Wellington Town Council minutes September 2006
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 4th September 2006 at 7pm.
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley and Mrs V. Stock-Williams, Councillors R. Bowrah, R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Govier, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors A. Horsman and N. Wilson. There were 10 members of the public present.
13936 DEATH OF FORMER COUNCILLOR VAL BUISSINK
Councillors stood in silent tribute in memory of former councillor Mrs Val Buissink, who was a town councillor from 1995 to 1999, who died on 21st August 2006 and whose funeral took place on 4th September 2006, attended by Councillors C. Hindley and A. Govier. The chairman said Mrs Buissink had been a battling councillor who had taken up many issues and who had contributed much to the civic life of the town.
13937 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that he had represented the council at a number of functions during the past month, including the unveiling of a plaque at Wellington Sports Centre in memory of the late town and Deane councillor Maurice Jennings, the presentation of council grant cheques to Taunton CAB and Skintight Samba Band, and Wellington Flower Show, which demonstrated that there was a lot of talent within Wellington. He and the clerk had an interesting meeting with town and parish councillors from West Sussex who had visited Wellington to find out about the delegated planning scheme which the town council had with Taunton Deane Borough Council.
13938 PRESENTATION OF PLAQUE TO JAMES HOOPER WHO CLIMBED MOUNT EVEREST
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton presented a plaque to James Hooper, from Wellington, who is the second youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest, on behalf of the town council in recognition of his great achievement on 19th May 2006 at the age of 19 years and 28 days. He wished him well for his further adventures.
13939 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse reported that volume crime had been relatively low in August, with 1 domestic burglary which had been a distraction burglary by bogus water board officials at an elderly resident’s house in Rookery Terrace; 3 commercial burglaries – at a pub for which a man had been arrested, at the Co-op supermarket and a Fore Street shop; 3 thefts from cars: there had been a spate of such thefts at the end of July and when a juvenile had been arrested for criminal damage a number of stolen car stereos were found when his home had been searched; 3 bikes, all left unlocked, had been stolen and 1 car stolen: a family member of the victim had been charged with theft. The pubwatch scheme was still running with monthly meetings: 3 people had been banned from local pubs for 12 months. He was looking at police shifts to see if more and later police cover could be provided on Friday and Saturday evenings. Councillor Bowrah welcome the possibility of extra police hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Councillor Byrne drew attention to anti-social problems caused at St John’s Churchyard by some youngsters and Sgt Nurse urged the public to ring the police when problems occurred: the police would try to respond as quickly as possible. Councillor Henley expressed concerns that the Kings Arms pub was seeking an extension of its late night licence from 2am to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Sgt Nurse replied that there had been discussions about the application: the Kings Arms had licensed door staff from 9pmon Fridays and Saturdays and the police were working with them to provide support for the door staff to try to minimise the amount of violence. In reply to Councillor Henley, he stated that quite a lot of alcohol had been confiscated from youngsters on the streets. He was thanked for his attendance.
13940 LETTER FROM MR AND MRS M. BURN ASKING FOR SPEED CAMERAS TO BE INSTALLED IN MANTLE STREET
A letter from Mr and Mrs Burn of 1 Trinity Close, Wellington, asking for speed cameras to be installed in Mantle Street following a recent accident was considered by councillors. Sgt Nurse was asked for his comments and he told councillors that often the cause of accidents was due to driver error or hazards in the road rather than speeding. He said the highways authority collated all the information from accidents and it was then decided what was the best way forward but the fact there was not a speed camera there suggested it was not an accident blackspot. Councillors also considered an email from Ian Titcombe of Somerset Highways, who said there were no plans for traffic calming in Mantle Street and the on-street parking was necessary and had a traffic calming effect. It was agreed to contact the highways authority and suggest the installation of an electronic flashing sign warning drivers to slow down.
13941 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME:HERITAGE OPEN DAYS LEAFLET
Mrs Isabel Ward, the chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, told members she was disappointed to find Wellington had not been included on Taunton DBC Heritage Open Days leaflet. Members agreed to contact Mr David McCubbin in the tourism department of Taunton DBC to find out which organisations had been contacted about the leaflet in Wellington.
13942 PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
Mrs Pauline Sturgess, the chairman of Friends of Wellington, reported that their summer season had finished and that there had been an average attendance of 150 each Sunday and that they were now working on their programme for 2007. They tried to have new faces each year and also young people as well as the big bands. They were always willing to listen to new ideas for entertainment. It was hoped to have a big evening performance during the summer and two Winter events, at Tonedale House and to celebrate the Chinese New Year in February. It had been a successful year. The chairman commented that the Sunday music in the Park provided a wonderful and relaxing afternoon. Councillor Copley congratulated Mrs Ward and Mrs Sturgess and their supporters on their excellent work during the year.
13943 MINUTES OF AUGUST COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 7th August 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.
13944 DIRECTION SIGNS FOR ARTS CENTRE AND CINEMA
With reference to minute 13923 consideration was given to a letter from Wellington Arts Association asking for the town council’s support for the erection of direction signs for the arts centre in Eight Acre Lane and the Wellesley Cinema in Mantle Street. On the suggestion of Councillor Govier it was agreed to have a comprehensive look at signs in the town with Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways.
13945 GRANT REQUEST FROM WELLINGTON SCOUTS
A letter was received from four Wellington Scouts, Jennifer Altria, James Dadd, David Weaver and Sam Pope asking the town council to consider giving financial support for their attendance at the World Scout Jamboree in England in 2007, the total cost of which was £4,200 which included a subsidy for Scouts attending from poorer nations. So far £1,800 had been raised. The recommendation from the Finance Committee was £100 for each Scout. On the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor James, it was agreed to make a grant of £100 for each Scout attending, up to a maximum of £400 and to ask for a post-Jamboree report.
13946 WELLINGTON AND AREA COMMUNITY STRATEGY 2006-2010
Consideration was given to setting up a working party of councillors to examine in detail the Wellington and Area Community Strategy 2006-2010 prepared by Taunton Deane Local Strategic Partnership. It was agreed that Councillors Copley, Govier, Mitton and Wilson should be the working party to report back to the council.
13947 NEW NURSERY UNIT AT WELLESLEY PARK SCHOOL
With reference to minute 13888 a letter was received from Somerset County Council stating that the planning application for the siting of a new nursery unit at Wellesley Park Primary School had been withdrawn. Councillor Govier reported that a re-drawn plan was likely to be submitted in the near future. The report was noted.
13948 BUCKWELL-SCOTTS LANE FOOTPATH STOPPING-UP
With reference to minute 13922 a letter was received from the county council stating that the town council’s objection to the proposed stopping up of part of the Buckwell to Scotts Lane public footpath had been noted. The letter was noted.
13949 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
With reference to minute 13907 the clerk reported that he and Councillors Mitton and Palmer had carried out a speed check at the new site at Tone on 16th August 2006 when 4 motorists had been reported for exceeding the 30mph (38-43mph). The majority of cars had been within the limit. The report was noted.
13950 TAUNTON CAB GRANT
With reference to minute 13869a letter of thanks was received from Taunton and District CAB for the town council grant of £1,200. The letter was noted.
13951 REDEVELOPMENT OF FORMER ADVANCE BITUMEN FACTORY
With reference to minute 13882 it was reported that a pre-exhibition briefing would be held for councillors at 1.45pm on 12th September 2006 at Rockwell Green Christian Centre about the proposed redevelopment of the former Advance Bitumen factory at Westford. A public exhibition would run from 2.30pm to 8pm on the same day. The report was noted.
COUNCILLOR BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.04PM
13952 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES
With reference to minute 13839 Councillor Henley referred to a report by Taunton DBC for its review board meeting on 7th September 2006 which stated that the cost of £45,000 for a lift at 28 Fore Street was not the best value for money and that the search should continue for suitable alternative premises with the present arrangements of the town council meeting in the URC Church continuing. After some discussion Councillor Warren proposed, with Councillor Copley seconding, that a letter should be sent to Taunton DBC stating that the town council wanted to make it clear that it still felt that the best option is for improvements to be carried out to 28-30 Fore Street to meet reasonable disability access requirements; that the chances of finding suitable alternative premises in a town centre location are extremely remote and that the present situation is likely to drag on unresolved for some years which is not satisfactory. The proposal was carried 7-0 with 5 abstentions.
COUNCILLOR HENLEY LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.17PM
13953 AUDIT OF COUNCIL’S ACCOUNTS FOR 2005-2006
With reference to minute 13778 members received a copy of the report of the external auditors Moore Stephens which stated that the town council’s accounts for 2005-2006 were all in order. The report was noted.
13954 TOWN CENTRE RETAIL SURVEY FOR 2006
A report was received from Taunton DBC about the Wellington Town Centre Retail Survey which provides a detailed assessment of shopping provision with Wellington town centre during the summer of 2006. Members also received a copy of the retail area changes in the last 12 months. The report was noted.
13955 BULFORD LANE WIDTH SIGNS
An email was received from Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways, stating that there had been traffic problems/incidents caused by wide vehicles using the narrow Bulford Lane and asking if the town council would support the proposed erection of advisory width signs at both ends of Bulford Lane. On the proposition of Councillor Byrne, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to support the erection of the advisory width signs.
13956 FREE CHRISTMAS PARKING
An e-mail was received from Mr Jon Pallett, Taunton DBC car parks manager, confirming that free parking would be available in Wellington at the South Street, North Street and Longforth Road car parks on the four Saturdays prior to Christmas, namely 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd December 2006. The letter was noted.
13957 PLAQUE FOR LATE COUNCILLOR MAURICE JENNINGS
With reference to 13911 a letter was received from Mrs Margaret Jennings thanking the town council and Taunton DBC for the plaque erected at Wellington Sports Centre to commemorate the work of the late Councillor Maurice Jennings over the provision of the sports centre. The letter was noted.
13958 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13926 a detailed report was received from Mrs J. Thorne, the assistant to the clerk, on the WEP meeting held on 17th August 2006 when it was stated that 37 shops had agreed to join the Wellington Chamber of Trade free parking scheme; that more than 60 local retail, farm produce, processors and farmers had attended two successful private sector events to launch Wellington Food Town; that a one-day Food Expo would be held on 21st October; that the aims of the Cittaslow Movement had been outlined with a recommendation that the town council should seek membership; a Food Town Steering Group had been approved with its first meeting planned for 30th August; that a food town newsletter had been produced and distributed to local food producers; that a fact finding visit to Ludlow had been organised for 8th-9th September; that the WEP should submit a completed expression of interest form to the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative; and that a presentation had been received from Mr Colin Spackman, the secretary of Wellington Museum and Local History Society, about the proposed creation of a postcard co-operative to promote the town by offering Wellington-branded goods such as postcards and tea towels for sale to the public. It was reported that the next WEP meeting would be on 18th September 2006.
13959 MEMBERSHIP OF CITTASLOW MOVEMENT
Consideration was given to a recommendation from Wellington Economic Partnership that the town council should seek membership of the Cittaslow Movement and invite a representative to attend a town council meeting. After some discussion it was agreed to defer a decision pending a report from Councillor Mitton on the visit to Ludlow to find out more information.
13960 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of industrial unit at plot 19, Rylands Farm industrial estate, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/073); (b) Erection of single storey extension at 19 Parker Close, Wellington (43/2006/083: delegated decision); (c) Erection of one 4 bed detached house on land adjoining 22 Howard Road, Wellington (43/2006/077); (d) Conversion of public house into 3 dwellings, demolition of skittle alley and other outbuildings at the Three Cups, 32-34 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/013LB); (e) Erection of two dwellings to replace dwelling to be demolished at 17 Oaken Ground, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/079); (f) Erection of 11 one bed dwellings on land to the rear of Sans Ombre and Garden House, White Hart Lane, Wellington as amended by e-mails dated 21st June 2006 and 5th July 2006 and agents letter and accompanying plans 002A, 003A and 004A received 31st July 2006 (43/2006/057); (g) Application to fell trees within Wellington conservation area to the rear of 12 Fore Street, Wellington 943/2006/074T); (h) Erection of conservatory to rear of 40 Warren Street, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/086: delegated decision); (i) Construction of flood alleviation works related to proposed development at Tonedale Business Park, Milverton Road, Wellington (43/2006/082).
13961 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST AUGUST 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 31st August 2006 was £44,061 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £43,819 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.
13962 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor Govier, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Wellington Carnival Committee £700 grant; BT £307.23 for fax, telephone, internet and email calls and service charges for quarter to 6/8/06; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £140 for subsidised hospital patient transport to Taunton for July 2006; Inland Revenue £665.35; Mr A. Brown £150 petty cash; Hinewood Cleaning Service £48 for town centre bus shelter cleaning and window cleaning for July 2006; Somerset Association of Local Councils £115 balance for Certificate in Local Council Administration training course for Mrs J. Thorne; Konica Minolta £92.34 for photocopying servicing charges to 16/8/06; Moore Stephens £411.25 for external audit of town council 2005-2006 accounts; Wellington United Reformed Church £75 for use of hall for council meetings for July, August and September 2006.
13963 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: August 2006 issue of InterAction magazine from Local Government International Bureau; NALC direct information service bulletin No. 638; September 2006 issue of The Clerk; September 2006 issue of Fieldwork magazine from Campaign for the Protection of Rural England; Autumn issue of Thatch magazine from Community Council for Somerset; Urbanscape product catalogue 2006 of urban furniture.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.29PM
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley and Mrs V. Stock-Williams, Councillors R. Bowrah, R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Govier, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors A. Horsman and N. Wilson. There were 10 members of the public present.
13936 DEATH OF FORMER COUNCILLOR VAL BUISSINK
Councillors stood in silent tribute in memory of former councillor Mrs Val Buissink, who was a town councillor from 1995 to 1999, who died on 21st August 2006 and whose funeral took place on 4th September 2006, attended by Councillors C. Hindley and A. Govier. The chairman said Mrs Buissink had been a battling councillor who had taken up many issues and who had contributed much to the civic life of the town.
13937 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that he had represented the council at a number of functions during the past month, including the unveiling of a plaque at Wellington Sports Centre in memory of the late town and Deane councillor Maurice Jennings, the presentation of council grant cheques to Taunton CAB and Skintight Samba Band, and Wellington Flower Show, which demonstrated that there was a lot of talent within Wellington. He and the clerk had an interesting meeting with town and parish councillors from West Sussex who had visited Wellington to find out about the delegated planning scheme which the town council had with Taunton Deane Borough Council.
13938 PRESENTATION OF PLAQUE TO JAMES HOOPER WHO CLIMBED MOUNT EVEREST
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton presented a plaque to James Hooper, from Wellington, who is the second youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest, on behalf of the town council in recognition of his great achievement on 19th May 2006 at the age of 19 years and 28 days. He wished him well for his further adventures.
13939 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse reported that volume crime had been relatively low in August, with 1 domestic burglary which had been a distraction burglary by bogus water board officials at an elderly resident’s house in Rookery Terrace; 3 commercial burglaries – at a pub for which a man had been arrested, at the Co-op supermarket and a Fore Street shop; 3 thefts from cars: there had been a spate of such thefts at the end of July and when a juvenile had been arrested for criminal damage a number of stolen car stereos were found when his home had been searched; 3 bikes, all left unlocked, had been stolen and 1 car stolen: a family member of the victim had been charged with theft. The pubwatch scheme was still running with monthly meetings: 3 people had been banned from local pubs for 12 months. He was looking at police shifts to see if more and later police cover could be provided on Friday and Saturday evenings. Councillor Bowrah welcome the possibility of extra police hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Councillor Byrne drew attention to anti-social problems caused at St John’s Churchyard by some youngsters and Sgt Nurse urged the public to ring the police when problems occurred: the police would try to respond as quickly as possible. Councillor Henley expressed concerns that the Kings Arms pub was seeking an extension of its late night licence from 2am to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Sgt Nurse replied that there had been discussions about the application: the Kings Arms had licensed door staff from 9pmon Fridays and Saturdays and the police were working with them to provide support for the door staff to try to minimise the amount of violence. In reply to Councillor Henley, he stated that quite a lot of alcohol had been confiscated from youngsters on the streets. He was thanked for his attendance.
13940 LETTER FROM MR AND MRS M. BURN ASKING FOR SPEED CAMERAS TO BE INSTALLED IN MANTLE STREET
A letter from Mr and Mrs Burn of 1 Trinity Close, Wellington, asking for speed cameras to be installed in Mantle Street following a recent accident was considered by councillors. Sgt Nurse was asked for his comments and he told councillors that often the cause of accidents was due to driver error or hazards in the road rather than speeding. He said the highways authority collated all the information from accidents and it was then decided what was the best way forward but the fact there was not a speed camera there suggested it was not an accident blackspot. Councillors also considered an email from Ian Titcombe of Somerset Highways, who said there were no plans for traffic calming in Mantle Street and the on-street parking was necessary and had a traffic calming effect. It was agreed to contact the highways authority and suggest the installation of an electronic flashing sign warning drivers to slow down.
13941 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME:HERITAGE OPEN DAYS LEAFLET
Mrs Isabel Ward, the chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, told members she was disappointed to find Wellington had not been included on Taunton DBC Heritage Open Days leaflet. Members agreed to contact Mr David McCubbin in the tourism department of Taunton DBC to find out which organisations had been contacted about the leaflet in Wellington.
13942 PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
Mrs Pauline Sturgess, the chairman of Friends of Wellington, reported that their summer season had finished and that there had been an average attendance of 150 each Sunday and that they were now working on their programme for 2007. They tried to have new faces each year and also young people as well as the big bands. They were always willing to listen to new ideas for entertainment. It was hoped to have a big evening performance during the summer and two Winter events, at Tonedale House and to celebrate the Chinese New Year in February. It had been a successful year. The chairman commented that the Sunday music in the Park provided a wonderful and relaxing afternoon. Councillor Copley congratulated Mrs Ward and Mrs Sturgess and their supporters on their excellent work during the year.
13943 MINUTES OF AUGUST COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 7th August 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.
13944 DIRECTION SIGNS FOR ARTS CENTRE AND CINEMA
With reference to minute 13923 consideration was given to a letter from Wellington Arts Association asking for the town council’s support for the erection of direction signs for the arts centre in Eight Acre Lane and the Wellesley Cinema in Mantle Street. On the suggestion of Councillor Govier it was agreed to have a comprehensive look at signs in the town with Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways.
13945 GRANT REQUEST FROM WELLINGTON SCOUTS
A letter was received from four Wellington Scouts, Jennifer Altria, James Dadd, David Weaver and Sam Pope asking the town council to consider giving financial support for their attendance at the World Scout Jamboree in England in 2007, the total cost of which was £4,200 which included a subsidy for Scouts attending from poorer nations. So far £1,800 had been raised. The recommendation from the Finance Committee was £100 for each Scout. On the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor James, it was agreed to make a grant of £100 for each Scout attending, up to a maximum of £400 and to ask for a post-Jamboree report.
13946 WELLINGTON AND AREA COMMUNITY STRATEGY 2006-2010
Consideration was given to setting up a working party of councillors to examine in detail the Wellington and Area Community Strategy 2006-2010 prepared by Taunton Deane Local Strategic Partnership. It was agreed that Councillors Copley, Govier, Mitton and Wilson should be the working party to report back to the council.
13947 NEW NURSERY UNIT AT WELLESLEY PARK SCHOOL
With reference to minute 13888 a letter was received from Somerset County Council stating that the planning application for the siting of a new nursery unit at Wellesley Park Primary School had been withdrawn. Councillor Govier reported that a re-drawn plan was likely to be submitted in the near future. The report was noted.
13948 BUCKWELL-SCOTTS LANE FOOTPATH STOPPING-UP
With reference to minute 13922 a letter was received from the county council stating that the town council’s objection to the proposed stopping up of part of the Buckwell to Scotts Lane public footpath had been noted. The letter was noted.
13949 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
With reference to minute 13907 the clerk reported that he and Councillors Mitton and Palmer had carried out a speed check at the new site at Tone on 16th August 2006 when 4 motorists had been reported for exceeding the 30mph (38-43mph). The majority of cars had been within the limit. The report was noted.
13950 TAUNTON CAB GRANT
With reference to minute 13869a letter of thanks was received from Taunton and District CAB for the town council grant of £1,200. The letter was noted.
13951 REDEVELOPMENT OF FORMER ADVANCE BITUMEN FACTORY
With reference to minute 13882 it was reported that a pre-exhibition briefing would be held for councillors at 1.45pm on 12th September 2006 at Rockwell Green Christian Centre about the proposed redevelopment of the former Advance Bitumen factory at Westford. A public exhibition would run from 2.30pm to 8pm on the same day. The report was noted.
COUNCILLOR BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.04PM
13952 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES
With reference to minute 13839 Councillor Henley referred to a report by Taunton DBC for its review board meeting on 7th September 2006 which stated that the cost of £45,000 for a lift at 28 Fore Street was not the best value for money and that the search should continue for suitable alternative premises with the present arrangements of the town council meeting in the URC Church continuing. After some discussion Councillor Warren proposed, with Councillor Copley seconding, that a letter should be sent to Taunton DBC stating that the town council wanted to make it clear that it still felt that the best option is for improvements to be carried out to 28-30 Fore Street to meet reasonable disability access requirements; that the chances of finding suitable alternative premises in a town centre location are extremely remote and that the present situation is likely to drag on unresolved for some years which is not satisfactory. The proposal was carried 7-0 with 5 abstentions.
COUNCILLOR HENLEY LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.17PM
13953 AUDIT OF COUNCIL’S ACCOUNTS FOR 2005-2006
With reference to minute 13778 members received a copy of the report of the external auditors Moore Stephens which stated that the town council’s accounts for 2005-2006 were all in order. The report was noted.
13954 TOWN CENTRE RETAIL SURVEY FOR 2006
A report was received from Taunton DBC about the Wellington Town Centre Retail Survey which provides a detailed assessment of shopping provision with Wellington town centre during the summer of 2006. Members also received a copy of the retail area changes in the last 12 months. The report was noted.
13955 BULFORD LANE WIDTH SIGNS
An email was received from Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways, stating that there had been traffic problems/incidents caused by wide vehicles using the narrow Bulford Lane and asking if the town council would support the proposed erection of advisory width signs at both ends of Bulford Lane. On the proposition of Councillor Byrne, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to support the erection of the advisory width signs.
13956 FREE CHRISTMAS PARKING
An e-mail was received from Mr Jon Pallett, Taunton DBC car parks manager, confirming that free parking would be available in Wellington at the South Street, North Street and Longforth Road car parks on the four Saturdays prior to Christmas, namely 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd December 2006. The letter was noted.
13957 PLAQUE FOR LATE COUNCILLOR MAURICE JENNINGS
With reference to 13911 a letter was received from Mrs Margaret Jennings thanking the town council and Taunton DBC for the plaque erected at Wellington Sports Centre to commemorate the work of the late Councillor Maurice Jennings over the provision of the sports centre. The letter was noted.
13958 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13926 a detailed report was received from Mrs J. Thorne, the assistant to the clerk, on the WEP meeting held on 17th August 2006 when it was stated that 37 shops had agreed to join the Wellington Chamber of Trade free parking scheme; that more than 60 local retail, farm produce, processors and farmers had attended two successful private sector events to launch Wellington Food Town; that a one-day Food Expo would be held on 21st October; that the aims of the Cittaslow Movement had been outlined with a recommendation that the town council should seek membership; a Food Town Steering Group had been approved with its first meeting planned for 30th August; that a food town newsletter had been produced and distributed to local food producers; that a fact finding visit to Ludlow had been organised for 8th-9th September; that the WEP should submit a completed expression of interest form to the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative; and that a presentation had been received from Mr Colin Spackman, the secretary of Wellington Museum and Local History Society, about the proposed creation of a postcard co-operative to promote the town by offering Wellington-branded goods such as postcards and tea towels for sale to the public. It was reported that the next WEP meeting would be on 18th September 2006.
13959 MEMBERSHIP OF CITTASLOW MOVEMENT
Consideration was given to a recommendation from Wellington Economic Partnership that the town council should seek membership of the Cittaslow Movement and invite a representative to attend a town council meeting. After some discussion it was agreed to defer a decision pending a report from Councillor Mitton on the visit to Ludlow to find out more information.
13960 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of industrial unit at plot 19, Rylands Farm industrial estate, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/073); (b) Erection of single storey extension at 19 Parker Close, Wellington (43/2006/083: delegated decision); (c) Erection of one 4 bed detached house on land adjoining 22 Howard Road, Wellington (43/2006/077); (d) Conversion of public house into 3 dwellings, demolition of skittle alley and other outbuildings at the Three Cups, 32-34 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/013LB); (e) Erection of two dwellings to replace dwelling to be demolished at 17 Oaken Ground, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/079); (f) Erection of 11 one bed dwellings on land to the rear of Sans Ombre and Garden House, White Hart Lane, Wellington as amended by e-mails dated 21st June 2006 and 5th July 2006 and agents letter and accompanying plans 002A, 003A and 004A received 31st July 2006 (43/2006/057); (g) Application to fell trees within Wellington conservation area to the rear of 12 Fore Street, Wellington 943/2006/074T); (h) Erection of conservatory to rear of 40 Warren Street, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/086: delegated decision); (i) Construction of flood alleviation works related to proposed development at Tonedale Business Park, Milverton Road, Wellington (43/2006/082).
13961 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST AUGUST 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 31st August 2006 was £44,061 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £43,819 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.
13962 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor Govier, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Wellington Carnival Committee £700 grant; BT £307.23 for fax, telephone, internet and email calls and service charges for quarter to 6/8/06; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £140 for subsidised hospital patient transport to Taunton for July 2006; Inland Revenue £665.35; Mr A. Brown £150 petty cash; Hinewood Cleaning Service £48 for town centre bus shelter cleaning and window cleaning for July 2006; Somerset Association of Local Councils £115 balance for Certificate in Local Council Administration training course for Mrs J. Thorne; Konica Minolta £92.34 for photocopying servicing charges to 16/8/06; Moore Stephens £411.25 for external audit of town council 2005-2006 accounts; Wellington United Reformed Church £75 for use of hall for council meetings for July, August and September 2006.
13963 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: August 2006 issue of InterAction magazine from Local Government International Bureau; NALC direct information service bulletin No. 638; September 2006 issue of The Clerk; September 2006 issue of Fieldwork magazine from Campaign for the Protection of Rural England; Autumn issue of Thatch magazine from Community Council for Somerset; Urbanscape product catalogue 2006 of urban furniture.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.29PM
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 10:47 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home