Wellington Town Council minutes June 2005
PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors P. Critchard, A. Govier, R. Henley, A. Horsman, G. James, S. Palmer, and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown. There were apologies from Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe (vice-chairman), C. Hindley and D. Mitton.. There were 4 members of the public present.
13328 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor R. Bowrah welcomed to the meeting Councillor J. Clark, the newly elected councillor for Wellington Rockwell Green and West Ward on Taunton Deane Borough Council. He reported that Councillors Govier, Henley and himself had made representations on the Tonedale Mill plan at the Deane planning meeting and there had also been strong support from the public. Councillor Govier reported that since then he had had a site meeting with county highways and the developers and was hopeful that a proposal for a roundabout on the Milverton Road would go ahead to provide access car park 7, which would save the demolition of listed buildings. It would be quite expensive.
13329 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt R. Caburn reported that during May there had been 18 thefts, 4 commercial burglaries, 4 shed break-ins, 1 domestic burglary in the rural area, 8 offences of criminal damage, 8 criminal damage offences to motor vehicles, 4 thefts from motor vehicles, 13 assaults, mostly where the culprits knew the victims. The police had culprits for most of these offences. In some cases it had been squabbles and historical feuds between adults which had resulted in violence, often after drinking too much. Arrests had been made following trouble at the Kings Arms and he had spoken to the owner, Mr Clark who was trying to sort out the problems. There had also been a “dust-up” at Wiveliscombe between feuding families. Two more youths had been placed on acceptable behaviour contracts and another was likely to be imposed. The behaviour of a youth who had been on an ABC since January had improved. The police were trying to achieve some long term solutions and were using the facilities at the Kings Centre to get youngsters off the streets. The paint ball scheme had taken off very well with 15 youngsters – mainly lads but some girls - taking part on Sundays. A drugs raid at Milverton the previous week had proved negative but a Rockwell Green resident, Mr Burke had been jailed for drug offences. The chairman reported that he had met the new community officer Steven Hill who had been very active. Councillor Critchard reported that the gates to South Street car park were broken. It was agreed to take this matter up with Taunton DBC. Sgt Caburn was thanked for attending.
13330 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
The chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Isobel Ward reported that judging in this year’s Britain in Bloom competition would take place between 11th and 22nd July 2005. A lot of vandalism had been experienced recently with floral beds in the park, the town and at the Chelston roundabout being affected. The damage was being put right but it reduced the amount of money for displays.
13331 MINUTES OF MAY MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 9th May and 10th May and the annual council meeting on 16th May 2005, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, confirmed and signed as correct.
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13332 WELLINGTON CRICKET CLUB GRANT REQUEST
A letter, grant application form and accounts were received from Wellington Cricket Club asking the town council to consider making a grant of £500 towards the £3,000 cost of providing new outdoor practice nets. The chairman referred to the excellent youth work the cricket club did in the town. On the proposition of Councillor James, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to make a grant of £500.
13333 HOME-START TAUNTON DEANE GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 13225 a letter was received from Home-Start Taunton Deane asking the council to consider whether the grant of £540, previously approved for the purchase of toys for the proposed family group, could be put towards the cost of the home-visiting service provided in Wellington. The reason for the request was that Home-Start was not in a position to proceed with the establishment of a family group unless more funding could be obtained to cover establishment and running costs. Other funding applications were in the pipeline and it was hoped that one, if not more of these, would be successful. After some discussion it was agreed 8-3 with one abstention, to approve the request.
13334 A TRAINING EVENING FOR NEWER COUNCILLORS
An invitation was received from Somerset Association of Local Councils to attend a training evening for newer councillors at West Buckland Village Hall on 13th July 2005 at 7.30pm. It was agreed to accept the invitation and to meet the cost of £20. Councillors Palmer, Copley, Critchard, Byrne, Stock-Williams and James indicated that they would be attending.
13335 1ST WELLINGTON SCOUT GROUP GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 13261 a letter of thanks was received from 1st Wellington Scout Group for the council grant of £1,000. The letter also invited councillors to the group’s AGM and official vehicle launch on 8th June at 6.30pm. Councillors were asked to inform the clerk if they wished to attend.
13336 TAUNTON CAB GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 13262 a letter of thanks was received from Taunton CAB for the council grant of £1,200 for Wellington CAB outreach. The letter was noted.
13337 ELECTORAL REVIEW OF TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH
With reference to minute 13289 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that Boundary Commission might look at parish wards. The letter was noted.
13338 VANDALISM IN SOUTH STREET CAR PARK
With reference to minutes 12916 and 12965 the clerk reported that vandalism had occurred at South Street car park on the evening of Monday, 30th May 2005 when vandals had lifted a drain cover and smashed it against Wellington Baptist Church, damaged a security camera and also ripped out the church’s telephone wires. A verbal report on the damage had been received from the minister, the Rev Sam Griffiths, who had also reported the incident to the police. The report was noted.
13339 POSSIBLE DUAL USE OF LOADING BAYS
With reference to minute 13296 the clerk reported that questionnaires had been sent to over 100 traders in the town centre area asking for their views on the possible dual use
of loading bays. The suggestion is that the bays can be used for on-street parking after
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13339 POSSIBLE DUAL USE OF LOADING BAYS (continued)
1pm. So far 18 replies had been received, with 15 in favour of dual usage and 3 against. The report was noted.
13340 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF TWINNING WITH IMMENSTADT
With reference to minute 13274 the clerk reported that an invitation had been received from Immenstadt Town Council for the council to attend the civic celebrations in Immenstadt from 17th-19th September 2005 to mark the 20th anniversary of the twinning between Wellington and Immenstadt. The chairman stated he would be unable to attend but was not sure about the vice-chairman. It was agreed to defer a decision on the civic delegation until the July meeting.
13341 CADES FARM HOUSING SCHEME COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
With reference to minute 13171 the clerk reported that at a working party meeting with Deane officers on 12th May 2005 it had been stated it was hoped to receive contributions from the developers of the Cades Farm housing estate of £250,000 for local community facilities, £229,000 for off-site playing fields and £177,000 for indoor sports facilities. The possibility of selling the existing local community centre in White Hart Lane and using the proceeds along with the £250,000 local community facilities contribution had been discussed with the suggestion that the old town hall on the corner of Fore Street and North Street might be the site for a new community centre and one-stop shop for council services. Also the possibility of using the land to the rear of Corn Hill for such a development with flats/apartments on the first floor. The clerk had contacted the owners, Rayglow Securities to seek an exploratory meeting but had been told that at present the company was doubtful such a meeting would be useful as the old town hall building was let on various long term leases and was therefore unlikely to become available. Also their architect was currently drawing up plans for the development of the whole of the company’s property in Corn Hill and the land at the rear for submission to Taunton DBC and the company would prefer not to deal with that on a piecemeal basis. Since then he had spoken to the company’s architect who was seeking a meeting with TDBC conservation officer Di Hartnell pending the imminent submission of detailed plans to TDBC. The report was noted.
13342 ELECTION OF NEW MP
With reference to minute 13254 a letter was received from Jeremy Browne, the new MP for Taunton, thanking the town council for its letter of congratulation on his election at the May General Election. The letter was noted.
13343 PROVISION OF DOG WASTE BIN
With reference to minute 13318 the clerk reported that Taunton DBC had provided a new dog waste bin at Roly Poly Green, Alexandra Road. The report was noted.
13344 PIPER SYSTEM AT POPHAM FLATS, VICTORIA STREET
With reference to minute 13264 Councillor Byrne stated she was pleased to hear that the Kilkenny Call Centre in Taunton felt that there were things to be learned from the tragedy and that there would be a physical presence when anyone was called in the future. She had been happy to hear that and felt the residents would be reassured. The chairman reported that the issue had been raised at a recent meeting at Taunton DBC and that as part of the new procedure someone would physically go to check on the position of someone seeking help through the Piper system as soon as possible.
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13345 LICENSING APPLICATION FOR COTTAGE INN
Notice was received of the application for the transfer of the justices licence for the Cottage Inn, Champford Lane, Wellington to Ivan Clarke and Penelope Ann Clarke, the application to be heard by Taunton Deane magistrates on 14th June 2005.
13346 INVITATION TO MEET NEW METHODIST MINISTER
An invitation was received from Wellington Methodist Church for councillors to attend the welcome service for the new superintendent minister, the Rev Michael Parsons, of Thursday, 1st September 2005 at Wellington Methodist Church at 7.30pm. Councillors were asked to inform the clerk by 1st July if they would be attending.
13347 PROPOSED REMOVAL OF TELEPHONE KIOSK
A letter was received from BT giving details of its proposed rationalisation plans for telephone kiosks in Wellington following a drop in usage due to the great increase in the use of mobile phones. It was proposed to remove the kiosk at Priory and to make the kiosks at Station Road, Tone Hill and Beech Hill cashless to reduce the chances of vandalism and theft. It was agreed to defer making comments on the proposals until the July meeting as comments did not have to be received until 3rd August 2005.
13348 PROPOSED JOBCENTRE PLUS CHANGES
A letter was received from JobcentrePlus stating that from 20th June 2005 it would no longer be providing pre-arranged interviews from the Old School House, Corams Lane, Wellington as Somerset Training was giving up its lease of the premises which would no longer be available to the Jobcentre. An increasing number of clients chose to access JobcentrePlus services through a wide range of “e” services offered, including a “warm” phone at Wellington Community Office. It was planned to improve the signage to such sites. The clerk reported that he had used the “warm” phone to reach JobcentrePlus but there were no signs or instructions about its usage and he understood from community office staff that it was rarely used. It was agreed to write to JobcentrePlus expressing disappointment that the limited service offered in Wellington was being closed after such a short time and stressing the need to highlight the location of the “warm” phone and to provide clear instructions how to use it to access the various services. Councillors Henley and Wilson declared an interest and took no part in the discussion on this item.
13349 OPEN COUNTRY AND REGISTERED COMMON LAND
The clerk reported that a letter and map had been received from the Countryside Agency on Open Country and Registered Common Land in South West England. There was no registered common land or open country in Wellington. The nearest registered common land is at Langford Budville. The letter was noted.
13350 VISIT TO TORRES VEDRAS
With reference to minute 13254 Councillor Byrne gave a detailed report on her recent visit to Torres Vedras, Wellington’s twin town in Portugal. A total of 15 travelled from Wellington and had met the mayor of Torres who sent his good wishes to the town and the council. Meetings had been held with the Torres twinning association about future visits. It was hoped that the Wellington Scouts would be visiting Torres in September 2006. There was a written link between Torres and Court Fields Community School. A lady who ran a choir in Torres was hoping to visit Wellington some time next year. In 2008 there would be big celebration in Torres as it marked the 200th anniversary of the Duke of Wellington’s successful defence of the town against the army of Napoleon.
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13351 NEW PLASTERING SCHOOL
The chairman reported that Mr Weeks was opening a new plastering school at the Poole Trading Estate on Tuesday, 14th June at 2pm and had invited councillors to attend. The report was noted.
13352 DELAY OVER ROAD CLOSURE ORDERS
Councillors Critchard and Warren expressed concern about the delay by Taunton DBC in issue a temporary road closure order for High Street for the annual Wellington Street Fair on Sunday, 5th June 2005. Up until two days before the event the organisers, Wellington Carnival Committee still had not received the order and were concerned that they might have to cancel the event without the order which had been applied for more than two more months previously. It was agreed to contact the Deane expressing concern about the delay in the issuing of the order.
13353 USE OF TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER
Councillor Warren raised the question of the use of the town council chamber at 28 Fore Street. The clerk stated that he had contacted Taunton DBC leader Councillor John Williams about the town council’s proposals to install a stair lift, level the upstair flooring and provide a ramped access at the front door. Councillor Williams had agreed to take the matter up yet again with the Deane’s officers but so far the clerk still had no reply.
13354 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13296 no recommendations/suggestions/proposals were put forward for consideration at the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting to be held on Monday, 27th June 2005 at 6pm.
13355 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Raising of existing flat roof at the Lang Room, All Saints Church, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2005/048); (b) Retention of garden shed/workshop at 127 Barn Meads Road, Wellington (43/2005/041); (c) Display of individual non illuminated letters to wall at first floor at Station Road Dental Practice, Station Road, Wellington as amended by applicants letter dated 20th April 2005 with attached plan (43/2005/047A); (d) Alteration of pedestrian access to vehicular access, relocation of 1 gate pillar, restoration of 1 gate pillar and new gate leaf to match existing at Westford House, Westford, Wellington (43/2005/046LB); (e) Installation of replacement upvc windows at Popham House, Courtland Road, Wellington (43/2005/039); (f) Demolition of 79 Rockwell Green (outbuilding of 81 Rockwell Green), Wellington as amended by agents letter and accompanying plan 1243/A/001C received on 13th January 2005 (43/2004/162LB); (g) Change of use of ground floor from community centre to restaurant, 14-16 North Street, Wellington (43/2005/034); (h) Display of internally illuminated projecting sign, Nationwide Agency, 4 South Street, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 29th April 2005 and accompanying plan drawing No. Nationwide Agency/81/2003B (43/2005/043LB and 43/2005/044A); (i) Erection of extensions at 1 Pyles Thorne Close, Wellington as amended by plan No. 7598/3 Rev C received on 19th April 2005 (43/2005/035); (j) Erection of two storey, single storey and first floor extension at 56 Buckwell, Wellington (43/2005/036); (k) Subdivision of house into two flats with no external alterations at 42 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2005/040).
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13356 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST MAY 2005
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period
from 1st April 2005 to 31st May 2005 was £39,025 (£120,225 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006) and that expenditure for the same period was £16,123 (£143,100 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006). The report was noted.
13357 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Critchard seconded by Councillor Govier, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Councillor R. Bowrah £500 chairman’s allowance; 1st Wellington Scout Group £1,000 grant; Taunton and District CAB £600 grant; Wellington Arts Association £3,750 grant; The Carly Press Ltd £93.47 for paper and envelopes; Hinewood Cleaning Services £48 for cleaning town centre bus shelters and office window cleaning for April 2005; A. Brown £1,562.34; Inland Revenue £644.69; Taunton Deane Borough Council £428.88 for supply and erection of 5 a side goalpost at Roly Poly Green; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £136 for subsidised hospital patient transport for April 2005; Wellington United Reformed Church £100 for council meetings in church hall in April, May and June 2005.
13358 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 19th and 26th May and 2nd June 2005; Taunton DBC Community Green Space newsletter for Spring 2005; What’s On within Taunton Deane for June 2005; Wellington Museum and Local History Society newsletter for May 2005; Community Update from Community Council for Somerset for June 2005; Thatch magazine for June 2005 from Community Council for Somerset; Countryside Voice magazine for Summer 2005 from Campaign to Protect Rural England; Urban Future, a newsletter from the South West Regional Development Agency; letter and guide from Agepartnershipgroup about age legislation; NALC direct information service bulletins Nos. 606 and 607; Lillebonne Town Council’s municipal magazine for May and June 2005; European Union newsletter No. 133 on regional policy.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.53PM
posted by Wellington Town Council @ 3:28 AM
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