PRESENT: Mrs M.R. Short (in the Chair), Messrs G. Bailey, M. Dury, R.Giles,
M. Huggett, N. Richards and J. Ward.
IN ATTENDANCE: PC Kim Tacchi (Community Beat Manager – Avon & Somerset Constabulary) and Mr K. Richardson (Clerk).
WELCOME TO THE PUBLIC: The Chairman welcomed the following members of the public to the meeting and invited them to address the Council before the commencement of the formal business: -
Mrs Christine Lewis (Weston Mercury) and Mr Scott Lange (Community Action).
Mr Scott Lange restated to the Council that Youth Forums were modelled on the lines of Parish Councils, enabling young people to be involved in the development of opportunities for youth. Community Action had selected Congresbury as a suitable location within the former Avon area and sought the support of the Parish Council in the formation of a Youth Forum.
The Chairman invited Mr Scott Lange to remain until item 5 of the agenda to enable any queries from the Council to be answered, which was approved by members.
APOLOGIES: Dr S. Duerden, Mesdames J. Edwards and M. Leimdorfer.
Messrs. D. Gosling, K. Hill, B. Hogarth, C. Knott, G. Morgan and Cllr Mrs R. Knifton.
In noting the extensive list of apologies, the Chairman reminded members that apologies for absence from Council or Committee meetings must be accompanied by a reason acceptable to the Council. In the event of non-attendance by a Member from six consecutive meetings of the Council or a Committee a vacancy will automatically arise, as the Member is then disqualified.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: There were no declarations of interest.
92/02
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9th SEPTEMBER 2002:
Members unanimously approved the minutes as a true record of the meeting,
following corrections requested by: -
Cllr Huggett to the road reference number from B3130 to the B3133
(High Street/Brinsea Road) on pages 2 and 3.
The Chairman noted that Gooseham Mead was mis-spelt on page 1.
The corrections were duly made.
The Chairman then signed the minutes.
93/02
POLICE REPORT:
P.C. Kim Tacchi submitted the crime figures for the period and gave a resume
of recent incidents in Congresbury together with clarification of the police
response to an incident at Gooseham Mead on August Bank Holiday Monday involving a 999 call and the recent vandalism to safety railings at the entrance
to the Youth Club.
The Chairman informed the Council that the Youth Club members had
been advised that if information was not provided, by those members witnessing the incident, to identify the persons carrying out the recent vandalism, the subscriptions would have to be increased to defray the
cost of the remedial works
A communication from Traffic Division regarding vehicle speed checks in
Brinsea Road/High Street was handed to the Chairman, suggesting the use of
Speed Guns by members of the community and the provision of metering
devices at the roadside to record vehicle speed prior to Officers being detailed
to the area.
A brief discussion resulted in agreement that this matter should be
included on the agenda for the next meeting.
PC Tacchi presented a copy of a strategy for Youth in the Southlands/Kent
Road area, which included a record form for completion by witnesses of
incidents of anti-social behaviour/vandalism to be returned to the Housing
Department. This was a joint effort by North Somerset Housing Department,
the Police and other organisations.
PC Tacchi requested that a copy of Cllr Dury’s e-mail to the Clerk regarding
a vehicle crossing from Woodhill into Wrington Road be passed to him. KR
The Chairman thanked PC Tacchi for attending the Council meeting and
providing a report.
PC Tacchi left the meeting.
94/02
NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL:
The Chairman advised the Council that Cllr Mrs Knifton had informed her
that the performance report on North Somerset Council was awaited.
95/02
REPORTS RECEIVED:
GLEBE INFANTS SCHOOL: In Cllr Hogarth’s absence a report was
not presented to the Council.
ST. ANDREWS CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOL: Cllr Bailey
reported that a Governors meeting was scheduled for Wednesday next.
CHEDDAR VALLEY RAILWAY WALK SOCIETY: Cllr Bailey
reported no further information available at present.
HIGHWAYS & PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE: Cllr Huggett
stated that the Clerk’s report covered information relating to the
High Street/Brinsea Road project. In addition, North Somerset had
been requested to review their earlier decision to not replace the
second box junction at the junction of Broad Street and the High
Street.
The BATS traffic management consultant at North Somerset had
indicated there had been no design input from many Parish Councils
including Congresbury, which had been refuted in view of the
submission of the Congresbury Traffic Management Plan to both
Colin Medus at Somerset House and Frank Cox at Nailsea. The Clerk
personally delivered a copy of the Congresbury Management Plan to
the Consultant following his allegation.
Cllr Huggett reported on his attendance at the presentation of the
North Somerset Freight Study by WSP Consultants, when Stock Lane
had been identified as a preferred route for HGV, and did not refer to
other large vehicles. Cllr Huggett thought the presentation to be of poor quality, and was concerned at the lack of any apparent safety
considerations.A hard copy of the report was not available, but will be
issued to Parish Councils in due course.
PLANNING COMMITTEE: Cllr Bailey noted that the minutes for the
last Committee meeting had been distributed prior to the
commencement of the meeting. In addition, Cllr Bailey briefly
reported on a meeting with Planning Officers at North Somerset
Council in connection with queries raised by the Planning Committee
and would report fully to the Committee at their next meeting.
The Chairman noted that the erection of the ECOHOUSE in
Southlands Way had caused considerable comment, particularly about
the height of the building.
LEISURE SERVICES COMMITTEE: In Cllr Hogarth’s absence, the Chairman reviewed the minutes of the last committee meeting, noting
that the committee recommended the provision of a Picnic House and
a seat in the toddlers play area. The Picnic House would provide a
multi-purpose use (parents and young people at different times of the
day), be sited at the location previously occupied by the fort giving a
good view over the play area. The recommendation of the committee
was unanimously endorsed by the Council.
The Council noted the issues of Burial Ground Memorial Safety and
Burial Ground Equipment Store being the subject of further research
and negotiation.
CADBURY HILL PARTNERSHIP: In Cllr Morgan’s absence a
report was not presented to the Council.
WAR MEMORIAL HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE:
Members noted the minutes of the last meeting of the War
Memorial Hall Management Committee, which had been previously
circulated. The Skittles Match between the Parish Council and the
War Memorial Hall Management Committee would take place on
8th November at 7.30 pm at the War Memorial Hall.
SOUTHLANDS & KENT ROAD TENANTS ASSOCIATION:
The Council noted the minutes, previously circulated.
Members noted that the temporary Road Closed signs at each end of
Kent Road had proved effective in reducing the use of Kent Road as a
‘rat run’ during the Highways Services works at the Smallway/A370 junction.
The Chairman informed the Council that potential play areas had been
identified at the Southlands Estate. Further enquiries would be
initiated to enable future consideration to be undertaken.
DRAFT VILLAGE FLOOD PLAN: Cllr Huggett reported that the
plan is in the course of preparation.
VITAL VILLAGES PROGRAMME: The Chairman reminded
members of the request at the last meeting for suggestions, which
could be the basis for an application under this scheme to be
brought to this meeting.
Cllr Dury asked if a Play Area and a Youth Worker would be
acceptable for an application for funding. The Chairman advised that KR
this suggestion would be investigated.
ALCA MEETING – 8th OCTOBER AT PORTISHEAD: The Clerk
had attended this meeting and issued a report to members prior to the
commencement of the meeting. No questions were raised by the
Members.
96/02
FORMATION OF YOUTH COUNCIL:
Mr Scott Lange advised the Council that the Countryside Agency are funding
the formation of Youth Councils, and he had been appointed on a three year
contract to carry out this work on behalf of Community Action.
Further funding may become available to continue the post beyond the initial
three year period.
He hoped the Youth Council (Forum) would meet on a monthly basis
together with an interested adult(s). The adult(s) would not be able to
participate in any voting on motions being considered by the Youth Council.
The Chairman reminded members that the subject of Youth Councils had
been introduced to the Council at the last meeting and enquired if there were
any views from members?
· Cllr Bailey suggested the formation of a Youth Council could
be a positive move to address a number of issues and
considered this to be a good idea.
· Cllr Richards expressed some concern, as new ideas are good
at the beginning but then fail due to various reasons.
· Cllr Ward considered that in principle it was a good idea,
providing continuity could be a problem.
· Cllr Giles welcomed the proposal with open arms.
· Cllr Short noted that a small number of members were present,
but the Council was quorate.
The Council agreed that the proposed formation of a Youth Parish Council
should proceed, and provided the following information: -
· St Andrews Room at the Old School Rooms is available on
Monday evenings for Council/Committee meetings
· Hire charges will be in accordance with the agreed published rates.
· The Youth Council could apply to the Parish Council for a grant
to cover hire charges.
· Bookings should be made with John Ayers, the Booking Clerk.
A grant application form is to be forwarded to Mr Scott Lange for completion. KR
Mr Scott Lange left the meeting at this point
97/02
REMOVAL OF HEDGE A370/BALL COURT CAR PARK:
The Chairman reminded the Council that Mrs Crowley had suggested the
Hedge between the A370 and Riverside car park should be removed thereby
making the car park and ball court visible to members of the community
passing the area. In addition, the Village Orderly had reported on a number of
occasions that the hedge had become a depository for refuse.
Members of the Council discussed this suggestion, which resulted in a
properly constituted proposal to obtain a quotation to remove the hedge
and not replace it, but the small whips should remain. The proposal was KR
carried unanimously.
98/02
GLEBELANDS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT:
The Council agreed to defer this item until the next meeting.
Cllr Giles asked if information was available regarding the size and content
of the proposed hall. Whilst no information is available at the present time, it
was anticipated that the hall would provide facilities for the village
organisations.
The Chairman requested Cllr Bailey to arrange for a copy of the minutes of
the last meeting of the Development Team to be made available to the Parish
Council. GB
99/02
WAR MEMORIAL HALL:
Members noted that the War Memorial Committee representative attending
the recent Leisure Services Committee had advised that the maintenance work
to the heating system was in hand. The estimated cost was £800.00 with the possibility of additional work found to be necessary with a potential resulting
cost of £1,500.00.
The Leisure Services Committee recommended that the previously approved
grant of £1,000.00 for roof repairs to the Memorial Hall be re-allocated to the
Heating Maintenance work.
The Members of the Council discussed the recommendation of the Leisure
Services Committee and the identification of priorities between roof repairs
and heating maintenance noting that the War Memorial currently held
approximately £1,500.00.
The Council voted on the recommendation of the Leisure Services
Committee, which resulted in a majority decision to approve the
recommendation. Cllr Huggett requested that it was reported in the minutes
that he was the member voting against the recommendation.
100/02
CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS:
Members agreed that the following events would be arranged: -
Senior Citizens Tea Party on 14th December 2002.
Carols around the Tree on 16th December 2002.
Senior Citizens Tea Party:
· Cllr Ward would arrange for the provision of sherry and glasses
· Cllr Mrs Short would arrange the entertainment
· Cllr Richards would provide green decorating material
· The Clerk would prepare the invitations and arrange for
distribution
· Mrs Julia Theyer and Mrs N. Lawson would arrange the
decorations in the Jubilee Hall.
Carols around the tree:
The method of erection of the lights for the tree was discussed, in view of the difficulties experienced last year. The Clerk undertook to enquire if a suitable
personnel hoist could be utilised from Highway Services. KR
It was agreed that the lights should be erected on 14th December 2002.
101/02
JUBILEE MUGS:
Cllr Giles reported that the surplus mugs were being offered for sale through
Congresbury Hardware and the Precinct Newsagent at £2.00 each with a 50p commission to the retailer.
101/02
RELEVANT CORRESPONDENCE:
Members noted the following items of correspondence: -
North Somerset Council – School Organisation Plan
The Countryside Agency – Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000, Draft map.
The Chairman read the third paragraph of the Email from Rosemarie Crowley
and asked if the Council wished her to respond personally, which received a
positive response. MS
Members agreed that the letter from Mr & Mrs Shipway should be forwarded
to the King George V Trustees for their information. KR
It was noted that the Clerk would prepare documentation relating to the
Freedom of Information Act for the next meeting of the Council. KR
Taking over the toilets was deferred to the next meeting.
Mobile Library timetables to be published by the Clerk. KR
102/02
CLERK’S REPORT:
Members noted the contents of the Clerk’s Report.
103/02
ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT:
The Council approved the following payments: -
Cheque:
3256 West Mendip Internal Hannah Marsham Trust field 1.60
Drainage Board
3257 The Post Office Ltd North Somerset Council
Non-domestic rates
Burial Ground 5.50
Old School Rooms 155.10 160.60
3258 Julie Kingcott Youth Club Mural (part of £250 grant) 50.00
3259 West Mendip Internal First time keeching – Broadstones Playing
Drainage Board Field for 2002/2003 104.43
3260 Lorne Stewart Annual Electrical tests – Old School Rooms 192.59
3261 Alpha Supplies Toilet Rolls 33.58
3262 Mendip Office & Art Ltd Photocopier paper 41.06
3263 Congresbury Hardware Glass-paper, wood stain and gloves 35.75
3264 Clevedon Office Equipment Photocopier maintenance:
September account 14.30
October account 16.86 31.16
3265 Bristol Charities Quarter rental of allotment gardens 50.00
3266 Core Parish Council signs – Old School Rooms & Office 262.14
3267 G.B. Sport & Leisure Repair to Tyre Swing –Play Area 35.25
3268 J. Ayers Expenses 49.71
3269 K. Richardson Expenses 58.66
3270/2 Salaries 3 members of staff (To be advised) 1270.80
3273 The Post Office Ltd PAYE & NIC (To be advised) 353.24
3274 Terry Richards Grass cutting/turfing graves 870.00
3275 Mrs M.Short Chairman’s allowance 30.00
104/02
ITEMS TO REPORT:
Cllr Bailey reported that some of the trees in the Tree Nursery were quite
large and wished to know if there were any proposals for planting the
saplings. The Chairman advised that sites had been identified including the Millennium Green and the Burial Equipment Store.
Cllr Dury expressed concern regarding the condition of the SWEB electrical
feeder box at the bottom of Southlands Way, which was a disgrace. It was
agreed that this matter should be included on the next meeting agenda.
Cllr Giles suggested it would be of considerable assistance to the community
if a diary could be positioned at the Parish Council office to enable
forthcoming events to be recorded by Organisers. This would prevent clashes
of dates as had recently been experienced. It was agreed that the Editorial
Team could place a diary in the care of the Clerk for this purpose from
January 2003. RG
Cllr Huggett asked if safety on the bridge over the weir was the responsibility
of the Environment Agency and was advised by the Chairman that this was
the situation.
Cllr Mrs Short informed the Council that:
a. Backwell had won the Large Village of the Year Award,
whilst Wrington had won the category won by Congresbury
last year and now have to prepare for the 2nd visit.
b. Wire mesh panels had been fitted to the weir footbridge and
had been advised by the operatives on site that the work was
to be taken through to include the gates and platform.
c. A report of stiles being covered with white powder and a
slurry had been investigated and found to be the result of
activities of students from the Vet School. The Environmental
Health Department and Public Rights of Way Department
had been brought in to the investigatory exercise and
appropriate discussions had been held with the University
Authorities.
There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed
at 10.04 pm.