Wellington Town Council minutes December 2006
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 4th December 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. Bowrah, J. Clark, A. Govier, R. Henley, G. James and S. Palmer, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors C. Hindley and E. Warren. There were 3 members of the public present.
14035 WELCOME TO NEW COUNCILLOR
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton welcomed Councillor J. Clark to his first full council meeting since his co-option on 16th November 2006.
14036 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that during November he had attended several meetings of the Wellington Food Town steering group; that he and the vice chairman, Councillor P. Critchard had attended all 3 Remembrance Day services; that he had attended a meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership, the annual meeting of the Taunton Deane allotments group; had spoken to Rockwell Green Primary School about local food; and with the clerk had attended a conference of promoting risky play for children; he had attended a meeting of the community association. He referred to the success of the switching-on of the town’s Christmas lights on 1st December, and of the Wellington Food Town event on 2nd December which he would be reporting on in more detail later in the meeting.
14037 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse responded to a letter from the chairman, Councillor D. Mitton, about the increase in the level of crime in Wellington compared to last year an addition of 148 offences which was an increase of 42.2 per cent. Sgt Nurse said he had been in discussions with Inspector Mike Ashwin, who was the sector inspector, to analyse the figures. The data covered all crime areas from violent crime such as assault, domestic violence, harassment, burglaries including commercial burglaries. It also included crimes such as theft from motor vehicles, criminal damage. There was a recognised increase in violent disorder and measures had been put in place to combat this. Sgt Nurse said he had robustly argued against any change in licensing hours and had increased the use of the Pubwatch scheme. There were regular patrols in the town centre and two PCSOs had been recruited this year in addition to the existing police officers which allowed officers to spend their time more appropriately. Extra resources had been deployed for late night shopping and drinking and diversionary activities such as paintballing had been organised. Last Halloween local police received 80 calls from worried residents, however, due to activities put in place there were only 8 calls this year. Sgt Nurse highlighted the importance of neighbourhood policing and the benefits of such schemes such as local action teams which helped to reduce crime. He then analysed the crime figures for July 2005 which were 47 crimes in total compared to 94 crimes for July this year. The crimes for this year included one incident of criminal damage which was a result of a domestic incident; 7 vehicles in the area of Victoria Street which had been scratched and were committed by a 9 year-old who was under the age of criminal responsibility; an assault to member of staff in a care home who had a glass of water thrown over them; 10 thefts from motor vehicles, a number of calls from people who had lost mobile phones and reported them stolen; shoplifting in which one teenager was responsible for six thefts in July. There had also been an increase in the reporting of crime. Last year there were a total of 108 arrests but there were already of 17 more this year with 5 more months to go until the end of the police year. Reporting on the Local Action Teams meeting held with the police on 22nd November 2006, Councillor A. Govier stated that there was an interest in establishing an LAT in the Tonedale area and also possibly at Rockwell Green. Another meeting was being held early in the New Year when hopefully more residents would come forward It was a positive sign that 2 LATs might be started. Sgt Nurse said he would welcome more support from councillors for the LATs. There had to be community support. Councillor Govier thanked the police for their hard work and for giving the town very good service. There was a brief discussion about community speed watch and it was arrange some training in the New Year through CSPO Simon Bramley after a public appeal for more volunteers. It was also decided to hold a meeting of the CCTV working party with Sgt Nurse on Wednesday, 3rd January 2007 in the town council chamber at 4pm.
14038 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN, BULB PLANTING AND CHRISTMAS TREES
Mr Terry Milton personally thanked the chairman, Councillor D. Mitton for his public address for the Christmas lights switch on and the clerk, Mr A. Brown, for his hard work in organising the event. He said he thought the lights in Wellington were friendly and warm and was in the process of putting up Christmas trees on the shop buildings. Mr Milton praised the organisers of Wellington Food Town for a fantastic event and hoped more such events would follow. He also informed councillors of a bulb planting ceremony at the Basins on Friday, December 8th at 10.45 am with pupils from St John’s Primary School. He thanked the chairman for attending the meeting of Wellington Community Centre. Mrs Isabel Ward, chairman of Wellington in Bloom, also thanked the organisers of Wellington Food Town and she also mentioned that the shredding of Christmas trees would take place at Courtland Road car park on Saturday, 6th January 2007 from 10am to 1pm.
14039 MINUTES OF NOVEMBER COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 6th November and 16th November 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.
COUNCILLOR R. BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 7.50PM
14040 PROPOSED HIGHER CAR PARKING CHARGES
Consideration was given to the proposal by Taunton Deane Borough Council to put up car parking charges in Wellington from 1st April 2007 by 10p to 90p for 2 hours and by 10p to £1.30 for 3 hours at the South Street shoppers car park, and by 10p to 90p for 3 hours, by 10p to £1.30 for 3 hours and by 10p to £1.70 for all day parking at the Longforth Road and North Street car parks. The current 1 hour parking charge of 50p at South Street and 2 hour parking charge of 50p at Longforth Road and North Street would remain unchanged. During the discussion it was pointed out that there had been consecutive rises in the past four years. Councillor R. Henley proposed, with Councillor P. Critchard seconding, that the town council should object on the grounds that some of the increases were more than 10 per cent – well above the rate of inflation – and would have a detrimental affect on people shopping and visiting Wellington, as well as hitting those who came to the town to work and would be likely to lead to more on-street parking by commuters in residential areas near the town centre with a consequent reduction in the use of the public car parks. It was also agreed to point out that Wellington was being promoted as Wellington Food Town with the aim of encouraging more people to shop in the town: the increased charges, which could not be justified in the town council’s view, would certainly not help to encourage more motorists to visit Wellington. The proposal was carried almost unanimously, with just one abstention.
14041 FUTURE OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN WELLINGTON
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton referred to the fact that there had been some negative comments in the Press about the town’s Christmas lights. He personally liked the variety of colour there was in the present illuminations but there were several elements to consider such as energy saving lights for future festive decorations. Did the public favour a more modern style or the traditional lights? The council would like to know residents’ views. He was aware that a lot of people were quite happy with the town council’s style of lights. The switch-on of the lights on December 1st had been very successful with a large crowd and fine weather and free entertainment provided by the town council. He thanked everyone who had contributed to its success including Mr J. Nash, who had compered the event.
14042 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN LAUNCH
Reporting on the Wellington Food Town launch on Saturday, 2nd December the chairman, Councillor D. Mitton stated it had been an outstanding success with around 5,000 people attending and with well over 1,000 filling in forms about the event. The vast majority of stallholders had been greatly surprised by the attendance and had had to get more supplies to cope with the demand for their products. Somerset Food Links, who had undertaken much of the work, had done a wonderful job. Meetings would be held later in December and in January 2007 to talk about future plans. It was hoped to build on the success of the launch with events in the Spring and the Autumn with possibly a two day event on 8th/9th September 2007. The report was noted.
14043 CELEBRATIONS TO MARK 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF SIR JOHN POPHAM
With reference to minute 14002, Councillor Mrs V. Stock-Williams reported that events to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir John Popham included an exhibition of Popham items in Wellington Museum early in May 2007; a civic service, a guided tour of Popham sites in Wellington by Mr Douglas Rice, who had written a book on Popham, followed by a cream tea in the church afterwards; and possibly a locally-written play about Popham. The clerk reported that the governors of the Popham flats in Victoria Street would like the council to consider renewing the badly worn commemorative stone shield at the entrance to the site and the smaller coat of arms over the entrance to the central block of flats. Quotes were being obtained but were likely to be in the region of £700 plus. These would be available for the January council meeting. A letter was received from Friends of Wellington Park asking the town council to consider sponsoring a floral display in the park in 2007: the cost of a carpet bedding scheme with the Popham coat of arms was estimated to be around £1,250. It was agreed to defer a decision until a quote for the replacement stone shield had been received. It was stated that the shield had been erected 70 years ago when the 12 flats had been erected on their present site, having previously being situated in Mantle Street, where the Catholic Church now stood.
14044 WELLINGTON IN BLOOM COMMITTEE GRANT REQUEST
A letter, grant application form and accounts were received from Wellington in Bloom Committee asking the town council to consider making a grant of £1,250 for 2007, the same figure as for the current financial year. On the proposition of Councillor G. James, seconded by Councillor J. Clark, it was agreed to make a grant of £1,250 for 2007-2008.
14045 FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK GRANT REQUEST
A letter, grant application form and accounts were received from Friends of Wellington Park asking the town council to consider making a grant of £1,650 for 2007, which was £50 more than for 2006. On the proposition of Councillor P. Critchard, seconded by Councillor J. Clark, it was agreed to make a grant of £1,650 for 2007-2008. Councillors V. Byrne and Palmer declared an interest as members of Friends of Wellington Park and did not vote.
14046 POSSIBLE EXTRA PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN HIGH STREET
Councillor P. Critchard suggested that the town council should approach Somerset Highways about the possible provision of a pedestrian crossing between St John’s Parish Church and the Old Vicarage Flats in High Street. He handed in a petition signed by 121 residents, mainly from the area, supporting the provision of such a crossing. A letter was received from the head teacher of St John’s Primary School, Mr Richard Powell also supporting such a crossing which would make the present situation safer. The percentage of pupils who came to the school on foot or bike was among the highest in the county which placed an emphasis on making their routes to school as safe as possible. Traffic calming measures in High Street would be a significant step to achieve that. It was agreed to send the petition and letter to County Highways and to ask them to investigate the situation and report back to the council.
14047 NAMES FOR NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had asked for the town council’s views on suggested names for new housing developments in the town centre: (i) Cubitts Place for 8 town houses to be erected on land at Mill Chambers at the rear of High Street and adjacent to Clifford Terrace (for many years what is now the pet food shop in High Street was Cubitts); (ii) Acorn Cottages for 11 one bedroom houses to be erected in White Hart Lane (because the cottages are so small). It was agreed to accept Cubitts Place but by 8 votes to 2 it was decided to suggest White Hart Mews instead of Acorn Cottages.
14048 MAIL BOX FOR BURROUGH WAY
With reference to minute 14007 a letter was received from Royal Mail turning down the request for a mail box for Burrough Way stating that the two criteria for the provision of a new letter box were: (i) Is there 200 or more delivery points without provision of a posting facility? (ii) Is there an existing posting facility within 500 metres circumference? Part of Burrough Way was covered by the two existing letter boxes at Ardwyn and Barn Meads Road and the whole of the area by the Ardwyn letter box, so an additional box could not be provided as the licensing requirements of the Regulator had been met. It was agreed to ask Royal Mail if a box could be provided if the requirements were not met.
14049 BETH ROWLEY GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 13974 a letter of thanks was received from Beth Rowley for the council grant of £200 for her GAP year teaching project. The letter was noted.
14050 GRIT BIN FOR TONE RAILWAY BRIDGE
With reference to minute 14009 an email was received from the council’s insurers Zurich Municipal stating that the council’s public liability insurance covered the provision of grit bins which householders could use themselves to spread on their local area. However if the council decided on a gritting programme there would be many factors which would come into play, such as what would be the “trigger” to grit paths (information from Met Office, local temperatures, guidance from county council?), what time of day to carry out gritting (mornings/evenings?), would it be a preventative programme (forecast advises that frost or snow is expected overnight) or reactive to bad weather? If the council relied on a member of the public (not council staff), is this convenient for every day of the year? The council would need to ensure that each time the “trigger” point was reached, the council continued to grit as it would be reasonable for the public to expect the council to continue with that action once started. The council could be liable if the public expected a path to be gritted and that was not done and an injury occurred. It would also increase the expectation that all areas would be gritted. The company suggested that the council could consider continuing on the existing basis. People would be used to that procedure and in normal circumstances would automatically act with due care when they knew a surface was slippery. It was agreed to continue with the present policy and to encourage the public to make use of the grit bins in icy conditions. The clerk reported that the bin previously provided at the junction of Popes Lane, Rockwell Green was missing, apparently stolen. It was decided to provide a new bin.
14051 APPOINTMENT OF INTERNAL AUDITOR
With reference to minute 13643 a letter was received from Mr A.J. Bullen asking if the town council wished to re-appoint him for 2006-2007 at an hourly rate of £30, which was £1 more than last year. It was agreed to appoint Mr Bullen.
14052 ELECTORAL REVIEW OF TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH
With reference to minute 13901 the clerk reported that the Electoral Commissioners had accepted the final recommendations of the Boundary Committee for England for Taunton Deane Borough, namely the transfer of 150 electors in the Waterloo Road and Corams Lane area from Wellington North ward to Wellington Rockwell Green and West ward, and the transfer of 70 electors in the Hoyles Road area from Wellington East ward to Wellington Rockwell Green and West Ward to provide a better balance of electoral quality and quantity. The report was noted.
14053 WELLINGTON PLANNING COMPLAINTS
With reference to minute 13916 a letter was received from Taunton DBC detailing 7 planning complaints received during the third quarter of 2006. The letter and complaints were noted.
14054 PROPOSED ROTARY SIGN AT TOWN ENTRANCE
With reference to minute 13608 a letter was received from Wellington Rotary Club asking the town to support a request for the erection of a Rotary signs on the two roundabouts at the entrances to Wellington. The clerk pointed out that last year the council had decided not to support a similar request from Rotary because it was felt it would lead to a clutter of such signs which other worthy clubs in Wellington might want to erect if a precedent was set and also because the council was told that the county council’s policy was not to allow such signs. Councillor A. Govier proposed, with Councillor P. Pritchard seconding, that the council should support the request but this proposal was defeated 9-2.
14055 TREE WORK AT COPSE CLOSE, WESTFORD
With reference to minute 13999 the clerk reported that the application to carry out management work to two ash trees on land between Westford railway bridge and Copse Close, Westford, Wellington (43/2006/142T) had been withdrawn. The report was noted.
14056 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES
With reference to minute 14011 the clerk reported that a joint meeting with Taunton DBC had been held and that information about the installation of a stair lift provided by Somerset Fire Brigade had been discussed. A further meeting would be held when the details about the stair lift had been updated by the Fire Brigade. Report was noted.
14057 SOMERSET PLAYING FIELDS ASSOCIATION
A letter was received from Somerset Playing Fields Association asking the town council to become members of the association. The minimum membership fee was £10 a year. On the proposition of Councillor A. Govier, seconded by Councillor G. James it was agreed to join the association at the start of 2007.
14058 WEIGHT LIMITS ON LOCAL ROADS
A letter was received from Somerset Trading Standards about weight limits on local roads and asking to be informed of any roads in the area about which the town council had particular concerns and also about any breaches of weight limits, with details such as date, time, registration number. The letter was noted.
14059 CARRIER BAG AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
A letter was received from Somerset County Council stating that as part of the Somerset Waste Partnership’s waste minimisation strategy it was proposed that a plastic carrier bag awareness project be piloted in Wellington, encouraging shoppers not to accept unnecessary carrier bags but to use reusable alternatives. The support and commitment of local retailers would be key to making the campaign successful. Currently a questionnaire was being circulated to local retailers to get their views on carrier bags and from that feedback a campaign would be developed to run in Wellington early in the New Year with an intended Somerset-wide launch in mid 2007. Waste recycling had risen to over 40% in 2005-06 compared to 32% in 2004-05. The letter was noted.
14060 ANNUAL 10 MILE WELLINGTON RUN
A letter was received from the Albemarle Centre in Taunton stating that the annual Wellington 10 mile road run would be held on 15th July 2007. The letter was noted.
14061 LOCALISATION AND FRONT LINE COUNCILLORS
A letter was received from Somerset County Council with a summary of the key elements of the county’s “localisation and frontline councillors” paper which was the first step in the devolution of budgets and service decisions to front line councillors as well as key local players such as parish and town councillors. The longer term aim was to ensure that communities across Somerset were able to directly influence, prioritise and design the services and policies that affected the services that were delivered locally. The county would seek to delegate and devolve as much of its funding and decision making as possible to the area and community level. The proposals would strengthen the power and influence of local communities and the front line councillors who served them. The letter was noted.
14062 RAISED KERB AT ROCKWELL GREEN BUS STOP
In response to a letter from the clerk about the possible provision of a raised kerb at the bus stop on the south side of the Wellington-Rockwell Green road at Hilly Head, an email was received from the County Local Transport Group stating that work had started on looking at the improvements that could be made to the bus stop as part of the new Local Transport Plan. The council would be kept updated as the work progressed. The letter was noted.
14063 COUNTY PLAN FOR UNITARY AUTHORITY
A letter was received from Councillor Christopher Wolverson, the leader of the Conservative group on the county council, about the proposal by the county council to create a single unitary council across Somerset and about localisation and frontline councillors. The district councils, supported by the Conservatives on the county council, were fighting against the unitary authority plan because the transitional costs could be excessive, the planned savings might not be delivered and because the service would not be improved and would be more remote. The Conservatives were also opposed to the concept of localisation and frontline councillors. He asked for the town council’s views on these two proposals. The clerk reported that he had contacted the county council as no papers had been received by the town council about the unitary authority proposal and had been told that there would be full consultation if the county council decided to go ahead with the proposal at its meeting on 22nd January 2007. It was agreed to discuss the proposal at the January meeting.
14064 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 14020 a report was received from Mrs J. Thorne, assistant to the clerk, on the Wellington Economic Partnership meeting held on 20th November 2006 covering the proposed Somerfield supermarket, the Wellington Food Town event, the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative application and the community strategy plan. No agenda items were put forward for the next WEP meeting to be held on Monday, 22nd January 2007 at 6pm.
14065 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC & COUNTY COUNCIL
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of a replacement garage and single storey extension at 13 Ashford Road, Wellington (43/2006/141: delegated decision); (b) Erection of wall and trellis at 2 Hoyles Close, Wellington (43/2006/136: delegated decision); (c) Erection of single storey extension to house and extension to rear of garage at 7 Homefield as amended by applicants letter and accompanying plan dated 15th November 2006 (43/2006/117: delegated decision); (d) Erection of a conservatory to rear of 48 Andrew Allan Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/132: delegated decision); (e) Demolition of car showroom and first floor flat and formation of access road and residential development consisting of 6 flats and 7 dwellings at 58-60 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/112 and 113CA); (f) Application to carry out management work to one oak tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 4) Tree Preservation Order 1994 at 8 Rowe Close, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/137T); (g) Installation of solar panels on roof, The Stables, Church Green, Wellington (43/2006/138); (h) Installation of solar water heating collectors on roof in the front elevation of 49 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/128); (i) Replace six windows with new hardwood sash windows at 32 Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/125LB); (j) construction of 9 all weather pitches for touring caravans and associated works at Cadeside Caravan Club site, Nynehead Road, Wellington (43/2006/134); (k) Erection of single storey extension to side of 73 Burrough Way, Wellington (43/2006/133: delegated decision); (l) Application to replace existing flat roof of bay window, front elevation with pitched tiled roof at 18 The Paddocks, Wellington (43/2006/130: delegated decision); (m) Erection of two single storey extensions to rear of 6 Wellesley Park, Wellington (43/2006/124: delegated decision); (n) Retention of re-sited satellite dish to side of 45 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/120LB). The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had refused the following plan: (a) Installation of ATM at 2 Fore Street (HSBC Bank), Wellington (43/2006/43/2006/114 and 115LB). The clerk reported that Somerset County Council had approved the following plans: (a) Change of use from residential to a children’s home at 4 Corams Lane, Wellington (43/2006/122); (b) Siting of new 5 bay Elliott nursery unit at Wellesley Park Primary School, Homefield, Wellington (43/2006/109).
14066 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 30TH NOVEMBER 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 30th November 2006 was £85,793 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £58,852 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.
14067 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Stock-Williams, seconded by Councillor Byrne, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Colin John £175 for magic/balloon show at Christmas lights switch-on; E.A. Ashwell £175 for 3 face painters at Christmas lights switch-on; Dean Bailey £200 for roundabouts at Christmas lights switch-on; Wireless CCTV £9.28 for CCTV telephone calls; Hinewood Cleaning Services £62 for bus shelter and window cleaning in October 2006; Mrs J. Thorne £72.48 for additional hours of works in November; A. Brown £200 petty cash; BT £415.51 for telephone, email, internet and fax calls, service charges and broadband charges; Wellington United Reformed Church £75 for council meetings in October, November and December 2006.
14068 STAFFING COMMITTEE REPORT
A report from the Staffing Committee recommending that the hourly pay of the assistant to the clerk should be increased from £6.04 to £6.24 wef from 1st January 2007, that her job description should be reviewed and the grade for her job re-evaluated during 2007 and her weekly hours should be increased from 12 to 14 wef from 1st January 2007 was approved.
14069 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: Wellington Food Town newsletter issue 2; What’s On in Taunton Deane leaflet for December 2006; Community Update newsletter from Community Council for Somerset; Winter 2006 issue of Thatch magazine from the Community Council for Somerset; Annual report for 2006 of Taunton Deane Council for Voluntary Service; Autumn/Winter newsletter of St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice; December 2006 issue of Fieldwork newsletter from the Campaign to Protect Rural England; NALC direct information service bulletin Nos. 644 and 645.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.32PM
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. Bowrah, J. Clark, A. Govier, R. Henley, G. James and S. Palmer, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors C. Hindley and E. Warren. There were 3 members of the public present.
14035 WELCOME TO NEW COUNCILLOR
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton welcomed Councillor J. Clark to his first full council meeting since his co-option on 16th November 2006.
14036 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that during November he had attended several meetings of the Wellington Food Town steering group; that he and the vice chairman, Councillor P. Critchard had attended all 3 Remembrance Day services; that he had attended a meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership, the annual meeting of the Taunton Deane allotments group; had spoken to Rockwell Green Primary School about local food; and with the clerk had attended a conference of promoting risky play for children; he had attended a meeting of the community association. He referred to the success of the switching-on of the town’s Christmas lights on 1st December, and of the Wellington Food Town event on 2nd December which he would be reporting on in more detail later in the meeting.
14037 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse responded to a letter from the chairman, Councillor D. Mitton, about the increase in the level of crime in Wellington compared to last year an addition of 148 offences which was an increase of 42.2 per cent. Sgt Nurse said he had been in discussions with Inspector Mike Ashwin, who was the sector inspector, to analyse the figures. The data covered all crime areas from violent crime such as assault, domestic violence, harassment, burglaries including commercial burglaries. It also included crimes such as theft from motor vehicles, criminal damage. There was a recognised increase in violent disorder and measures had been put in place to combat this. Sgt Nurse said he had robustly argued against any change in licensing hours and had increased the use of the Pubwatch scheme. There were regular patrols in the town centre and two PCSOs had been recruited this year in addition to the existing police officers which allowed officers to spend their time more appropriately. Extra resources had been deployed for late night shopping and drinking and diversionary activities such as paintballing had been organised. Last Halloween local police received 80 calls from worried residents, however, due to activities put in place there were only 8 calls this year. Sgt Nurse highlighted the importance of neighbourhood policing and the benefits of such schemes such as local action teams which helped to reduce crime. He then analysed the crime figures for July 2005 which were 47 crimes in total compared to 94 crimes for July this year. The crimes for this year included one incident of criminal damage which was a result of a domestic incident; 7 vehicles in the area of Victoria Street which had been scratched and were committed by a 9 year-old who was under the age of criminal responsibility; an assault to member of staff in a care home who had a glass of water thrown over them; 10 thefts from motor vehicles, a number of calls from people who had lost mobile phones and reported them stolen; shoplifting in which one teenager was responsible for six thefts in July. There had also been an increase in the reporting of crime. Last year there were a total of 108 arrests but there were already of 17 more this year with 5 more months to go until the end of the police year. Reporting on the Local Action Teams meeting held with the police on 22nd November 2006, Councillor A. Govier stated that there was an interest in establishing an LAT in the Tonedale area and also possibly at Rockwell Green. Another meeting was being held early in the New Year when hopefully more residents would come forward It was a positive sign that 2 LATs might be started. Sgt Nurse said he would welcome more support from councillors for the LATs. There had to be community support. Councillor Govier thanked the police for their hard work and for giving the town very good service. There was a brief discussion about community speed watch and it was arrange some training in the New Year through CSPO Simon Bramley after a public appeal for more volunteers. It was also decided to hold a meeting of the CCTV working party with Sgt Nurse on Wednesday, 3rd January 2007 in the town council chamber at 4pm.
14038 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN, BULB PLANTING AND CHRISTMAS TREES
Mr Terry Milton personally thanked the chairman, Councillor D. Mitton for his public address for the Christmas lights switch on and the clerk, Mr A. Brown, for his hard work in organising the event. He said he thought the lights in Wellington were friendly and warm and was in the process of putting up Christmas trees on the shop buildings. Mr Milton praised the organisers of Wellington Food Town for a fantastic event and hoped more such events would follow. He also informed councillors of a bulb planting ceremony at the Basins on Friday, December 8th at 10.45 am with pupils from St John’s Primary School. He thanked the chairman for attending the meeting of Wellington Community Centre. Mrs Isabel Ward, chairman of Wellington in Bloom, also thanked the organisers of Wellington Food Town and she also mentioned that the shredding of Christmas trees would take place at Courtland Road car park on Saturday, 6th January 2007 from 10am to 1pm.
14039 MINUTES OF NOVEMBER COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 6th November and 16th November 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.
COUNCILLOR R. BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 7.50PM
14040 PROPOSED HIGHER CAR PARKING CHARGES
Consideration was given to the proposal by Taunton Deane Borough Council to put up car parking charges in Wellington from 1st April 2007 by 10p to 90p for 2 hours and by 10p to £1.30 for 3 hours at the South Street shoppers car park, and by 10p to 90p for 3 hours, by 10p to £1.30 for 3 hours and by 10p to £1.70 for all day parking at the Longforth Road and North Street car parks. The current 1 hour parking charge of 50p at South Street and 2 hour parking charge of 50p at Longforth Road and North Street would remain unchanged. During the discussion it was pointed out that there had been consecutive rises in the past four years. Councillor R. Henley proposed, with Councillor P. Critchard seconding, that the town council should object on the grounds that some of the increases were more than 10 per cent – well above the rate of inflation – and would have a detrimental affect on people shopping and visiting Wellington, as well as hitting those who came to the town to work and would be likely to lead to more on-street parking by commuters in residential areas near the town centre with a consequent reduction in the use of the public car parks. It was also agreed to point out that Wellington was being promoted as Wellington Food Town with the aim of encouraging more people to shop in the town: the increased charges, which could not be justified in the town council’s view, would certainly not help to encourage more motorists to visit Wellington. The proposal was carried almost unanimously, with just one abstention.
14041 FUTURE OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN WELLINGTON
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton referred to the fact that there had been some negative comments in the Press about the town’s Christmas lights. He personally liked the variety of colour there was in the present illuminations but there were several elements to consider such as energy saving lights for future festive decorations. Did the public favour a more modern style or the traditional lights? The council would like to know residents’ views. He was aware that a lot of people were quite happy with the town council’s style of lights. The switch-on of the lights on December 1st had been very successful with a large crowd and fine weather and free entertainment provided by the town council. He thanked everyone who had contributed to its success including Mr J. Nash, who had compered the event.
14042 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN LAUNCH
Reporting on the Wellington Food Town launch on Saturday, 2nd December the chairman, Councillor D. Mitton stated it had been an outstanding success with around 5,000 people attending and with well over 1,000 filling in forms about the event. The vast majority of stallholders had been greatly surprised by the attendance and had had to get more supplies to cope with the demand for their products. Somerset Food Links, who had undertaken much of the work, had done a wonderful job. Meetings would be held later in December and in January 2007 to talk about future plans. It was hoped to build on the success of the launch with events in the Spring and the Autumn with possibly a two day event on 8th/9th September 2007. The report was noted.
14043 CELEBRATIONS TO MARK 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF SIR JOHN POPHAM
With reference to minute 14002, Councillor Mrs V. Stock-Williams reported that events to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir John Popham included an exhibition of Popham items in Wellington Museum early in May 2007; a civic service, a guided tour of Popham sites in Wellington by Mr Douglas Rice, who had written a book on Popham, followed by a cream tea in the church afterwards; and possibly a locally-written play about Popham. The clerk reported that the governors of the Popham flats in Victoria Street would like the council to consider renewing the badly worn commemorative stone shield at the entrance to the site and the smaller coat of arms over the entrance to the central block of flats. Quotes were being obtained but were likely to be in the region of £700 plus. These would be available for the January council meeting. A letter was received from Friends of Wellington Park asking the town council to consider sponsoring a floral display in the park in 2007: the cost of a carpet bedding scheme with the Popham coat of arms was estimated to be around £1,250. It was agreed to defer a decision until a quote for the replacement stone shield had been received. It was stated that the shield had been erected 70 years ago when the 12 flats had been erected on their present site, having previously being situated in Mantle Street, where the Catholic Church now stood.
14044 WELLINGTON IN BLOOM COMMITTEE GRANT REQUEST
A letter, grant application form and accounts were received from Wellington in Bloom Committee asking the town council to consider making a grant of £1,250 for 2007, the same figure as for the current financial year. On the proposition of Councillor G. James, seconded by Councillor J. Clark, it was agreed to make a grant of £1,250 for 2007-2008.
14045 FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK GRANT REQUEST
A letter, grant application form and accounts were received from Friends of Wellington Park asking the town council to consider making a grant of £1,650 for 2007, which was £50 more than for 2006. On the proposition of Councillor P. Critchard, seconded by Councillor J. Clark, it was agreed to make a grant of £1,650 for 2007-2008. Councillors V. Byrne and Palmer declared an interest as members of Friends of Wellington Park and did not vote.
14046 POSSIBLE EXTRA PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN HIGH STREET
Councillor P. Critchard suggested that the town council should approach Somerset Highways about the possible provision of a pedestrian crossing between St John’s Parish Church and the Old Vicarage Flats in High Street. He handed in a petition signed by 121 residents, mainly from the area, supporting the provision of such a crossing. A letter was received from the head teacher of St John’s Primary School, Mr Richard Powell also supporting such a crossing which would make the present situation safer. The percentage of pupils who came to the school on foot or bike was among the highest in the county which placed an emphasis on making their routes to school as safe as possible. Traffic calming measures in High Street would be a significant step to achieve that. It was agreed to send the petition and letter to County Highways and to ask them to investigate the situation and report back to the council.
14047 NAMES FOR NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had asked for the town council’s views on suggested names for new housing developments in the town centre: (i) Cubitts Place for 8 town houses to be erected on land at Mill Chambers at the rear of High Street and adjacent to Clifford Terrace (for many years what is now the pet food shop in High Street was Cubitts); (ii) Acorn Cottages for 11 one bedroom houses to be erected in White Hart Lane (because the cottages are so small). It was agreed to accept Cubitts Place but by 8 votes to 2 it was decided to suggest White Hart Mews instead of Acorn Cottages.
14048 MAIL BOX FOR BURROUGH WAY
With reference to minute 14007 a letter was received from Royal Mail turning down the request for a mail box for Burrough Way stating that the two criteria for the provision of a new letter box were: (i) Is there 200 or more delivery points without provision of a posting facility? (ii) Is there an existing posting facility within 500 metres circumference? Part of Burrough Way was covered by the two existing letter boxes at Ardwyn and Barn Meads Road and the whole of the area by the Ardwyn letter box, so an additional box could not be provided as the licensing requirements of the Regulator had been met. It was agreed to ask Royal Mail if a box could be provided if the requirements were not met.
14049 BETH ROWLEY GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 13974 a letter of thanks was received from Beth Rowley for the council grant of £200 for her GAP year teaching project. The letter was noted.
14050 GRIT BIN FOR TONE RAILWAY BRIDGE
With reference to minute 14009 an email was received from the council’s insurers Zurich Municipal stating that the council’s public liability insurance covered the provision of grit bins which householders could use themselves to spread on their local area. However if the council decided on a gritting programme there would be many factors which would come into play, such as what would be the “trigger” to grit paths (information from Met Office, local temperatures, guidance from county council?), what time of day to carry out gritting (mornings/evenings?), would it be a preventative programme (forecast advises that frost or snow is expected overnight) or reactive to bad weather? If the council relied on a member of the public (not council staff), is this convenient for every day of the year? The council would need to ensure that each time the “trigger” point was reached, the council continued to grit as it would be reasonable for the public to expect the council to continue with that action once started. The council could be liable if the public expected a path to be gritted and that was not done and an injury occurred. It would also increase the expectation that all areas would be gritted. The company suggested that the council could consider continuing on the existing basis. People would be used to that procedure and in normal circumstances would automatically act with due care when they knew a surface was slippery. It was agreed to continue with the present policy and to encourage the public to make use of the grit bins in icy conditions. The clerk reported that the bin previously provided at the junction of Popes Lane, Rockwell Green was missing, apparently stolen. It was decided to provide a new bin.
14051 APPOINTMENT OF INTERNAL AUDITOR
With reference to minute 13643 a letter was received from Mr A.J. Bullen asking if the town council wished to re-appoint him for 2006-2007 at an hourly rate of £30, which was £1 more than last year. It was agreed to appoint Mr Bullen.
14052 ELECTORAL REVIEW OF TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH
With reference to minute 13901 the clerk reported that the Electoral Commissioners had accepted the final recommendations of the Boundary Committee for England for Taunton Deane Borough, namely the transfer of 150 electors in the Waterloo Road and Corams Lane area from Wellington North ward to Wellington Rockwell Green and West ward, and the transfer of 70 electors in the Hoyles Road area from Wellington East ward to Wellington Rockwell Green and West Ward to provide a better balance of electoral quality and quantity. The report was noted.
14053 WELLINGTON PLANNING COMPLAINTS
With reference to minute 13916 a letter was received from Taunton DBC detailing 7 planning complaints received during the third quarter of 2006. The letter and complaints were noted.
14054 PROPOSED ROTARY SIGN AT TOWN ENTRANCE
With reference to minute 13608 a letter was received from Wellington Rotary Club asking the town to support a request for the erection of a Rotary signs on the two roundabouts at the entrances to Wellington. The clerk pointed out that last year the council had decided not to support a similar request from Rotary because it was felt it would lead to a clutter of such signs which other worthy clubs in Wellington might want to erect if a precedent was set and also because the council was told that the county council’s policy was not to allow such signs. Councillor A. Govier proposed, with Councillor P. Pritchard seconding, that the council should support the request but this proposal was defeated 9-2.
14055 TREE WORK AT COPSE CLOSE, WESTFORD
With reference to minute 13999 the clerk reported that the application to carry out management work to two ash trees on land between Westford railway bridge and Copse Close, Westford, Wellington (43/2006/142T) had been withdrawn. The report was noted.
14056 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES
With reference to minute 14011 the clerk reported that a joint meeting with Taunton DBC had been held and that information about the installation of a stair lift provided by Somerset Fire Brigade had been discussed. A further meeting would be held when the details about the stair lift had been updated by the Fire Brigade. Report was noted.
14057 SOMERSET PLAYING FIELDS ASSOCIATION
A letter was received from Somerset Playing Fields Association asking the town council to become members of the association. The minimum membership fee was £10 a year. On the proposition of Councillor A. Govier, seconded by Councillor G. James it was agreed to join the association at the start of 2007.
14058 WEIGHT LIMITS ON LOCAL ROADS
A letter was received from Somerset Trading Standards about weight limits on local roads and asking to be informed of any roads in the area about which the town council had particular concerns and also about any breaches of weight limits, with details such as date, time, registration number. The letter was noted.
14059 CARRIER BAG AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
A letter was received from Somerset County Council stating that as part of the Somerset Waste Partnership’s waste minimisation strategy it was proposed that a plastic carrier bag awareness project be piloted in Wellington, encouraging shoppers not to accept unnecessary carrier bags but to use reusable alternatives. The support and commitment of local retailers would be key to making the campaign successful. Currently a questionnaire was being circulated to local retailers to get their views on carrier bags and from that feedback a campaign would be developed to run in Wellington early in the New Year with an intended Somerset-wide launch in mid 2007. Waste recycling had risen to over 40% in 2005-06 compared to 32% in 2004-05. The letter was noted.
14060 ANNUAL 10 MILE WELLINGTON RUN
A letter was received from the Albemarle Centre in Taunton stating that the annual Wellington 10 mile road run would be held on 15th July 2007. The letter was noted.
14061 LOCALISATION AND FRONT LINE COUNCILLORS
A letter was received from Somerset County Council with a summary of the key elements of the county’s “localisation and frontline councillors” paper which was the first step in the devolution of budgets and service decisions to front line councillors as well as key local players such as parish and town councillors. The longer term aim was to ensure that communities across Somerset were able to directly influence, prioritise and design the services and policies that affected the services that were delivered locally. The county would seek to delegate and devolve as much of its funding and decision making as possible to the area and community level. The proposals would strengthen the power and influence of local communities and the front line councillors who served them. The letter was noted.
14062 RAISED KERB AT ROCKWELL GREEN BUS STOP
In response to a letter from the clerk about the possible provision of a raised kerb at the bus stop on the south side of the Wellington-Rockwell Green road at Hilly Head, an email was received from the County Local Transport Group stating that work had started on looking at the improvements that could be made to the bus stop as part of the new Local Transport Plan. The council would be kept updated as the work progressed. The letter was noted.
14063 COUNTY PLAN FOR UNITARY AUTHORITY
A letter was received from Councillor Christopher Wolverson, the leader of the Conservative group on the county council, about the proposal by the county council to create a single unitary council across Somerset and about localisation and frontline councillors. The district councils, supported by the Conservatives on the county council, were fighting against the unitary authority plan because the transitional costs could be excessive, the planned savings might not be delivered and because the service would not be improved and would be more remote. The Conservatives were also opposed to the concept of localisation and frontline councillors. He asked for the town council’s views on these two proposals. The clerk reported that he had contacted the county council as no papers had been received by the town council about the unitary authority proposal and had been told that there would be full consultation if the county council decided to go ahead with the proposal at its meeting on 22nd January 2007. It was agreed to discuss the proposal at the January meeting.
14064 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 14020 a report was received from Mrs J. Thorne, assistant to the clerk, on the Wellington Economic Partnership meeting held on 20th November 2006 covering the proposed Somerfield supermarket, the Wellington Food Town event, the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative application and the community strategy plan. No agenda items were put forward for the next WEP meeting to be held on Monday, 22nd January 2007 at 6pm.
14065 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC & COUNTY COUNCIL
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of a replacement garage and single storey extension at 13 Ashford Road, Wellington (43/2006/141: delegated decision); (b) Erection of wall and trellis at 2 Hoyles Close, Wellington (43/2006/136: delegated decision); (c) Erection of single storey extension to house and extension to rear of garage at 7 Homefield as amended by applicants letter and accompanying plan dated 15th November 2006 (43/2006/117: delegated decision); (d) Erection of a conservatory to rear of 48 Andrew Allan Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/132: delegated decision); (e) Demolition of car showroom and first floor flat and formation of access road and residential development consisting of 6 flats and 7 dwellings at 58-60 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/112 and 113CA); (f) Application to carry out management work to one oak tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 4) Tree Preservation Order 1994 at 8 Rowe Close, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/137T); (g) Installation of solar panels on roof, The Stables, Church Green, Wellington (43/2006/138); (h) Installation of solar water heating collectors on roof in the front elevation of 49 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/128); (i) Replace six windows with new hardwood sash windows at 32 Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/125LB); (j) construction of 9 all weather pitches for touring caravans and associated works at Cadeside Caravan Club site, Nynehead Road, Wellington (43/2006/134); (k) Erection of single storey extension to side of 73 Burrough Way, Wellington (43/2006/133: delegated decision); (l) Application to replace existing flat roof of bay window, front elevation with pitched tiled roof at 18 The Paddocks, Wellington (43/2006/130: delegated decision); (m) Erection of two single storey extensions to rear of 6 Wellesley Park, Wellington (43/2006/124: delegated decision); (n) Retention of re-sited satellite dish to side of 45 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/120LB). The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had refused the following plan: (a) Installation of ATM at 2 Fore Street (HSBC Bank), Wellington (43/2006/43/2006/114 and 115LB). The clerk reported that Somerset County Council had approved the following plans: (a) Change of use from residential to a children’s home at 4 Corams Lane, Wellington (43/2006/122); (b) Siting of new 5 bay Elliott nursery unit at Wellesley Park Primary School, Homefield, Wellington (43/2006/109).
14066 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 30TH NOVEMBER 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 30th November 2006 was £85,793 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £58,852 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.
14067 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Stock-Williams, seconded by Councillor Byrne, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Colin John £175 for magic/balloon show at Christmas lights switch-on; E.A. Ashwell £175 for 3 face painters at Christmas lights switch-on; Dean Bailey £200 for roundabouts at Christmas lights switch-on; Wireless CCTV £9.28 for CCTV telephone calls; Hinewood Cleaning Services £62 for bus shelter and window cleaning in October 2006; Mrs J. Thorne £72.48 for additional hours of works in November; A. Brown £200 petty cash; BT £415.51 for telephone, email, internet and fax calls, service charges and broadband charges; Wellington United Reformed Church £75 for council meetings in October, November and December 2006.
14068 STAFFING COMMITTEE REPORT
A report from the Staffing Committee recommending that the hourly pay of the assistant to the clerk should be increased from £6.04 to £6.24 wef from 1st January 2007, that her job description should be reviewed and the grade for her job re-evaluated during 2007 and her weekly hours should be increased from 12 to 14 wef from 1st January 2007 was approved.
14069 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: Wellington Food Town newsletter issue 2; What’s On in Taunton Deane leaflet for December 2006; Community Update newsletter from Community Council for Somerset; Winter 2006 issue of Thatch magazine from the Community Council for Somerset; Annual report for 2006 of Taunton Deane Council for Voluntary Service; Autumn/Winter newsletter of St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice; December 2006 issue of Fieldwork newsletter from the Campaign to Protect Rural England; NALC direct information service bulletin Nos. 644 and 645.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.32PM
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 11:21 AM
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