Minutes of Lympsham Annual Parish Meeting, 21 May 2008

Councillors Present:
Councillors Present: Mr. J. Hinton (Chairman), Mr. B. Gooding, Mrs. P. Guess, Mr. K. Hart, Mrs. E. Male & Mr. G. Tuttiett.
        Also attending: Mr. A. Ham (County Councillor).
Minutes were taken by the Clerk.
                                                                                 
A01/08  Apologies: Mr. A. Gilling (District Councillor).

A02/08  Minutes of previous Annual Meeting held on 9th May 2007: were confirmed and signed.

AO3/08 Financial Report: (Clerk)
Current Account: £2,066-92                                Savings Account: £9296-20
Player-Mason Account: £2,185-81                      Petty Cash: £83-71

AO4/08 Chairman’s Report & Annual Review:

The Chairman expressed sincere thanks to all the Parish Councillors, both old and new, for their regular attendance and support through the year and for covering the workload despite changing legislation from Central Government and policies at local level are always changing.

He also thanked the Parish Clerk for his preparation of the accounts enabling the Precept to be kept constant with no increase to householders this fiscal year and David Edworthy for continuing to act as internal auditor.

Grants were made to Sedgemoor Citizens Advice Bureau, Age Concern, Dave Prowton (ref. the Christmas lights), Lympsham Cricket Club, and St. Christopher’s Churchyard maintenance.
Funds were received from the Nuttall Trust, Women’s Institute, Harvest Home Committee, Lympsham Sports Club and County Councillor Alan Ham’s Community Budget enabling the installation of the new train and play surface in the Play Area for all the young children to enjoy. The Chair reiterated that the Play Area continues to be of paramount concern to the Parish Council and safety inspections are regularly made by Councillors, whilst the maintenance is carried out by J.K. Gardening.

He mentioned numerous projects in the pipeline, including the Churchyard extension and the setting up of the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme alongside being receptive to other ideas in order to benefit the residents of Lympsham.

There were 34 planning applications considered during the year, 70% up on the previous year, ranging from the pollarding of trees, extensions, new builds, agricultural buildings and signs. Although not a planning authority, representations were made to Sedgemoor District Council on behalf of the Parish and its residents in order for it to make decisions in accordance with local and national planning policies.

The Chairman paid tribute to Lympsham Sports Club, Cricket Club, Tennis Club, Women’s Institute, Royal British Legion, Manor Hall Committee, Harvest Home Committee, Friends of Lympsham School, Gardening Club, Parochial Church Council, Church Fete Committee, Bell Ringers and the Village Shop Committee which offered the village invaluable fund raising events and activities which we could be enjoyed by all.

Footpaths continue to be monitored by Dick Evans and he reported that they were open and well maintained, although there would be a need for some clearance as the summer progressed; thanks were expressed for his valuable contribution.

The Chair also thanked, on behalf of the Parish Council, Paul Kelson for editing and arranging distribution of the Parish Magazine, Lyn Watson for all her help and assistance in the village Post Office and Shop and County Councillor Ham and District Councillor Andrew Gilling for their support, advice and regular attendance at our meetings.

He also stated that the Parish Council would continue to strive to enhance the village and benefits for its residents.

AO5/08 Open Forum: No matters were raised.

The meeting closed at 7.40 p.m.