Wellington Town Council minutes August 2006
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 7th August 2006 at 7.35pm.
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, who arrived at 7.55pm, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Bowrah, R. Henley, A. Horsman, 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 V. Byrne, C. Hindley and A. Govier. There were 9 members of the public present.
13889 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 Rockwell Green Primary School’s end of year concert, the launch of Wellington Food Town and Wellington Cricket Club’s annual club day. The vice chairman, Councillor P. Critchard had represented the council at the Popham House fete.
13890 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse was unable to attend because of duty commitments so there was no police report.
13891 MINUTES OF JULY COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 3rd July 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.
13892 BLACKDOWN HILLS TRAIL INTO WELLINGTON
A detailed informative and interesting talk on the creation of a number of circular walks/trails on the Blackdown Hills with a link into Wellington was given by Mr Gavin Saunders, the project manager of the Neroche Scheme which also aims at improving the quality of the landscape of the Blackdown Hills area of outstanding natural beauty, making it richer in wildlife, making it more accessible, understandable and enjoyable for residents and visitors, celebrating its history and culture, and making the landscape more relevant to those who livings depend on it. It was a £3 million landscape partnership scheme supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It was hoped that the main implementation of the scheme, which would also help Wellington Monument to a limited extent, would start in October 2006 and would run until 2010. He was thanked for his talk.
13893 WELLINGTON POSTCARD CO-OPERATIVE
Mr Colin Spackman, the secretary of Wellington Museum and Local History Society, presented an informative report on the proposed setting up of a Wellington postcard co-operative to promote the town by obtaining a wider range of Wellington branded goods such as postcards, tea towels and baseball caps for sale to the public. Currently individual retailers were dissuaded from ordering Wellington branded goods because minimum order quantities were expensive. It was proposed to offer retailers and others the opportunity to take part in a co-operative that purchased postcards etc in bulk and then spread the order across co-op members. Potential members included local book shops, newsagents, card shops, garden centres, hotels, homes, local village outlets and organisations such as Friends of Wellington Park and the Museum, which was prepared to co-ordinate the co-operative in return for a small administration charge to boost its funds. The co-operative’s chances of success were much greater if it was supported and promoted by the town council, Taunton DBC and Wellington Chamber of Trade and other bodies interested in promoting Wellington’s image and economy. The next step would be to identify supporters and experts whose knowledge and contacts could help in getting the co-operative up and running. No funding was required as it should be financially self sufficient from the outset. It was hoped to have the goods available next Spring. The chairman felt it was an excellent opportunity to start selling Wellington. The council agreed to support the initiative and that, if there was any practical backing required, the council would consider that at its next meeting. Mr Spackman was thanked for his presentation.
13894 POPHAM ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Reporting on proposed celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir John Popham, Councillor Stock-Williams stated that the main commemorative events would take place on the weekend 9th-10th June 2007. On Saturday, 9th June there would be a walk covering the main points of interest such as the original site of his house, the site of the original almshouses and the present almshouses and his tomb at St John’s Church. The walk would be followed by a cream tea in the church hall. It was also hoped to organise a visit to see Popham’s Pit in the Blackdown Hills where he is reputed to have fallen and died during a hunting trip. In the evening it was hoped to arrange a concert of appropriate music. On Sunday, 10th June a commemorative service would be held in St John’s Church. On Saturday, 2nd November 2006 a talk would be given by Douglas Rice, author of a book on Sir John, at Wellington Junior School at 7.30pm and early in the Summer term 2007 talks would be given in assembly at schools in Wellington and Nynehead on Sir John. It was hoped to encourage further interest in primary schools in the life and events of this period in history, especially in Wellington. Throughout the summer months there would be an exhibition about Sir John in Wellington Museum, using material from the county archives. Efforts were being made to trace living descendants of Sir John so that they could be kept informed of the planned programme. She was thanked for her report.
13895 SCAFFOLDING AT FORMER DISCOUNT STORES
With reference to minute 13824 an e-mail was received from Taunton DBC stating that the scaffolding to the former discount stores in High Street, Wellington was provided to buttress the external façade of the building as internal buttressing from internal walls had failed due to fracturing at the junction of the two walls. The erection of the scaffold negated further action under Section 77 and 78 of the Building Act 1984 as the building was effectively made safe. Certain matters had been brought to the attention of the owners, Somerfield Ltd, two weeks earlier. The final onus was on the owners. The letter was noted.
13896 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES – FIT FOR THE FUTURE
With reference to minute 13859 a letter was received from Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care stating that following the closure of Stratfield House, Wellington and the move of inpatient beds to Pyrland House, Taunton, the current provision of services to the Wellington area were community mental health team services for older people; day hospital for older people on the Wellington Community Hospital site; day service for older people in South Street; community mental health team service for adults; provision of inpatient services for adults and older people in Taunton at Rydon House and Pyrland House respectively. In addition specialist residential care was provided by Wellington House commissioned by the local authority and the partnership. The letter was noted.
13897 PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL ALLOTMENTS
With reference to minute 13862 an e-mail was received from Taunton DBC stating that it was unlikely that allotments could be provided on the Cades Farm housing scheme at this late stage unless part of the recreational open space was sacrificed. It was hoped to set up a system for taking money from small developers towards allotments and the provision of allotment land under the new Local Development Framework. There was no system currently in place. It would work in the way that contributions for play and playing fields currently worked. The letter was noted.
13898 COUNTY DRAFT RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN
With reference to minute 13875 a letter was received from the county council stating that the town council’s comments would be considered in the process of finalising the Rights of Way Improvement Plan later this year. The letter was noted.
13899 PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN NORTH STREET
With reference to minute 13738 a letter was received from Somerset Highways turning down the town council’s requested improvements to the pedestrian crossing in North Street near the junction with Victoria Street/Courtland Road because of the cost (£80,000 to £150,000) and because there had been only one accident in the past five years. Low cost measures such as improving signing and lining were to be investigated. The letter was noted.
13900 AGE CONCERN ACTIVE LIVING CENTRES
With reference to minute 13874 a letter was received from Age Concern Somerset stating that Age Concern was fully committed to ensuring co-ordination and co-operation across services rather than duplication aand had already been in contact with the Healthy Living Centre Trust, Wellington and District University of the Third Age, Wellington Over-55s Club and WHERE. The letter was noted.
13901 ELECTORAL REVIEW OF TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH
With reference to minute 13627 a letter was received from The Boundary Committee for England enclosing an executive summary of the final recommendations for Taunton Deane. It was agreed to note the letter. The clerk reported that the recommendations were exactly as approved by the town council on 9th January 2006, namely transfer of 150 electors in the Waterloo Road and Corams Lane area from Wellington North ward to Wellington West ward and 709 electors in the Hoyles Road area from Wellington East ward to Wellington West ward to provide a better balance of electoral quality so that councillors represented more or less the same number of electors in the various wards. The report was noted.
13902 PLAN FOR DEMOLITON OF WALL TO REAR OF NATWEST BANK
With reference to minute 13850 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the plan for the demolition of a wall to the rear of Natwest Bank, Fore Street, Wellington had been withdrawn. The letter was noted.
13903 ERECTION OF DWELLING AT REAR OF 32 MANTLE STREET
With reference to minute 13820 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the plan for the erection of a dwelling on land at the rear of 32 Mantle Street, Wellington had been withdrawn. The letter was noted.
13904 ERECTION OF DIRECTION SIGN FOR WELLINGTON PARK
With reference to minute 13860 the clerk reported that a site meeting with Somerset Highways had taken place on 28th July 2006 and that the cost of providing a sign saying “The Park” on the existing large directional sign board outside of One Stop Shop in High Street would be £50. It was agreed to meet the cost of the park sign. The clerk also reported that the cost of providing two signs saying “Village Hall” either side of the traffic lights at Rockwell Green would be £213. The signs had been requested by a representative of the village hall. It was agreed to find out if Rockwell Green Village Hall Committee was prepared to pay for the signs.
13905 FOOTPATH GUIDES GRANT
With reference to minute 13602 the clerk reported that the £1,240 balance of the grant from Somerset County Council towards the cost of printing the town council’s new footpath guides had been received. The report was noted.
13906 VANDALISM OF TONE PLAY AREA PICNIC TABLE
With reference to minute 13558 the clerk reported that a cheque for £429 had been received from the council’s insurers for the destruction of the picnic table at the Tone play area. The report was noted.
13907 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
With reference to minute 13866 the clerk reported that he and the chairman had carried out a check on Wellington Relief Road on 12th July 2006 when 3 motorists had been reported for exceeding the 40mph limit, ranging from 47 to 51mph. The vast majority of the 400 cars checked had been driving within the speed limit. The report was noted.
13908 TONE HILL TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
With reference to minute 13872 the clerk reported that following a site meeting with the police, an additional community speed watch site had been agreed near the Tone business park. The report was noted.
13909 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN
With reference to minute 13827 the clerk reported that the start of the launch of the Wellington Food Town campaign had begun with presentations/meetings with traders and producers on the 18th and 20th July 2006. The report was noted.
13910 PLAQUE FOR EVEREST CLIMBER JAMES HOOPER
With reference to minute 13822 the clerk reported that the presentation of the commemorative plaque to James Hooper, of Mantle Street, Wellington, the second youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest, would take place at the council meeting on 4th September 2006. The report was noted.
13911 MAURICE JENNINGS MEMORIAL PLAQUE
With reference to minute 13791 the clerk reported that the plaque to mark the important role that the late town councillor Maurice Jennings played in the building of Wellington Sports Centre in 1973, would be unveiled at the sports centre on Wednesday, 9th August 2006 at 6.30pm by his widow Mrs Margaret Jennings. The report was noted.
13912 CARNIVAL COMMITTEE GRANT REQUEST
A letter, application form and accounts were received from Wellington Carnival Committee asking the town council to consider making a grant of £700 to meet the costs of providing signs and barriers for the 2006 carnival. On the proposition of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Bowrah, it was agreed to make a grant of £700. Councillor Warren declared an interest as president of the carnival committee and left the hall while this item was considered.
13913 SPORTS CLUBS FEDERATION GRANT REQUEST
A letter and application form were received from Wellington Federation of Sports Clubs asking the town council to consider making a grant of £500 towards the £2,000 costs of a Festival of Youth Sport to be held at the end of August 2006. As there were no accounts showing the current financial position of the federation – despite twice being asked for the accounts – it was decided not to make a grant.
13914 TRACKING OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the Deane had recently introduced a new IT package for the registration and tracking of planning applications to provide all information in electronic form and to streamline the planning registration process. The letter was noted.
13915 TAUNTON CAB GRANT
A letter was received from Taunton and District Citizen Advice Bureau thanking the council for its grant of £1,200 and giving details of its work at the twice-weekly sessions in Wellington where over 220 clients had been seen. The letter was noted.
13916 WELLINGTON PLANNING COMPLAINTS
A letter was received from Taunton DBC detailing the 17 planning complaints received in Wellington during the second quarter of 2006. The letter was noted.
13917 COUNTY HIGHWAY ISSUES
A report was received from Somerset County Council detailing highway enquiry statistics and the carrying out of repairs through its Somerset Direct customer care system. The letter was noted.
13918 NEW WASTE COLLECTION ARRANGEMENTS
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that Phase 4 of “Sort It” – the new waste and recycling arrangements – would come into operation in October 2006 and would cover Wellington East ward and Rockwell Green and Wellington West ward. The letter was noted.
13919 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 12 FORE STREET
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that tree preservation orders had been placed on 2 pear trees and 1 apple tree on land to the rear of 12 Fore Street, Wellington. The letter was noted.
13920 CHILDREN’S CENTRE UPDATES
Details were received from the county council on children’s centres showing that the design of the proposed new centre for Wellington at Beech Grove Primary School had been approved. This was noted.
13921 NON ATTENDANCE AT COMMUNITY CENTRE AGM
A letter was received from Wellington Community Centre expressing disappointment at the non attendance of a council representative at the centre’s AGM in July. The chairman, who is the council’s representative, reported that he had been unable to attend because of other commitments and had informed the centre accordingly. He would try to attend the next centre meeting.
13922 STOPPING UP OF BUCKWELL-SCOTTS LANE FOOTPATH
A letter was received from Somerset County Council asking for the town council’s views on the proposed stopping of part of the public footpath between Buckwell and Scotts Lane, Wellington. It was decided to object because the width of the path would be reduced. The clerk reported that three local residents had objected.
13923 SIGNS FOR ARTS CENTRE AND WELLESLEY CINEMA
A letter was received from Wellington Arts Association asking for the town council’s help over the suggested erection of direction signs on the bypass and in the town centre for the arts centre and Wellesley Cinema. It was agreed to defer consideration of this request until the September council meeting.
COUNCILLORS HENLEY, WILSON AND WARREN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.25PM
13924 ANNUAL DEANE-PARISHES MEETING
A letter was received from Taunton DBC inviting the town council to the annual meeting between the Deane and parish/town councils to be held at North Curry Village Hall on Wednesday, 4th October 2006 at 7pm when the theme would be rural policing. It was agreed that Councillors Mitton and Bowrah should represent the town council at the meeting.
13925 COUNCILS’ VISIT RE DELEGATED PLANNING SCHEME
The clerk reported that representatives from Rustington Parish Council, Littlehampton Town Council and the director of Sussex and Surrey Association of Local Councils would be visiting the town council on 16th August 2006 to discuss the unique planning delegation scheme which the town council had with Taunton DBC. The report was noted.
13926 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13876 a report was received from Mrs J. Thorne, the assistant to the clerk, on the WEP meeting held on 11th July 2006 when it had been reported that Taunton DBC had agreed a grant of £30,000 for the Wellington Food Town project. It was also possible that a grant of £8,000 might be available from the Blackdown Hills Business Association. Taunton DBC was working closely with Somerset Food Links to develop a programme of support and a range of projects to take forward the Food Town concept. The next WEP meeting would be held on Thursday, 17th August 2006 at 6pm. It was agreed that Councillor Mitton should represent the council on the proposed Food Town Steering Group and that Councillors Mitton and Stock-Williams should represent the council on a visit to Ludlow on 8th/9th September 2006 during its food festival on a fact finding tour. No suggestions or recommendations were put forward for inclusion on the agenda for the next WEP meeting on 17th August.
13927 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of dwelling on land to rear of 31 Blackmoor Road, Wellington (revised scheme of 43/2005/025) as amplified by applicant’s letter received 21st July 2006 (43/2006/053); (b) Internal alterations and refurbishment alterations, including new windows to flats at 43 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/058LB); (c) Erection of single storey extension to rear of 17 Alexandra Road, Wellington (43.2006/071: delegated decision); (d) Replace slates on roof to rear of 45 High Street, Wellington as amended by applicants letter dated 20th June 2006 (43/2006/067LB); (e) Erection of two storey extension at Ferndale, Lower Westford, Wellington (43/2006/070: delegated decision); (f) Erection of dwelling on land at rear of 6 Pyles Thorne Close, Wellington (43/2006/068); (g) Installation of additional dormer window on south west elevation, Swanwick, Church Green, Wellington (43.2006/064: delegated decision); (h) Application to fell 3 oak trees including in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 1) Tree Preservation Order 1996 on land adjoining Chelston House Farm, Chelston, Wellington (43/2006/060T); (i) Erection of boundary wall, Squirrel Cottage, 30a Fore Street, Wellington as amended by applicants plan received 28th June 2006 (43/2006/021 and 43/2006/022LB); (j) Erection of extension and dormer window to allow conversion of 2nd garage into additional living space at Greenlands, 46 Wellesley Park, Wellington (43/2006/061: delegated decision); (k) Erection of conservatory at 71 Burrough Way, Wellington (43/2006/069: delegated decision); (l) Erection of two storey extension at 62 Tone Hill, Wellington as amended by drawing No. 048-06 1 Rev A received 13th June 2006 and applicants letter dated 23rd June 2006 with accompanying photographs and drawing (43/2006/054: delegated decision). The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plans: (a) Erection of dwelling on land adjoining 32 Seymour Street, Wellington (43/2006/030); (b) Formation of access to form parking area at 74 Waterloo Road, Wellington, re-submission of 43/2005/062 (43/2006/035).
13928 PLANNING DECISIONS BY SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL
The clerk reported that Somerset County Council had approved the following plan: (a) Construction of new 3 bay tennis court with associated floodlighting at Court Fields Community School, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/0630).
13929 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST JULY 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 31st July 2006 was £43,435 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £35,523 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.
13930 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Horsman, seconded by Councillor James it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques; Taunton CAB £1,200 grant; Skintight Samba Band £500 grant; Councillor D. Mitton £621.60 travelling expenses; The Carly Press Ltd £2,168.46 for 1,000 copies of footpath guides; The Carly Press Ltd £83.55 for paper, ink cartridges and stationery; Inland Revenue £665.35 for income tax and national insurance; Mr A. Brown £150 petty cash; Hinewood Cleaning Service £146 for cleaning town centre bus shelters and office window cleaning for June 2006 and the six monthly cleaning of 8 other bus shelters in the town; EDF Energy £11.06 for electricity for Rackfield light; The Consortium £390.81 for new shredder, bookcase and punch; Shaw & Sons
£13.50 for book; Society of Local Council Clerks £64.75 for 2 books; Taunton Deane Borough Council £211.50 for repairs to safety surface at Tone play area; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £164 for subsidised hospital patient transport for June 2006; Wireless CCTV Ltd £51.14 for phone calls for CCTV; Society of Local Council Clerks £70 registration fee; EDF Energy £155.18 for electricity for office and chamber from 14/4/06 to 31/7/06; Somerset County Council £400 for repayment of contribution towards Fore Street notice board; Judith Goss Florists £45 for flowers for local war graves for May, June and July 2006.
13931 WELLINGTON CEMETERY
Members received a copy of the final 9-page report of the Wellington Cemetery Task and Finish Group dealing with the future of the cemetery which only has about 10 years worth of burial space remaining. It was agreed to accept the report, which was presented by Alastair Higton, Taunton DBC scrutiny officer, and which recommended that the cemetery be extended onto a site adjacent to the current cemetery and that the turning circle and parking at the top of the cemetery be retained.
13932 CCTV CAMERA
Members received a copy of a report by the clerk and his assistant outlining problems which had occurred with the CCTV camera in Lancer Court since its installation in April 2006. It had failed to work on five or six occasions and despite being returned to the suppliers for examination it had continued to provide a highly unsatisfactory service. It had broken down yet again. It was agreed to write to the company, Wireless CCTV expressing the council’s complete dissatisfaction with camera and asking for a new replacement camera or the council’s money back.
13933 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 within Taunton Deane for August 2006; Countryside Voice magazine for Summer 2006 from Campaign for Protection of Rural England; Summer 2006 issue of the Tree Guardian newsletter; July 2006 issue of The Clerk; July 2006 issue of Clerks & Councils Direct; NALC direct information service bulletins Nos. 635 and 636; European newsletter No. 147 on regional policy.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.25PM
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, who arrived at 7.55pm, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Bowrah, R. Henley, A. Horsman, 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 V. Byrne, C. Hindley and A. Govier. There were 9 members of the public present.
13889 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 Rockwell Green Primary School’s end of year concert, the launch of Wellington Food Town and Wellington Cricket Club’s annual club day. The vice chairman, Councillor P. Critchard had represented the council at the Popham House fete.
13890 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse was unable to attend because of duty commitments so there was no police report.
13891 MINUTES OF JULY COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 3rd July 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.
13892 BLACKDOWN HILLS TRAIL INTO WELLINGTON
A detailed informative and interesting talk on the creation of a number of circular walks/trails on the Blackdown Hills with a link into Wellington was given by Mr Gavin Saunders, the project manager of the Neroche Scheme which also aims at improving the quality of the landscape of the Blackdown Hills area of outstanding natural beauty, making it richer in wildlife, making it more accessible, understandable and enjoyable for residents and visitors, celebrating its history and culture, and making the landscape more relevant to those who livings depend on it. It was a £3 million landscape partnership scheme supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It was hoped that the main implementation of the scheme, which would also help Wellington Monument to a limited extent, would start in October 2006 and would run until 2010. He was thanked for his talk.
13893 WELLINGTON POSTCARD CO-OPERATIVE
Mr Colin Spackman, the secretary of Wellington Museum and Local History Society, presented an informative report on the proposed setting up of a Wellington postcard co-operative to promote the town by obtaining a wider range of Wellington branded goods such as postcards, tea towels and baseball caps for sale to the public. Currently individual retailers were dissuaded from ordering Wellington branded goods because minimum order quantities were expensive. It was proposed to offer retailers and others the opportunity to take part in a co-operative that purchased postcards etc in bulk and then spread the order across co-op members. Potential members included local book shops, newsagents, card shops, garden centres, hotels, homes, local village outlets and organisations such as Friends of Wellington Park and the Museum, which was prepared to co-ordinate the co-operative in return for a small administration charge to boost its funds. The co-operative’s chances of success were much greater if it was supported and promoted by the town council, Taunton DBC and Wellington Chamber of Trade and other bodies interested in promoting Wellington’s image and economy. The next step would be to identify supporters and experts whose knowledge and contacts could help in getting the co-operative up and running. No funding was required as it should be financially self sufficient from the outset. It was hoped to have the goods available next Spring. The chairman felt it was an excellent opportunity to start selling Wellington. The council agreed to support the initiative and that, if there was any practical backing required, the council would consider that at its next meeting. Mr Spackman was thanked for his presentation.
13894 POPHAM ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Reporting on proposed celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir John Popham, Councillor Stock-Williams stated that the main commemorative events would take place on the weekend 9th-10th June 2007. On Saturday, 9th June there would be a walk covering the main points of interest such as the original site of his house, the site of the original almshouses and the present almshouses and his tomb at St John’s Church. The walk would be followed by a cream tea in the church hall. It was also hoped to organise a visit to see Popham’s Pit in the Blackdown Hills where he is reputed to have fallen and died during a hunting trip. In the evening it was hoped to arrange a concert of appropriate music. On Sunday, 10th June a commemorative service would be held in St John’s Church. On Saturday, 2nd November 2006 a talk would be given by Douglas Rice, author of a book on Sir John, at Wellington Junior School at 7.30pm and early in the Summer term 2007 talks would be given in assembly at schools in Wellington and Nynehead on Sir John. It was hoped to encourage further interest in primary schools in the life and events of this period in history, especially in Wellington. Throughout the summer months there would be an exhibition about Sir John in Wellington Museum, using material from the county archives. Efforts were being made to trace living descendants of Sir John so that they could be kept informed of the planned programme. She was thanked for her report.
13895 SCAFFOLDING AT FORMER DISCOUNT STORES
With reference to minute 13824 an e-mail was received from Taunton DBC stating that the scaffolding to the former discount stores in High Street, Wellington was provided to buttress the external façade of the building as internal buttressing from internal walls had failed due to fracturing at the junction of the two walls. The erection of the scaffold negated further action under Section 77 and 78 of the Building Act 1984 as the building was effectively made safe. Certain matters had been brought to the attention of the owners, Somerfield Ltd, two weeks earlier. The final onus was on the owners. The letter was noted.
13896 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES – FIT FOR THE FUTURE
With reference to minute 13859 a letter was received from Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care stating that following the closure of Stratfield House, Wellington and the move of inpatient beds to Pyrland House, Taunton, the current provision of services to the Wellington area were community mental health team services for older people; day hospital for older people on the Wellington Community Hospital site; day service for older people in South Street; community mental health team service for adults; provision of inpatient services for adults and older people in Taunton at Rydon House and Pyrland House respectively. In addition specialist residential care was provided by Wellington House commissioned by the local authority and the partnership. The letter was noted.
13897 PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL ALLOTMENTS
With reference to minute 13862 an e-mail was received from Taunton DBC stating that it was unlikely that allotments could be provided on the Cades Farm housing scheme at this late stage unless part of the recreational open space was sacrificed. It was hoped to set up a system for taking money from small developers towards allotments and the provision of allotment land under the new Local Development Framework. There was no system currently in place. It would work in the way that contributions for play and playing fields currently worked. The letter was noted.
13898 COUNTY DRAFT RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN
With reference to minute 13875 a letter was received from the county council stating that the town council’s comments would be considered in the process of finalising the Rights of Way Improvement Plan later this year. The letter was noted.
13899 PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN NORTH STREET
With reference to minute 13738 a letter was received from Somerset Highways turning down the town council’s requested improvements to the pedestrian crossing in North Street near the junction with Victoria Street/Courtland Road because of the cost (£80,000 to £150,000) and because there had been only one accident in the past five years. Low cost measures such as improving signing and lining were to be investigated. The letter was noted.
13900 AGE CONCERN ACTIVE LIVING CENTRES
With reference to minute 13874 a letter was received from Age Concern Somerset stating that Age Concern was fully committed to ensuring co-ordination and co-operation across services rather than duplication aand had already been in contact with the Healthy Living Centre Trust, Wellington and District University of the Third Age, Wellington Over-55s Club and WHERE. The letter was noted.
13901 ELECTORAL REVIEW OF TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH
With reference to minute 13627 a letter was received from The Boundary Committee for England enclosing an executive summary of the final recommendations for Taunton Deane. It was agreed to note the letter. The clerk reported that the recommendations were exactly as approved by the town council on 9th January 2006, namely transfer of 150 electors in the Waterloo Road and Corams Lane area from Wellington North ward to Wellington West ward and 709 electors in the Hoyles Road area from Wellington East ward to Wellington West ward to provide a better balance of electoral quality so that councillors represented more or less the same number of electors in the various wards. The report was noted.
13902 PLAN FOR DEMOLITON OF WALL TO REAR OF NATWEST BANK
With reference to minute 13850 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the plan for the demolition of a wall to the rear of Natwest Bank, Fore Street, Wellington had been withdrawn. The letter was noted.
13903 ERECTION OF DWELLING AT REAR OF 32 MANTLE STREET
With reference to minute 13820 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the plan for the erection of a dwelling on land at the rear of 32 Mantle Street, Wellington had been withdrawn. The letter was noted.
13904 ERECTION OF DIRECTION SIGN FOR WELLINGTON PARK
With reference to minute 13860 the clerk reported that a site meeting with Somerset Highways had taken place on 28th July 2006 and that the cost of providing a sign saying “The Park” on the existing large directional sign board outside of One Stop Shop in High Street would be £50. It was agreed to meet the cost of the park sign. The clerk also reported that the cost of providing two signs saying “Village Hall” either side of the traffic lights at Rockwell Green would be £213. The signs had been requested by a representative of the village hall. It was agreed to find out if Rockwell Green Village Hall Committee was prepared to pay for the signs.
13905 FOOTPATH GUIDES GRANT
With reference to minute 13602 the clerk reported that the £1,240 balance of the grant from Somerset County Council towards the cost of printing the town council’s new footpath guides had been received. The report was noted.
13906 VANDALISM OF TONE PLAY AREA PICNIC TABLE
With reference to minute 13558 the clerk reported that a cheque for £429 had been received from the council’s insurers for the destruction of the picnic table at the Tone play area. The report was noted.
13907 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
With reference to minute 13866 the clerk reported that he and the chairman had carried out a check on Wellington Relief Road on 12th July 2006 when 3 motorists had been reported for exceeding the 40mph limit, ranging from 47 to 51mph. The vast majority of the 400 cars checked had been driving within the speed limit. The report was noted.
13908 TONE HILL TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
With reference to minute 13872 the clerk reported that following a site meeting with the police, an additional community speed watch site had been agreed near the Tone business park. The report was noted.
13909 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN
With reference to minute 13827 the clerk reported that the start of the launch of the Wellington Food Town campaign had begun with presentations/meetings with traders and producers on the 18th and 20th July 2006. The report was noted.
13910 PLAQUE FOR EVEREST CLIMBER JAMES HOOPER
With reference to minute 13822 the clerk reported that the presentation of the commemorative plaque to James Hooper, of Mantle Street, Wellington, the second youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest, would take place at the council meeting on 4th September 2006. The report was noted.
13911 MAURICE JENNINGS MEMORIAL PLAQUE
With reference to minute 13791 the clerk reported that the plaque to mark the important role that the late town councillor Maurice Jennings played in the building of Wellington Sports Centre in 1973, would be unveiled at the sports centre on Wednesday, 9th August 2006 at 6.30pm by his widow Mrs Margaret Jennings. The report was noted.
13912 CARNIVAL COMMITTEE GRANT REQUEST
A letter, application form and accounts were received from Wellington Carnival Committee asking the town council to consider making a grant of £700 to meet the costs of providing signs and barriers for the 2006 carnival. On the proposition of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Bowrah, it was agreed to make a grant of £700. Councillor Warren declared an interest as president of the carnival committee and left the hall while this item was considered.
13913 SPORTS CLUBS FEDERATION GRANT REQUEST
A letter and application form were received from Wellington Federation of Sports Clubs asking the town council to consider making a grant of £500 towards the £2,000 costs of a Festival of Youth Sport to be held at the end of August 2006. As there were no accounts showing the current financial position of the federation – despite twice being asked for the accounts – it was decided not to make a grant.
13914 TRACKING OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the Deane had recently introduced a new IT package for the registration and tracking of planning applications to provide all information in electronic form and to streamline the planning registration process. The letter was noted.
13915 TAUNTON CAB GRANT
A letter was received from Taunton and District Citizen Advice Bureau thanking the council for its grant of £1,200 and giving details of its work at the twice-weekly sessions in Wellington where over 220 clients had been seen. The letter was noted.
13916 WELLINGTON PLANNING COMPLAINTS
A letter was received from Taunton DBC detailing the 17 planning complaints received in Wellington during the second quarter of 2006. The letter was noted.
13917 COUNTY HIGHWAY ISSUES
A report was received from Somerset County Council detailing highway enquiry statistics and the carrying out of repairs through its Somerset Direct customer care system. The letter was noted.
13918 NEW WASTE COLLECTION ARRANGEMENTS
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that Phase 4 of “Sort It” – the new waste and recycling arrangements – would come into operation in October 2006 and would cover Wellington East ward and Rockwell Green and Wellington West ward. The letter was noted.
13919 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 12 FORE STREET
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that tree preservation orders had been placed on 2 pear trees and 1 apple tree on land to the rear of 12 Fore Street, Wellington. The letter was noted.
13920 CHILDREN’S CENTRE UPDATES
Details were received from the county council on children’s centres showing that the design of the proposed new centre for Wellington at Beech Grove Primary School had been approved. This was noted.
13921 NON ATTENDANCE AT COMMUNITY CENTRE AGM
A letter was received from Wellington Community Centre expressing disappointment at the non attendance of a council representative at the centre’s AGM in July. The chairman, who is the council’s representative, reported that he had been unable to attend because of other commitments and had informed the centre accordingly. He would try to attend the next centre meeting.
13922 STOPPING UP OF BUCKWELL-SCOTTS LANE FOOTPATH
A letter was received from Somerset County Council asking for the town council’s views on the proposed stopping of part of the public footpath between Buckwell and Scotts Lane, Wellington. It was decided to object because the width of the path would be reduced. The clerk reported that three local residents had objected.
13923 SIGNS FOR ARTS CENTRE AND WELLESLEY CINEMA
A letter was received from Wellington Arts Association asking for the town council’s help over the suggested erection of direction signs on the bypass and in the town centre for the arts centre and Wellesley Cinema. It was agreed to defer consideration of this request until the September council meeting.
COUNCILLORS HENLEY, WILSON AND WARREN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.25PM
13924 ANNUAL DEANE-PARISHES MEETING
A letter was received from Taunton DBC inviting the town council to the annual meeting between the Deane and parish/town councils to be held at North Curry Village Hall on Wednesday, 4th October 2006 at 7pm when the theme would be rural policing. It was agreed that Councillors Mitton and Bowrah should represent the town council at the meeting.
13925 COUNCILS’ VISIT RE DELEGATED PLANNING SCHEME
The clerk reported that representatives from Rustington Parish Council, Littlehampton Town Council and the director of Sussex and Surrey Association of Local Councils would be visiting the town council on 16th August 2006 to discuss the unique planning delegation scheme which the town council had with Taunton DBC. The report was noted.
13926 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13876 a report was received from Mrs J. Thorne, the assistant to the clerk, on the WEP meeting held on 11th July 2006 when it had been reported that Taunton DBC had agreed a grant of £30,000 for the Wellington Food Town project. It was also possible that a grant of £8,000 might be available from the Blackdown Hills Business Association. Taunton DBC was working closely with Somerset Food Links to develop a programme of support and a range of projects to take forward the Food Town concept. The next WEP meeting would be held on Thursday, 17th August 2006 at 6pm. It was agreed that Councillor Mitton should represent the council on the proposed Food Town Steering Group and that Councillors Mitton and Stock-Williams should represent the council on a visit to Ludlow on 8th/9th September 2006 during its food festival on a fact finding tour. No suggestions or recommendations were put forward for inclusion on the agenda for the next WEP meeting on 17th August.
13927 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of dwelling on land to rear of 31 Blackmoor Road, Wellington (revised scheme of 43/2005/025) as amplified by applicant’s letter received 21st July 2006 (43/2006/053); (b) Internal alterations and refurbishment alterations, including new windows to flats at 43 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/058LB); (c) Erection of single storey extension to rear of 17 Alexandra Road, Wellington (43.2006/071: delegated decision); (d) Replace slates on roof to rear of 45 High Street, Wellington as amended by applicants letter dated 20th June 2006 (43/2006/067LB); (e) Erection of two storey extension at Ferndale, Lower Westford, Wellington (43/2006/070: delegated decision); (f) Erection of dwelling on land at rear of 6 Pyles Thorne Close, Wellington (43/2006/068); (g) Installation of additional dormer window on south west elevation, Swanwick, Church Green, Wellington (43.2006/064: delegated decision); (h) Application to fell 3 oak trees including in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 1) Tree Preservation Order 1996 on land adjoining Chelston House Farm, Chelston, Wellington (43/2006/060T); (i) Erection of boundary wall, Squirrel Cottage, 30a Fore Street, Wellington as amended by applicants plan received 28th June 2006 (43/2006/021 and 43/2006/022LB); (j) Erection of extension and dormer window to allow conversion of 2nd garage into additional living space at Greenlands, 46 Wellesley Park, Wellington (43/2006/061: delegated decision); (k) Erection of conservatory at 71 Burrough Way, Wellington (43/2006/069: delegated decision); (l) Erection of two storey extension at 62 Tone Hill, Wellington as amended by drawing No. 048-06 1 Rev A received 13th June 2006 and applicants letter dated 23rd June 2006 with accompanying photographs and drawing (43/2006/054: delegated decision). The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plans: (a) Erection of dwelling on land adjoining 32 Seymour Street, Wellington (43/2006/030); (b) Formation of access to form parking area at 74 Waterloo Road, Wellington, re-submission of 43/2005/062 (43/2006/035).
13928 PLANNING DECISIONS BY SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL
The clerk reported that Somerset County Council had approved the following plan: (a) Construction of new 3 bay tennis court with associated floodlighting at Court Fields Community School, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/0630).
13929 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST JULY 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 31st July 2006 was £43,435 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £35,523 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.
13930 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Horsman, seconded by Councillor James it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques; Taunton CAB £1,200 grant; Skintight Samba Band £500 grant; Councillor D. Mitton £621.60 travelling expenses; The Carly Press Ltd £2,168.46 for 1,000 copies of footpath guides; The Carly Press Ltd £83.55 for paper, ink cartridges and stationery; Inland Revenue £665.35 for income tax and national insurance; Mr A. Brown £150 petty cash; Hinewood Cleaning Service £146 for cleaning town centre bus shelters and office window cleaning for June 2006 and the six monthly cleaning of 8 other bus shelters in the town; EDF Energy £11.06 for electricity for Rackfield light; The Consortium £390.81 for new shredder, bookcase and punch; Shaw & Sons
£13.50 for book; Society of Local Council Clerks £64.75 for 2 books; Taunton Deane Borough Council £211.50 for repairs to safety surface at Tone play area; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £164 for subsidised hospital patient transport for June 2006; Wireless CCTV Ltd £51.14 for phone calls for CCTV; Society of Local Council Clerks £70 registration fee; EDF Energy £155.18 for electricity for office and chamber from 14/4/06 to 31/7/06; Somerset County Council £400 for repayment of contribution towards Fore Street notice board; Judith Goss Florists £45 for flowers for local war graves for May, June and July 2006.
13931 WELLINGTON CEMETERY
Members received a copy of the final 9-page report of the Wellington Cemetery Task and Finish Group dealing with the future of the cemetery which only has about 10 years worth of burial space remaining. It was agreed to accept the report, which was presented by Alastair Higton, Taunton DBC scrutiny officer, and which recommended that the cemetery be extended onto a site adjacent to the current cemetery and that the turning circle and parking at the top of the cemetery be retained.
13932 CCTV CAMERA
Members received a copy of a report by the clerk and his assistant outlining problems which had occurred with the CCTV camera in Lancer Court since its installation in April 2006. It had failed to work on five or six occasions and despite being returned to the suppliers for examination it had continued to provide a highly unsatisfactory service. It had broken down yet again. It was agreed to write to the company, Wireless CCTV expressing the council’s complete dissatisfaction with camera and asking for a new replacement camera or the council’s money back.
13933 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 within Taunton Deane for August 2006; Countryside Voice magazine for Summer 2006 from Campaign for Protection of Rural England; Summer 2006 issue of the Tree Guardian newsletter; July 2006 issue of The Clerk; July 2006 issue of Clerks & Councils Direct; NALC direct information service bulletins Nos. 635 and 636; European newsletter No. 147 on regional policy.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.25PM
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 10:46 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home