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Minutes of the Meeting held in the Council Chamber

Town Hall, Bideford on Thursday 10th January 2008 at 6.30 pm

PRESENT:

North Ward:
Councillor M L Bushell
Councillor Mrs M R Bushell
Councillor P S Christie
Councillor D C Fulford
Councillor T J Johns

South Ward:
Councillor C Bone
Councillor A T Inch
Councillor S G Inch
Councillor P J Pester
Councillor D M Ratcliff (Town Mayor)

South (Outer) Ward:
Councillor A T Powell

East Ward:
Councillor Mrs C B Church
Councillor S E L Clarke
Councillor Mrs P Davies
Councillor B L Lacey
Councillor R W Vanstone

IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr G B McLauchlan (Town Clerk)
Mr R D CoombesMrs H J Blackburn (Assistant to theDeputy Town Clerk)
4 1 x Members of the Public
1 x Member of the Press

170 PRAYERS

On the invitation of the Mayor prayers were offered by Reverend Alan Glover of St Mary’s Parish ChurchPastor Jonathon Evans of the Bideford Town Mission.

171 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillors A T Powell (South Outer Ward – Personal) and S E L Clarke (East Ward – Recuperation).There were no apologies for absence.

172 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

Councillors Christie, Mrs Church, A T Inch and Ratcliff declared a personal interest in agenda item 15. (Trustees, Bideford Bridge Trust.)Councillor Mrs Church declared a personal interest in agenda items 14.b. (Town Council Representative, Bideford Regeneration Initiative) and 20. (Trustee, Bideford Bridge Trust).
Councillors Christie and A T Inch declared a personal interest in agenda item 20. (Trustees, Bideford Bridge Trust).
Councillor Powell declared a personal interest in agenda item 14.b. (Town Council Representative, Bideford Regeneration Initiative) and a prejudicial interest in 10.b. Minute No 069.a. (Bideford Town Council owns adjacent land).
Councillor Ratcliff declared a personal interest in agenda items 10.b. Minute No 69.b. (Resident of same street/agent known) and 20. (Trustee, Bideford Bridge Trust) and a prejudicial interest in agenda item 10.b. Minute No 069.a. (Bideford Town Council owns adjacent land).
Councillor Vanstone declared a personal interest in agenda item 10.a. Minute Nos 063.a. j. and l. (Customer known to him).

173 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

No issues were raised by members of the public.

174 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 8 November13 December 2007 were then approved and signed as a correct record.
(Vote – For: 1415, Against: 0)

175 ALCOHOL AWARENESS AND REASSURANCE CAMPAIGN PRESENTATION

a. The Mayor welcomed Miss Clare Lemmy, Project Officer for Safer North Devon to the meeting.
b. Miss Lemmy briefed members on the initial results from the Alcohol Awareness and Reassurance Campaign. The campaign involved stakeholders including Licensees, Police, Fire Service, District Councils and voluntary and community agencies working together with Safer North Devon in order to reduce violent crime and anti-social behaviour. Miss Lemmy detailed the positive initiatives which had been taken in order to achieve this aim. The campaign was also concerned with reassurance, increased awareness and visibility and education. Surveys are being conducted to monitor the public’s perception of these issues and the results will be given to the Town Council.
c. The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.
d. Questions raised related to how the information which has been obtained will be used, input into BRI, the danger of raising expectations and the culture of drinking at home with alcohol purchased from the supermarket.
e. The Mayor then thanked Miss Lemmy for attending the meeting.

176 MONTHLY UPDATE ON POLICING ISSUES WITHIN THE PARISH

a.The Mayor welcomed Sgt Sergeant Simon Bassett to the meeting.
b. Sgt Sergeant Bassett then reported the following incidents and items of note recorded during the period 1 November December 2007 – 1 December January 20087:

1 Criminal damage to dwellings – 1411.
2 Burglary from dwellings – 58.
3 Burglary other (i.e. business premises etc.) – 721. (This figure was exacerbated by the break-ins at the allotments).
4 Criminal damage to motor vehicles – 3026.
5 Theft from motor vehicles - 711.
6 Theft of motor vehicles - 2.
7 Assaults – 22 19. Eleven – 13 occurred in the town centre.

c. CCTV at East-the-Water will be operating shortly. The Police Surgery at the Pollyfield Centre is open on Tuesday afternoons; staff will work from there in an effort to appear more visibleThere were six arrests in Bideford linked to the New Year’s Eve celebrations, from drunk and disorderly to assault although there has been a decline in the number of anti-social behaviour incidents and violent disorder reports.
d. The Alcohol Awareness/Reassurance Campaign is operating as advised at November’s meeting with reports of anti-social behaviour on the decline, although there are no figures to support this.Operations SECURITA and FANGORN, the additional police presence during November/December and the alcohol awareness scheme run by Safer North Devon may have contributed to the improvement of the statistics. The time of year, dark cold and wet evenings may also have had a bearing; the next few months will be closely monitored.
e. There will be a New Years Eve Celebration briefing for all stakeholders, at the Bideford Police station, on 31 December 2007, 20.00 hoursSection 30 (Dispersal Notice) is still in force and will be used as a means of awareness education as well as enforcement. Drug enforcement continues and applications for warrants. will be made where intelligence is appropriate and proportionate.
f. The Mayor then invited members to submit questionsEast-the-Water still awaits the cameras; the Police surgery at the Pollyfield Centre is open on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
g. The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.
eh. Questions raised related to open displays of drug dealing, malicious damage to cars and a local newspaper’s article on cocaine usethe figures for drink driving offences, action regarding the vandalism of the Western Express Boy, dogs walking off-lead and a big thank you to the Police for their input in to New Year’s Eve and their non-confrontational approach..
gi. The Mayor then thanked Sgt Sargeant Bassett for attending the meeting and updating members accordingly.
(Councillor Bushell arrived at the meeting).

177 ORDER OF BUSINESS

Proposed by the ChairmanCouncillor Bone, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the order of business be changed to allow for the County Councillor’s delay.item 9 to be taken before item 8.
(Vote – For: 1416, Against: 0)

178 COMMUNICATION BROUGHT FORWARD ON THE DIRECTION OF THE MAYOR/TOWN CLERK

a. The Mayor acclaimed the success of the Christmas Lights and thanked all those involved for their effortsintroduced Mr John Van de Laarschot, Chief Executive, Torridge District Council, and Ms Vanessa Saunders, Special Projects Officer, Torridge District Council, and invited them to brief members on the discussions which have been taking place with the Regional Development Agency (RDA). A North Devon Arc, which includes the Torridge area, has been identified as principal area of development. Draft arrangements are in place with the RDA to arrange the project resource to develop the North Devon Arc. It is hoped that talks are close to reaching fruition. Mr Van de Laarschot then outlined the District Council’s plans for putting forward a portfolio of interests (including Brunswick Wharf), to prospective developers in order to generate Expressions of Interest. Work in this area, will be in tandem with RDA plans. Questions were raised concerning what use is envisaged for Brunswick Wharf and to what extent the views of the parishioners will be taken into account..
b. He reminded members about the Bideford Pannier Market “Lease Signing” Celebrations and the opportunity it presented to talk with Market Traders. The Carols by Candlelight with “Light up a Life” Service would also be held in the Pannier Market later on the same day, 15 December 2007Congratulations were extended to Councillor Clarke for receiving an OBE. It was also noted that Mr P Evans, Deputy Head at West cCroft, had received an MBE.
c. The Mayor advised that TVS was forming a Limited Company and would be known as Taw and Torridge Voluntary Serviceswished Councillor Fulford well, after his stay in hospital.
d. A tie and Bideford Town Council Badges were passed around for members’ comment (magnetic white was preferred) as was the Quality Town Council Certificate.Councillors were reminded that if they are unable to attend a meeting they must tender their apologies and arrange a substitute if possible.
e. Again the Mayor thanked the Council for their efforts believing that it had been a “good year” for Bideford…The Mayor expressed his distress about the vandalism of the Western Express Boy and said that the Town Council needs to support any initiative to find the perpetrators. It was suggested that the Town Council approach Mr Derrigan with a view to commissioning a replacement.
f. Nominations for Jury members for Manor Court should be sent to the Town Clerk by 17 January 2008.
g. Councillors were reminded that their input is required for the staff appraisals. By 31 January 2008.
h. The date for the Mayor’s Charity Ball has been changed to Saturday 16 February 2008.
i. If any Ccouncillor would like to act as a mentor for a Yyouth Ccouncillor, please let the Town Clerk know.

179 STAFFING, FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEEMONTHLY REPORT FROM THE LOCAL COUNTY COUNCILLOR

a. The Minutes of the meeting held on 14 November 2007 were approved and the decisions duly ratifiedCouncillor Temperley detailed the options available for the traffic calming scheme which will be funded as part of the Asda development. Councillors were given a plan of proposed works. There will be a formal exhibition and consultation from Thursday 28 February - to Saturday 1 March 2008. There will also be a leaflet drop for affected residents. Councillor Temperley invited Ccouncillors to inform him of any potential problems they could foresee with the scheme. Several Ccouncillors alerted him to possible difficulties. Councillor Temperley then briefed members on a potential new solution for repairing the Long Bridge which would involve catholdic protection. Work would be guaranteed for 30 years at a cost of £3.2 million and disruption to the town during the repair would be minimal. This option looks very promising..
b. The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.
c. Questions raised related to the surface of the Long bBridge footpath and the 3 tonne limit on the Long Bridge.
(Vote – For: 14, Against: 0)

180 CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS (CLOSED SESSION)

Proposed by Councillor Bushell, seconded and
RESOLVED: That in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be discussed, it is advisable in the public interest that the public be excluded for the duration of the discussion and they were instructed to withdraw.
(Vote – For: 14, Against: 0)
CLOSED SESSION
b. Following a discussion relating to Minute 032 of the Staffing, Finance & General Purposes Committee it was agreed that the post be made redundant on 31 January 2008. The Minutes of the meeting held on 28 November 2007 were approved and the decisions duly ratified.
(Vote – For: 12, Against: 2)
With the Closed Session completed the public were invited back into the meeting.

181 PLANNING COMMITTEE

a. The Minutes of the meeting held on 21 November 200719 December 2007 were approved and the decisions duly ratified.
(Vote – For: 1416, Against: 0)
b. Councillor S G Inch wished to clarify that he had sent his apologies for the meeting of the 2 January 2008 prior to the meeting and this had been omitted from the minutes.
c. The Minutes of the meeting held on 2 January 2008 were then approved and the decisions duly ratified.
(Vote – For: 16, Against: 0)

182 MARKET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the meeting held on 5 December2 January 20078 were approved and the decisions duly ratified.
(Vote – For: 1416, Against: 0)

183 BIDEFORD TOWN YOUTH COUNCIL

The Minutes of the Annual General Meetingmeeting held on 6 November11 December 2007 were received.
(Councillor Mrs Davies left the room)

184 ACCOUNTS

a. Approval of Payments
Proposed by Councillor Lacey Mrs Bushell, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the list of payments be approved and form part of the Minutes.
(Vote – For: 1415, Against: 0, Out of rRoom: 1)
b.Internal External InspecInternal Auditor’s Report
The members received thewere advised that the Internal External InspectInternal Auditor’s Report for the period 1 July April – 30 September 2007 had still not been received.
c.Internal Auditor’s Report
The Town Clerk advised that he had not yet received the report from the Internal Auditor.
(Councillor Temperley Mrs Davies joined returned to the meeting).
d.External Auditor’s Certificate of Opinion
The members received the External Auditor’s Certificate of Opinion on the accounts for the Financial Year 2006/2007. Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the District Audit’s Certificate of Opinion be accepted.
(Vote – For: 14, Against: 0)

185 NOTICE OF MOTION: PEDESTRIAN CROSSING, BIDEFORD LONG BRIDGE

a. The members noted the response of the Area Engineer (North), Devon County Council.
Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and Councillor Bone moved the following Notice of Motion:
RESOLVED: That the Council reply stating that the County’s response is neither sensible nor reasonable; “the appearance” concerns are not valid and request details of who were canvassed”For understandable historic reasons it has been the practice to have prayers at the start of Council meetings. Today, however, this practice no longer seems appropriate. Today this historic tradition risks deterring potential councillors from seeking public office and is thus contrary to the equality policies to which we all subscribe. We should resolve to cease having prayers at the start of Council meetings.”
Following discussion Councillor Bone moved the following amendment to the Motion:
“For understandable historic reasons it has been the practice to have prayers at the start of Council meetings. Today, however, this practice no longer seems appropriate. Today this historic tradition risks deterring potential councillors from seeking public office and is thus contrary to the equality policies to which we all subscribe. We should resolve to cease having prayers at the start of Council meetings; instead we should have a minute of contemplation.”
(Vote – For: 146, Against: 09, Abstention: 1)
(The amended motion was therefore lost).

b. Councillor Bone requested that his second Notice of Motion be withdrawn.
(Councillor Lacey left the room).

185 BIDEFORD BRIDGE TRUSTREPRESENTATION ON OUTSIDE BODIES

Councillor Christie advised:
8 Bideford Town Band has written regarding a Practise Room, with £75k in place there still appears to be no resolution.
9 A cheque to the value of £600.00 has been made payable to the Mayor’s Benevolent fund.
Mr Neville Jackson is in place to set the Budget for next year.The members noted the report, which is attached and forms part of these Minutes. Proposed by Councillor Bushell, seconded, and
RESOLVED: That Councillor Fulford be appointed as the representative on the Bideford College Trust.
(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0, Out of rRoom: 1)
(Councillor Lacey returned to the room).
10

186 MONTHLY REPORT FROM THE LOCAL COUNTY COUNCILLORBIDEFORD CADET AND COMMUNITY CENTRE

The members noted the report, which is attached and forms part of these MMinutes. Proposed by Councillor Powell, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the Town Council draws down and has the funds available for this project. And that Ms V SSaunders is to be invited to attend the next meeting in order to supply the Council with further information.
(Vote – For: 16, Against: 0)

a. Councillor Temperley reported:

11 The Unitary Bid by Exeter City Council had been thrown out with the result that the potential disruption and cost would now be avoided. However, a commission would set up a review in the new year.
12 Devon County Council has received a favourable settlement from Central Government, an increase of five per cent. The Schools’ Budget did not increase, though.
13 A recent meeting earmarked a payment of £5k for Youth Provision at Pollyfield; Devon County Council will provide £2.5k but would seek a partner to match the remainder, perhaps Bideford Town Council.
14 Given the finite availability of PCSOs he intimated that discussion had suggested the “successful” Street Warden initiative in Ilfracombe be extended to include Bideford.
15 With a three year budget of £45m there was some hope that funds from the Coastal Town programme would be brought to this area.
16 With deference to the Chairman, Councillors Temperley and Barton have arranged for ASDA representatives to provide a presentation on traffic calming to Bideford Town Council at the next council meeting.
17 Councillor Temperley felt very strongly that someone be put in place to deliver on the Regeneration Plan.
18 Finally a bid of £2m, spread over three years, had been sought, from European Funding, for the third Leader Programme.

b. The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.
c.Questions raised related to letters to the Chief Executive of Torridge District Council, the Old Rectory Centre at the top of the High Street,
concerns regarding the agreement between Devon County Council and “Quigleys” Custom House enabling Quigleys use of out door furniture and its detrimental effect on the charitable revenue being generated by the Wishing Well, Bideford College’s building work and the ability of Devon County Council’s Highway’s Department.

187 NORTH DEVON BIOSPHERE AND AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY DISCOVERY DAY

The members noted the report, which is attached and forms part of these Minutes.

188 BIDEFORD LONG BRIDGE REPAIR SCHEME

The members noted the report, which is attached and forms part of these Minutes.

189 BIDEFORD TOWN BAND’S PROPOSED BAND ROOM

The members noted the report, which is attached and forms part of these Minutes.

190 BIDEFORD BRIDGE TRUST

The members noted the report, which had been circulated prior to the meeting.

191 MEMORANDUM 1/08

The Mayor drew the members’ attention to the content of the memorandum.

The business of the meeting having been concluded the Mayor thanked the members for their attendance at the meeting which concluded at 8.08 9.05 pm.

Signature of Town Mayor: …………………………… Date: ………………