AVETON GIFFORD PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A MEETING HELD ON 7 OCTOBER 2013
IN THE VILLAGE HALL, AVETON GIFFORD AT 7.00 PM
Present / Cllr Tim Abrahall / TA / In the chairCllr John Brooks / JB
Cllr Ros Brousson / RB
Cllr David Davis-Berry / DDB
Cllr Delia Elliott / DE
Cllr Sarah Harcus / SH
Cllr Neill Schroeter / NS
Cllr Pippa Unwin / PU
County Cllr William Mumford / WM
In attendance
Apologies / District Cllr Bryan Carson / BC
Peter Javes / Clerk
Members of the public present: 37
157/13 / FLOODING
Matthew Parry, DCC Flood Resilience Community Pathfinder Project Manager addressed the meeting about measures that can be taken by the community at times of potential flood. The Government would be funding assistance to 15 communities in Devon. The current aims were:-
· raising awareness
· planning
· flood warning – (currently none in AG - suggest use of trigger alarms)
· Forming local groups to take ownership of a flood plan for each vulnerable area.
The following people volunteered to form a flood plan group for AG: Tilly Downing, Meg Brett, David Davis-Berry, Rob Ford, Ros Brousson, Richard Bain, Lulu Booth and Gillian Newell.
Jim Fowler is creating the Parish Emergency Plan (and was in attendance). Point of contact for Matthew Parry will be the Clerk.
158/13 / PUBLIC COMMENT
158.1 / Playing Field
NS read out the result of SHDC consultation on five Dog Orders now written and available on the SHDC website. NS pointed out that SHDC claim to own the field, for which the PC pays rent. This field is not on the SHDC list and therefore PC no longer has interest in the debate.
It was noted that 184 people signed a petition objecting to any restrictions on dogs on the field. The signed petition would be retained by the clerk. The two parishioners who had asked to speak at this point withdrew their request.
DE spoke on the health aspect of dog waste on the field and the importance of people clearing up after their dogs.
A member of the public asked if a dog bin could be provided on Bakers Hill, roughly where the lower entrance to the allotment field is. This would be passed to SHDC. Control of dogs and fouling would be kept under consideration. / Clerk
158.2 / Play Park
The Clerk was instructed to contact Earth Wrights Ltd to ask if all remedial works have been completed, and report to councillors. Also to ask if all safety concern have now been re-examined by RoSPA.
A member of the public raised concern about the lack of fencing around phase II and offered photos of an example in Falmouth at Kimberley Park. General discussion took place. Councillors will re-examine the current situation over the next month. Sub-committee of PU, DDB and NS formed to study situation, and report at next month’s meeting. Funding would have to be found for and fencing
The Kitt Will Trust could be approached for possible contribution towards the cost of fencing if required. / Clerk
PU, DDB
NS
158.3 / Parish Lengthsman
Members of the public asked if DCC Highways could look at several problem areas to be examined by Parish Lengthsman:
a. A rainwater drain lower down on Bakers Hill which blocks and causes water to run through houses.
b. The stream by pre-school also gets blocked.
c. Church Lane soakaway/drain blocked.
d. Lane to Waterhead, towards bottom on left, blocked. / Clerk
159/13 / MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
RESOLUTION: THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 2 September 2013 be accepted as a correct record
Proposed: Cllr Ros Brousson Seconded: Cllr Delia Elliott
Motion carried unanimously. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
160/13 / DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None
161/13 / CASUAL VACANCY
It was noted that John Coates had moved out of the village and thus had resigned as a councillor. His contribution to the parish council over many years was noted with appreciation.
The Clerk was instructed at advertise the casual vacancy for a new councillor. / Clerk
162/13 / COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
WM reported that the first stage of a sequential solution to flooding problem will be to replace the bridge culvert adjacent to Lolly Parker’s house. The bridge will be knocked down and a much larger culvert installed. This work starts on 28th October and will run for 5-8 weeks. The road will be closed to all traffic during that period. Lindy D-B expressed thanks to WM and all those who had made this possible, on behalf of those who had been so badly affected.
Both Meg Brett and Mike Newing, on behalf of the village hall, were present and gave full support to progress. They questioned the Jacob’s flood survey report assertion that this work would not affect the Village Hall, as flood insurance for the building was no longer obtainable.
163/13 / HOUSING
Nothing to report
164/13 / DERELICT BOATS
Awaiting SHDC to label boats to be removed.
165/13 / PLANNING
New Applications
The planning committee had reviewed the following application and had no objections.
02/1916/13/F / Old Coach House, Babland Farm, PL21 0SB / Creation of separate dwelling
166/13 / FINANCE
Bank balances, the clerk reported the balances listed below:
Bank account –current £13,199.50
-savings £ 4,721.24
Total £17,920.74
The following payments were approved:-
Peter Smith / Replace fence post in play park / 8.00
AG Village Hall / Rent hall & cleaning and water / 32.50
Fine Shine Ltd / Pressure wash tennis court (re-imbursed by Sports and Leisure) / 576.00
Post Office re HMRC / Administration / 392.40
St Andrew Church PCC / Churchyard grant / 500.00
SHDC / Rent playing field / 120.00
Public Works Loan Board / Partial repayment of allotment loan / 766.00
Peter Javes / Administration / 256.32
Larry Alen / Website maintenance / 90.00
SHDC / Administration / 120.00
SHDC / Grass/paths/tree maintenance / 673.20
Palladium / Miscellaneous / 26.39
John Reid PPP / Parish Paths Partnership / 126.00
John Reid / Grass/paths/tree maintenance / 239.00
TOTAL / 3,925.81
167/13 / ALLOTMENT FIELD
It was noted that the Public Works Loan Board had agreed to accept the £766 remaining from the DCC to reduce the principal of the loan.
168/13 / COMMUNICATONS
168.1 / Website
DE explained that Magnet Media had now terminated the contract to host the website. A new Community Website, created by Amy Clayton will be ready by 31 October 2013. Thanks were offered to all contributions so far from parish organisations.
168.2 / Engaging with younger people
Problems have been experienced over time with getting realistic feedback from youngsters. A notice will be placed, probably in mAGpie, to say that the PC is receptive to any ideas. After that, the item is to be removed from PC agenda.
169/13 / PARISH FACILITIES
169.1 / Parking by entrance told Rectory
It was recognized that parking on the road here posed danger, but no legal solution could be found immediately. Ros had spoken to DCC who had advised that a Traffic Order would be needed to lay double yellow lines, costing approx. £3,000. Highways consider this work might be done when the housing development takes place.
169.2 / Playing Field Path and Drainage
Nothing to report. Clerk to check on grant progress. / Clerk
169.4 / School Swimming Pool
Due to current financial security of the pre-school any future funds raised by the annual Classic Car Show might go towards refurbishing the school swimming pool. A member of the public mentioned a previous plan to provide alternative heating source and a cover – many years ago.
169.5 / Parson’s Brook
One householder had repaired his section, with great effort. It is recognised that the whole stretch needs attention, and it is hoped that this will take place with the widening/dredging part of the flood scheme.
169.6 / Sewage
TA reported that there have been three sewage flooding incidents in Jubilee Street in the last 10 days. These were: 28 September and cleaned on 29 September, 1 October and cleaned on 1 October, 3 October and cleaned on 7 October.
169.7 / Bonfire Night
It was noted that Sports and Leisure had cancelled the firework order for 5 November because of the supplier being unable to commit to meeting the order. The landlady of the Fisherman’s Rest had volunteered to take over organising the event for 2013.
170/13 / MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS
None
171/13 / TO BE DISCUSSED AT NEXT MEETING
· Parish Plan priorities
· Boundary Commission (consultation decision from this PC: a letter had been sent previously with a preference to join Bigbury, Thurlestone and Bantham. County councillor remains the same, District councillor may change. A new ward name also needed to be agreed, Loddiswell had suggested Aune Valley.
· Vacancy for a councillor.
· Nomination and appointment of Chairman.
· Strategic Housing
· Get Devon Active
Next meeting: Monday 4 November 2013
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These minutes can also be seen on www.aveton-gifford.co.uk