Wellington Town Council minutes November 2005

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 7th November 2005 at 7.pm

PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillor D. Mitton (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors P. Critchard, R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Horsman, A. Govier and G. James, and the clerk A. Brown. There were apologies from Councillors C. Biscoe, S. Palmer and E. Warren. There were 7 members of the public present.

13529 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor R. Bowrah reported that he had attended a civic function at
Ilminster when various civic leaders stated how pleased they were to see a representative from Wellington. He referred to a large board on Cox’s Corner advertising the former Richardsons Garage which closed in 2004. It was agreed to ask the owners to paint out the wording on the sign or remove it or replace it with a sign advertising an existing business within the town.

13530 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Richard Caburn was unable to attend but in a written report stated that during October there had been 19 thefts and related offences, 13 criminal damage offences, 13 offences of criminal damage to motor vehicles (7 in town), 9 thefts from motor vehicles (4 at Wellington Monument car park where the police crime warning signs had been pulled down), 11 assaults (9 of these were from domestic related incidents or incidents where victims/offenders knew each other), 2 domestic burglaries (none in town), 5 outbuilding burglaries, 7 commercial burglaries (2 within the town, one at the Corn Hill model shop and another at the Total Garage in Mantle Street where a safe had been removed: 3 people had been arrested for this offence and were on bail, one of the offenders living in Wellington). Mini motor bikes in the town were becoming a problem. A Press release had been made stating the Police intentions to seize and deal with offenders under new powers from the Police Reform Act. His hope was that the facilitity at Lowmoor Industrial Estate, aided by funding gained by Councillor A. Govier, would be adopted as the correct location for that activity. Referring to the skateboarding problems at Cox Road/Burrough Way referred to on the agenda, he suggested that if the youths could be identified they should be directed and encouraged to attend Unit 6 at the Kings Centre, Blackdown Business Park. Sgt Caburn’s report was noted.

13531 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: UNIT 6 SKATEPARK
Ten year old Tyler Morrison complained that during the extended two week half-term there had been little for youngsters to do and when he went to the Unit 6 skatepark at the Kings Centre on a Wednesday evening it was supposed to be open according to its website he found it shut.. Councillor A. Govier said that the skatepark opened on Monday and Wednesday mornings but not Wednesday evenings during the halfterm and also regularly opened on Monday and Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. It would like to open more often but it was run by volunteers. To increase opening hours more volunteers were needed. The website ought to have been updated.

13532 PPT: CHRISTMAS TREES AND LIGHTS: COMMUNITY CENTRE
Mr Terry Milton reported that he would be supplying the sound system for the annual Christmas lights switch-on and was working with the Chamber of Trade over erecting trees for individual traders. He pointed out that Wellington Community Centre was not owned by Taunton DBC and the committee would not consider selling it unless it moved to a new community centre.
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13533 PPT: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
Mrs Isabel Ward, the chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, reported that bulb planting was taking place in three areas around the town and also in Wellington Park.

13534 MINUTES OF OCTOBER COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 3rd October 2005, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.

13535 INCREASED CAR PARKING CHARGES
Councillor R. Henley referred to proposals by Taunton DBC to increase car parking charges in Wellington by 25% from 1st April 2006 and pointed out that in the past two years car parking charges had more than doubled. He proposed the town council should object to the proposed charges which would discourage shoppers. Councillor V. Byrne seconded and the motion was carried 9-0 with 2 abstentions. Councillor D. Mitton proposed asking Taunton DBC to provide free car parking as a boost to the local economy. Councillor A. Horsman seconded and the proposal was carried 9-0 with 3 abstentions.

13536 SKATEBOARDING PROBLEMS IN BURROUGH WAY
Councillor V. Byrne reported that residents in Burrough Way and Cox Road had reported that there were problems with skateboarders who had nearly caused an accident. She proposed the town council should erect a “no dangerous skateboarding” sign and Councillor A. Horsman seconded. The voting was 6-6 with the chairman giving his casting vote in favour of the proposition.

13537 NOTICEBOARD FOR DOBREE PARK ESTATE
Councillor V. Stock-Williams proposed that the town council should erect a public noticeboard near the play area in Frank Webber Road on the Dobree Park estate. Councillor R. Bowrah seconded and this was carried. It was agreed to consult the nearby residents for their views.

13538 FUTURE USE OF BASINS ALLOTMENTS
A report was received from the clerk about the future use of the council owned allotments at the Basins. He pointed out that many of the 48 plots were poorly maintained, that the present size of 30yds by 10yds was too large for the majority of the tenants and that there were some ramshackled sheds on site. He suggested that the plots should be reduced to 20yds by 10yards, that the site should be cleared and laid out with the new sized plots over a phased two year period. As an alternative the tenants could be asked if they wished to take over the running of the allotments under a lease from the town council. It was agreed to consult the tenants for their views. A letter was received from Mr M. Broom giving his views. The letter was noted.

13539 PURCHASE OF RELOCATABLE CCTV
With reference to minute 13501 a report was received from the clerk following a joint meeting between town councillors and Taunton DBC on 1st November 2005. It was stated that Taunton DBC had no plans to extend its permanent CCTV system either in Taunton or Wellington where it had 6 cameras but was looking to extend the quality and hours of monitoring. The town council working party recommended the council to purchase a relocatable CCTV system to be used in different locations in the town. The cost would be covered by the £20,000 for CCTV in the current budget. Subject
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13539 PURCHASE OF RELOCATABLE CCTV (continued)
to the views of Sgt R. Caburn, it was suggested that the first site for the relocatable camera should be South Street car park where there had been reported vandalism and anti social behaviour problems over several years. Other sites should be decided in consultation with Sgt Caburn and all sites should be for short term periods. The reviewing of tapes, following any reported incidents, should take place in the clerk’s office and be carried out by clerk/councillors. The report was approved.

13540 USE OF TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER
With reference to minute 13505 the clerk reported that at a meeting of Taunton DBC Review Board held in Wellington on 25th October 2005 it emerged that 3 options were being considered by the Deane: (i) Staying at 28/30 Fore Street with the provision of a lift to the first floor; (ii) providing purpose built accommodation in a central area; (iii) using other premises including the Old Town Hall and Lodge Close Community Centre. The retail part of the Old Town Hall was likely to become available in a year’s time. The report was noted. It was agreed to include an item about the use of the town council chamber on the January 2006 agenda.

13541 PARKING OUTSIDE BEECH HILL STORES
With reference to minute 13502 the clerk reported that Somerset Highways had ordered new white lines which would delineate the lay-by outside Beech Hill Stores and the centre line around the corner. It had been agreed to wait until the new lines were in place to see if the lines were effective. Letters from Mrs J. Jones and Mr P. Bristow (with plan) about the problem were received and noted.

13542 REDEVELOPMENT OF CORN HILL
With reference to minute 13270 the clerk reported that the owners of the Corn Hill properties were talking to a potential developer who was considering making an offer to purchase the site and making a planning application. If that did not proceed in the next few weeks, then the owners would be submitting their own application. The company’s own plans for the redevelopment of the site were at an advanced stage so it was hoped there should be some movement shortly. The report was noted.

13543 VANDALISM IN SOUTH STREET CAR PARK
With reference to minute 13338 a letter was received from the Rev S. Griffiths, the pastor of Wellington Baptist Church referring to past problems at the church and car park and asking if and when action was likely to be taken over CCTV. The clerk reported that he had replied that the town council was considering the purchase of a relocatable CCTV camera and installing it initially in South Street car park. Both letters were noted.

13544 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN MANTLE STREET
With reference to minute 13479 the clerk reported that following a site meeting on 13th October 2005 with Somerset Highways it had been agreed that the kerb build-outs by the Roman Catholic Church would be provided with tactile paving and dropped kerbs during the current financial year, that the children crossing sign near the former garage would be moved closer to the crossing point and the blind people crossing sign near the church would be removed as it was not needed any more. The report was noted.

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13545 PYLES THORNE ROAD TRAFFIC CALMING SCHEME
With reference to minute 13506 a letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that work on the scheme had started on 7th March 2005 and had been substantially completed by 8th April 2005, a period of five weeks which was a week earlier than advertised in the road closure notice and in a letter to residents. The letter was noted.

COUNCILLOR HORSMAN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.30PM

13546 WELLINGTON CARNIVAL COMMITTEE GRANT
With reference to minute 13415 a letter of thanks was received from Wellington Carnival Committee for the grant of £700. The letter was noted.

13547 FREE CHRISTMAS PARKING
With reference to minute 13033 the clerk reported that parking would be free in the South Street, North Street and Longforth Road car parks on the four Saturdays leading up to Christmas, namely 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th December 2005. The report was noted.

13548 FREQUENCY OF GREEN MAN PEDESTRIAN PHASE
With reference to minute 13145 a copy of a letter sent by Mr N. Milton to Somerset Highways suggesting more “green light” time for main road traffic (High Street and Fore Street) to reduce congestion in Fore Street was received. After some discussion it was agreed to take no action at this time pending the installation of the new traffic light system in High Street which would take place when the proposed new Somerfield Store was erected.

13549 CAB WELLINGTON OUTREACH
With reference to minute 13141 a letter was received from Taunton CAB enclosing the half-yearly report for 1st April to 30th September 2005 which showed that 122 new enquiries were made by clients at the Wellington Outreach compared with 49 during the same period last year. In the same period the Taunton Bureau and all its outreaches combined had 254 new enquiries from clients with addresses in the Wellington East, Wellington North and Wellington Rockwell and West wards. Many of the enquiries covered several issues and the 254 enquiries resulted in 530 social policy issues being recorded. The report was noted with members expressing appreciation of the increasing work carried out at the Wellington outreach.

13550 REMOVAL OF TELEPHONE KIOSKS
With reference to minute 13368 a letter was received from BT stating that the Priory phone, which had been proposed for removal, would remain for the time being but its use would be monitored. The letter was noted.

13551 ROCKWELL GREEN FOOTPATHS AND FOOTPATH GUIDES
With reference to minute 13427 a letter was received from Somerset County Council stating that the town council had been awarded a grant of £1,667.50 towards the cost of producing new footpath guides and access improvements to Rockwell Green footpaths. The letter was noted.

13552 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH SCHEME
With reference to minute 13513 the clerk reported that a speed check had been held at Rockwell Green near Dobree Park junction on 26th October 2005 when 10 motorists had been reported to the police for speeding from 36mph to 51mph. Report was noted.
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13553 CHANGE OF USE OF 3 FORE STREET, WELLINGTON
With reference to minute 13452 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that Tamlyn & Son (Wellington) Ltd had appealed against the decision to refuse planning permission for the change of use of 3 Fore Street from shop/retail (A1 use) to estate agency. It was agreed to write to the Planning Inspectorate stating that the town council was strongly opposed to the change of use.

13554 ERECTION OF TWO STOREY EXTENSION AT 5 ARDWYN
With reference to minute 13122 a letter was received from the Planning Inspectorate stating that the appeal against the town council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the erection of a two storey extension at 5 Ardwyn, Wellington had been dismissed. The letter was noted.

13555 ROCKWELL GREEN ALLOTMENTS
With reference to minute 13197 a letter was received from chartered surveyors and property consultants Cluttons enclosing a copy of the proposed draft agreement between Bath and Wells Diocesan Board of Finance and Rockwell Green Allotment Association for Rockwell Green allotments. Councillor Bowrah declared an interest as an allotment tenant and Councillor Mitton took the chair while this item was considered. It was agreed to note the letter and the agreement. Councillor Govier stated he would be meeting a group of allotment tenants to discuss the agreement.

13556 ADDITIONAL STREET LIGHT FOR OLANDS ROAD
With reference to minute 13378 a letter was received from Somerset County Council with a quote by SEC of £543.23 plus VAT for the erection of an additional street light in Olands Road, Wellington. It was agreed to accept the quote.

13557 PLANNING TRAINING FOR COUNCILLORS
With reference to minute 13423 a letter was received from Taunton DBC about further planning training sessions for councillors. The letter was noted.

13558 TONE PLAY AREA
With reference to minute 13473 the clerk reported that the timber picnic table at the Tone play area had been destroyed by vandals. It cost £1,097. A claim for its replacement had been made to the council’s insurers.

13559 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH SIGNS
With reference to minute 13513 the clerk reported that three of the town council’s surplus speed watch signs had been sold to Bishops Lydeard Parish Council for £50. The report was noted.

13560 STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
With reference to minute 13391 a letter was received from Taunton DBC with a copy of the revised Statement of Community Involvement. The closing date for comments was 15th December 2005. It was agreed that members should read the summary of the SCI with a view to making decision/comments at the December council meeting.

13561 SPRINGFIELD ROAD
With reference to minute 13516 copies of letters from Mrs G. Maunder and Somerset Highways about pedestrian gate road markings at Springfield Road were received. It was agreed to note the letters.
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13562 PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENCE
With reference to minute 13052 the clerk reported that the town council had been granted a Premises Licence by Taunton DBC for the town centre for the provision of regulated entertainment, live and recorded music with effect from 24th November 2005. The report was noted.

13563 SYLVAN ROAD/BEECH HILL TREE PRESERVATION ORDER
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that a tree preservation order had been placed on an oak tree to the rear of 1 Sylvan Road and 3 Beech Hill, Wellington. The letter was noted.

13564 PROPOSED JURSTON LANE UPGRADING
A letter was received from Somerset County Council stating that The Trail Riders Fellowship had applied to upgrade part of Jurston Lane, Wellington from a RUPP (footpaths, bridleways and roads used as public paths) to a BOAT (byways open to all traffic). It was agreed to object to the application because it was felt the change would be detrimental to walkers who use this quiet footpath.

13565 TAUNTON DBC TREE WARDEN SCHEME
A letter was received from Taunton DBC outlining proposed changes to its tree warden scheme. The letter was noted.

13566 TRANSFER OF LICENCE FOR SPORTSMANS ARMS
Notice was received of the application for the transfer of the licence for the Sportsmans Arms, 45 Waterloo Road, Wellington to David Anthony Platts and Lindsey Jane Platts, the application to be heard by Taunton magistrates on 8th November 2005. The notice was noted.

13567 REMEMBRANCE SERVICE IN TAUNTON
A letter was received from Taunton DBC inviting councillors to the Remembrance Service to be held in Taunton on 13th November 2005. The letter was noted.

13568 SCOUT GROUP ACCESS OVER SOUTH STREET CAR PARK
Copies were received of letters from the 1st Wellington Scout Group to Taunton DBC about the scouts’ access over TDBC’s South Street car park and the reply to the scouts from the leader of TDBC, Councillor John Williams. The letters were noted.

13569 COUNCIL TAX CONSULTATION MEETING
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about council tax consultation and about a public meeting to be held at Wellington United Reformed Church Hall on Wednesday, 9th November 2005 at 6.45pm. Councillors were invited to attend the public meeting. The letter was noted.

13570 WINTER HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE
A letter was received from Somerset Highways about its winter service for 2005/2006 including the salting of roads. Members received a copy of the highways guide.

13571 CLOSURE OF FACILITIES AT WELLINGTON SPORTS CENTRE
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that all the facilities at Wellington Sports Centre would be closed for 5 days from 19th December 2005. Letter was noted.
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13572 TRANSPORT ROAD SHOW
A leaflet and poster were received from Taunton DBC about the Deane’s first free Transport Roadshow to be held at Taunton Rugby Club on 29th November 2005 from 2pm to 6.30pm. The leaflet was noted.

13573 ACCESS PROBLEMS IN CLIFFORD TERRACE
Letters were received from Boots the Chemists and Somerset Highways about access problems for Boots’ delivery lorries in Clifford Terrace caused by cars parking too close to the rear access to Boots. The council approved the clerk’s action in agreeing to the extension of the “no parking” road marking in Clifford Terrace by five metres.

13574 SOMERSET WASTE ACTION PROGRAMME
A letter was received from Somerset Waste Action Programme asking if the town council would like to have a speaker on waste awareness at one of its meeting. It was agreed to invite a speaker to attend the annual parish/council meeting in May 2006.

13575 ABANDONED CARS AT BLACKBERRY COURT
Then clerk reported that complaints had been received about three abandoned and dangerous cars at Blackberry Court adjoining The Brambles off Swains Lane. Details had been sent to Magna Housing Association who were taking action to remove the cars. The report was noted.

13576 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13520 it was agreed to put increased car parking charges on the agenda for consideration at the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting due to be held on Monday, 28th November 2005 at 6pm.

13577 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of a conservatory to rear of Bryher, Spypost, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2005/113: delegated decision); (b) Erection of conservatory to replace existing, 26 Parklands Road, Wellington (43/2005/107: delegated decision); (c) Erection of single storey extension and garden shed at 11 Shuteleigh, Wellington (43/2005/111: delegated decision); (d) Erection of dwelling on land adjacent to Oakleigh, Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington (43/2005/104: resubmission of 43/05/066); (e) Erection of single storey extension at 33 Walkers Gate, Wellington (43/2005/108: delegated decision); (f) Conversion of office to 2 one bedroom flats and 3 two bedroom flats at 5 and 6 White Hart Lane, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 28/9/05 and drawings numbered 05/07/08A and 05/07/10A (43/2005/102); (g) Erection of chalet bungalow on land adjacent to Oakleigh, Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington (43/2005/101 revised design of 43/2005/059); (h) Amendments to conditions 02 and 04 of planning permission 43/1996/048 dated 11th June 1997 to permit the submission of reserved matters within 12 years of the date of the permission and that development can commence within 14 years of the permission, land at Rylands Farm, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2005/098); (i) Erection of single storey extension to rear and porch to front of 19 The Paddocks, Wellington (43/2005/099: delegated decision); (j) Erection of two storey extension and extension to existing garage at Saxby, South Street, Wellington (43/2005/106: delegated decision); (k) Erection of conservatory at 67 Rockwell Green,
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13577 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC (continued)
Wellington (43/2005/109: delegated decision). The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plan: (a) Erection of bungalow at Manderleigh, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2005/105).

13578 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST OCTOBER 2005
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2005 to 31st October 2005 was £83,121 (£120,225 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006) and that expenditure for the same period was £43,798 (£143,100 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006). The report was noted.

13579 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor C. Hindley, seconded by Councillor P. Critchard, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Councillor R. Bowrah £16.80 for travelling expenses; Mr D. Rabson £60 for holiday relief work; Filcris Ltd £8.23 for 40 magnetic strips for Fore Street noticeboard; Cosalt International Ltd £66.98 for 2 maroon rockets for firing on Remembrance Day; EDF Energy £112.11 for electricity for office/chamber for quarter to 13th October 2005; PC Webshop Ltd £316.80 for yearly hosting fee for council’s website for period to October 2006; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £184 for subsidised hospital patient transport for September 2005; The Carly Press Ltd £59.97 for paper, ink cartridge and files; Judith Goss Florists £30 for flowers for war graves for July and September 2005; Mr A. Brown £1,662.34; Inland Revenue £644.69; EDR Energy £6.32 for electricity for Rackfield street light to 30/9/05; Wellington St John Ambulance £3,000 grant; Quantock Pottery £27 for daisy jug for presentation to Immenstadt Town Council; Wellington Royal British Legion £22 for poppy wreath; Somerset County Council £638.32 for additional street light at Olands Road, Wellington; Hinewood Cleaning Services £48 for cleaning town centre bus shelters and window cleaning for October 2005.

COUNCILLORS HENLEY AND WILSON LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 9.04PM

13580 DAMAGE TO WARDLEWORTH WAY CAR PARK
Councillor Critchard reported that he had received complaints from residents of Wardleworth Way that the residents car parking area had been damaged by heavy goods vehicles delivering supplies to the housing development on the site of the former Wardleworth House. It was agreed to contact Raglan Housing Association about the damage.

13581 APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT TO CLERK
With reference to minute 13447 a detailed report was received from the Staffing Committee on the appointment of an assistant to the clerk and was presented by Councillor Mitton. The report covered the written statement of particulars for the post, grievance procedure, disciplinary procedure, job description and pension. On the recommendation of the committee, it was agreed to adopt the report, including all the documentation, and to advertise the post of assistant to the clerk in Jobcentre Plus, the Wellington Weekly News and Somerset County Gazette as well as, if possible, in the
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13581 APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT TO CLERK (continued)
internal advertisements of Taunton Deane Borough Council and Somerset County Council. It was also agreed to adopt the following resolution: “That Wellington Town Council wishes to become a resolution body to allow all employees to participate in the Local Government Pension Scheme.” Councillor Mitton was thanked for all his hard work in preparing the report.

13582 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 3rd November 2005; What’s On within Taunton Deane for November 2005; The Playing Field, the newsletter of Somerset Playing Fields Association for Autumn 2005; NALC direct information service bulletin Nos. 617 and 618; Clerks and Councils Direct magazine for November 2005; The Clerk magazine from the Association of Local Council Clerks for November 2005; InterAction, the October 2005 newsletter of the Local Government International Bureau; Coach Monthly for October 2005.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.21PM