PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE DRAFT MINUTES TO BE CONFIRMED ON 7TH JULY
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 2 June 2008 at 7.00pm.
PRESENT: Councillor P Critchard (Mayor),
Councillors R. Bowrah, G. Copley, G. Goodwin, A. Govier, J. Govier, , R. Henley, C. Hindley, D Mitton, J Reed, V. Stock-Williams, S. Walters and N. Wilson.
Greg Dyke (Town Clerk), Mrs J Thorne (Assistant Clerk)
There were 4 members of the public present.
14750 APOLOGIES
Councillors Clark, Henley and Lloyd
14751 MINUTES
The minutes of the Annual meeting of the Council held on 12 May 2008 and the meetings of the Council held on 12 May 2008 copies of which had been circulated were taken as read and were signed as correct by the Mayor.
14752 TOWN MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Town Mayor reported that he had attended a performance of Annie Get Your Gun by the Wellington Operatic Society, represented the Council at the Green Flag judging day at Wellington Park, opened the Annual Street Fair and attended an Induction Service for Churchwardens
He had also received an invitation to attend the Summer Spectacular being organised by the Wellington Sports Federation. This invitation had also been extended to all councillors.
14753 POLICE REPORT
Standing Orders were suspended to allow Mr Stan Broom to speak.
Mr Broom referred to a recent incident where he had occasion to report a suspicious package to the Police. In view of recent events in Exeter, Mr Broom expressed disappointment at the amount of time it took the Police to respond.
Wellington Police Sergeant Stuart Bell thanked Mr Broom for calling the Police. He confirmed that the Wellington Police Station was not a response Station. He advised that 999 should be dialled in similar circumstances. Sergeant Bell undertook to discuss this particular incident further with Mr Broom. Councillor Jackie Govier also assured Mr Broom that his concerns had been taken seriously and that this matter would be discussed by the Council’s Emergency Committee.
Sergeant Bell then went on to report the latest crime figures for May. There had been a general increase in criminal damage to motor vehicles and in thefts from motor vehicles. This appeared to be an increasing crime trend. However, there had been a reduction in other types of criminal damage and in burglaries from non dwellings and theft from shops. Although the figures showed an overall reduction, he was concerned with those areas where an increasing trend had been noticed. Action had been taken to put additional patrols in place to try and deal with this.
Details were also submitted of the recent discovery of a drug production enterprise and arrests made.
Councillor Andy Govier gave an update on the Restorative Justice Scheme. Seven volunteer coordinators had been appointed and it was hoped that Panels would be in operation shortly. The Council were informed that Rowena Stratford, the Restorative Justice Coordinator had recently been in a car accident and was unable to be present at the meeting. Members sent their best wishes to Rowena for a speedy recovery.
14754 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME
Isabel Ward reported that the Wellington in Bloom organisation were still waiting to be informed of the date for judging. It was intended to take the judges to visit the Basins and the Allotments. She drew attention to various areas that would benefit from some attention.
It was unfortunate that the recent spate of vandalism in the Park had reduced the time available to be spent on providing floral displays.
(Councillor Bowrah declared a personal interest in this matter as an Allotment holder).
14755 GRANT APPLICATION: TAUNTON AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
A request was submitted from Taunton and District CAB for an annual grant of £1250. It was reported that when a similar grant was made last year, an additional amount of £120 had been given to enable the installation of Broadband in the office used by CAB. However, as Broadband had subsequently been provided by Taunton Deane Borough Council this sum had not been used. In the circumstances it was felt that a grant should be made, but that the sum of £120 should be deducted from the amount requested.
Members were also keen to hold talks with the CAB to see if there was any possibility of enhancing the service currently provided in Wellington.
It was agreed that:
· a grant of £1,130 be made to Taunton and District Citizens Advice Bureau;
· further discussions take place with the CAB to investigate the possibility of its service in Wellington being enhanced.
14756 WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
With reference to Minute 14743 a note had been received from the Treasurer of Wellington in Bloom thanking the Council for its grant and saying that the money would be spent in enhancing this “special town”. The comments were noted.
14757 ROAD SURFACE, IMPROVEMENT PLACE, WELLINGTON
Further to Minute 14736 an email from the Highway Authority was reported which stated that the road surface at Improvement Place had been inspected several months ago and this site had been added to their Proposed Scheme Resurfacing List for future work.
Concern was also expressed at the recent problems of flooding in this area. It appeared from an inspection of the area that the problem could have been caused by a range of issues including inadequate road surface drainage and excess storm water coming down through the bank under the Wellington School Astroturf area. It was agreed that a meeting be held with the Highway Authority and the Bursar, Wellington School to investigate what action might be taken to solve this recurring problem.
14758 WELLINGTON PLASTIC BAG FREE TOWN
With reference to Minute 14726 a further letter had been received from Christian Care for One World (CCOW) regarding making Wellington Plastic Bag Free. The Clerk reported that this initiative had now been drawn to the attention of the Wellington Economic Partnership and the Wellington Chamber of Trade and Commerce.
It was agreed that a report be submitted giving further information on how this initiative had been successfully implemented in other areas.
14759 TPO, 11 HIGH PATH, WELLINGTON
With reference to Minute 14735 a report of the Development Manager to TDBC Planning Committee regarding TPO at 11 High Path, Wellington was submitted. The report had recommended that this TPO be confirmed. The report was noted.
14760 PARKING PROBLEMS, CORAMS LANE, WELLINGTON
Further to Minute 14732 a letter was submitted from Wellington RFC regarding parking problems in and around Corams Lane. The Rugby Club had acknowledged the problem and gave details of procedures they had put in place to ensure that it did not happen again. Members felt that this was a very satisfactory result and noted the Rugby Club’s letter.
14761 GRANT – WELLINGTON RFC
With reference to Minute 14719 a letter was submitted from Viridor Credits following the decision to bring forward the grant payable to Wellington RFC for its proposed Stand. The Town Council’s assistance in this matter was appreciated which would help to achieve a successful project. The letter was noted.
14762 PARKING AT BUCKWELL, WELLINGTON
With reference to Minute 14713 the Clerk reported that the parking situation at Buckwell had been monitored by TDBC’s Civil Enforcement Officers. Although there was evidence of irresponsible and inconsiderate parking there had been no breaches of the parking regulations. It was noted that the situation would continue to be monitored. The Clerk would establish the legal position regarding parking in this area and investigate the possibility of the introduction of parking restrictions.
14763 PUBLIC CALL BOXES
A letter was submitted from TDBC drawing attention to proposals by BT to remove a number of public payphones from the area. The views of the Town Council had been requested by the Borough Council who would be coordinating responses on behalf of BT..
Members were generally very concerned at these proposals. It was felt that public call boxes continued to provide a valuable service, particularly to vulnerable sections of the community. It was agreed that in the absence of detailed useage figures, BT be informed that the Town Council did not believe that a case had been made to support any closures at this stage.
14764 TRO SPRINGFIELD ROAD, WELLINGTON
A Traffic Regulation Order regarding the temporary closure of Springfield Road, Wellington on 20 July 2008 was noted.
14765 SAFER, STRONGER COMMUNITIES
A letter was received from Chief Superintendent Sandy Padgett updating the Council on the development of safer, stronger neighbourhoods and the end of year performance regarding reducing and detecting crime. The letter was noted.
14766 WELLINGTON TOWN GUIDE
Members noted that the 2008 edition of the Wellington Town Guide was now available. Copies were currently being distributed around the town.
14767 BYWAYS OPEN TO ALL TRAFFIC
A letter was submitted from the Environment Directorate, Somerset County Council regarding applications to modify the Definitive Map by upgrading restricted byways to Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs). The letter was noted
14768 POOLE BENCH
Councillor Bowrah reported that the public bench located at Poole crossroads had been removed. It appeared that it had been removed as part of the residential development which was taking place in the area. The Council were keen to see the seat reinstated or to receive reimbursement for its value which was £535.
It was agreed that the Clerk should contact Persimmon Homes in the first instance to establish whether they could provide any information regarding its removal.
14769 MARKET AND COASTAL TOWNS INITIATIVE
Councillor Mitton reported the latest position with this Initiative. He thanked those who had been involved in the consultation and visioning exercise.
The Steering Group had been looking at the long term structural issues, the strengths and weaknesses of the town, the vision for the future and ways of promoting a strong economy. It was hoped to involve all parts of the local community and to engage especially with young people.
The process would continue to be driven by the Town Council and the Wellington Economic Partnership and a final Plan would be produced.
Work was currently proceeding with consultants focusing on the “Wellington Green Lung”.
The position was noted.
14770 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN
Councillor Mitton reported that plans were well advanced for the Food Town event on 4 and 5 July 2008. The event would be bigger this year and would be over a 2 day period. It would take place at Wellington School. It was hoped to involve the local community more this year with opportunities being provided for community stalls. Volunteers to assist in the event were being sought. The position was noted.
14771 ALLOTMENTS COMMITTEE
Councillor Lloyd, as Lead Councillor on Allotments had submitted a report which stated that since the last meeting of the Council she had undertaken a site visit of the council’s allotments, accompanied by Councillor Mitton and the Town Clerk.
There were a number of issues that needed to be addressed by the committee at its first meeting.
These ranged from replacing some of the fencing and the barbed wire that was present on the fencing and replacing the present gate to arranging for grass and hedge cutting on the site. Some work had already been undertaken on obtaining estimates for the cost of replacing/renewing the fencing and gate.
A site meeting for the Allotments Committee Members had been arranged for 6.30 p.m. on Thursday 12 June 2008 and the first Allotments Committee Meeting was to be held at 3.00 p.m. on Tuesday 24 June 2008 in the Council Chamber.
14772 CUSTOMER ACCESS PROJECT – SOUTH WEST ONE
The Town Clerk reported upon a meeting that had taken place with the Mayor (Councillor Critchard), Councillor Mitton, the Town Clerk and 2 representatives of South West One.
After setting this Project against the background of the failed Unitary Council bid, Team Somerset and now Pioneer Somerset, the representatives from SW One had explained that they had been tasked with undertaking a project to look at locality based service delivery.
They stressed that their role was to look at the “proof of concept” and not to deliver any solutions at this stage. They would be looking at Wellington as a whole, apply local needs and local solutions and see if a viable business case could be prepared.
They would be working with many different stakeholders including the Town Council. It was their intention to analyse the data they collect before arranging a workshop at the end of June at which all stakeholders would be invited to attend.
The over riding philosophy was to see whether the concept of a “One Stop Shop” providing a range of services in one place was possible.
The Town Council would play a major role in this Project and any further developments would be reported to members. The report was noted.
14773. THINKING BIG FOR WELLINGTON
Councillor Mitton reported that the Wellington Market and Coastal Town Initiative had held consultation meetings earlier this year on a Vision for the future of Wellington and was close to publishing its plan. Consultations on the draft would be taking place shortly.
In the meanwhile he felt that the Council should be thinking about the present in Wellington.
The proposed move of the Medical Centre to Mantle Street was one of the most unpopular recent ideas. The site had been chosen because of a lack of alternative sites in Wellington. The local Library was too small. Under the Pioneer Somerset initiative local authorities were looking at a single point for customers to access public services in Wellington.
At the same time, the Cooperative appeared to be about to buy Somerfield As the new Somerfield Superstore was going to be ready at the end of this year it was possible that the Cooperative would want to move its present store to the new site. It might be that their existing store could be used as Wellington’s own centre for public services provision.
An opportunity like this probably occurred rarely and Councillor Mitton felt that it should be grasped.
Members generally welcomed the opportunity for discussion of this matter. They did, however, wish to guard against raising expectations unnecessarily. At this stage, there were many loose ends still to tie up.
It was agreed that the Clerk should contact the landowner to establish their plans for the future of the site and to inform them of this idea.
14774 PLANNING DECISIONS OF TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL
It was reported that the following planning decisions had been made by Taunton Deane Borough Council:
PERMISSION GRANTED FOR THE FOLLOWING APPLICATIONS:
(a) Erection of two dwellings with car ports and bike store on land opposite Bridge House, Westford, Wellington (43/2007/061)
(b) Carry out management work to one beech tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No 5) Tree Preservation Order 1987 at 3 Hoyles Close, Wellington (43/2008/052T)
(c) Carry out management work to 3 birch trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No 1) Tree Preservation Order 1994 at 15 Willcocks Close, Wellington (43/2008/053T)
(d) Erection of 1 condenser at rear of building at 63 High Street, Wellington (43/2008/029)
(e) Erection of single storey extensions and conservatory 5 Orchard Close, Lower Westford, Wellington (43/2008/050)
14775 COUNCIL PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS
The Clerk reported that the Council’s receipts for the period from 31 March to was £78,087 and that expenditure for the same period was £87,833. The report was noted.
147766 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
It was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques:
(a) BT – calls and rental charges £59.49
(b) Janet Disney – for providing refreshments for Tony Brown’s retirement evening £405
(c) Zurich Municipal – additional cost of insurance for CCTV Camera and laptop. Also increased cover for MUGA. £401.92
(d) Inland Revenue underpayment - £86.71
(e) Deane DLO for works to CCTV Camera - £135.13
(f) WCCTV – 17 March to 17 April 2008 - £32.00
(g) WCCTV – 17 April to 17 may 2008 - £2.09
(h) Somerset County Council (SWRA) Payment for training for Clerk and Assistant Clerk in relation to Finance for Local Council Clerks - £230.30
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.43PM
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Wellington Town Council planning minutes June 2008
PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE DRAFT MINUTES TO BE CONFIRMED ON 7TH JULY
MINUTES OF THE 134th PLANNING MEETING OF WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH HALL IN FORE STREET, WELLINGTON, ON MONDAY 2 JUNE 2008 AT 6PM
PRESENT: Councillors P Critchard (Mayor), J Reed (Deputy Mayor), R. Bowrah, G. Copley, G. Goodwin, A. Govier, J. Govier, C. Hindley, D Mitton, V. Stock-Williams, S. Walters and N Wilson.
Greg Dyke (Town Clerk), Mrs J. Thorne, (Assistant Clerk) and Mr J. Hamer (Taunton DBC Planning Manager).
There were apologies from Councillors J Clark, R Henley, and J Lloyd. There was 1 member of the public present.
14747 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Councillors Critchard and Bowrah stated they were members of Taunton Deane Borough Council Planning Committee and reserved their right to vote differently at Taunton Deane Borough Council Planning Committee meeting than at the Town Council Planning meeting as different facts could be placed before them.
14748 20 HOWARD ROAD, WELLINGTON
The Council received details of the following application: Change of use of ground floor retail use to dog grooming parlour and ancillary pet supplies at 20 Howard Road, Wellington (43/2008/048). A letter of representation had been received from an adjoining owner expressing concern at possible overlooking from windows at the back of the property. The Planning Officer informed the Council that the neighbours concern over existing windows to the rear was not an issue that could be addressed by this planning application. In respect of the issues of impact on residential amenity and road safety and with regard in particular to no objection being raised either by the Environmental Health Officer or County Highways Authority it was considered that the proposal was acceptable. The Council agreed to GRANT PERMISSION.
14749 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL:
The Council considered the following applications:
(a) Change of use of part of first floor living accommodation to recording studio 14 – 18 North Street, Wellington (Mama Stone’s) (43/2008/049). The Environmental Health Officer felt that there would be a potential noise nuisance and had asked the applicant to undertake an acoustic survey to establish what noise attenuation measures might be necessary.
Standing Orders were suspended to allow Linda Powell, a neighbouring resident to speak.
It was agreed to DEFER this application pending receipt of the Environmental Health Officer’s further observations.
(b) Erection of building to provide for ground floor retail units with 7 residential units on the first, second and third floor together with associated car parking 36 High Street, Wellington (43/2008/056). The Conservation Officer felt that a three storey building in this position was inappropriate and would have an adverse impact on the character of the Conservation Area. It was agreed to recommend that this application be REFUSED.
(c) Construction of five flats with pedestrian access only at 12 High Street, Wellington (43/2008/061). The views of the Conservation Officer were awaited. There also appeared to be a possible problem of overlooking.
It was agreed to DEFER this application pending receipt of the Conservation Officers views and the receipt of any representations.
(d) Reduction in height of existing fence by 1 foot 32 Seymour Street, Wellington (43/2008/059). There was little adverse impact on visual amenity with this proposal.
It was agreed to recommend that PERMISSION BE GRANTED.
(e) Change of use from residential dwelling to osteopathic/complementary health practice at 13 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2008/064). The views of the Environmental Health Officer were awaited, together with those of the Highway Authority.
It was agreed to DEFER this application pending receipt of the appropriate officer’s views.
(f) Application to carry out management work to one Prunus Tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No 1) Tree Preservation Order 1984 at Wellington House, Longforth Road, Wellington (43/2008/070T)
It was agreed to recommend that CONSENT BE GRANTED.
(g) Demolition and reinstatement like for like of the south western and north eastern walls to Block E, Tonedale Business park, Tonedale Mill, Milverton Road, Wellington (43/2008/072LB).
It was agreed to DEFER this application pending receipt of the observations of the Conservation Officer.
.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 6.26PM
MINUTES OF THE 134th PLANNING MEETING OF WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH HALL IN FORE STREET, WELLINGTON, ON MONDAY 2 JUNE 2008 AT 6PM
PRESENT: Councillors P Critchard (Mayor), J Reed (Deputy Mayor), R. Bowrah, G. Copley, G. Goodwin, A. Govier, J. Govier, C. Hindley, D Mitton, V. Stock-Williams, S. Walters and N Wilson.
Greg Dyke (Town Clerk), Mrs J. Thorne, (Assistant Clerk) and Mr J. Hamer (Taunton DBC Planning Manager).
There were apologies from Councillors J Clark, R Henley, and J Lloyd. There was 1 member of the public present.
14747 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Councillors Critchard and Bowrah stated they were members of Taunton Deane Borough Council Planning Committee and reserved their right to vote differently at Taunton Deane Borough Council Planning Committee meeting than at the Town Council Planning meeting as different facts could be placed before them.
14748 20 HOWARD ROAD, WELLINGTON
The Council received details of the following application: Change of use of ground floor retail use to dog grooming parlour and ancillary pet supplies at 20 Howard Road, Wellington (43/2008/048). A letter of representation had been received from an adjoining owner expressing concern at possible overlooking from windows at the back of the property. The Planning Officer informed the Council that the neighbours concern over existing windows to the rear was not an issue that could be addressed by this planning application. In respect of the issues of impact on residential amenity and road safety and with regard in particular to no objection being raised either by the Environmental Health Officer or County Highways Authority it was considered that the proposal was acceptable. The Council agreed to GRANT PERMISSION.
14749 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL:
The Council considered the following applications:
(a) Change of use of part of first floor living accommodation to recording studio 14 – 18 North Street, Wellington (Mama Stone’s) (43/2008/049). The Environmental Health Officer felt that there would be a potential noise nuisance and had asked the applicant to undertake an acoustic survey to establish what noise attenuation measures might be necessary.
Standing Orders were suspended to allow Linda Powell, a neighbouring resident to speak.
It was agreed to DEFER this application pending receipt of the Environmental Health Officer’s further observations.
(b) Erection of building to provide for ground floor retail units with 7 residential units on the first, second and third floor together with associated car parking 36 High Street, Wellington (43/2008/056). The Conservation Officer felt that a three storey building in this position was inappropriate and would have an adverse impact on the character of the Conservation Area. It was agreed to recommend that this application be REFUSED.
(c) Construction of five flats with pedestrian access only at 12 High Street, Wellington (43/2008/061). The views of the Conservation Officer were awaited. There also appeared to be a possible problem of overlooking.
It was agreed to DEFER this application pending receipt of the Conservation Officers views and the receipt of any representations.
(d) Reduction in height of existing fence by 1 foot 32 Seymour Street, Wellington (43/2008/059). There was little adverse impact on visual amenity with this proposal.
It was agreed to recommend that PERMISSION BE GRANTED.
(e) Change of use from residential dwelling to osteopathic/complementary health practice at 13 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2008/064). The views of the Environmental Health Officer were awaited, together with those of the Highway Authority.
It was agreed to DEFER this application pending receipt of the appropriate officer’s views.
(f) Application to carry out management work to one Prunus Tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No 1) Tree Preservation Order 1984 at Wellington House, Longforth Road, Wellington (43/2008/070T)
It was agreed to recommend that CONSENT BE GRANTED.
(g) Demolition and reinstatement like for like of the south western and north eastern walls to Block E, Tonedale Business park, Tonedale Mill, Milverton Road, Wellington (43/2008/072LB).
It was agreed to DEFER this application pending receipt of the observations of the Conservation Officer.
.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 6.26PM
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Wellington Town Council April 2008
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 7 April 2008 at 7.00pm.
PRESENT: Councillor D Mitton (Chairman), Councillors R. Bowrah, P Critchard, J. Clark, G. Copley, A. Govier, J. Govier, G. Goodwin, R. Henley, C. Hindley, J. Lloyd, S. Walters, N. Wilson, and V. Stock-Williams, the clerk A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne and the clerk designate Greg Dyke. There was an apology from Councillor Reed. There were 17 members of the public present.
14661 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman reported that he had recently attended meetings in connection with the Markets and Coastal Towns Initiative and the Food Town. He had supported the Mayor of Taunton Deane at a charity event and had also represented the town council at the Chard Town Council civic service. The vice chairman had also represented the council at a county scouting event where he had been presented with a friendship neckerchief.
14662 TOWN CLERK -APPOINTMENT AND RETIREMENT
Greg Dyke, who had recently been appointed as town clerk designate was welcomed to his first council meeting. This was also the last meeting that Tony Brown would be attending as clerk. Tony had served the council with distinction as its clerk for 34 years. During that time the responsibilities of the post had grown considerably and Tony had successfully adapted to the role. The chairman paid tribute to Tony for his service and commitment over the years. He had been passionate about local affairs and his local knowledge and enthusiasm would be sorely missed. On behalf of the council and many other well wishers, Tony was presented with a laptop computer and an inscribed town council plaque. Members of the public including John Nash and Diana Land paid their own tributes to Tony and wished him a long and happy retirement.
14663 POLICE MATTERS
Wellington police sergeant Stuart Bell informed members of the latest crime figures for March. There had been 2 reports of criminal damage, 2 of criminal damage other than to dwellings, 2 of criminal damage to dwellings and 6 to motor vehicles. 2 reports had been received of dwelling burglaries and 6 non dwelling burglaries. There had been 6 reports of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and 3 of common assault. A number of thefts, including 2 instances of thefts from shops and theft from a motor vehicle had also been reported. One of the items stolen from the shop was small blow torch which was used to commit some acts of arson. A total of 12 people had been involved and there had been 6 arrested and the rest had been brought to justice. The general trend showed an encouraging reduction. Sergeant Bell drew attention to the importance of crime being reported to the police unless the police were told about crimes committed they could not act on them. It was often possible to link different offences and to subsequently secure a conviction. He reported further on initiatives that had recently been set up in partnership with the youth service to provide diversionary activities for young people. He also referred to initiatives aimed at incentivising young people who appeared on the anti social behaviour register. The aim was to provide an opportunity for these young people to take part in some kind of activity if they were able to demonstrate that they had maintained good behaviour over a certain period of time. The Community Restorative Justice scheme would be officially launched on 9 April. It had already had a positive impact. Pauline Sturgess, Chair of Friends of Wellington Park, informed the council that following incidents of vandalism in the park, she together with the secretary would be visiting Court Fields Community School to encourage participation by young people in the various events that took place at the park.
14664 RADIOWATCH – GRANT REQUEST
A request from Wellington Radiowatch for a grant of £4569.09 was submitted and considered. The grant would be used to assist in the purchase of a radio base station. This would allow shops to communicate with each other and assist the police in crime prevention in the town centre. The Finance Committee were sympathetic toward this request but felt that further avenues of funding should be explored before a final decision was made. It was agreed that further options for funding be discussed with Radiowatch.
14665 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 3rd March 2008, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read, confirmed and signed as correct by the chairman.
14666 WELLINGTON AND DISTRICT ORAL HISTORY GROUP
Consideration was given to an application from the Wellington and District Oral History group for a grant of £500 towards the cost of producing a booklet and upgrading its website. It was agreed that a grant of £500 be made.
14667 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: ADVERTISING IN SHOP WINDOWS
Mrs Isabel Ward of the Wellington in Bloom Committee, thanked the retiring clerk for his help support during his time in office. She also drew attention to invitations to the launch of Britain in Bloom 2008 which had been circulated to all councillors.
14668 APPOINTMENT OF EXTERNAL AUDITOR
It was reported that the Audit Commission had reappointed Moore Stephens as external auditors to the town council. The appointment covered the audit of accounts for the financial years 2007/08 to 2011/12. It was noted that the audit of the town council’s accounts for the year ending 31 March 2008 had to be completed by 2 June 2008. It was anticipated that an appropriate report would be completed and submitted to the council for consideration at its meeting on 12 May 2008.
14669 QUALITY COUNCILS UPDATE
A report was submitted from the chairman which updated councillors on the progress regarding the achievement of Quality Council status. The criteria for achieving Quality status were about to change and as such, the report highlighted areas where progress had been made and identified those areas which still required some work.
14670 LEAD COUNCILLORS AND COMMITTEES
At the January meeting it had been agreed that lead councillors should be appointed for a number of functions of the council. The chairman had now submitted a further report which identified those areas where he felt that lead councillors would be appropriate. It was also suggested that a more formal reporting system should be introduced for all those councillors appointed to outside bodies. This would help to maintain two-way communication and contact between the council and the outside bodies on which it was represented. These proposals would all help in attaining Quality Council status. It was suggested that councillors consider the proposals and that the appointments be formally made at the Annual meeting of Council in May.
14671 HGV TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN BURCHILL’S HILL
Councillor S Walters reported that she had received complaints regarding the use of HGV vehicles in Burchills Hill. This road was considered by many local residents to be too narrow to safely accommodate vehicles of this size. It was felt that Somerset Highways should be asked if there were any weight restrictions on the bridges that could be found at either end of this route. It was suggested that these problems might well be exacerbated by the use of satellite navigation. It was agreed that these problems be reported to Somerset Highways for consideration by them.
14672 WELLINTON AFC – GRANT APPLICATION
It was reported an application for a grant had been submitted by Wellington Town AFC. Full consideration of the application would be given to the application at the next meeting.
14673 WEBSITE WORKING PARTY
A meeting of the website working party was arranged for Tuesday 15th April at 2.30pm to look at quotes for updating the town council website.
14674 WELLINGTON SQUASH CLUB – GRANT
With reference to minute 14632 it was reported that an email had been received from James Luard of Wellington Squash Club thanking the council for its grant of £1,000 towards the cost of upgraded heating and spectator viewing.
14675 WITHDRAWN PLAN FOR FLATS TO THE REAR OF PENNY CLOSE
It was reported that a planning application for 6 flats on land to the rear of 2-8 Penny Close had been withdrawn.
14676 SOLAR HEATING PANELS AT 49 HIGH STREET
With reference to minute 14444 regarding a planning application for the above which had been refused, standing orders were suspended to allow the applicant Mr Sumner to speak. He thanked the council for its support for this proposal. He explained that he had now appealed to the Secretary of State against the refusal of planning permission. On the motion of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Goodwin it was agreed that the Secretary of State be informed that the town council supported this application. It was felt that a refusal had been inconsistent with other decisions from the conservation officer, the proposal was environmentally friendly, and would not be obtrusive.
14677 WITHDRAWN PLAN FOR DWELLING ON LAND ADJACENT TO BRUINS, BURCHILLS HILL
With reference to minute 14588 regarding an application for a dwelling on land adjacent to Bruins, Burchills Hill, it was reported that a letter had been received from Taunton DBC stating that the application had been withdrawn.
14678 COMMUNITY WOODLAND
With reference to minute 14575 a letter was reported from Wellington Parish tree warden Steve Palmer in response to a letter from the council asking for the tree wardens’ views about the establishment of a community woodland in Wellington. Mr Palmer said they would be formulating a outline project plan which will be presented at a public meeting to be held in April.
14679 FOOTWAY RESURFACING PROGRAMME
With reference to minute 14631 details were submitted from Somerset Highways of its programme for footway re-surfacing schemes in Wellington for the next financial year which were for Grange Close, Corner Close, end of Laburnum Road, outside the Wellesley Cinema in Mantle Street, part of Waterloo Road, and Bovet Street.
14680 DOG WARDEN SERVICE
With reference to minute 14628 a letter was submitted from Taunton DBC which drew attention to changes to dog warden services. It was agreed to write to the borough council asking it to ensure that there was still sufficient capacity to retain the current level of service. The borough council had also been previously contacted regarding the possibility of an increase in the dog warden service. No further information was yet available on this particular matter.
14681 WESTFORD FOOTPATH LEVEL CROSSING
With reference to minute 14598 and following the site meeting with Network Rail it was reported that there was no benefit from having the whistle boards replaced as there already existed a light and whistle system for people wishing to cross the railway and it was felt the boards were unnecessary. The emergency number to report any problems at the crossing was 01793 515428. This was in Network Rail’s control office at Swindon which was manned 24 hours 365 days a year.
14682 CADES FARM ROUNDABOUT
With reference to minute 14557 reported an email from Taunton DBC planning manager John Hamer about the Cades Farm roundabout. It was noted that there was no spur proposed to access any possible future development at Longforth Farm. In addition there was no specific requirement for daffodils to be replanted alongside the proposed cycleway.
14683 GRANT TO REMINISCENCE LEARNING
With reference to minute 14376 a letter was received from Fiona Mahoney, Chief Executive of Reminiscence Learning about its Community Activity Angel Project. The council had previously agreed to grant £500 on condition the full target for the project was reached.
COURTLAND ROAD CAR PARK - LIGHTING
With reference to minute 14625, a letter was received from Councillor Ross Henley, Leader of TDBC saying that at present there was no money in the budget for this but that he would investigate the matter and come back to the town council
14685 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 11 HIGH PATH
Notification had been received from Taunton DBC of a tree preservation order at 11 High Path, Wellington. The letter was noted.
14686 FOOTPATH CLOSURE AT THE THREE CUPS OFF FORE STREET
A letter had been received from Somerset Highways about a temporary footpath closure from the Three Cups to Bulford from 25th March. The work was expected to last for three weeks. The letter was noted.
14687 POPLAR TREE, FOXDOWN TERRACE
The council received a letter sent from Taunton DBC to Wellington School about a potentially hazardous Poplar tree in Foxdown Terrace. The Borough Council confirmed the tree, which was the subject of a Tree Preservation Order, could be removed. The letter was noted.
14688 STRATEGIC HOUSING MARKET ASSESSMENT AND CONSULTATION
A letter had been received from Taunton DBC asking for help to collect information for a housing needs survey as part of the strategic housing market assessment and consultation. The letter was noted.
14689 15 OAKFIELD PARK
A letter was received from Taunton DBC about an enforcement notice issued at 15 Oakfield Park, Wellington for unauthorised change of use for the purpose of operating a roofing business from the property. The letter was noted.
14690 HGV PINCH POINT CONSULTATION
A letter was received from Somerset CC about the HGV pinch point consultation. The consultation was designed to help the Highway Authority understand local perspectives on pinch points which were felt to make roads unsuitable for HGV’s. It was agreed to notify Somerset CC about pinch points at Burchills Hill and Eight Acre Lane in Wellington.
14691 PARISH PLAY AREA GRANT SCHEME
A letter was received from Taunton DBC about the parish play area grant scheme and which advised of a change regarding the amount that might be awarded. The letter was noted.
14692 CHELSTON ROUNDABOUT
A letter was received from Somerset Highways regarding a temporary 30 mph speed restriction during the construction of new roundabout at Chelston. Speed would be restricted for 8 months starting on 25 March 2008.
14693 PLASTIC BAGS
A letter had been received from Christian Care For One World asking the town council to adopt a policy of making Wellington known as a “Plastic Bag Free Town”. This would be considered further and a decision made at the next meeting of the council.
14694 HIGHWAYS GROUP CHANGES
A letter was received from Somerset Highways about organisational changes to the Area Highways Offices. The Highways Group had been modified to provide clearer points of contact and more robust lines of communication for highways maintenance issues. The letter was noted.
14695 TAUNTON DEANE LSP
It was reported that Taunton Deane LSP would shortly be holding the next round of community partnership meetings in Taunton Deane. The next meetings for the West Community Partnership were on 30 April 2008 at 6.30 pm at Wiveliscombe Community Centre and on 9 September 2008 at 6.30pm. It was agreed that the town council be represented at these meetings.
14696 COMMUNITY JUSTICE PANEL LAUNCH
An invitation had been received from Rowena Stratford, coordinator of the Community Justice Panel, to the panel’s launch event on Thursday 10th April 2008 at 3pm at The Cleve Hotel, Wellington. It was also noted that there would be a presentation about the scheme at the annual parish meeting on May 12th.
14697 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
A report was submitted from the assistant to the clerk, Mrs J. Thorne on the Wellington Economic Partnership meeting held on 31st March 2008. The partnership had developed a draft constitution which changed quite dramatically the way it would operate in the future. It was agreed that the draft constitution, a copy of which had been circulated to all councillors, be approved. The next meeting of the partnership would be held on Thursday May 22 2008 at 6pm in the council chamber of the town council offices.
14698 PLANNING DECISIONS OF TAUNTON DBC AND SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL
It was reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans:
(a) Erection of close boarded post and rail fence with gate at 4 Corams Lane, Wellington (43/2008/010)
(b) Erection of porch to north east elevation at Linden House Nursing Home, Wellington (43/2008/025)
(c) Conversion of Mill Building (Former Haymans Coalyard Warehouse) and extension to form 21 two bed apartments and formation of 32 car parking spaces and bike lockers for 42 bikes, Haymans Mill, Payton Westford, Wellington (43/2007/087)
(d) Extension and conversion of public house into 11 flats, Sanford Arms, 57 South Street, Wellington (43/2008/006)
(e) Installation of submersible foul sewage pumping station, erection of control panel kiosk and formation of access track on land to the north of Chelston House Farm, Wellington (43/2008/009)
(f) Re-Roofing of Friends Meeting House, High Street, Wellington (43/2008/011LB)
(g) Erection of first floor bay window extension at 4 White Hart Lane, Wellington (43/2008/023)
(h) Erection of smoking shelter and covered walkway between public house and skittle alley to the rear of The Sportsmans Arms, Wellington (43/2008/020)
(i) Erection of single storey extension at 21 Buckwell, Wellington (43/2008/019)
(j) Erection of single storey extension to the rear of 5 Longmead Close, Tonedale, Wellington (43/2008/021)
(k) Erection of single storey extension to rear of 16 George Street, Wellington (43/2008/008)
(l) Erection of signage at the Co-op Food Store, Longforth Road, Wellington (43/2008/015A)
The following applications had been refused:
(a) Erection of two dwellings at land opposite 11A Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/189)
(b) Retention of fence at 32 Seymour Street, Wellington (43/2008/016)
(c) Erection of dwelling 1 Greenway Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2008/004)
14699 COUNCIL INCOME AND EXPENDITURE TO END OF MARCH
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 29 February 2008 was £149,467 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31 March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £167,034 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31 March 2008). The report was noted.
14700 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Mitton seconded by Councillor Critchard it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques:
(a) Society of Local Council Clerks £70 for CiLCA Management Fee, (b) Taunton Deane BC £148.52 recharge for gas for Fore Street, Wellington April 07 to January 08, (c) Zurich Municipal £1,768.89 for Insurance Renewal premium,(d) Somerset Association for Local Councils £15 for one place at Audit and Accounts training event at Edington, (e) Konica Minolta £216.98 for copy and printing, (f) WCCTV £36.92, (g) Hinewood Cleaning £190 for cleaning council office windows and bus shelters, (h) Taunton Deane BC £250 for rental of offices at 28 Fore Street, Wellington, (i) Wellington Sports Federation £50 for Trophy, (j) Councillor Bob Bowrah £17.60 travelling expenses for visit to CCTV Centre, Bridgwater, (k) Taunton Deane DLO £243.23 for works for CCTV camera in February 2008, (l) Somerset Association of Local Councils £1128.81 Affiliation Fee for 2008/09, (m) Dillington Advertising Services £629.74 for advertisement for Town Clerk post, (n) Judith Goss £30 for flowers for war graves, (o)Taunton Deane Community Transport £112 for concessionary journeys to Musgrove Park hospital, (p) £100 councillors allowance to each of the following councillors: Councillor Bob Bowrah BEM, Councillor Andrew Govier, Councillor Mrs Jackie Govier, Councillor Mrs Nicola Wilson, Councillor Chris Hindley, Councillor Peter Critchard, Councillor David Mitton, Councillor Mrs Vivienne Stock-Williams, Councillor John Clark, Councillor Mrs Gloria Copley, Councillor Guy Goodwin, Councillor Ross Henley, Councillor Mrs Janet Lloyd, Councillor Mrs Sue Walters, Councillor Mrs Janet Reed,(q) HM Revenue and Customs £722.63 for income tax and national insurance, (r) Mr A. Brown £168.70 for petty cash,(s) Mrs J. Thorne £29.93 for additional hours worked in March, (t) Taunton Deane BC £135.13 for removal of CCTV camera. (This was to be claimed back from WCCTV because the camera was faulty after being repaired), (u) Mr A. Parkman (Basins Restoration Group) £336 for clearing overgrown plots and laying out the allotments in a new configuration.
14701 RE-GRADING OF ASSISTANT TO THE TOWN CLERK
It was agreed to hold a meeting of the staffing committee on Wednesday April 16th to look into the issue of re-grading the assistant to the town clerk and it would report back to the council at the next meeting in May.
14702 ARRANGEMENT FOR RETIREMENT OF TOWN CLERK
The assistant to the town clerk reported that arrangements for the retirement working party were progressing well. It was agreed to hold the next meeting of the retirement working party on Tuesday 22nd April 10am and there would be an update at the next council meeting.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.50PM
PRESENT: Councillor D Mitton (Chairman), Councillors R. Bowrah, P Critchard, J. Clark, G. Copley, A. Govier, J. Govier, G. Goodwin, R. Henley, C. Hindley, J. Lloyd, S. Walters, N. Wilson, and V. Stock-Williams, the clerk A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne and the clerk designate Greg Dyke. There was an apology from Councillor Reed. There were 17 members of the public present.
14661 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman reported that he had recently attended meetings in connection with the Markets and Coastal Towns Initiative and the Food Town. He had supported the Mayor of Taunton Deane at a charity event and had also represented the town council at the Chard Town Council civic service. The vice chairman had also represented the council at a county scouting event where he had been presented with a friendship neckerchief.
14662 TOWN CLERK -APPOINTMENT AND RETIREMENT
Greg Dyke, who had recently been appointed as town clerk designate was welcomed to his first council meeting. This was also the last meeting that Tony Brown would be attending as clerk. Tony had served the council with distinction as its clerk for 34 years. During that time the responsibilities of the post had grown considerably and Tony had successfully adapted to the role. The chairman paid tribute to Tony for his service and commitment over the years. He had been passionate about local affairs and his local knowledge and enthusiasm would be sorely missed. On behalf of the council and many other well wishers, Tony was presented with a laptop computer and an inscribed town council plaque. Members of the public including John Nash and Diana Land paid their own tributes to Tony and wished him a long and happy retirement.
14663 POLICE MATTERS
Wellington police sergeant Stuart Bell informed members of the latest crime figures for March. There had been 2 reports of criminal damage, 2 of criminal damage other than to dwellings, 2 of criminal damage to dwellings and 6 to motor vehicles. 2 reports had been received of dwelling burglaries and 6 non dwelling burglaries. There had been 6 reports of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and 3 of common assault. A number of thefts, including 2 instances of thefts from shops and theft from a motor vehicle had also been reported. One of the items stolen from the shop was small blow torch which was used to commit some acts of arson. A total of 12 people had been involved and there had been 6 arrested and the rest had been brought to justice. The general trend showed an encouraging reduction. Sergeant Bell drew attention to the importance of crime being reported to the police unless the police were told about crimes committed they could not act on them. It was often possible to link different offences and to subsequently secure a conviction. He reported further on initiatives that had recently been set up in partnership with the youth service to provide diversionary activities for young people. He also referred to initiatives aimed at incentivising young people who appeared on the anti social behaviour register. The aim was to provide an opportunity for these young people to take part in some kind of activity if they were able to demonstrate that they had maintained good behaviour over a certain period of time. The Community Restorative Justice scheme would be officially launched on 9 April. It had already had a positive impact. Pauline Sturgess, Chair of Friends of Wellington Park, informed the council that following incidents of vandalism in the park, she together with the secretary would be visiting Court Fields Community School to encourage participation by young people in the various events that took place at the park.
14664 RADIOWATCH – GRANT REQUEST
A request from Wellington Radiowatch for a grant of £4569.09 was submitted and considered. The grant would be used to assist in the purchase of a radio base station. This would allow shops to communicate with each other and assist the police in crime prevention in the town centre. The Finance Committee were sympathetic toward this request but felt that further avenues of funding should be explored before a final decision was made. It was agreed that further options for funding be discussed with Radiowatch.
14665 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 3rd March 2008, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read, confirmed and signed as correct by the chairman.
14666 WELLINGTON AND DISTRICT ORAL HISTORY GROUP
Consideration was given to an application from the Wellington and District Oral History group for a grant of £500 towards the cost of producing a booklet and upgrading its website. It was agreed that a grant of £500 be made.
14667 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: ADVERTISING IN SHOP WINDOWS
Mrs Isabel Ward of the Wellington in Bloom Committee, thanked the retiring clerk for his help support during his time in office. She also drew attention to invitations to the launch of Britain in Bloom 2008 which had been circulated to all councillors.
14668 APPOINTMENT OF EXTERNAL AUDITOR
It was reported that the Audit Commission had reappointed Moore Stephens as external auditors to the town council. The appointment covered the audit of accounts for the financial years 2007/08 to 2011/12. It was noted that the audit of the town council’s accounts for the year ending 31 March 2008 had to be completed by 2 June 2008. It was anticipated that an appropriate report would be completed and submitted to the council for consideration at its meeting on 12 May 2008.
14669 QUALITY COUNCILS UPDATE
A report was submitted from the chairman which updated councillors on the progress regarding the achievement of Quality Council status. The criteria for achieving Quality status were about to change and as such, the report highlighted areas where progress had been made and identified those areas which still required some work.
14670 LEAD COUNCILLORS AND COMMITTEES
At the January meeting it had been agreed that lead councillors should be appointed for a number of functions of the council. The chairman had now submitted a further report which identified those areas where he felt that lead councillors would be appropriate. It was also suggested that a more formal reporting system should be introduced for all those councillors appointed to outside bodies. This would help to maintain two-way communication and contact between the council and the outside bodies on which it was represented. These proposals would all help in attaining Quality Council status. It was suggested that councillors consider the proposals and that the appointments be formally made at the Annual meeting of Council in May.
14671 HGV TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN BURCHILL’S HILL
Councillor S Walters reported that she had received complaints regarding the use of HGV vehicles in Burchills Hill. This road was considered by many local residents to be too narrow to safely accommodate vehicles of this size. It was felt that Somerset Highways should be asked if there were any weight restrictions on the bridges that could be found at either end of this route. It was suggested that these problems might well be exacerbated by the use of satellite navigation. It was agreed that these problems be reported to Somerset Highways for consideration by them.
14672 WELLINTON AFC – GRANT APPLICATION
It was reported an application for a grant had been submitted by Wellington Town AFC. Full consideration of the application would be given to the application at the next meeting.
14673 WEBSITE WORKING PARTY
A meeting of the website working party was arranged for Tuesday 15th April at 2.30pm to look at quotes for updating the town council website.
14674 WELLINGTON SQUASH CLUB – GRANT
With reference to minute 14632 it was reported that an email had been received from James Luard of Wellington Squash Club thanking the council for its grant of £1,000 towards the cost of upgraded heating and spectator viewing.
14675 WITHDRAWN PLAN FOR FLATS TO THE REAR OF PENNY CLOSE
It was reported that a planning application for 6 flats on land to the rear of 2-8 Penny Close had been withdrawn.
14676 SOLAR HEATING PANELS AT 49 HIGH STREET
With reference to minute 14444 regarding a planning application for the above which had been refused, standing orders were suspended to allow the applicant Mr Sumner to speak. He thanked the council for its support for this proposal. He explained that he had now appealed to the Secretary of State against the refusal of planning permission. On the motion of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Goodwin it was agreed that the Secretary of State be informed that the town council supported this application. It was felt that a refusal had been inconsistent with other decisions from the conservation officer, the proposal was environmentally friendly, and would not be obtrusive.
14677 WITHDRAWN PLAN FOR DWELLING ON LAND ADJACENT TO BRUINS, BURCHILLS HILL
With reference to minute 14588 regarding an application for a dwelling on land adjacent to Bruins, Burchills Hill, it was reported that a letter had been received from Taunton DBC stating that the application had been withdrawn.
14678 COMMUNITY WOODLAND
With reference to minute 14575 a letter was reported from Wellington Parish tree warden Steve Palmer in response to a letter from the council asking for the tree wardens’ views about the establishment of a community woodland in Wellington. Mr Palmer said they would be formulating a outline project plan which will be presented at a public meeting to be held in April.
14679 FOOTWAY RESURFACING PROGRAMME
With reference to minute 14631 details were submitted from Somerset Highways of its programme for footway re-surfacing schemes in Wellington for the next financial year which were for Grange Close, Corner Close, end of Laburnum Road, outside the Wellesley Cinema in Mantle Street, part of Waterloo Road, and Bovet Street.
14680 DOG WARDEN SERVICE
With reference to minute 14628 a letter was submitted from Taunton DBC which drew attention to changes to dog warden services. It was agreed to write to the borough council asking it to ensure that there was still sufficient capacity to retain the current level of service. The borough council had also been previously contacted regarding the possibility of an increase in the dog warden service. No further information was yet available on this particular matter.
14681 WESTFORD FOOTPATH LEVEL CROSSING
With reference to minute 14598 and following the site meeting with Network Rail it was reported that there was no benefit from having the whistle boards replaced as there already existed a light and whistle system for people wishing to cross the railway and it was felt the boards were unnecessary. The emergency number to report any problems at the crossing was 01793 515428. This was in Network Rail’s control office at Swindon which was manned 24 hours 365 days a year.
14682 CADES FARM ROUNDABOUT
With reference to minute 14557 reported an email from Taunton DBC planning manager John Hamer about the Cades Farm roundabout. It was noted that there was no spur proposed to access any possible future development at Longforth Farm. In addition there was no specific requirement for daffodils to be replanted alongside the proposed cycleway.
14683 GRANT TO REMINISCENCE LEARNING
With reference to minute 14376 a letter was received from Fiona Mahoney, Chief Executive of Reminiscence Learning about its Community Activity Angel Project. The council had previously agreed to grant £500 on condition the full target for the project was reached.
COURTLAND ROAD CAR PARK - LIGHTING
With reference to minute 14625, a letter was received from Councillor Ross Henley, Leader of TDBC saying that at present there was no money in the budget for this but that he would investigate the matter and come back to the town council
14685 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 11 HIGH PATH
Notification had been received from Taunton DBC of a tree preservation order at 11 High Path, Wellington. The letter was noted.
14686 FOOTPATH CLOSURE AT THE THREE CUPS OFF FORE STREET
A letter had been received from Somerset Highways about a temporary footpath closure from the Three Cups to Bulford from 25th March. The work was expected to last for three weeks. The letter was noted.
14687 POPLAR TREE, FOXDOWN TERRACE
The council received a letter sent from Taunton DBC to Wellington School about a potentially hazardous Poplar tree in Foxdown Terrace. The Borough Council confirmed the tree, which was the subject of a Tree Preservation Order, could be removed. The letter was noted.
14688 STRATEGIC HOUSING MARKET ASSESSMENT AND CONSULTATION
A letter had been received from Taunton DBC asking for help to collect information for a housing needs survey as part of the strategic housing market assessment and consultation. The letter was noted.
14689 15 OAKFIELD PARK
A letter was received from Taunton DBC about an enforcement notice issued at 15 Oakfield Park, Wellington for unauthorised change of use for the purpose of operating a roofing business from the property. The letter was noted.
14690 HGV PINCH POINT CONSULTATION
A letter was received from Somerset CC about the HGV pinch point consultation. The consultation was designed to help the Highway Authority understand local perspectives on pinch points which were felt to make roads unsuitable for HGV’s. It was agreed to notify Somerset CC about pinch points at Burchills Hill and Eight Acre Lane in Wellington.
14691 PARISH PLAY AREA GRANT SCHEME
A letter was received from Taunton DBC about the parish play area grant scheme and which advised of a change regarding the amount that might be awarded. The letter was noted.
14692 CHELSTON ROUNDABOUT
A letter was received from Somerset Highways regarding a temporary 30 mph speed restriction during the construction of new roundabout at Chelston. Speed would be restricted for 8 months starting on 25 March 2008.
14693 PLASTIC BAGS
A letter had been received from Christian Care For One World asking the town council to adopt a policy of making Wellington known as a “Plastic Bag Free Town”. This would be considered further and a decision made at the next meeting of the council.
14694 HIGHWAYS GROUP CHANGES
A letter was received from Somerset Highways about organisational changes to the Area Highways Offices. The Highways Group had been modified to provide clearer points of contact and more robust lines of communication for highways maintenance issues. The letter was noted.
14695 TAUNTON DEANE LSP
It was reported that Taunton Deane LSP would shortly be holding the next round of community partnership meetings in Taunton Deane. The next meetings for the West Community Partnership were on 30 April 2008 at 6.30 pm at Wiveliscombe Community Centre and on 9 September 2008 at 6.30pm. It was agreed that the town council be represented at these meetings.
14696 COMMUNITY JUSTICE PANEL LAUNCH
An invitation had been received from Rowena Stratford, coordinator of the Community Justice Panel, to the panel’s launch event on Thursday 10th April 2008 at 3pm at The Cleve Hotel, Wellington. It was also noted that there would be a presentation about the scheme at the annual parish meeting on May 12th.
14697 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
A report was submitted from the assistant to the clerk, Mrs J. Thorne on the Wellington Economic Partnership meeting held on 31st March 2008. The partnership had developed a draft constitution which changed quite dramatically the way it would operate in the future. It was agreed that the draft constitution, a copy of which had been circulated to all councillors, be approved. The next meeting of the partnership would be held on Thursday May 22 2008 at 6pm in the council chamber of the town council offices.
14698 PLANNING DECISIONS OF TAUNTON DBC AND SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL
It was reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans:
(a) Erection of close boarded post and rail fence with gate at 4 Corams Lane, Wellington (43/2008/010)
(b) Erection of porch to north east elevation at Linden House Nursing Home, Wellington (43/2008/025)
(c) Conversion of Mill Building (Former Haymans Coalyard Warehouse) and extension to form 21 two bed apartments and formation of 32 car parking spaces and bike lockers for 42 bikes, Haymans Mill, Payton Westford, Wellington (43/2007/087)
(d) Extension and conversion of public house into 11 flats, Sanford Arms, 57 South Street, Wellington (43/2008/006)
(e) Installation of submersible foul sewage pumping station, erection of control panel kiosk and formation of access track on land to the north of Chelston House Farm, Wellington (43/2008/009)
(f) Re-Roofing of Friends Meeting House, High Street, Wellington (43/2008/011LB)
(g) Erection of first floor bay window extension at 4 White Hart Lane, Wellington (43/2008/023)
(h) Erection of smoking shelter and covered walkway between public house and skittle alley to the rear of The Sportsmans Arms, Wellington (43/2008/020)
(i) Erection of single storey extension at 21 Buckwell, Wellington (43/2008/019)
(j) Erection of single storey extension to the rear of 5 Longmead Close, Tonedale, Wellington (43/2008/021)
(k) Erection of single storey extension to rear of 16 George Street, Wellington (43/2008/008)
(l) Erection of signage at the Co-op Food Store, Longforth Road, Wellington (43/2008/015A)
The following applications had been refused:
(a) Erection of two dwellings at land opposite 11A Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/189)
(b) Retention of fence at 32 Seymour Street, Wellington (43/2008/016)
(c) Erection of dwelling 1 Greenway Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2008/004)
14699 COUNCIL INCOME AND EXPENDITURE TO END OF MARCH
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 29 February 2008 was £149,467 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31 March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £167,034 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31 March 2008). The report was noted.
14700 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Mitton seconded by Councillor Critchard it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques:
(a) Society of Local Council Clerks £70 for CiLCA Management Fee, (b) Taunton Deane BC £148.52 recharge for gas for Fore Street, Wellington April 07 to January 08, (c) Zurich Municipal £1,768.89 for Insurance Renewal premium,(d) Somerset Association for Local Councils £15 for one place at Audit and Accounts training event at Edington, (e) Konica Minolta £216.98 for copy and printing, (f) WCCTV £36.92, (g) Hinewood Cleaning £190 for cleaning council office windows and bus shelters, (h) Taunton Deane BC £250 for rental of offices at 28 Fore Street, Wellington, (i) Wellington Sports Federation £50 for Trophy, (j) Councillor Bob Bowrah £17.60 travelling expenses for visit to CCTV Centre, Bridgwater, (k) Taunton Deane DLO £243.23 for works for CCTV camera in February 2008, (l) Somerset Association of Local Councils £1128.81 Affiliation Fee for 2008/09, (m) Dillington Advertising Services £629.74 for advertisement for Town Clerk post, (n) Judith Goss £30 for flowers for war graves, (o)Taunton Deane Community Transport £112 for concessionary journeys to Musgrove Park hospital, (p) £100 councillors allowance to each of the following councillors: Councillor Bob Bowrah BEM, Councillor Andrew Govier, Councillor Mrs Jackie Govier, Councillor Mrs Nicola Wilson, Councillor Chris Hindley, Councillor Peter Critchard, Councillor David Mitton, Councillor Mrs Vivienne Stock-Williams, Councillor John Clark, Councillor Mrs Gloria Copley, Councillor Guy Goodwin, Councillor Ross Henley, Councillor Mrs Janet Lloyd, Councillor Mrs Sue Walters, Councillor Mrs Janet Reed,(q) HM Revenue and Customs £722.63 for income tax and national insurance, (r) Mr A. Brown £168.70 for petty cash,(s) Mrs J. Thorne £29.93 for additional hours worked in March, (t) Taunton Deane BC £135.13 for removal of CCTV camera. (This was to be claimed back from WCCTV because the camera was faulty after being repaired), (u) Mr A. Parkman (Basins Restoration Group) £336 for clearing overgrown plots and laying out the allotments in a new configuration.
14701 RE-GRADING OF ASSISTANT TO THE TOWN CLERK
It was agreed to hold a meeting of the staffing committee on Wednesday April 16th to look into the issue of re-grading the assistant to the town clerk and it would report back to the council at the next meeting in May.
14702 ARRANGEMENT FOR RETIREMENT OF TOWN CLERK
The assistant to the town clerk reported that arrangements for the retirement working party were progressing well. It was agreed to hold the next meeting of the retirement working party on Tuesday 22nd April 10am and there would be an update at the next council meeting.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.50PM
Wellington Town Council planning meeting April 2008
Minutes of the 132nd Planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington, on Monday 7th April 2008 at 6pm
PRESENT: Councillors D Mitton (Chairman), P. Critchard (Vice-Chairman), R. Bowrah, C. Hindley, J Clark, A. Govier, G. Goodwin, S. Walters, J. Govier, G. Copley, V. Stock-Williams and J. Lloyd, (who arrived at the meeting at 6.50 pm.) and the Clerk Mr A. Brown, the assistant to the Clerk Mrs J. Thorne, Clerk Designate Greg Dyke and Taunton DBC Planning Manager Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillors R Henley, J Reed and N. Wilson. There was 1 member of the public present.
14656 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Councillors Critchard and Bowrah stated they were members of Taunton DBC Planning Committee and reserved their right to vote differently at Taunton DBC Planning Committee meeting than at the Town Council Planning meeting as different facts could be placed before them. Councillor Bowrah also declared a personal interest in the application at Wellington Playing Field as chairman of Wellington Sports Federation.
14657 APPLICATION FOR 8 MARTINS CLOSE, WELLINGTON
The council received details of the following application: Erection of first floor extension at 8 Martins Close, Wellington as amended by agent’s letter and plan dated 25th March 2008 (43/2008/024). A letter of objection from neighbours, Mr B.T. Gill and Mr M. Sanders, of 7 and 8 Twyford Place respectively, on grounds of overlooking and lack of privacy. Amended plans had subsequently been received which lessened the impact of the proposal to some degree. Mr Hamer said that it would be unreasonable to refuse permission for this proposal now that satisfactorily amended plans had been received. The planning department recommended the use of obscure glazing for the rear first floor windows and the council agreed to APPROVE the application subject to this condition.
14658 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The council considered the following applications: (a) Siting of covered seated accommodation for 100 spectators, additional standing accommodation, provision of pitch perimeter barrier on three sides, provision of portable trainers' boxes, upgraded power supply for floodlights with improved floodlighting, improved access for disabled spectators with provision of refreshment facilities, Wellington Playing Field, North Street, Wellington (43/2008/027). Mr Hamer explained that when considering this application it was necessary to assess the impact on visual and residential amenity and road safety. Letters raising concern had been received from adjoining owners. The council had a proud record of supporting sports clubs in the town and were generally supportive of this proposal. Some concern was expressed regarding possible light pollution from the upgraded floodlights together with the positioning of the seated spectator accommodation. Alternative locations for the seated accommodation had been submitted as part of the application. It was agreed to recommend approval subject to the imposition of a condition re-grading floodlighting and to the spectator accommodation being sited at the northern end of the ground.
(b) Erection of one condenser at rear of building 63 High Street, Wellington (43/08/029)
It was felt that this proposal would not have an adverse impact on the building or on
14658 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL (CONT)
visual and residential amenity subject to the possible imposition of a condition restricting noise from the condenser. Councillors agreed to recommend approval subject to a condition ensuring acceptable noise levels.
(c) Display of externally illuminated fascia sign and externally illuminated projecting sign, 63 High Street, Wellington (43/208/028A). Whilst recognising that it was not a valid planning consideration, councillors failed to see the need for this signage. As this building was in a conservation area it was felt that it would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the building and the conservation area. Councillors agreed to recommend refusal.
(d) Erection of bungalow on land to the south of Furzeland, 104 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2008/039). Councillors agreed with the planning officer's advice that this site was too small to accommodate a dwelling. It was agreed to recommend refusal.
(e) Erection of two panel signs to be applied to the front and side of 1 Station Road, Wellington (43/2008/032A). As this building was in a largely residential area councillors felt that the proposed signs would adversely affect the visual amenity of the area. It was agreed to recommend refusal.
(f) Application to fell one multi-stemmed sycamore tree and to crown and lift a group of sycamore trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No.2) Tree Preservation Order 1997 at 112a Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2008/043T). It was agreed to recommend that no objection be raised.
14659 REDEVELOPMENT OF LAND TO THE REAR OF FORE STRET AND NORTH STREET, WELLINGTON
It was reported that three applications had recently been received for the redevelopment of land to the rear of Fore Street and North Street: (i) Erection of 14 apartments in Block E (43/2007/184); (ii) Erection of 24 apartments in Blocks A and B (43/2007/187); and (iii) Erection of 40 apartments in Blocks C and D (43/2007/18). Details of these proposals had only recently been received and the views of the various consultees were still awaited. In the circumstances, therefore, consideration of these applications was deferred until the May meeting.
14660 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Bowrah drew attention to problems he and Councillor Critchard had experienced as members of Taunton Deane's Planning Committee surrounding pre-determination and pre-disposition of planning applications. It was reported that clarification of the situation would be obtained.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 6.55 PM
PRESENT: Councillors D Mitton (Chairman), P. Critchard (Vice-Chairman), R. Bowrah, C. Hindley, J Clark, A. Govier, G. Goodwin, S. Walters, J. Govier, G. Copley, V. Stock-Williams and J. Lloyd, (who arrived at the meeting at 6.50 pm.) and the Clerk Mr A. Brown, the assistant to the Clerk Mrs J. Thorne, Clerk Designate Greg Dyke and Taunton DBC Planning Manager Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillors R Henley, J Reed and N. Wilson. There was 1 member of the public present.
14656 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Councillors Critchard and Bowrah stated they were members of Taunton DBC Planning Committee and reserved their right to vote differently at Taunton DBC Planning Committee meeting than at the Town Council Planning meeting as different facts could be placed before them. Councillor Bowrah also declared a personal interest in the application at Wellington Playing Field as chairman of Wellington Sports Federation.
14657 APPLICATION FOR 8 MARTINS CLOSE, WELLINGTON
The council received details of the following application: Erection of first floor extension at 8 Martins Close, Wellington as amended by agent’s letter and plan dated 25th March 2008 (43/2008/024). A letter of objection from neighbours, Mr B.T. Gill and Mr M. Sanders, of 7 and 8 Twyford Place respectively, on grounds of overlooking and lack of privacy. Amended plans had subsequently been received which lessened the impact of the proposal to some degree. Mr Hamer said that it would be unreasonable to refuse permission for this proposal now that satisfactorily amended plans had been received. The planning department recommended the use of obscure glazing for the rear first floor windows and the council agreed to APPROVE the application subject to this condition.
14658 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL
The council considered the following applications: (a) Siting of covered seated accommodation for 100 spectators, additional standing accommodation, provision of pitch perimeter barrier on three sides, provision of portable trainers' boxes, upgraded power supply for floodlights with improved floodlighting, improved access for disabled spectators with provision of refreshment facilities, Wellington Playing Field, North Street, Wellington (43/2008/027). Mr Hamer explained that when considering this application it was necessary to assess the impact on visual and residential amenity and road safety. Letters raising concern had been received from adjoining owners. The council had a proud record of supporting sports clubs in the town and were generally supportive of this proposal. Some concern was expressed regarding possible light pollution from the upgraded floodlights together with the positioning of the seated spectator accommodation. Alternative locations for the seated accommodation had been submitted as part of the application. It was agreed to recommend approval subject to the imposition of a condition re-grading floodlighting and to the spectator accommodation being sited at the northern end of the ground.
(b) Erection of one condenser at rear of building 63 High Street, Wellington (43/08/029)
It was felt that this proposal would not have an adverse impact on the building or on
14658 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL (CONT)
visual and residential amenity subject to the possible imposition of a condition restricting noise from the condenser. Councillors agreed to recommend approval subject to a condition ensuring acceptable noise levels.
(c) Display of externally illuminated fascia sign and externally illuminated projecting sign, 63 High Street, Wellington (43/208/028A). Whilst recognising that it was not a valid planning consideration, councillors failed to see the need for this signage. As this building was in a conservation area it was felt that it would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the building and the conservation area. Councillors agreed to recommend refusal.
(d) Erection of bungalow on land to the south of Furzeland, 104 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2008/039). Councillors agreed with the planning officer's advice that this site was too small to accommodate a dwelling. It was agreed to recommend refusal.
(e) Erection of two panel signs to be applied to the front and side of 1 Station Road, Wellington (43/2008/032A). As this building was in a largely residential area councillors felt that the proposed signs would adversely affect the visual amenity of the area. It was agreed to recommend refusal.
(f) Application to fell one multi-stemmed sycamore tree and to crown and lift a group of sycamore trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No.2) Tree Preservation Order 1997 at 112a Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2008/043T). It was agreed to recommend that no objection be raised.
14659 REDEVELOPMENT OF LAND TO THE REAR OF FORE STRET AND NORTH STREET, WELLINGTON
It was reported that three applications had recently been received for the redevelopment of land to the rear of Fore Street and North Street: (i) Erection of 14 apartments in Block E (43/2007/184); (ii) Erection of 24 apartments in Blocks A and B (43/2007/187); and (iii) Erection of 40 apartments in Blocks C and D (43/2007/18). Details of these proposals had only recently been received and the views of the various consultees were still awaited. In the circumstances, therefore, consideration of these applications was deferred until the May meeting.
14660 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Bowrah drew attention to problems he and Councillor Critchard had experienced as members of Taunton Deane's Planning Committee surrounding pre-determination and pre-disposition of planning applications. It was reported that clarification of the situation would be obtained.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 6.55 PM
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Wellington Town Council meeting March 2008
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 3rd March 2008 at 7.15pm. (The meeting started late due to the planning meeting over-running)
PRESENT: Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), who presided, Councillors R. Bowrah, J. Clark, G. Copley, A. Govier, J. Govier, G. Goodwin, R. Henley, C. Hindley, J. Lloyd, J. Reed, S. Walters, N. Wilson, and V. Stock-Williams, the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There was an apology from Councillor D. Mitton. There were 6 members of the public present.
14625 POLICE MATTERS
Wellington police sergeant Stuart Bell informed members of the latest crime figures for February. There had been some criminal damage to a flowerbed and 3 sheds had been damaged. There had also been 3 reports of criminal damage to dwellings. Incidents of criminal damage to cars had dropped to 8 this month (a reduction of 9) which was encouraging and was as a result of extra patrols which had been organised for Friday and Saturday nights. Three of these offences in Wellington East were related to a parking dispute. There had been 1 attempted burglary in Wellington East and 6 burglaries of non dwellings – 4 in Wellington North and 2 in Wellington West and Rockwell Green. There had only been 3 assaults which was a reduction of 7 on the previous month and two people had been arrested. There had been 2 common assaults both were domestic and arrests had been made in connection with both incidents. There had been four offences of theft from motor vehicles which included the removal of hub caps from cars. There had been no reports of thefts from shops and one theft of a cycle. There had been one theft of a motor vehicle which had been recovered near Honiton. The police had issued 49 warnings to motorists who had left the vehicles unsecured. It was reported youths had been throwing food at windows of property in Corams Lane and Springfield Road. Sgt Bell said the culprits had been spoken to about their behaviour and had apologised and he agreed to come back and meet with them at a coffee morning. The situation was being monitored but part of the problem was there was a low wall at Ivy House elderly persons home where youngsters liked to sit. There had also been problems with people who had been coming out of the rugby club late at night causing anti-social behaviour in that area. Sgt Bell explained the police response to youth anti-social behaviour in the first instance letter would be sent to parents, if there was a second incident the parents would be invited to the police station and evidence would be gathered towards an acceptable behaviour contract. In a recent incident two officers detained 13 youngsters after they committed anti-social behaviour. The youth were gathered outside the children’s home in Corams Lane and police spoke to managers there to find out what could be done to alleviate the situation. Sgt Bell was asked for an update about the Courtland Road car park and also about Pubwatch. He said there had been a reduction in crime at the Courtland Road car park because the police had increase the amount of patrols there. In his view the provision of a light in the car park would reduce problems there. Sgt Bell said he had recently attended his first Pubwatch meeting where he raised the issue of banning orders. He said prior to the meeting there were 5 banning orders in place and after the meeting it had more than doubled and he was hopeful this would rise further. He had also met with managers of licensed premises with a view to extending the bans to included licensed premises as well as public houses. He said the bans were a very useful tool and were extremely effective and had not been used enough. Sgt Bell was also asked for his view about introducing no cold calling zones in the town and said he very much supported it because he strongly believed cold calling encouraged rogue traders.
14626 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: ADVERTISING IN SHOP WINDOWS
Mr Frank Bishop stated he wanted to see a better look for Wellington town centre and felt that shop windows completely covered with advertising instead of displaying goods did not help. He particularly mentioned the shoe shop at the corner of High Street and North Street. The clerk reported that the shop had recently been taken over by another shoe chain and that he would have a word with the manager about the advertising.
14627 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 4th February 2008, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read, confirmed and signed as correct by the vice-chairman Councillor Critchard.
14628 DOG WARDEN SERVICES IN WELLINGTON
With reference to minute 14572 a letter was received from Taunton Deane Borough Council suggesting that a contract to deliver additional dog warden services in Wellington should be under the umbrella of the existing borough-wide arrangements which would provide greater flexibility for the town council and asking the town council to decide the number of hours per month it wished to purchase and the days of week for which cover was required. When that information had received an accurate quotation for the work could be obtained. On the proposal of Councillor A. Govier, seconded by Councillor N. Wilson, it was agreed to find out the cost for one day a week for a six month period. Standing orders were suspended to allow Jean Cornish, of the Wellington Action Group, to address councillors. She said the group represented responsible dog owners who were concerned that they might not be able to exercise their dogs in such places as Wellington Recreation Ground and the Basins, supported the town council employing a dog warden to try to catch offenders who did not clean up after their pets and called for dog waste bins to be placed in town centre areas.
14629 WAITING RESTRICTIONS IN CORAMS LANE
With reference to minute 14600 a letter and location plan showing proposed “no waiting at any time” restrictions in parts of Corams Lane and Springfield Road to help ease traffic congestion and allow coaches better access to Wellington Sports Centre were received from Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways. After some discussion it was agreed that the proposed restrictions were as agreed at a site meeting and these were approved.
14630 SPEED OF TRAFFIC IN WELLESLEY PARK
Councillor J. Reed reported that she had received complaints about traffic exceeding the 30mph speed limit in Wellesley Park. It was agreed to ask the Community Speed Watch team to carry out speed checks and report back to the council.
14631 PHASE 2 RE-SURFACING OF MANTLE STREET
In reply to questions from Councillor R. Bowrah, it was reported that Somerset Highways proposed to re-surface the section of Mantle Street between Champford Lane and Court Fields Community School entrance during the school summer holidays and that the other peeling off areas from Hilly Head to Rockwell Green would be repaired in the next financial year starting April 2008. On the suggestion of Councillor G. Copley it was agreed to find out if County Highways had a regular programme for re-surfacing pavements and whether Bovet Street and Waterloo Road were due for re-surfacing.
14632 WELLINGTON SQUASH CLUB GRANT REQUEST
A letter, application form and financial details were received from Wellington Squash Club asking the town council to consider making a grant of £2,500 towards the £3,065 cost of improving court heating and spectator viewing. On the proposition Councillor A. Govier, seconded by Councillor G. Goodwin, it was agreed to make a grant of £1,000.
14633 NO COLD CALLING ZONES AND ROGUE TRADERS
Councillor A. Govier reported that he had discussed with the police the setting up of no cold calling zones in Wellington to protect the vulnerable from rogue traders. The scheme had been introduced in Street and had been a success and it could be introduced either town wide or in a specific area. It involved putting notices restricting people calling door to door. The council decided to support the proposal and Councillor Govier agreed to investigate further and report back to the council.
COUNCILLORS HENLEY AND WILSON LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.38PM
14634 PROPOSED ROCKWELL GREEN BUS STOP CHANGES
The assistant to the clerk, Mrs J. Thorne reported on a conversation she had with Somerset County Council principal local transport plan implementation officer Dan Martin. Mr Martin explained there were proposals to upgrade the bus facilities in Wellington and the county council had identified two sites. The first was the existing bus stop near the Barley Mow public house where new high kerbs would be provided for buses where there were none. There would also be improvements to create easier access for getting on and off the bus. However, the plans were very much in the early stages. The other site the team had looked at was at Spy Post. The scheme had been assessed by an independent safety audit team who had a number of concerns about the plans which needed to be ironed out first. One of the ideas the team had proposed was to provide an island refuge in the middle of Exeter Road for pedestrians.
COUNCILLOR BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.40PM
14635 REMOVAL OF WHISTLE BOARDS AT WESTFORD RAIL CROSSING
With reference to minute 14598 the clerk reported that a site meeting with Mr Rob Aston of Network Rail would be held at the Westford Rail crossing on Friday, 14th March at 11am. Councillors A. Govier, P. Critchard, C. Hindley, J. Clark and V. Stock-Williams indicated that they would be attending the site meeting.
14636 STREET CLEANING
With reference to minute 14599 the clerk reported that a mechanical pavement sweeper (green machine) had visited Wellington on 20th February and that it would be coming to the town on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month to cover the town centre in the early morning and other parts of the town during the rest of the day. The report was noted.
14637 TOWN COUNCIL WEBSITE
With reference to minute 14602 the assistant to the town clerk, Mrs J. Thorne reported that quotes had been received from a number of company’s about updating the town council website. One quote was still awaited, however she believed it would be best to set up a website working party and when the last quote had been received the group could look at the proposals and make a short list. The council agreed to set up a website working party and the following members were agreed: Councillors Lloyd, Clark, Stock-Williams and Mitton.
14638 CCTV CAMERAS
With reference to minute 14609 the clerk reported that the CCTV camera, which had been previously deployed at South Street car park, had now been installed in Waterloo Road, to cover parts of Victoria Street, North Street and Waterloo Road. A fault had been found in the council’s second CCTV camera, which had been installed in Mantle Street, and it had been sent back to the suppliers for repairs. It was hoped to re-install the week beginning 10th March 2008. The report was noted.
14639 RETIREMENT 0F MAYOR OF IMMENSTADT
The clerk reported that the Mayor of Immenstadt, Wellington’s German twin town, who was retiring after long service at the end of April 2008, would not be visiting Wellington this year but hoped to come in 2009. The report was noted.
14640 COURT FIELDS SCHOOL FOOTPATH
With reference to minute 14569 a letter was received from Somerset County Council’s children and young people corporate director Mr David Taylor stating that he was aware of some anti-social problems at Court Fields Community School and would look into specific incidents to see if there was anything more the local authority could have done. The letter, which was circulated to members, was noted.
14641 CADES FARM DEVELOPMENT
With reference to minute 14528 the clerk reported that work on construction of a roundabout to serve the proposed Cades Farm housing development and a cycle route to link with the A38 would be starting shortly which would mean the green verge by the B3187 containing hundreds of daffodils would be dug up. He had informed Wellington in Bloom about the work. It was agreed to find out if the roundabout would also be able to serve the suggested Northern Relief Road and Longforth Farm development and whether the planning conditions included the planting of daffodils alongside the cycle route.
14642 WELLINGTON PARISH TREE WARDENS NEWSLETTER
Members were circulated with a copy of Wellington parish tree wardens’ newsletter which detailed work to be carried out at the A38 lay-bys, at the A38 lay-by near White Ball quarry and walks in Wellington Park on 15th June, 27th July and 17th August 2008.
14643 WELLINGTON AND AREA COMMUNITY JUSTICE PANEL
A letter was received from Wellington and Area Community Justice Panel co-ordinator Rowena Stratford along with background information about the newly established project. She offered to talk to councillors about the restorative justice scheme and it was agreed to invite her to the April council meeting.
14644 TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WELLINGTON RELIEF ROAD
A letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that Wellington Relief Road would be closed for six nights starting from 9th March 2008 between 7pm and 7am to enable resurfacing and associated works to be carried out. An alternative route would be signed. The letter was noted.
14645 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOP
A letter was received from Somerset County Council inviting the town council to send a representative to take part in a community engagement workshop on 18th March at 6pm at Wellsprings Leisure Centre, Taunton. The letter was noted.
14646 SOMERSET LOCAL ACCESS FORUM
A letter was received from Somerset County Council inviting the town council to consider nominating people to serve on the Somerset Local Access Forum which deals with access to the countryside and which is funded and administered by the county. The annual report of the Forum, an independent body, was also enclosed. The letter and report were noted.
14647 TAUNTON DBC CORPORATE STRATEGY 2008-2011
A letter was received from Taunton Deane Borough Council about its corporate strategy containing its vision, business principles and core values and describing the key outcomes it intended to achieve in the community over the next three years from April 2008. The objectives had been agreed after considerable consultation with the community and would be used to help develop service plans for 2008-09. The letter was noted.
14648 SOMERSET HERITAGE EVENT IN MAY 2008
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about a large heritage and museum community event to be staged at Glastonbury Abbey in May 2008 and inviting local history groups to take part. It was agreed to pass on the letter to the Wellington Local History Group.
14649 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 14614 a report was received from the assistant to the clerk on the Wellington Economic Partnership meeting held on 18th February 2008 which updated members about planning developments in the town, arrangements for the next food town event, and the progress of the Wellington Market and Coastal Town Initiative’s visioning events. Members were also circulated with a draft revised constitution for Wellington Economic Partnership drawn up by Taunton DBC economic development manager Steve Kendall. The proposed changes would allow the partnership to become a voluntary, not for profit organisation, and the first step towards company status for the future. The adoption of the new constitution would also allow the partnership to open its own bank account. One of the main proposed changes was to reduce the town council membership of the partnership from 4 to 3 representatives. Other changes included the ability to be able to apply for funding and sponsorship and open and maintain bank accounts as required, and to employ staff. Members also received a copy of proposed changes to the draft constitution by Wellington Chamber of Trade and Commerce which included reducing the membership of town council representatives even further to 2 and changing the focus of the partnership and to economic and dropping social well-being. However councillors disagreed with the chamber’s proposals and agreed to support the draft constitution drawn up by Mr Kendall. The constitution was due to be decided at the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting to be held on Monday 31st March at 6pm.
14650 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Retention of conservatory at 3 Burrough Way, Wellington (43/2007/182); (b) Demolition of 3 holiday lodges and erection of 2 dwellings and associated access works on land adjacent to Sandstone Rise, Westford, Wellington (43/2007/182); (c) Erection of first floor extension at 2 Lower Westford, Wellington (43/2008/003); (d) Erection of single storey extension to rear of 19 Sylvan Road, Wellington (43/2007/174); (e) Demolition of detached garage and erection of two storey extension at 24 The Brambles, Wellington (43/2007/180); (f) External and internal alterations at Boots the Chemists, 6 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/168LB); (g) Erection of single storey and two storey extensions to the rear of 73 Springfield Road, Wellington (43/2008/005).
14650 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC (cont)
The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following application: (a) Retention of emergency overflow pipe installed at 19 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/188LB).
14651 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 29TH FEBRUARY 2008
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2007 to 29th February 2008 was £149,224 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £143,099 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008). The report was noted.
14652 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor Hindley, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Taunton Deane Borough Council £5,000 for food town contribution for 2007-2008; Councillor R. Bowrah £23.20 for travelling expenses; Information Commissioner’s Office £35 for renewal of registry entry; Konica Minolta £272.20 for photocopier rental from January to May 2008; Viking Direct £142.25 for new phone system and stationery; Wireless CCTV £10.03 for phone calls; Somerset County Council £2,107 for residential youth work and dance workshops; BT £62.39 for rental and call charges for office fax for February to April 2008; Taunton DBC £460.60 for two vacuum blowers; Taunton DBC £8,176.83 for erecting, supplying and taking down Christmas lights 2007; Taunton DBC £162.15 for supplying electric and installing CCTV camera in Mantle Street; Somerset Association of Local Councils £45 for training event charges; Taunton Deane Community Transport £188 for concessionary hospital patient transport for January 2008; Taunton DBC £1,391.01 for dog bin emptying for 2007/08; BT £296.60 for office telephone and broadband rental and call charges from October 2007 to January 2008; Tone Leisure Ltd £3,000 for organised youth sporting activities in the town; Mrs J. Thorne £47.21 for additional hours of work in February 2008; Inland Revenue £731.22 for income tax and national insurance; Wellington United Reformed Church £90 for hire of hall for January, February and March 2008; Home Aerials £150 for supplying public address system for Christmas lights switch-on in November 2007.
14653 APPOINTMENT OF NEW TOWN CLERK
With reference to minute 14618 the clerk reported that 50 application forms had been sent out for the post of town clerk, that 17 application forms had been returned and that a short list of 6 had been invited for interview on Thursday, 13 March 2008. Report was noted.
1454 RETIREMENT OF TOWN CLERK
The assistant to the town clerk reported that arrangements for the retirement working party and the clerk’s official last meeting next month were progressing well. It was agreed to hold the next meeting of the retirement working party on Monday March 17 at 10am and there would be an update at the next council meeting.
14655 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported the following newsletters and reports were available from the clerk’s office for members to read if they wished: The Clerk magazine for March 2008; Tree Guardian for Spring 2008; Lillebonne Town Council’s municipal information magazine for January and February 2008.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.30PM
PRESENT: Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), who presided, Councillors R. Bowrah, J. Clark, G. Copley, A. Govier, J. Govier, G. Goodwin, R. Henley, C. Hindley, J. Lloyd, J. Reed, S. Walters, N. Wilson, and V. Stock-Williams, the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There was an apology from Councillor D. Mitton. There were 6 members of the public present.
14625 POLICE MATTERS
Wellington police sergeant Stuart Bell informed members of the latest crime figures for February. There had been some criminal damage to a flowerbed and 3 sheds had been damaged. There had also been 3 reports of criminal damage to dwellings. Incidents of criminal damage to cars had dropped to 8 this month (a reduction of 9) which was encouraging and was as a result of extra patrols which had been organised for Friday and Saturday nights. Three of these offences in Wellington East were related to a parking dispute. There had been 1 attempted burglary in Wellington East and 6 burglaries of non dwellings – 4 in Wellington North and 2 in Wellington West and Rockwell Green. There had only been 3 assaults which was a reduction of 7 on the previous month and two people had been arrested. There had been 2 common assaults both were domestic and arrests had been made in connection with both incidents. There had been four offences of theft from motor vehicles which included the removal of hub caps from cars. There had been no reports of thefts from shops and one theft of a cycle. There had been one theft of a motor vehicle which had been recovered near Honiton. The police had issued 49 warnings to motorists who had left the vehicles unsecured. It was reported youths had been throwing food at windows of property in Corams Lane and Springfield Road. Sgt Bell said the culprits had been spoken to about their behaviour and had apologised and he agreed to come back and meet with them at a coffee morning. The situation was being monitored but part of the problem was there was a low wall at Ivy House elderly persons home where youngsters liked to sit. There had also been problems with people who had been coming out of the rugby club late at night causing anti-social behaviour in that area. Sgt Bell explained the police response to youth anti-social behaviour in the first instance letter would be sent to parents, if there was a second incident the parents would be invited to the police station and evidence would be gathered towards an acceptable behaviour contract. In a recent incident two officers detained 13 youngsters after they committed anti-social behaviour. The youth were gathered outside the children’s home in Corams Lane and police spoke to managers there to find out what could be done to alleviate the situation. Sgt Bell was asked for an update about the Courtland Road car park and also about Pubwatch. He said there had been a reduction in crime at the Courtland Road car park because the police had increase the amount of patrols there. In his view the provision of a light in the car park would reduce problems there. Sgt Bell said he had recently attended his first Pubwatch meeting where he raised the issue of banning orders. He said prior to the meeting there were 5 banning orders in place and after the meeting it had more than doubled and he was hopeful this would rise further. He had also met with managers of licensed premises with a view to extending the bans to included licensed premises as well as public houses. He said the bans were a very useful tool and were extremely effective and had not been used enough. Sgt Bell was also asked for his view about introducing no cold calling zones in the town and said he very much supported it because he strongly believed cold calling encouraged rogue traders.
14626 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: ADVERTISING IN SHOP WINDOWS
Mr Frank Bishop stated he wanted to see a better look for Wellington town centre and felt that shop windows completely covered with advertising instead of displaying goods did not help. He particularly mentioned the shoe shop at the corner of High Street and North Street. The clerk reported that the shop had recently been taken over by another shoe chain and that he would have a word with the manager about the advertising.
14627 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 4th February 2008, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read, confirmed and signed as correct by the vice-chairman Councillor Critchard.
14628 DOG WARDEN SERVICES IN WELLINGTON
With reference to minute 14572 a letter was received from Taunton Deane Borough Council suggesting that a contract to deliver additional dog warden services in Wellington should be under the umbrella of the existing borough-wide arrangements which would provide greater flexibility for the town council and asking the town council to decide the number of hours per month it wished to purchase and the days of week for which cover was required. When that information had received an accurate quotation for the work could be obtained. On the proposal of Councillor A. Govier, seconded by Councillor N. Wilson, it was agreed to find out the cost for one day a week for a six month period. Standing orders were suspended to allow Jean Cornish, of the Wellington Action Group, to address councillors. She said the group represented responsible dog owners who were concerned that they might not be able to exercise their dogs in such places as Wellington Recreation Ground and the Basins, supported the town council employing a dog warden to try to catch offenders who did not clean up after their pets and called for dog waste bins to be placed in town centre areas.
14629 WAITING RESTRICTIONS IN CORAMS LANE
With reference to minute 14600 a letter and location plan showing proposed “no waiting at any time” restrictions in parts of Corams Lane and Springfield Road to help ease traffic congestion and allow coaches better access to Wellington Sports Centre were received from Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways. After some discussion it was agreed that the proposed restrictions were as agreed at a site meeting and these were approved.
14630 SPEED OF TRAFFIC IN WELLESLEY PARK
Councillor J. Reed reported that she had received complaints about traffic exceeding the 30mph speed limit in Wellesley Park. It was agreed to ask the Community Speed Watch team to carry out speed checks and report back to the council.
14631 PHASE 2 RE-SURFACING OF MANTLE STREET
In reply to questions from Councillor R. Bowrah, it was reported that Somerset Highways proposed to re-surface the section of Mantle Street between Champford Lane and Court Fields Community School entrance during the school summer holidays and that the other peeling off areas from Hilly Head to Rockwell Green would be repaired in the next financial year starting April 2008. On the suggestion of Councillor G. Copley it was agreed to find out if County Highways had a regular programme for re-surfacing pavements and whether Bovet Street and Waterloo Road were due for re-surfacing.
14632 WELLINGTON SQUASH CLUB GRANT REQUEST
A letter, application form and financial details were received from Wellington Squash Club asking the town council to consider making a grant of £2,500 towards the £3,065 cost of improving court heating and spectator viewing. On the proposition Councillor A. Govier, seconded by Councillor G. Goodwin, it was agreed to make a grant of £1,000.
14633 NO COLD CALLING ZONES AND ROGUE TRADERS
Councillor A. Govier reported that he had discussed with the police the setting up of no cold calling zones in Wellington to protect the vulnerable from rogue traders. The scheme had been introduced in Street and had been a success and it could be introduced either town wide or in a specific area. It involved putting notices restricting people calling door to door. The council decided to support the proposal and Councillor Govier agreed to investigate further and report back to the council.
COUNCILLORS HENLEY AND WILSON LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.38PM
14634 PROPOSED ROCKWELL GREEN BUS STOP CHANGES
The assistant to the clerk, Mrs J. Thorne reported on a conversation she had with Somerset County Council principal local transport plan implementation officer Dan Martin. Mr Martin explained there were proposals to upgrade the bus facilities in Wellington and the county council had identified two sites. The first was the existing bus stop near the Barley Mow public house where new high kerbs would be provided for buses where there were none. There would also be improvements to create easier access for getting on and off the bus. However, the plans were very much in the early stages. The other site the team had looked at was at Spy Post. The scheme had been assessed by an independent safety audit team who had a number of concerns about the plans which needed to be ironed out first. One of the ideas the team had proposed was to provide an island refuge in the middle of Exeter Road for pedestrians.
COUNCILLOR BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.40PM
14635 REMOVAL OF WHISTLE BOARDS AT WESTFORD RAIL CROSSING
With reference to minute 14598 the clerk reported that a site meeting with Mr Rob Aston of Network Rail would be held at the Westford Rail crossing on Friday, 14th March at 11am. Councillors A. Govier, P. Critchard, C. Hindley, J. Clark and V. Stock-Williams indicated that they would be attending the site meeting.
14636 STREET CLEANING
With reference to minute 14599 the clerk reported that a mechanical pavement sweeper (green machine) had visited Wellington on 20th February and that it would be coming to the town on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month to cover the town centre in the early morning and other parts of the town during the rest of the day. The report was noted.
14637 TOWN COUNCIL WEBSITE
With reference to minute 14602 the assistant to the town clerk, Mrs J. Thorne reported that quotes had been received from a number of company’s about updating the town council website. One quote was still awaited, however she believed it would be best to set up a website working party and when the last quote had been received the group could look at the proposals and make a short list. The council agreed to set up a website working party and the following members were agreed: Councillors Lloyd, Clark, Stock-Williams and Mitton.
14638 CCTV CAMERAS
With reference to minute 14609 the clerk reported that the CCTV camera, which had been previously deployed at South Street car park, had now been installed in Waterloo Road, to cover parts of Victoria Street, North Street and Waterloo Road. A fault had been found in the council’s second CCTV camera, which had been installed in Mantle Street, and it had been sent back to the suppliers for repairs. It was hoped to re-install the week beginning 10th March 2008. The report was noted.
14639 RETIREMENT 0F MAYOR OF IMMENSTADT
The clerk reported that the Mayor of Immenstadt, Wellington’s German twin town, who was retiring after long service at the end of April 2008, would not be visiting Wellington this year but hoped to come in 2009. The report was noted.
14640 COURT FIELDS SCHOOL FOOTPATH
With reference to minute 14569 a letter was received from Somerset County Council’s children and young people corporate director Mr David Taylor stating that he was aware of some anti-social problems at Court Fields Community School and would look into specific incidents to see if there was anything more the local authority could have done. The letter, which was circulated to members, was noted.
14641 CADES FARM DEVELOPMENT
With reference to minute 14528 the clerk reported that work on construction of a roundabout to serve the proposed Cades Farm housing development and a cycle route to link with the A38 would be starting shortly which would mean the green verge by the B3187 containing hundreds of daffodils would be dug up. He had informed Wellington in Bloom about the work. It was agreed to find out if the roundabout would also be able to serve the suggested Northern Relief Road and Longforth Farm development and whether the planning conditions included the planting of daffodils alongside the cycle route.
14642 WELLINGTON PARISH TREE WARDENS NEWSLETTER
Members were circulated with a copy of Wellington parish tree wardens’ newsletter which detailed work to be carried out at the A38 lay-bys, at the A38 lay-by near White Ball quarry and walks in Wellington Park on 15th June, 27th July and 17th August 2008.
14643 WELLINGTON AND AREA COMMUNITY JUSTICE PANEL
A letter was received from Wellington and Area Community Justice Panel co-ordinator Rowena Stratford along with background information about the newly established project. She offered to talk to councillors about the restorative justice scheme and it was agreed to invite her to the April council meeting.
14644 TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WELLINGTON RELIEF ROAD
A letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that Wellington Relief Road would be closed for six nights starting from 9th March 2008 between 7pm and 7am to enable resurfacing and associated works to be carried out. An alternative route would be signed. The letter was noted.
14645 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOP
A letter was received from Somerset County Council inviting the town council to send a representative to take part in a community engagement workshop on 18th March at 6pm at Wellsprings Leisure Centre, Taunton. The letter was noted.
14646 SOMERSET LOCAL ACCESS FORUM
A letter was received from Somerset County Council inviting the town council to consider nominating people to serve on the Somerset Local Access Forum which deals with access to the countryside and which is funded and administered by the county. The annual report of the Forum, an independent body, was also enclosed. The letter and report were noted.
14647 TAUNTON DBC CORPORATE STRATEGY 2008-2011
A letter was received from Taunton Deane Borough Council about its corporate strategy containing its vision, business principles and core values and describing the key outcomes it intended to achieve in the community over the next three years from April 2008. The objectives had been agreed after considerable consultation with the community and would be used to help develop service plans for 2008-09. The letter was noted.
14648 SOMERSET HERITAGE EVENT IN MAY 2008
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about a large heritage and museum community event to be staged at Glastonbury Abbey in May 2008 and inviting local history groups to take part. It was agreed to pass on the letter to the Wellington Local History Group.
14649 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 14614 a report was received from the assistant to the clerk on the Wellington Economic Partnership meeting held on 18th February 2008 which updated members about planning developments in the town, arrangements for the next food town event, and the progress of the Wellington Market and Coastal Town Initiative’s visioning events. Members were also circulated with a draft revised constitution for Wellington Economic Partnership drawn up by Taunton DBC economic development manager Steve Kendall. The proposed changes would allow the partnership to become a voluntary, not for profit organisation, and the first step towards company status for the future. The adoption of the new constitution would also allow the partnership to open its own bank account. One of the main proposed changes was to reduce the town council membership of the partnership from 4 to 3 representatives. Other changes included the ability to be able to apply for funding and sponsorship and open and maintain bank accounts as required, and to employ staff. Members also received a copy of proposed changes to the draft constitution by Wellington Chamber of Trade and Commerce which included reducing the membership of town council representatives even further to 2 and changing the focus of the partnership and to economic and dropping social well-being. However councillors disagreed with the chamber’s proposals and agreed to support the draft constitution drawn up by Mr Kendall. The constitution was due to be decided at the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting to be held on Monday 31st March at 6pm.
14650 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Retention of conservatory at 3 Burrough Way, Wellington (43/2007/182); (b) Demolition of 3 holiday lodges and erection of 2 dwellings and associated access works on land adjacent to Sandstone Rise, Westford, Wellington (43/2007/182); (c) Erection of first floor extension at 2 Lower Westford, Wellington (43/2008/003); (d) Erection of single storey extension to rear of 19 Sylvan Road, Wellington (43/2007/174); (e) Demolition of detached garage and erection of two storey extension at 24 The Brambles, Wellington (43/2007/180); (f) External and internal alterations at Boots the Chemists, 6 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/168LB); (g) Erection of single storey and two storey extensions to the rear of 73 Springfield Road, Wellington (43/2008/005).
14650 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC (cont)
The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following application: (a) Retention of emergency overflow pipe installed at 19 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/188LB).
14651 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 29TH FEBRUARY 2008
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2007 to 29th February 2008 was £149,224 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £143,099 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008). The report was noted.
14652 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor Hindley, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Taunton Deane Borough Council £5,000 for food town contribution for 2007-2008; Councillor R. Bowrah £23.20 for travelling expenses; Information Commissioner’s Office £35 for renewal of registry entry; Konica Minolta £272.20 for photocopier rental from January to May 2008; Viking Direct £142.25 for new phone system and stationery; Wireless CCTV £10.03 for phone calls; Somerset County Council £2,107 for residential youth work and dance workshops; BT £62.39 for rental and call charges for office fax for February to April 2008; Taunton DBC £460.60 for two vacuum blowers; Taunton DBC £8,176.83 for erecting, supplying and taking down Christmas lights 2007; Taunton DBC £162.15 for supplying electric and installing CCTV camera in Mantle Street; Somerset Association of Local Councils £45 for training event charges; Taunton Deane Community Transport £188 for concessionary hospital patient transport for January 2008; Taunton DBC £1,391.01 for dog bin emptying for 2007/08; BT £296.60 for office telephone and broadband rental and call charges from October 2007 to January 2008; Tone Leisure Ltd £3,000 for organised youth sporting activities in the town; Mrs J. Thorne £47.21 for additional hours of work in February 2008; Inland Revenue £731.22 for income tax and national insurance; Wellington United Reformed Church £90 for hire of hall for January, February and March 2008; Home Aerials £150 for supplying public address system for Christmas lights switch-on in November 2007.
14653 APPOINTMENT OF NEW TOWN CLERK
With reference to minute 14618 the clerk reported that 50 application forms had been sent out for the post of town clerk, that 17 application forms had been returned and that a short list of 6 had been invited for interview on Thursday, 13 March 2008. Report was noted.
1454 RETIREMENT OF TOWN CLERK
The assistant to the town clerk reported that arrangements for the retirement working party and the clerk’s official last meeting next month were progressing well. It was agreed to hold the next meeting of the retirement working party on Monday March 17 at 10am and there would be an update at the next council meeting.
14655 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported the following newsletters and reports were available from the clerk’s office for members to read if they wished: The Clerk magazine for March 2008; Tree Guardian for Spring 2008; Lillebonne Town Council’s municipal information magazine for January and February 2008.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.30PM
Wellington Town Council planning meeting March 2008
Minutes of the 131st planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington, on Monday 3rd March 2008 at 6pm
PRESENT: Councillors P. Critchard (vice-chairman) who presided, R. Bowrah, C. Hindley, J Clark, A. Govier, G. Goodwin, S. Walters, J. Reed, J. Govier, G. Copley, J. Lloyd, V. Stock-Williams, and N. Wilson and R. Henley (who both arrived at 6.05pm) and the clerk Mr A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning manager Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillor D Mitton. There were 6 members of the public present (who all arrived at 7pm).
14620 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Councillors Critchard and Bowrah stated they were members of Taunton DBC planning committee and reserved their right to vote differently at Taunton DBC planning committee meeting than at the town council planning meeting as different facts could be placed before them. Councillor Bowrah declared an interest in the application at 32 Seymour Street as he knew the applicant and said he would like to make a comment but would not vote. Councillor Clark declared an interest in the application at Wellington School because he was the town council representative for the school. Councillors A and J. Govier also declared interests in the application at Wellington School because they had children that attended the school.
14621 APPLICATION FOR 21 MITCHELL STREET, WELLINGTON
The council received details of the following application: Construction of dormer window to south elevation at 21 Mitchell Street, Wellington (43/2008/014). The council had received no letters of objection. Mr Hamer said the planning officer was recommending refusal because the proposed dormer window would be out of keeping with the character of the building and would adversely affect the visual amenity. The extension to the hipped gable would imbalance the terrace and would also make it out of keeping with the existing character of the building as well as affecting the visual amenity. He said it would need some drastic alterations to overcome this. Councillor Copley said she did not feel it would adversely affect the street scene because the proposal was for the back of the property and proposed approval which was seconded by Councillor Reed. Councillors voted 4 to approve and 4 against, with 5 abstentions. Councillor Critchard had the casting vote as chairman of the meeting and agreed with the planning officer and voted against it and therefore the application was refused.
COUNCILLORS HENLEY AND WILSON ENTERED HERE AT 6.05PM
14622 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL AND SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL
The council considered the following applications: (a) Demolition of building, erection of retail A1 food store comprising about 2,580sq.m. gross internal floor area with associated parking, servicing and landscaping served by an improved access off Bulford and a new pedestrian access via Fore Street, Wellington Medical Centre and South Street car park, Wellington (43/2008/013). Mr Hamer explained this was an outline application and a renewal of previously approved applications, the last renewal was only 3 years ago. The planning department were happy with the application and were likely to recommend approval. Councillors raised concerns about the impact the new store would have on the area such as the increase in traffic and also an increase in early morning noise with additional delivery lorries. Mr Hamer reminded councillors that under the section 106 agreement for the application traffic calming measures were included. There was further concern raised about the effect the new development would have on traffic in Bulford and at the South Street mini roundabout which already saw congestion at particular times of the day. It was agreed to recommend approval on condition the concerns above were raised with the planning department and assurance was sought the traffic calming measures stipulated in the section 106 agreement would be carried out.
14622 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL AND SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL (CONT)
(b) Erection of public house/restaurant and hotel with ancillary parking, access and landscaping on land at Chelston House Farm, Chelston, Wellington adjacent to the B3187/A38 roundabout (43/2008/012: a reserved matters application following outline approval 43/2006/016). Mr Hamer explained this application was a detailed application as outline permission had already been given. He considered it to be broadly acceptable and thought it should be of benefit to the area. The development was welcomed by councillors who felt it would make a good addition to the town especially with the growth of the food town. Councillors agreed to recommend approval.
(c) Extended opening hours till 2am on Friday and Saturday nights (non compliance with condition 2 of permission 43/1994/128), Mr Scrumptious, 8 South Street, Wellington (43/2008/017). A petition had signed by more than 500 people in favour of the application and there were also about 6 letters of support. The council had also received one letter of objection from Lorraine, Trish, and Richard Lettley of Teare’s Newsagents who felt if the application was approved it would lead to more people loitering in the town centre for even longer periods and also it would create more litter. Mr Hamer explained there had been a chequered history regarding applications on these premises. The existing permission had been in place since 1994. There had been another application to extend the opening hours to 1am in 2005, however that was refused. The current proposal was to extend the opening hours to 2am on Friday and Saturday nights. Mr Hamer said the police were against the application in 2005 but were now reported to be happy with it. He also said the applicants were already staying open longer than they already should be. Councillors felt the current condition of midnight was more than acceptable and were concerned if the hours were extended to 2am it could result in the establishment staying open longer than that. The clerk read a letter from Sgt Stuart Bell of Wellington Police which stated he had no evidence to oppose the application on the grounds of additional crime or disorder but was concerned the owners were disregarding the current licensing conditions which had been documented by the police and Taunton DBC. Councillors agreed to recommend refusal by 12 votes to 1 with 1 abstention.
(d) Erection of signage at the Co-op Food Store, Longforth Road, Wellington (43/2008/015A). Mr Hamer said the planning department had no objections. Councillors agreed to recommend approval.
(e) Erection of two dwellings on land opposite 11a Rockwell Green, Wellington (Near cemetery lodge: 43/2007/189). Mr Hamer said the planning department were happy in principle with the application, however although the applicants had provided a flood risk assessment there were still concerns about flooding. Councillors expressed concerned about the risk of flooding on a very low lying site and thought the development would only make the situation worse. Councillors agreed to recommend refusal because of the flood risk to the very low lying site.
(f) Erection of two dwellings with car ports and bike store on land opposite Bridge House, Westford, Wellington, amended plans (43/2007/061). Mr Hamer said there were highway and tree concerns on the previous applications but with this application there were no concerns about either. Councillors agreed to recommend approval subject to a footpath being constructed in the frontage of the site.
(g) Retention of fence at 32 Seymour Street, Wellington (43/2008/016). Mr Hamer said this was a retrospective application the planning department were not happy with the fence. It was felt the fence was too harsh and it would be recommending refusal. However councillors felt the fence was big improvement on the previous Leylandii hedging and felt it not only improved visibility for motorists but was more visually pleasing too. Councillors agreed to recommend approval.
14622 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL AND SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL (CONT)
(h) Erection of classroom block with examinations hall, land adjacent to Princess Royal Sports Centre, Wellington School, South Street, Wellington: amended scheme (43/2008/026). Mr Hamer said this proposal was for some minor changes and the planning department were happy with it. Councillors agreed to recommend approval.
(i) Installation of 15m high radio monopole with 1 x 0.3m microwave dish at Wellington Telephone Exchange, Scotts Lane, Wellington (43/2008/018TEN). There was a letter by the applicant BT in support of its application. The planning department advised the council the sole issue was to consider the effect of the development on the landscape in terms of visual amenity. Mr Hamer said there were a couple of masts in the area and the planning department were likely to be relatively happy with the proposal. However, councillors were not happy with the application and thought it would result in too many masts in a small area. Members agreed to recommend refusal on the grounds there were too many telecommunication masts in close proximity and they also objected on the grounds of the negative visual impact it would have.
14623 NORTHERN RELIEF ROAD AND LONGFORTH FARM DEVELOPMENT
Taunton DBC principal planner Ian Ayre gave a short presentation to members on future of development in the town particularly regarding the Northern Relief Road and the Longforth Farm development. Mr Ayre said he felt the wrong message had been sent out in some of the media about the future plans for the relief road. He explained the independent panel which had looked at the draft Regional Spatial Strategy felt it should not include Wellington in the same policy as Taunton and Bridgwater because it was too small. It felt Wellington should be included in another strategy. Mr Ayre said this should not affect the level of housing growth that had been proposed for Wellington as it could be adequately covered under a different policy. He pointed out the housing allocation had been increased by 15 per cent for Wellington and the area outside Taunton and a total of 3,800 would be constructed in that area. He felt the majority of this should occur in the town. His advice in the meantime was to seek the support of community organisations in the town for the new housing development which would enable the Northern Relief to go ahead. He suggested any letters of support received from organisations in the town should be sent to the forward planning unit at the county council. Councillors explained support had been expressed by two large companies in the town, Relyon and Aerosols International, and also by different groups at the Market and Coastal Town Initiative’s visioning events that were currently taking place. It was also noted that individuals were welcome to send their comments and support to the county council.
14624 VALIDATION OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS
A letter had been received from Somerset County Council about new procedures for the submission of planning applications which were due to come into effect on the 6th April 2008. Mr Hamer thought the new rules would be of benefit to everybody because it would require applicants to submit more information than at present which would make it easier to access applications and hopefully make it easier to make decisions and process applications quicker.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.10 PM
PRESENT: Councillors P. Critchard (vice-chairman) who presided, R. Bowrah, C. Hindley, J Clark, A. Govier, G. Goodwin, S. Walters, J. Reed, J. Govier, G. Copley, J. Lloyd, V. Stock-Williams, and N. Wilson and R. Henley (who both arrived at 6.05pm) and the clerk Mr A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning manager Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillor D Mitton. There were 6 members of the public present (who all arrived at 7pm).
14620 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Councillors Critchard and Bowrah stated they were members of Taunton DBC planning committee and reserved their right to vote differently at Taunton DBC planning committee meeting than at the town council planning meeting as different facts could be placed before them. Councillor Bowrah declared an interest in the application at 32 Seymour Street as he knew the applicant and said he would like to make a comment but would not vote. Councillor Clark declared an interest in the application at Wellington School because he was the town council representative for the school. Councillors A and J. Govier also declared interests in the application at Wellington School because they had children that attended the school.
14621 APPLICATION FOR 21 MITCHELL STREET, WELLINGTON
The council received details of the following application: Construction of dormer window to south elevation at 21 Mitchell Street, Wellington (43/2008/014). The council had received no letters of objection. Mr Hamer said the planning officer was recommending refusal because the proposed dormer window would be out of keeping with the character of the building and would adversely affect the visual amenity. The extension to the hipped gable would imbalance the terrace and would also make it out of keeping with the existing character of the building as well as affecting the visual amenity. He said it would need some drastic alterations to overcome this. Councillor Copley said she did not feel it would adversely affect the street scene because the proposal was for the back of the property and proposed approval which was seconded by Councillor Reed. Councillors voted 4 to approve and 4 against, with 5 abstentions. Councillor Critchard had the casting vote as chairman of the meeting and agreed with the planning officer and voted against it and therefore the application was refused.
COUNCILLORS HENLEY AND WILSON ENTERED HERE AT 6.05PM
14622 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL AND SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL
The council considered the following applications: (a) Demolition of building, erection of retail A1 food store comprising about 2,580sq.m. gross internal floor area with associated parking, servicing and landscaping served by an improved access off Bulford and a new pedestrian access via Fore Street, Wellington Medical Centre and South Street car park, Wellington (43/2008/013). Mr Hamer explained this was an outline application and a renewal of previously approved applications, the last renewal was only 3 years ago. The planning department were happy with the application and were likely to recommend approval. Councillors raised concerns about the impact the new store would have on the area such as the increase in traffic and also an increase in early morning noise with additional delivery lorries. Mr Hamer reminded councillors that under the section 106 agreement for the application traffic calming measures were included. There was further concern raised about the effect the new development would have on traffic in Bulford and at the South Street mini roundabout which already saw congestion at particular times of the day. It was agreed to recommend approval on condition the concerns above were raised with the planning department and assurance was sought the traffic calming measures stipulated in the section 106 agreement would be carried out.
14622 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL AND SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL (CONT)
(b) Erection of public house/restaurant and hotel with ancillary parking, access and landscaping on land at Chelston House Farm, Chelston, Wellington adjacent to the B3187/A38 roundabout (43/2008/012: a reserved matters application following outline approval 43/2006/016). Mr Hamer explained this application was a detailed application as outline permission had already been given. He considered it to be broadly acceptable and thought it should be of benefit to the area. The development was welcomed by councillors who felt it would make a good addition to the town especially with the growth of the food town. Councillors agreed to recommend approval.
(c) Extended opening hours till 2am on Friday and Saturday nights (non compliance with condition 2 of permission 43/1994/128), Mr Scrumptious, 8 South Street, Wellington (43/2008/017). A petition had signed by more than 500 people in favour of the application and there were also about 6 letters of support. The council had also received one letter of objection from Lorraine, Trish, and Richard Lettley of Teare’s Newsagents who felt if the application was approved it would lead to more people loitering in the town centre for even longer periods and also it would create more litter. Mr Hamer explained there had been a chequered history regarding applications on these premises. The existing permission had been in place since 1994. There had been another application to extend the opening hours to 1am in 2005, however that was refused. The current proposal was to extend the opening hours to 2am on Friday and Saturday nights. Mr Hamer said the police were against the application in 2005 but were now reported to be happy with it. He also said the applicants were already staying open longer than they already should be. Councillors felt the current condition of midnight was more than acceptable and were concerned if the hours were extended to 2am it could result in the establishment staying open longer than that. The clerk read a letter from Sgt Stuart Bell of Wellington Police which stated he had no evidence to oppose the application on the grounds of additional crime or disorder but was concerned the owners were disregarding the current licensing conditions which had been documented by the police and Taunton DBC. Councillors agreed to recommend refusal by 12 votes to 1 with 1 abstention.
(d) Erection of signage at the Co-op Food Store, Longforth Road, Wellington (43/2008/015A). Mr Hamer said the planning department had no objections. Councillors agreed to recommend approval.
(e) Erection of two dwellings on land opposite 11a Rockwell Green, Wellington (Near cemetery lodge: 43/2007/189). Mr Hamer said the planning department were happy in principle with the application, however although the applicants had provided a flood risk assessment there were still concerns about flooding. Councillors expressed concerned about the risk of flooding on a very low lying site and thought the development would only make the situation worse. Councillors agreed to recommend refusal because of the flood risk to the very low lying site.
(f) Erection of two dwellings with car ports and bike store on land opposite Bridge House, Westford, Wellington, amended plans (43/2007/061). Mr Hamer said there were highway and tree concerns on the previous applications but with this application there were no concerns about either. Councillors agreed to recommend approval subject to a footpath being constructed in the frontage of the site.
(g) Retention of fence at 32 Seymour Street, Wellington (43/2008/016). Mr Hamer said this was a retrospective application the planning department were not happy with the fence. It was felt the fence was too harsh and it would be recommending refusal. However councillors felt the fence was big improvement on the previous Leylandii hedging and felt it not only improved visibility for motorists but was more visually pleasing too. Councillors agreed to recommend approval.
14622 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL AND SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL (CONT)
(h) Erection of classroom block with examinations hall, land adjacent to Princess Royal Sports Centre, Wellington School, South Street, Wellington: amended scheme (43/2008/026). Mr Hamer said this proposal was for some minor changes and the planning department were happy with it. Councillors agreed to recommend approval.
(i) Installation of 15m high radio monopole with 1 x 0.3m microwave dish at Wellington Telephone Exchange, Scotts Lane, Wellington (43/2008/018TEN). There was a letter by the applicant BT in support of its application. The planning department advised the council the sole issue was to consider the effect of the development on the landscape in terms of visual amenity. Mr Hamer said there were a couple of masts in the area and the planning department were likely to be relatively happy with the proposal. However, councillors were not happy with the application and thought it would result in too many masts in a small area. Members agreed to recommend refusal on the grounds there were too many telecommunication masts in close proximity and they also objected on the grounds of the negative visual impact it would have.
14623 NORTHERN RELIEF ROAD AND LONGFORTH FARM DEVELOPMENT
Taunton DBC principal planner Ian Ayre gave a short presentation to members on future of development in the town particularly regarding the Northern Relief Road and the Longforth Farm development. Mr Ayre said he felt the wrong message had been sent out in some of the media about the future plans for the relief road. He explained the independent panel which had looked at the draft Regional Spatial Strategy felt it should not include Wellington in the same policy as Taunton and Bridgwater because it was too small. It felt Wellington should be included in another strategy. Mr Ayre said this should not affect the level of housing growth that had been proposed for Wellington as it could be adequately covered under a different policy. He pointed out the housing allocation had been increased by 15 per cent for Wellington and the area outside Taunton and a total of 3,800 would be constructed in that area. He felt the majority of this should occur in the town. His advice in the meantime was to seek the support of community organisations in the town for the new housing development which would enable the Northern Relief to go ahead. He suggested any letters of support received from organisations in the town should be sent to the forward planning unit at the county council. Councillors explained support had been expressed by two large companies in the town, Relyon and Aerosols International, and also by different groups at the Market and Coastal Town Initiative’s visioning events that were currently taking place. It was also noted that individuals were welcome to send their comments and support to the county council.
14624 VALIDATION OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS
A letter had been received from Somerset County Council about new procedures for the submission of planning applications which were due to come into effect on the 6th April 2008. Mr Hamer thought the new rules would be of benefit to everybody because it would require applicants to submit more information than at present which would make it easier to access applications and hopefully make it easier to make decisions and process applications quicker.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.10 PM
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Wellington Town Council meeting February 2008
PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE DRAFT MINUTES TO BE CONFIRMED ON MARCH 3
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 4th February 2008 at 7pm.
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman) who presided, Councillors P. Critchard (vice-chairman), R. Bowrah, A. Govier, G. Goodwin, R. Henley, G. Copley, J. Reed, J. Govier, N. Wilson, and V. Stock-Williams, the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors J. Clark, C. Hindley, J. Lloyd and S. Walters. There were 4 members of the public present.
14592 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton said that during January he had attended meetings to do with Wellington Food Town, Market and Coastal Town Initiative, and Beech Grove School. He reminded the meeting of the forthcoming Friends of Wellington Park quiz night on 15th February and asked if any councillors would like to join him and make up a team. He also welcomed the town’s new police sergeant Stuart Bell.
14593 POLICE MATTERS
PCSO support officer John Swayne of Wellington Police Station introduced the new police sergeant Stuart Bell to the meeting. Sergeant Bell thanked councillors for their welcome and informed them the crime figures were a mixed bag. There had been 2 reports of criminal damage in Wellington and a suspect had been charged and bailed for both incidents. There had been 1 window broken in the criminal damage to non-dwellings category and also 3 windows broken to dwellings and investigations were still ongoing. There had been a rise in the number of incidents of criminal damage to motor vehicles from December with 16 incidents of damage to tyres, windscreen wipers, and paintwork. Many of the incidents had taken place in car parks including the car park off Courtland Road. There had also been one house burglary and four burglaries to non-dwellings, and 10 offences of actual bodily harm with six of these occurring at the same time by the same assailant who had been remanded back into prison. There had been three cases of common assault and two of them related to a domestic incident and a person had been charged. There had been four thefts from motor vehicles where belongings had been left on display, and two thefts from shops with one person charged for shoplifting. There had been no bike thefts. Councillor Mitton suggested it would be a good time to arrange the visit to the CCTV centre in Bridgwater while Mr Swayne was at the meeting as he was the portfolio holder responsible for CCTV at Sedgemoor District Council which monitored Taunton Deane’s CCTV in the Bridgwater centre. It was agreed to have two visits to the centre – one on Tuesday March 4th at 2pm and the other on Tuesday March 11th at 7pm. Mr Swayne said he thought the council would receive a grant application from Shopwatch shortly for funding towards a CCTV scheme. Sgt Bell and Mr Swayne were thanked for attending.
14594 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
Mrs Isabel Ward, chairman of Wellington in Bloom, invited councillors to attend the WIB AGM on Thursday, 7th February at Bulford Community Hall at 6pm and reported that she had met the directors of Hawks, the main developers of the new Somerfield Store, that afternoon and they had confirmed that the work would be going ahead.
14595 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
Mrs Pauline Sturgess, the chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, reported that a cheese and wine quiz was being held on Saturday, 16th February, that the summer programme of Sunday afternoon entertainment had been arranged and that a May Day fund raising event would be held on the Park on Monday, 5th May 2008.
14596 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 7th January 2008, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read and signed as correct by the chairman Councillor Mitton, with the following addition to council meeting minute 14584 Staffing Committee: “The short listing of candidates for the post of town clerk shall be decided by the Staffing Committee plus Councillors A. Govier, P. Critchard, V. Stock-Williams and J. Clark and that the interviews shall be undertaken by the Staffing Committee with the clerk present as an advisor.”
14597 PRECEPT AND BUDGET FOR 2008-2009
In his final budget report before his retirement, the clerk recommended the council to fix an unchanged council tax of £16.50 for Band D properties for 2008-2009 and to fix the council’s precept at £76,670. He recommended taking £32,305 from the balances to keep the council’s own tax unchanged for a ninth year in succession and pointed out that it was estimated that the council would have a balance of £84,695 at the end of March 2009 which would be more than adequate to meet any unforeseen expenditure which might occur during the next financial year. On the recommendation of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to accept the report (details attached to these minutes) and its recommendations, to thank the clerk for his hard work and to amend the item for CCTV to “CCTV/Crime Prevention.”
14598 REMOVAL OF WHISTLE BOARDS AT WESTFORD RAIL CROSSING
With reference to minute 14571 a letter was received from Network Rail stating that the boards had been in place until they were reported missing, presumed stolen. After unsuccessful investigations with the British Transport Police, Network Rail consulted with Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate for their permanent removal and following agreement the boards had not been replaced, leaving the crossing protected by the audible warning and lights based system. The red light showed and the audible warning started 21 seconds before the arrival of a train. The average crossing time for a pedestrian was calculated at 8.22 seconds. In addition a new foot-deck had been provided in August 2007 which reduced risk to pedestrians and speeded up the transit over the crossing. The crossing was last risk-assessed in Decembe 2006 and resulted in a score of C6 in their all level crossing risk model (ALCRM) computer test which did not fall within the high risk category. A site meeting with the Railway Inspectorate was offered and it was agreed to arrange such a meeting. Councillors felt the elderly would take longer than 8 seconds to cross the lines.
14599 STREET CLEANING
With reference to minute 14568 it was reported that councillors had seen an impressive demonstration of the mechanical pavement sweeper (the green machine) in the town centre area on 30th January and that Taunton Deane Borough Council had agreed that the machine would visit Wellington on a fortnightly basis, spending the first two hours in the town centre area and the rest of the day in other parts of Wellington. It was agreed that the Environment Committee should meet to draw up a list of streets to be included in the machine’s cleaning programme.
14600 JUNCTION OF CORAMS LANE AND SPRINGFIELD ROAD
With reference to minute 14564 it was reported that a site meeting had taken place on 23rd January with Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways, to consider measures to improve traffic congestion. A report suggesting the possible provision of double yellow lines in parts of Corams Lane and Springfield was awaited. It was agreed to defer the matter until the March meeting, pending the receipt of Mr Titcombe’s report.
14601 CONDUCT OF LOCAL AUTHORITY MEMBERS
A letter was received from the Department for Communities and Local Government seeking views on orders and regulations relating to the conduct of local authority members in England. Members also received a report on the consultation document from Somerset Association of Local Councils putting forward their response to the various proposals. It was agreed to support the SALC proposals and also to get more information about dual-hatted members.
14602 TOWN COUNCIL WEBSITE
It was reported that some quotes had been received for updating the town council website and that a meeting had been arranged with a firm later that week to discuss the website. It was agreed to consider the matter again at the March meeting when a full report would be circulated to councillors.
14603 NORTHERN RELIEF ROAD
Members were circulated with emails from Councillor A. Govier, Mr Ian Ayre, of Taunton DBC’s planning department, and the clerk, A. Brown about a proposed change in the Regional Spatial Strategy under which Wellington would be removed from policies covering Taunton and Bridgwater and about concerns that this alteration might adversely affect the suggested Northern Relief Road for Wellington. With a 15% increase in the housing numbers proposed for Wellington and the rest of the borough, Mr Ayre stated that he did not believe the change would have any impact on the case for developing Longforth Farm or the construction of a road which could operate as a relief road. After some discussion Councillor Govier proposed, and it was agreed, that Mr Ayre should be invited to attend a council meeting to discuss the topic further. A letter was also received from Mr Ian Mackinnon, chief executive of Swallowfield plc, supporting the town council’s plans for the construction of a Northern Relief Road.
COUNCILLOR R. HENLEY LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 7.50PM
14604 WELLINGTON IN BLOOM GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 14570 a letter of thanks was received from the chairman of Wellington in Bloom, Mrs Isabel Ward, for the grant of £1,350. The letter was noted.
14605 ERECTION OF 2 BUNGALOWS AT WESTFORD COURT
With reference to minute 14557 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the planning application to demolish a redundant building and erect two bungalows on land south of Westford Court, Wellington (43/07/179) had been withdrawn. Letter was noted.
14606 HOLYOAKE STREET TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
With reference to minute 14507 the clerk reported that an advance weight restriction sign had been erected in Station Road to deter large vehicles from turning left into Holyoake Street. The report was noted.
14607 PROVISION OF MORE CYCLE RACKS IN TOWN CENTRE
With reference to minute 14384 the clerk reported that 8 additional cycle racks had been provided by Taunton DBC in High Street and Fore Street. The report was noted.
14608 ROAD SIGNAGE AT BURROUGH WAY
With reference to minute 14503 the clerk reported that a new Burrough Way sign had been erected by Taunton DBC in the position requested. The report was noted.
14609 CCTV CAMERAS
With reference to minute 14561 the clerk reported that the council’s second CCTV camera had been installed in Mantle Street and that it was hoped to relocate the first camera which was currently in South Street car park to the Waterloo Road-Victoria Street junction very shortly. The report was noted.
14610 CLOSURE OF PAYTON ROAD
A letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that Payton Road would be closed for 4 weeks from 3rd March 2008 to lay storm and foul pipes along with the construction of new manholes. It was agreed to ask for the road to be opened as quickly as possible.
14611 TAUNTON DEANE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
A letter as received from Taunton Deane Local Strategic Partnership inviting councillors to attend a meeting of the West Community Partnership to be held at the Active Living Centre in North Street, Wellington on 12th February 2008 at 6.30pm. Councillors R. Bowrah, A. Govier, G. Copley and D. Mitton indicated that they would attend.
14612 A38 RED ROUTE WORKSHOPS
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about A38 red route workshops stating that driver error had been identified as the primary cause in over 95% of road accidents and that driver education was a vital part in any casualty reduction strategy. The clerk stated that more details were available from his office for members to read.
14613 BLACKDOWN HILLS CREATIVE ARTS FORUM
A letter was received from the vice chairman of Blackdown Hills Creataive Arts Forum, Fiona Hamilton about possible town council involvement in a community arts project and one day festival at Wellington Monument involving workshops and local food producers on Monday, 4th May 2008. It was agreed to defer a decision until the March meeting pending more information from the Forum.
14614 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 14580 it was agreed to put the Northern Relief Road on the agenda for the next meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership to be held on Monday, 18th February 2008 at 6pm.
14615 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Construction of a timber double garage, caretaker’s workshop and greenhouse plus the creation of 9 additional car parking spaces at Court Fields Community School, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2007/161: county council decision); (b) Retention of alterations to access, formation of earth mound and erection of workshop/barn at Burts Farm, Ford Street, Wellington (44/2007/025); (c) Installation of court lighting at Wellington Tennis Club, Courtland Road, Wellington (43/2007/166): (d) Erection of porch, single storey extension to rear and two storey extension at 30 Drakes Park, Wellington (43/2007/175); (e) Replacement of cement slates with Spanish slates at 50 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/176LB); (f) Erection of car port to east elevation at 21 Buckwell, Wellington (43/2007/157); (g) Installation of new shop front at 14 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/177 and 178LB, revised applications); (h) Erection of detached garage with store at 78 Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/167); (i) Re-hanging of projecting sign and installation of window vinyl, Boots the Chemists, 6 High Street,igh Street, Wellig Wellington (43/2007/170A); (j) Erection of supermarket with associated car parking and
servicing, land to rear of 34-46 High Street, Wellington (partial amendment to planning permission 43/2004/141) (43/2007/163); (k) Erection of industrial unit at Rylands Farm Industrial Estate, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/165). The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plan: (a) Retention of satellite dish at 8 South Street, Wellington (43/2007/169).
14616 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST JANUARY 2008
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2007 to 31st January 2008 was £148,766 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £135,874 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008). The report was noted.
14617 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Inland Revenue £732.85 for income tax and national insurance; Mr A. Brown £100 petty cash; Mrs J. Thorne £53.84 for additional hours of work in January; WCCTV £1.13 for calls to camera; Hinewood Cleaning Services £63 for bus shelter and window cleaning for January; Wellington Silver Band £300 for playing carols on 8th and 22nd December 2007; EDF Energy £160.13 for electricity at council offices; Society of Local Council Clerks £161 for annual membership; St John’s Primary School £295.84 for school crossing patrol for September to December 2007; Taunton Deane Community Transport £129 for concessionary hospital transport for December 2007; Taunton Deane Borough Council £2,550.15 for footpath clearance for 2007; Judith Goss Florists £45 for flowers for local war graves for September, October and December 2007; Taunton DBC £434.84 for grass cutting on 18 occasions at Tone play area; Christmas light power payments: Mount Veterinary Group £75, HT Perry £60, Wellington Baptist Church, Wellington United Reformed Church, J. Pragnell, Evad Furniture and Reel Cinemas Ltd £40 each, Green Dragon, Somerset Army Cadet Force and S.B. Ong £20 each.
14618 STAFFING COMMITTEE
With reference to minute 14584 the chairman Councillor D. Mitton reported that the committee had held two meetings and would hold another meeting before the actual interviews for the post of town clerk on 13th March. So far there had been 32 applications. As Councillor J. Lloyd could not attend the interview meeting on 13th March it was agreed that Councillor P. Critchard should take her place. It was further agreed that a short list of 6 applicants to be interviewed should be drawn up following the closing date.
14619 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported the following newsletters and reports were available from the clerk’s office for members to read if they wished: Clerk and Councils Direct magazine for January 2008; Winter edition of THATCH, the rural community magazine for Somerset; What’s On in Taunton Deane for February 2008.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.50PM
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 4th February 2008 at 7pm.
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman) who presided, Councillors P. Critchard (vice-chairman), R. Bowrah, A. Govier, G. Goodwin, R. Henley, G. Copley, J. Reed, J. Govier, N. Wilson, and V. Stock-Williams, the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors J. Clark, C. Hindley, J. Lloyd and S. Walters. There were 4 members of the public present.
14592 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton said that during January he had attended meetings to do with Wellington Food Town, Market and Coastal Town Initiative, and Beech Grove School. He reminded the meeting of the forthcoming Friends of Wellington Park quiz night on 15th February and asked if any councillors would like to join him and make up a team. He also welcomed the town’s new police sergeant Stuart Bell.
14593 POLICE MATTERS
PCSO support officer John Swayne of Wellington Police Station introduced the new police sergeant Stuart Bell to the meeting. Sergeant Bell thanked councillors for their welcome and informed them the crime figures were a mixed bag. There had been 2 reports of criminal damage in Wellington and a suspect had been charged and bailed for both incidents. There had been 1 window broken in the criminal damage to non-dwellings category and also 3 windows broken to dwellings and investigations were still ongoing. There had been a rise in the number of incidents of criminal damage to motor vehicles from December with 16 incidents of damage to tyres, windscreen wipers, and paintwork. Many of the incidents had taken place in car parks including the car park off Courtland Road. There had also been one house burglary and four burglaries to non-dwellings, and 10 offences of actual bodily harm with six of these occurring at the same time by the same assailant who had been remanded back into prison. There had been three cases of common assault and two of them related to a domestic incident and a person had been charged. There had been four thefts from motor vehicles where belongings had been left on display, and two thefts from shops with one person charged for shoplifting. There had been no bike thefts. Councillor Mitton suggested it would be a good time to arrange the visit to the CCTV centre in Bridgwater while Mr Swayne was at the meeting as he was the portfolio holder responsible for CCTV at Sedgemoor District Council which monitored Taunton Deane’s CCTV in the Bridgwater centre. It was agreed to have two visits to the centre – one on Tuesday March 4th at 2pm and the other on Tuesday March 11th at 7pm. Mr Swayne said he thought the council would receive a grant application from Shopwatch shortly for funding towards a CCTV scheme. Sgt Bell and Mr Swayne were thanked for attending.
14594 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
Mrs Isabel Ward, chairman of Wellington in Bloom, invited councillors to attend the WIB AGM on Thursday, 7th February at Bulford Community Hall at 6pm and reported that she had met the directors of Hawks, the main developers of the new Somerfield Store, that afternoon and they had confirmed that the work would be going ahead.
14595 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
Mrs Pauline Sturgess, the chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, reported that a cheese and wine quiz was being held on Saturday, 16th February, that the summer programme of Sunday afternoon entertainment had been arranged and that a May Day fund raising event would be held on the Park on Monday, 5th May 2008.
14596 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 7th January 2008, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read and signed as correct by the chairman Councillor Mitton, with the following addition to council meeting minute 14584 Staffing Committee: “The short listing of candidates for the post of town clerk shall be decided by the Staffing Committee plus Councillors A. Govier, P. Critchard, V. Stock-Williams and J. Clark and that the interviews shall be undertaken by the Staffing Committee with the clerk present as an advisor.”
14597 PRECEPT AND BUDGET FOR 2008-2009
In his final budget report before his retirement, the clerk recommended the council to fix an unchanged council tax of £16.50 for Band D properties for 2008-2009 and to fix the council’s precept at £76,670. He recommended taking £32,305 from the balances to keep the council’s own tax unchanged for a ninth year in succession and pointed out that it was estimated that the council would have a balance of £84,695 at the end of March 2009 which would be more than adequate to meet any unforeseen expenditure which might occur during the next financial year. On the recommendation of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to accept the report (details attached to these minutes) and its recommendations, to thank the clerk for his hard work and to amend the item for CCTV to “CCTV/Crime Prevention.”
14598 REMOVAL OF WHISTLE BOARDS AT WESTFORD RAIL CROSSING
With reference to minute 14571 a letter was received from Network Rail stating that the boards had been in place until they were reported missing, presumed stolen. After unsuccessful investigations with the British Transport Police, Network Rail consulted with Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate for their permanent removal and following agreement the boards had not been replaced, leaving the crossing protected by the audible warning and lights based system. The red light showed and the audible warning started 21 seconds before the arrival of a train. The average crossing time for a pedestrian was calculated at 8.22 seconds. In addition a new foot-deck had been provided in August 2007 which reduced risk to pedestrians and speeded up the transit over the crossing. The crossing was last risk-assessed in Decembe 2006 and resulted in a score of C6 in their all level crossing risk model (ALCRM) computer test which did not fall within the high risk category. A site meeting with the Railway Inspectorate was offered and it was agreed to arrange such a meeting. Councillors felt the elderly would take longer than 8 seconds to cross the lines.
14599 STREET CLEANING
With reference to minute 14568 it was reported that councillors had seen an impressive demonstration of the mechanical pavement sweeper (the green machine) in the town centre area on 30th January and that Taunton Deane Borough Council had agreed that the machine would visit Wellington on a fortnightly basis, spending the first two hours in the town centre area and the rest of the day in other parts of Wellington. It was agreed that the Environment Committee should meet to draw up a list of streets to be included in the machine’s cleaning programme.
14600 JUNCTION OF CORAMS LANE AND SPRINGFIELD ROAD
With reference to minute 14564 it was reported that a site meeting had taken place on 23rd January with Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways, to consider measures to improve traffic congestion. A report suggesting the possible provision of double yellow lines in parts of Corams Lane and Springfield was awaited. It was agreed to defer the matter until the March meeting, pending the receipt of Mr Titcombe’s report.
14601 CONDUCT OF LOCAL AUTHORITY MEMBERS
A letter was received from the Department for Communities and Local Government seeking views on orders and regulations relating to the conduct of local authority members in England. Members also received a report on the consultation document from Somerset Association of Local Councils putting forward their response to the various proposals. It was agreed to support the SALC proposals and also to get more information about dual-hatted members.
14602 TOWN COUNCIL WEBSITE
It was reported that some quotes had been received for updating the town council website and that a meeting had been arranged with a firm later that week to discuss the website. It was agreed to consider the matter again at the March meeting when a full report would be circulated to councillors.
14603 NORTHERN RELIEF ROAD
Members were circulated with emails from Councillor A. Govier, Mr Ian Ayre, of Taunton DBC’s planning department, and the clerk, A. Brown about a proposed change in the Regional Spatial Strategy under which Wellington would be removed from policies covering Taunton and Bridgwater and about concerns that this alteration might adversely affect the suggested Northern Relief Road for Wellington. With a 15% increase in the housing numbers proposed for Wellington and the rest of the borough, Mr Ayre stated that he did not believe the change would have any impact on the case for developing Longforth Farm or the construction of a road which could operate as a relief road. After some discussion Councillor Govier proposed, and it was agreed, that Mr Ayre should be invited to attend a council meeting to discuss the topic further. A letter was also received from Mr Ian Mackinnon, chief executive of Swallowfield plc, supporting the town council’s plans for the construction of a Northern Relief Road.
COUNCILLOR R. HENLEY LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 7.50PM
14604 WELLINGTON IN BLOOM GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 14570 a letter of thanks was received from the chairman of Wellington in Bloom, Mrs Isabel Ward, for the grant of £1,350. The letter was noted.
14605 ERECTION OF 2 BUNGALOWS AT WESTFORD COURT
With reference to minute 14557 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the planning application to demolish a redundant building and erect two bungalows on land south of Westford Court, Wellington (43/07/179) had been withdrawn. Letter was noted.
14606 HOLYOAKE STREET TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
With reference to minute 14507 the clerk reported that an advance weight restriction sign had been erected in Station Road to deter large vehicles from turning left into Holyoake Street. The report was noted.
14607 PROVISION OF MORE CYCLE RACKS IN TOWN CENTRE
With reference to minute 14384 the clerk reported that 8 additional cycle racks had been provided by Taunton DBC in High Street and Fore Street. The report was noted.
14608 ROAD SIGNAGE AT BURROUGH WAY
With reference to minute 14503 the clerk reported that a new Burrough Way sign had been erected by Taunton DBC in the position requested. The report was noted.
14609 CCTV CAMERAS
With reference to minute 14561 the clerk reported that the council’s second CCTV camera had been installed in Mantle Street and that it was hoped to relocate the first camera which was currently in South Street car park to the Waterloo Road-Victoria Street junction very shortly. The report was noted.
14610 CLOSURE OF PAYTON ROAD
A letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that Payton Road would be closed for 4 weeks from 3rd March 2008 to lay storm and foul pipes along with the construction of new manholes. It was agreed to ask for the road to be opened as quickly as possible.
14611 TAUNTON DEANE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
A letter as received from Taunton Deane Local Strategic Partnership inviting councillors to attend a meeting of the West Community Partnership to be held at the Active Living Centre in North Street, Wellington on 12th February 2008 at 6.30pm. Councillors R. Bowrah, A. Govier, G. Copley and D. Mitton indicated that they would attend.
14612 A38 RED ROUTE WORKSHOPS
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about A38 red route workshops stating that driver error had been identified as the primary cause in over 95% of road accidents and that driver education was a vital part in any casualty reduction strategy. The clerk stated that more details were available from his office for members to read.
14613 BLACKDOWN HILLS CREATIVE ARTS FORUM
A letter was received from the vice chairman of Blackdown Hills Creataive Arts Forum, Fiona Hamilton about possible town council involvement in a community arts project and one day festival at Wellington Monument involving workshops and local food producers on Monday, 4th May 2008. It was agreed to defer a decision until the March meeting pending more information from the Forum.
14614 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 14580 it was agreed to put the Northern Relief Road on the agenda for the next meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership to be held on Monday, 18th February 2008 at 6pm.
14615 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Construction of a timber double garage, caretaker’s workshop and greenhouse plus the creation of 9 additional car parking spaces at Court Fields Community School, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2007/161: county council decision); (b) Retention of alterations to access, formation of earth mound and erection of workshop/barn at Burts Farm, Ford Street, Wellington (44/2007/025); (c) Installation of court lighting at Wellington Tennis Club, Courtland Road, Wellington (43/2007/166): (d) Erection of porch, single storey extension to rear and two storey extension at 30 Drakes Park, Wellington (43/2007/175); (e) Replacement of cement slates with Spanish slates at 50 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/176LB); (f) Erection of car port to east elevation at 21 Buckwell, Wellington (43/2007/157); (g) Installation of new shop front at 14 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/177 and 178LB, revised applications); (h) Erection of detached garage with store at 78 Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/167); (i) Re-hanging of projecting sign and installation of window vinyl, Boots the Chemists, 6 High Street,igh Street, Wellig Wellington (43/2007/170A); (j) Erection of supermarket with associated car parking and
servicing, land to rear of 34-46 High Street, Wellington (partial amendment to planning permission 43/2004/141) (43/2007/163); (k) Erection of industrial unit at Rylands Farm Industrial Estate, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/165). The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plan: (a) Retention of satellite dish at 8 South Street, Wellington (43/2007/169).
14616 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST JANUARY 2008
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2007 to 31st January 2008 was £148,766 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £135,874 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008). The report was noted.
14617 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Inland Revenue £732.85 for income tax and national insurance; Mr A. Brown £100 petty cash; Mrs J. Thorne £53.84 for additional hours of work in January; WCCTV £1.13 for calls to camera; Hinewood Cleaning Services £63 for bus shelter and window cleaning for January; Wellington Silver Band £300 for playing carols on 8th and 22nd December 2007; EDF Energy £160.13 for electricity at council offices; Society of Local Council Clerks £161 for annual membership; St John’s Primary School £295.84 for school crossing patrol for September to December 2007; Taunton Deane Community Transport £129 for concessionary hospital transport for December 2007; Taunton Deane Borough Council £2,550.15 for footpath clearance for 2007; Judith Goss Florists £45 for flowers for local war graves for September, October and December 2007; Taunton DBC £434.84 for grass cutting on 18 occasions at Tone play area; Christmas light power payments: Mount Veterinary Group £75, HT Perry £60, Wellington Baptist Church, Wellington United Reformed Church, J. Pragnell, Evad Furniture and Reel Cinemas Ltd £40 each, Green Dragon, Somerset Army Cadet Force and S.B. Ong £20 each.
14618 STAFFING COMMITTEE
With reference to minute 14584 the chairman Councillor D. Mitton reported that the committee had held two meetings and would hold another meeting before the actual interviews for the post of town clerk on 13th March. So far there had been 32 applications. As Councillor J. Lloyd could not attend the interview meeting on 13th March it was agreed that Councillor P. Critchard should take her place. It was further agreed that a short list of 6 applicants to be interviewed should be drawn up following the closing date.
14619 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported the following newsletters and reports were available from the clerk’s office for members to read if they wished: Clerk and Councils Direct magazine for January 2008; Winter edition of THATCH, the rural community magazine for Somerset; What’s On in Taunton Deane for February 2008.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.50PM
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)