Wellington Town Council minutes October 2005
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 3rd October 2005 at 7.10pm (due to late finish of planning meeting)
PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillor D. Mitton (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors P. Critchard, R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Govier, S. Palmer, and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown. There were apologies from Councillors A. Horsman and G. James. There were 4 members of the public present.
13498 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor R. Bowrah stated that it had been such a disappointment that Wellington’s annual carnival on 24th September 2005 had had to be cancelled because of the discovery of a gas leak in Mantle Street shortly before the procession had been due to leave Rockwell Green. It was not yet known what the financial loss would be to the Carnival Committee but there had been an encouraging response to fund raising to help the committee. He was sure the town council would back these efforts to ensure that the carnival, a very important feature of the town, continued. He thanked the police and special constables for their excellent work on carnival night and stated that their rapport with the public had also helped.
13499 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Richard Caburn reported that during September there had been 2 dwelling burglaries – 1 in Wellington and 1 in Milverton; 4 commercial burglaries, 3 of which had been in the town centre; 2 sheds had been broken into; 4 thefts from vehicles, 2 of which were at Wellington Monument; 6 cases of criminal damage to motor vehicles; 11 cases of criminal damage; 14 thefts; and 4 assaults. Referring to the cancelled carnival, he said the police had looked at alternative routes but these were not possible. The public had showed a lot of patience and good humour over the incident. He also paid tribute to the work of his officers, some of whom had later had to go to Taunton to help deal with inquiries into a murder there. The traffic police had again been active in Mantle Street to discourage motorists from speeding.
13500 MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 5th September 2005, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.
13501 TALK ON POSSIBLE USE OF RELOCATABLE CCTV
With reference to minute 13472 Mr John Lewis, who is in charge of Taunton DBC’s CCTV system, and Mr Scott Wetch, Taunton DBC’s community safety officer, were welcomed by the chairman. Mr Lewis explained that there were 3 types of CCTV – fixed camera schemes (as in Wellington town centre); relocatable CCTV; and mobile CCTV where the camera was either in a vehicle or on someone’s shoulder. Taunton Deane Community Leadership Panel had acquired one relocatable system which was being tested out at Wellington Sports with a view to it being used in various parts of the Deane in response to requests for it. It had been put at the sports centre because there had been a lot of problems with anti social behaviour at the skate park there. The cost of the equipment was just under £20,000 - £11,000 for the camera and digital recorder which recorded for a week at a time and about £6,000/£7,000 for the other necessary equipment. A safe, secure monitoring position was required for the camera, plus a power source. The cost of brackets and fitting the camera was about £150. Relocatable CCTV could not be monitored live but it was a useful evidence-collecting
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13501 TALK ON POSSIBLE USE OF RELOCATABLE CCTV (continued)
tool. Mr Weetch reported that in the 3 months since the equipment had been installed
at the sports centre, where the skate park, old ski slope and an alcove were covered by the sweep of the camera, no incidents had been recorded. The experiment was considered a success in view of the previous problems in the area. The camera would
work in low light. It was an overt operation with large signs indicating a CCTV camera was in operation. These notices acted as a deterrent. Sgt Caburn welcomed more CCTV but warned it was not a cure-all against crime. Fixed cameras had helped reduce crime in the town centre and were a useful tool with disorder offences He felt that if relocatable CCTV was bought, Lancer Court should be considered. Anti-social behaviour tended to migrate around the town: last year it had been South Street car park and now it was the Park which had problems. Other sites suggested for relocatable CCTV were South Street, North Street and Longforth Road car parks. The importance of monitoring the tapes was emphasised. After some discussion it was agreed that a working party (Councillors Critchard, Govier, Warren and Wilson) should meet with Mr Lewis, Mr Weetch, the police and Deane executive councillor Joanna Lewin-Harris to discuss the best way forward. Mr Lewis and Mr Weetch were thanked for their talk.
13502 PARKING OUTSIDE BEECH HILL STORES
Councillor Bowrah reported that he had received complaints from the public about the danger caused by vehicles parking in the layby outside Beech Hill Stores with the rear of their vehicles sticking out into the road which was on a bend. A letter was also received from Mr David Morton, of 23 Beech Hill, suggesting that the parking in the layby should be parallel to the footway and that traffic calming measures were needed. After some discussion it was agreed to arrange a site visit with Somerset Highways and the shopkeepers involved to discuss what steps might be taken.
13503 ST JOHN AMBULANCE GRANT APPLICATION
A letter, application form and accounts were received from Wellington St John Ambulance asking the town council to consider making a grant towards the estimated £11,000 cost of providing a new replacement first aid vehicle. Members also received a copy of a letter sent by the clerk to St John Ambulance suggesting that an application for a grant should also be made to Taunton DBC. Councillor Bowrah reported that the Finance Committee had considered the request and recommended a grant of £1,500. Councillor Govier moved an amendment of £3,000, seconded by Councillor Mitton. Councillor Copley moved a further amendment of £2,250 but there was no seconder. The amendment of approving a grant of £3,000 was carried 8-3 with 2 abstentions and when put as the resolution was approved 8-5.
13504 SWITCHING ON OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
On the suggestion of Councillor Bowrah it was agreed that the carnival’s Miss Wellington, Jacqueline Rossenrode and Miss Wellington Junior, Jodi Webber, should jointly switch on Wellington Christmas lights on Friday, 2nd December 2005.
13505 USE OF TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER
With reference to minute 13463 a letter was received from Taunton Deane chief executive, Penny James stating that a full technical report on the work required for DDA compliance was being prepared. That would set in context the Deane’s legal responsibilities. Once that was available, the Deane would be in a position to hold a
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13505 USE OF TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER (continued)
joint meeting with the town council. The receipt of the letter from Boddy & Edwards
was acknowledged. The Deane letter was noted. Councillor Henley reported that the Deane’s Review Board would be considering the matter at a meeting in Wellington later in October. The report was noted.
13506 PYLES THORNE ROAD TRAFFIC CALMING SCHEME
With reference to minute 13470 a letter was received from Somerset Highways detailing the reasons, which included a lengthy re-working of the detailed design to satisfy the safety audit requirements, for the delay in completing the scheme. There was also a speed measurement summary which showed that northbound speeds in Pyles Thorne Road had dropped from 29mph in October 2000 to 21mph in July 2005 and that southbound speeds had dropped from 30mph to 19.7mph following the completion of the scheme. Members welcomed the significant reduction in speeds. It was agreed to ask why the actual construction work had taken so long to finish.
13507 TRAFFIC SAFETY IN BULFORD LANE
With reference to minute 13464 the clerk reported that following a site meeting Somerset Highways had agreed to erect a junction warning sign (to warn of Martins Close and Martins Buildings) and also to install “slow” road markings. The report was noted.
13508 DANGER AT CONCEALED FOOTPATH CROSSING
With reference to minute 13466 the clerk reported that following a site meeting Somerset Highways had agreed to erect an appropriate warning sign on Wellington relief road to highlight the hidden crossing point to motorists travelling from the Exeter direction and had arranged for a roadside hedge to be cut back to improve visibility in the Exeter direction. The report was noted.
13509 ATTENDANCES AT WELLINGTON PARK
With reference to minute 13460 the clerk reported that attendances at Wellington Park during the 2005 summer Sunday entertainment totalled over 1,900. The report was noted.
13510 KIRSTY PAGE GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 12548 a detailed, informative and interesting report was received from Kirsty Page on her GAP year experiences in Botswana. The clerk reported that he had thanked Kirsty for her report.
13511 DAMAGED BOLLARDS AT DOBREE PARK
With reference to minute 13461 an email was received from Somerset Highways stating the developers of Dobree Park had been written to by the County Development Control Office on 5th March 2005 listing all remedial works that were required for the site to be placed on a 12 month maintenance period prior to adoption. Those works still had not been carried out. There were also other issues – the footway link not provided between the development and Rockwell Green and the bollards provided as a link for emergency vehicles being cut off at regular time periods. Development Control had been asked to contact the developers (Bellway Homes) again to resolve the above issues. It was reported that the damaged bollards between Dobree Park and Greenway Road, Rockwell Green had been replaced on 3rd October. The report was noted.
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WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 3RD OCTOBER 2005
13512 QUOTE FOR CHRISTMAS ILLUMINATIONS
With reference to minute 13032 a quote of £5,710.88 was received from Deane DLO for the erection/removal of the town council’s festive lights including the Christmas tree outside the old post office in High Street. It was agreed to accept the quote. The clerk reported that it was proposed to erect an eastern star illumination at Wellington Baptist Church and to illuminate the large fir tree in the grounds of the church as well as providing a new Christmas cracker illumination at the old post office. The report was noted.
13513 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH SCHEME
With reference to minute 13480 the clerk reported that further speed checks had been carried out in Mantle Street, where one driver had been reported to the police for exceeding the speed limit, and at Milverton Road, Tonedale where no drivers had been reported. In both cases the vast majority of motorists had been complying with the 30mph speed limit. The report was noted.
13514 OVERGROWN FOOTPATHS
With reference to minute 13456 the clerk reported that the public footpaths from Crosslands to Longforth Farm and to the sewage works at Tonedale had been cleared. A message of thanks had been received from Mr Basil Pattemore who had raised the matter at the September council meeting. The report was noted
13515 DUAL USE OF LOADING BAYS/WAITING RESTRICTIONS
With reference to minute 13428 a letter and location plans were received from Somerset Highways detailing the proposed changes to and new waiting restrictions for Wellington which had been discussed previously with the town council. These were: (i) Cornhill – change existing “no waiting at any time” to “no waiting Monday to Saturday 8am-6pm”; (ii) Fore Street – change “police bay” outside community office to “30 minutes limited waiting”; (iii) High Street – (a) Change “keep clear” outside Lets Go Travel to “police bay”; (b) Change loading bay on the south side from “at all times” to “Monday to Saturday 6am-1pm.” Unrestricted outside these times; (c) Change loading bay on the north side from “Monday to Saturday 8am-6pm” to “Monday to Saturday 6am-1pm.” Allow 30 minutes limited waiting Monday to Saturday 1pm-6pm; (iv) Millstream Gardens – (a) new “Monday to Friday 8am-6pm” waiting restriction on the north side from the junction of B3187 Milverton Road to the junction of Millstream Gardens estate; (b) Also the same restriction on the south side, from junction of B3187 to private car park entrance; (c) New “Monday to Friday 8am-6pm” loading bay outside trading estate office. It was agreed to reply that the town council supported all the proposals.
13516 STATE OF SPRINGFIELD ROAD
With reference to minute 13486 a letter was received from Mr J. Gould stating that the smelly drain outside 74 Springfield had been cleaned by Somerset Highways, that there were some badly maintained front gardens, that there were a lot of weeds in the gutter, that he and other residents could not remember seeing a road sweeper in the street and that he still felt the name was Springfield and not Springfield Road. It was agreed to note the letter. The clerk reported that he had written to Mr Gould stating all his records showed the street being called Springfield Road, that it was swept monthly by the Deane and that he had told Somerset Highways about the weeds in the gutters. The report was noted.
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13517 REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES 2005
A letter was received from the Wellington branch of the Royal British Legion inviting the chairman and councillors to attend the branch’s three Services of Remembrance in November 2005 as follows: (i) Field of Remembrance Service at Wellington Baptist Church on Sunday, 6th November at 11.45am; (ii) Remembrance Service of 2 Minutes Silence in Wellington Town Centre on Friday, 11th November at 11am; (iii) Remembrance Day Service and Poppy Laying Ceremony in Wellington Park on Sunday, 13th November at 3.15pm. The letter was noted.
13518 AIR AMBULANCE GRANT REQUEST
A letter was received from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Trust thanking the council for its past support and asking the council to include the Trust in its budget for next year. It was agreed to consider the request at the council’s budget meeting.
13519 MARKET TOWNS EMPLOYMENT PROJECT WEBSITE
A letter was received from the Market Towns Employment Project Working Group stating that it had commissioned a website for Wellington designed to attract new businesses and employment to the area. It was due to be launched in December 2005 and would contain information on location, economy, workforce, sites and premises, communication, quality of life, testimonials, investor support and contacts. It would need regular updating and the group asked if the town council would consider taking on responsibility for updating the content of the website as part of the clerk’s duties. Training on the website updating software would be provided. It was agreed that the clerk should update the website as requested.
13520 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13488 no items were put forward for consideration at the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting due to be held on Monday, 10th October 2005 at 6pm.
13521 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of two storey extension at 41 Warren Street, Rockwell Green, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 23rd August 2005 (43/2005/087: delegated decision); (b) Change of use to single dwelling, 10 Courtland Road, (formerly adult/further education premises), Wellington (43/2005/094: delegated decision); (c) Change of use and conversion of retail unit and one dwelling to seven dwellings, 52 High Street, Wellington as amended by agents letter and plan dated 15th April 2005 and agents letter and accompanying plans WPCB003a and WPCB004a dated 26th April 2005 and plan WPCB002a revised, received 14th July 2005 (43/2005/037LB); (d) Erection of two storey extension to rear of 85 Springfield Road, Wellington (43/2005/095: delegated decision); (e) Erection of porch to front of 75 Burrough Way, Wellington (43/2005/093: delegated decision); (f) Erection of a conservatory at 1 Burchills Close, Lower Westford, Wellington (43/2005/096: delegated decision); (g) Conversion of former church to dwelling including garage/car parking space, Bulford Church, Bulford, Wellington (43/2005/084); (h) Demolition of 79 Rockwell Green (outbuilding to 81 Rockwell Green), erection of two storey building to be used as garage/workshop with first floor annexe living accommodation over to be used ancillary to No.81 (43/2005/090: revised scheme to 43/2004/159); (i) Felling of one eucalyptus tree within Wellington conservation area at 4 Highland Place, High Street, Wellington (43/2005/097T). The clerk reported that Taunton
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13521 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC (continued)
DBC had refused the following plan: (a) Change of use of ground floor and basement
from retail (A1) to estate agency and surveyors office, 3 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2005/094: resubmission of 43/2004/134).
13522 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2005
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2005 to 30th September 2005 was £82,926 (£120,225 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006) and that expenditure for the same period was £37,447 (£143,100 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006). The report was noted.
13523 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor E. Warren, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Taunton Deane Borough Council £100 for new licence under Licensing Act 2003; Wellington Carnival Committee £700 grant; Wellington Sports Federation £500 grant; The Kings Church Trust £1,000 grant for replacement of skatepark equipment; Hinewood Cleaning Services £96 for cleaning town centre bus shelters and office window cleaning for August and September 2005; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £224 for subsidised hospital patient transport for August 2005; Mr A. Brown £2,011.78 (included £448 for additional work approved by Finance Committee at its September meeting); Inland Revenue £800.60; Cheese and Wine Shop of Wellington £72.79 for drinks for carnival reception; Eden Foods £200 for food for carnival reception; St John’s Primary School £355.43 for school crossing patrol for summer term 2005; Taunton Deane Borough Council £250 for museum lease for quarter ending 31st December 2005; Konica Minolta £39.82 for photocopier servicing charges to 12th September 2005.
13524 CIVIC VISIT TO IMMENSTADT
With reference to minute 13369 Councillor Warren reported that the Immenstadt visit in September had gone very well and had been worthwhile. A similar report was received from Councillor Byrne. The chairman thanked Councillors Copley, Byrne, Stock-Williams and Warren for representing the council.
13525 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: Taunton DBC’s The Weekly Bulletin for 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th September 2005; What’s On within Taunton Deane for October 2005; Thatch, the rural community magazine for Somerset for August 2005; Community Update newsletter for September 2005 from Community Council for Somerset; Highlights 2005 from South West of England Regional Development Agency with an overview of their activities and achievements across the region; NALC direct information service bulletins Nos. 614 and 615; The Clerk magazine for September 2005; Lillebonne Town Council’s municipal information magazine for September and October 2005.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.45PM
PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillor D. Mitton (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors P. Critchard, R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Govier, S. Palmer, and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown. There were apologies from Councillors A. Horsman and G. James. There were 4 members of the public present.
13498 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor R. Bowrah stated that it had been such a disappointment that Wellington’s annual carnival on 24th September 2005 had had to be cancelled because of the discovery of a gas leak in Mantle Street shortly before the procession had been due to leave Rockwell Green. It was not yet known what the financial loss would be to the Carnival Committee but there had been an encouraging response to fund raising to help the committee. He was sure the town council would back these efforts to ensure that the carnival, a very important feature of the town, continued. He thanked the police and special constables for their excellent work on carnival night and stated that their rapport with the public had also helped.
13499 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Richard Caburn reported that during September there had been 2 dwelling burglaries – 1 in Wellington and 1 in Milverton; 4 commercial burglaries, 3 of which had been in the town centre; 2 sheds had been broken into; 4 thefts from vehicles, 2 of which were at Wellington Monument; 6 cases of criminal damage to motor vehicles; 11 cases of criminal damage; 14 thefts; and 4 assaults. Referring to the cancelled carnival, he said the police had looked at alternative routes but these were not possible. The public had showed a lot of patience and good humour over the incident. He also paid tribute to the work of his officers, some of whom had later had to go to Taunton to help deal with inquiries into a murder there. The traffic police had again been active in Mantle Street to discourage motorists from speeding.
13500 MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 5th September 2005, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.
13501 TALK ON POSSIBLE USE OF RELOCATABLE CCTV
With reference to minute 13472 Mr John Lewis, who is in charge of Taunton DBC’s CCTV system, and Mr Scott Wetch, Taunton DBC’s community safety officer, were welcomed by the chairman. Mr Lewis explained that there were 3 types of CCTV – fixed camera schemes (as in Wellington town centre); relocatable CCTV; and mobile CCTV where the camera was either in a vehicle or on someone’s shoulder. Taunton Deane Community Leadership Panel had acquired one relocatable system which was being tested out at Wellington Sports with a view to it being used in various parts of the Deane in response to requests for it. It had been put at the sports centre because there had been a lot of problems with anti social behaviour at the skate park there. The cost of the equipment was just under £20,000 - £11,000 for the camera and digital recorder which recorded for a week at a time and about £6,000/£7,000 for the other necessary equipment. A safe, secure monitoring position was required for the camera, plus a power source. The cost of brackets and fitting the camera was about £150. Relocatable CCTV could not be monitored live but it was a useful evidence-collecting
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13501 TALK ON POSSIBLE USE OF RELOCATABLE CCTV (continued)
tool. Mr Weetch reported that in the 3 months since the equipment had been installed
at the sports centre, where the skate park, old ski slope and an alcove were covered by the sweep of the camera, no incidents had been recorded. The experiment was considered a success in view of the previous problems in the area. The camera would
work in low light. It was an overt operation with large signs indicating a CCTV camera was in operation. These notices acted as a deterrent. Sgt Caburn welcomed more CCTV but warned it was not a cure-all against crime. Fixed cameras had helped reduce crime in the town centre and were a useful tool with disorder offences He felt that if relocatable CCTV was bought, Lancer Court should be considered. Anti-social behaviour tended to migrate around the town: last year it had been South Street car park and now it was the Park which had problems. Other sites suggested for relocatable CCTV were South Street, North Street and Longforth Road car parks. The importance of monitoring the tapes was emphasised. After some discussion it was agreed that a working party (Councillors Critchard, Govier, Warren and Wilson) should meet with Mr Lewis, Mr Weetch, the police and Deane executive councillor Joanna Lewin-Harris to discuss the best way forward. Mr Lewis and Mr Weetch were thanked for their talk.
13502 PARKING OUTSIDE BEECH HILL STORES
Councillor Bowrah reported that he had received complaints from the public about the danger caused by vehicles parking in the layby outside Beech Hill Stores with the rear of their vehicles sticking out into the road which was on a bend. A letter was also received from Mr David Morton, of 23 Beech Hill, suggesting that the parking in the layby should be parallel to the footway and that traffic calming measures were needed. After some discussion it was agreed to arrange a site visit with Somerset Highways and the shopkeepers involved to discuss what steps might be taken.
13503 ST JOHN AMBULANCE GRANT APPLICATION
A letter, application form and accounts were received from Wellington St John Ambulance asking the town council to consider making a grant towards the estimated £11,000 cost of providing a new replacement first aid vehicle. Members also received a copy of a letter sent by the clerk to St John Ambulance suggesting that an application for a grant should also be made to Taunton DBC. Councillor Bowrah reported that the Finance Committee had considered the request and recommended a grant of £1,500. Councillor Govier moved an amendment of £3,000, seconded by Councillor Mitton. Councillor Copley moved a further amendment of £2,250 but there was no seconder. The amendment of approving a grant of £3,000 was carried 8-3 with 2 abstentions and when put as the resolution was approved 8-5.
13504 SWITCHING ON OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
On the suggestion of Councillor Bowrah it was agreed that the carnival’s Miss Wellington, Jacqueline Rossenrode and Miss Wellington Junior, Jodi Webber, should jointly switch on Wellington Christmas lights on Friday, 2nd December 2005.
13505 USE OF TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER
With reference to minute 13463 a letter was received from Taunton Deane chief executive, Penny James stating that a full technical report on the work required for DDA compliance was being prepared. That would set in context the Deane’s legal responsibilities. Once that was available, the Deane would be in a position to hold a
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13505 USE OF TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER (continued)
joint meeting with the town council. The receipt of the letter from Boddy & Edwards
was acknowledged. The Deane letter was noted. Councillor Henley reported that the Deane’s Review Board would be considering the matter at a meeting in Wellington later in October. The report was noted.
13506 PYLES THORNE ROAD TRAFFIC CALMING SCHEME
With reference to minute 13470 a letter was received from Somerset Highways detailing the reasons, which included a lengthy re-working of the detailed design to satisfy the safety audit requirements, for the delay in completing the scheme. There was also a speed measurement summary which showed that northbound speeds in Pyles Thorne Road had dropped from 29mph in October 2000 to 21mph in July 2005 and that southbound speeds had dropped from 30mph to 19.7mph following the completion of the scheme. Members welcomed the significant reduction in speeds. It was agreed to ask why the actual construction work had taken so long to finish.
13507 TRAFFIC SAFETY IN BULFORD LANE
With reference to minute 13464 the clerk reported that following a site meeting Somerset Highways had agreed to erect a junction warning sign (to warn of Martins Close and Martins Buildings) and also to install “slow” road markings. The report was noted.
13508 DANGER AT CONCEALED FOOTPATH CROSSING
With reference to minute 13466 the clerk reported that following a site meeting Somerset Highways had agreed to erect an appropriate warning sign on Wellington relief road to highlight the hidden crossing point to motorists travelling from the Exeter direction and had arranged for a roadside hedge to be cut back to improve visibility in the Exeter direction. The report was noted.
13509 ATTENDANCES AT WELLINGTON PARK
With reference to minute 13460 the clerk reported that attendances at Wellington Park during the 2005 summer Sunday entertainment totalled over 1,900. The report was noted.
13510 KIRSTY PAGE GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 12548 a detailed, informative and interesting report was received from Kirsty Page on her GAP year experiences in Botswana. The clerk reported that he had thanked Kirsty for her report.
13511 DAMAGED BOLLARDS AT DOBREE PARK
With reference to minute 13461 an email was received from Somerset Highways stating the developers of Dobree Park had been written to by the County Development Control Office on 5th March 2005 listing all remedial works that were required for the site to be placed on a 12 month maintenance period prior to adoption. Those works still had not been carried out. There were also other issues – the footway link not provided between the development and Rockwell Green and the bollards provided as a link for emergency vehicles being cut off at regular time periods. Development Control had been asked to contact the developers (Bellway Homes) again to resolve the above issues. It was reported that the damaged bollards between Dobree Park and Greenway Road, Rockwell Green had been replaced on 3rd October. The report was noted.
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13512 QUOTE FOR CHRISTMAS ILLUMINATIONS
With reference to minute 13032 a quote of £5,710.88 was received from Deane DLO for the erection/removal of the town council’s festive lights including the Christmas tree outside the old post office in High Street. It was agreed to accept the quote. The clerk reported that it was proposed to erect an eastern star illumination at Wellington Baptist Church and to illuminate the large fir tree in the grounds of the church as well as providing a new Christmas cracker illumination at the old post office. The report was noted.
13513 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH SCHEME
With reference to minute 13480 the clerk reported that further speed checks had been carried out in Mantle Street, where one driver had been reported to the police for exceeding the speed limit, and at Milverton Road, Tonedale where no drivers had been reported. In both cases the vast majority of motorists had been complying with the 30mph speed limit. The report was noted.
13514 OVERGROWN FOOTPATHS
With reference to minute 13456 the clerk reported that the public footpaths from Crosslands to Longforth Farm and to the sewage works at Tonedale had been cleared. A message of thanks had been received from Mr Basil Pattemore who had raised the matter at the September council meeting. The report was noted
13515 DUAL USE OF LOADING BAYS/WAITING RESTRICTIONS
With reference to minute 13428 a letter and location plans were received from Somerset Highways detailing the proposed changes to and new waiting restrictions for Wellington which had been discussed previously with the town council. These were: (i) Cornhill – change existing “no waiting at any time” to “no waiting Monday to Saturday 8am-6pm”; (ii) Fore Street – change “police bay” outside community office to “30 minutes limited waiting”; (iii) High Street – (a) Change “keep clear” outside Lets Go Travel to “police bay”; (b) Change loading bay on the south side from “at all times” to “Monday to Saturday 6am-1pm.” Unrestricted outside these times; (c) Change loading bay on the north side from “Monday to Saturday 8am-6pm” to “Monday to Saturday 6am-1pm.” Allow 30 minutes limited waiting Monday to Saturday 1pm-6pm; (iv) Millstream Gardens – (a) new “Monday to Friday 8am-6pm” waiting restriction on the north side from the junction of B3187 Milverton Road to the junction of Millstream Gardens estate; (b) Also the same restriction on the south side, from junction of B3187 to private car park entrance; (c) New “Monday to Friday 8am-6pm” loading bay outside trading estate office. It was agreed to reply that the town council supported all the proposals.
13516 STATE OF SPRINGFIELD ROAD
With reference to minute 13486 a letter was received from Mr J. Gould stating that the smelly drain outside 74 Springfield had been cleaned by Somerset Highways, that there were some badly maintained front gardens, that there were a lot of weeds in the gutter, that he and other residents could not remember seeing a road sweeper in the street and that he still felt the name was Springfield and not Springfield Road. It was agreed to note the letter. The clerk reported that he had written to Mr Gould stating all his records showed the street being called Springfield Road, that it was swept monthly by the Deane and that he had told Somerset Highways about the weeds in the gutters. The report was noted.
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13517 REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES 2005
A letter was received from the Wellington branch of the Royal British Legion inviting the chairman and councillors to attend the branch’s three Services of Remembrance in November 2005 as follows: (i) Field of Remembrance Service at Wellington Baptist Church on Sunday, 6th November at 11.45am; (ii) Remembrance Service of 2 Minutes Silence in Wellington Town Centre on Friday, 11th November at 11am; (iii) Remembrance Day Service and Poppy Laying Ceremony in Wellington Park on Sunday, 13th November at 3.15pm. The letter was noted.
13518 AIR AMBULANCE GRANT REQUEST
A letter was received from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Trust thanking the council for its past support and asking the council to include the Trust in its budget for next year. It was agreed to consider the request at the council’s budget meeting.
13519 MARKET TOWNS EMPLOYMENT PROJECT WEBSITE
A letter was received from the Market Towns Employment Project Working Group stating that it had commissioned a website for Wellington designed to attract new businesses and employment to the area. It was due to be launched in December 2005 and would contain information on location, economy, workforce, sites and premises, communication, quality of life, testimonials, investor support and contacts. It would need regular updating and the group asked if the town council would consider taking on responsibility for updating the content of the website as part of the clerk’s duties. Training on the website updating software would be provided. It was agreed that the clerk should update the website as requested.
13520 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13488 no items were put forward for consideration at the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting due to be held on Monday, 10th October 2005 at 6pm.
13521 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of two storey extension at 41 Warren Street, Rockwell Green, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 23rd August 2005 (43/2005/087: delegated decision); (b) Change of use to single dwelling, 10 Courtland Road, (formerly adult/further education premises), Wellington (43/2005/094: delegated decision); (c) Change of use and conversion of retail unit and one dwelling to seven dwellings, 52 High Street, Wellington as amended by agents letter and plan dated 15th April 2005 and agents letter and accompanying plans WPCB003a and WPCB004a dated 26th April 2005 and plan WPCB002a revised, received 14th July 2005 (43/2005/037LB); (d) Erection of two storey extension to rear of 85 Springfield Road, Wellington (43/2005/095: delegated decision); (e) Erection of porch to front of 75 Burrough Way, Wellington (43/2005/093: delegated decision); (f) Erection of a conservatory at 1 Burchills Close, Lower Westford, Wellington (43/2005/096: delegated decision); (g) Conversion of former church to dwelling including garage/car parking space, Bulford Church, Bulford, Wellington (43/2005/084); (h) Demolition of 79 Rockwell Green (outbuilding to 81 Rockwell Green), erection of two storey building to be used as garage/workshop with first floor annexe living accommodation over to be used ancillary to No.81 (43/2005/090: revised scheme to 43/2004/159); (i) Felling of one eucalyptus tree within Wellington conservation area at 4 Highland Place, High Street, Wellington (43/2005/097T). The clerk reported that Taunton
2187 WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 3RD OCTOBER 2005
13521 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC (continued)
DBC had refused the following plan: (a) Change of use of ground floor and basement
from retail (A1) to estate agency and surveyors office, 3 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2005/094: resubmission of 43/2004/134).
13522 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2005
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2005 to 30th September 2005 was £82,926 (£120,225 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006) and that expenditure for the same period was £37,447 (£143,100 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006). The report was noted.
13523 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor E. Warren, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Taunton Deane Borough Council £100 for new licence under Licensing Act 2003; Wellington Carnival Committee £700 grant; Wellington Sports Federation £500 grant; The Kings Church Trust £1,000 grant for replacement of skatepark equipment; Hinewood Cleaning Services £96 for cleaning town centre bus shelters and office window cleaning for August and September 2005; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £224 for subsidised hospital patient transport for August 2005; Mr A. Brown £2,011.78 (included £448 for additional work approved by Finance Committee at its September meeting); Inland Revenue £800.60; Cheese and Wine Shop of Wellington £72.79 for drinks for carnival reception; Eden Foods £200 for food for carnival reception; St John’s Primary School £355.43 for school crossing patrol for summer term 2005; Taunton Deane Borough Council £250 for museum lease for quarter ending 31st December 2005; Konica Minolta £39.82 for photocopier servicing charges to 12th September 2005.
13524 CIVIC VISIT TO IMMENSTADT
With reference to minute 13369 Councillor Warren reported that the Immenstadt visit in September had gone very well and had been worthwhile. A similar report was received from Councillor Byrne. The chairman thanked Councillors Copley, Byrne, Stock-Williams and Warren for representing the council.
13525 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: Taunton DBC’s The Weekly Bulletin for 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th September 2005; What’s On within Taunton Deane for October 2005; Thatch, the rural community magazine for Somerset for August 2005; Community Update newsletter for September 2005 from Community Council for Somerset; Highlights 2005 from South West of England Regional Development Agency with an overview of their activities and achievements across the region; NALC direct information service bulletins Nos. 614 and 615; The Clerk magazine for September 2005; Lillebonne Town Council’s municipal information magazine for September and October 2005.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.45PM
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 2:32 AM
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