EASTON IN GORDANO PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Committee meetings on Monday 9 February 2004

Playing Fields Management Committee

Present:

Cllrs Duck, Hunt, Ridley, Stowers & Waters, Mr S. Sayer (Junior Football Club),

Mr P. Strother Smith (Clerk).

Apologies:

None

1.

Moles:  The Clerk had received a quote from GTC Services of Berrow for £510 to reduce/control mole population.  It was agreed to allow Cllr Jones’ father to continue his efforts with traps and, if he did not succeed, then to call upon GTC.

2.

Fallen Chestnut Tree:  The Clerk had received 3 quotes for its removal.  It was agreed to proceed immediately (in view of safety considerations) with Robin Bushby’s quote of £650.

3.

New Football Pitches:  Mr Sayer said that the requirement for the pitches was urgent because more teams would be playing next season.  Cllr Duck confirmed that North Somerset Council (NSC) was in continuing discussions with Redrow.

Open Spaces & Amenities Committee

Present:

Cllrs Duck, Hunt, Jones, Clegg, Ridley, Stowers & Waters,

Mr P. Strother Smith (Clerk).

Apologies:

None

1.

Litter Bins:  It was proposed that new bins (blue ones, as in Gordano Gardens) should be installed outside the Co-op, in the precinct and in Pump Square.  The former might require authority from NSC and /or the Co-op.  As the latter two would replace lost ones on land belonging to NSC, we should encourage them to pay, if necessary contributing ourselves to ensure installation of good quality bins.  Action PSS

NSC would also be asked to replace the seat and bin on Victoria Park.

2.

Public Footpaths & Rights of Way:  Minutes of the Committee meeting of 15 January were circulated.

3.

Pill in Bloom:  Concern was expressed at indications that NSC may not give a grant this year.  Cllr Duck would obtain forms for an application through the North Area Committee route.  Action GD  The Clerk was asked to write to Cllr Fisher seeking his support.  Action PSS

The Council’s insurers had confirmed that Pill in Bloom could only be covered for public liability if they were a properly constituted sub committee, with minutes and accounts forming part of the Council’s business.

4.

Play Area:  Further quotes were still awaited for tarmac to the entrance to the play area.

Finance & General Purposes Committee

Present:

Cllrs Duck, Hunt, Brooks, Burchell, Jones, Langton, Pritchard, Waters, Whiting, Mr P. Strother Smith (Clerk).

Apologies:

None

1.

Allotment Association:  Four members of the Association attended to discuss rent levels for the 5 years from March 2004, the second period of the current lease.  It was agreed that rent this year would remain at the 2003 level (£180.52) and that the amount would increase by 3% for each of the following 4 years.  Action PSS

2.

Street Lighting:  The completed schedule of feedback was circulated.  A ‘walk round’ was arranged for Monday 16 February at 7pm.  The Clerk had also circulated schedules of NSC and Parish owned lights.

3.

Community Centre:  A meeting had taken place with the Community Centre Committee, where Council representatives said they needed assurances on ability to pay and asked for firm quotes for the first stage.  Cllr Whiting considered that they also needed to review their constitution, possibly setting up a corporate charity.  Provided that necessary assurances were given, he believed that a lease could be granted.

4.

Parish Plan:  The Steering Group had met:  Cllrs Robinson and Whiting were the Council’s representatives on this body.  A Working Party was now drawing up a brief to go with the application to the Countryside Agency.  Working Party membership included Ian Hawker, Peter Milner and Mark Goldsworthy

Planning Committee

Present:

Cllrs Duck, Hunt, Brooks, Burchell, Clegg, Langton, Pritchard, Robinson, Whiting, Mr P. Strother Smith (Clerk).

Apologies:

None

1.        

The following application has been approved:

03/P/3102/F

7 Sturmey Way, Ham Green

Rear conservatory.

2.          

New Application – there was no objection to the following:

04/P/0118/F

40 Fitzharding Road,

Ham Green

Conservatory.

3.          

New Application:

04/P/0151/F

Lafarge Plasterboard

Variation of conditions to increase site boundary noise levels.

Councillors considered that they needed more information on this application.  Cllr Brooks would undertake some research and the Clerk was asked to write to NSC.  Action KBrooks/PSS

4.

Skateboard Park:  Cllr Duck reported that he and Cllrs Ridley, Robinson and Stowers were meeting NSC Parks Dept. on 10 February to ask them to justify adverse comments about the proposed new site for the park.