellington Sports Centre might prove to be a suitable site for a shelter.
Informal consultations with interested parties had indicated that there was a great deal of support for a shelter to be located in this position. Young people themselves had been informally consulted and they were happy with the proposed site and the provision of a shelter provided they had some input into its design, were able to graffiti art it and have certain appropriate contact numbers within it.
The Police confirmed that they were in support of this proposal but that they no longer had any funds which could be used to provide it. In view of the high level of support for a shelter in this position it was felt that further action should be taken to see if there was any way it could be provided.
Resolved that the Clerk make further enquiries and report back to the Council in due course.
14894 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME
(a) Sean Nightingill, a resident of Sylvan Road, drew attention to continuing problems caused by anti social behaviour in and around the Blackdown Business Park.
Resolved that the problems of anti social behaviour be discussed further between Mr Nightingill and Sergeant Bell and that Taunton Deane Borough Council, as owners of this land, be informed of the problems.
(b) Richard Fox drew attention to the fact that 2009 would be the bi centenary of the date that Sir Arthur Wellesley became Viscount Wellington. He asked if the Council might consider arranging some civic event to commemorate this anniversary.
Resolved that this suggestion be considered further by the Wellington 1100 Working Party.
(c) Roy Maggs asked if the roads at Dobree Park had been adopted by the Highway Authority. He was concerned that residents would be responsible for the pipe work under the roads once they had been adopted. Councillor Andy Govier stated that he had spoken to Mr Maggs previously about this complicated situation and offered to obtain a written explanation to the position.
Resolved that Councillor Govier’s offer to obtain an explanation of the situation be accepted.
(d) Isabel Ward drew attention to the provision of a cycleway and footway that had been constructed on the Taunton Road. The result of this development had been to destroy the spring display of bulbs which had been such a feature of the entrance into the town. She felt that the developers of the land should be persuaded to
contribute towards the replanting of the bulbs in order that this particularly fine feature could be retained.
Resolved that the Clerk contact the developers with a request that they contribute towards the re-planting of these spring bulbs.
(e) Brian Hillier drew attention to problems he had experienced with bus journeys to Wellington (and other locations) leaving the Taunton Depot late.
Reference was also made to problems currently being experienced with insufficient buses being provided at peak times. This was particularly so in relation to students travelling to and from Taunton. The fact that some students were unable to board the buses because of insufficient room meant that they were arriving late at College and missing vital lessons.
Resolved that the Clerk contact First Bus and the Traffic Commissioners to express the Town Council’s concern over these issues.
(f) Diana Land referred to the Buildbase development at Bagley Road. She expressed concern that the landscaping condition imposed when planning permission was granted had not been properly complied with. The land appeared to be sparsely planted and many of the infill trees had died off.
Resolved that the Clerk contact the Borough Council’s Enforcement Officer and request that he ensure that the landscaping condition be properly complied with.
(g) Bridget Baker said that she had requested the painting of a white line in the North Street Car Park some time ago but that no action appeared to have been taken.
She also suggested that the Christmas lights be switched on during dark winter afternoons so that those shopping during that time could take advantage of them.
Resolved that the Clerk pursue these matters further.
14895 GRANT: WESTCOUNTRY HEALTH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH ENTERPRISE (WHERE)
An application for a grant of £700 from WHERE towards the provision of an area with raised beds which service users could access was submitted.
Resolved that consideration of this application be deferred pending receipt of further information.
14896 LOCALITY BASED SERVICE DELIVERY PROJECT
Further to Minute 14772 – 2 June 2008 submitted correspondence from Jane Chipp, TDBC regarding the Locality Based Service Delivery Project. Following the workshop on 3 July 2008 the feedback had been analysed and generated a number of recommendations that were then taken to an extended steering group. Details of the recommendations from phase 1 were submitted.
A key message that came out of the these meetings had been that a new location would not solve existing service delivery issues unless significant improvement was made in better enabling joined up working. As such, the team would now only be looking at a high level case for developing a new location in Wellington (rather than a detailed case) and would be focussing more on designing and testing a new structure which would enable joined up working around different customer groups. As a result, phase 2 of the project would now focus on demonstrating the benefits of a customer centric approach by running three work streams relating to Service Planning, Location Planning and Customer Based Locality Working. The Clerk had been invited to attend two further workshops in relation to the Location Planning workstream.
Also submitted was a copy of letter from the Wellington Medical Centre regarding the suggestion previously made regarding future use of the existing Cooperative Store. (Minute 14773 – 2 June 2008). As the Medical Centre had now located a site in Mantle Street they would not have any interest in any proposal to relocate to this building.
Resolved that the report be noted and the Council express its disappointment that the Medical Centre felt unable to respond to the community interest and investigate further the opportunity to relocate to the Cooperative store.
14897 WELLINGTON SQUASH CLUB - GRANT
Further to Minute 14632 – 3 March 2008 a letter from the Chairman of Wellington Squash Club was submitted which thanked the Council for its grant of £1,000.
Resolved that the letter be noted
14898 WIMBLEBALL SAILABILITY - GRANT
With reference to Minute 14861 – 6 October 2008 a letter was submitted from Wimbleball Sailability thanking the Council for its grant of £300. The organisation had stated that it was well on its way to raising the total amount needed for this project.
Resolved that the letter be noted.
14899 TRAFFIC IN THE TOWN CENTRE
Councillor Andy Govier drew attention to the ongoing problems being experienced by many traders in the town centre because of the length of time being taken to complete various road works.
The Council felt that everything possible should be done to ease the problems during this difficult time.
Resolved that the Clerk look into how the traders could investigate the possibility of obtaining rate relief. Any such application would receive the support of the Town Council.
14900 PROPOSED CAR PARKING CHARGES IN WELLINGTON 2009/2010
Detailed consideration was given proposals of TDBC regarding car park charges in all public car parks in Wellington. Notice had been received that the Borough Council had proposed the following increases to the charges for car parking in Wellington:
1. To increase the parking tariff in the South Street ‘Shopper Car Park’ as follows:-
Car Park
South Street (maximum stay 3 hours)
Up to
1 Hr
2 Hrs
3 Hrs
Current
60p
£1.00
£1.40
Proposed
70p
£1.10
£1.50
2. To increase the parking tariff in the ‘Commuter Car Parks’ as follows:-
Car Parks
Longforth Road and
North Street
Up to
2 Hrs
3 Hrs
4 Hrs
All Day
Current
60p
£1.00
£1.40
£1.80
Proposed
70p
£1.10
£1.50
£1.90
3. To increase the Season Ticket (6 months) charges in the Wellington ‘Commuter Car Parks’ from £230 to £245.
Members drew attention to the inconvenience and suffering that had been caused to local traders during the road works that had now been taking place in and around Wellington for some time. Reference was also made to the economic downturn which had already had an adverse effect on both shoppers and traders. The Town Council were keen to ensure that no additional burdens were placed on shoppers and traders and in the circumstances felt that this was the wrong time to be increasing car parking charges. For this reason the Town Council decided to object to the proposed increases in car parking charges for the car parks in Wellington.
Resolved that Taunton Deane Borough Council be informed that the Town Council formally object to the proposed increases in car parking charges for the reasons set out above.
14901 AUDITED ANNUAL RETURN
The Council considered the audited Annual Return which had been received from the Auditors for the year ended 31 March 2008. It was noted that the Auditors had stated that there were no matters which had come to their attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements had not been met.
They did, however, draw attention to the gratuity paid to the retiring Town Clerk in accordance with his contract. The Council had confirmed that this payment was acceptable for tax purposes but had not sought advice on the legality of the payment before approving it. Although the payment was not believed to be unlawful, the Auditors had suggested that in future the Council should seek advice from NALC for any large or unusual payments to ensure that they were legal and within the powers of the Council. For this particular payment the Council were advised to seek advice from NALC and to forward a copy of the response to the external auditors.
Resolved that the report of the Auditor be noted.
14902 BT PUBLIC CALL BOXES
Further to Minute 14763 - 2 June 2008 submitted a letter from Councillor Ross Henley, Leader of TDBC regarding proposals by BT to close a number of local call boxes. The Borough Council had recently heard back from BT who had accepted
objections to 14 of the phone boxes which would now be taken out of BT’s removal programme. The company had said that retaining the remaining 25 could not be justified because they were rarely used and the majority were in areas where mobile coverage was present.
Resolved that the position be noted and Councillor Henley be thanked for his work on this issue.
14903 SOMERSET AREA CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE
Consideration was given to a request for a donation from Somerset Area Cruse Bereavement Care. Such a donation would be used to help fund the team of volunteers who supported bereaved adults and children in the area, paying their expenses such as travel and telephone costs. Cruse relied on the support of local councils and other grant giving organisations to enable it to provide this free service to the community.
Resolved that CRUSE be requested to submit a formal application for grant aid.
14904 ACCOMMODATING HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT GROWTH WORKSHOPS
Reported that the draft Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) had proposed significant growth for Taunton Deane. The Borough Council therefore needed to respond to the draft RSS by preparing a Core Strategy which was, in effect, a replacement of the old style Local Plan. The Core Strategy would establish the role and function of the various settlements throughout the Deane and identify areas to accommodate major developments.
To begin the process each community was being given the opportunity to identify its future role and function. Dedicated assistance was being offered to the Town Council and arrangements were being made for a facilitated workshop.
Resolved that the report be noted
14905 PARISH PLAY AREA GRANT SCHEME
Submitted a letter from the Community Leisure Officer, TDBC, inviting the Council to submit any applications for funding towards improvements to and or creation of new play areas in accordance with the Parish Play Area Grant Scheme.
Attention was drawn to the Play Area at the Recreation Ground which, although not in the ownership of the Town Council, appeared to be in need of upgrading.
Resolved that Taunton Deane Borough Council be advised of the situation and asked if funds were available to carry out the much needed work at this play area.
14906 WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
The Council were pleased to receive a Certificate of thanks from Wellington in Bloom Committee in relation to the support it had given to this year’s competition.
Resolved that the Certificate be noted and the Chairman of Wellington in Bloom be thanked.
14907 CIVIC SERVICE – 16 NOVEMBER 2008
The Town Mayor, Councillor Critchard reminded members that a Civic Service would be taking place on Sunday 16 November 2008 at 9.45a.m. at St John the Baptist Parish Church, High Street, Wellington. He hoped that as many councillors, representatives of local organisations and members of the community as possible would be able to attend.
Resolved that the position be noted.
14908 ALLOTMENTS COMMITTEE
Submitted the Minutes of the Allotments Committee held on 13 October 2008 .
Resolved that the minutes be noted and the recommendations contained therein be agreed.
14909 WEB SITE WORKING PARTY
Submitted the notes of a meeting of the Web Site Working Party held on 14 October 2008. Since the meeting of the Working Party a meeting had taken place with Magellan Projects and the areas of concern had now been addressed and satisfactorily resolved.
Resolved that the report be noted and a further meeting of the Web Site Working Party take place to finalise any outstanding details.
14910 ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Submitted the Minutes of Environment Committee held on 20 October 2008.
Resolved that the report be noted and the recommendation regarding the production of a Town Guide for 2009 be agreed.
14911 EMERGENCY COMMITTEE
Councillor Jackie Govier reported upon a meeting of the Committee that had taken place on 30 October 2008. Members had visited Swallowfield where they had received a full presentation on all aspects of the firm’s health and safety policy including its’ emergency plan document and procedures.
Resolved that the report be noted.
14912 COUNCIL PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS
The Clerk reported that the Council’s receipts for the period from 31 March to 30 October 2008 was £185,733 and the expenditure for the same period was £119,581. The Finance Committee had considered this report earlier in the evening when the Clerk had given a detailed explanation of all the figures. Details were also submitted and accepted at that meeting of the new, interim, salary scales for staff.
Resolved that the report regarding Payments and Receipts, including the revised salary scales, be noted and approved.
14913 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
Resolved that the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques be authorised:
(a) Moore Stephens Chartered Accountants - £646.25 Audit fees;
(b) Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd - £135 – Concessionary journeys to Musgrove Park Hospital;
(c) Hinewood Cleaning - £64.00 – Cleaning of office windows and bus shelters;
(d) Cosalt - £130 – Maroon Rockets for use on 11th of the 11th
(e) Judith Goss Florist – Flowers for war Graves - £30.00
(f) Wellington Allotments Restoration Group - £250 – for cutting hedges and grass at the Basins Allotments;
(g) Jilly Cambell (Free Range Catering) - £162.50 – for catering at Land Army Girls/Bevin Boys Reception
(h) Taunton Deane Borough Council - £70 – Premises Licence Annual Fee for Wellington Town Centre
(i) Judith Goss Florist – £70 - Flowers for Land Army Girls
(k) EDF Energy - £531.69 – Electricity charges
The meeting closed at 8.34p.m.
