1. The meeting opened at 7.30 pm. and the Chairman welcomed all present

Transcription

1 DARTMOOR FOREST PARISH COUNCIL 135 Minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday 5 th December 2005 in the High Moorland Visitor Centre, 1. The meeting opened at 7.30 pm. and the Chairman welcomed all present Present Postbridge Hexworthy/Huccaby Mr Gary Easton Mr Dave Fisher (Chair) Mrs Rosemary Mudge Mrs Wendy Stones (Vice Chair) Mrs Wendy Watson Mr Cliff Palmer Mr Paul Turnbull Mr Malcolm Waite Mrs Helen Ward In Attendance Mr Chris Gregory Duchy of Cornwall Mr Ross Greig Chairman of Duchy Square Steering Group Mr Bob Williamson WDBC 12 members of the Public Apologies Postbridge Hexworthy/Huccaby Simon Loveless 2. Police (via from PC Bradfield) 2.1 Recorded crime in the Parish for the last month (excluding the Prison): 1 x theft of motor vehicle () 5 x Incidents of criminal damage () 1 x Assault (Postbridge area) 1 x Theft (Hexworthy area) 1 x Affray (Two Bridges area) The problems are seen to be part of a trend. Six people have been interviewed, with four having been reprimanded. Enquiries are ongoing for the others. As a result of this trend, funds have been allocated to provide extra police patrols to target problem areas at relevant times in the new year. Such targeted patrolling is already in place in the Bere Alston area. 2.2 In response to the ongoing parking problems in, a meeting is being arranged in the village with a representative from Highways to attempt to address the problems through engineering. Action: Clerk to inform P C Bradfield that Paul Turnbull will attend the meeting on behalf of the Council. 2.3 On the issue of speeding through Postbridge, and as a result of information from residents, one vehicle has been stopped and the driver reported due to persistent problems at a specific time of day. Further speed checks will be made in the area, but it is crucial that residents continue to report all problems to the police to ensure that every incident is logged so that a true picture of the size of the problem can be built up. The speeding problems will be discussed with the Highways representative at the site meeting (see 2.2 above).

2 Minutes of the Previous Meeting In minute item 4.3 the comments against the top and the bottom bus shelter had erroneously been reversed. In minute item 11.3, referring to the flooding in, the new drains are being installed outside the garage and not near Station Cottages The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman. 4. Matters Arising 4.1 Brewery Problems This matter is reported in the public session, see minute item 11.1 below 4.2 Flood Preparation Wendy S and Dave had made enquiries regarding local storage of sandbags. No-one wished to take up WDBC s offer. 4.3 Council Meetings 2006 the draft list of dates for next year s meetings was accepted. 4.4 Resettlement Unit Bottom bus shelter A quote for had been received from Mr Parr to refit the existing down pipe and supply a gutter guard. It was agreed that the price was satisfactory. A quote for had also been received from Mr Parr to replace the Perspex window that had been smashed by vandals. It was agreed that the risk of similar damage was too high to warrant spending money on replacing the window and the quote was rejected on that basis 4.5 Highways Matters Outstanding Highways have updated the list as follows; 1 Post-contractor pavement problems in Woodville Avenue 2 Speed of traffic on B3212 through Postbridge 3 There are loose and uneven blocks on the pavement in between Lords restaurant and the telephone kiosk. 4 Clearance of blocked drainage pipe outside The Bearas at Hexworthy and reinstatement of sharp bend sign outside The Bearas at Hexworthy Highways have written to the developer and are awaiting a reply There is an annual Accident Cluster Review with all parties early next year to decide on items for attention in the new budget year. The Parish s problem will be given a priority at this meeting. The priority will be very dependent on the volume of evidence supporting the problem. See minute item 2.3 above Now complete This is a known problem, caused largely by cars travelling too fast. Highways will install wooden posts on the bend and will look into replacing the sharp bend sign Action: Clerk to re-emphasise the problem to Highways to ensure that all appropriate action is taken

3 5 Reflectors are needed in the road into Rundlestone as it is easy to miss the turn into 6 Water is running across the road from Sherberton Cross to Saddlesbridge. This will present a safety hazard in freezing weather 7 Water is flooding from Station Road into Venville House drive 8 A previously filled pothole at Cox Lake has now opened up again. The drains also need clearing of leaves 9 The drains are blocked and cracked outside the fish and chip shop on the Tavistock Road in. This has caused flooding in the cellars of the Prince of Wales 10 A new grating opposite number 1 Hessary Terrace in is blocked and this causes problems during heavy rain 11 At the top of the Widecombe road from Postbridge to Runnage the culverts under the road are blocked 137 Highways say that DNPA have ruled this out Action: Clerk to clarify with Highways whether this means that wall reflectors are ruled out. Also to enquire about the possibility of using reflective plate cats eyes This is work in progress. A springbox is being manufactured to cure the problem Action: Clerk to emphasise to Highways that more than one springbox will be needed Still awaiting reply Highways had not heard of Cox Lake, but the pothole had nevertheless been filled in, so the job was now considered to be complete, as far as the Council were concerned This is still being investigated Highways have this on their list of work to be done There is culvert damage but the drains budget is used up for this year. The repair will come out of next year s budget 5. Update on Duchy Square Project Chris Gregory distributed a plan to all Councillors and members of the public who were present, but made the point that there would be further amendments before it was finally agreed. He said that it is the Duchy s intention to remove the current heavy reliance on seasonal trading by creating an arts and crafts centre for Dartmoor, not just. There will be 17 separate workshops within the new centre. It is hoped that the redevelopment will make the Square more people-friendly and will encourage people to want to gather. The future of Morwenna House remains undecided. The project s Steering Group believes that the house is too domestic and will not contribute to the overall vision for the centre. DNPA are unconvinced and are still pursuing a solution that includes the house. This problem must be resolved as soon as possible to enable planning permission to be granted. Without this permission, funding cannot be finalised and, thus, traders will not be attracted. The present high-level timeline is for construction to start in May next year and for the complex to be open for business in early In answer to questions asked, Chris Gregory said: Job Creation This is a funding requirement. Although the units will, essentially, be oneman-bands, there will be some additional jobs created, and it is hoped that the rise in visitor numbers will have an additional positive impact on the area Empty Units The Duchy will strive to ensure that all the units are taken to be used as workshops and as a means whereby artists and craftspeople can sell their own products. The intention is to

4 138 avoid pure retail since this will require permission for a change of use and will run counter to the overall vision for the centre 6. Reports from Committees Primary School 6.1 The Christmas plays are being performed on 13 th and 14 th December 6.2 All internal decoration is now complete 6.3 Security and access are being reviewed, which will result in installation of a gate and access devices 6.4 Plans are being put in place to improve the garden areas Playground 6.5 Hole in playground surface Gary is still trying to source the glue used to mix material for filling the holes in the play surfaces 6.6 Litter Picking Gary reported that Mr Williams is willing to continue with the litter picking but requires remuneration. It was agreed that the level of remuneration would remain as it was when KIPPER did the work Action: Clerk to draw up a contract for Mr Williams 6.7 Outstanding Payment to Play Quest Play Quest had responded to the Council s letter of displeasure regarding the lack of consultation before replacing the ropes. They provided a photograph, taken on 9 th August which was the day of their visit, showing that the ropes were, indeed, in a very poor state and required urgent attention. The 200 payment that they are requesting is only to cover the engineer s time and travel expenses. Although the steel reinforced rope that has now been installed is much more expensive than the original nylon rope, the cost of materials is excluded from the invoice. After due discussion, it was agreed that Play Quest was definitely at fault in carrying out the work without permission. In doing so they had removed the Council s option to simply take away the damaged ropes and not replace them. Councillors also felt that the original recommendation for nylon rope had been flawed since the rope had subsequently proved not to be fit for purpose. Action: Clerk to write to Play Quest refusing payment on the grounds abovementioned 6.8 Shackle replacement Gary needs a volunteer to help him with this. Contact Gary directly 6.9 Sign Removed the newly installed sign warning that dogs are not allowed has been removed by persons unknown Cemetery 6.10 A memorial stone has been erected on Brian Wonnacott s grave 6.11 Dave said that he had now removed the bench for refurbishment and would return it in Spring. This is to be reported in the Parish Link to avoid anyone thinking it might have disappeared permanently Rosemary Mudge reported on; 6.12 Southern Parishes Link Committee Meetings are held every three months. The next meeting will take place on 15 th December 6.13 Community Forum No meeting since last month Wendy Stones reported on;

5 Partners 6.15 HMCA No meeting since last month Wendy S, Dave and the Clerk had been to see Chris Gregory to make him aware of the Council s concern at the continuing exit of Trustees and the impact that this has on the running of the organisation. The newly appointed Youth Leader had left after a few days and the Trustees had agreed that the job should be offered to the candidate who was placed second during the recruitment process. The deputy playworker had resigned to become a playworker and her position had been filled by a newcomer. Jenny Coleman had expressed a wish to become a Board Member for the Duchy Square project. The Trustees had vetoed this on the grounds that Jenny s working time had recently been halved to two days to save money and that her time and expertise were better utilised on the Village Centre project. A new Trustee had been appointed. This brought the number to four and would enable Wendy S to resign without making the meetings inquorate. The Community Fund Committee had agreed to donate 3,000 to HMCA. Initial discussion had taken place regarding changes in sick pay arrangements. More information had been requested before a decision could be made Village Centre Project No meeting since last month 6.17 Duchy Square A meeting had been held to discuss the plans. Wendy S had been made a Board Member 7. Correspondence 7.1 Moretonhampstead Hospital A search on the Internet had revealed a statement made by the Chief Executive of Mid-Devon s Primary Care Trust that the hospital was definitely not earmarked for closure. Further detail had been provided in a letter with attachments from the PCT s Communications Manager, Nick Pearson. This indicated that the ongoing service review was considering the possibility of re-assigning some types of healthcare to the Community hospitals of Moretonhampstead and Okehampton. Copies of all paperwork given to Rosemary, Wendy W and Dave 7.2 CAB Donation A letter has been received thanking the Council for its donation 7.3 Queens 80 th Birthday Luncheon People born on the same day as the Queen may be invited to Buckingham Palace on 19 th April 2006 to take lunch with her. Application details have been posted on noticeboards 7.4 WDBC Contribution to Parishes Information about funding support for local facilities is now available on the Council s website. s Village Centre and Duchy Square projects are both mentioned 7.5 Useful Community Safety Contacts A laminated copy of contacts and their details has been received. To Wendy S for the library

6 7.6 Events Guide for Dartmoor Visitor Newspaper We are asked to provide information for Spring/Summer events next year. To Wendy S for action 7.7 Home Safety Check Leaflets A further supply is needed 7.8 Parish Lengsthman Scheme Clerk to complete satisfaction form Accounts 8.1 Summary for November Payments made PTA donation to fireworks Mr L D Parr repair to lower bus shelter, Mr L D Parr repair to noticeboard, Dartmoor Garage Grass cuts for September Audit Commission fee for FY04/ Mr T J Webb refund for Burial Certificate fee 8.00 Tavistock CAB Yelverton British Legion poppy wreath Clerk first half-year pay and expenses Cheque not cashed Payment to school PTA November 2004 for fireworks. Helen reported that the cheque had been lost. Action; Helen to ensure that this year s and last year s cheques are cashed Receipts Santander Dividend 5.35 Fee for erection of monument on the grave of Brian Wonnacott Balance in bank November 2005 To pay DAPC - New Councillors course for Wendy Watson Review of Spend against Budget The latest figures were reviewed. This year s spend is forecast to exceed income by 133. This overspend will increase as a result of the decision to restart payments for the litter picking. The litter picking costs have been assumed to be zero for the FY06/07. Re-instating this figure in the spend budget will completely remove the impact of the precept increase and will mean that next year s forecast spend will again eat into the surplus reserved for cemetery extension work. 8.3 Disabled Ramp into Play Area A quotation for 610 has been received from Mr Parr. The Councillors felt that this was major expenditure that should be avoided if possible, in order to minimise this year s call on the carried forward surplus Action: Clerk to check the regulations to see whether the rear entrance to the play area, which is already suitable for disabled access, would be sufficient, coupled with a sign at the front entrance to direct visitors 8.4 Noticeboard Repair in The noticeboard had been repaired for the second time in the last two months and an invoice was presented from Mr Parr for The latest vandalism had also weakened some bolts and it was agreed that a further 10 should be spent to strengthen the bolts and reduce the risk of vandalism weakening the board even further Action: Paul to discuss with Mr Williams the possibility of using toughened perspex in future to reduce the risk of any future damage by vandals

7 9. Planning Applications The following planning application correspondence has been received: n.b. LPA means Local Planning Authority DNPA Description Ref. 0891/05 Erection of pair of semidetached dwellings 0885/05 Replacement of existing garage with new adjoining garage with drive and erection of single storey rear garage 0884/05 Pitched roof over existing garage Location Keystones Hessary View 1 Oakery Crescent Keystones Hessary View 0795/05 Erection of one dwelling Adjacent to; 1 Hessary View With Councillors for consideration With Councillors for consideration A change to the plan had recently been received. This was passed to Wendy S for consideration by the Councillors With Councillors for consideration Outline planning permission granted 10. Such Urgent Business as the Council may Approve 10.1 War Memorial Cleaning A letter of thanks to be sent to Mr Jenner 10.2 New Highways Matter Ditches to be cleared near Ringhill House in Postbridge 10.3 Damaged Bench in There is a bench near the old pavilion that is badly damaged and presents a safety hazard. The bench is the Prison s responsibility Action: Cliff to ask the Prison to deal with the matter 10.4 Public Toilets in An external light still needs repair and the edge painting of the steps is still outstanding Action: Clerk to write to WDBC 10.5 Council Tax Increase Wendy S asked Bob Williamson if there was any information available on the likely increase in the next financial year. Bob said that there would be three areas contributing to the need to increase Council Tax: these are WDBC, Police and DCC. Of these, the Police increase will probably be the largest. The final aggregate figure requires further debate but, in his own personal view, Bob believes that it may be of the order of 5% to 6% 10.6 Joyriders in Car Park This is a dangerous and socially unacceptable pastime Action: Clerk to write to DNPA to ask for a constructive and appropriate solution to be found 10.7 Phonebox Damage in The box in Woodville Avenue has been vandalised Action: Clerk to report damage to BT for action 11. Public Session 11.1 Brewery Problems On behalf of the Brewery Phil Davies explained that, since September, he had: Completed the erection of the bund Removed the spoil and levelled the ground within the bund Erected a post and rail fence around the outside of the bund The footpath repair, which included the laying of shingle, had been carried out twice but neither of the attempts had been successful. Malcolm Waite had now been engaged to undertake the job. Malcolm said that, as well as relaying the path, he would clear the ditch and would place boulders at either end of the path to deter vehicles from entering and churning it up. Malcolm also made it

8 142 clear that his work would only be effective if local residents refrained from dumping grass cuttings and general garden rubbish into the ditch. Phil said that he would be addressing the problem of the black drainage pipe that was sticking up out of one corner of the bund and had no apparent use. With regard to the potholes in the road, Phil said that, although he had instructed an organisation to do the work, they had failed to turn up and he was currently searching for another company to take on the job. A member of the public made the point that this was not the residents problem, but the Brewery s and should be sorted out as quickly as possible. Phil said that the road in question had not been in a first class state of repair prior to construction of the Brewery and he felt that it was not appropriate for his company to foot the entire bill for repair of the road. He would be looking for a contribution from local residents. It was agreed that Phil would consult with local residents to seek contributions. Finally, one of the affected residents said that the lack of signage was also a problem. Delivery drivers could see the Brewery from the main road and, upon entering the village, took the nearest apparent road to it instead of proceeding further up the Tavistock Road and using the correct entrance. Phil said that he was willing to look at additional signage but, here again, would be looking for a contribution to the cost from local residents Road Works in David Swales reported that roadworks had been set up on the Tavistock Road by the Prison in the last few days. They were poorly positioned and reduced the sight line of traffic emerging from the Prison s front entrance. David was advised to report the matter to the Police Gorse Encroachment Bob Williamson said that he had been in touch with the resident who was worried about gorse encroaching onto the road between Sherberton Cross and Sherberton. The matter will be raised by Chris Gregory at the next Commons Owners meeting Flooding at Squires Cottages Bob Williamson reported that Highways had done some work to eliminate the problem of flooding outside the garage and affecting Squires Cottages in. The resident was satisfied with the work Litter Collection in Bob Williamson said that the litter problem on the private road between Hessary Terrace and Moor Crescent was still under discussion. It was customary for WDBC to collect, but this was a goodwill gesture and discussion centred around whether this service should continue. 12. Next Meeting There being no further business, the meeting closed at The Chairman thanked those present for their attendance and wished everyone a happy Christmas and New Year The next Parish Council meeting will be at 7.30 pm on Monday 9th January in the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Signed.(Chairman) Date 9 th January 2006