BURNHAM-ON-SEA AND HIGHBRIDGE TOWN COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2010/11. Your Town Councillors

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1 Your Town Councillors Name Ward Contact P Burridge-Clayton* North M Cox North L Parkin North K Smout* North N Jones* North Mrs P Pollard North M Clarke* Central & South D Davey* Central & South P Young Central & South M Mansfield* Burnham Marine P Harvey East K Lawson East T Nicholls West Mrs P Burge Highbridge C Williams* Highbridge B Hancock Highbridge D Cooper Highbridge H Groves Highbridge A Miller Highbridge County Councillors J Woodman Burnham South & Highbridge P Burridge-Clayton Burnham North Other District Councillors J Leach Highbridge *Denotes also a member of Sedgemoor District Council BURNHAM-ON-SEA AND HIGHBRIDGE TOWN COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2010/

2 Some general information on how to contact us, and keep in touch with what we do. Contact the Town Clerk at: Burnham on Sea and Highbridge Town Council The Old Courthouse Jaycroft Road Burnham on Sea Somerset TA8 1LE Tel: Please visit our new improved website: Here you will find agendas of all Town Council meetings, and the meetings of its committees (so that you can find out what is being discussed) and once approved, copies of the minutes from all our meetings. duced from 53 to 51. We are still liaising with Sedgemoor District Council about the redevelopment of the Highbridge Hotel and have recently concluded the consultation process for the Core Strategy, which includes the new developments in Highbridge. A preferred site has been identified in the Core Strategy for the last 400 dwellings, at Brue Farm, Highbridge, next to the river. Each application must be considered on its own merit, taking into account properties in the surrounding area, environmental issues, road safety and the impact on local services. Local knowledge from Town Councillors is an important part of the planning process. I would like to thank the members of this Committee, especially my Deputy Chairman, Cllr Pat Burge, who have attended the many meetings of the Planning Committee over the past year. Cllr Mrs Pauline Pollard April 2011 All our agendas are also published on our public notice boards at the following locations: The Council offices in Jaycroft Road, Burnham The Princess (opposite the library) in Burnham The Community Hall, Market Street, Highbridge. All council and committee meetings are open to the public, and provided that you give proper notice to the Clerk, you may address the council for three minutes on any issue of local concern. 2 23

3 PLANNING APPLICATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT APRIL 2011 The members of this Committee attended 17 meetings over the year, every two to three weeks, in order to meet the 21 days consultation period. As explained in my report last year the Committee considers all applications for Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge together with a small number for neighbouring parishes if the application will impact upon the towns in any way. This year the Committee considered 138 planning applications as well as several enforcement issues, applications for road closures and requests to name streets on new developments. The Agendas for all meetings of the Committee are always available on the notice boards and also on the web site. Members of the public are always welcome to come to the planning meetings and if they wish to speak they can do so if they have given notice of their intention to the Deputy Clerk, a couple of days before the meeting. There have been several occasions during the year when members of the public have attended and members of the Committee always listen to their points of view. However unless there are good planning grounds to object to an application the Town Council are not always able to respond according to residents wishes. Some members of the Committee have attended training sessions run by the District Council at Bridgwater House together with the Deputy Clerk who is present at all the meetings. We have had presentations from EDF about the development of Hinkley Point C and the Town Council is in direct contact with EDF to try to encourage them to position a Park and Ride facility close to junction 22. This will lighten the congestion at junction 23 and hopefully cut down the traffic accessing Bridgwater via Highbridge. Plans for the dwellings on land to the West of Lawrence Close north of Wallace Wells Road are still ongoing and is an example of an application in a neighbouring parish. The plans are still under discussion and the number of dwellings has been re- Chairman s Report To The Annual Towns Meeting 6 th April 2011 Ladies, Gentlemen & Members, There can be litle doubt in anybody s mind that this past year has been one of the most demanding on the public purse in recent memory. After a period of recession, the cuts implemented by central government have made their way through the political system, and have made far reaching demands on us all. I have no doubt that some of the decisions that this Town Council has been forced to make this past year have been difficult ones, but they have been made to ensure that the people of Burnham on Sea & Highbridge retain as much as possible of those aspects that make our towns a great place to live and work. This Annual Accounts & Reports booklet which will be available by mid May. Copies may be obtained from the Library, the Council offices here in Jaycroft Road, and on the Town Councils website. ( I would like to give my personal thanks to all the members, for all the time and effort they put into council work, and especially to thank those who will not be standing at the forthcoming election, the contribution you have made to local matters has been invaluable, and I wish you well in whatever you choose to fill up your time with in the future. A comment was made last year at this meeting regarding how we need to rely more and more on people giving up their time, energy and money for the good of the community. Last year s Chairman said he was sure the towns would rise to the challenge. Wel I m glad to report that they have, with the Highbridge Library & the Tourist Information Centre being just two examples. However, I feel there will be more to come, but like my predecessor, I m sure once againour towns will rise to the challenge. I would like to make a special mention of a couple of people. Firstly Cllr Eric Gill, who although making a steady recovery from his illness, has been sadly missed at our meetings, and I wish him a continuing recovery. 22 3

4 Secondly to our Town Clerk Mrs Eileen Shaw, who as most of you will be aware, is recovering following surgery as a result of a fall last month. And lastly a very big thank you to Denise & Lorna for keeping the office running. There has been a considerable additional workload as a result of various tasks undertaken by the Town Council, and Denise & Lorna have put themselves out to ensure that all the meetings and documentation is all in good order. On a personal note, this year has been hugely enjoyable for both Maria & I as Mayor & Mayoress. When I became Mayor in May last year, I stated that I would like to meet as many as possible of the groups, clubs & societies that put so much into our communities. With around 170 visits made since then we have met so many wonderful people, effort and commitment they put into our community is simply amazing, and every single visit has been enjoyable & memorable. My thanks to my Deputy Mayor Cllr Mrs Pauline Pollard & My 2 nd Deputy Mayor Cllr Mrs Janet Keen for stepping in when needed. My thanks also to Ben Rogers, my Mayors Cadet & Rev Graham Witts, for their help and prayers throughout the year. Although she s already had a mention, a very big thank you to Lorna for keeping my diary in check. I know I can sometimes albeit on a very rare occasion, leave things to the last minute, but Lorna has the patience of a saint, and has made sure I ve been where I m supposed to be. Finally thank you all those who have showed so much kindness to Maria & I during our year. To my fellow councillors, friends & family for all your support. And to all those who made Maria & I so very welcome at the various events we have attended. Cllr Michael Clarke Chairman & Town Mayor April 2011 Denise Emery the Deputy Clerk deals with the administration I have visited the site with Denise, as we like to check the plots have been worked. The site is well maintained by the tenants. The tenants have a spokesman so any problems are sorted quickly and a notice board for exchange of information. The allotments are still very popular and there is a waiting list of approximately 16 names. We are constantly looking for a suitable site for more plots to satisfy the demand. I would like to thank the Clerk, Eileen Shaw for overseeing all the work of the Commitee negotiations with the Council s solicitor when necessary, and her advice. Many thanks to the Deputy Clerk, Mrs Denise Emery for the administration of the Highbridge allotments, and for keeping an eye on the plots to make sure they are being worked in accordance to their lease, as with such a long waiting list it is only fair to check this. Finally, I would like to thank my vice chairman Derick Cooper and the Committee for all their hard work advice and consideration of all the issues before the Committee during the past year. Cllr Dennis Davey April

5 PROPERTY COMMITTEE - ANNUAL REPORT The main responsibility for this committee is the maintenance of Jaycroft road. Interior and exterior, maintenance of the roof, boiler the fabric of the building, the car parks the new garage and store recently built. This year the Committee has taken over maintenance of the water feature at Pier Street, town council seats, Victorian fountain at Sea View Road, and the bandstand in the Manor Gardens. During this financial year we have had major expense in repairing the roof at the far end of the building over the area let to Sounds and Voices causing some disruption. This has been costly but our insurance repaid us some 2, towards our cost. Due to the damage in the Sounds and Voices area we waived 3 month s rent. The water feature at Pier Street is at present under repair and improvement, due to the frost and snow freezing the pipes, more protection is being provided. Each year money is set aside for on going repair s and decoration internally and externally for The Old Courthouse, as well as maintenance to other properties as listed above. This includes the war memorials in Highbridge and possibly Burnham on Sea, as we believe the hospital trust is responsible for Burnham-on-Sea, but the Town Council may be required to give a contribution. Someof the upkeep cost is ofset by income from leting s, two permanent lettings, Sounds and Voices and the County Registrar have long leases. The slimming club are meeting here on a weekly let basis and other organisations meet as and when the need arise. We are grateful to these organisations for their income and if you know of anyone wishing to hire the Council chamber for meetings please contact the clerk s ofice. The committee is responsible for the two allotment sites one at Love Lane Burnham-on-Sea, which is leased to the allotment association and one in Highbridge, which the Town Council operate. 50 th ANNIVERSARY OF TOWNS COAT OF ARMS On 7 February 2011 the Town Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Michael Clarke and his wife Maria, hosted a small celebration to mark the 50 th anniversary of the Royal Colege of Arms decision to grant the then Burnham Urban District Council permission to use its official coat of arms on all its material. In 1959 Burnham-on-Sea Urban District Council held a competition to design a Coat of Arms. One half of the shield was to bear symbols representing the town of Highbridge and the other half to bear symbols representing the town of Burnham-on-Sea. The design chosen was that drawn by 17 year 0ld Miss Diana Lee, and Miss Lee (now Mrs Diana Perry) was the guest of honour at the 7 February ceremony. Highbridge a market town is represented by the high bridge (the original no longer exists) which gave its name to the town, and by the buls heads which represent its market and agricultural interests. The heraldic water is the base of the shield, consisting as it does of wavy bars alternately white and blue, represents the River Brue at Highbridge, and also the sea at Burnham, the gold field in chief representing the sands at Burnham.The old lighthouse and the setting sun also have reference to Burnham and its westerly outlook over the sea. The motto: LUMEN MONSTRO PRO SALUTE means I SHINE A LIGHT FOR SAFETY Burnham-on-Sea Urban District Council received a grant of armorial bearings the date of the patent is 1 February Fifty years ago. 20 5

6 Town Improvements Committee Report to the Annual Towns meeting 4 April 2011 The elected Chairman of this Committee is Eric Gill. Unfortunately, due to Clr Gil s continuing il health it has falen to me as Vice Chairman to present the annual report in his place. The remit of this Committee is to undertake minor improvement schemes to make our towns a better place to live for residents, and to help promote tourism, which plays such a vital role and brings benefits to all. ENVIRONMENT Public Seating Funding for extra seats has been provided by members of the public, and by Sedgemoor District Council. These are positioned on Marine Drive, Rosewood Close (junction with Love Lane), opposite the Yacht Club in Burnham on Sea and in Jubilee Gardens in Highbridge, the latter to replace seats which had deteriorated beyond repair. Maintenance of the seats provided through the Town Council is carried out on a rolling programme by the Town Handyman (funded through this commitee) in partnership with the Probation Service s Community Payback team. Landscaping We are pleased to report that Sanders Garden Centre have agreed to sponsor some of the flower beds at Highbridge Town Green and we are grateful for the work done by the Highbridge in Bloom to team to secure this. Sedgemoor District Council also maintain some of the beds, and the Town Council funds the grass cutting in this area, undertaken by private contractors to ensure a high standard Represented By 79,124 GENERAL RESERVE 85,514 0 EMR P & F YOUTH COUNCIL 823 5,000 EMR ELECTIONS 7,500 6,000 EMR PC O/C ROOF 4,000 1,000 EMR PC BANDSTAND 1, EMR PC WAR MEMORIAL ,000 EMR TI REGENERATION 40,500 1,000 EMR TI DOG/LITTER EMR TI WATER FEATURE 0 2,750 EMR TI H/B MISC FUNDING 0 4,500 EMR MARINE COVE 7,867 0 EMR REPLACEMENT VAN 1,000 2,000 EMR RAILWAY MEMORABILIA H/B 1,000 6,500 EMR FIREWORKS 2, EMR VICTORIAN DRINKING FOUNTAIN 500 1,350 EMR TRAINING BUDGET EMR BUS SHELTERS 1,500 42,000 EMR MISC CONTIGENCY FUND 66,000 2,440 EMR HIGHBRIDGE CLOCK ,000 EMR THE PRINCESS 11, EMR NEW TELEPHONE SYSTEM EMR VALUATION FEES 600 1,000 EMR SECURITY / ALARMS EMR NEW GARAGE EMR OIL O/C HOUSE 0 3,780 EMR HISTORY PANELS 0 1,000 EMR POSTER POINTS 0 0 EMR NEW IT EQUIPMENT 1,000 0 EMR YOU ARE HERE BOARDS 2, , ,649 6 With effect from 2011, the Town Council will also be employing a private contractor to cut the grass at the area by the water feature in Burnham on Sea, to ensure that this area is main- 19

7 18 Burnham & Highbridge T C Balance Sheet as at - 31st March st March st March 2011 Current Assets 2000 DEBTORS 11,912 3,187 VAT REFUNDS 4,960 0 PREPAYMENTS ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE 1,268-3,395 NATWEST CURRENT ACCOUNT -6,872 40,414 NATWEST DIRECT RESERVE 82,298 50,000 Fixed Rate Bond (March 2011) 0 83,491 Santander Business Reserve 0 50,000 NATWEST One Year Bond (May 2011) 50,000 0 Fixed Rate Bond (July 2011) 50,000 0 FIXED RATE BOND (Aug 2011) 50, PETTY CASH ,610 Total Assets 243,963 Current Liabilities 116 CREDITORS 4,810 2,058 ACCRUALS 2, YOUTH COUNCIL RECEIPTS IN ADVANCE 0 3,176 Total Liabilities 7, ,434 Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 236,649 tained to a high standard, once repairs to the fountain itself (under the remit of the Property Committee) have been completed. Thanks once again this year must go to the parish bulb planting scheme supported by Sedgemoor District Council, the bulbs being planted by The Burnham on Sea Rotary Club and Highbridge in Bloom Team. The main approach roads in the Burnham and Highbridge area are a joy to behold in the spring with the abundance of flowers. This Committee also pays for additional grass cutting along the Queens Drive and the A38 between the Isleport roundabout and the Bristol Bridge Inn to supplement the limited grass cutting funded by Somerset County Council. Town Handyman The town handyman, funded through this committee, continues to undertake many of the litle jobs neglected by others cleaning the town signs, cleaning bus shelters, making sure alleyways and footpaths are passable, and removing as far as possible fly-posting and graffiti. Litter Bins Extra bins have been provided and installed in various locations, as requested by residents/councillors, and a new re-cycling/litter bin is soon to be situated by the water feature in Burnham-on-Sea. PROJECTS Marine Cove Gardens The restoration of these gardens has now commenced, funding in the main being provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This has been achieved by the hard work and diligence of Sedgemoor District Council together with the Town Council and the Friends of Marine Cove in covering the criteria as laid down by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This includes the provision of funding by this committee. Sedgemoor District Council has now appointed a community gardener to promote the gardens and organise events of interest, together with the ongoing maintenance of the gardens once works 7

8 are completed. Works are due to be completed by early September, to be followed by a grand opening. Poster Points The poster points for the two Towns have been re-furbished and replaced, one outside Alpha House in Highbridge, and one by the water feature at the corner of Marine Drive/Abingdon Street. Grit Bins Due to severe weather conditions in December 2010 when many areas were badly affected by snow and ice, this committee decided to obtain more grit bins to assist in the salting of some of the most vulnerable areas. An extra 4 bins have been obtained, two sited in Burnham and two in Highbridge, making a total of 8 throughout the towns. The Town Council, in co-operation with Sedgemoor District Council, has also obtained a gritter, solely for the use of Burnham and Highbridge. Bogey Wheels I can now report that the Bogey Wheels have been installed on the grass verge by the Walrow roundabout in Highbridge, and landscaping has been carried out. The siting of these marks the importance of the town s long association with the railway Many thanks go to all concerned in obtaining and the siting of these wheels. History Panel/You Are Here Board - Highbridge There is a History Panel sited by the Asda Store and a further History Panel is on order and due to be installed shortly outside Alpha House. Design work is currently being carried out for the Highbridge You Are Here board which, when completed, is to be sited at the railway station. Running Costs 99,965 ADMINISTRATION 95,050 7,322 DEMOCRATIC & CIVIC 7,030 0 YOUTH COUNCIL 0 144,270 BJBC 143,428 0 CONTINGENCY (T.I.C. Cont ) 50,000 0 YOUNG PEOPLE HIGHBRIDGE 0 14,115 GRANTS (INCL S137) 18,385 0 PRINCESS 3,910 29,298 OLD COURTHOUSE 38, OTHER PROPERTIES 2, ALLOTMENT HIGHBRIDGE 557 1,000 ALLOTMENT BURNHAM 0 22,112 TOWN IMPROVEMENTS 31,078 18,969 TOWN IMPROVEMENTS MTCE 15,800 34,301 HANDYMAN 19,596 0 PLANNING 0 372,315 Total Expenditure 426,339 General Fund Analysis 78,549 Opening Balance 79, ,263 Plus: Income for Year 439, , , ,315 Less: Expenditure for Year 426,339 86,497 92,339 7,373 Transfers TO / FROM Reserves 6,825 79,124 Closing Balance 85,

9 Burnham & Highbridge T C Income & Expenditure Account for Year ended - 31st March st March st March 2011 Income Summary 348,693 INCOME - PRECEPT 416,472 0 INCOME - PRECEPT BJBC 0 3,400 INCOME - BANK INTEREST 3, ,093 Sub Total 419,703 Operating Income 5,148 ADMINISTRATION 3, GRANTS (INCL S137) 1,469 7,934 OLD COURTHOUSE 11, ALLOTMENT HIGHBRIDGE ALLOTMENT BURNHAM 0 8,636 TOWN IMPROVEMENTS 2,745 2,490 TOWN IMPROVEMENTS MTCE -2,000 2,188 HANDYMAN 2, , ,554 Highbridge Town Clock After extended negotiations with clock manufacturers, we are moving forward with this project. We are at present awaiting final designs and costings before we can proceed with obtaining funding etc. The committee is working towards a new clock being installed in Jubilee Gardens to mark the Queen s Diamond Jubilee in CIVIC AWARDS This Committee filters all the nominations for Civic Awards and will be considering this year s nominations at its meeting later this month. The deadline to submit nominations is 11 April, so if you know someone you feel is a worthy recipient of this award, given for outstanding service to the community, now is the time to send your nomination to the Town Clerk s ofice in Jaycroft Road. EVENTS Christmas Trees were again provided this year for our two towns of Burnham and Highbridge, thus enhancing the towns with their decorative lighting. This committee has also funded the Christmas lighting competition, and as usual, even in the current economic climate, both residents and businesses helped to cheer us with their Christmas spirit. Our thanks to the individuals concerned. Annual Fireworks Display The Town Council provided funding for this event on the Esplanade which was a magnificent display with no hiccups or delays. A good lead into the Carnival the following night, making for a bright interlude to the dark nights. This committee has also given financial support to other events through the year including the Stert Swim, Farmers Markets, BARB Escape Day, Vintage Car Rally and a Brass Band Concert in the Manor Gardens as part of a national Bandathon in September. It is hoped that a further Band Concert will be held this year by the London Symposium, in addition to the September brass band concert. 16 9

10 PROJECTS FOR 2011/12 A Jubilee projects committee, reporting to this Committee, has already been sent up and work will commence in earnest after the May elections. A new and updated edition of the Residents Guide will be published in early This committee is also looking into the possibility of siting some railway memorabilia in Burnham. I must add my grateful thanks to all the members of this committee for their support, particularly when taking over as Chairman from Cllr Gill when he was taken ill. As their help has enabled me to carry out the role. Also thanks to the Town Clerk and her staff for their hard work in ensuring the projects are carried through. My final thanks go to Eric Gill for his leadership and hard work as Chairman of this Committee during the past year. Cllr Phoebe Harling April 2011 I would like to thank the rest of the Staffing Committee, and all the staff, but can I say a special thank-you to Denise and Lorna for looking after things in the absence of the Town Clerk. Both have taken up the challenge and succeeded in overcoming a mountain of work for two people. Staffing Committee Chairman Cllr Ken Smout April 2011 THE PRINCESS THEATRE & ARTS CENTRE For bookings please call Andy Pullyen Cllr Eric Gill 10 15

11 14 BURNHAM ON SEA & HIGHBRIDGE TOWN COUNCIL Staffing Committee Annual Report During 2010 / 2011, the staffing committee met on five occasions to discuss emerging issues affecting the employees of the council. These included the introduction of a new Staff Appraisal system for everyone, a Grievance Procedure, and a new Discipline Code. It should be mentioned that members dealt with various matters outside the meetings. In these days where the demand for services is high but funding is being reduced, there is a need for our staff to be as effective and efficient as possible. It is due to their work that councillors can conduct their business for the electorate. APPRAISALS: I am pleased to say that Staff Appraisals were completed on all nine employees and signed off by me, at the end of the year. I believe that this process was of benefit to everyone as it allowed people the opportunity to sit down over a cup of coffee and discuss their work with their supervisor and address issues including their duties and welfare matters This communication time allowed a two-way flow to talk about any areas of concern as well as identifying good work. The feed-back I have received from the supervisors tends to support the suggestions of the committee that there were benefits to be gained from this process and it is our intention to progress with this during 2011 / GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES / DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE: I am not aware of any issues where a grievance was raised by a member of staff, and I am pleased to report that there have been no instances of the formal Discipline procedure being used during the year. Both processes are now in place, and properly documented, for all the staff to see. PRINCESS HALL: New appointments are to be made by the council at the Princess Hall and advertisements have been published for a Manager and a Facilities Steward. This has required Job Descriptions, Adverts, and Questions for the interviews, to be written by staffing committee members before we can identify the people for these roles. ANNUAL REPORT FOR BURNHAM JOINT BURIAL COMMITTEE 2010/11 Of the three cemeteries operated by the Burial Committee, Westfield Road Cemetery is full and only interment in reserved graves or interment of Ashes are carried out. The last few remaining graves were used in Highbridge Cemetery over the year and in January 2011 an interment was carried out in the last grave. The Burial Committee met in February and, following a request agreed to a site visit to explore the possible extension of Highbridge Cemetery by using graves along 3 grass paths, allowing burials to take place for a few more years. As before the graves will only be available to residents on the electoral roll for Highbridge Ward. Brent Road now takes the majority of interments and has additional land to accommodate resident s needs for many years. New housing developments in Burnham Without should add to the number of residents using Brent Road cemetery in the future. Much of the work carried out in all three cemeteries is maintenance of grounds and Health and Safety checks. Work continues to evaluate and maintain trees, paths and structures within the cemetery boundaries, as well as testing headstones. Over the last year all staff had received and agreed new contracts and appraisals were carried out with cemetery staff for the first time. Appraisals are not so much about judging the work carried out, but an opportunity to discuss job skills, what is working well, and an opportunity to set objectives for the future. The Burial Committee continues to plan ahead, with prudent financial arrangements for the expansion of Brent Road cemetery. It is estimated that expansion into the adjoining field will be needed in 8 to 12 years time, and with this in mind the construction fund is being built up to assist with this major works. The Chairman would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff for their hard work during the last year. Cllr Arthur Thorogood Chairman April

12 STAFFING STRUCTURE BURNHAM-ON-SEA & HIGHBRIDGE TOWN COUNCIL - INCORPORATING BURNHAM JOINT BURIAL COMMITTEE TOWN CLERK Mrs Eileen Shaw PRINCESS THEATRE MANAGER Mr Andy Pullyen PRINCESS THEATRE STEWARD Mr Craig Denny TOWN HANDYMAN Mr Brian Harris ASSISTANT CLERK Mrs Lorna Brewer DEPUTY CLERK Mrs Denise Emery CARETAKER Mr Steve Capel CLEANER Mrs Sheila Stone CARETAKER BURNHAM CEMETERY Mr Peter King CARETAKER HIGHBRIDGE CEMETERY Mr Chris Tuck CARETAKER BRENT ROAD CEMETERY Mr Roger Phillips GROUNDSMAN Mr Mike Pope GROUNDSMAN Mr Don MacBeth 12 13