Wellington Town Council minutes August 2003
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the town council chamber at 28 Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 4th August 2003 at 7pm
PRESENT: Councillor R. Henley (chairman), who presided, Councillor R. Bowrah (vice chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs A. Milne, Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors P. Critchard, D. Gill, A. Govier, C. Hindley, A. Horsman, D. Mitton, and E. Warren, the clerk A. Brown. There were apologies from Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, Mrs V. Stock-Williams, and G. James. There were 5 members of the public present.
12385 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTSThere were no announcements or reports from the chairman.
12386 POLICE MATTERSIn a written report, Sgt Richard Caburn, the Wellington sergeant, who was unable to attend, stated that in the Wellington sector during July there had been 29 thefts, 19 criminal damage offences, 7 criminal damage to motor vehicles offences, 8 thefts from motor vehicles, 3 domestic burglaries, 6 commercial burglaries, 7 burglaries from outbuildings/sheds and 6 assaults. Of the 3 house burglaries, 2 had been in Alexandra Road, Wellington and 2 of the commercial burglaries had been at the Chelston Business Park. Most of the burglaries from sheds/outbuildings had been in the rural areas. There had been 17 arrests for a variety of offences. A man had been arrested in the town centre on the morning of Saturday, 19th July 2003 having gone berserk. He had been charged with a number of offences, including indecent assault. A female had been arrested for deception, having used a stolen credit card: she later admitted over 20 other offences. A 20 year old male had been arrested for an indecency offence in November 2002 following diligent inquiries by PC Dyer at Wellington. Three male teenagers had been arrested in Wellington for burglary to a garage at Drakes Park following a stop check. Power tools had been recovered.
12387 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH SCHEMEWith reference to minute 12346 the clerk reported that 13 local residents had volunteered to take part in the Community Speed Watch Scheme and that a radar speed gun had been purchased. It was hoped that the training of the volunteers would take place in the near future. The report was noted.
12388 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOMMrs Isobel Ward reported that the Wellington judging in the Britain in Bloom competition had taken place on 15th July 2003 and that the results would not be known until 5th September 2003. Councillor Govier paid tribute to all those involved in the Wellington in Bloom competition. The town had looked wonderful and it was a good example of full community involvement.
12389 MINUTESThe minutes of the council meetings held 7th July 2003, as circulated to members, were received, taken as read and signed as correct.
12390 LONGFORTH ROAD/BRENDON ROAD TRAFFIC ISSUESA letter was received from Somerset County Council enclosing a feasibility report prepared by Atkins Highways and Transportation on Brendon Road/Longforth Road traffic issues and asking for the town council’s feedback/comments on the report. After considerable discussion, it was agreed, on the proposition of Councillor 1941WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 4TH AUGUST 2003
12390 LONGFORTH ROAD/BRENDON ROAD TRAFFIC ISSUES (continued)Hindley, seconded by Councillor Govier, to support option 2 in the report, which was as follows and which was the option recommended: No waiting at any time restrictions at the following locations: (i) West side of Longforth Road near junction with Alexandra Road; (ii) East side of Longforth Road near junction with Church Fields; (iii) East side of Longforth Road opposite junction with Victoria Street; (iv) West side of Brendon Road opposite junction with Howard Road; (v) East side of Brendon Road near junction with Quantock Road; (vi) West side of Brendon Road near junction with Seymour Street; (vii) North side of Seymour Street at Relyon entrance. It was also agreed to state that the town council felt there considerable merit in option 5, which was the installation of a mini-roundabout at the Victoria Street-Longforth Road junction as it would slow down traffic on the fastest stretch of road in the area. It was further agreed to point out that option 2 would not slow down the speed of traffic.
12391 IMPROVED PEDESTRIAN ACCESSIBILITY TO TOWN CENTREA letter was received from Somerset County Council enclosing a feasibility report by Atkins Highways and Transportation on improved accessibility for pedestrians to Wellington town centre and asking for the town council’s feedback/comments on the report and the issues raised in it. Standing orders were suspended to allow Dr R. Fairbairn to speak about proposals for Pyles Thorne Road which he stated was unsafe because too many people drove along it much too quickly. After considerable discussion it was agreed, on the proposition of Councillor Govier, seconded by Councillor Byrne, that the town council should in principle support the seven recommendations in the report as follows: (i) Footpath widening and improved crossing facilities at South Street near Cedar Court; (ii) New footpath and improved crossing facilities for Pyles Thorne Road/Pyles Thorne close; (iii) New footpath and crossing points for Pyles Thorne/Pyles Thorne Road; (iv) New footpath and crossing points for Oldway Road/Ford Street/Pyles Thorne Road; (v) New footpath and crossing point for Oldway Road/Monument Road/Pyles Thorne Road; (vi) New footpath and crossing point for Milverton Road; (vii) Improved lighting for Dark Lane and associated footpaths.
12392 POSSIBLE YELLOW LINES AT TONE HILLA report was received from the clerk on a site meeting between councillors and Mr I. Titcombe and Mr D. Quick, county highway service manager and assistant manager, on 23rd July 2003 to discuss the possible provision of yellow lines at Tone Hill at the junction with the Milverton Road. The report stated that it had been agreed to put a single yellow line (8am to 6pm Monday to Friday/Saturday) on both sides of Tone Hill as far as the telephone kiosk near 74 Tone Hill; that Councillors Byrne and Govier had agreed to consult with residents likely to be affected by the loss of about 3 on-street parking spaces and to report back to the August council meeting; and that Somerset Highways should contact the owners of 74 Tone Hill to try to get their agreement to the partial lowering of the wall on the western side of the junction to improve visibility towards Milverton. Councillor Byrne reported that all the affected residents were strongly against the imposition of yellow lines and on her suggestion it was agreed not to proceed with this suggestion. A letter was received from Mr R. Timewell, of 64 Tone Hill, drawing attention to the danger of emerging from Tone Hill and turning right towards Milverton because of the speed of traffic and because of cars parked on the apex of the road opposite Tone Hill. He also suggested that a footpath was needed on the Milverton road. The letter was noted.1942
WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 4TH AUGUST 2003
12393 PURCHASE OF 4 COMMEMORATIVE PARK PLATESCouncillor Bowrah proposed, with Councillor Gill seconding, that the town council should purchase 4 commemorative Wellington Park plates for presentation to Wellington’s twin towns of Lillebonne, Immenstadt and Torres Vedras, with the 4th plate being kept by the town council. The total cost was £80. This was agreed
12394 ELDERLY PERSONS CROSSING SIGNS FOR BULFORDWith reference to minute 12346 Councillor Wilson proposed, with Councillor Horsman seconding, that the town council should ask the county council to provide elderly persons crossing signs at Bulford, Wellington because of the danger posed to the many elderly on the estate by speeding traffic. This was agreed. The clerk stated that the cost would probably be in the region of £1,000.
12395 PAINTING OF REC SHELTER BY YOUNG PEOPLECouncillor Wilson reported that she had discussed with Darren Kendall, of Taunton DBC, the possibility of young people painting the shelter at Wellington Recreation Ground under the guidance of an artist as part of the rural youth project. It was agreed to support the idea and to get more information from Taunton DBC.
12396 DEFECTIVE PLAYING FIELD FENCINGCouncillor Horsman reported that there was dilapidated and rusty fencing at the back of the tennis courts on Wellington Playing Field. There were some rusty metal poles sticking out of the ground. Councillor Milne also reported that there was defective metal fencing which needed attention in Wellington Recreation Ground near the skateboarders’ half-pipe. It was agreed to ask Taunton DBC to take steps to make the fencing safe both in the playing field and the recreation ground.
12397 SIGN FOR COURT DRIVE FLATSCouncillor Horsman reported that there was no sign indicating the location of the council flats 5-12 Court Drive and that some confusion was being caused for visitors following the building of five new bungalows which came before 1 and 2 Court Drive but after the flats. It was agreed to ask Taunton DBC to erect an appropriate sign.
12398 BLOCKED DRAINS IN MANTLE STREETCouncillor Horsman reported that drains/gulleys in the vicinity of the Ship Inn, Mantle Street, Wellington, were blocked and needed clearing otherwise there could be flooding problems when it rained. It was agreed to refer the matter to Somerset Highways with a request for the drains to be cleared.
12399 BOXING GRASS WHEN OPEN SPACES/VERGES ARE CUTWith reference to minute 12351 a letter was received from Councillor Mark Edwards, Taunton DBC executive councillor for Environmental Services, stating that the additional cost of collecting grass from roadside verges in Wellington would be in excess of £60,000. There was currently no money in the budget to fund that improvement but a comprehensive review of the cleaning and maintenance of open spaces throughout the borough was to be carried out, and the collection of grass cuttings was one element to be considered. He offered to meet town councillors and the clerk reported that Councillor Edwards would be attending the council’s November meeting on Monday, 3rd November 2003. The letter was noted.
1943WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 4TH AUGUST 2003
12400 WELLINGTON CARNIVAL COMMITTEE GRANTWith reference to minute 12367 a letter of thanks was received from Wellington Carnival Committee for the council’s grant of £700. The letter was noted.
12401 NEW SPORTS PAVILION AT ROCKWELL GREEN PLAYING FIELDWith reference to minute 12354 a letter was received Councillor Dilly Bradley, Taunton DBC portfolio holder for leisure, stating that the new sports pavilion at Rockwell Green Playing Field at Dobree Park was being built to football league standards and that account had been taken of the problems of vandalism. She queried the town council’s apparent lack of action over the provision of a youth shelter. The clerk circulated members with a copy of a letter he had sent to Councillor Bradley detailing the reasons why it had not been possible to provide a youth shelter in the town. Councillor Henley reported that Taunton DBC Leisure Panel had referred the provision of the sports pavilion back to the council’s Executive meeting on 27th August 2003 with a view to funding the cuts made in the scheme. He proposed and it was agreed to write to Councillor Bradley urging her to consider going back to the original plans for the pavilion without waiting for the Executive so that the scheme could go ahead as quickly as possible. Councillor Gill was against this action as he felt it would delay the scheme for at least two months.
12402 PROVISION OF SEATS IN TOWN CENTREWith reference to minute 12349 a report was received from the clerk on a site meeting between councillors and Somerset Highways on 23rd July 2003 about the siting of a new tourist information panel, public seating in the town centre area, and the relaying of pavior blacks in High Street. It had been agreed that the tourist information panel produced by Taunton DBC should be sited next to the bus shelter on the northern side of High Street, should be parallel to the road and on the old post office side of the bus shelter; that a seat/bench should be placed outside the old post office where there are currently three cycle rails, two of which would be re-erected on the Jobcentre side of the telephone kiosks; that tarmac could be used in place of paviors (small paving blocks) at top end of the pavement/footway on the southern side of High Street from Eight Bells public house to the former Busy B’s shop when sunken paving blocks were re-laid as far as Kwiksave; that public seating should be erected around the square flower planter on the wide pedestrian area near Somerfield in Fore Street; and that composite signs indicating the location of the park, police station and public toilets should be erected on the existing traffic light column in Fore Street and in North Street. The decisions contained in the report were endorsed by the council.
12403 PARKING PROBLEMS AT WALKERS GATEWith reference to minute 12370 a report was received from the clerk on a site meeting between councillors and Somerset Highways on 23rd July 2003 about the possible introduction of double yellow lines on the corners of the Walkers Gate junction with Champford Lane. After considerable discussion and observation – traffic was much heavier in Champford Lane than usual because of the partial closure of the relief road due to a fatal accident – it had been agreed not to provide double yellow lines on the corners of Walkers Gate as requested by residents in a letter/petition received at the July council meeting. While parking near the bend caused inconvenience and meant that drivers had to take care when emerging from Walkers Gate, it was not felt to be dangerous, particularly as Champford Lane was not a main road and Walkers Gate was a cul-de-sac. That view had been shared by Mr I. Titcombe and Mr D. Quick, of Somerset Highways. It was agreed to put small H bar white lines on the road by the 1944WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 4TH AUGUST 2003
12403 PARKING PROBLEMS AT WALKERS GATE (continued)dropped kerbs on either side of the Walkers Gate entrance to discourage cars from parking in front of the dropped kerbs. Following the site meeting, the views and decisions of the councillors and officers were communicated to Ms J. Dunnett, who had written to the council about the issue. The decisions contained in the report were endorsed by the council. Members also received a copy of notes made by Councillor Horsman about parking in Champford Lane/Walkers Gate during a visit he made at 9pm on 22nd July 2003.
12404 POSSIBLE ADDITIONS/IMPROVEMENTS TO TONE PLAY AREAWith reference to minute 12357 the clerk reported letters had been delivered to 385 homes in the Tone area seeking residents’ views on the proposed improvements to the Tone play area off Wardleworth Way/Richards Close. So far 48 replies had been received. The closing date for replies was 23rd August 2003. The report was noted.
12405 CUTTING AND COLLECTING THE GRASS AT TONE PLAY AREAThe clerk reported that Taunton DBC had quoted £101.97 per cut for cutting and collecting the grass at the Tone play area, which was three times the current charge of £33.99 per cut with the grass uncollected. It was decided not to accept the quote and not to collect the grass but simply to cut the grass as at present. A further quote of £8.75 was received from Taunton DBC for a weekly litter picking of the Tone play area. The clerk reported that the Deane normally litter picked their small play areas such as Tone twice a week. It was agreed to take no action at this stage pending a decision on the improvements/additions to the play area but that the clerk should continue to arrange for litter/rubbish to be cleared as and when necessary.
12406 TAUNTON DEANE STANDARDS COMMITTEEWith reference to minute 12284 the clerk reported that Councillor Warren had been appointed as one of the two parish council representatives on Taunton Deane Standards Committee. The report was noted.
12407 HIGHWAY LIGHTING FOR CORNHILLWith reference to minute 12358 a letter was received from Atkins Highways stating that the present lighting had been provided only five years ago and that it was considered that Cornhill was lit to a perfectly acceptable standard. Councillors were strongly in disagreement with that view. The clerk reported that a site meeting was being arranged at night with Taunton DBC councillors and officers to assess the effectiveness of the current lights and that he would inform members of the date of that site meeting.
12408 PROBLEMS AT ROCKWELL GREEN BUS BAYWith reference to minute 12090 Councillor Warren reported that the introduction of double yellow lines outside 88 and 89 Rockwell Green had resulted in problems for buses picking up passengers opposite Greenway Road. Cars were parking further down the road towards Greenway Road and were parking so close to the bus bay that bus drivers were unable to pull into the bay and had to wait in the centre of the road to pick up passengers. Complaints had been received from drivers and from passengers he reported. On his suggestion it was agreed to ask Somerset Highways to put down double yellow lines to give the bus bay adequate protection so that drivers could pull into the bus bay.
1945WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL 4TH AUGUST 2003
12409 PROBLEMS AT POPHAM FLATS, VICTORIA STREETA copy was received of a letter sent to the police by the steward and treasurer of Popham Flats for the elderly at Victoria Street stating the residents of the almhouses had been disturbed and at times intimidated by a group of youths who were using the grounds of the flats as a playground, a place to hang out and generally misbehave. The stone walls had been damaged on several occasions. When the residents, who were all elderly and single, had spoken to the youths they had been abused. The police were asked for their assistance in reducing the intrusion into the residents’ privacy. The letter was noted.
12410 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF RBL WELLINGTON WOMEN’S SECTIONA letter was received from the Wellington branch of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section inviting councillors to attend a church service on Sunday, 14th September 2003 at 3pm at St John’s Church to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Wellington branch in 1943. The letter was noted.
12411 HIGHWAY CONTROL CENTREA letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that the county council now operated a control centre in County Hall taking telephone enquiries on highway related matters from all five district areas for Somerset and that with effect from 28th July 2003 all telephone calls previously answered at the Taunton Deane area office would be redirected, at no additional cost, to the control centre. There was no facility to redirect calls to area based staff. If there was a need to discuss something with a specific officer, the control centre would take the caller’s number and get the area based staff to call back. The letter was noted. The clerk reported that he was unimpressed with the new arrangements: he had tried unsuccessfully for over five minutes to get through to the control centre.
12412 INVITE TO TOUR WELLINGTON SEEABILITY PROJECTA letter was received from SeeAbility (Royal School for the Blind) inviting members to tour its Wellington project/centre at Drakes Park North. The letter was noted.
12413 DRAFT SCHOOL ORGANISATION PLANSA letter was received from Somerset County Council about the draft school organisation plan which sets out conclusions regarding the need to add or remove school places within Somerset during the five year period from September 2003 to August 2007 based on the 2002 school population forecast. The letter was noted.
12413 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPWith reference to minute 12376 notes were received from the clerk on the meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership held on 28th July 2003 dealing with the Wellington Area Community Plan; vacant retail units in Cornhill; Tonedale Mills; relocation of Taunton Livestock Market; possible provision of rail halt/station to serve Wellington; Wellington town centre enhancement scheme; and CCTV in Wellington. The next meeting of the partnership would be held on 15th September 2003 at 6pm.
12415 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCILThe clerk reported that Taunton DBC had approved the following plans: (a) Carry out tree management works to one evergreen oak within Wellington conservation area at 55 North Street, Wellington (43/2003/068T); (b) Conversion of office to three dwellings, 1-3 Mill Walk, High Street, Wellington as amended by fax dated 7th July1946WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL 4TH AUGUST 200312415 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC (continued)2003 (43/2003/055); (c) Erection of a conservatory and utility room at rear of 6 Sylvan Road, Wellington (43/2003/059: delegated decision); (d) Erection of a conservatory at front of Wellington House, Longforth Road, Wellington (43/2003/060: delegated decision); (e) Erection of a garage and conservatory to rear of 41 Quantock Road, Wellington (43/2003/058: delegated decision); (f) Erection of a conservatory and extension at rear of 10 Humphreys Road, Wellington (43/2003/061: delegated decision); (g) Erection of a dwelling at 2 The Waterpath, Westford, Wellington (43/2003/063); (h) Fell one yew tree and carry out tree management works to three yew trees, one sycamore tree and two holly trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No 6) Tree Preservation Order 1998 at Grooms Orchard, Court Drive, Wellington (43/2003/070T); (i) Erection of a single storey extension at 69 Wellesley Park, Wellington (43/2003/069; delegated decision); (j) Erection of a two storey extension at front of 32 Alexandra Road, Wellington (43/2003/064: delegated decision); (k) Erection of extension at Lodge Hall, 51 Lodge Close, Wellington (43/2003/065: delegated decision); (l) Retention of stainless steel flue (increase in height from 4m to 5m), workshop to rear of Grants of Wellington, Mantle Street, Wellington as amplified by fax dated 10th July 2003 (43/2003/057); (m) Erection of two storey and single storey extension to rear of 34 Mitchell Street, Wellington (43/2003/067: delegated decision); (n) Conversion of bakery store building to rear of 13 High Street to form a residential dwelling with access from White Hart Lane, Wellington (revised proposal) as amended by letter dated 17th June 2003 with accompanying drawing Nos. 10/011/1A and 10/011/2A (43/2003/052).
12416 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31st JULY 2003A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2003 to 31st July 2003 was £39,355 (£86,078 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2004) and that expenditure for the same period was £26,712 (£104,720). The report was noted.
12417 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENTOn the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor Warren, it was agreed to pay the following accounts and to authorise the signing of the following cheques: SWEB £93.30 for electricity for office/chamber; The Carly Press £167.49 for colour copying, envelopes, paper and laminations; A. Brown £1,388.56; Inland Revenue £512.83; Taunton DBC £68.39 for repairs to Tone play area safety surface; Lion Laboratories Ltd £1,278.40 for radar speed gun; Hinewood Cleaning Services £48 for office/chamber window cleaning and bus shelter cleaning for July 2003; Able Flags Ltd £61.57 for new Union flag.
12418 WELLINGTON CRICKET CLUB SCOREBOX OFFICIAL OPENINGWith reference to minute 12362 Councillor Byrne reported that she had attended, along with Councillor Govier in his capacity of mayor of Taunton Deane, the official opening of Wellngton Cricket Club’s scorebox on Sunday, 27th July 2003 which had also been the club’s open day. Over 30 young people had attended. It had been a lovely day: the councillors had been made very welcome and had received excellent hospitality. Her report was noted.
12419 GRANTS TO YOUNG PEOPLECouncillor Bowrah recalled that the council had given grants to young people to aid their travels around the world and had asked for feedback. The clerk would be writing to those awarded grants asking them to come and talk to councillors.1947WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL 4TH AUGUST 2003
12420 CLERK’S CONDITIONS OF SERVICEWith reference to minute 12380 councillors received a report on the special meeting of the council held on 31st July 2003 to consider the clerk’s conditions of service and the suggested extended opening hours of the town council office. The report stated that the following proposals had been put to the clerk: (i) To increase the clerk’s hours to 34 hours per week; (ii) To open the council office 1 hour per day Monday to Thursday (the hours to be at the clerk’s discretion but to be fully publicised so that the public are well aware of the opening hours); (iii) The present Friday night opening 5.30pm to 6.30pm to continue; (iv) The clerk to log attendances during the increased opening hours for a period of 3 months; (v) The council is considering the appointment of an assistant and needs the clerk’s assurance that he is willing to accept this; (vi) Councillor D. Mitton has been appointed to look into the terms and conditions of the clerk’s contract of employment and will work closely with the clerk over this; (vii) The increase in the clerk’s hours of work is to be backdated to 1st July 2003. The clerk stated he was willing to accept all the proposals. On the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor Warren, it was agreed to approve all the proposals in the report.
12421 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 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st July 2003; agenda and reports for Taunton DBC council meeting held on 22nd July 2003; minutes of Executive, Review Board, Review Panels and Planning Committee meetings held between March and June 2003; Taunton DBC’s Deane Dispatch for August 2003; What’s On within Taunton Deane for August 2003; Avon and Somerset Police Authority Strategy Plan for 2003/04-04/05; Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership annual review for 2002-03; Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership newsletter for Summer 2003; Blackdown Hills Ridge Route newsletter for July 2003; Blackdown Hills community events diary for summer and autumn 2003 and list of children’s activities for summer 2003; Campaign to Protect Rural England Rural Matters newsletter for July 2003; CPRE Planning Update for July 2003; letter from Minister for Rural Affairs and Urban Quality of Life, Alan Michael re the Rural Services Standard 2003; Direct Information Service bulletins Nos. 558 and 559; two publications by the Local Government International Bureau on European Union enlargement and its potential impact for local communities (New Neighbours and New Opportunities); July 2003 issue of CICnews from Zurich Municipal, the council’s insurers; July and August 22003 edition of Lillebonne Town Council’s municipal magazine; August 2003 issue of Coach Monthly.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.15PM
PRESENT: Councillor R. Henley (chairman), who presided, Councillor R. Bowrah (vice chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs A. Milne, Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors P. Critchard, D. Gill, A. Govier, C. Hindley, A. Horsman, D. Mitton, and E. Warren, the clerk A. Brown. There were apologies from Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, Mrs V. Stock-Williams, and G. James. There were 5 members of the public present.
12385 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTSThere were no announcements or reports from the chairman.
12386 POLICE MATTERSIn a written report, Sgt Richard Caburn, the Wellington sergeant, who was unable to attend, stated that in the Wellington sector during July there had been 29 thefts, 19 criminal damage offences, 7 criminal damage to motor vehicles offences, 8 thefts from motor vehicles, 3 domestic burglaries, 6 commercial burglaries, 7 burglaries from outbuildings/sheds and 6 assaults. Of the 3 house burglaries, 2 had been in Alexandra Road, Wellington and 2 of the commercial burglaries had been at the Chelston Business Park. Most of the burglaries from sheds/outbuildings had been in the rural areas. There had been 17 arrests for a variety of offences. A man had been arrested in the town centre on the morning of Saturday, 19th July 2003 having gone berserk. He had been charged with a number of offences, including indecent assault. A female had been arrested for deception, having used a stolen credit card: she later admitted over 20 other offences. A 20 year old male had been arrested for an indecency offence in November 2002 following diligent inquiries by PC Dyer at Wellington. Three male teenagers had been arrested in Wellington for burglary to a garage at Drakes Park following a stop check. Power tools had been recovered.
12387 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH SCHEMEWith reference to minute 12346 the clerk reported that 13 local residents had volunteered to take part in the Community Speed Watch Scheme and that a radar speed gun had been purchased. It was hoped that the training of the volunteers would take place in the near future. The report was noted.
12388 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOMMrs Isobel Ward reported that the Wellington judging in the Britain in Bloom competition had taken place on 15th July 2003 and that the results would not be known until 5th September 2003. Councillor Govier paid tribute to all those involved in the Wellington in Bloom competition. The town had looked wonderful and it was a good example of full community involvement.
12389 MINUTESThe minutes of the council meetings held 7th July 2003, as circulated to members, were received, taken as read and signed as correct.
12390 LONGFORTH ROAD/BRENDON ROAD TRAFFIC ISSUESA letter was received from Somerset County Council enclosing a feasibility report prepared by Atkins Highways and Transportation on Brendon Road/Longforth Road traffic issues and asking for the town council’s feedback/comments on the report. After considerable discussion, it was agreed, on the proposition of Councillor 1941WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 4TH AUGUST 2003
12390 LONGFORTH ROAD/BRENDON ROAD TRAFFIC ISSUES (continued)Hindley, seconded by Councillor Govier, to support option 2 in the report, which was as follows and which was the option recommended: No waiting at any time restrictions at the following locations: (i) West side of Longforth Road near junction with Alexandra Road; (ii) East side of Longforth Road near junction with Church Fields; (iii) East side of Longforth Road opposite junction with Victoria Street; (iv) West side of Brendon Road opposite junction with Howard Road; (v) East side of Brendon Road near junction with Quantock Road; (vi) West side of Brendon Road near junction with Seymour Street; (vii) North side of Seymour Street at Relyon entrance. It was also agreed to state that the town council felt there considerable merit in option 5, which was the installation of a mini-roundabout at the Victoria Street-Longforth Road junction as it would slow down traffic on the fastest stretch of road in the area. It was further agreed to point out that option 2 would not slow down the speed of traffic.
12391 IMPROVED PEDESTRIAN ACCESSIBILITY TO TOWN CENTREA letter was received from Somerset County Council enclosing a feasibility report by Atkins Highways and Transportation on improved accessibility for pedestrians to Wellington town centre and asking for the town council’s feedback/comments on the report and the issues raised in it. Standing orders were suspended to allow Dr R. Fairbairn to speak about proposals for Pyles Thorne Road which he stated was unsafe because too many people drove along it much too quickly. After considerable discussion it was agreed, on the proposition of Councillor Govier, seconded by Councillor Byrne, that the town council should in principle support the seven recommendations in the report as follows: (i) Footpath widening and improved crossing facilities at South Street near Cedar Court; (ii) New footpath and improved crossing facilities for Pyles Thorne Road/Pyles Thorne close; (iii) New footpath and crossing points for Pyles Thorne/Pyles Thorne Road; (iv) New footpath and crossing points for Oldway Road/Ford Street/Pyles Thorne Road; (v) New footpath and crossing point for Oldway Road/Monument Road/Pyles Thorne Road; (vi) New footpath and crossing point for Milverton Road; (vii) Improved lighting for Dark Lane and associated footpaths.
12392 POSSIBLE YELLOW LINES AT TONE HILLA report was received from the clerk on a site meeting between councillors and Mr I. Titcombe and Mr D. Quick, county highway service manager and assistant manager, on 23rd July 2003 to discuss the possible provision of yellow lines at Tone Hill at the junction with the Milverton Road. The report stated that it had been agreed to put a single yellow line (8am to 6pm Monday to Friday/Saturday) on both sides of Tone Hill as far as the telephone kiosk near 74 Tone Hill; that Councillors Byrne and Govier had agreed to consult with residents likely to be affected by the loss of about 3 on-street parking spaces and to report back to the August council meeting; and that Somerset Highways should contact the owners of 74 Tone Hill to try to get their agreement to the partial lowering of the wall on the western side of the junction to improve visibility towards Milverton. Councillor Byrne reported that all the affected residents were strongly against the imposition of yellow lines and on her suggestion it was agreed not to proceed with this suggestion. A letter was received from Mr R. Timewell, of 64 Tone Hill, drawing attention to the danger of emerging from Tone Hill and turning right towards Milverton because of the speed of traffic and because of cars parked on the apex of the road opposite Tone Hill. He also suggested that a footpath was needed on the Milverton road. The letter was noted.1942
WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 4TH AUGUST 2003
12393 PURCHASE OF 4 COMMEMORATIVE PARK PLATESCouncillor Bowrah proposed, with Councillor Gill seconding, that the town council should purchase 4 commemorative Wellington Park plates for presentation to Wellington’s twin towns of Lillebonne, Immenstadt and Torres Vedras, with the 4th plate being kept by the town council. The total cost was £80. This was agreed
12394 ELDERLY PERSONS CROSSING SIGNS FOR BULFORDWith reference to minute 12346 Councillor Wilson proposed, with Councillor Horsman seconding, that the town council should ask the county council to provide elderly persons crossing signs at Bulford, Wellington because of the danger posed to the many elderly on the estate by speeding traffic. This was agreed. The clerk stated that the cost would probably be in the region of £1,000.
12395 PAINTING OF REC SHELTER BY YOUNG PEOPLECouncillor Wilson reported that she had discussed with Darren Kendall, of Taunton DBC, the possibility of young people painting the shelter at Wellington Recreation Ground under the guidance of an artist as part of the rural youth project. It was agreed to support the idea and to get more information from Taunton DBC.
12396 DEFECTIVE PLAYING FIELD FENCINGCouncillor Horsman reported that there was dilapidated and rusty fencing at the back of the tennis courts on Wellington Playing Field. There were some rusty metal poles sticking out of the ground. Councillor Milne also reported that there was defective metal fencing which needed attention in Wellington Recreation Ground near the skateboarders’ half-pipe. It was agreed to ask Taunton DBC to take steps to make the fencing safe both in the playing field and the recreation ground.
12397 SIGN FOR COURT DRIVE FLATSCouncillor Horsman reported that there was no sign indicating the location of the council flats 5-12 Court Drive and that some confusion was being caused for visitors following the building of five new bungalows which came before 1 and 2 Court Drive but after the flats. It was agreed to ask Taunton DBC to erect an appropriate sign.
12398 BLOCKED DRAINS IN MANTLE STREETCouncillor Horsman reported that drains/gulleys in the vicinity of the Ship Inn, Mantle Street, Wellington, were blocked and needed clearing otherwise there could be flooding problems when it rained. It was agreed to refer the matter to Somerset Highways with a request for the drains to be cleared.
12399 BOXING GRASS WHEN OPEN SPACES/VERGES ARE CUTWith reference to minute 12351 a letter was received from Councillor Mark Edwards, Taunton DBC executive councillor for Environmental Services, stating that the additional cost of collecting grass from roadside verges in Wellington would be in excess of £60,000. There was currently no money in the budget to fund that improvement but a comprehensive review of the cleaning and maintenance of open spaces throughout the borough was to be carried out, and the collection of grass cuttings was one element to be considered. He offered to meet town councillors and the clerk reported that Councillor Edwards would be attending the council’s November meeting on Monday, 3rd November 2003. The letter was noted.
1943WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 4TH AUGUST 2003
12400 WELLINGTON CARNIVAL COMMITTEE GRANTWith reference to minute 12367 a letter of thanks was received from Wellington Carnival Committee for the council’s grant of £700. The letter was noted.
12401 NEW SPORTS PAVILION AT ROCKWELL GREEN PLAYING FIELDWith reference to minute 12354 a letter was received Councillor Dilly Bradley, Taunton DBC portfolio holder for leisure, stating that the new sports pavilion at Rockwell Green Playing Field at Dobree Park was being built to football league standards and that account had been taken of the problems of vandalism. She queried the town council’s apparent lack of action over the provision of a youth shelter. The clerk circulated members with a copy of a letter he had sent to Councillor Bradley detailing the reasons why it had not been possible to provide a youth shelter in the town. Councillor Henley reported that Taunton DBC Leisure Panel had referred the provision of the sports pavilion back to the council’s Executive meeting on 27th August 2003 with a view to funding the cuts made in the scheme. He proposed and it was agreed to write to Councillor Bradley urging her to consider going back to the original plans for the pavilion without waiting for the Executive so that the scheme could go ahead as quickly as possible. Councillor Gill was against this action as he felt it would delay the scheme for at least two months.
12402 PROVISION OF SEATS IN TOWN CENTREWith reference to minute 12349 a report was received from the clerk on a site meeting between councillors and Somerset Highways on 23rd July 2003 about the siting of a new tourist information panel, public seating in the town centre area, and the relaying of pavior blacks in High Street. It had been agreed that the tourist information panel produced by Taunton DBC should be sited next to the bus shelter on the northern side of High Street, should be parallel to the road and on the old post office side of the bus shelter; that a seat/bench should be placed outside the old post office where there are currently three cycle rails, two of which would be re-erected on the Jobcentre side of the telephone kiosks; that tarmac could be used in place of paviors (small paving blocks) at top end of the pavement/footway on the southern side of High Street from Eight Bells public house to the former Busy B’s shop when sunken paving blocks were re-laid as far as Kwiksave; that public seating should be erected around the square flower planter on the wide pedestrian area near Somerfield in Fore Street; and that composite signs indicating the location of the park, police station and public toilets should be erected on the existing traffic light column in Fore Street and in North Street. The decisions contained in the report were endorsed by the council.
12403 PARKING PROBLEMS AT WALKERS GATEWith reference to minute 12370 a report was received from the clerk on a site meeting between councillors and Somerset Highways on 23rd July 2003 about the possible introduction of double yellow lines on the corners of the Walkers Gate junction with Champford Lane. After considerable discussion and observation – traffic was much heavier in Champford Lane than usual because of the partial closure of the relief road due to a fatal accident – it had been agreed not to provide double yellow lines on the corners of Walkers Gate as requested by residents in a letter/petition received at the July council meeting. While parking near the bend caused inconvenience and meant that drivers had to take care when emerging from Walkers Gate, it was not felt to be dangerous, particularly as Champford Lane was not a main road and Walkers Gate was a cul-de-sac. That view had been shared by Mr I. Titcombe and Mr D. Quick, of Somerset Highways. It was agreed to put small H bar white lines on the road by the 1944WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 4TH AUGUST 2003
12403 PARKING PROBLEMS AT WALKERS GATE (continued)dropped kerbs on either side of the Walkers Gate entrance to discourage cars from parking in front of the dropped kerbs. Following the site meeting, the views and decisions of the councillors and officers were communicated to Ms J. Dunnett, who had written to the council about the issue. The decisions contained in the report were endorsed by the council. Members also received a copy of notes made by Councillor Horsman about parking in Champford Lane/Walkers Gate during a visit he made at 9pm on 22nd July 2003.
12404 POSSIBLE ADDITIONS/IMPROVEMENTS TO TONE PLAY AREAWith reference to minute 12357 the clerk reported letters had been delivered to 385 homes in the Tone area seeking residents’ views on the proposed improvements to the Tone play area off Wardleworth Way/Richards Close. So far 48 replies had been received. The closing date for replies was 23rd August 2003. The report was noted.
12405 CUTTING AND COLLECTING THE GRASS AT TONE PLAY AREAThe clerk reported that Taunton DBC had quoted £101.97 per cut for cutting and collecting the grass at the Tone play area, which was three times the current charge of £33.99 per cut with the grass uncollected. It was decided not to accept the quote and not to collect the grass but simply to cut the grass as at present. A further quote of £8.75 was received from Taunton DBC for a weekly litter picking of the Tone play area. The clerk reported that the Deane normally litter picked their small play areas such as Tone twice a week. It was agreed to take no action at this stage pending a decision on the improvements/additions to the play area but that the clerk should continue to arrange for litter/rubbish to be cleared as and when necessary.
12406 TAUNTON DEANE STANDARDS COMMITTEEWith reference to minute 12284 the clerk reported that Councillor Warren had been appointed as one of the two parish council representatives on Taunton Deane Standards Committee. The report was noted.
12407 HIGHWAY LIGHTING FOR CORNHILLWith reference to minute 12358 a letter was received from Atkins Highways stating that the present lighting had been provided only five years ago and that it was considered that Cornhill was lit to a perfectly acceptable standard. Councillors were strongly in disagreement with that view. The clerk reported that a site meeting was being arranged at night with Taunton DBC councillors and officers to assess the effectiveness of the current lights and that he would inform members of the date of that site meeting.
12408 PROBLEMS AT ROCKWELL GREEN BUS BAYWith reference to minute 12090 Councillor Warren reported that the introduction of double yellow lines outside 88 and 89 Rockwell Green had resulted in problems for buses picking up passengers opposite Greenway Road. Cars were parking further down the road towards Greenway Road and were parking so close to the bus bay that bus drivers were unable to pull into the bay and had to wait in the centre of the road to pick up passengers. Complaints had been received from drivers and from passengers he reported. On his suggestion it was agreed to ask Somerset Highways to put down double yellow lines to give the bus bay adequate protection so that drivers could pull into the bus bay.
1945WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL 4TH AUGUST 2003
12409 PROBLEMS AT POPHAM FLATS, VICTORIA STREETA copy was received of a letter sent to the police by the steward and treasurer of Popham Flats for the elderly at Victoria Street stating the residents of the almhouses had been disturbed and at times intimidated by a group of youths who were using the grounds of the flats as a playground, a place to hang out and generally misbehave. The stone walls had been damaged on several occasions. When the residents, who were all elderly and single, had spoken to the youths they had been abused. The police were asked for their assistance in reducing the intrusion into the residents’ privacy. The letter was noted.
12410 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF RBL WELLINGTON WOMEN’S SECTIONA letter was received from the Wellington branch of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section inviting councillors to attend a church service on Sunday, 14th September 2003 at 3pm at St John’s Church to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Wellington branch in 1943. The letter was noted.
12411 HIGHWAY CONTROL CENTREA letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that the county council now operated a control centre in County Hall taking telephone enquiries on highway related matters from all five district areas for Somerset and that with effect from 28th July 2003 all telephone calls previously answered at the Taunton Deane area office would be redirected, at no additional cost, to the control centre. There was no facility to redirect calls to area based staff. If there was a need to discuss something with a specific officer, the control centre would take the caller’s number and get the area based staff to call back. The letter was noted. The clerk reported that he was unimpressed with the new arrangements: he had tried unsuccessfully for over five minutes to get through to the control centre.
12412 INVITE TO TOUR WELLINGTON SEEABILITY PROJECTA letter was received from SeeAbility (Royal School for the Blind) inviting members to tour its Wellington project/centre at Drakes Park North. The letter was noted.
12413 DRAFT SCHOOL ORGANISATION PLANSA letter was received from Somerset County Council about the draft school organisation plan which sets out conclusions regarding the need to add or remove school places within Somerset during the five year period from September 2003 to August 2007 based on the 2002 school population forecast. The letter was noted.
12413 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPWith reference to minute 12376 notes were received from the clerk on the meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership held on 28th July 2003 dealing with the Wellington Area Community Plan; vacant retail units in Cornhill; Tonedale Mills; relocation of Taunton Livestock Market; possible provision of rail halt/station to serve Wellington; Wellington town centre enhancement scheme; and CCTV in Wellington. The next meeting of the partnership would be held on 15th September 2003 at 6pm.
12415 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCILThe clerk reported that Taunton DBC had approved the following plans: (a) Carry out tree management works to one evergreen oak within Wellington conservation area at 55 North Street, Wellington (43/2003/068T); (b) Conversion of office to three dwellings, 1-3 Mill Walk, High Street, Wellington as amended by fax dated 7th July1946WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL 4TH AUGUST 200312415 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC (continued)2003 (43/2003/055); (c) Erection of a conservatory and utility room at rear of 6 Sylvan Road, Wellington (43/2003/059: delegated decision); (d) Erection of a conservatory at front of Wellington House, Longforth Road, Wellington (43/2003/060: delegated decision); (e) Erection of a garage and conservatory to rear of 41 Quantock Road, Wellington (43/2003/058: delegated decision); (f) Erection of a conservatory and extension at rear of 10 Humphreys Road, Wellington (43/2003/061: delegated decision); (g) Erection of a dwelling at 2 The Waterpath, Westford, Wellington (43/2003/063); (h) Fell one yew tree and carry out tree management works to three yew trees, one sycamore tree and two holly trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No 6) Tree Preservation Order 1998 at Grooms Orchard, Court Drive, Wellington (43/2003/070T); (i) Erection of a single storey extension at 69 Wellesley Park, Wellington (43/2003/069; delegated decision); (j) Erection of a two storey extension at front of 32 Alexandra Road, Wellington (43/2003/064: delegated decision); (k) Erection of extension at Lodge Hall, 51 Lodge Close, Wellington (43/2003/065: delegated decision); (l) Retention of stainless steel flue (increase in height from 4m to 5m), workshop to rear of Grants of Wellington, Mantle Street, Wellington as amplified by fax dated 10th July 2003 (43/2003/057); (m) Erection of two storey and single storey extension to rear of 34 Mitchell Street, Wellington (43/2003/067: delegated decision); (n) Conversion of bakery store building to rear of 13 High Street to form a residential dwelling with access from White Hart Lane, Wellington (revised proposal) as amended by letter dated 17th June 2003 with accompanying drawing Nos. 10/011/1A and 10/011/2A (43/2003/052).
12416 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31st JULY 2003A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2003 to 31st July 2003 was £39,355 (£86,078 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2004) and that expenditure for the same period was £26,712 (£104,720). The report was noted.
12417 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENTOn the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor Warren, it was agreed to pay the following accounts and to authorise the signing of the following cheques: SWEB £93.30 for electricity for office/chamber; The Carly Press £167.49 for colour copying, envelopes, paper and laminations; A. Brown £1,388.56; Inland Revenue £512.83; Taunton DBC £68.39 for repairs to Tone play area safety surface; Lion Laboratories Ltd £1,278.40 for radar speed gun; Hinewood Cleaning Services £48 for office/chamber window cleaning and bus shelter cleaning for July 2003; Able Flags Ltd £61.57 for new Union flag.
12418 WELLINGTON CRICKET CLUB SCOREBOX OFFICIAL OPENINGWith reference to minute 12362 Councillor Byrne reported that she had attended, along with Councillor Govier in his capacity of mayor of Taunton Deane, the official opening of Wellngton Cricket Club’s scorebox on Sunday, 27th July 2003 which had also been the club’s open day. Over 30 young people had attended. It had been a lovely day: the councillors had been made very welcome and had received excellent hospitality. Her report was noted.
12419 GRANTS TO YOUNG PEOPLECouncillor Bowrah recalled that the council had given grants to young people to aid their travels around the world and had asked for feedback. The clerk would be writing to those awarded grants asking them to come and talk to councillors.1947WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL 4TH AUGUST 2003
12420 CLERK’S CONDITIONS OF SERVICEWith reference to minute 12380 councillors received a report on the special meeting of the council held on 31st July 2003 to consider the clerk’s conditions of service and the suggested extended opening hours of the town council office. The report stated that the following proposals had been put to the clerk: (i) To increase the clerk’s hours to 34 hours per week; (ii) To open the council office 1 hour per day Monday to Thursday (the hours to be at the clerk’s discretion but to be fully publicised so that the public are well aware of the opening hours); (iii) The present Friday night opening 5.30pm to 6.30pm to continue; (iv) The clerk to log attendances during the increased opening hours for a period of 3 months; (v) The council is considering the appointment of an assistant and needs the clerk’s assurance that he is willing to accept this; (vi) Councillor D. Mitton has been appointed to look into the terms and conditions of the clerk’s contract of employment and will work closely with the clerk over this; (vii) The increase in the clerk’s hours of work is to be backdated to 1st July 2003. The clerk stated he was willing to accept all the proposals. On the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor Warren, it was agreed to approve all the proposals in the report.
12421 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 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st July 2003; agenda and reports for Taunton DBC council meeting held on 22nd July 2003; minutes of Executive, Review Board, Review Panels and Planning Committee meetings held between March and June 2003; Taunton DBC’s Deane Dispatch for August 2003; What’s On within Taunton Deane for August 2003; Avon and Somerset Police Authority Strategy Plan for 2003/04-04/05; Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership annual review for 2002-03; Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership newsletter for Summer 2003; Blackdown Hills Ridge Route newsletter for July 2003; Blackdown Hills community events diary for summer and autumn 2003 and list of children’s activities for summer 2003; Campaign to Protect Rural England Rural Matters newsletter for July 2003; CPRE Planning Update for July 2003; letter from Minister for Rural Affairs and Urban Quality of Life, Alan Michael re the Rural Services Standard 2003; Direct Information Service bulletins Nos. 558 and 559; two publications by the Local Government International Bureau on European Union enlargement and its potential impact for local communities (New Neighbours and New Opportunities); July 2003 issue of CICnews from Zurich Municipal, the council’s insurers; July and August 22003 edition of Lillebonne Town Council’s municipal magazine; August 2003 issue of Coach Monthly.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.15PM
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 2:40 AM
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