Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 6 October 2008 at 7.00p.m.
PRESENT: Councillor P Critchard (Mayor),
Councillors J Reed (Deputy Mayor), R Bowrah, G Copley J Govier, A Govier, G Goodwin, K C Hindley, D Mitton, and V Stock-Williams.
Greg Dyke (Town Clerk) and Christina Green (Assistant to the Town Clerk)
There were 31 members of the public present.
14855 APOLOGIES
Councillors J Clark, R Henley, J Lloyd, S Walters and N Wilson
14856 MINUTES
The minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 1 September 2008, copies of which had been circulated, were taken as read and signed by the Mayor as correct.
14857 TOWN MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Town Mayor reported upon the engagements he had been involved in since the last meeting of the Council. He had attended the 65th anniversary of the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion, a concert by the RAF Band at Weston super Mare and a performance by the local youth group from the Arts Association “Re-wired for Sound”. He reflected on what a credit to the town these young people were.
He had also attended functions at The Lighting Centre which celebrated its 3rd anniversary and the opening of a new worship centre at the Baptist Church.
A successful Wellington carnival had taken place where, in addition to receiving guests at a reception, the Mayor and Mayoress had taken part in the procession.
Attention was drawn to an event taking place on 21 October when the Town Council would be honouring those local people who had seen service in the Second World War as Bevin Boys and Land Army Girls.
14858 POLICE REPORT
Details were submitted of the latest crime figures for the area. The number of crimes had reduced and the detection rate was much higher than normal. This was mainly because convictions had been achieved in relation to 61 cases all of which had been perpetrated by the same individuals.
Sgt Bell also drew attention to two particular campaigns that the Police were currently involved in. One was aimed at reducing the fear of crime for people aged 60 and over and the other was to make parents more aware of where their children were when they were not at home.
Sgt Bell had also submitted a letter which he explained was concerned with the negative view that many local residents had of the place they lived. He felt that every opportunity should be taken to promote the many positive things that happened or were available in and around Wellington.
14859 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME
(a) Clive Gill, Chairman of the Tonedale Local Action Team drew attention to the problems currently being experienced by the decision of the owner of The Orchards to fence off a footpath which ran between Millstream Gardens and Burchills Hill. The decision to fence off this footpath meant that pedestrians, many of them children, now had to use the far more dangerous Milverton Road to get from Millstream Gardens to Burchills Hill. There was evidence to show that this route had been used as a public footpath for well over 50 years and he asked that the Council do all it could to get public access reinstated.
Roger Pickersgill, a resident of Five Houses emphasised the period of time over which this path had been used by the public. Mr E Tottle, also of Five Houses, drew attention to the traffic danger in this area caused by cars using Burchills Hill as a “rat run”.
The Town Clerk reported that the responsibility for rights of way lay with the County Council. They had notified him that an application to include this footpath on the Definitive Map had been submitted but that it was unlikely to be dealt with until at least 2011.
Councillor Govier also reported that following consultation with the Borough Council and the County Council enforcement action was now being investigated in relation to the unauthorised erection of the fence and the possibility of making a Creation Order which, if successful, would reinstate the path far earlier than anticipated.
Resolved that;
(i) Taunton Deane Borough Council be informed that the Town Council supported any appropriate enforcement action that might be taken in relation to the unauthorised fence;
(ii) Somerset County Council be informed that the Town Council would support the making of a Creation Order in an effort to reinstate public access.
(The Mayor (Councillor Critchard), Councillor Bowrah and Councillor Copley stated that they were members of Taunton Deane Borough Council Planning Committee and reserved their right to vote differently at Taunton Deane Borough Council Planning meeting than at the Town Council meeting as different facts could be placed before them.)
(b) Pauline Sturgess of Friends of Wellington Park informed the Council of forthcoming events. It was hoped that children from Court Fields School would be able to take part in events at the Park in the future.
(c) Samantha King, a resident of Mount Pleasant, Wellington drew attention to anti social activities from which she and other residents had suffered in the Bulford area. The problems surrounded the use of a bench on an open, unused area of land which was regularly being used as a meeting point.
Sgt Bell confirmed that he was aware of the problems and that patrols in that area would be increased as a result.
The bench was in a poor state of repair and local councillors stated that they would support its removal. Investigations were also being undertaken into a different use of this area of land.
Resolved that Taunton Deane Borough Council be asked to remove the seats in the first instance and to liaise with local Councillors to find a more constructive use of this area of land.
(d) Mrs Diana Land asked what progress had been made to reinstate a collar on the Belisha Beacon at the junction of Courtland Road and Waterloo Road.
The Town Clerk confirmed that he had contacted the Highway Authority and that they had agreed to investigate the problem with a view to putting the collar back.
14860 THE NEW CURRICULUM AND CHANGES IN EDUCATION
Jeannie Lillywhite, Assistant Head Teacher at Court Fields Community School gave a presentation on the new curriculum and the raft of changes that were happening in education over the next five years.
She particularly focussed on how it would affect the Wellington area. The aim of the reforms was to ensure that by the age of 19 young people were prepared by education to succeed in life.
The Youth Opportunities Programme would personalise the curriculum. She drew attention to the time period over which these changes would take place and the different opportunities that were now being offered including Young Apprenticeships and new work based qualifications. There was a possibility that these new opportunities might be able to link in with the work being undertaken in connection with Wellington Food Town.
The Mayor thanked Jeannie for this most interesting presentation and for sharing these proposals with the Town Council.
14861 GRANT APPLICATION: WIMBLEBALL SAILABILITY
An application for a grant of £300 had been received from Wimbleball Sailability towards the provision of a toilet for disabled persons inside it’s clubhouse and the purchase of a rescue boat. The Finance Committee had considered the application in detail and had recommended that a grant be paid.
Resolved that a grant of £300 be made subject to the total amount required for these works being achieved.
14862 YOUTH COUNCIL
Christina Green, Assistant to the Clerk reported that following the previous decision of the Council to further develop this initiative she had written to local schools, colleges and youth organisations regarding the possibility of setting up a Youth Council. This matter had arisen as a result of the Vision for Wellington work.
A number of positive replies expressing initial interest had been received. The next step was to call the various groups together with a view to establishing a Youth Council.
Resolved that further action be taken to enable this initiative to develop.
14863 WELLINGTON 1100
Further to Minute 14842 the Town Clerk reported that he had discussed this idea with the Chairman of the Wellington Museum Society. The Society had considered the matter and had agreed that it would do all it could to support and promote any celebration but did not want to lead on it.
It was felt that any celebration or event should be community led and not necessarily organised and arranged by the Town Council.
In order to progress this matter it was agreed that a Working Party be formed.
Resolved that a Working Party comprising The Mayor (Councillor Critchard), Councillors A Govier and Mitton be formed to look into how this matter might developed further.
14864 FUNDING FOR RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROJECT IN WELLINGTON.
Submitted details of an email from Scott Weetch, Community Safety Coordinator, Taunton Deane Borough Council which asked for expressions of interest in continuing funding for the Restorative Justice Scheme in Wellington.
Although funding for the scheme would run out on 20 January 2009, the project would be able to continue until the end of March 2009. In order for the scheme to continue beyond then, into the 2009/10 financial year, a total funding of £35,000 needed to be secured.
The project had been successful and had exceeded expectations – the Town Council having received a presentation from the Coordinator at its last meeting. Funding had been sourced from a number of different areas with the Town Council’s contribution being £2,500. The Council were now being asked for an expression of interest in the scheme continuing together with an indication of the amount it was likely to contribute.
Resolved that Taunton Deane Borough Council be informed that this Council were fully supportive of the scheme and would like to see it continue. Subject to consideration of the Council’s budget for 2009/10 it was likely to contribute towards the funding but at this stage were not able to indicate at what level.
(Councillor A Govier declared a personal interest in this matter as Chair of the Restorative Justice Group)
14865 COUNCIL QUESTION TIME EVENTS
Submitted a letter from the County Council and 5 District Councils drawing attention to a series of these event taking place throughout the county. Parish and Town Councils had been invited to attend.
Resolved that the letter be noted.
14866 PIONEER SOMERSET
Submitted a letter from South Somerset District Council regarding a survey of District Council services. It was felt that before the survey questionnaire was completed and the devolution workstream developed it would be helpful to meet with the appropriate Borough Council officer. Members wanted reassurance that should additional responsibilities be undertaken at this level, then sufficient funding be made available to allow them to carry it out.
Resolved that Brendan Cleere, Strategic Director, Taunton Deane Borough Council, or an appropriate officer, be invited to meet the Council before the survey was completed.
14867 DEVELOPMENT AT PRIORY, WELLINGTON
The Town Clerk reported that it had now been confirmed that this development would be named “Gillian Allen Court”
Resolved that the report be noted and an appropriate naming ceremony be held when the development was completed.
14868 SOMERFIELD DEVELOPMENT, HIGH STREET, WELLINGTON
Consideration was given to a request from the developers that the Somerfield Supermarket development at High Street be named “Red Lion Court”. This would be in accordance with a historical name which was in use in this area in 1890.
Resolved that the request be agreed and the development be named Red Lion Court
14869 TAUNTON DEANE COMMUNITY TRANSPORT
The Town Clerk reported that he had been informed by the County Council that the charity running TDCT has ceased trading. Transporting Somerset would be providing a new service from 1 October 2008.
Resolved that the information be noted.
14870 MAP OF WELLINGTON
Councillor Copley drew attention to the lack of an adequate map in the town that provided directions to the many facilities available. It was suggested that there might be an opportunity to involve local traders in the provision of such a map.
Resolved that the suggestion be investigated further and the Chamber of Trade be approached to ascertain if they would be interested in this idea.
14871 NORTHERN RELIEF ROAD – PETITION
Councillor Jackie Govier reported that a petition regarding the provision of a Northern Relief Road had recently been launched. It was hoped that there would be widespread support for this proposal. Once sufficient signatures had been obtained the petition could then be submitted as evidence of the weight of local support for the development.
Resolved that the present position be noted.
14872 CIVIC SERVICE – 16 NOVEMBER 2008
Councillor Critchard (Town Mayor) reported that arrangements were now well in hand for a Civic service at St John the Baptist Parish Church at 9.45a.m. on 16 November 2008. The Service would be part of the usual Communion Service in that Church.
It was intended to invite representatives of surrounding local authorities, local businesses, clubs, places of worship and organisations. In addition an open invitation to all local residents would be published in the Press. The aim was to make this a Service that would reflect the local community.
Resolved that the proposal be welcomed.
14873 EMERGENCY COMMITTEE
Submitted the minutes of Emergency Committee held on 9 September 2008.
Resolved that the minutes be noted and the recommendations contained therein be agreed.
14874 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
Submitted the minutes of the Wellington Economic Partnership meetings held on 22 May and 31 July 2008. Councillor Mitton, the Secretary of the Partnership, informed the Council that it had considered the Vision for Wellington and had agreed to champion those parts that related to the economy of the town. In addition it would be giving further consideration to a Business Plan for the Food Town.
Resolved that the report be noted.
14875 WELLINGTON TWINNING ASSOCIATION
Councillor Copley reported upon the activities that had been undertaken by the Twinning Association throughout the year. A number of events were planned for the future, details of which were submitted.
A letter was also submitted from the Wellington Twinning Association thanking the Council for its grant in connection with the recent visit from Torres Vedros and giving details of how the funds were used.
Resolved that the report be noted
14876 VISION FOR WELLINGTON
Prior to this meeting Councillor Mitton had made a presentation to the Council explaining the details of the Vision for Wellington. A successful launch for the Vision had recently taken place.
In view of the valuable content of the Plan members considered that it would be appropriate and beneficial to use the Vision Document as a basis for the Town Plan. Initially this could be looked at in some detail by a small group of members.
Resolved that the Vision for Wellington be used as a basis for the Town Plan and that a Working Party comprising the Mayor (Councillor Critchard) and Councillors A Govier and Mitton be formed to consider the matter further.
14877 PLANNING DECISIONS OF TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL
It was reported that the following decisions had been made by Taunton Deane Borough Council:
PERMISSION GRANTED FOR THE FOLLOWING APPLICATIONS:
(a) Display of internally illuminated advertisement sign at 17 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2008/101A);
(b) Demolition of utility and conservatory and erection of single storey extension to rear at 18 Seymour Street, Wellington (43/2008/096);
(c) Erection of bungalow on land adjacent to 27 Ashford Road, Wellington (43/2008/104);
(d) Erection of porch, single storey rear extension and erection of 2 storey side extension, including balcony, 30 Drakes Park, Wellington (43/2008/093);
(e) Erection of two storey extension and single storey flat roof extension to the front of 78, Sylvan Road, Wellington (43/2008/095);
(f) Fell and replace cherry tree at The Old Vicarage, Wellington (43/2008/100T);
(g) Residential development consisting of 50 Units at Cades farm, Wellington (Reserved Matters) (43/2008/068)
PERMISSION REFUSED FOR THE FOLLOWING APPLICATIONS:
(a) Application to fell one Wellingtonia at 5 Oldway Park, Wellington (43/2008/092T);
(b) Erection of extension and loft conversion at 3 Oldway Park, Wellington (43/2008/103).
Resolved that in future, details of these decisions be reported to the regular Planning meeting of the Council rather than the Council meeting itself.
14878. COUNCIL PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS
The Clerk reported that the Council’s receipts for the period from 31 March to 30 September 2008 was £185,629 and the expenditure for the same period was £112,854. The Finance Committee had considered this report at its meeting earlier in the evening when the Clerk had given a detailed explanation of all the figures. The Committee had noted steps that were to be taken to introduce a cost coding system and to prepare a draft revised grants policy.
Resolved that the report regarding Payments and Receipts be noted and approved.
14879 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
Resolved that the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques be authorised:
(a) £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 Ross Henley
Councillor Chris Hindley
Councillor Peter Critchard
Councillor Dave Mitton
Councillor Mrs Vivienne Stock-Williams
Councillor John Clark
Councillor Mrs Gloria Copley
Councillor Guy Goodwin
Councillor Mrs Janet Lloyd
Councillor Mrs Sue Walters
Councillor Mrs Janet Reed
(b) St John’s CofE VA Primary School – Crossing Patrol for Summer term - £383.65
(c) Taunton Deane Borough Council – Rental of Offices - £250
(d) Konica Minolta – rental of photocopier - £272.20
(e) Konica Minolta – copying charges - £403.13
(f) Hinewood – Cleaning of Bus Shelter and windows - £64.00
(g) Councillor Peter Critchard – Town Mayor’s Allowance - £500
(h) Councillor Peter Critchard – Travelling expenses - £30.40
(i) Wellington Squash Club – payment of grant previously authorised - £1,000
(j) Free Range catering – Carnival reception - £182
(k) EDF Energy – Energy charges - £11.80
(l) An invoice had also been received from Magellan Projects in connection with the work they had carried out on revising the Council’s web site. As there appeared to be certain issues surrounding the work undertaken, it was agreed that this should be referred to the Web Site Working Party for consideration before payment was made.
14880 EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
Resolved that the following item be considered after the exclusion of the press and public because of the likelihood that exempt information would otherwise be disclosed in accordance with Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.
14881 MAYOR’S SPECIAL AWARD
The Town Mayor (Councillor Peter Critchard) drew attention to the contribution made to the community over a long period of time by a particular local resident. In the circumstances it was felt that the Council should acknowledge this service by making a special, one off, award.
A discussion ensued around the basis on which such awards should be made.
Resolved that
(a) an appropriate Award be made to the person referred to at a future meeting of the Council;
(b) the Clerk draft a criteria against which any such future awards might be based and submit it to the Council for consideration.
The meeting closed at 9.07 p.m.
