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Minutes of the Meeting held in the Council Chamber

Town Hall, Bideford on Monday 5th February 2007 at 6.30 pm

PRESENT:

North Ward:
Councillor Mrs M A Sankey

South Ward:
Councillor D M Ratcliff
Councillor Miss A M Walters

East Ward:
Councillor Mrs C B Church
Councillor A T Powell (Chairman)

Marland:
Mr A Gubb
Mr M Moore

Tricks:
Mr F Brown
Mrs C A Scott

IN ATTENDANCE:

Mrs H J Blackburn (Deputy Town Clerk)

039 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillors D J Daniel (South Ward - Personal), WG Isaac (East Ward - Meeting) and Mr B J Hill (Pollyfield - Allotment Holder).

040 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

Councillor Mrs Church declared a general personal interest as she has an allotment leased from Devon County Council and is an affiliated member of the Marland Allotment Association.

041 MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 1 November 2006 were approved and signed as a correct record.

042 PLOT SIZES AT TRICKS

The Chairman advised that a letter has been received from several plot holders at Tricks requesting that their plots are measured as they feel that they are paying a full size plot rental for small plots. The Committee members examined the plot layout map for Tricks and although it is not to scale, it is noticeable that the plots are very different shapes and sizes. It was agreed that the plot sizes of all the plots at Tricks should be reassessed before the rental increase in September. On the proposal of Councillor Powell and duly seconded, the Committee recommended:
“That Mr Martin Moore takes the measurements of a standard half plot at Marland and this size be used as a comparative measurement for the plots at Tricks. The Marland half plot measurement will be given to the Tricks representatives who will then arrange for the smaller plots at Tricks to be measured. Any plot at Tricks which measures the same as or less than the standard Marland half plot will also be deemed to be a half plot, and charged at £10 from September 2007.”
(Vote - For: 9, Against: 0)

043 WATER SUPPLY AT MARLAND

Mr Moore reported that he has contacted Mark Edwards from Midas Homes but he has not as yet returned his call. As Mr Moore advised that he has not had much time to chase up Mr Edwards, Councillor Ratcliff offered to take on this task.

044 POLLYFIELD CENTRAL PATHWAY

The Chairman reported that a letter has been received from the Pollyfield Allotment Association explaining their intention to widen the central pathway. The allotment association are prepared to undertake the widening work themselves, but feel they may meet resistance from one or two plot holders who may not want to lose a small amount of ground from the end of their plots. The Committee felt that because the existing path is narrow and twisting, the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and Health & Safety legislation will require it to be widened where possible. On the proposal of Councillor Powell and duly seconded, the Committee recommended:
“That the Deputy Town Clerk writes to the Pollyfield Allotment Association giving them permission to widen the central pathway in line with the existing boundary in order to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and Health & Safety legislation. The Town Council will provide a skip to remove any resulting debris and will fund the hire of any tools required for this work.”
(Vote - For: 9, Against: 0)
It was agreed that the Deputy Town Clerk will write to all plot holders advising them of this resolution.

045 EVENTS FOR 2007

Mr Moore advised that the Marland Allotment Association is planning to hold an open day during National Allotments Week. They are also working towards putting on an event during the Regatta fortnight. Councillor Mrs Church advised that the Regatta Committee has requested that the event take place on 1 September 2007. Mr Moore mentioned that he would be willing to put on a display of squash, although a venue would need to be identified. The Pannier Market and Atlantic Village were both suggested. The Marland Allotment Association has also been in contact with Mike Avis regarding holding an event in conjunction with the Bideford & District Cacti and Pot Plant Club Flower Show. Mr Moore reported that he is also in negotiations with the Pannier Market regarding a reduced price stall on which to sell allotment produce and sundries in order to raise funds to improve the Marland allotment site. Councillor Ratcliff suggested that the allotment associations may be able to supply the flowers for some of the civic events. This idea was discussed and it was felt that although a large display would not be feasible, a small contribution may be possible. Mr Moore agreed to suggest this to the Marland Allotment Association.

046 SITE UPDATES

a. Marland
Mr Moore reported that work on the new boundary fence is progressing. The chain link is on site and the posts are currently being manufactured.

b. Tricks
Mr Brown advised that the gatepost at the Capern Road entrance has been knocked over and the gate has fallen off. The Deputy Clerk advised that she would inspect the gate and deal with the issue as soon as possible. He also advised that someone has attempted to cut down a dead tree on the boundary of the allotment site with only half the tree being sawn away. As Mr Brown feels that this tree is in a dangerous condition, the Deputy Town Clerk will also inspect this tree and arrange any action necessary. Mrs Scott asked if it would be in order for the Tricks plot holders to replace the current combination lock on the bottom gate with a padlock, when the combination lock becomes too rusty to use. They have recently had problems with youths changing the number combination. Mrs Scott advised that the allotment holders at the bottom end of Tricks would purchase the lock and keys themselves after consulting with the affected plot holders. The Deputy Town Clerk advised that this would be in order and requested that she be provided with a key to the padlock.

047 ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING

“ Pollyfield representation
“ Update on events for 2007
“ Update on plot sizes at Tricks

The business of the Meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the Committee for their attendance at the Meeting and advised that this would be the last Meeting prior to the Town Council elections. The Chairman advised that he has enjoyed chairing the Allotments Committee Meeting and feels that the Committee has made good progress. The Meeting concluded at 7.35 pm.