Wellington Town Council minutes April 2006

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 3rd April 2006 at 7pm PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillor D. Mitton (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams, and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors P. Critchard, R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Horsman, A. Govier, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors C. Biscoe and G. James. There were 6 members of the public present.
13729 DEATH OF FORMER CHAIRMAN GILLIAN ALLENWith reference to minute 13693 the chairman reported that he had received a letter of condolence from the Mayor of Immenstatd, Gerd Bischoff expressing the deepest sympathy of the town council and of himself at the sad loss of former council chairman Gillian Allen and stating he would remember her as a founder of the twinning between Immenstadt and Wellington and as a keen promoter of twinning.
13730 POLICE MATTERSSgt Richard Caburn, who was attending his last meeting before moving to Taunton on being promoted to inspector, introduced his successor, Sgt Doc Nurse, of Bridgwater, who would be taking over later in the month. Sgt Caburn reported that in March there had been 11 burglaries, which had been the main problem; 2 thefts from vehicles including 1 at Wellington Monument, where a handbag had been left on a seat in a car, and from Longforth car park where a laptop computer had been stolen from a car; 14 thefts; 5 assaults, 4 of which were victim related; 5 criminal damage offences; 10 of criminal damage to vehicles, including 5 on Saturday, 1st April when a young man had smashed a brick throughout windscreens and back windows of cars in Station Road just after midnight. He had been arrested and would appear before the courts. A drugs raid had been carried out on a 6 bedroom house in Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, where 500 cannabis plants had been found growing in a double loft space. It was a professional cannabis growing set-up. None of the plants had been harvested: the police had hit the premises at the right time. A Youthwatch Scheme, which aimed to educate both children and parents about crime prevention, had been successfully launched at Court Fields School. He thanked the council for their support during the past three and a half years he had been in Wellington, particularly Councillor Govier for his forward thinking on youth projects. Although there were problems from time to time, Wellington was a very safe place to live. The chairman thanked Sgt Caburn for his excellent support over the years and wished him well in his new position. He also welcomed Sgt Nurse and assured him that the council would continue to strongly back the work of the police.
13731 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOMThe chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward thanked the councillors who had attended the launch of its annual gardens competition 2006 “Going for Gold” leaflet which was distributed to members. On 27th April committee members would be taking part in the Health Living Day at Wellington Baptist Church. She reported that the broken windows at the listed property 18 Fore Street, Wellington, had still not been repaired. She asked the town council to write to Taunton DBC to put the pressure on the Deane and this was agreed.
13732: PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARKThe chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, Mrs Pauline Sturgess thanked the town council for its grant and said without it the Friends could not put on its summer programme of entertainment.2233WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 3RD APRIL 2006
13733 MINUTES OF MARCH COUNCIL MEETINGThe minutes of the council meetings held on 6th March 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.
13734 NON ADOPTION OF ROADS AT DOBREE PARKCouncillor Warren raised the issue of the non adoption of the roads at the housing estate at Dobree Park, Rockwell Green and strongly put forward the view that it was time that action was taken by the county council as the matter had been dragging on for a number of years. Members received copies of e-mails from Mr Dennis Quick, of Somerset Highways, dated 22/3/06 and 20/9/05 showing that it was a long standing problem. There was also a letter from the county council about the current position with the developers Bellway Homes. It was agreed to write to the county council expressing dissatisfaction at the continuing delay in getting the roads and footways on the estate adopted and asking for more positive steps to be taken to bring the roads and footways up to standard, including using a bond from the developers to pay for the outstanding work. It was further decided to write to: (i) Local MP Jeremy Browne asking him to press the Government to amend legislation covering the development of new estates to ensure that in the event of a developer not completing roads/play areas then local authorities can carry out the necessary work by using a bond (sufficient to meet these costs) which developers are obliged to pay up font as part of any planning agreement; (ii) Taunton DBC asking the Deane to take steps to ensure that this problem does not continue to occur by insisting that developers should pay a bond – up front as part of any planning agreement – which is sufficient to complete any unfinished play areas and roads/footways not up to standard. It was agreed to point out that Cades Farm would be the next big local development and that the town council was anxious to ensure that there are no loopholes for developers to use as in the past.
13735 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERWith reference to minute 13634 Councillor Warren raised the issue of the future use of the present town council chamber at 28 Fore Street which he strongly felt should continue to the home of the town council. He felt that Taunton DBC needed to make a decision. Members received a copy of the report of the Deane’s corporate property officer, Mr Stuart Rutledge (presented to a Review Board meeting on 23rd March 2006) in which he recommended Taunton DBC to continue to pursue the idea of finding suitable alternative premises as at present the major requirements of Disability Discrimination Act were being complied with in that town council meetings were held in the suitably equipped URC church hall and as there was a possibility of resolving the problem in the foreseeable future although details were not available at present. It was suggested that at the Review Board meeting the impression had been given that the town council was happy about moving premises. The clerk stated that in letters to the Deane he had clearly stated that the town council wished to remain at 28 Fore Street and had put £9,000 in its budget to help meet the cost of improvements. It was agreed to write to Taunton DBC confirming that the town council wished to keep the town council chamber and clerk’s office at 28 Fore Street with improvements made to the building so that it complied with DDA requirements. Councillor Henley urged councillors to attend the next Review Board meeting on 20th April 2006 to make the town council’s views clearly understood by Deane councillors.
13736 PLANS FOR A CASINO IN TAUNTONA letter was received from the Rev Sam Griffiths, Wellington Baptist Church pastor, 2234WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 3RD APRIL 2006
13736 PLANS FOR A CASINO IN TAUNTON (continued) asking the town council to consider objecting to a proposal for a casino in Taunton. Various views were expressed by councillors and after some discussion, Councillor Mitton proposed, with Councillor Critchard seconding, that the letter should be noted with interest and this was agreed.
13737 DEFECTIVE STREET LIGHTING IN STATION ROADCouncillor Horsman reported that there had been problems with street lights in Station Road since February and on his suggestion it was agreed to write to the county council expressing the town council’s concern that the problem had been allowed to continue for so long and pointing out that the dark streets were creating danger and risk to people’s lives, particularly in the area of the Swallowfield aerosol factory.
13738 PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN NORTH STREETCouncillor Horsman reported that recently a child had been hit by a late-braking car at the Belisha crossing in North Street at the junction with Victoria Street and felt it was time the crossing was improved and made safer by the introduction of a crossing controlled by red lights with a green man indicating that it was safe for pedestrians to cross. It was agreed to ask the county council to consider improving the crossing.
13739 ON STREET PARKING IN MANTLE STREET AREAThe clerk reported that following a site meeting of councillors held 27th March 2006 it was suggested that changes to the existing parking restrictions could be made to increase the number of on street parking spaces in the Mantle Street area. The proposals were: (i) To reduce the length of the double yellow lines on the western side of Champford Lane to provide 5/6 more spaces; (ii) re-lining the parking spaces in Mantle Street outside of 78/80/82 Mantle Street to more one extra space; (iii) possibly altering the lining in the Champford Mews cul de sac by putting double yellow lines on the eastern side to provide1/2 more spaces on the western side. Champford Lane and Mantle Street proposals should attract the support of residents as it is a win-win situation but Champford Mews alterations would require consultation with residents as it was a more balanced decision. It was agreed to ask Mr Ian Titcombe (Somerset Highways) for his views. Councillor Govier reported that some initial contact had been made with Mr Titcombe over the suggestions. It was agreed that if changes were made in Champford Mews then the no waiting period should be Monday to Friday and not Monday to Saturday as at present.
13740 GREEN SPACES IN WELLINGTONWith reference to minute 13698 an email was received from Taunton DBC leisure development manager Karen Hughes stating that a report was being prepared on the quality and value (not financial) of the various green space sites in Wellington and that it was hoped this report would be ready in May. It was agreed to appoint Councillors Critchard, Govier, Mitton, Stock-Williams and Wilson as members of the town council’s Green Spaces Working Party.
13741 BUSINESS RATESWith reference to minute letters were received from local MP Jeremy Browne about the current partial rate relief scheme, from Taunton DBC giving detailed information on the rate relief scheme, and from 10 Downing Street stating that the town council’s letter had been forward to the Department of Trade and Industry so that Department was aware of the council’s views. All three letters were noted.2235
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13742 USE OF LOW FLOOR BUSESWith reference to minute 13702 a letter was received from First Somerset and Avon’s area operations director Mr Paul Jenkins stating that the great majority of journeys on services 20, 22/22A and 92/92A between Wellington and Taunton were scheduled for operation by low floor buses. However there were some peak hour journeys, mainly to cope with student loadings which were run by step entry vehicles and from time to time the occasional low floor buss would be replaced by a conventional vehicle as a result of a breakdown etc. As from 2nd April 2006 a new Sunday and Bank Holiday timetable was being introduced on services 22A and 92, ending the operation of Sunday buses between Tonedale and Rockwell Green via Burchills Hill. Instead buses would run back up to Fore Street to reach Rockwell Green, which would enable the company to use low floor buses on Sundays instead of Mercedes minibuses. Minor timing changes were being made as a result. He enclosed copies of the new timetables. The letter was noted.
13743 PROVISION OF DOG WASTE BINS AND WORK OF DOG WARDENSWith reference to minute 13704 the clerk reported that 4 of the 5 dog waste bins provided by the town council (at Hilly Head, Millstream Gardens, Swains Lane and Bovet Street) were well used but the one at Jurston Lane was hardly used: frequently there was only one bag in the bin when it was emptied (twice a week) but there was a lot of dog mess in the area as dog owners in the vicinity did not use the bin. He also reported that there had problems with dog waste bags being dumped in the grit/salt bin by Rockwell Green railway bridge and that some residents had suggested a dog waste bin was needed in that area. It was agreed to consider the possible relocation of the Jurston Lane bin at the June council meeting.
13744 PURCHASE OF RELOCATABLE CCTVWith reference to minute 13715 the clerk reported that the CCTV camera had arrived and had been erected in Lancer Court on 29th March 2006. A training session for councillors and officers was to be held in the council chamber on Tuesday, 11th April 2006 from 10am to 1pm. He further reported that tests arranged by Taunton DBC had shown that lighting column C6 in the South Street car park, where it had been planned to locate the camera, was unacceptable and would have to be removed and replaced. Column C8 in North Street car park was acceptable for a camera to be attached. Both reports were noted.
13745 COACHES NOT STOPPING IN WELLINGTONWith reference to minute 13717 a letter was received from Majestic Coaches explaining why the company did not stop in Wellington to pick up passengers. The firm also did not stop in Tiverton. The letter was noted.
13746 CHANGE OF USE OF 112B MANTLE STREETWith reference to minute 13692 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the planning application for the change of use and conversion of bungalow to form a children’s day nursery at Trinimeade, 112b, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/007) had been withdrawn. The letter was noted.
13747 MOTOR BIKE AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES PRESENTATIONWith reference to minute 13718 the clerk reported that a number of councillors had attended the successful and informative presentation on 23rd March. Report was noted.2236WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 3RD APRIL 200613748 LONGMEAD CLOSE-BURCHILLS HILL CLAIMED PUBLIC PATHWith reference to minute 13672 a letter was received from Somerset County Council stating that the town council’s request for the route from Longmead Close to Burchills Hill to be added to the list of public footpaths had been turned down as it was felt there was insufficient evidence that the route had been used by the public as opposed to workers at the nearby Fox Brothers’ factory. It was decided not to appeal against the county council’s decision.
13749 TAUNTON DBC TREE WARDEN SCHEMEWith reference to minute 13706 a letter was received from Taunton DBC about the tree warden scheme and asking if the town council wished to nominate a tree warden. It was agreed to leave the matter in abeyance for the time being.
13750 CHRISTMAS LIGHTSWith reference to minute 13587 a letter was received from Wellington Chamber of Trade and Commerce stating that the chamber was discussing ways in which it could improve the run up to Christmas in 2006 with a day of festivities to include an open air Christmas fayre (with Farmers Market), Father Christmas, a band, carols and possibly Orchard FM Roadshow. The council’s support would be appreciated and would a council representative attend a chamber committee meeting in April/May to finalise the chamber’s plans. Councillors received a copy of the clerk’s reply in which he stated the switch on of the Christmas lights would take place on Friday, 1st December 2006 at 7pm and that the council would be happy to attend the chamber’s committee meeting. He pointed out that the cost of the 2005 Christmas lights to the town council was £7,859 and asked the chamber to consider making a contribution. Both letters were noted.
13751 COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCHWith reference to minute 13552 the clerk reported that a community speedwatch check had been carried out in Mantle Street by the youth centre on 30th March 2006 and that one driver had been reported to the police for travelling at 47mph. The vast majority of over 200 cars checked had been within the 30 mph limit: others had slowed down to within the limit. More checks would be carried out now that the lighter evenings had arrived. The report was noted.
13752 TONE PLAY AREA GRASS CUTTING QUOTEWith reference to minute 13283 a quote of £39.17 per cut was received from Deane DLO for grass cutting at the Tone Play Area for 2006. It was agreed to accept the quote. The clerk stated that the charge for 2005 was £37.30 per cut.
13753 PUBLIC FOOTPATH MAINTENANCE QUOTEWith reference to minute 13284 a quote of £1,990.16 was received from Deane DLO for cutting vegetation on public footpaths at Crosslands/Relyon, Church Lane and Victoria Street and at the Basins allotments. The clerk recommended that a revised quote by sought excluding the cost of hedge cutting at allotments as this would be carried out through the allotment tenants. This was agreed and the clerk was authorised to accept the revised quote in consultation with the chairman.
13754 EMPTYING DOG WASTE BINSWith reference to minute 13385 a quote of £1.89 per visit was received from Deane DLO for the twice weekly emptying of the town council’s 5 dog waste bins. It was agreed to accept the quote (last year’s figure was £1.76 per visit) 2237WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 3RD APRIL 2006
13755 COURT FIELDS YOUTHWATCH GROUPA letter was received from Year 11 Youthwatch Group at Court Fields Community School asking the town council to consider supporting its projects and improvements which including building a graffiti wall, secure bike park, community clean-up to remove litter, getting the youth centre opening hours extended, getting cheaper public transport, siting a youth shelter and finding music mixing facilities. It was agreed to reply that the town council welcomed the group’s efforts, wished the group every success and would consider specific applications for funding when these were received.
13756 COUNTY STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTA letter was received from Somerset County Council about its Statement of Community Involvement with a quick guide on how the county would deal with planning applications in the future. It was agreed to note the letter.
13757 TALKING TOMORROW’S TAUNTON DEANEA letter was received from Taunton DBC about Talking Tomorrow’s Taunton Deane which aimed at involving the community in the review of the Deane’s Community Strategy and the production of the Local Development Framework. A series of workshops and displays would be held in April and May. The deadline for responses was 26th May 2006. It was agreed to defer any comments until members had attended the displays/workshops.
13758 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED IN WELLINGTON PARISHA letter was received from Taunton DBC with a report about complaints received in Wellington parish for the first quarter of 2006. The letter and report were noted.
13759 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER IN SOUTH STREETThe clerk reported that Taunton DBC had placed a tree preservation order of a group of trees to the north west of 38 South Street, Wellington. The report was noted.
13760 ANNUAL PARISH/TOWN COUNCILS MEETINGA letter was received from Somerset County Council stating that the annual meeting between the county council and town/parish councils would be held on 5th June 2006. At this date clashed with the town council’s June meeting it was agreed to ask the county to send copies of papers/reports of the joint meeting.
13761 CLEAN NEIGHBOURHOODS AND ENVIRONMENT ACT 2005A letter was received from the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs giving details of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 which enables town and parish councils to issue fixed penalty notices for littering, graffiti and flyposting offences from 6th April 2006 and also a new system for controlling dogs. It was agreed to note the letter.
13762 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPWith reference to minute 13719 a report was received from the clerk on the meeting of the Wellington Economic Partnership held on 20th March 2006 together with the report of the WEP Good Ideas Group which had been approved by the partnership. No recommendations or suggestions were put forward for inclusion on the agenda for the next WEP meeting on Monday, 22nd May 2006 at 6pm.
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13763 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBCThe clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of single storey extension to form pharmacy, Luson Surgery, Fore Street, Wellington as amended by agents letter and drawing received 24th February 2006 (43/2005/139 and 43/2005/144LB); (b) Erection of conservatory at 21 Dobree Park, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/020: delegated decision); (c) Erection of conservatory at 31 Cox Road, Wellington (43/2006/010: delegated decision); (d) Erection of two storey and single storey extension to rear of 1 Bovet Street, Wellington as amended by planning drawing No. 002/HIGGS/05A received 9th March 2006 (43/2006/006); (e) Replacement windows and vertical slate hanging to part west elevation at 43 High Street, Wellington as amended by revised plans received 10th March 2006 (43/2006/004LB); (f) Adjustment of Unit 18 to erect additional bay to west of building and omission of bay to east, building for employment use (B1, B2 and B8 uses), Rylands Farm Industrial Estate, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (amended position of building: 43/2006/001); (g) Erection of single storey extension to replace existing to side of 39 Tone Hill, Wellington as amplified by agents email dated 3rd March 2006 (43/2006/011). The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following application: (a) Display of new fascia sign and externally illuminated hanging sign at 5 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/005A).
13764 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST MARCH 2006A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2005 to 31st March 2006 was £89,669 (£120,225 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006) and that expenditure for the same period was £77,373 (£143,100 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006). The report was noted.
13765 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENTOn the proposition of Councillor Hindley, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Cosigns £293.75 for erection of four new Wellington in Bloom town entrance signs; Somerset Association of Local Councils £1,039.83 for affiliation fee for 2006-07; Taunton Deane Borough Council £273.78 for providing conifer tree with winter flowering plants in town centre planter; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £144 for subsidised hospital patient transport to Musgrove Park Hospital for February 2006; Taunton DBC £250 for lease of museum and museum store for period 1st April to 30th June 2006; AR Computing £955.91 for delivery and installation of computer system and networking; Community Council for Somerset £25 for subscription to Community Council for Somerset for 2006-07; Taunton DBC £740.25 for emptying town council’s five dog waste bins for six month period from September 2005 to February 2006; Judith Goss Florists £30 for cut flowers for local war graves for January and February 2006; National Association of Local Councils £105 for one year subscription to direct information service for 2006-07; Systems Furniture £768 for installation and erection of two desks in council offices and supply of new chair; Mr A. Brown £1,662.34; Mrs J. Thorne £281.28; Inland Revenue £644.69; Mr T. Parkman £250 for clearing and spraying allotments and hedge cutting; Wireless CCTV Ltd £10,798.25 for purchase and installation of CCTV equipment, network connection and laptop computer; Somerset County Council £10.25 for copy of CD Rom of the National Agreement for Local Government Services: Mrs N. Abbott £6 for allotment refund following cancellation of agreement; Somerset Photo News £130.66 for 16 council photographs.2239
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COUNCILLOR HORSMAN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.30PM
13766 CLERK’S CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT AND NEW SALARY SCALES FOR CLERK AND ASSISTANT TO THE CLERKVice chairman Councillor Mitton reported on the details of amendments to the clerk’s written statement of particulars and contract of employment to meet the latest requirements in employment legislation and the introduction of the town council’s relocatable CCTV system. He also reported on new salary scales for the clerk and the assistant to the clerk with effect from 1st April 2006. Both reports were approved.
13767 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: What’s On in Taunton Deane for April 2006; Thatch, the rural community magazine for Somerset for Spring 2006; 3 booklets from the Tree Council (The Tree Guardian Winter and Spring issues, Trees in your ground); NALC direct information service bulletins Nos. 626 and 627; Coach Monthly for March 2006; InterAction newsletter for March 2006 from the Local Government International Bureau; European Union newsletter for January 2006 dealing with regional policy.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.40PM