Wellington Town Council minutes June 2006
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 5th June 2006 at 7pm
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Govier, A. Horsman, 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, R. Bowrah and G. James. There were 7 members of the public present.
13822 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that he had attended the launch of St Margaret’s Hospice New Build Appeal, the annual fete of Wellington Hospital League of Friends and the annual Wellington Street Fair. He had been unable to attend the opening of the refurbished Wellington Hospital but the vice chairman Councillor Critchard had attended. He referred to the outstanding feat of James Hooper of Wellington who in May had become the youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest, world’s highest mountain, at the age of 19. On the suggestion of Councillor Critchard it was agreed to present Mr Hooper with a commemorative town plaque to mark his achievement. Councillor Mitton reported that Councillor Mrs C. Biscoe was unable to attend the meeting following the recent death of her father. It was agreed to send a card of condolence to Councillor Biscoe.
13823 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse reported that during May there had been 3 burglaries (2 walk-in and 1 distraction); 5 vehicles and 4 mopeds stolen; criminal damage to vehicles in Victoria Street for which a culprit had been arrested; 6 assaults where the assailants were known to the victims; 4 youths assaulted in the town centre area; and a drugs warrant executed which had resulted in an arrest for cannabis cultivation. Trading Standards had carried out 5 spot checks on shops which revealed 3 had served cigarettes to under age children, resulting in £80 on-the-spot fines. Further checks would be carried out. As part of a nation wide campaign a knife amnesty was being held from 24th May to 30th June: so far 15 knives had been handed in at Wellington. He would give a detailed report on the results of the amnesty at the July meeting. There were 10 ASBOs (anti social behaviour orders) in the area but none for Wellington. 3 youths in Wellington had received ABC (acceptable behaviour contract) letter one, 8 had received letter two and 7 had been served with ABCs. The letters were sent to the parents of the youths concerned. It was a three stage process and in the majority of cases it worked. Many did not ever go beyond the first letter so in that respect it did seem to be working. If an ABC was breached, the offender could face magistrates and made subject to an ASBO, banning them from particular parts of the town. Councillor Wilson raised the issue of teenagers playing football in the under fives play area at Warren Street on Dobree Park estate and said she understood the police had told the youths it was better to play in the area than in the street. Taunton DBC was moving the litter bins and erecting signs to deter the football games going on in the area. Sgt Nurse replied that the police were aware of youths playing in the area near their homes rather than going a quarter of mile down the road to the large playing field on the estate. The chairman thanked Sgt Nurse for attending the meeting.
13824 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
The chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward reported that the date of the visit of the Britain in Bloom judge was still awaited but it was expected to be between 10th and 21st July 2006. Reference was made to a buddleia growing on the façade of the former discount stores in High Street which were due to be demolished when the new Somerfield Supermarket was built. It was agreed to ask for the shrub to be removed.
13825 PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
The chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, Mrs Pauline Sturgess reported that the Green Flag judging for Wellington Park would take place on 14th June 2006. The Friends had been extremely disappointed that, for some reason, Wellington Park had not been included in the RHS Good Parks Guide and had written to the publishers about the omission.
13826 MINUTES OF MAY COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 8th May 2006 and of the annual council meeting held on 15th May 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.
13827 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN
With reference to minute 13777 members received a copy of the final draft of the Wellington Food Town project proposal prepared by Taunton DBC’s Economic Development Unit. Mr Steve Kendall, the Deane’s Economic Development and Regeneration Manager, gave a resume of the report, answered various questions and said the aim was to bring back verve and excitement to the town centre and attract more residents and visitors to shop in Wellington. The aim was to build on and extend the food shops and within five years to establish Wellington as Somerset’s Food Town, with an annual food festival either in the Summer or Autumn. It was hoped to launch Wellington as The Food Town in the Spring of 2007. Substantial funding of about £100,000 over the next two years would be required. It was hoped to obtain 50% of that from various Government agencies, 25% in “kind” support and the other 25% from other sources such as Taunton DBC and the town council. Taunton DBC was being asked to commit a hefty sum towards the project at a meeting later that week. The scheme would need sustainability and would have to have substantial local ownership within two years. It would be supported by the Deane. The scheme was backed by Wellington Economic Partnership and the local Chamber of Trade and Commerce who were also considering introducing a free parking redemption scheme whereby traders would refund parking fees if shoppers bought from their shops. It was a major move and commitment by the chamber. He would like the town council to endorse the report and agree to contribute in the region of £5,000 towards it for this financial year and to consider a similar amount for the next financial year. On the proposition of Councillor Horsman, seconded by Councillor Copley, it was agreed unanimously to endorse the report. On the proposition of Councillor Byrne, seconded by Councillor Hindley, it was unanimously agreed to contribute £5,000 towards the scheme for 2006-07.
13828 JURSTON LANE DOG WASTE BIN
With reference to minute 13743 further consideration was given to the possibility of removing the dog waste bin at Jurston Lane and re-siting it in the Westford area (possibly Waterpath). The clerk reported that the bin was greater used than previously but was still easily the least used of the 5 dog waste bins provided by the town council. After some discussion it was agreed not to remove the Jurston Lane dog waste bin.
13829 KEEPING DOGS ON LEADS
It was agreed to defer, until the July council meeting, consideration of a suggestion by Councillor G. James that Taunton DBC should be asked to make a byelaw requiring dogs to be kept on leads as Councillor James was unable to attend the June meeting. The chairman pointed out that the Government was considering and consulting with local authorities on the whole issue of byelaws and possibly replacing byelaws with control orders.
13830 PROVISION OF POST BOX FOR BURROUGH WAY AREA
With reference to minute 13779 consideration was given to the suggestion by Councillor S. Palmer of providing a mail collection box for the Burrough Way area. It was agreed to ask Royal Mail to provide such a box and to ascertain its policy for providing such boxes.
13831 OMISSION OF WELLINGTON FROM GOOD PARKS GUIDE
Councillor V. Byrne pointed out that Wellington Park had been omitted from the newly published Royal Horticultural Society’s Good Parks Guide but that Vivary Park in Taunton had been included. It was agreed to write to the RHS expressing surprise and disappointment at the omission of Wellington Park and asking for an explanation for its omission from the guide.
13832 PROPOSED PLAYING FIELD DOG BAN
With reference to minute 13796 a letter was received from Taunton DBC chief executive Mrs Penny James stating that the dog wardens would make additional patrols of the playing field and the recreation ground during June, that the vandalised signs at the playing field would be replaced shortly and detailing the health risks from dog fouling. The letter was noted.
13833 FAIR ACCESS TO CARE INITIATIVE
With reference to minute 199 (annual parish meeting held on 15th May 2006), a letter was received from the county day services manager Mr Dave Thomas stating that there was no question of the Wellington Thursday Day Centre at the Northfield Centre being closed. Some existing centre users had been affected by the county’s Fair Access to Care Services policy but that was a Government requirement which all local authorities had to implement. The letter was noted.
13834 WELLINGTON GREEN SPACES AUDIT
With reference to minute 13740 the clerk reported that the Wellington Green Space Audit report had been received from Taunton DBC and that the first meeting of the town council’s working party would be held on 14th June 2006. The report was noted.
13835 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
With reference to minute 13787 the clerk reported that he and Councillor S. Palmer had carried out a speed check in Wellesley Park on 31st May 2006 between 5pm and 6pm when 2 motorists had been reported for speeding (39mph and 40mph). The vast majority of motorists were within the limit. The report was noted.
13836 DEFECTS AT LISTED BUILDING AT 18 FORE STREET
With reference to minute 13744 a letter was received from Taunton DBC’s conservation officer Mrs Di Hartnell stating that the Deane’s building control section was meeting the owner on site later that week. The letter was noted.
13837 DEFECTIVE STREET LIGHTING IN STATION ROAD
With reference to minute 13783 the clerk reported that the lighting columns in Station Road were to be replaced with new ones with photo-cells controlled by the sun. The existing ones were time controlled and were coming to the end of their life. Defective cabling also had to be replaced. It was hoped that the work would be carried out in the next one to two months. The report was noted.
13838 BASINS ALLOTMENTS
With reference to minute 13714 the clerk reported that 4 tenants at the town council’s Basins allotments had been given notice terminating their tenancy because their plots had not been cultivated at all, that there had been a marked improvement in the state of the other plots and that there were 12 on the waiting list. The report was noted.
13839 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER
With reference to minute 13792 the clerk reported that the day after the May town council meeting, two officers from Taunton DBC had visited 28 Fore Street and had taken measurements relating to the possible installation of a lift to provide access to the town council chamber and clerk’s office on the first floor.The report was noted.
13840 YOUR COUNCIL, YOUR VIEWS CONSULTATION
A letter was received from Taunton DBC about its public consultation “Your Council, Your Views,” which aimed at giving local residents the opportunity to tell the Deane what they thought about the council, the way the council tax was spent and their priorities for their community. The letter was noted.
13841 FUTURE OF MENTAL HEALTH PROVISION
A letter and report were received from Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust about the future of mental health provision. It was agreed to give detailed consideration to the report at the council’s July meeting.
13842 ENVIRONMENTAL MAINTENANCE OF HIGHWAYS LEAFLETS
A letter was received from Somerset Highways enclosing environmental maintenance of highways leaflets and surface dressing of roads leaflets. Members received a copy of the letter and the two leaflets.
13843 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13801 a report was received from the assistant to the clerk stating that at the Wellington Economic Partnership meeting on 22nd May 2006 it had been agreed to write to Somerfield plc asking for a meeting with the company to discuss their plans and timetable for the proposed new store off High Street. With a view to planning for the future of employment in Wellington it had been agreed to contact the directors of the largest firms in Wellington to set up a joint meeting. A detailed report about the proposal to establish Wellington as a Food Town had been received from Mr S. Kendall, Taunton DBC’s economic/development regeneration manager. It had also been reported that one stage of the Tour of Britain Cycle Race would take place in the area in 2008. No recommendations or suggestions were put forward for the inclusion on the agenda for the next WEP meeting on Monday, 24th July 2006 at 6pm.
13844 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had refused the following plans: (a) Demolition of buildings and erection of 1 flat over new arch and access to existing business, 58-60 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/018: because design isnot of sufficiently high architectural standard for this prominent and important site within the conservation area and would detract from the historic and architectural character of the area: the town council was in favour); (b) Display of internally illuminated fascia and projecting signs, Bristol and West Building Society, 5-7 South Street, Wellington (43/2006/017A). The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had approved the following plans: (a) Application to carry out tree work to one western red cedar tree within Wellington conservation area at 2 The Court, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/041T); (b) Conversion of existing wardens flat to provide 2 one bedroom flats, Lodge Close Community Centre, Lodge Close, Wellington (43/2006/025); (c) Erection of conservatory at 12 Millstream Gardens, Wellington (43/2006/040); (d) Erection of conservatory to rear of 6 Oldway Park, Wellington (43/2006/044); (e) Application to carry out tree work on one willow tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 3) Tree Preservation Order 2001 at the rear of Lloyds TSB, Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/036T).
13845 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST MAY 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 31st May 2006 was £40,012 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £27,598 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.
13846 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Horsman, seconded by Councillor Hindley, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Councillor D. Mitton £500 chairman’s allowance; Councillor P. Critchard £6.40 for travelling expenses; Konica Minolta £50.40 for photocopying servicing charges to 16/5/06; Taunton DBC £28.20 for cleaning town centre seat; Somerset County Council £48 for European Computer Driving Licence Course for Mrs J. Thorne; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £172 for subsidised hospital patient transport for April 2006; Mr A. Brown £1,708.38; Mrs J. Thorne £289.92; Inland Revenue £655.35 for income tax and national insurance; Adrian Morris & Partners £1,034 for lopping 2 trees at Basins allotments; St John’s Primary School £213.26 for school crossing patrol for Spring term 2006; The Carly Press Ltd £40.85 for envelopes and files; Somerset County Council £109.28 for annual membership to the South West Provincial Council; Wellington United Reformed Church £100 for council meetings in April, May (2) and June 2006.
13847 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 June 2006; Spring issue of The Playing Field from Somerset Playing Fields Association; June 2006 issue of Community Update from Community Council for Somerset; Summer issue of Thatch magazine from Community Council for Somerset; Spring newsletter Somerset Matters from Campaign to Protect Rural England; June edition of Fieldwork from CPRE; draft regional spatial strategy for South West for 2006-2026 produced by South West Regional Assembly; NALC direct information service bulletin No. 632; Lillebonne Town Council’s magazine for May and June 2006.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.26PM
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Govier, A. Horsman, 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, R. Bowrah and G. James. There were 7 members of the public present.
13822 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that he had attended the launch of St Margaret’s Hospice New Build Appeal, the annual fete of Wellington Hospital League of Friends and the annual Wellington Street Fair. He had been unable to attend the opening of the refurbished Wellington Hospital but the vice chairman Councillor Critchard had attended. He referred to the outstanding feat of James Hooper of Wellington who in May had become the youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest, world’s highest mountain, at the age of 19. On the suggestion of Councillor Critchard it was agreed to present Mr Hooper with a commemorative town plaque to mark his achievement. Councillor Mitton reported that Councillor Mrs C. Biscoe was unable to attend the meeting following the recent death of her father. It was agreed to send a card of condolence to Councillor Biscoe.
13823 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse reported that during May there had been 3 burglaries (2 walk-in and 1 distraction); 5 vehicles and 4 mopeds stolen; criminal damage to vehicles in Victoria Street for which a culprit had been arrested; 6 assaults where the assailants were known to the victims; 4 youths assaulted in the town centre area; and a drugs warrant executed which had resulted in an arrest for cannabis cultivation. Trading Standards had carried out 5 spot checks on shops which revealed 3 had served cigarettes to under age children, resulting in £80 on-the-spot fines. Further checks would be carried out. As part of a nation wide campaign a knife amnesty was being held from 24th May to 30th June: so far 15 knives had been handed in at Wellington. He would give a detailed report on the results of the amnesty at the July meeting. There were 10 ASBOs (anti social behaviour orders) in the area but none for Wellington. 3 youths in Wellington had received ABC (acceptable behaviour contract) letter one, 8 had received letter two and 7 had been served with ABCs. The letters were sent to the parents of the youths concerned. It was a three stage process and in the majority of cases it worked. Many did not ever go beyond the first letter so in that respect it did seem to be working. If an ABC was breached, the offender could face magistrates and made subject to an ASBO, banning them from particular parts of the town. Councillor Wilson raised the issue of teenagers playing football in the under fives play area at Warren Street on Dobree Park estate and said she understood the police had told the youths it was better to play in the area than in the street. Taunton DBC was moving the litter bins and erecting signs to deter the football games going on in the area. Sgt Nurse replied that the police were aware of youths playing in the area near their homes rather than going a quarter of mile down the road to the large playing field on the estate. The chairman thanked Sgt Nurse for attending the meeting.
13824 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
The chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward reported that the date of the visit of the Britain in Bloom judge was still awaited but it was expected to be between 10th and 21st July 2006. Reference was made to a buddleia growing on the façade of the former discount stores in High Street which were due to be demolished when the new Somerfield Supermarket was built. It was agreed to ask for the shrub to be removed.
13825 PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
The chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, Mrs Pauline Sturgess reported that the Green Flag judging for Wellington Park would take place on 14th June 2006. The Friends had been extremely disappointed that, for some reason, Wellington Park had not been included in the RHS Good Parks Guide and had written to the publishers about the omission.
13826 MINUTES OF MAY COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 8th May 2006 and of the annual council meeting held on 15th May 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.
13827 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN
With reference to minute 13777 members received a copy of the final draft of the Wellington Food Town project proposal prepared by Taunton DBC’s Economic Development Unit. Mr Steve Kendall, the Deane’s Economic Development and Regeneration Manager, gave a resume of the report, answered various questions and said the aim was to bring back verve and excitement to the town centre and attract more residents and visitors to shop in Wellington. The aim was to build on and extend the food shops and within five years to establish Wellington as Somerset’s Food Town, with an annual food festival either in the Summer or Autumn. It was hoped to launch Wellington as The Food Town in the Spring of 2007. Substantial funding of about £100,000 over the next two years would be required. It was hoped to obtain 50% of that from various Government agencies, 25% in “kind” support and the other 25% from other sources such as Taunton DBC and the town council. Taunton DBC was being asked to commit a hefty sum towards the project at a meeting later that week. The scheme would need sustainability and would have to have substantial local ownership within two years. It would be supported by the Deane. The scheme was backed by Wellington Economic Partnership and the local Chamber of Trade and Commerce who were also considering introducing a free parking redemption scheme whereby traders would refund parking fees if shoppers bought from their shops. It was a major move and commitment by the chamber. He would like the town council to endorse the report and agree to contribute in the region of £5,000 towards it for this financial year and to consider a similar amount for the next financial year. On the proposition of Councillor Horsman, seconded by Councillor Copley, it was agreed unanimously to endorse the report. On the proposition of Councillor Byrne, seconded by Councillor Hindley, it was unanimously agreed to contribute £5,000 towards the scheme for 2006-07.
13828 JURSTON LANE DOG WASTE BIN
With reference to minute 13743 further consideration was given to the possibility of removing the dog waste bin at Jurston Lane and re-siting it in the Westford area (possibly Waterpath). The clerk reported that the bin was greater used than previously but was still easily the least used of the 5 dog waste bins provided by the town council. After some discussion it was agreed not to remove the Jurston Lane dog waste bin.
13829 KEEPING DOGS ON LEADS
It was agreed to defer, until the July council meeting, consideration of a suggestion by Councillor G. James that Taunton DBC should be asked to make a byelaw requiring dogs to be kept on leads as Councillor James was unable to attend the June meeting. The chairman pointed out that the Government was considering and consulting with local authorities on the whole issue of byelaws and possibly replacing byelaws with control orders.
13830 PROVISION OF POST BOX FOR BURROUGH WAY AREA
With reference to minute 13779 consideration was given to the suggestion by Councillor S. Palmer of providing a mail collection box for the Burrough Way area. It was agreed to ask Royal Mail to provide such a box and to ascertain its policy for providing such boxes.
13831 OMISSION OF WELLINGTON FROM GOOD PARKS GUIDE
Councillor V. Byrne pointed out that Wellington Park had been omitted from the newly published Royal Horticultural Society’s Good Parks Guide but that Vivary Park in Taunton had been included. It was agreed to write to the RHS expressing surprise and disappointment at the omission of Wellington Park and asking for an explanation for its omission from the guide.
13832 PROPOSED PLAYING FIELD DOG BAN
With reference to minute 13796 a letter was received from Taunton DBC chief executive Mrs Penny James stating that the dog wardens would make additional patrols of the playing field and the recreation ground during June, that the vandalised signs at the playing field would be replaced shortly and detailing the health risks from dog fouling. The letter was noted.
13833 FAIR ACCESS TO CARE INITIATIVE
With reference to minute 199 (annual parish meeting held on 15th May 2006), a letter was received from the county day services manager Mr Dave Thomas stating that there was no question of the Wellington Thursday Day Centre at the Northfield Centre being closed. Some existing centre users had been affected by the county’s Fair Access to Care Services policy but that was a Government requirement which all local authorities had to implement. The letter was noted.
13834 WELLINGTON GREEN SPACES AUDIT
With reference to minute 13740 the clerk reported that the Wellington Green Space Audit report had been received from Taunton DBC and that the first meeting of the town council’s working party would be held on 14th June 2006. The report was noted.
13835 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
With reference to minute 13787 the clerk reported that he and Councillor S. Palmer had carried out a speed check in Wellesley Park on 31st May 2006 between 5pm and 6pm when 2 motorists had been reported for speeding (39mph and 40mph). The vast majority of motorists were within the limit. The report was noted.
13836 DEFECTS AT LISTED BUILDING AT 18 FORE STREET
With reference to minute 13744 a letter was received from Taunton DBC’s conservation officer Mrs Di Hartnell stating that the Deane’s building control section was meeting the owner on site later that week. The letter was noted.
13837 DEFECTIVE STREET LIGHTING IN STATION ROAD
With reference to minute 13783 the clerk reported that the lighting columns in Station Road were to be replaced with new ones with photo-cells controlled by the sun. The existing ones were time controlled and were coming to the end of their life. Defective cabling also had to be replaced. It was hoped that the work would be carried out in the next one to two months. The report was noted.
13838 BASINS ALLOTMENTS
With reference to minute 13714 the clerk reported that 4 tenants at the town council’s Basins allotments had been given notice terminating their tenancy because their plots had not been cultivated at all, that there had been a marked improvement in the state of the other plots and that there were 12 on the waiting list. The report was noted.
13839 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER
With reference to minute 13792 the clerk reported that the day after the May town council meeting, two officers from Taunton DBC had visited 28 Fore Street and had taken measurements relating to the possible installation of a lift to provide access to the town council chamber and clerk’s office on the first floor.The report was noted.
13840 YOUR COUNCIL, YOUR VIEWS CONSULTATION
A letter was received from Taunton DBC about its public consultation “Your Council, Your Views,” which aimed at giving local residents the opportunity to tell the Deane what they thought about the council, the way the council tax was spent and their priorities for their community. The letter was noted.
13841 FUTURE OF MENTAL HEALTH PROVISION
A letter and report were received from Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust about the future of mental health provision. It was agreed to give detailed consideration to the report at the council’s July meeting.
13842 ENVIRONMENTAL MAINTENANCE OF HIGHWAYS LEAFLETS
A letter was received from Somerset Highways enclosing environmental maintenance of highways leaflets and surface dressing of roads leaflets. Members received a copy of the letter and the two leaflets.
13843 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13801 a report was received from the assistant to the clerk stating that at the Wellington Economic Partnership meeting on 22nd May 2006 it had been agreed to write to Somerfield plc asking for a meeting with the company to discuss their plans and timetable for the proposed new store off High Street. With a view to planning for the future of employment in Wellington it had been agreed to contact the directors of the largest firms in Wellington to set up a joint meeting. A detailed report about the proposal to establish Wellington as a Food Town had been received from Mr S. Kendall, Taunton DBC’s economic/development regeneration manager. It had also been reported that one stage of the Tour of Britain Cycle Race would take place in the area in 2008. No recommendations or suggestions were put forward for the inclusion on the agenda for the next WEP meeting on Monday, 24th July 2006 at 6pm.
13844 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had refused the following plans: (a) Demolition of buildings and erection of 1 flat over new arch and access to existing business, 58-60 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/018: because design isnot of sufficiently high architectural standard for this prominent and important site within the conservation area and would detract from the historic and architectural character of the area: the town council was in favour); (b) Display of internally illuminated fascia and projecting signs, Bristol and West Building Society, 5-7 South Street, Wellington (43/2006/017A). The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had approved the following plans: (a) Application to carry out tree work to one western red cedar tree within Wellington conservation area at 2 The Court, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/041T); (b) Conversion of existing wardens flat to provide 2 one bedroom flats, Lodge Close Community Centre, Lodge Close, Wellington (43/2006/025); (c) Erection of conservatory at 12 Millstream Gardens, Wellington (43/2006/040); (d) Erection of conservatory to rear of 6 Oldway Park, Wellington (43/2006/044); (e) Application to carry out tree work on one willow tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 3) Tree Preservation Order 2001 at the rear of Lloyds TSB, Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/036T).
13845 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST MAY 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 31st May 2006 was £40,012 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £27,598 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.
13846 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Horsman, seconded by Councillor Hindley, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Councillor D. Mitton £500 chairman’s allowance; Councillor P. Critchard £6.40 for travelling expenses; Konica Minolta £50.40 for photocopying servicing charges to 16/5/06; Taunton DBC £28.20 for cleaning town centre seat; Somerset County Council £48 for European Computer Driving Licence Course for Mrs J. Thorne; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £172 for subsidised hospital patient transport for April 2006; Mr A. Brown £1,708.38; Mrs J. Thorne £289.92; Inland Revenue £655.35 for income tax and national insurance; Adrian Morris & Partners £1,034 for lopping 2 trees at Basins allotments; St John’s Primary School £213.26 for school crossing patrol for Spring term 2006; The Carly Press Ltd £40.85 for envelopes and files; Somerset County Council £109.28 for annual membership to the South West Provincial Council; Wellington United Reformed Church £100 for council meetings in April, May (2) and June 2006.
13847 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 June 2006; Spring issue of The Playing Field from Somerset Playing Fields Association; June 2006 issue of Community Update from Community Council for Somerset; Summer issue of Thatch magazine from Community Council for Somerset; Spring newsletter Somerset Matters from Campaign to Protect Rural England; June edition of Fieldwork from CPRE; draft regional spatial strategy for South West for 2006-2026 produced by South West Regional Assembly; NALC direct information service bulletin No. 632; Lillebonne Town Council’s magazine for May and June 2006.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.26PM
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