Wellington Town Council minutes May 2006
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 8th May 2006 at 7pm
PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillor D. Mitton (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley and Mrs V. Stock-Williams, Councillors P. Critchard, C. Hindley, A. Govier, G. James and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors S. Horsman, R. Henley, S. Palmer and N. Wilson. There were 5 members of the public present.
13771 DEATH OF FORMER CHAIRMAN GILLIAN ALLEN
With reference to minute 13729 the chairman reported that he had written to the Mayor of Immenstadt, Gerd Bischoff thanking him for his letter of sympathy at the death of former council chairman Gillian Allen who had been an outstanding councillor for many years and a tower of strength in the twinning movement.
13772 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTST
he chairman welcomed Sgt Doc Nurse to his first meeting since taking over as police sergeant for Wellington and congratulated Councillor Hindley on his forthcoming election as Mayor of Taunton Deane on 10th May 2006 and wished him all the best for his coming mayoral year.
13773 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse reported that during April there had been no house burglaries in Wellington, which was good news; 6 shed break-ins, with one arrest; 10 offences of criminal damage to vehicles, with arrests for 6 of these offences; 1 theft with a person arrested and charged with handling; two assaults including one on a traffic warden involving a motorist who had been charged; there were some cases of criminal damage by a youth of eight who was too young to be charged. There had been some commercial burglaries in recent months and a person had been arrested for 8 of these offences. It was a minority of people causing the problem but a lot of people had been charged due to the hard work of his officers. In reply to questions he said he would provide information about ASBOs (anti social behaviour orders) and ABCs (acceptable behaviour contracts) at the June meeting. The chairman said it was very encouraging to hear that there had been lots of arrests, congratulated the police on their fine work and thanked Sgt Nurse for his attendance.
13774 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
The chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward reported that Taunton DBC would be using black plastic hanging baskets with a 9 litre reservoir of water this year which would mean watering only twice a week compared with daily in previous years. The hanging baskets would probably be put up at the beginning of June and they were looking forward to having a good display around the town again this summer. It was agreed to send another letter to Taunton DBC’s conservation officer about the continuing defects to the windows at the listed building at 18 Fore Street, Wellington. The clerk reported that he had written to the officer Mrs D. Hartnell early in April but was still awaiting a reply.
13775: PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
The chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, Mrs Pauline Sturgess reported that the May Day fayre in the Park had been a great success and had been the best ever, with local charities doing well. There had been plenty of entertainment for the children.
13776 MINUTES OF APRIL COUNCIL MEETINGThe minutes of the council meetings held on 3rd April 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct with the addition to minute 13744 that the CCTV working party would meet to prepare a draft protocol for consideration by the council.
13777 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN
The clerk reported that Mr Steve Kendall, Taunton DBC’s Economic Development and Regeneration Manager, was not able to attend to make the Wellington Food Town presentation due to a family bereavement. He would make the presentation at the June council meeting. Members received a copy of a written report about the project which included a possible weekend of food and food-related festival in Wellington over the 2007 August Bank Holiday. The report was noted.
13778 INTERNAL AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS FOR 2005-2006
Councillors received a copy of the town council’s audited accounts for 2005-2006 and a copy of a letter from the internal auditor, Mr A.J. Bullen, which stated he had no matters to which he wished to drawn to the attention of members. The accounts showed that the council had made a surplus of £2,543 for the year which had increased the balance in hand at 31st March 2006 to £146,310. On the proposition of Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor Mitton, it was unanimously agreed to approve the accounts and to thank the clerk for his work on the accounts.
13779 PROVISION OF POST BOX FOR BURROUGH WAY AREA
The clerk reported that Councillor Palmer, who wanted to raise the possible provision of a post box for the Burrough Way area was unable to attend due to illness and it was agreed to consider the matter at the next council meeting.
13780 NON ADOPTION OF ROADS AT DOBREE PARK
With reference to minute 13734 letters were received from MP Jeremy Browne, the Department of Transport and Taunton DBC Chief Executive Penny James about the non adoption of roads at Dobree Park, Rockwell Green. Councillor Govier reported that he had received an email from the county council about the problems and explaining why they had not used the bond provided by the developers Bellway Homes. It was agreed to again write to the county council about lack of progress over the adoption of the roads and to circulate the SCC email to town councillors.
13781 BUSINESS RATES
With reference to minute 13741 letters were received from MP Jeremy Browne and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister which stated that under the small business rate relief scheme introduced in April 2005 there was rate relief of 50% available for qualifying properties with a rateable value up to £5,000. It was agreed to write to the Lyons Inquiry into Local Government putting forward the town council’s view that there should be an exemption from business rates for the first year of trading for small, new independent retail shops.
13782 INCREASED CAR PARKING CHARGES
With reference to minute 13709 copies of letters from Taunton DBC leader Councillor John Williams and Wellington Chamber of Commerce about increased car parking charges in Wellington were received and noted.
13783 DEFECTIVE STREET LIGHTING IN STATION ROAD
With reference to minute 13737 a letter was received from the county council stating that the problem was due to a cable fault which Western Power Distribution had been asked to repair as soon as possible. The letter was noted. It was reported that the lights were now on 24/7.
13784 CAR CRIME AT WELLINGTON MONUMENT
With reference to minute 13695 a letter was received from the National Trust stating that revised access proposals had been drawn up to restrict the risks associated with mixing pedestrians and vehicles on the same track. To that end it was proposed to restrict parking to the area adjacent to the Monument itself and focus more parking at the existing car park. People were warned about leaving valuables on show in cars and it was hoped that a busier car park would deter thieves. The development of a manned hut was well beyond the Trust’s financial means. The letter was noted.
13785 CHANGE OF USE OF 3 FORE STREET
The clerk reported that the appeal by Tamlyn & Son against the decision of Taunton Deane Borough Council to refuse permission for the change of use of 3 Fore Street, Wellington from a retail shop to an estate agency and surveyors’ office had been dismissed by a Planning Inspectorate inspector. The report was noted.
13786 ERECTION OF BUNGALOW AT MANDERLEIGH, BAGLEY ROAD
With reference to minute 13497 the clerk reported that an appeal had been lodged against the decision of Taunton DBC to refuse permission for the erection of a bungalow on land at Manderleigh, Bagley Road, Wellington. The report was noted.
13787 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
With reference to minute 13751 the clerk reported that he and Councillor Palmer had carried out community speed watch checks at Exeter Road, Rockwell Green by near the Dobree Park junction on 20th April when 8 motorists had been reported to the police for exceeding the 30mph speed limit (speeds ranged from 41 to 70mph) and at Wellesley Park on 3rd May during the morning school run when no motorists had been reported (top speed 34mph). The report was noted.
13788 RELOCATION OF TOWN CENTRE LITTER BINS
With reference to minute 13699 the clerk reported that Taunton DBC had moved the litter bins from outside Stags to the High Street bus shelter and from the Longforth Road/High Street junction to the Longforth Road coach park as requested by the town council. The report was noted.
13789 FOOTPATH MAINTENANCE QUOTE
With reference to minute 13753 the clerk reported that a revised quote of £1,719.21 from the Deane DLO for footpath maintenance for 2006 had been accepted by the chairman and the clerk. The report was noted.
13790 HIGH STREET-SCOTTS LANE FOOTPATH
With reference to minute 13288 a letter was received from residents and traders in Brooks Place, High Street stating they would like the footpath between High Street and Scotts Lane closed because of various problems over a number of years. The clerk stated that last year the town council had opposed the suggestion of adding the path to the list of definitive footpath. It was agreed to reply it was up the residents to take action to get the path closed.
13791 MAURICE JENNINGS MEMORIAL PLAQUE
With reference to minute 12569 letters were received from Mrs M. Jennings and Taunton DBC chief executive Mrs P. James about the proposed plaque to be erected in Wellington Sports Centre in memory of the late town and Deane councillor Maurice Jennings. Mrs James stated the Deane would be happy to arrange and pay for the plaque. Mrs Jennings wrote that she and her family were happy with the following wording: “Dedicated to Maurice C. Jennings a councillor for Wellington from 1961 to 2003, who as chairman of Wellington UDC Sports Centre Committee, was the driving force behind the building of the centre in 1973.” It was agreed to approve the wording and to inform Taunton DBC accordingly.
13792 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER
With reference to minute 13735 it was reported that Councillors Mitton and Copley had strongly put over the town council’s case for staying at 28 Fore Street at the meeting of Taunton DBC’s Review Board meeting on 20th April 2006. Councillor Copley reported that the Deane’s corporate property manager Mr S. Rutledge had mentioned about putting in a lift at 28 Fore Street. It was agreed to wait and see developments following the Review Board meeting.
13793 SQUIRREL COURT PARKING PROBLEMS
Copies of letters from residents of Squirrel Court, Fore Street and of the reply from Somerset Highways about parking problems were received. It was agreed to contact Taunton Deane Borough Council about the matter.
13794 CCTV AT RECYCLING CENTRES
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about the installation of Closed Circuit Television and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) at household recycling centres in the county for safety and security reasons.. The letter was noted.
13795 WELLINGTON FLOWER SHOW SCHEDULE
A letter was received from Wellington Flower Show asking the council to consider putting an advert in its flower show schedule at a cost of £30 for a full page. After some discussion Councillor Byrne proposed, with Councillor Mitton seconding, that the council should have a full page advert and this was agreed with two abstentions.
13796 PROPOSED PLAYING FIELD DOG BAN
A copy was received of a letter sent to Taunton DBC by Wellington Sports Federation asking for a ban on dogs in Wellington Playing Field and Recreation Ground. Letters were received from Mr E. Poole and Mrs A. Grensted asking the council not to back the proposed ban. Councillor Govier declared a non prejudicial interest as a patron of the sports federation. After some discussion it was agreed ask Taunton DBC to carry out a health risk assessment and also to considerably step up dog warden patrols in both the playing field and Rec for a period to try to catch irresponsible owners who allow their dogs to foul both fields.
13797 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH OF SIR JOHN POPHAM
A letter was received from the Hospital of Sir John Popham about celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir John Popham (founder of Popham flats in Victoria Street) on 10th June 2007. The council was asked for its support for a small committee set up to co-ordinate activities. This was agreed.
COUNCILLOR WARREN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.20PM
13798 HEALTH LIVING CENTRE TRUST GRANT REQUEST
A letter, application form and accounts were received from Wellington Health Living Centre Trust asking the town council to make a grant of £180 for the purchase of a £180 printer/scanner. The chairman reported that the Finance Committee did not recommend making a grant in view of the funds held by the trust and on his proposal it was agreed 6-1 not to make a grant, with two abstentions. Councillor Stock-Williams declared an interest as a member of the trust and left the hall while this item was discussed.
13799 WELLINGTON 10 MILE ROAD RACE
A letter was received from The Albemarle Centre, Taunton giving details of the Wellington 10 mile fund raising road race on Sunday, 16th July 2006, starting at Court Fields School at 10.30am. The letter was noted.
13800 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 23-33 FORE STREET
Notification was received from Taunton DBC stating that a tree preservation order had been placed on 4 apple trees, 2 plum trees and 1 cherry tree on land to the rear of 23-33 Fore Street, Wellington. The details were noted.
13801 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13762 no recommendations or suggestions were put forward for inclusion on the agenda for the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting on Monday, 22nd May 2006 at 6pm.
13802 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of an extension at 64 Andrew Allan Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/029: delegated decision); (b) Erection of lean-to car port at 137 Barn Meads Road, Wellington (43/2006/031: delegated decision); (c) Erection of enlarged new garage on site of existing garage at 41 Acre Cottages, Buckwell, Wellington (43/2006/027: delegated decision); (d) Erection of dwelling on land adjoining Oakhill, Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington as amended by agents letter and drawing number 1276/05/5 received 30th March 2006 (43/2005/143); (e) Erection of a conservatory to front of Meadowside, Pyles Thorne, Wellington (43/2006/019: delegated decision); (f) Variation of condition 01 (time limit) of planning permission 43/1995/005 (demolition of agricultural buildings and erection of 3 holiday cabins) to permit commencement of the development before 15th March 2011, Westford House, Westford, Wellington (43/2006/015).
13803 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 30TH APRIL 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 30th April 2006 was £37,371 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £20,130 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.
13804 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor Hindley, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Friends of Wellington Park £1,500 grant; Wellington in Bloom Committee £1,000 grant; The Carly Press Ltd £179.87 for paper, ink cartridges, voice recorder and calculator; Hinewood Cleaning Services £110 for cleaning town centre bus shelters and office/chamber window cleaning for March and April 2006; Judith Goss Florists £30 for flowers for war graves for March and April 2006; EDF Energy Ltd £141.19 for electricity for period 14/1/06 to 13/4/06; Mr A. Brown £1,708.36; Mrs J. Thorne £289.92; Mr A.J. Bullen £246.32 for internal audit of 2005-2006 town council accounts; Taunton Deane Borough Council £343.90 for repairing seats in High Street and Fore Street; Taunton DBC £156.15 for share of gas bill for 2005/06; Filcris Ltd £20.88 for 80 magnetic strips; Taunton DBC £246.75 for repairing A-frames on set of swings at Tone play area; Konica Minolta Ltd £199.30 for photocopier servicing charges for period to 7/4/06; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £236 for subsidised hospital patient transport for March 2006; BT £339.65 for telephone, fax, email and internet calls and servicing charges for period 4/2/06 to 3/5/06.
13805 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 May 2006; annual review 2004-05 of Somerset Rural Youth Project and SRYP newsletter for Spring 2006; Catchment Matters, the Spring 2006 newsletter from River Parrett Catchment Project; March 2006 edition of Regional Spatial Strategy Update from South West Regional Assembly; a discussion paper from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on Local Authority Byelaws in England dealing with procedures for making, confirming and enforcing byelaws; Clerks and Councils Direct magazine for May 2006; NALC direct information service bulletins Nos. 629 and 630.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.25PM
PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillor D. Mitton (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley and Mrs V. Stock-Williams, Councillors P. Critchard, C. Hindley, A. Govier, G. James and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors S. Horsman, R. Henley, S. Palmer and N. Wilson. There were 5 members of the public present.
13771 DEATH OF FORMER CHAIRMAN GILLIAN ALLEN
With reference to minute 13729 the chairman reported that he had written to the Mayor of Immenstadt, Gerd Bischoff thanking him for his letter of sympathy at the death of former council chairman Gillian Allen who had been an outstanding councillor for many years and a tower of strength in the twinning movement.
13772 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTST
he chairman welcomed Sgt Doc Nurse to his first meeting since taking over as police sergeant for Wellington and congratulated Councillor Hindley on his forthcoming election as Mayor of Taunton Deane on 10th May 2006 and wished him all the best for his coming mayoral year.
13773 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse reported that during April there had been no house burglaries in Wellington, which was good news; 6 shed break-ins, with one arrest; 10 offences of criminal damage to vehicles, with arrests for 6 of these offences; 1 theft with a person arrested and charged with handling; two assaults including one on a traffic warden involving a motorist who had been charged; there were some cases of criminal damage by a youth of eight who was too young to be charged. There had been some commercial burglaries in recent months and a person had been arrested for 8 of these offences. It was a minority of people causing the problem but a lot of people had been charged due to the hard work of his officers. In reply to questions he said he would provide information about ASBOs (anti social behaviour orders) and ABCs (acceptable behaviour contracts) at the June meeting. The chairman said it was very encouraging to hear that there had been lots of arrests, congratulated the police on their fine work and thanked Sgt Nurse for his attendance.
13774 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
The chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward reported that Taunton DBC would be using black plastic hanging baskets with a 9 litre reservoir of water this year which would mean watering only twice a week compared with daily in previous years. The hanging baskets would probably be put up at the beginning of June and they were looking forward to having a good display around the town again this summer. It was agreed to send another letter to Taunton DBC’s conservation officer about the continuing defects to the windows at the listed building at 18 Fore Street, Wellington. The clerk reported that he had written to the officer Mrs D. Hartnell early in April but was still awaiting a reply.
13775: PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
The chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, Mrs Pauline Sturgess reported that the May Day fayre in the Park had been a great success and had been the best ever, with local charities doing well. There had been plenty of entertainment for the children.
13776 MINUTES OF APRIL COUNCIL MEETINGThe minutes of the council meetings held on 3rd April 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct with the addition to minute 13744 that the CCTV working party would meet to prepare a draft protocol for consideration by the council.
13777 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN
The clerk reported that Mr Steve Kendall, Taunton DBC’s Economic Development and Regeneration Manager, was not able to attend to make the Wellington Food Town presentation due to a family bereavement. He would make the presentation at the June council meeting. Members received a copy of a written report about the project which included a possible weekend of food and food-related festival in Wellington over the 2007 August Bank Holiday. The report was noted.
13778 INTERNAL AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS FOR 2005-2006
Councillors received a copy of the town council’s audited accounts for 2005-2006 and a copy of a letter from the internal auditor, Mr A.J. Bullen, which stated he had no matters to which he wished to drawn to the attention of members. The accounts showed that the council had made a surplus of £2,543 for the year which had increased the balance in hand at 31st March 2006 to £146,310. On the proposition of Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor Mitton, it was unanimously agreed to approve the accounts and to thank the clerk for his work on the accounts.
13779 PROVISION OF POST BOX FOR BURROUGH WAY AREA
The clerk reported that Councillor Palmer, who wanted to raise the possible provision of a post box for the Burrough Way area was unable to attend due to illness and it was agreed to consider the matter at the next council meeting.
13780 NON ADOPTION OF ROADS AT DOBREE PARK
With reference to minute 13734 letters were received from MP Jeremy Browne, the Department of Transport and Taunton DBC Chief Executive Penny James about the non adoption of roads at Dobree Park, Rockwell Green. Councillor Govier reported that he had received an email from the county council about the problems and explaining why they had not used the bond provided by the developers Bellway Homes. It was agreed to again write to the county council about lack of progress over the adoption of the roads and to circulate the SCC email to town councillors.
13781 BUSINESS RATES
With reference to minute 13741 letters were received from MP Jeremy Browne and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister which stated that under the small business rate relief scheme introduced in April 2005 there was rate relief of 50% available for qualifying properties with a rateable value up to £5,000. It was agreed to write to the Lyons Inquiry into Local Government putting forward the town council’s view that there should be an exemption from business rates for the first year of trading for small, new independent retail shops.
13782 INCREASED CAR PARKING CHARGES
With reference to minute 13709 copies of letters from Taunton DBC leader Councillor John Williams and Wellington Chamber of Commerce about increased car parking charges in Wellington were received and noted.
13783 DEFECTIVE STREET LIGHTING IN STATION ROAD
With reference to minute 13737 a letter was received from the county council stating that the problem was due to a cable fault which Western Power Distribution had been asked to repair as soon as possible. The letter was noted. It was reported that the lights were now on 24/7.
13784 CAR CRIME AT WELLINGTON MONUMENT
With reference to minute 13695 a letter was received from the National Trust stating that revised access proposals had been drawn up to restrict the risks associated with mixing pedestrians and vehicles on the same track. To that end it was proposed to restrict parking to the area adjacent to the Monument itself and focus more parking at the existing car park. People were warned about leaving valuables on show in cars and it was hoped that a busier car park would deter thieves. The development of a manned hut was well beyond the Trust’s financial means. The letter was noted.
13785 CHANGE OF USE OF 3 FORE STREET
The clerk reported that the appeal by Tamlyn & Son against the decision of Taunton Deane Borough Council to refuse permission for the change of use of 3 Fore Street, Wellington from a retail shop to an estate agency and surveyors’ office had been dismissed by a Planning Inspectorate inspector. The report was noted.
13786 ERECTION OF BUNGALOW AT MANDERLEIGH, BAGLEY ROAD
With reference to minute 13497 the clerk reported that an appeal had been lodged against the decision of Taunton DBC to refuse permission for the erection of a bungalow on land at Manderleigh, Bagley Road, Wellington. The report was noted.
13787 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
With reference to minute 13751 the clerk reported that he and Councillor Palmer had carried out community speed watch checks at Exeter Road, Rockwell Green by near the Dobree Park junction on 20th April when 8 motorists had been reported to the police for exceeding the 30mph speed limit (speeds ranged from 41 to 70mph) and at Wellesley Park on 3rd May during the morning school run when no motorists had been reported (top speed 34mph). The report was noted.
13788 RELOCATION OF TOWN CENTRE LITTER BINS
With reference to minute 13699 the clerk reported that Taunton DBC had moved the litter bins from outside Stags to the High Street bus shelter and from the Longforth Road/High Street junction to the Longforth Road coach park as requested by the town council. The report was noted.
13789 FOOTPATH MAINTENANCE QUOTE
With reference to minute 13753 the clerk reported that a revised quote of £1,719.21 from the Deane DLO for footpath maintenance for 2006 had been accepted by the chairman and the clerk. The report was noted.
13790 HIGH STREET-SCOTTS LANE FOOTPATH
With reference to minute 13288 a letter was received from residents and traders in Brooks Place, High Street stating they would like the footpath between High Street and Scotts Lane closed because of various problems over a number of years. The clerk stated that last year the town council had opposed the suggestion of adding the path to the list of definitive footpath. It was agreed to reply it was up the residents to take action to get the path closed.
13791 MAURICE JENNINGS MEMORIAL PLAQUE
With reference to minute 12569 letters were received from Mrs M. Jennings and Taunton DBC chief executive Mrs P. James about the proposed plaque to be erected in Wellington Sports Centre in memory of the late town and Deane councillor Maurice Jennings. Mrs James stated the Deane would be happy to arrange and pay for the plaque. Mrs Jennings wrote that she and her family were happy with the following wording: “Dedicated to Maurice C. Jennings a councillor for Wellington from 1961 to 2003, who as chairman of Wellington UDC Sports Centre Committee, was the driving force behind the building of the centre in 1973.” It was agreed to approve the wording and to inform Taunton DBC accordingly.
13792 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER
With reference to minute 13735 it was reported that Councillors Mitton and Copley had strongly put over the town council’s case for staying at 28 Fore Street at the meeting of Taunton DBC’s Review Board meeting on 20th April 2006. Councillor Copley reported that the Deane’s corporate property manager Mr S. Rutledge had mentioned about putting in a lift at 28 Fore Street. It was agreed to wait and see developments following the Review Board meeting.
13793 SQUIRREL COURT PARKING PROBLEMS
Copies of letters from residents of Squirrel Court, Fore Street and of the reply from Somerset Highways about parking problems were received. It was agreed to contact Taunton Deane Borough Council about the matter.
13794 CCTV AT RECYCLING CENTRES
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about the installation of Closed Circuit Television and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) at household recycling centres in the county for safety and security reasons.. The letter was noted.
13795 WELLINGTON FLOWER SHOW SCHEDULE
A letter was received from Wellington Flower Show asking the council to consider putting an advert in its flower show schedule at a cost of £30 for a full page. After some discussion Councillor Byrne proposed, with Councillor Mitton seconding, that the council should have a full page advert and this was agreed with two abstentions.
13796 PROPOSED PLAYING FIELD DOG BAN
A copy was received of a letter sent to Taunton DBC by Wellington Sports Federation asking for a ban on dogs in Wellington Playing Field and Recreation Ground. Letters were received from Mr E. Poole and Mrs A. Grensted asking the council not to back the proposed ban. Councillor Govier declared a non prejudicial interest as a patron of the sports federation. After some discussion it was agreed ask Taunton DBC to carry out a health risk assessment and also to considerably step up dog warden patrols in both the playing field and Rec for a period to try to catch irresponsible owners who allow their dogs to foul both fields.
13797 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH OF SIR JOHN POPHAM
A letter was received from the Hospital of Sir John Popham about celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir John Popham (founder of Popham flats in Victoria Street) on 10th June 2007. The council was asked for its support for a small committee set up to co-ordinate activities. This was agreed.
COUNCILLOR WARREN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.20PM
13798 HEALTH LIVING CENTRE TRUST GRANT REQUEST
A letter, application form and accounts were received from Wellington Health Living Centre Trust asking the town council to make a grant of £180 for the purchase of a £180 printer/scanner. The chairman reported that the Finance Committee did not recommend making a grant in view of the funds held by the trust and on his proposal it was agreed 6-1 not to make a grant, with two abstentions. Councillor Stock-Williams declared an interest as a member of the trust and left the hall while this item was discussed.
13799 WELLINGTON 10 MILE ROAD RACE
A letter was received from The Albemarle Centre, Taunton giving details of the Wellington 10 mile fund raising road race on Sunday, 16th July 2006, starting at Court Fields School at 10.30am. The letter was noted.
13800 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 23-33 FORE STREET
Notification was received from Taunton DBC stating that a tree preservation order had been placed on 4 apple trees, 2 plum trees and 1 cherry tree on land to the rear of 23-33 Fore Street, Wellington. The details were noted.
13801 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13762 no recommendations or suggestions were put forward for inclusion on the agenda for the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting on Monday, 22nd May 2006 at 6pm.
13802 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of an extension at 64 Andrew Allan Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/029: delegated decision); (b) Erection of lean-to car port at 137 Barn Meads Road, Wellington (43/2006/031: delegated decision); (c) Erection of enlarged new garage on site of existing garage at 41 Acre Cottages, Buckwell, Wellington (43/2006/027: delegated decision); (d) Erection of dwelling on land adjoining Oakhill, Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington as amended by agents letter and drawing number 1276/05/5 received 30th March 2006 (43/2005/143); (e) Erection of a conservatory to front of Meadowside, Pyles Thorne, Wellington (43/2006/019: delegated decision); (f) Variation of condition 01 (time limit) of planning permission 43/1995/005 (demolition of agricultural buildings and erection of 3 holiday cabins) to permit commencement of the development before 15th March 2011, Westford House, Westford, Wellington (43/2006/015).
13803 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 30TH APRIL 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 30th April 2006 was £37,371 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £20,130 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.
13804 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor Hindley, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Friends of Wellington Park £1,500 grant; Wellington in Bloom Committee £1,000 grant; The Carly Press Ltd £179.87 for paper, ink cartridges, voice recorder and calculator; Hinewood Cleaning Services £110 for cleaning town centre bus shelters and office/chamber window cleaning for March and April 2006; Judith Goss Florists £30 for flowers for war graves for March and April 2006; EDF Energy Ltd £141.19 for electricity for period 14/1/06 to 13/4/06; Mr A. Brown £1,708.36; Mrs J. Thorne £289.92; Mr A.J. Bullen £246.32 for internal audit of 2005-2006 town council accounts; Taunton Deane Borough Council £343.90 for repairing seats in High Street and Fore Street; Taunton DBC £156.15 for share of gas bill for 2005/06; Filcris Ltd £20.88 for 80 magnetic strips; Taunton DBC £246.75 for repairing A-frames on set of swings at Tone play area; Konica Minolta Ltd £199.30 for photocopier servicing charges for period to 7/4/06; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £236 for subsidised hospital patient transport for March 2006; BT £339.65 for telephone, fax, email and internet calls and servicing charges for period 4/2/06 to 3/5/06.
13805 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 May 2006; annual review 2004-05 of Somerset Rural Youth Project and SRYP newsletter for Spring 2006; Catchment Matters, the Spring 2006 newsletter from River Parrett Catchment Project; March 2006 edition of Regional Spatial Strategy Update from South West Regional Assembly; a discussion paper from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on Local Authority Byelaws in England dealing with procedures for making, confirming and enforcing byelaws; Clerks and Councils Direct magazine for May 2006; NALC direct information service bulletins Nos. 629 and 630.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.25PM
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 10:38 AM
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