Wellington Town Council minutes March 2006
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 6th March 2006 at 7.10pm (the start was delayed because planning meeting did not finish until 7.05pm)
PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Councillors R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Horsman, A. Govier, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors P. Critchard, D. Mitton, V. Stock-Williams and N. Wilson. There were 11 members of the public present.
13693 DEATH OF FORMER CHAIRMAN GILLIAN ALLENMembers stood for a minute’s silence in memory of Mrs Gillian Allen, town council vice chairman in 1982 and 1983 and chairman in 1984 and 1985, who died on Saturday, 4th March 2006. A town councillor from 1974 until 1999, Mrs Allen led the civic delegation to Immenstadt in 1985 for the signing of the twinning charter with Wellington’s German twin town. She was also a Taunton DBC councillor for 20 years. A tribute to Mrs Allen was paid by Councillor R. Henley.
13694 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTSThe chairman, Councillor R. Bowrah reported that he had received two lovely books about the New Zealand capital Wellington from the Mayor of Wellington. The books would be presented to Wellington Library so that they would be available for local residents to read. He had also received a letter of greetings from the mayor.
13695 POLICE MATTERSSgt Richard Caburn reported that in February there had been 10 thefts, 11 cases of criminal damage, 4 of criminal damage to cars, 3 assaults, 7 thefts from vehicles including 3 cars at Wellington Monument where property had been left in vehicles and 11 thefts from shed and outbuildings, mainly in the rural areas. Signs warning about the theft problem at the Monument had been vandalised. In Wellington two 16 year olds and a 15 year old had been arrested for causing damage on an industrial estate. He thanked the council for its grant of £500 for the Wellington Community Paintball Scheme run by the police. He was disappointed at the turnout at the weekly police surgery held in Wellington Community Office: on average it was just one visitor a week. Meetings were being held at Court Fields Community School to set up a Youthwatch Scheme which aimed not only to educate children about crime prevention but to encourage them to pass on the advice to parents, family and friends. It was agreed to write to the National Trust about the thefts from cars at the Monument seeking the Trust’s views on how the crime problem might be reduced, suggesting moving the car park nearer the Monument and possibly placing a manned hut in the car park.
13696 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOMThe chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward reported that the launch of its annual gardens competition 2006 “Going for Gold” would take place at Nynehead Court on Wednesday, 29th March 2006 at 6.30pm. She invited councillors to attend. She also reported that Taunton DBC was taking enforcement action over the long standing problem of broken windows at the listed building at 18 Fore Street.
13697 MINUTES OF FEBRUARY COUNCIL MEETINGThe minutes of the council meeting held on 6th February 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.2225WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH MARCH 2006
13698 GREEN SPACES IN WELLINGTONWith reference to minute 13626 further consideration was given to a letter from Taunton DBC leisure development manager Karen Hughes and to the Wellington Green Spaces Audit Report 2006. A letter was also received from Councillor Mrs V. Stock-Williams about the enhancement of Cox Green and from Mr S. Aspin about the use of Howard Green and Roly Poly Green. After some discussion Councillor A. Govier suggested that councillors should visit all the green spaces in Wellington with Taunton DBC and look at how these could be improved, enhanced and brought up to standard as well as protecting the green wedges in the town. This was agreed.
13699 RELOCATION OF TOWN CENTRE LITTER BINSCouncillor S. Palmer suggested that to reduce litter problems the litter bin outside Stags the estate agents in High Street should be re-sited to the bus shelter on the north side of High Street and that one of the two litter bins near the junction of Longforth Road and High Street should be re-sited to the coach shelter at Longforth coach park. It was agreed to ask Taunton DBC to re-site the two bins.
13700 BUSINESS RATESWith reference to minute 13683 a letter was received from local MP Jeremy Browne stating that he had written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer making the points raised by the town council and would also seek to support measures of the type described by the council in Parliament when the opportunity arose. It was agreed to note the letter. An email was received from Taunton DBC’s economic development and regeneration manager Steve Kendall giving details of the Government’s Small Business Rate Relief Scheme, which provided relief of up to 50% and also of the Business Development Grant Scheme which could provide grants of up to £2,000. It was agreed to forward a copy of Mr Kendall’s letter to Wellington Chamber of Trade.
13701 RAISED KERB AT ROCKWELL GREEN BUS STOPA letter was received from Mr Stan Broom requesting the provision of a raised kerb at the bus stop just before Rockwell Green Post Office. It would help elderly people to get off, especially if the bus did not have a lowering front. A letter was from the County Local Transport Team stated that local floor bus kerbs were provided after discussion with bus companies to get best value for money. Current target routes did not include Wellington. It was agreed to tell the county council that the town council would like to see a raised kerb provided at Rockwell Green. Councillor A. Govier reported that he had taken the matter up with the local transport manager.
13702 INCREASED BUS FARESIn reply to concerns expressed at the January council meeting about higher bus fares between Wellington and Taunton, a letter was received from First Somerset and Avon Ltd stating that the company had experienced substantial increases in its fuel and insurance costs, which had risen by 89% in 5 years. Given a choice between increasing fares or reducing services in order to remain viable, the company felt it had no alternative but to increase fares. It was hoped that no further increases would be needed in 2006 but that depended on whether there are any further abnormally high increases in costs. Single fares between Rockwell Green/Tonedale and Taunton had risen from £2.60 to £3, day return from £3.85 to £4.80 (peak and off peak), weekly season from £13 to £15. From Wellington High Street and Taunton single fares had risen from £2.30 to £2.50, day return from £3.85 to £4.80 peak and £4.20 off peak, and weekly season from £13 to £15. The letter was noted.2226WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH MARCH 2006
13703 IMPROVING HEALTH SERVICES IN WELLINGTONWith reference to minute 13638 a letter was received from Taunton Deane Primary Care Trust enclosing a summary of the feedback received by the Trust in response to the discussion paper about improving health services in Wellington and stating that work on converting the former Stratfield House into new hospital beds was making good progress. The Trust was confident that inpatient services would re-open on 1st April 2006 as planned. The letter was noted.
13704 PROVISION OF DOG WASTE BINS AND WORK OF DOG WARDENSWith reference to minute 13680 letters were received from Taunton DBC stating that given the financial climate within the Deane at present it was extremely unlikely there would be any funding available for new dog waste bins in 2006-07. The dog wardens work hours were the equivalent of 1.4 wardens. They patrolled the area both generally and in response to specific complaints. There had been several recent complaints about fouling in the Dark Lane area of Wellington and so targeted patrols had been carried out in that area. On average wardens spent about 5 hours a week patrolling in and around Wellington. In addition their time was also spent collecting stray dogs, putting up signs and various other duties as well as patrolling the rest of the district for fouling. Consideration would be given to putting up signs in the Kitts and Barns Meads Road areas. For the clearance of large amounts of fouling on pavements and adopted footpaths, the Deane should be contacted on 356361. The clerk reported that he was awaiting details from the Deane about the usage of the 5 dog waste bins provided by the town council last year. The letters were noted.
13705 IMPROVED LIGHTING FOR OLANDS ROADWith reference to minute 13675 the clerk reported that a grant of £542.57 had been received from Taunton DBC towards the cost of the new street light for Olands Road. The report was noted.
13706 CHANGES TO TAUNTON DBC TREE WARDEN SCHEMEWith reference to minute 13565 a letter was received from Taunton DBC detailing the responses to the tree warden scheme consultation and detailing how the new scheme would work. The letter was noted. It was agreed to suggest that Wellington in Bloom Committee should be added to the scheme’s mailing list.
13707 ADDITIONAL STREET LIGHTING IN CLIFFORD TERRACEWith reference to minute 12435 a letter was received from Somerset County Council about the lane from Clifford Terrace to High Street becoming an adopted highway repairable at public expense. The letter was noted. The clerk stated that the lane needed to be adopted before the town council could consider erecting street lighting which had been suggested previously. This information was noted.
13708 APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT TO CLERKWith reference to minute 13460 the clerk reported that Mrs Julia Thorne had been appointed as assistant to the clerk with effect from 6th March 2006. The report was noted.
13709 INCREASED CAR PARKING CHARGESWith reference to minute 13598 the clerk reported that the new car parking charges in Wellington would come into force on 3rd April 2006. The report was noted. Members were supplied with the details of the new charges.2227
WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH MARCH 2006
13710 NEW TOWN ENTRANCE SIGNSWith reference to minute 13593 members were supplied with a copy of the proposed new town entrance signs to be funded by the town council.
13711 MANTLE STREET POTHOLESWith reference to minute 13596 the clerk reported that various potholes in Mantle Street had been reported to Somerset Highways and that some of the holes had been filled. The rest would be filled very shortly. The county had been asked about resurfacing Mantle Street and that was planned to be carried out in the 2007-2008 budget. The cost would be high as Mantle Street was wide and the work would have to be carried out in two phases. The report was noted.
13712 REDEVELOPMENT OF CORN HILLWith reference to minute 13542 a letter was received from Rayglow Securities Ltd, the owners of the old Town Hall and Corn Hill, stating that the company had been in negotiation with a developer who had drawn up plans for the redevelopment of the land at the rear of Corn Hill. A contract was being drawn up but negotiations had thrown up problems with existing third party rights of way over the land. The parties were attempting to resolve these but there would be a further delay as the developer did not wish to submit plans until the queries had been settled. Once the position on the land at the rear could be established, the company would be able to concentrate on the best method for redeveloping its remaining properties on the west side of Corn Hill. The letter was noted.
13713 DAMAGED GRASS VERGES AT BAGLEY ROADWith reference to minute 13596 a letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that the condition of the grass verges in Bagley Road had become worse since the new builders merchants Buildbase had opened for business so the county would arrange for bollards or posts to be erected to physically stop the encroachment onto the verges, which would be reinstated with topsoil. Members also received a copy of the letter sent to the county council by Mrs I. Ward, of Wellington in Bloom Committee, about the verges. Both letters were noted.
13714 FUTURE USE OF BASINS ALLOTMENTSWith reference to minute 13677 the clerk reported that a meeting with tenants, chaired by the council chairman, had been held on 2nd March 2006 when the results of the consultation about the possible formation of a tenants association to run the allotments had been given to the tenants as well as details of the work being carried out to clear and let overgrown empty plots. After a lively question and answer session it had been agreed to hold another tenants’ meeting later in the year. The report was noted.
13715 PURCHASE OF RELOCATABLE CCTVWith reference to minute 13621 a letter was received from Taunton DBC giving details of a consultation document covering various options for extending the active monitoring of the 53 CCTV cameras in Taunton and the 6 in Wellington to provide 24/7 monitoring, either in Taunton or in Bridgwater in partnership with Sedgemoor District Council where such a service already existed. The cost of establishing the 24/7 service in Taunton was £260,000 a year and in Bridgwater £226,000. At the moment the Taunton cameras were monitored 8am-1am Monday to Wednesday, 8am to 3am Thursday to Saturday and 8am-6pm Sundays. The letter was noted.2228WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH MARCH 2006
13716 SOMERSET’S ECONOMIC STRATEGY TO 2015Members received a copy of Somerset Strategic Partnership’s vision for the county to 2015, including the executive summary of the partnership’s economic strategy and relevant extracts from the strategy affecting Wellington. The information was noted.
13717 COACHES NOT STOPPING IN WELLINGTONA letter was received from Mr D. Smith, of 79 Buckwell, about some coach operators not stopping in Wellington which meant passengers either had to go to Chelston or to Taunton to get picked up. Members also received a copy of a letter from Majestic Tours, of Teignmouth, explaining their departure point policy. It was agreed to write to Majestic Coaches asking to consider picking up in Wellington.
13718 MOTOR BIKE & YOUTH ACTIVITIES PROJECT PRESENTATIONCouncillors received a verbal invitation from Councillor A. Govier to attend a presentation on a local motor bike project and youth activities project at Unit 6, Kings Centre, Blackdown Business Park on Thursday, 23rd March 2006 from 7pm-8.30pm. Councillor Govier explained that the projects had received funding from the Government Office for the South West.13719 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPWith reference to minute 13684 it was agreed to suggest that at the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting on Monday, 20th March 2006 consideration should be given to a proactive approach over the new business park site at Chelston House Farm and that the Deane’s letter/report on business rates and grants should be included on the agenda.
13720 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBCThe clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of conservatory and carport to side of 7 Ashford Road, Wellington (resubmission) as amended by agents letter and accompanying plan received 30th January 2006 (43/2005/145: delegated decision); (b) Demolition of existing building and erection of 8 dwellings, Mill Chambers (rear of Wellington Pet & Garden Store), High Street, Wellington as amended by letter dated 25th June 2004 with accompanying drawing No. 0410/003B and 004 and by letter dated 26th August 2004 with accompanying drawing No. 0410/004C (43/2004/039); (c) Change of use from residential C2 to residential dwelling house (C3) at The Lodge, Taunton Road, Wellington (43/2006/003: delegated decision); (d) Erection of first floor extension to side of 17 Pyles Thorne Close, Wellington (43/2006/002: delegated decision).
13721 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 28TH FEBRUARY 2006A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2005 to 28th February 2006 was £86,758 (£120,225 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006) and that expenditure for the same period was £73,029 (£143,100 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006). The report was noted.
13722 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENTOn the proposition of Councillor Horsman seconded by Councillor Warren, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Councillor D. Mitton £44 for travelling expenses; Somerset Photo News £46.88 for council photograph; The Carly Press Ltd £65.44 for papers, diary, envelopes and ink cartridge; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £140 for 2229WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH MARCH 2006
13722 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT (continued)subsidised hospital patient transport to Musgrove Park Hospital for January 2006; Mr A. Brown £1,662.34; Inland Revenue £644.69; BT £187.85 for telephone, fax, email and internet calls/charges and servicing charges for quarter to 6th February 2006; Wellington Community Paintball Scheme £500 grant; Frames £75.08 for framing council photograph; Richard Ball £940 for erecting 2 Bristol gates and 1 kissing gate on footpath WG17/8 at Rockwell Green; Wellington Federation of Sports Clubs £50 for annual sports award trophy; Wellington United Reformed Church £75 for hire of church hall for council meetings in January, February and March 2006; The Carly Press Ltd £26.60 for paper; Hinewood Cleaning Services £58 for cleaning town centre bus shelters, roof of North Street bus shelter and office/chamber window cleaning for February 2006.
13723 COURT FIELDS SCHOOL’S NEW SPORTS HALLCouncillor A. Govier reported that Somerset County Council now had sufficient funds to meet the full cost of the proposed new four court sports hall and changing facilities at Court Fields Community School. It was hoped to start work later this year and to complete the project late 2007. The news was welcomed by members.
13724 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 March 2006; Fieldwork, the March 2006 magazine from the Campaign to Protect Rural England; NALC direct information service bulletins Nos. 624 and 625; Coach Monthly for February 2006.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.25PM
PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Councillors R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Horsman, A. Govier, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors P. Critchard, D. Mitton, V. Stock-Williams and N. Wilson. There were 11 members of the public present.
13693 DEATH OF FORMER CHAIRMAN GILLIAN ALLENMembers stood for a minute’s silence in memory of Mrs Gillian Allen, town council vice chairman in 1982 and 1983 and chairman in 1984 and 1985, who died on Saturday, 4th March 2006. A town councillor from 1974 until 1999, Mrs Allen led the civic delegation to Immenstadt in 1985 for the signing of the twinning charter with Wellington’s German twin town. She was also a Taunton DBC councillor for 20 years. A tribute to Mrs Allen was paid by Councillor R. Henley.
13694 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTSThe chairman, Councillor R. Bowrah reported that he had received two lovely books about the New Zealand capital Wellington from the Mayor of Wellington. The books would be presented to Wellington Library so that they would be available for local residents to read. He had also received a letter of greetings from the mayor.
13695 POLICE MATTERSSgt Richard Caburn reported that in February there had been 10 thefts, 11 cases of criminal damage, 4 of criminal damage to cars, 3 assaults, 7 thefts from vehicles including 3 cars at Wellington Monument where property had been left in vehicles and 11 thefts from shed and outbuildings, mainly in the rural areas. Signs warning about the theft problem at the Monument had been vandalised. In Wellington two 16 year olds and a 15 year old had been arrested for causing damage on an industrial estate. He thanked the council for its grant of £500 for the Wellington Community Paintball Scheme run by the police. He was disappointed at the turnout at the weekly police surgery held in Wellington Community Office: on average it was just one visitor a week. Meetings were being held at Court Fields Community School to set up a Youthwatch Scheme which aimed not only to educate children about crime prevention but to encourage them to pass on the advice to parents, family and friends. It was agreed to write to the National Trust about the thefts from cars at the Monument seeking the Trust’s views on how the crime problem might be reduced, suggesting moving the car park nearer the Monument and possibly placing a manned hut in the car park.
13696 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOMThe chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward reported that the launch of its annual gardens competition 2006 “Going for Gold” would take place at Nynehead Court on Wednesday, 29th March 2006 at 6.30pm. She invited councillors to attend. She also reported that Taunton DBC was taking enforcement action over the long standing problem of broken windows at the listed building at 18 Fore Street.
13697 MINUTES OF FEBRUARY COUNCIL MEETINGThe minutes of the council meeting held on 6th February 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.2225WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH MARCH 2006
13698 GREEN SPACES IN WELLINGTONWith reference to minute 13626 further consideration was given to a letter from Taunton DBC leisure development manager Karen Hughes and to the Wellington Green Spaces Audit Report 2006. A letter was also received from Councillor Mrs V. Stock-Williams about the enhancement of Cox Green and from Mr S. Aspin about the use of Howard Green and Roly Poly Green. After some discussion Councillor A. Govier suggested that councillors should visit all the green spaces in Wellington with Taunton DBC and look at how these could be improved, enhanced and brought up to standard as well as protecting the green wedges in the town. This was agreed.
13699 RELOCATION OF TOWN CENTRE LITTER BINSCouncillor S. Palmer suggested that to reduce litter problems the litter bin outside Stags the estate agents in High Street should be re-sited to the bus shelter on the north side of High Street and that one of the two litter bins near the junction of Longforth Road and High Street should be re-sited to the coach shelter at Longforth coach park. It was agreed to ask Taunton DBC to re-site the two bins.
13700 BUSINESS RATESWith reference to minute 13683 a letter was received from local MP Jeremy Browne stating that he had written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer making the points raised by the town council and would also seek to support measures of the type described by the council in Parliament when the opportunity arose. It was agreed to note the letter. An email was received from Taunton DBC’s economic development and regeneration manager Steve Kendall giving details of the Government’s Small Business Rate Relief Scheme, which provided relief of up to 50% and also of the Business Development Grant Scheme which could provide grants of up to £2,000. It was agreed to forward a copy of Mr Kendall’s letter to Wellington Chamber of Trade.
13701 RAISED KERB AT ROCKWELL GREEN BUS STOPA letter was received from Mr Stan Broom requesting the provision of a raised kerb at the bus stop just before Rockwell Green Post Office. It would help elderly people to get off, especially if the bus did not have a lowering front. A letter was from the County Local Transport Team stated that local floor bus kerbs were provided after discussion with bus companies to get best value for money. Current target routes did not include Wellington. It was agreed to tell the county council that the town council would like to see a raised kerb provided at Rockwell Green. Councillor A. Govier reported that he had taken the matter up with the local transport manager.
13702 INCREASED BUS FARESIn reply to concerns expressed at the January council meeting about higher bus fares between Wellington and Taunton, a letter was received from First Somerset and Avon Ltd stating that the company had experienced substantial increases in its fuel and insurance costs, which had risen by 89% in 5 years. Given a choice between increasing fares or reducing services in order to remain viable, the company felt it had no alternative but to increase fares. It was hoped that no further increases would be needed in 2006 but that depended on whether there are any further abnormally high increases in costs. Single fares between Rockwell Green/Tonedale and Taunton had risen from £2.60 to £3, day return from £3.85 to £4.80 (peak and off peak), weekly season from £13 to £15. From Wellington High Street and Taunton single fares had risen from £2.30 to £2.50, day return from £3.85 to £4.80 peak and £4.20 off peak, and weekly season from £13 to £15. The letter was noted.2226WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH MARCH 2006
13703 IMPROVING HEALTH SERVICES IN WELLINGTONWith reference to minute 13638 a letter was received from Taunton Deane Primary Care Trust enclosing a summary of the feedback received by the Trust in response to the discussion paper about improving health services in Wellington and stating that work on converting the former Stratfield House into new hospital beds was making good progress. The Trust was confident that inpatient services would re-open on 1st April 2006 as planned. The letter was noted.
13704 PROVISION OF DOG WASTE BINS AND WORK OF DOG WARDENSWith reference to minute 13680 letters were received from Taunton DBC stating that given the financial climate within the Deane at present it was extremely unlikely there would be any funding available for new dog waste bins in 2006-07. The dog wardens work hours were the equivalent of 1.4 wardens. They patrolled the area both generally and in response to specific complaints. There had been several recent complaints about fouling in the Dark Lane area of Wellington and so targeted patrols had been carried out in that area. On average wardens spent about 5 hours a week patrolling in and around Wellington. In addition their time was also spent collecting stray dogs, putting up signs and various other duties as well as patrolling the rest of the district for fouling. Consideration would be given to putting up signs in the Kitts and Barns Meads Road areas. For the clearance of large amounts of fouling on pavements and adopted footpaths, the Deane should be contacted on 356361. The clerk reported that he was awaiting details from the Deane about the usage of the 5 dog waste bins provided by the town council last year. The letters were noted.
13705 IMPROVED LIGHTING FOR OLANDS ROADWith reference to minute 13675 the clerk reported that a grant of £542.57 had been received from Taunton DBC towards the cost of the new street light for Olands Road. The report was noted.
13706 CHANGES TO TAUNTON DBC TREE WARDEN SCHEMEWith reference to minute 13565 a letter was received from Taunton DBC detailing the responses to the tree warden scheme consultation and detailing how the new scheme would work. The letter was noted. It was agreed to suggest that Wellington in Bloom Committee should be added to the scheme’s mailing list.
13707 ADDITIONAL STREET LIGHTING IN CLIFFORD TERRACEWith reference to minute 12435 a letter was received from Somerset County Council about the lane from Clifford Terrace to High Street becoming an adopted highway repairable at public expense. The letter was noted. The clerk stated that the lane needed to be adopted before the town council could consider erecting street lighting which had been suggested previously. This information was noted.
13708 APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT TO CLERKWith reference to minute 13460 the clerk reported that Mrs Julia Thorne had been appointed as assistant to the clerk with effect from 6th March 2006. The report was noted.
13709 INCREASED CAR PARKING CHARGESWith reference to minute 13598 the clerk reported that the new car parking charges in Wellington would come into force on 3rd April 2006. The report was noted. Members were supplied with the details of the new charges.2227
WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH MARCH 2006
13710 NEW TOWN ENTRANCE SIGNSWith reference to minute 13593 members were supplied with a copy of the proposed new town entrance signs to be funded by the town council.
13711 MANTLE STREET POTHOLESWith reference to minute 13596 the clerk reported that various potholes in Mantle Street had been reported to Somerset Highways and that some of the holes had been filled. The rest would be filled very shortly. The county had been asked about resurfacing Mantle Street and that was planned to be carried out in the 2007-2008 budget. The cost would be high as Mantle Street was wide and the work would have to be carried out in two phases. The report was noted.
13712 REDEVELOPMENT OF CORN HILLWith reference to minute 13542 a letter was received from Rayglow Securities Ltd, the owners of the old Town Hall and Corn Hill, stating that the company had been in negotiation with a developer who had drawn up plans for the redevelopment of the land at the rear of Corn Hill. A contract was being drawn up but negotiations had thrown up problems with existing third party rights of way over the land. The parties were attempting to resolve these but there would be a further delay as the developer did not wish to submit plans until the queries had been settled. Once the position on the land at the rear could be established, the company would be able to concentrate on the best method for redeveloping its remaining properties on the west side of Corn Hill. The letter was noted.
13713 DAMAGED GRASS VERGES AT BAGLEY ROADWith reference to minute 13596 a letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that the condition of the grass verges in Bagley Road had become worse since the new builders merchants Buildbase had opened for business so the county would arrange for bollards or posts to be erected to physically stop the encroachment onto the verges, which would be reinstated with topsoil. Members also received a copy of the letter sent to the county council by Mrs I. Ward, of Wellington in Bloom Committee, about the verges. Both letters were noted.
13714 FUTURE USE OF BASINS ALLOTMENTSWith reference to minute 13677 the clerk reported that a meeting with tenants, chaired by the council chairman, had been held on 2nd March 2006 when the results of the consultation about the possible formation of a tenants association to run the allotments had been given to the tenants as well as details of the work being carried out to clear and let overgrown empty plots. After a lively question and answer session it had been agreed to hold another tenants’ meeting later in the year. The report was noted.
13715 PURCHASE OF RELOCATABLE CCTVWith reference to minute 13621 a letter was received from Taunton DBC giving details of a consultation document covering various options for extending the active monitoring of the 53 CCTV cameras in Taunton and the 6 in Wellington to provide 24/7 monitoring, either in Taunton or in Bridgwater in partnership with Sedgemoor District Council where such a service already existed. The cost of establishing the 24/7 service in Taunton was £260,000 a year and in Bridgwater £226,000. At the moment the Taunton cameras were monitored 8am-1am Monday to Wednesday, 8am to 3am Thursday to Saturday and 8am-6pm Sundays. The letter was noted.2228WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH MARCH 2006
13716 SOMERSET’S ECONOMIC STRATEGY TO 2015Members received a copy of Somerset Strategic Partnership’s vision for the county to 2015, including the executive summary of the partnership’s economic strategy and relevant extracts from the strategy affecting Wellington. The information was noted.
13717 COACHES NOT STOPPING IN WELLINGTONA letter was received from Mr D. Smith, of 79 Buckwell, about some coach operators not stopping in Wellington which meant passengers either had to go to Chelston or to Taunton to get picked up. Members also received a copy of a letter from Majestic Tours, of Teignmouth, explaining their departure point policy. It was agreed to write to Majestic Coaches asking to consider picking up in Wellington.
13718 MOTOR BIKE & YOUTH ACTIVITIES PROJECT PRESENTATIONCouncillors received a verbal invitation from Councillor A. Govier to attend a presentation on a local motor bike project and youth activities project at Unit 6, Kings Centre, Blackdown Business Park on Thursday, 23rd March 2006 from 7pm-8.30pm. Councillor Govier explained that the projects had received funding from the Government Office for the South West.13719 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPWith reference to minute 13684 it was agreed to suggest that at the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting on Monday, 20th March 2006 consideration should be given to a proactive approach over the new business park site at Chelston House Farm and that the Deane’s letter/report on business rates and grants should be included on the agenda.
13720 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBCThe clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of conservatory and carport to side of 7 Ashford Road, Wellington (resubmission) as amended by agents letter and accompanying plan received 30th January 2006 (43/2005/145: delegated decision); (b) Demolition of existing building and erection of 8 dwellings, Mill Chambers (rear of Wellington Pet & Garden Store), High Street, Wellington as amended by letter dated 25th June 2004 with accompanying drawing No. 0410/003B and 004 and by letter dated 26th August 2004 with accompanying drawing No. 0410/004C (43/2004/039); (c) Change of use from residential C2 to residential dwelling house (C3) at The Lodge, Taunton Road, Wellington (43/2006/003: delegated decision); (d) Erection of first floor extension to side of 17 Pyles Thorne Close, Wellington (43/2006/002: delegated decision).
13721 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 28TH FEBRUARY 2006A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2005 to 28th February 2006 was £86,758 (£120,225 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006) and that expenditure for the same period was £73,029 (£143,100 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006). The report was noted.
13722 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENTOn the proposition of Councillor Horsman seconded by Councillor Warren, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Councillor D. Mitton £44 for travelling expenses; Somerset Photo News £46.88 for council photograph; The Carly Press Ltd £65.44 for papers, diary, envelopes and ink cartridge; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £140 for 2229WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH MARCH 2006
13722 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT (continued)subsidised hospital patient transport to Musgrove Park Hospital for January 2006; Mr A. Brown £1,662.34; Inland Revenue £644.69; BT £187.85 for telephone, fax, email and internet calls/charges and servicing charges for quarter to 6th February 2006; Wellington Community Paintball Scheme £500 grant; Frames £75.08 for framing council photograph; Richard Ball £940 for erecting 2 Bristol gates and 1 kissing gate on footpath WG17/8 at Rockwell Green; Wellington Federation of Sports Clubs £50 for annual sports award trophy; Wellington United Reformed Church £75 for hire of church hall for council meetings in January, February and March 2006; The Carly Press Ltd £26.60 for paper; Hinewood Cleaning Services £58 for cleaning town centre bus shelters, roof of North Street bus shelter and office/chamber window cleaning for February 2006.
13723 COURT FIELDS SCHOOL’S NEW SPORTS HALLCouncillor A. Govier reported that Somerset County Council now had sufficient funds to meet the full cost of the proposed new four court sports hall and changing facilities at Court Fields Community School. It was hoped to start work later this year and to complete the project late 2007. The news was welcomed by members.
13724 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 March 2006; Fieldwork, the March 2006 magazine from the Campaign to Protect Rural England; NALC direct information service bulletins Nos. 624 and 625; Coach Monthly for February 2006.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.25PM
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 10:33 AM
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