EASTON IN GORDANO PARISH COUNCIL

 

Minutes of the Council meeting on Monday 28 June 2004

 

Present:

Cllrs G. Hunt (Chairman), K. Burchell, D. Clegg, G. Jones, V. Pritchard,

S. Ridley, V. Robinson, B. Stowers & B. Langton (Acting as Clerk).

 

Apologies:

Cllrs K Brooks, G. Duck & R. Whiting and the Clerk.

 

 

1.         Public Participation

 

None

 

 

2.         Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting on 24 May 2004

 

2.1

The minutes were confirmed and signed.

2.2

The Chair made a statement about the agenda for the meeting, which showed a number of changes from the accustomed format:  these had been agreed by the Chair, Vice-Chair and Clerk.  The agenda was more detailed and so excluded Matters Arising.  The intention was to give Councillors and the public a better understanding of the matters to be discussed at each meeting.

 

2.3

 

The Chair reported on behalf of the Clerk the following matters:

2.3.1

The Clerk has spoken to Serviceteam about mowing and asked for a quote for weedkilling.  It has never been part of the contract to collect grass cuttings.

2.3.2

Alan Smith has been asked for an update re the Community Centre but has not yet responded

2.3.3

Tony Moore (NSC) has been asked for an update re the Ham Green site and told of the complaints about the area.

2.3.4

The Clerk has found no evidence of any grants, except money paid direct to SWEB, to the Rag Committee or Xmas Lights in records since December 2001.  Despite a request, SWEB have not invoiced the Council for the lights in December 2003.

 

 

3.         Crime & Disorder

 

The Chair apologised on behalf of PC Bartlett who was unable to attend but had reported in writing that:

3.1

There had been a very successful 'Road Safety Day' at Crockerne Primary School involving several officers and PCSOs:  further events of this kind are anticipated.

3.2

Comprehensive crime statistics are available for the Force website:  www.avonandsomerset.police.uk The site gives figures for the whole force but also breaks them down to smaller areas, including individual beats.  Cllr Pritchard will create a link to the police website from the Parish site.

3.3

The recent spate of burglaries appears to have abated.

3.4

Problems with footballers in the Precinct have ceased following several visits by the police and the shopkeepers appear much happier.  Vandalism to the telephone box has also been a problem but there are grounds for hoping this will now cease.

3.5

Allegations concerning Pill Rag Fund have been promptly investigated (despite rumours to the contrary):  a man has been arrested and is now on bail pending further enquiries.

 

 

4.         Maintenance Issues

 

This item is included to provide a structured opportunity for Councillors to report matters of concern.  It is expected that the Clerk will routinely follow them up with the appropriate body.  It was agreed that the Pill paper report should ask members of the public to report maintenance issues directly to the Clerk to promote quicker action.

The following issues were reported. 

 

4.1.

The pavement in Samborne Lane is in a very poor state.

4.2

The drain opposite the waterspout by the Precinct has been blocked for some time and needs reporting again.  Also the drain outside the Chinese Takeway; the one at the junction of Old Priory Road and Priory Road; and the one at the bottom of Star Lane.  All are causing problems in heavy rain.

4.3

There are potholes in the road in Springfield Terrace, outside 52 Stoneyfields and at the bottom of Churchpath Road.

4.4

The pavement at the corner of New Road and Hayward Terrace is in a very poor state;  that outside 'The Cottage' on New Road is non-existent, which leads to significant amounts of detritus being washed down the road by heavy rain.

 

 

5.         News from North Somerset Council

 

None.

 

 

6.         Recommendations and Decisions from Committees
6.1       Playing Fields

6.1.1

Charges for the 2004/5 season:  The charges for the 2004/05 season for the senior team should be raised from £29.00 to £32.00 per match:  proposed Cllr Pritchard, seconded Cllr Clegg.  This was passed nem con, subject to clarification of the service provided at the next committee meeting.  Action BS

 

6.2       Open Spaces & Amenities

6.2.1

Pill in Bloom:  Proposed that Pill in Bloom should become an official sub-committee of the Parish Council:. Proposed Cllr Stowers, seconded Cllr Jones.  Passed nem con.  Cllr Stowers is the official Parish Council representative to the sub-committee.  The Chair suggested that in future the finances of the sub-committee would be subsumed into those of the Parish Council but that for the present year the current arrangement would be maintained. Action PSS to write to explain the outcome and its implications to the Chair of Pill in Bloom.

 

6.3       Finance & General Purposes Committee

6.3.1

Street Cleaning:  Proposed:  the increase in the Village Orderly's hours and payment should be agreed. Proposed Cllr Stowers, seconded Cllr Pritchard.  Passed nem con.

The Chair pointed out that at present some areas of the village that are being cleaned by the Orderly under her contract with NSC will not be when the work on the new houses opposite the Precinct is complete.  Action PSS

6.3.2

Avon Wildlife Trust:  Proposed that the Council's subscription be renewed: proposed Cllr Pritchard, seconded Cllr Jones.  Passed nem con.  Action PSS

 

 

6.4       Planning Committee

6.4.1

Skittle Alley at King's Head Pub:  It was pointed out that there were comprehensive plans for sound-proofing within this application.

 

 

7.         Reports of Meetings with Other Bodies

7.1

Port Company Liaison:  Cllrs Robinson and Clegg reported:  It was agreed at the meeting that the Port Company should maintain the existing perimeter fence Bridle Path as is, and not tarmac it as suggested by Sustrans.  Also that the stated intention to improve lighting on the Port site to reduce light pollution would only lead to limited and slow change as it did not apply to areas under existing contracts.

 

7.2

Sea Britain 2005:  A meeting about the plans for a big festival involving many coastal areas to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar had been attended by Cllr Ridley.  She reported that plans were well underway for events in Portishead.  It was felt that the event offered significant opportunities to Pill.  The Chair agreed to approach people who might be interested to see if action could be taken.  Action GH

7.3

Community Foundation:  Cllr Ridley reported that surveys of the two properties in Bank Place which the Foundation is planning to take over were to take place on June 29.  It is known that the wiring is in a poor state but NSC is resisting paying for the needed improvements.  It is also the case that funds promised by NSC to the Foundation have not been forthcoming.  (£11000 in 2003/4 and £9000 for each of the two following years.)

 

 

8.         Parish Plan

 

The Chair reported that the Parish Plan Working Party had been very active following the news that a grant for the development of a plan might now be available.  A draft application had been prepared and delivered to the Chair for his signature that day.  It had to be submitted by the end of Tuesday June 29.  Proposed:  that the Chair sign the plan as delivered.  Proposed Cllr Pritchard, seconded Cllr Stowers:  passed nem con.  Cllr Ridley asked that the Council should record its thanks to the people who had worked so hard to prepare this application, especially Vic Robinson and Mike Goldsworthy.  Action PSS

 

 

 

9.         Footpath between Water Lane and Westward Drive

 

The continued closure is causing considerable annoyance.  The Chair reported that the whole housing development work was expected to be completed by the end of 2004. However, there is a delay on the footpath work because of a dispute over the ownership of the adjacent bank.  Concern was expressed about the nature of the slabs that have been put in to retain the bank.  Action PSS to seek updated information for the next meeting.

 

 

 

10.       Pedestrain crossing on Heywood Road

 

A letter has been received urging the creation of a pedestrian crossing by the Precinct, in view of the traffic levels on the road, the number of children who cross the road and the current lack of a school crossing patrol.  It was agreed that this should be linked to the issue of the use of the bus bays for parking.  The Chair reported that the bus company had written to say that it required bus bays of at least 20m:  the two in Pill were about 30m (on the Precinct side) and over 40m on the opposite side:  there appeared to be scope for some parking bays.  Action PSS:  to seek Highways advice about a pedestrian crossing and to clarify plans for bus bays and a new shelter consequent to the new housing development.

 

 

 

11.       Draft Waste Strategy Consultation

 

Several copies of the NSC's Draft Waste Strategy have been received, along with a considerable number of summary documents, some of which were distributed to all councillors.  Cllr Clegg undertook to prepare a brief report before the next meeting, at which it is intended a response should be discussed   Action PSS  next agenda.

 

 

 

12.       Declarations of Interest

 

Councillors were reminded of the need to notify the Clerk if there are changes to their declarations of interest.  Action PSS to provide the existing declarations for consideration at the next meeting

 

 

13.       Correspondence requiring action not covered elsewhere

            A summary of correspondence had been circulated prior to the meeting

13.1

A369 Speed Limit.  A review is underway and there is to be a meeting at King's Court, Nailsea on July 6 at 10.00 a.m.  Current proposals include a reduction of the speed limit through Abbot's Leigh to 30 mph.  Cllrs Hunt and Clegg to attend.

13.2

Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study:  A meeting at which the GOSW will make a presentation is to be held in the Folk Hall, Portishead at 3.00 p.m. on July 22.  Cllr Robinson and all others interested to attend.

13.3

Parish Summer Ball.  The Star Inn managers are proposing an annual Parish Summer Ball on the last Sunday in August.  The Chair undertook to find out more details.  Action GH

 

 

14.       Accounts for Payment

            The following accounts were presented for payment and cheques drawn:

 

Payee

Details

               £

 

Konica Minolta

Photocopier rental

          101.38

 

SITA UK Ltd

Dog bin emptying – April

          101.58

 

J Hunt

Salary

          416.09

 

P Strother Smith

Salary

          701.50

 

Post Office Ltd

Tax & NI

          364.30

 

Serviceteam

Mowing

             117.50

 

P Strother Smith

Office allowance & mileage

          129.84

 

Avon Wildlife Trust

Subscription

            35.00

 

Avon Local Councils Assn

Booklets & information

                12.94

 

 

15.       Items for Future Agendas

15.1

Bus-bays and parking and pedestrian crossing (precinct)

15.2

Sea Britain 2005

15.3

Bus shelter at end of Newsome Avenue

 

 

16.       Expenditure by Committees to date

 

 

Expenditure to date

Budgeted

 

 

                £

       £

 

Finance & General Purposes (General Admin)

             6,401

  38,355

 

Finance & General Purposes (St Lighting)

             2,076

  26,645

 

Planning

                NIL

    8,000

 

Playing Fields

                570

    6,350

 

Open Spaces & Amenities

             1,288

  19,000

 

Public Footpaths & Rights of Way

                NIL

       650

 

Community Centre Redevelopment

                NIL

  10,000

 

Contingency Fund

                NIL

    1,000

 

 

 

                                                                                       …..………………………….Signed

 

                                                                                       …..…………………………..Dated

 

EASTON IN GORDANO PARISH COUNCIL

 

 

Minutes of the Planning Committee on Monday 28 June 2004

 

 

Present:

Cllrs Hunt, Burchell, Clegg, Robinson (Chair), Langton (Acting as Clerk).

Apologies:

Cllrs Brooks, Duck & Whiting & the Clerk.

 

 

1.          

The following applications have been approved:

 

04/P/1060/F

18 Springfield Road, Pill

 

Erection of single story rear extension.

 

04/P/1101/F

51 Crockerne Drive, Pill

Erection of side conservatory

 

2.          

The following application has been refused:

 

04/P/1065/F

7 Avon Road, Pill

Erection of two storey/part single story extension to rear and single storey extension to the front.

 

3.          

New Applications – there was no objection to the following:

 

04/P/1451/F

Markham House,

Markham Road, EIG

Erection of two storey detached building for use as garage and for storage

 

04/P/1460/F

41 Westward Drive, Pill

Erection of two storey and single storey rear extension

 

04/P/1462/F

Applehayes,

Rectory Road, EIG

Submission relating to siting and means of access pursuant to outline planning permission for the erection of 3 dwellings

 

04/P/1490/F

1 Maggies Cottages,

Cross Lanes, EIG

Erection of rear ground floor extension