Wellington Town Council minutes February 2006
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 6th February 2006
PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillor D. Mitton (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Horsman, A. Govier, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown. There was an apology from Councillor P. Critchard. There were 8 members of the public present.
13657 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTSWith reference to minute 13619, the chairman, Councillor R. Bowrah, reported that local butterfly expert Roger Suttton, who had taken an inscribed Wellington plaque and civic greetings to the Mayor of Wellington, New Zealand, in January, had returned with gifts for the town council from the city mayor, Kerry Prendergast, including an illustrated book “Wellington A Capital Century,” a presentation pen and key ring inscribed with “Absolutely Positively Wellington.” A letter of appreciation, a book “Wellington and Beyond” and a pen had also been received from the mayor that day (6th February). It was agreed that the books should be presented to Wellington Library to make these more accessible to local residents.
13658 RETIREMENT OF PC GRAHAME WOODWARDThe chairman presented an inscribed Wellington plaque to PC Grahame Woodward on his retirement in appreciation of 30 years of outstanding service to the community.
13659 POLICE MATTERSSgt Richard Caburn reported that in January there had been 2 domestic burglaries, 3 commercial burglaries, 6 cases of criminal damage, 19 thefts from motor vehicles (12 of which occurred on one day and for which 2 youths and a girl had been arrested for theft). There was still an on-going problem with vehicles being broken into at the Monument on a regular basis during the day. He urged motorists not to leave any articles in view but either to carry valuables with them or leave them in the boot of the car. On 24th January a man from Bristol came down to Wellington to try to steal a motor caravan. First he stole a car from Rockwell Green and then tried to tow away the motor home but the rope snapped. He was later arrested by PC Woodward by the motorway. He was believed to have been involved in other offences throughout the South West. Referring to the paintball scheme for youngsters, he mentioned that a local pensioner had given £100 towards the costs. Students at Court Fields School would be taking part in a youth watch crime reduction scheme involving the police, fire brigade, environmental health and RSPCA which would be launched at the end of February. Volunteers would take part in training sessions to learn how to mark property with security stamps and how to stay safe and look after wildlife. It would then be taught to the rest of the school. The police were keen to set up the scheme to try and encourage crime prevention at an early age. Rather than hand out marker pens in supermarkets, the police would be getting the children to do it, getting them involved in marking property and educating their parents as well. A similar scheme had been tried out at Radstock and had been quite successful. Overall crime in the area was 38 per cent down and the detection rate was 25 per cent. Sgt Caburn said he would be leaving Wellington next month after being promoted to inspector but would be introducing his successor to the town council at the March meeting. He was congratulated on his promotion and thanked for his attendance. He stated he would look into possible CCTV coverage of damage to a large flower trough outside the URC Church in Fore Street on Saturday night (4th February).2216
WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
COUNCILLOR BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 7.29PM AS HE WAS FEELING UNWELL AND COUNCILLOR MITTON PRESIDED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE MEETING
13660 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOMThe chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward reported that the committee’s annual meeting was being held in the Bulford Centre at 6pm on Thursday 16th February 2006 and invited councillors to attend.
13661 MINUTES OF JANUARY COUNCIL MEETINGSThe minutes of the council meetings held on 9th January 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.
13662 PRECEPT FOR 2006-2007A detailed report, attached to these minutes, was received from the clerk on the council’s budget and precept for 2006-2007, recommending that the council should keep its council tax unchanged at £16.50 for Band D properties for the seventh year in succession and should fix a precept of £74,409. On the proposition of Councillor Govier, who thanked the clerk for his work on preparing the budget, seconded by Councillor James, it was unanimously agreed to fix the precept for 2006-2007 at £74,409.
13663 COMMUNITY PAINTBALL GRANT REQUESTA letter, grant application form and financial statements were received from PCSO Simon Bramley asking the town council to consider making a grant of £500 to help continue and improve Wellington Community Paintball Scheme, which helps reduce anti social behaviour in the town, for the coming year. On the proposition of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Hindley it was unanimously agreed to make a grant of £500.
13664 BEECH HILL STORES LAY-BYWith reference to minute 13645 a detailed report was received from the clerk on a joint site meeting held on 13th January 2006 with the two shop owners, town councillors and Somerset Highways, about line marking the lay-by outside Beech Hill shops. The report stated that Somerset Highways strongly advised on highway safety grounds that dotted lines were placed across the front of the lay-by. The lines, which were only advisory, would encourage drivers to park parallel to the kerb but drivers could still park as at present if those chose. The clerk also advised councillors to heed the recommendation of Somerset Highways. A letter was received from Mr Peter Turnbull, of 16a Beech Hill, suggesting the provision of the word “slow” on the road. Councillor James proposed, with Councillor Hindley seconding, that the lay-by should be left unmarked but the proposal was defeated 6-4. Councillor Byrne proposed, with Councillor Stock-Williams seconding, that the council should ask Somerset Highways to put a dotted white line across the front of the lay-by and this was carried 6-2 with two abstentions.
13665 POSSIBLE ONE WAY SYSTEM FOR COURTLAND ROADWith reference to minute 13635 a letter was received from Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways, stating that it was not possible to have a variable time one way system for Courtland Road but consideration could be given to a permanent south bound system. A letter was received from Mr Neil Raybould, of 13 Courtland Road, 2217WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
13665 POSSIBLE ONE WAY SYSTEM FOR COURTLAND ROAD (continued)expressing concerns about the proposal. Standing orders were suspended to allow Mrs Hilda Thornton, of Court Mews, Courtland Road, to speak. She also objected to the one-way system. Councillor Govier proposed, with Councillor Hindley seconding, that no further action should be taken and this was agreed unanimously.
13666 PARKING PROBLEMS IN SCOTTS LANEA letter was received from Mr Ian Titcombe, of Someset Highways, stating that cars parked in Scotts Lane were sometimes causing a problem for large vehicles accessing the rear of the Kwiksave supermarket. It was agreed to take no action over possible waiting restrictions at the present time but to wait for the Somerfield development to take place.
13667 WIMBLEBALL SAILING CLUB GRANT With reference to minute 13630 a letter of thanks for the grant of £200 was received from Wimbleball Sailing Club, plus details about local disabled sailors. The letter was noted.
13668 TAUNTON CAB GRANTWith reference to minute 13655 a letter of thanks was received from Taunton and District CAB for the council grant of £600. The letter was noted.
13669 STANDARD OF DRIVING BY TAXI DRIVERSWith reference to minute 13631 a letter was received from Taunton DBC suggesting contacting the police about the driving of taxi drivers. The letter was noted.
13670 ELECTORAL REVIEW OF TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGHWith reference to minute 13627 a letter was received from the Boundary Commission acknowledging the town council’s comments. The letter was noted.
13671 OLYMPIC GAMES 2012With reference to minute 13628 letters were received from Sport England South West registering the town council’s interest as a possible venue for training camps for 2012 and from Taunton DBC. Both letters were noted.
13672 LONGMEAD CLOSE-BURCHILLS HILL CLAIMED FOOTPATHWith reference to minute 13231 the clerk reported that the case for the claimed short length of footpath from Longmead Close to Burchills Hill would be considered by the County Council’s Regulation Committee in March. The report was noted.
13673 TAUNTON DEANE POLICE NEWSLETTERWith reference to minute 13648 councillors received a copy of the Taunton Deane Police Newsletter for January 2006 from Inspector Mike Ashwin.
13674 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH SCHEMEWith reference to minute 13513 letters were received from Mr D.G. Smith suggesting that the town council should consider buying a digital camera and from the police about the community speed watch scheme. After some discussion it was decided not to purchase a digital camera.
2218WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
13675 IMPROVED LIGHTING FOR OLANDS ROADWith reference to minute 13378 the clerk reported that the new street light had been erected in Olands Road and was working. A grant from Taunton DBC towards the cost of the work was waited. The report was noted.
13676 PUBLIC NOTICE BOARD FOR WARRREN STREETWith reference to minute 13537 the clerk reported that letters had been sent out to the 12 residents nearest the site for the proposed public notice board by the Warren Street play area, asking for their comments on the suggestion. Two replies had been received, both objecting to the idea, saying it would spoil their outlook and detract from the openness of the area. On the proposition of Councillor Warren, seconded by Councillor Hindley, it was agreed to take no further action.
13677 FUTURE USE OF BASINS ALLOTMENTSWith reference to minute 13599 the clerk reported that 11 tenants were in favour of forming an allotment association to run the allotments (subject to various conditions), 3 were against, 3 had no strong views and no replies had been received from 8 tenants who had renewed their tenancies. Most of the conditions concerned improving the state of overgrown allotments. 10 tenants had not renewed their tenancies at the start of 2006, all with badly overgrown plots. These plots were being sprayed with weed killer and cleared and divided in half before being let to those on the waiting list (14) and to existing excellent tenants (4) who wanted to have extra ground to cultivate. It was agreed to arrange a meeting with the tenants to provide details of the results of consultation but not to make a decision at this stage on the question of leasing the allotments to an association.
13678 PROPOSED ERECTION OF HOUSE AT 28 LONGFORTH ROADWith reference to minute 13475 the clerk reported that a planning inspector had dismissed the appeal against the decision of Taunton DBC to refuse permission for the erection of a house adjacent to 28 Longforth Road, Wellington. The town council had also been against the application. The report was noted.
13679 FILING INLAND REVENUE RETURNS ON-LINEWith reference to minute 13258 the clerk reported that a cheque for £250 had been received from the Inland Revenue for filing on-line for 2004-2005. Another cheque for £250 would be received for the current tax year when the returns were filed. The report was noted.
13680 PROVISION OF DOG WASTE BINSWith reference to minute 13474 the clerk reported that Taunton DBC had been asked for a report on the use of the 5 dog waste bins installed by the town council in August 2005 and that there had been verbal complaints about increased dog fouling in the town, particularly the Kitts, Barn Meads Road and Wellesley Park School areas. It was agreed to ask Taunton DBC about more patrolling in Wellington, the provision of additional bins and the cleaning up of badly affected areas.
13681 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT FOXDOWN HILLA letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that a Tree Preservation Order had been placed on 4 oak trees, 3 beech trees, 2 pine trees and 1 Wellingtonia tree at Foxdown Hill off Mantle Street, Wellington. The letter was noted.
2219WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
13682 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 112B MANTLE STREETA letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that a Tree Preservation Order had been placed on a Holm oak tree at 112b Mantle Street, Wellington. The letter was noted. The clerk stated the order and the TPO at minute 13681 covered trees which could be affected by the proposed medical centre off Mantle Street.
COUNCILLOR WARREN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.30PM
13683 RETAILING IN WELLINGTON: BUSINESS RATES A letter was received from Mr Dennis Croughton, of 16 Lillebonne Close, Wellington on the problems of retailing in Wellington caused by high rents and business rates and urging the town council to resist the growing pressure to allow empty shops to be turned into offices. Councillor Byrne suggested that to encourage independent shops to set up in Wellington they should be exempt from paying business rates for the first year of trading which was usually the most difficult period for any new venture. After some discussion it was agreed to write to local MP Jeremy Browne asking him to raise in the House of Commons the issue of a business rates “holiday” scheme for new independent shops funded by Central Government.
13684 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPWith reference to minute 13652 a report was received from the clerk on Wellington Economic Partnership meeting on 23rd January 2006 covering the new Monument View Business Park at Chelston, work on which was due to start in February 2006 with completion by July 2007 and which could provide over 70 local jobs; the relocation of Taunton Livestock Market to Chelston, about which pessimistic views had been expressed as it was felt the rival scheme near North Petherton was likely to go ahead; the launch of a Buy Local campaign which the town council was asked to support financially in principle; higher bus fares; grants for small businesses to improve their IT systems or connect to Broadband; high rents for shops and business rates. It was agreed to financially support the Buy Local campaign in principle. It was agreed to put the suggested business rates exemption for new independent shops on the agenda for the next WEP meeting on 20th March 2006 and also reviewing car park charges in Wellington and Taunton following the better than expected grant allocation received by Taunton DBC from Central Government.
COUNCILLOR HORSMAN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.35PM
13685 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBCThe clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Application to carry out tree work to one evergreen oak tree within Wellington conservation area at Wellington Over-60s Club, North Street, Wellington (43/2005/134T); (b) Erection of conservatory to rear of 26 Warren Street, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2005/141: delegated decision); (c) Erection of dwelling to the south east of 42 Church Fields, Wellington (43/2005/138: renewal); (d) Internal alterations at the cellar bar basement of 21 High Street, Wellington (43/2005/140LB); (e) Application to fell 6 coniferous trees within Wellington conservation area at the Catholic Church, Mantle Street, Wellington (43.2005/142T); (f) Conversion of dwelling to 2 two bedroom flats, internal and external alterations including enlargement of dormer windows, single storey extension to rear, replacement windows and re-roofing, replacement porch to front, 51 High Street, Wellington as amended by applicants plans, drawing Nos. 11803A and 11804A received 4th January 2220WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
13685 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC (continued)2006 (43/2005/135 and 43/2005/136LB); (g) Erection of carport at Honeysuckle Cottage, 13 Lower Westford, Wellington (43/2005/137: delegated decision); (h) Application to carry out tree work on 5 beech trees, 3 cork oak trees, 2 pine trees, 2 lime trees, 1 larch tree, 1 oak tree, 1 sycamore tree and one group of sycamore trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 3) Tree Preservation Order 1997 at Linden House Nursing Home, Linden Hill, Wellington (43/2005/133T); (i) Erection of porch to front of 55 Springfield Road, Wellington or any minor variation thereto as may be agreed in writing by the local planning authority (43/2005/145: delegated decision); (j) Erection of supermarket (2,187 sq.m.) and retail unit with first floor office with associated car park and servicing, 36-46 High Street, Wellington together with land to the rear between High Street and Scottts Lane and formation of new access to High Street (43/2004/141) and demolition of Kwiksave Store, 36-46 High Street and buildings to rear of 36-46 High Street (43/2004/142CA: the new Somerfield Store. The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plan: (a) Retention of fence to side of 80 Laburnum Road, Wellington (43/205/132).
13686 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST JANUARY 2006A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2005 to 31st January 2006 was £85,829 (£120,225 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006) and that expenditure for the same period was £58,631 (£143,100 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006). The report was noted.
13687 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENTOn the proposition of Councillor Hindley, seconded by Councillor Stock-Williams, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: EDF Energy 1 £144.62 for electricity for office/chamber for period 14/10/05 to 13/1/06; Wimbleball Sailing Club Disabled Section £200 grant; Dillington Advertising Services £155.71 for advertising post of assistant; The E-Steamed Cleaning Company £75 for cleaning pavement by town centre bus shelters and outside old post office; Taunton Deane Borough Council £327.77 for carrying out road closures for switching on of Christmas lights; Judith Goss Florists £30 for flowers for local war graves for October and December 2005; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £172 for subsidised hospital patient transport to Musgrove Park Hospital for December 2005; Taunton DBC £2,224.73 for footpath clearance in 2005; Mr A. Brown £1,662.34; Inland Revenue £644.69; St John’s Primary School £284.34 for school crossing patrol for Autumn terms 2005; Taunton DBC £788.78 for grass cutting at Tone play area for 2005; Taunton DBC £6,998.45 for erection of Christmas illuminations; Coach Drivers Club of Great Britain £94 for annual year book entry; Hinewood Cleaning Services £160 for town centre bus shelter cleaning and office/chamber window cleaning for January 2006 and six month cleaning of 8 other bus shelters in Wellington and Rockwell Green; Christmas light electricity payments: Mount Veterinary Group £75, H.T. Perry £60, Mr J. Pragnell £40, Evad Furniture £40, Eight Bells Inn £40, Grants of Wellington £40, Wellington United Reformed Church £40, Wellington Baptist Church £40, Green Dragon Inn £20, Mr S.B. Ong £20, Somerset Army Cadet Force £20.
2221
WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
13688 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 February 2006; Taunton Deane Council for Voluntary Service bulletin for January 2006; The Playing Field, the Winter 2005-06 newsletter of Somerset Playing Fields Association; NALC direct information service bulletin No. 623; January 2006 edition of The Clerk, the journal of the Society of Local Council Clerks; January/February 2006 edition of Lillebonne Town Council’s municipal magazine; Coach Monthly for January 2006.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.37PM
PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillor D. Mitton (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Horsman, A. Govier, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown. There was an apology from Councillor P. Critchard. There were 8 members of the public present.
13657 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTSWith reference to minute 13619, the chairman, Councillor R. Bowrah, reported that local butterfly expert Roger Suttton, who had taken an inscribed Wellington plaque and civic greetings to the Mayor of Wellington, New Zealand, in January, had returned with gifts for the town council from the city mayor, Kerry Prendergast, including an illustrated book “Wellington A Capital Century,” a presentation pen and key ring inscribed with “Absolutely Positively Wellington.” A letter of appreciation, a book “Wellington and Beyond” and a pen had also been received from the mayor that day (6th February). It was agreed that the books should be presented to Wellington Library to make these more accessible to local residents.
13658 RETIREMENT OF PC GRAHAME WOODWARDThe chairman presented an inscribed Wellington plaque to PC Grahame Woodward on his retirement in appreciation of 30 years of outstanding service to the community.
13659 POLICE MATTERSSgt Richard Caburn reported that in January there had been 2 domestic burglaries, 3 commercial burglaries, 6 cases of criminal damage, 19 thefts from motor vehicles (12 of which occurred on one day and for which 2 youths and a girl had been arrested for theft). There was still an on-going problem with vehicles being broken into at the Monument on a regular basis during the day. He urged motorists not to leave any articles in view but either to carry valuables with them or leave them in the boot of the car. On 24th January a man from Bristol came down to Wellington to try to steal a motor caravan. First he stole a car from Rockwell Green and then tried to tow away the motor home but the rope snapped. He was later arrested by PC Woodward by the motorway. He was believed to have been involved in other offences throughout the South West. Referring to the paintball scheme for youngsters, he mentioned that a local pensioner had given £100 towards the costs. Students at Court Fields School would be taking part in a youth watch crime reduction scheme involving the police, fire brigade, environmental health and RSPCA which would be launched at the end of February. Volunteers would take part in training sessions to learn how to mark property with security stamps and how to stay safe and look after wildlife. It would then be taught to the rest of the school. The police were keen to set up the scheme to try and encourage crime prevention at an early age. Rather than hand out marker pens in supermarkets, the police would be getting the children to do it, getting them involved in marking property and educating their parents as well. A similar scheme had been tried out at Radstock and had been quite successful. Overall crime in the area was 38 per cent down and the detection rate was 25 per cent. Sgt Caburn said he would be leaving Wellington next month after being promoted to inspector but would be introducing his successor to the town council at the March meeting. He was congratulated on his promotion and thanked for his attendance. He stated he would look into possible CCTV coverage of damage to a large flower trough outside the URC Church in Fore Street on Saturday night (4th February).2216
WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
COUNCILLOR BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 7.29PM AS HE WAS FEELING UNWELL AND COUNCILLOR MITTON PRESIDED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE MEETING
13660 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOMThe chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward reported that the committee’s annual meeting was being held in the Bulford Centre at 6pm on Thursday 16th February 2006 and invited councillors to attend.
13661 MINUTES OF JANUARY COUNCIL MEETINGSThe minutes of the council meetings held on 9th January 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.
13662 PRECEPT FOR 2006-2007A detailed report, attached to these minutes, was received from the clerk on the council’s budget and precept for 2006-2007, recommending that the council should keep its council tax unchanged at £16.50 for Band D properties for the seventh year in succession and should fix a precept of £74,409. On the proposition of Councillor Govier, who thanked the clerk for his work on preparing the budget, seconded by Councillor James, it was unanimously agreed to fix the precept for 2006-2007 at £74,409.
13663 COMMUNITY PAINTBALL GRANT REQUESTA letter, grant application form and financial statements were received from PCSO Simon Bramley asking the town council to consider making a grant of £500 to help continue and improve Wellington Community Paintball Scheme, which helps reduce anti social behaviour in the town, for the coming year. On the proposition of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Hindley it was unanimously agreed to make a grant of £500.
13664 BEECH HILL STORES LAY-BYWith reference to minute 13645 a detailed report was received from the clerk on a joint site meeting held on 13th January 2006 with the two shop owners, town councillors and Somerset Highways, about line marking the lay-by outside Beech Hill shops. The report stated that Somerset Highways strongly advised on highway safety grounds that dotted lines were placed across the front of the lay-by. The lines, which were only advisory, would encourage drivers to park parallel to the kerb but drivers could still park as at present if those chose. The clerk also advised councillors to heed the recommendation of Somerset Highways. A letter was received from Mr Peter Turnbull, of 16a Beech Hill, suggesting the provision of the word “slow” on the road. Councillor James proposed, with Councillor Hindley seconding, that the lay-by should be left unmarked but the proposal was defeated 6-4. Councillor Byrne proposed, with Councillor Stock-Williams seconding, that the council should ask Somerset Highways to put a dotted white line across the front of the lay-by and this was carried 6-2 with two abstentions.
13665 POSSIBLE ONE WAY SYSTEM FOR COURTLAND ROADWith reference to minute 13635 a letter was received from Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways, stating that it was not possible to have a variable time one way system for Courtland Road but consideration could be given to a permanent south bound system. A letter was received from Mr Neil Raybould, of 13 Courtland Road, 2217WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
13665 POSSIBLE ONE WAY SYSTEM FOR COURTLAND ROAD (continued)expressing concerns about the proposal. Standing orders were suspended to allow Mrs Hilda Thornton, of Court Mews, Courtland Road, to speak. She also objected to the one-way system. Councillor Govier proposed, with Councillor Hindley seconding, that no further action should be taken and this was agreed unanimously.
13666 PARKING PROBLEMS IN SCOTTS LANEA letter was received from Mr Ian Titcombe, of Someset Highways, stating that cars parked in Scotts Lane were sometimes causing a problem for large vehicles accessing the rear of the Kwiksave supermarket. It was agreed to take no action over possible waiting restrictions at the present time but to wait for the Somerfield development to take place.
13667 WIMBLEBALL SAILING CLUB GRANT With reference to minute 13630 a letter of thanks for the grant of £200 was received from Wimbleball Sailing Club, plus details about local disabled sailors. The letter was noted.
13668 TAUNTON CAB GRANTWith reference to minute 13655 a letter of thanks was received from Taunton and District CAB for the council grant of £600. The letter was noted.
13669 STANDARD OF DRIVING BY TAXI DRIVERSWith reference to minute 13631 a letter was received from Taunton DBC suggesting contacting the police about the driving of taxi drivers. The letter was noted.
13670 ELECTORAL REVIEW OF TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGHWith reference to minute 13627 a letter was received from the Boundary Commission acknowledging the town council’s comments. The letter was noted.
13671 OLYMPIC GAMES 2012With reference to minute 13628 letters were received from Sport England South West registering the town council’s interest as a possible venue for training camps for 2012 and from Taunton DBC. Both letters were noted.
13672 LONGMEAD CLOSE-BURCHILLS HILL CLAIMED FOOTPATHWith reference to minute 13231 the clerk reported that the case for the claimed short length of footpath from Longmead Close to Burchills Hill would be considered by the County Council’s Regulation Committee in March. The report was noted.
13673 TAUNTON DEANE POLICE NEWSLETTERWith reference to minute 13648 councillors received a copy of the Taunton Deane Police Newsletter for January 2006 from Inspector Mike Ashwin.
13674 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH SCHEMEWith reference to minute 13513 letters were received from Mr D.G. Smith suggesting that the town council should consider buying a digital camera and from the police about the community speed watch scheme. After some discussion it was decided not to purchase a digital camera.
2218WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
13675 IMPROVED LIGHTING FOR OLANDS ROADWith reference to minute 13378 the clerk reported that the new street light had been erected in Olands Road and was working. A grant from Taunton DBC towards the cost of the work was waited. The report was noted.
13676 PUBLIC NOTICE BOARD FOR WARRREN STREETWith reference to minute 13537 the clerk reported that letters had been sent out to the 12 residents nearest the site for the proposed public notice board by the Warren Street play area, asking for their comments on the suggestion. Two replies had been received, both objecting to the idea, saying it would spoil their outlook and detract from the openness of the area. On the proposition of Councillor Warren, seconded by Councillor Hindley, it was agreed to take no further action.
13677 FUTURE USE OF BASINS ALLOTMENTSWith reference to minute 13599 the clerk reported that 11 tenants were in favour of forming an allotment association to run the allotments (subject to various conditions), 3 were against, 3 had no strong views and no replies had been received from 8 tenants who had renewed their tenancies. Most of the conditions concerned improving the state of overgrown allotments. 10 tenants had not renewed their tenancies at the start of 2006, all with badly overgrown plots. These plots were being sprayed with weed killer and cleared and divided in half before being let to those on the waiting list (14) and to existing excellent tenants (4) who wanted to have extra ground to cultivate. It was agreed to arrange a meeting with the tenants to provide details of the results of consultation but not to make a decision at this stage on the question of leasing the allotments to an association.
13678 PROPOSED ERECTION OF HOUSE AT 28 LONGFORTH ROADWith reference to minute 13475 the clerk reported that a planning inspector had dismissed the appeal against the decision of Taunton DBC to refuse permission for the erection of a house adjacent to 28 Longforth Road, Wellington. The town council had also been against the application. The report was noted.
13679 FILING INLAND REVENUE RETURNS ON-LINEWith reference to minute 13258 the clerk reported that a cheque for £250 had been received from the Inland Revenue for filing on-line for 2004-2005. Another cheque for £250 would be received for the current tax year when the returns were filed. The report was noted.
13680 PROVISION OF DOG WASTE BINSWith reference to minute 13474 the clerk reported that Taunton DBC had been asked for a report on the use of the 5 dog waste bins installed by the town council in August 2005 and that there had been verbal complaints about increased dog fouling in the town, particularly the Kitts, Barn Meads Road and Wellesley Park School areas. It was agreed to ask Taunton DBC about more patrolling in Wellington, the provision of additional bins and the cleaning up of badly affected areas.
13681 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT FOXDOWN HILLA letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that a Tree Preservation Order had been placed on 4 oak trees, 3 beech trees, 2 pine trees and 1 Wellingtonia tree at Foxdown Hill off Mantle Street, Wellington. The letter was noted.
2219WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
13682 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 112B MANTLE STREETA letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that a Tree Preservation Order had been placed on a Holm oak tree at 112b Mantle Street, Wellington. The letter was noted. The clerk stated the order and the TPO at minute 13681 covered trees which could be affected by the proposed medical centre off Mantle Street.
COUNCILLOR WARREN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.30PM
13683 RETAILING IN WELLINGTON: BUSINESS RATES A letter was received from Mr Dennis Croughton, of 16 Lillebonne Close, Wellington on the problems of retailing in Wellington caused by high rents and business rates and urging the town council to resist the growing pressure to allow empty shops to be turned into offices. Councillor Byrne suggested that to encourage independent shops to set up in Wellington they should be exempt from paying business rates for the first year of trading which was usually the most difficult period for any new venture. After some discussion it was agreed to write to local MP Jeremy Browne asking him to raise in the House of Commons the issue of a business rates “holiday” scheme for new independent shops funded by Central Government.
13684 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPWith reference to minute 13652 a report was received from the clerk on Wellington Economic Partnership meeting on 23rd January 2006 covering the new Monument View Business Park at Chelston, work on which was due to start in February 2006 with completion by July 2007 and which could provide over 70 local jobs; the relocation of Taunton Livestock Market to Chelston, about which pessimistic views had been expressed as it was felt the rival scheme near North Petherton was likely to go ahead; the launch of a Buy Local campaign which the town council was asked to support financially in principle; higher bus fares; grants for small businesses to improve their IT systems or connect to Broadband; high rents for shops and business rates. It was agreed to financially support the Buy Local campaign in principle. It was agreed to put the suggested business rates exemption for new independent shops on the agenda for the next WEP meeting on 20th March 2006 and also reviewing car park charges in Wellington and Taunton following the better than expected grant allocation received by Taunton DBC from Central Government.
COUNCILLOR HORSMAN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.35PM
13685 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBCThe clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Application to carry out tree work to one evergreen oak tree within Wellington conservation area at Wellington Over-60s Club, North Street, Wellington (43/2005/134T); (b) Erection of conservatory to rear of 26 Warren Street, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2005/141: delegated decision); (c) Erection of dwelling to the south east of 42 Church Fields, Wellington (43/2005/138: renewal); (d) Internal alterations at the cellar bar basement of 21 High Street, Wellington (43/2005/140LB); (e) Application to fell 6 coniferous trees within Wellington conservation area at the Catholic Church, Mantle Street, Wellington (43.2005/142T); (f) Conversion of dwelling to 2 two bedroom flats, internal and external alterations including enlargement of dormer windows, single storey extension to rear, replacement windows and re-roofing, replacement porch to front, 51 High Street, Wellington as amended by applicants plans, drawing Nos. 11803A and 11804A received 4th January 2220WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
13685 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC (continued)2006 (43/2005/135 and 43/2005/136LB); (g) Erection of carport at Honeysuckle Cottage, 13 Lower Westford, Wellington (43/2005/137: delegated decision); (h) Application to carry out tree work on 5 beech trees, 3 cork oak trees, 2 pine trees, 2 lime trees, 1 larch tree, 1 oak tree, 1 sycamore tree and one group of sycamore trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 3) Tree Preservation Order 1997 at Linden House Nursing Home, Linden Hill, Wellington (43/2005/133T); (i) Erection of porch to front of 55 Springfield Road, Wellington or any minor variation thereto as may be agreed in writing by the local planning authority (43/2005/145: delegated decision); (j) Erection of supermarket (2,187 sq.m.) and retail unit with first floor office with associated car park and servicing, 36-46 High Street, Wellington together with land to the rear between High Street and Scottts Lane and formation of new access to High Street (43/2004/141) and demolition of Kwiksave Store, 36-46 High Street and buildings to rear of 36-46 High Street (43/2004/142CA: the new Somerfield Store. The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plan: (a) Retention of fence to side of 80 Laburnum Road, Wellington (43/205/132).
13686 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST JANUARY 2006A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2005 to 31st January 2006 was £85,829 (£120,225 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006) and that expenditure for the same period was £58,631 (£143,100 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006). The report was noted.
13687 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENTOn the proposition of Councillor Hindley, seconded by Councillor Stock-Williams, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: EDF Energy 1 £144.62 for electricity for office/chamber for period 14/10/05 to 13/1/06; Wimbleball Sailing Club Disabled Section £200 grant; Dillington Advertising Services £155.71 for advertising post of assistant; The E-Steamed Cleaning Company £75 for cleaning pavement by town centre bus shelters and outside old post office; Taunton Deane Borough Council £327.77 for carrying out road closures for switching on of Christmas lights; Judith Goss Florists £30 for flowers for local war graves for October and December 2005; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £172 for subsidised hospital patient transport to Musgrove Park Hospital for December 2005; Taunton DBC £2,224.73 for footpath clearance in 2005; Mr A. Brown £1,662.34; Inland Revenue £644.69; St John’s Primary School £284.34 for school crossing patrol for Autumn terms 2005; Taunton DBC £788.78 for grass cutting at Tone play area for 2005; Taunton DBC £6,998.45 for erection of Christmas illuminations; Coach Drivers Club of Great Britain £94 for annual year book entry; Hinewood Cleaning Services £160 for town centre bus shelter cleaning and office/chamber window cleaning for January 2006 and six month cleaning of 8 other bus shelters in Wellington and Rockwell Green; Christmas light electricity payments: Mount Veterinary Group £75, H.T. Perry £60, Mr J. Pragnell £40, Evad Furniture £40, Eight Bells Inn £40, Grants of Wellington £40, Wellington United Reformed Church £40, Wellington Baptist Church £40, Green Dragon Inn £20, Mr S.B. Ong £20, Somerset Army Cadet Force £20.
2221
WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
13688 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 February 2006; Taunton Deane Council for Voluntary Service bulletin for January 2006; The Playing Field, the Winter 2005-06 newsletter of Somerset Playing Fields Association; NALC direct information service bulletin No. 623; January 2006 edition of The Clerk, the journal of the Society of Local Council Clerks; January/February 2006 edition of Lillebonne Town Council’s municipal magazine; Coach Monthly for January 2006.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.37PM
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 10:30 AM
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