Minutes of Lympsham Parish Council Meeting, 15 December 2008

Councillors Present: Mr. J. Hinton (Chairman), Mr. B. Gooding, Mr. K. Hart, Mr. R. Jones, Mrs. E. Male  & Mr. G. Tuttiett.
Also present: Mr. A. Gilling (District Councillor).

Minutes were taken by the Clerk.

95/08     Apologies: Mrs. P. Guess, Mr. A. Ham & PCSO P. Dixon. (Accepted)

96/08      Minutes of Previous Meeting (17.11.08): were confirmed and signed.

97/08      Matters Arising / for report from previous meetings:

• Lympsham School: Nothing to report.

• Manor Hall Report: Discussion re representation at next meeting: J. Hinton would attend next meeting.

[Mrs. Male to attend PACT / Coastal Cluster meeting on the same evening.] Concern had been expressed re Hall
lights being left on by some users.

• Lympsham Pre-school: Clerk had attended recent meeting; licence & lease to be confirmed; School needs to be consulted re responsibilities on lease specifics; tenders re fencing / drains in next week; bridge to be installed in first week in January with metal track hired for following week’s delivery of building. PC’s solicitor had been contacted by Somerset’s: Clerk to ensure details are appropriate.

• Highways report: Road subsidence near Millfield Cottages not repaired as yet; car in ditch along Lympsham Road. Re Bus stop & shelter project: Following discussion of proposed plan, site meeting planned for 2.30 p.m. 17th December.

• Playground report: Bench / table ongoing; Mrs. Guess continuing with weekly inspections.
• Grounds Maintenance: Contractors still awaiting appropriate conditions to upgrade first stage of Play Area bark pits.
• Footpaths: R. Hoare’s position as Parish Path Liaison Officer had been confirmed; re proposed diversion of public footpath AX22/11 (part): no further information or response.

• General Maintenance Issues: G & H Tuttiett’s efforts to paint the bus shelter were much appreciated; telephone box opposite Copse Corner now removed; G. Tuttiett had informed SDC of danger of damaged fencing at Stonebow Farm; following Mr. Gilling’s assistance, Clerk had communicated with Clean Surroundings team re graffiti plus other issues.
• Churchyard: Public views were being solicited via the Lympsham News & notice boards; Clerk had received some comments, but there needed to be time for other local input; possible need for a public meeting.

• Neighbourhood Watch: First ‘joint surgery’ between PCSO & Clerk previous week was successful with several ‘visitors’ & variety of issues discussed; a press release had been issued with next meeting of 8th January announced. Clerk would discuss N. Watch signs in the New Year with PCSO.

• Village Events: ‘Dickens evening’ & Bingo successful. K Hart mentioned various seasonal events at the Pavilion. Possible dates for Driver Awareness Course suggested. [Confirmed as 28th April 2009, 7 to 9 p.m. with driver simulator available from 6.30 p.m.] K. Hart reported that interviews re Shop / P.O. had taken place, but awaiting P.O. confirmation.
• Affordable Housing: Clerk to contact Rural Housing Enabler with a view to having Working Group meeting on Friday 16th January at 2 p.m. or following Monday.
• County / District Issues: Thanks recorded to G. Tuttiett & R. Jones who attended RLT3 Monies for Outdoor Sport & Somerset Levels & Moors Local Action Group meetings respectively.

• Money available for outdoor activities inc. acquiring land; Cricket Club may put in an application – PC will support if necessary.

b) Mainly based towards tourism & business with ‘green credentials’; some queries re limited local representation – to be reviewed later; perhaps pertinent to village shop – R. Jones to pass on K. Hart’s details.

• Clerk: It was agreed to support Mr. D. Prowton’s Christmas Light appeal (in aid of Air Ambulance) by a contribution of £50. [Proposed: J. Hinton; seconded: G. Tuttiett – carried unanimously.] Thanks had been received from Youth Worker for cheque.

98/08      Planning Applications: [G. Tuttiett declared interest.]
710 Mr. J. Garfield, Land to West of Crossways Farm, Eastertown: Change of use & conversion of former dairy building to dwelling for owner / manager of stables – Supported as an improvement to the area and has no detrimental impact on neighbouring properties. [Proposed: B. Gooding, seconded: J. Hinton – carried.]

99/08      Correspondence of Note: Previously circulated & noted.

100/08   Finance Report: C/A: £5,568-92;  S/A: £4,394-52;Player-Mason A/C: £2,326-91;  Petty Cash: £16-78
               
101/08   Cheques issued this meeting: 100768 Petty cash £100; 100769 Maxwell House Printers £343;
100770 Somerset Playing Fields Assoc. £10; 100771 Clerk’s Pay (Dec.) £357-54; 100772 Office expenses £100;
100773 Manor Hall £32 (Hire).
               
102/08   Precept: The Clerk presented discussion papers referring to past precepts, neighbouring parishes, current & future budgetary items, etc. After discussion it was agreed that the local precept should be raised in order to maintain the status quo & to allow the PC to support local initiatives. An increase of 10% was put forward [Proposed: Mrs. Male; seconded: J. Hinton]. K. Hart proposed an amendment of a further increase: there were no votes in favour, therefore the original proposal was voted upon & carried.

103/08   Items for Discussion / Report at next meeting: It was suggested that refreshments could be made available at future meetings; as refreshments are offered at monthly ‘Surgery’ meetings, the Clerk would set up a ‘box’ of items. G. Tuttiett to request funding to protect flower borders near cricket ground roadside. Speed limit restrictions on the main road particularly in light of double junction.

The meeting ended at 9.27 p.m.