Wellington Town Council minutes December 2004
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 6th December 2004 at 7pm
PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors P. Critchard, A. Govier, R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Horsman, G. James, D. Mitton, and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown. There was an apology from Councillor D. Gill. There were 12 members of the public present.
13057 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTSThe chairman, Councillor R. Bowrah, reported that there had been an excellent turn out by the public for the Christmas lights switch-on which had taken place on Friday, 26th November 2004 with an exceptional number attending. He would be visiting the Cottage Hospital, The Court and Popham House on Christmas Eve to take the council’s festive greetings to staff, residents and patients.
13058 POLICE MATTERSSgt R. Caburn, reported that during November in the Wellington section there had been 33 thefts, 3 robberies, 7 thefts from vehicles, 10 criminal damage to vehicles, 4 commercial burglaries, 2 domestic burglaries, 7 sheds and outbuildings broken into (mainly in the Blackdown Hills area), 16 offences of criminal damage and 2 assaults. Inquiries into the Piccadilly Service Station robbery near Chelston were continuing, a 57 year old man was in custody for the robbery at a Milverton store and following a robbery by the Kwiksave store car park in Wellington a purse had been found with the money inside.
He criticised a report in the Wellington Weekly News referring to the fear of gang rape following the Kwiksave robbery. The teenager involved had not mentioned the fear of rape when questioned by the police. Two arrest warrants for the possession of cannabis had been carried out in Jurston Lane where a complete cannabis producing set up, including plants, had been found in the loft of one of the homes.
A woman had been arrested and a man interviewed. The link with crime was drugs and the police were trying to stop drugs in Wellington. It was the third such raid carried out in Wellington in four weeks. A house at Mount Pleasant had been raided and a woman cautioned after a quantity of cannabis was seized. Cannabis had also been found in a house in Richards Close and a man cautioned.
A weekly police surgery had been started at the Community Office from 10am to 12noon on Thursday, which was in addition to the surgeries at Rockwell Green and Priory. Christmas was a busy time and special constables were deployed on Saturdays to give a presence within the town. He referred to anti social behaviour problems in the Warren Street area of Dobree Park at Rockwell Green where some elderly people had been reluctant to ring the police and had suffered in silence. One lady had been in tears. Youngsters had urinated through her letterbox.
The police had sent letters to residents giving them the mobile numbers of various police officers so that they could seek help quickly. Thirteen warning letters had been sent to the parents of children who had misbehaved. If a second warning letter was sent it could result in an anti social behaviour order being served. If that was breached the family could be evicted if they lived in rented accommodation.
Two public order arrests had been made, one outside the Kings Arms in High Street and another in South Street where CS gas had been used. The CCTV cameras had proved useful. An £80 fixed penalty fine had been imposed at Wiveliscombe for anti social behaviour. Councillor Wilson referred to the problem of the damaged bollards at Greenway Road, Rockwell Green: Sgt Caburn replied that he would like into the matter. He was thanked for attending and for his detailed report. 2082WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH DECEMBER 2004
13059 MINUTESThe minutes of the council meetings held on 1st November 2004, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, confirmed and signed as correct.
13060 CLEAN NEIGHBOURHOODS CONSULTATION DOCUMENTWith reference to minute 13009 consideration was given to the Government’s Clean Neighbourhoods consultation document, a copy of which was supplied to councillors. Councillor Horsman suggested that the council should welcome the document, should draw attention to the problems caused by dog fouling and the dropping of chewing gum, should urge that the suggested fixed penalty notices should be made effective and should point out that in the document there was no mention of money from Central Government to help councils produce clean neighbourhoods. This was agreed.
13061 DONATING OF TWINNING BOOKS TO LIBRARYCouncillor Bowrah suggested that the council should donate all the various twinning books it had received from its three twin towns of Lillebonne in France, Immenstadt in Germany and Torres Vedras in Portugal to the Wellington public library so that the books were available to all local residents. This was agreed.
13062 NEW REPRESENTATIVE ON COMMUNITY CENTRE COMMITTEEWith reference to minute 13019 further consideration was given to electing a new council representative on Wellington Community Centre Committee. On the proposal of Councillor Govier, seconded by Councillor Warren, it was agreed to elect Councillor D. Mitton as the council’s new WCCC representative.
13063 HELPING HANDS GRANT REQUESTWith reference to minute 13021 further consideration was given to the request from Helping Hands for the council to make a grant of £6,000 towards a £66,200 project to expand its services by employing a new development officer and additional admininistration support worker. Members received a letter from Helping Hands, grant application form, accounts and strategy budget as well as a letter from Somerset County Council commenting on the Helping Hands request. Councillor Govier moved a grant of £3,000, seconded by Councillor Horsman, but an amendment that the council should make a one-off grant of £1,500, moved by Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor James, was carried 8-0 with 2 abstentions. It was agreed to suggest that there should be a joint meeting between the various local groups such as Helping Hands, CAB, WHERE and Healthy Living Centre which offered help and advice within the town to ensure there was mutual co-operation and to avoid overlapping/duplication of services. Councillors Hindley and Wilson declared an interest and left the hall while this item was discussed.
13064 TAUNTON CAB GRANT REQUESTA letter and statistics were received from Taunton and District Citizens Advice Bureau asking the council to consider making additional funding of £400 to enable the Wellington CAB outreach to expand to 2 mornings a week by opening on Mondays in addition to Wednesdays. It was stated that £200 of the £400 requested was for computer costs and would be a one-off grant. On the proposition of Councillor Henley, seconded by Councillor Mitton, it was agreed to make a grant of £400, with £200 being a one-off grant for computer costs. It was agreed to suggest the holding of a joint meeting with local groups (as in minute 13063) to avoid overlapping and duplication of services.2083WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH DECEMBER 2004
13065 ROCKWELL GREEN ALLOTMENTSStanding orders were suspended to allow a representative of tenants of the allotments at Rockwell Green, Mr Dai Helps to address councillors. He asked for the council’s help in a dispute between the tenants and the Church of England about the ownership of the allotments which were more than 100 years old, with 53 tenants on the 85 plots on the 4.5 acre site. Villagers claimed that the land had been given by a farmer, Mr Thomas Bond, of Perry Elm, to the village in 1892 but the church claimed the land had been given to the church and had registered the land with Land Registry. Now the church wanted the tenants to sign a four year agreement which the tenants felt could lead to the loss of the allotments and their tenancy of the allotments. Records about the gift of the land had been destroyed when a solicitor’s office in Exeter had been bombed during the Second World War. It was agreed to write to the Bath and Wells Diocesan Board of Finance expressing concern about the disputed ownership of the allotments and asking for their intentions for the future of the allotments. It was also agreed to contact Taunton DBC seeking their help over the ownership dispute. Councillor Bowrah declared an interest as an allotment tenant and left the hall while this item was discussed under the chairmanship of Councillor Govier.
13066 CHURCH LANE TO OLD CANAL FOOTPATHWith reference to minute 12933 the clerk reported that the town council application for a grant of £500 to replace 3 stiles with kissing gates on public footpath WG17/17 from Church Lane to the old canal had been approved by Somerset County Council from the Community Access Fund and that an order for the work had been placed. The report was noted.
13067 CCTV CAMERAS FOR SOUTH STREET CAR PARKWith reference to minute 12965 a letter was received from Taunton DBC chief executive Penny James stating that the Deane met the full cost of running the current CCTV provision, that the town council could consider making a bid for capital funding to the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, that the town council could consider precepting for revenue funding and that she would be happy to provide some support to the town council in putting a long term strategy together for more CCTV in Wellington. The clerk reported that Wellington Baptist Church, which adjoined the car park, had recently sustained more damage with a telephone line cut and part of a rebuilt wall pushed over. It was agreed that a Councillors Critchard, Govier, Warren and Wilson should consider the issue in partnership with the police and report back to the council in the New Year with a view to making a bid for funding to the CDRP.
13068 SUGGESTED MINI MOTOR CYCLE TRACK AT SPORTS CENTRE With reference to minute 12968 a letter was received from Taunton DBC executive councillor for leisure, arts and culture, Mrs Dilly Bradley stating that she had asked the officers to look into the suggestion of providing a mini-motorcycle track near the BMX humps at Wellington Sports Centre with all its implications and ramifications and would write again in due course. The letter was noted.
13069 ADDITIONAL LIGHTING AT DRAKES PARKWith reference to minute 12802 it was agreed to accept a quote of £956.46 plus VAT from SEC Lighting Services for the provision of an additional street light at Drakes Park. The clerk stated that Taunton DBC would meet 85% of the cost. Councillor Byrne declared an interest and left the hall while this item was discussed.
2084WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH DECEMBER 200413070 TREE PROBLEMS AT WELLINGTON MEDICAL CENTREWith reference to minute 13027 letters were received from Taunton DBC, Wellington Medical Centre and Mr W. Slocombe, of 53 Bulford, Wellington. Dr Kay Porter, of the medical centre, stated that the centre had arranged for a tree surgeon to assess the situation and to lop the overhanging branches in due course. Mr Slocombe thanked the council for their support and stated he was optimistic the situation would be resolved satisfactorily. The letters were noted.
13071 REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY CONSULTATIONWith reference to minute 13016 a letter was received from the South West Regional Assembly thanking the town council for its comments on the consultation. A report on the various comments would be produced in January 2005. The letter was noted.
13072 ALEXANDRA ROAD PLAY FACILITIESWith reference to minute 12978 the clerk reported that the county council would be erecting two “playground” signs in Longforth Road and Victoria Street, that Taunton DBC would be erecting a cul-de-sac sign at the junction of Alexandra Road with Victoria Street to discourage lorries from driving up that road, and also erecting small goalposts in the centre of the Roly Poly play area. The report was noted.
13073 CORN HILL WORKING PARTYWith reference to minute 13014 the clerk reported that following the working party meeting on 23rd November 2004, letters had been sent to the owner of the boarded up Corn Hill property, Taunton DBC and SWEB. A letter had been received from Rayglow Securities giving approval for murals to be painted on the boarded up shops and agreeing to repair a broken grille. An e-mail had been received from Taunton DBC stating that the present condition of the empty shops did not justify action on public danger or public health grounds. SWEB would be erecting new doors to its substation before Christmas and the Deane DLO would be removing the Indian take away/restaurant hanging sign shortly to improve CCTV coverage of Corn Hill. The letters and reports were noted. It was agreed to accept a quote of £200 from Deane DLO to pressure wash Corn Hill.
13074 CLEANING CHEWING GUM FROM HIGH STREET PAVEMENTSThe clerk reported that Mr Rod Manley, of The E-Steamed Cleaning Company, had cleaned chewing gum etc from the pavement areas by the two bus shelters in High Street for free after consultation with the chairman and had submitted a quote of £50 a month for cleaning both areas on a regular basis. It was agreed to accept the quote and to have the cleaning carried out for a 12 month period.
13075 FILLING OF VACANCY ON THE COUNCILWith reference to minute 13018 the clerk reported that the vacancy caused by the resignation of Councillor A. Milne would be filled by co-option by the council at its January 2005 meeting as a by-election had not been claimed. So far 3 local residents had sent in letters asking to be considered to fill the vacancy. The report was noted.
13076 PROPOSED PLAY FACILITIES AT LILLEBONNE CLOSEWith reference to minute 12977 the clerk reported that 52 residents had supported the plans for the play facilities at Lillebonne Close, that 51 had opposed the plans, and that Taunton DBC would be erecting a pre-fabricated mesh-type wall with goalposts and basketball ring at the Gay Street end of the field near a parking area. The report was noted.2085WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH DECEMBER 2004
13077 LONGFORTH FARM SCHEME AND NORTHERN RELIEF ROADWith reference to minute 12835 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the revised Taunton Deane Local Plan, which deleted the Longforth Farm scheme and the Northern Relief Road for Wellington from the proposals despite strong objections from the town council, had been adopted on 19th November 2004. Letter was noted.
13078 LOCAL TRANSPORT SCHEMESThe clerk reported that the county council was starting to prepare new Local Transport Schemes and would like suggestions from the town council for the next LTP covering the period 2006-2011. The current LTP included the provision of dropped kerbs in many parts of Wellington, the Pyles Thorne Road traffic calming scheme which it was hoped would be carried out early next year, and parking restrictions in Longforth Road and Brendon Road designed to improve safety which were expected to come into force in the New Year. Suggestions for the new LTP included the provision of filter lights at the town centre traffic lights for traffic turning right into North Street and right into South Street to make the pedestrian crossings safer; more traffic calming in Sylvan Road; the provision of a pedestrian crossing on Milverton Road from Millstream Gardens to Wardleworth Way; lighting for the Dark Lane footpath. There would be an item on the January agenda and councillors were asked to consider the above suggestions and any others they wished to include on the January council agenda. The report was noted.
13079 FUTURE MEETINGS OF THE TOWN COUNCILWith reference to minute 13013 Councillor Byrne stated she felt there was a need for some sort of solution for meetings of the town council in the future. She would like to see the council meet at its “home” at 28 Fore Street. It was agreed that a sub committee should look into the possibilities and report back.
13080 FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK GRANT REQUESTA letter, application form and accounts were received from Friends of Wellington Park asking the town council to consider making a grant of £1,750 towards the cost of entertainment in the Park for the summer of 2005. On the proposition of Councillor Warren, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to make a grant of £1,500, the same amount as for 2004. Councillor Byrne, Govier and Horsman declared an interest and left the chamber while this item was discussed.
13081 WELLINGTON IN BLOOM COMMITTEE GRANT REQUESTA letter, application form and accounts were received from Wellington in Bloom Commtitee asking the town council to consider making a grant of £1,250 for 2005. Councillor Byne moved a grant of £1,250, seconded by Councillor Horsman, but an amendment by Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor James, that the grant should be £1,000, which was £300 more than in 2004, was carried 9-3. It was agreed to point out to the committee the work that the town council proposed to carry out to improve Corn Hill which was to be pressure washed and the regular pavement cleaning proposed for High Street.
13082 PROVISION OF DROPPED KERB CROSSINGSA letter and map were received from Somerset Highways about the proposed provision of 13 more dropped kerb crossings for Wellington in the current financial year in the Scotts Lane, Sylvan Road, Beech Hill, Pyles Thorne Close, Hoyles Road, John Grinter Way and Swains Lane areas. It was agreed to welcome the proposals.2086WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH DECEMBER 2004
13083 LABURNUM ROAD SKATEBOARD SIGN REQUESTA letter was received from Mrs T. Winmill-White, of 36 Laburnum Road, asking for the provision of sign banning dangerous skateboarding because of the nuisance caused by skateboarders using the pavements. It was agreed to erect such a sign. Councillor Govier declared an interest and left the meeting while this item was discussed.
13084 AGE CONCERN SOMERSET GRANT REQUESTA letter was received from Age Concern Somerset asking the council to consider making a grant towards its work which included free information and advice, advocacy services and befriending services. It was agreed to consider the request when a balance sheet had been received.
13085 SOUNDING OF TRAIN HORN AT WESTFORD CROSSINGA letter was received from Mr D. Price, of 8 Westford Close, asking the council to stop trains using their horns when approaching the Westford Crossing, claiming that the law had been changed and that it was no longer necessary to do so. The clerk reported that he had contacted Network Rail after receiving the letter from Mr Price. A letter from Network Rail and the Rail Safety & Standards Board stated that train drivers were required to sound their horns when approaching crossings such as the one at Westford. The clerk stated that the council had contributed £8,000 in 1988 to the provision of special lights and alarms at the Westford Crossing following the tragic death of a walker. He recommended and it was agreed that no action should be taken on Mr Price’s letter so that the present warnings remained in place as the safety of pedestrians is the council’s prime concern.
13086 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 41 CHURCH FIELDSNotice was received from Taunton DBC that a tree preservation order had been made on a walnut tree in the garden of 41 Church Fields, Wellington. Notice was noted.
13087 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 34 GAY CLOSENotice was received from Taunton DBC that a tree preservation order had been made on a birch tree on land at 34 Gay Close, Wellington. The notice was noted.
COUNCILLORS HORSMAN AND JAMES LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 9PM
13088 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPWith reference to minute 13047 no suggestions or recommendations were put forward for inclusion on the agenda for the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting on Monday, 24th January 2005 at 6pm.
13089 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBCThe clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (1) Erection of dwelling on land adjacent to 2 Oakleigh, Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 16th July 2004 and accompanying drawing No. 1286/1A (43/2004/072); (2) Change of use of dwelling with bed and breakfast and ancillary holiday let to adult care home, extensions to dwelling and use of outbuildings as ancillary to care home, The Wheelhouse, Linden, Westford, Wellington as amplified by letters received 5th October and 8th October 2004 and agents email 29th October 2004 (43/2004/107; (3) Erection of public toilet block to replace existing adjoining North Street car park, Wellington (43/2004/116); (4) 2087WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH DECEMBER 200413089 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC (continued)Change of use of building from B2 to funeral directors office, chapel of rest and associated services, Three Cups Yard, Bulford, Wellington, as amended by applicants plan received 11th October 2004 and amplified by letter received 10th October 2004 (43/2004/117); (5) Erection of storage shed to rear of 20 Willcocks Close, Wellington (43/2004/121: delegated decision); (6) Erection of single storey extension to replace existing to rear of 55 Oaken Ground, Rockwell Green, Wellington as amended by plan received 3rd November 2004 (43/2004/122: delegated decision); (7) Erection of single storey extension to rear and to side (incorporating garage) at 2 Brendon Road, Wellington (43/2004/123: delegated decision); (8) Application to carry out tree work to one robina tree and two lime trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No 3) Tree Preservation Order 1997 at Linden House Nursing Home, Wellington (43/2004/124T); (9) Erection of single storey extension and conservatory to rear of 1 Seymour Street, Wellington as amended by agents fax received 11th November 2004 (43/2004/125: delegated decision); (10) Conversion of outbuilding to 3 units of holiday accommodation and demolition of lean-to structure, Westford House, Westford, Wellington (renewal of 43/99/085 and 43/99/087LB) (43/2004/128 and 43/2004/129LB); (11) Conversion of garage to hobby room and enlargement of hard standing at 5 Cox Road, Wellington (43/2004/130: delegated decision); (12) Erection of dwelling on land to west of 22 Howard Road, Wellington (43/2004/133: outline permission); (13) Formation of pitched roof over existing flat roof at Wellington Arts Centre, Eight Acre Lane, Wellington (43/2004/132); (14) Installation of ATM at Barclays Bank, 26 Fore Street, Wellington as amplified by agents letter dated 5th November 2004 and drawing No. L12 (43/2004/139); (15) Display of an internally illuminated side panel to serve proposed ATM at Barclays Bank, 26 Fore Street, Wellington as amplified by agents letter dated 5th November 2004 and drawing L12 (43/2004/140A); (16) Conversion of skittle alley to form 5 guest bedrooms, The Weavers Arms, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2004/126); (17) Erection of conservatory at 9 Crosslands, Tonedale, Wellington as amended by letter dated 24th November 2004 and accompanying plans (43/2004/137: delegated decision). The clerk also reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plans: (1) Change of use to ground floor and basement from retail (A1) to estate agency and surveyor’s office, 3 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2004/134); (2) Retention of upvc double glazed windows and door, Flat 4 at 12 High Street, Wellington (43/2004/135LB).
13090 40TH TWINNING ANNIVERSARY WITH LILLEBONNEWith reference to minute 13007 the clerk reported that it was recommended that a civic dinner to mark the 40th anniversary of the twinning link with Lillebonne should be held in Wellington Junior School on Sunday, 3rd July 2005. This was agreed.
13091 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 30TH NOVEMBER 2004A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2004 to 30th November 2004 was £85,508 (£85,721 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2005) and that expenditure for the same period was £54,126 (£106,800 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2005). The report was noted.
13092 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENTOn the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor Govier, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: United Reformed Church £75 for hire of church hall for October, November and December 2004; Mr A. Brown £1,675.76; Inland Revenue £607.98; H.F. Heard Ltd £81.84 for balloon gas; The Carly Press Ltd £55.59 for envelopes, ink 2088WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH DECEMBER 200413092 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT (continued)cartridge and paper; Hinewood Cleaning Services £96 for window cleaning and bus shelter cleaning for October and November 2004; Taunton CAB £400 grant; Robert Crow £60 for pruning tree at Tone play area; Wellington Federation of Sports Clubs £50 for cup in memory of former councillor Maurice Jennings; BT £184.02 for telephone calls, emails, internet and servicing charges to 18th November 2004; Konica Minolta Business Solutions Ltd £100.29 for photocopier servicing charges for August, September and October 2004; SWEB Energy £110.08 for electricity for quarter ending 1st November 2004; Moore Stephens £793.13 for external audit for 2003-2004; Councillor R. Bowrah £34.40 for travelling expenses; Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal £33 for poppy wreath; Taunton DBC £100 for public entertainment licence; Society of Local Council Clerks £30 for regional conference; Colin John £170 for street entertainment for Christmas lights switch-on; E.A. Ashwell £155 for 3 face-painters for Christmas lights switch-on; Dean Bailey £200 for roundabouts for Xmas lights switch-on; Haslam’s Engineering £99.88 for 4 Christmas tree brackets; Robert Sanders Electrical Services £29.38 for temporary earthing for PA system.
13093 DEFECTIVE NO CYCLING SIGNS/NOTICESCouncillor Hindley reported that no cycling signs and notices in the George Street, Bovet Street and Holyoake Street areas needed replacing, refurbishing/repainting. It was agreed to take the matter up with Taunton DBC/county council.
13094 HOLIDAY COVER FOR CLERKConsideration was given to a suggestion by the clerk that the council should provide holiday cover in the office while the clerk was away on holiday. At the moment when the clerk was away the office was closed and the mail piled up. After some discussion it was agreed to employ Mr D. Rabson, the clerk of Nynehead Parish Council, as cover for the clerk for 10 hours a week – 2 hours Monday to Friday – at a rate of £12 an hour when the clerk was on holiday, with Mr Rabson working from the town council office, dealing with mail, telephone calls and personal callers to the office.
13095 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETCThe clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: Taunton DBC’s The Weekly Bulletin for 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th November and 2nd December 2004; What’s On Within Taunton Deane for December 2004; Somerset County Council’s charter for planning control service; annual report on work of county council’s planning and local plans group for 2003/04; letter from Somerset Highways with leaflet outlining county policy on salting routes for winter 2004.05; Winter issue 2004 of Thatch, the rural community magazine for Somerset; December 2004 issue of Fieldwork from the Campaign to Protect Rural England; December 2004 Community Update newsletter from Community Council for Somerset; NALC direct information service bulletins Nos 592, 593 and 594; November and December 2004 issue of Lillebonne Town Council;s municipal magazine; November 2004 issue of InterAction magazine from Local Government International Bureau; UK Local Government Alliance for International Development’s 2004 survey results analysis; Zurich Municipal’s News and Views magazine for October 2004; Zurich Municipal’s public liability newsletter.
PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors P. Critchard, A. Govier, R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Horsman, G. James, D. Mitton, and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown. There was an apology from Councillor D. Gill. There were 12 members of the public present.
13057 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTSThe chairman, Councillor R. Bowrah, reported that there had been an excellent turn out by the public for the Christmas lights switch-on which had taken place on Friday, 26th November 2004 with an exceptional number attending. He would be visiting the Cottage Hospital, The Court and Popham House on Christmas Eve to take the council’s festive greetings to staff, residents and patients.
13058 POLICE MATTERSSgt R. Caburn, reported that during November in the Wellington section there had been 33 thefts, 3 robberies, 7 thefts from vehicles, 10 criminal damage to vehicles, 4 commercial burglaries, 2 domestic burglaries, 7 sheds and outbuildings broken into (mainly in the Blackdown Hills area), 16 offences of criminal damage and 2 assaults. Inquiries into the Piccadilly Service Station robbery near Chelston were continuing, a 57 year old man was in custody for the robbery at a Milverton store and following a robbery by the Kwiksave store car park in Wellington a purse had been found with the money inside.
He criticised a report in the Wellington Weekly News referring to the fear of gang rape following the Kwiksave robbery. The teenager involved had not mentioned the fear of rape when questioned by the police. Two arrest warrants for the possession of cannabis had been carried out in Jurston Lane where a complete cannabis producing set up, including plants, had been found in the loft of one of the homes.
A woman had been arrested and a man interviewed. The link with crime was drugs and the police were trying to stop drugs in Wellington. It was the third such raid carried out in Wellington in four weeks. A house at Mount Pleasant had been raided and a woman cautioned after a quantity of cannabis was seized. Cannabis had also been found in a house in Richards Close and a man cautioned.
A weekly police surgery had been started at the Community Office from 10am to 12noon on Thursday, which was in addition to the surgeries at Rockwell Green and Priory. Christmas was a busy time and special constables were deployed on Saturdays to give a presence within the town. He referred to anti social behaviour problems in the Warren Street area of Dobree Park at Rockwell Green where some elderly people had been reluctant to ring the police and had suffered in silence. One lady had been in tears. Youngsters had urinated through her letterbox.
The police had sent letters to residents giving them the mobile numbers of various police officers so that they could seek help quickly. Thirteen warning letters had been sent to the parents of children who had misbehaved. If a second warning letter was sent it could result in an anti social behaviour order being served. If that was breached the family could be evicted if they lived in rented accommodation.
Two public order arrests had been made, one outside the Kings Arms in High Street and another in South Street where CS gas had been used. The CCTV cameras had proved useful. An £80 fixed penalty fine had been imposed at Wiveliscombe for anti social behaviour. Councillor Wilson referred to the problem of the damaged bollards at Greenway Road, Rockwell Green: Sgt Caburn replied that he would like into the matter. He was thanked for attending and for his detailed report. 2082WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH DECEMBER 2004
13059 MINUTESThe minutes of the council meetings held on 1st November 2004, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, confirmed and signed as correct.
13060 CLEAN NEIGHBOURHOODS CONSULTATION DOCUMENTWith reference to minute 13009 consideration was given to the Government’s Clean Neighbourhoods consultation document, a copy of which was supplied to councillors. Councillor Horsman suggested that the council should welcome the document, should draw attention to the problems caused by dog fouling and the dropping of chewing gum, should urge that the suggested fixed penalty notices should be made effective and should point out that in the document there was no mention of money from Central Government to help councils produce clean neighbourhoods. This was agreed.
13061 DONATING OF TWINNING BOOKS TO LIBRARYCouncillor Bowrah suggested that the council should donate all the various twinning books it had received from its three twin towns of Lillebonne in France, Immenstadt in Germany and Torres Vedras in Portugal to the Wellington public library so that the books were available to all local residents. This was agreed.
13062 NEW REPRESENTATIVE ON COMMUNITY CENTRE COMMITTEEWith reference to minute 13019 further consideration was given to electing a new council representative on Wellington Community Centre Committee. On the proposal of Councillor Govier, seconded by Councillor Warren, it was agreed to elect Councillor D. Mitton as the council’s new WCCC representative.
13063 HELPING HANDS GRANT REQUESTWith reference to minute 13021 further consideration was given to the request from Helping Hands for the council to make a grant of £6,000 towards a £66,200 project to expand its services by employing a new development officer and additional admininistration support worker. Members received a letter from Helping Hands, grant application form, accounts and strategy budget as well as a letter from Somerset County Council commenting on the Helping Hands request. Councillor Govier moved a grant of £3,000, seconded by Councillor Horsman, but an amendment that the council should make a one-off grant of £1,500, moved by Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor James, was carried 8-0 with 2 abstentions. It was agreed to suggest that there should be a joint meeting between the various local groups such as Helping Hands, CAB, WHERE and Healthy Living Centre which offered help and advice within the town to ensure there was mutual co-operation and to avoid overlapping/duplication of services. Councillors Hindley and Wilson declared an interest and left the hall while this item was discussed.
13064 TAUNTON CAB GRANT REQUESTA letter and statistics were received from Taunton and District Citizens Advice Bureau asking the council to consider making additional funding of £400 to enable the Wellington CAB outreach to expand to 2 mornings a week by opening on Mondays in addition to Wednesdays. It was stated that £200 of the £400 requested was for computer costs and would be a one-off grant. On the proposition of Councillor Henley, seconded by Councillor Mitton, it was agreed to make a grant of £400, with £200 being a one-off grant for computer costs. It was agreed to suggest the holding of a joint meeting with local groups (as in minute 13063) to avoid overlapping and duplication of services.2083WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH DECEMBER 2004
13065 ROCKWELL GREEN ALLOTMENTSStanding orders were suspended to allow a representative of tenants of the allotments at Rockwell Green, Mr Dai Helps to address councillors. He asked for the council’s help in a dispute between the tenants and the Church of England about the ownership of the allotments which were more than 100 years old, with 53 tenants on the 85 plots on the 4.5 acre site. Villagers claimed that the land had been given by a farmer, Mr Thomas Bond, of Perry Elm, to the village in 1892 but the church claimed the land had been given to the church and had registered the land with Land Registry. Now the church wanted the tenants to sign a four year agreement which the tenants felt could lead to the loss of the allotments and their tenancy of the allotments. Records about the gift of the land had been destroyed when a solicitor’s office in Exeter had been bombed during the Second World War. It was agreed to write to the Bath and Wells Diocesan Board of Finance expressing concern about the disputed ownership of the allotments and asking for their intentions for the future of the allotments. It was also agreed to contact Taunton DBC seeking their help over the ownership dispute. Councillor Bowrah declared an interest as an allotment tenant and left the hall while this item was discussed under the chairmanship of Councillor Govier.
13066 CHURCH LANE TO OLD CANAL FOOTPATHWith reference to minute 12933 the clerk reported that the town council application for a grant of £500 to replace 3 stiles with kissing gates on public footpath WG17/17 from Church Lane to the old canal had been approved by Somerset County Council from the Community Access Fund and that an order for the work had been placed. The report was noted.
13067 CCTV CAMERAS FOR SOUTH STREET CAR PARKWith reference to minute 12965 a letter was received from Taunton DBC chief executive Penny James stating that the Deane met the full cost of running the current CCTV provision, that the town council could consider making a bid for capital funding to the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, that the town council could consider precepting for revenue funding and that she would be happy to provide some support to the town council in putting a long term strategy together for more CCTV in Wellington. The clerk reported that Wellington Baptist Church, which adjoined the car park, had recently sustained more damage with a telephone line cut and part of a rebuilt wall pushed over. It was agreed that a Councillors Critchard, Govier, Warren and Wilson should consider the issue in partnership with the police and report back to the council in the New Year with a view to making a bid for funding to the CDRP.
13068 SUGGESTED MINI MOTOR CYCLE TRACK AT SPORTS CENTRE With reference to minute 12968 a letter was received from Taunton DBC executive councillor for leisure, arts and culture, Mrs Dilly Bradley stating that she had asked the officers to look into the suggestion of providing a mini-motorcycle track near the BMX humps at Wellington Sports Centre with all its implications and ramifications and would write again in due course. The letter was noted.
13069 ADDITIONAL LIGHTING AT DRAKES PARKWith reference to minute 12802 it was agreed to accept a quote of £956.46 plus VAT from SEC Lighting Services for the provision of an additional street light at Drakes Park. The clerk stated that Taunton DBC would meet 85% of the cost. Councillor Byrne declared an interest and left the hall while this item was discussed.
2084WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH DECEMBER 200413070 TREE PROBLEMS AT WELLINGTON MEDICAL CENTREWith reference to minute 13027 letters were received from Taunton DBC, Wellington Medical Centre and Mr W. Slocombe, of 53 Bulford, Wellington. Dr Kay Porter, of the medical centre, stated that the centre had arranged for a tree surgeon to assess the situation and to lop the overhanging branches in due course. Mr Slocombe thanked the council for their support and stated he was optimistic the situation would be resolved satisfactorily. The letters were noted.
13071 REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY CONSULTATIONWith reference to minute 13016 a letter was received from the South West Regional Assembly thanking the town council for its comments on the consultation. A report on the various comments would be produced in January 2005. The letter was noted.
13072 ALEXANDRA ROAD PLAY FACILITIESWith reference to minute 12978 the clerk reported that the county council would be erecting two “playground” signs in Longforth Road and Victoria Street, that Taunton DBC would be erecting a cul-de-sac sign at the junction of Alexandra Road with Victoria Street to discourage lorries from driving up that road, and also erecting small goalposts in the centre of the Roly Poly play area. The report was noted.
13073 CORN HILL WORKING PARTYWith reference to minute 13014 the clerk reported that following the working party meeting on 23rd November 2004, letters had been sent to the owner of the boarded up Corn Hill property, Taunton DBC and SWEB. A letter had been received from Rayglow Securities giving approval for murals to be painted on the boarded up shops and agreeing to repair a broken grille. An e-mail had been received from Taunton DBC stating that the present condition of the empty shops did not justify action on public danger or public health grounds. SWEB would be erecting new doors to its substation before Christmas and the Deane DLO would be removing the Indian take away/restaurant hanging sign shortly to improve CCTV coverage of Corn Hill. The letters and reports were noted. It was agreed to accept a quote of £200 from Deane DLO to pressure wash Corn Hill.
13074 CLEANING CHEWING GUM FROM HIGH STREET PAVEMENTSThe clerk reported that Mr Rod Manley, of The E-Steamed Cleaning Company, had cleaned chewing gum etc from the pavement areas by the two bus shelters in High Street for free after consultation with the chairman and had submitted a quote of £50 a month for cleaning both areas on a regular basis. It was agreed to accept the quote and to have the cleaning carried out for a 12 month period.
13075 FILLING OF VACANCY ON THE COUNCILWith reference to minute 13018 the clerk reported that the vacancy caused by the resignation of Councillor A. Milne would be filled by co-option by the council at its January 2005 meeting as a by-election had not been claimed. So far 3 local residents had sent in letters asking to be considered to fill the vacancy. The report was noted.
13076 PROPOSED PLAY FACILITIES AT LILLEBONNE CLOSEWith reference to minute 12977 the clerk reported that 52 residents had supported the plans for the play facilities at Lillebonne Close, that 51 had opposed the plans, and that Taunton DBC would be erecting a pre-fabricated mesh-type wall with goalposts and basketball ring at the Gay Street end of the field near a parking area. The report was noted.2085WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH DECEMBER 2004
13077 LONGFORTH FARM SCHEME AND NORTHERN RELIEF ROADWith reference to minute 12835 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the revised Taunton Deane Local Plan, which deleted the Longforth Farm scheme and the Northern Relief Road for Wellington from the proposals despite strong objections from the town council, had been adopted on 19th November 2004. Letter was noted.
13078 LOCAL TRANSPORT SCHEMESThe clerk reported that the county council was starting to prepare new Local Transport Schemes and would like suggestions from the town council for the next LTP covering the period 2006-2011. The current LTP included the provision of dropped kerbs in many parts of Wellington, the Pyles Thorne Road traffic calming scheme which it was hoped would be carried out early next year, and parking restrictions in Longforth Road and Brendon Road designed to improve safety which were expected to come into force in the New Year. Suggestions for the new LTP included the provision of filter lights at the town centre traffic lights for traffic turning right into North Street and right into South Street to make the pedestrian crossings safer; more traffic calming in Sylvan Road; the provision of a pedestrian crossing on Milverton Road from Millstream Gardens to Wardleworth Way; lighting for the Dark Lane footpath. There would be an item on the January agenda and councillors were asked to consider the above suggestions and any others they wished to include on the January council agenda. The report was noted.
13079 FUTURE MEETINGS OF THE TOWN COUNCILWith reference to minute 13013 Councillor Byrne stated she felt there was a need for some sort of solution for meetings of the town council in the future. She would like to see the council meet at its “home” at 28 Fore Street. It was agreed that a sub committee should look into the possibilities and report back.
13080 FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK GRANT REQUESTA letter, application form and accounts were received from Friends of Wellington Park asking the town council to consider making a grant of £1,750 towards the cost of entertainment in the Park for the summer of 2005. On the proposition of Councillor Warren, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to make a grant of £1,500, the same amount as for 2004. Councillor Byrne, Govier and Horsman declared an interest and left the chamber while this item was discussed.
13081 WELLINGTON IN BLOOM COMMITTEE GRANT REQUESTA letter, application form and accounts were received from Wellington in Bloom Commtitee asking the town council to consider making a grant of £1,250 for 2005. Councillor Byne moved a grant of £1,250, seconded by Councillor Horsman, but an amendment by Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor James, that the grant should be £1,000, which was £300 more than in 2004, was carried 9-3. It was agreed to point out to the committee the work that the town council proposed to carry out to improve Corn Hill which was to be pressure washed and the regular pavement cleaning proposed for High Street.
13082 PROVISION OF DROPPED KERB CROSSINGSA letter and map were received from Somerset Highways about the proposed provision of 13 more dropped kerb crossings for Wellington in the current financial year in the Scotts Lane, Sylvan Road, Beech Hill, Pyles Thorne Close, Hoyles Road, John Grinter Way and Swains Lane areas. It was agreed to welcome the proposals.2086WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH DECEMBER 2004
13083 LABURNUM ROAD SKATEBOARD SIGN REQUESTA letter was received from Mrs T. Winmill-White, of 36 Laburnum Road, asking for the provision of sign banning dangerous skateboarding because of the nuisance caused by skateboarders using the pavements. It was agreed to erect such a sign. Councillor Govier declared an interest and left the meeting while this item was discussed.
13084 AGE CONCERN SOMERSET GRANT REQUESTA letter was received from Age Concern Somerset asking the council to consider making a grant towards its work which included free information and advice, advocacy services and befriending services. It was agreed to consider the request when a balance sheet had been received.
13085 SOUNDING OF TRAIN HORN AT WESTFORD CROSSINGA letter was received from Mr D. Price, of 8 Westford Close, asking the council to stop trains using their horns when approaching the Westford Crossing, claiming that the law had been changed and that it was no longer necessary to do so. The clerk reported that he had contacted Network Rail after receiving the letter from Mr Price. A letter from Network Rail and the Rail Safety & Standards Board stated that train drivers were required to sound their horns when approaching crossings such as the one at Westford. The clerk stated that the council had contributed £8,000 in 1988 to the provision of special lights and alarms at the Westford Crossing following the tragic death of a walker. He recommended and it was agreed that no action should be taken on Mr Price’s letter so that the present warnings remained in place as the safety of pedestrians is the council’s prime concern.
13086 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 41 CHURCH FIELDSNotice was received from Taunton DBC that a tree preservation order had been made on a walnut tree in the garden of 41 Church Fields, Wellington. Notice was noted.
13087 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 34 GAY CLOSENotice was received from Taunton DBC that a tree preservation order had been made on a birch tree on land at 34 Gay Close, Wellington. The notice was noted.
COUNCILLORS HORSMAN AND JAMES LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 9PM
13088 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPWith reference to minute 13047 no suggestions or recommendations were put forward for inclusion on the agenda for the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting on Monday, 24th January 2005 at 6pm.
13089 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBCThe clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (1) Erection of dwelling on land adjacent to 2 Oakleigh, Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 16th July 2004 and accompanying drawing No. 1286/1A (43/2004/072); (2) Change of use of dwelling with bed and breakfast and ancillary holiday let to adult care home, extensions to dwelling and use of outbuildings as ancillary to care home, The Wheelhouse, Linden, Westford, Wellington as amplified by letters received 5th October and 8th October 2004 and agents email 29th October 2004 (43/2004/107; (3) Erection of public toilet block to replace existing adjoining North Street car park, Wellington (43/2004/116); (4) 2087WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH DECEMBER 200413089 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC (continued)Change of use of building from B2 to funeral directors office, chapel of rest and associated services, Three Cups Yard, Bulford, Wellington, as amended by applicants plan received 11th October 2004 and amplified by letter received 10th October 2004 (43/2004/117); (5) Erection of storage shed to rear of 20 Willcocks Close, Wellington (43/2004/121: delegated decision); (6) Erection of single storey extension to replace existing to rear of 55 Oaken Ground, Rockwell Green, Wellington as amended by plan received 3rd November 2004 (43/2004/122: delegated decision); (7) Erection of single storey extension to rear and to side (incorporating garage) at 2 Brendon Road, Wellington (43/2004/123: delegated decision); (8) Application to carry out tree work to one robina tree and two lime trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No 3) Tree Preservation Order 1997 at Linden House Nursing Home, Wellington (43/2004/124T); (9) Erection of single storey extension and conservatory to rear of 1 Seymour Street, Wellington as amended by agents fax received 11th November 2004 (43/2004/125: delegated decision); (10) Conversion of outbuilding to 3 units of holiday accommodation and demolition of lean-to structure, Westford House, Westford, Wellington (renewal of 43/99/085 and 43/99/087LB) (43/2004/128 and 43/2004/129LB); (11) Conversion of garage to hobby room and enlargement of hard standing at 5 Cox Road, Wellington (43/2004/130: delegated decision); (12) Erection of dwelling on land to west of 22 Howard Road, Wellington (43/2004/133: outline permission); (13) Formation of pitched roof over existing flat roof at Wellington Arts Centre, Eight Acre Lane, Wellington (43/2004/132); (14) Installation of ATM at Barclays Bank, 26 Fore Street, Wellington as amplified by agents letter dated 5th November 2004 and drawing No. L12 (43/2004/139); (15) Display of an internally illuminated side panel to serve proposed ATM at Barclays Bank, 26 Fore Street, Wellington as amplified by agents letter dated 5th November 2004 and drawing L12 (43/2004/140A); (16) Conversion of skittle alley to form 5 guest bedrooms, The Weavers Arms, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2004/126); (17) Erection of conservatory at 9 Crosslands, Tonedale, Wellington as amended by letter dated 24th November 2004 and accompanying plans (43/2004/137: delegated decision). The clerk also reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plans: (1) Change of use to ground floor and basement from retail (A1) to estate agency and surveyor’s office, 3 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2004/134); (2) Retention of upvc double glazed windows and door, Flat 4 at 12 High Street, Wellington (43/2004/135LB).
13090 40TH TWINNING ANNIVERSARY WITH LILLEBONNEWith reference to minute 13007 the clerk reported that it was recommended that a civic dinner to mark the 40th anniversary of the twinning link with Lillebonne should be held in Wellington Junior School on Sunday, 3rd July 2005. This was agreed.
13091 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 30TH NOVEMBER 2004A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2004 to 30th November 2004 was £85,508 (£85,721 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2005) and that expenditure for the same period was £54,126 (£106,800 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2005). The report was noted.
13092 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENTOn the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor Govier, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: United Reformed Church £75 for hire of church hall for October, November and December 2004; Mr A. Brown £1,675.76; Inland Revenue £607.98; H.F. Heard Ltd £81.84 for balloon gas; The Carly Press Ltd £55.59 for envelopes, ink 2088WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH DECEMBER 200413092 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT (continued)cartridge and paper; Hinewood Cleaning Services £96 for window cleaning and bus shelter cleaning for October and November 2004; Taunton CAB £400 grant; Robert Crow £60 for pruning tree at Tone play area; Wellington Federation of Sports Clubs £50 for cup in memory of former councillor Maurice Jennings; BT £184.02 for telephone calls, emails, internet and servicing charges to 18th November 2004; Konica Minolta Business Solutions Ltd £100.29 for photocopier servicing charges for August, September and October 2004; SWEB Energy £110.08 for electricity for quarter ending 1st November 2004; Moore Stephens £793.13 for external audit for 2003-2004; Councillor R. Bowrah £34.40 for travelling expenses; Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal £33 for poppy wreath; Taunton DBC £100 for public entertainment licence; Society of Local Council Clerks £30 for regional conference; Colin John £170 for street entertainment for Christmas lights switch-on; E.A. Ashwell £155 for 3 face-painters for Christmas lights switch-on; Dean Bailey £200 for roundabouts for Xmas lights switch-on; Haslam’s Engineering £99.88 for 4 Christmas tree brackets; Robert Sanders Electrical Services £29.38 for temporary earthing for PA system.
13093 DEFECTIVE NO CYCLING SIGNS/NOTICESCouncillor Hindley reported that no cycling signs and notices in the George Street, Bovet Street and Holyoake Street areas needed replacing, refurbishing/repainting. It was agreed to take the matter up with Taunton DBC/county council.
13094 HOLIDAY COVER FOR CLERKConsideration was given to a suggestion by the clerk that the council should provide holiday cover in the office while the clerk was away on holiday. At the moment when the clerk was away the office was closed and the mail piled up. After some discussion it was agreed to employ Mr D. Rabson, the clerk of Nynehead Parish Council, as cover for the clerk for 10 hours a week – 2 hours Monday to Friday – at a rate of £12 an hour when the clerk was on holiday, with Mr Rabson working from the town council office, dealing with mail, telephone calls and personal callers to the office.
13095 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETCThe clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: Taunton DBC’s The Weekly Bulletin for 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th November and 2nd December 2004; What’s On Within Taunton Deane for December 2004; Somerset County Council’s charter for planning control service; annual report on work of county council’s planning and local plans group for 2003/04; letter from Somerset Highways with leaflet outlining county policy on salting routes for winter 2004.05; Winter issue 2004 of Thatch, the rural community magazine for Somerset; December 2004 issue of Fieldwork from the Campaign to Protect Rural England; December 2004 Community Update newsletter from Community Council for Somerset; NALC direct information service bulletins Nos 592, 593 and 594; November and December 2004 issue of Lillebonne Town Council;s municipal magazine; November 2004 issue of InterAction magazine from Local Government International Bureau; UK Local Government Alliance for International Development’s 2004 survey results analysis; Zurich Municipal’s News and Views magazine for October 2004; Zurich Municipal’s public liability newsletter.
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 3:18 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home