Town Council Minutes 25 October 2012

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Minutes of the Meeting of the Town Council held in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bideford on Thursday 25 October 2012 at 6.00 pm

PRESENT:
North Ward:
Councillor Mrs E A Brenton
Councillor P S Christie
Councillor D C Fulford
Councillor Mrs M P Fulford
Councillor T J Johns

South Ward:
Councillor D G Brenton
Councillor A T Inch
Councillor S G Inch (Town Mayor)
Councillor P J Pester
Councillor R I Wootton

South (Outer) Ward:
Councillor A T Powell

East Ward:
Councillor S E L Clarke OBE
Councillor Mrs P Davies
Councillor D A Howell
Councillor M C Langmead
Councillor R W Vanstone

IN ATTENDANCE:
Councillor S Robinson (Devon County Council)
Councillor B Parsons (Leader, Torridge District Council)
PC J Wright (Devon & Cornwall Constabulary)
Mr R Scant (Stagecoach)
Mrs H J Blackburn (Town Clerk)
Mr R D Coombes (Deputy Town Clerk)
4 x Members of the Public
2 x Member of the Press

105 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Although apologies had been received from Councillor T J Johns (North Ward – representing Council at another meeting) he subsequently attended.

106 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

Councillors Christie, Pester and Johns declared a personal interest in agenda item 19. (Trustees, Bideford Bridge Trust).  Councillor Mrs A Brenton declared a personal interest in agenda item 11.  (St John Ambulance, Tarka Contact, CAB).  Councillor Brenton declared a personal interest in agenda items 11. and 18.c.  (Chairman, St John Ambulance and Governor Bideford College).  Councillor Wootton declared a personal interest in agenda item 11.  (Home Start).  Councillor Howell declared a personal interest agenda in item 18.a.  (Member, Bideford 500).  Councillor Powell declared a personal interest in agenda items 11. and 18.  (Chairman, Bideford 500 Heritage Group).  Councillor Mrs Davies declared a personal interest in agenda item 18.c.  (Trustee, Pollyfield).

107 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

No members of the Public addressed the Meeting.

108 MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 13 September 2012 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 11, Against: 0, Abstention: 4)

109 ACCOUNTS

The payments list was discussed.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Brenton, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the list of payments be approved.

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

110    MONTHLY UPDATE ON POLICING ISSUES WITHIN THE PARISH

a.The Mayor welcomed PC Wright to the Meeting.

b.PC Wright reported the following incidents and items of note for the period 14 September – 24 October 2012:

•Assaults – 19 majority low level assaults however 2 GBH and assault on a police officer were recorded.
•Criminal Damage – 13 all low level damage to property and vehicles.
•Theft/Dishonesty – 21 the majority being Shoplifting offences.
•Burglary – 3 which included 2 dwellings.
•Drugs – 3 including 1 production of cannabis.
•Public Order – 11 offences where alcohol was a contributory factor in each case.
•Hate crime – No hate crime was recorded.

Further to recent figures for the five months to the end of August, we have now had figures which cover recorded crimes between 1 April and 16 October 2012.  These new figures show that crime across Devon and Cornwall has dropped by 2.3 per cent in the last six months.  There were 1,119 fewer recorded crimes in this time, compared to the same period in 2011.

Robbery has decreased by 22 per cent and vehicle crime by 10.8 per cent.
Meanwhile domestic burglary dropped by 17.8 per cent (401 less crimes).
Cases of criminal damage have also reduced by 1,168 crimes – a reduction of 11.6 per cent.

These new figures came on the same day as previous, now outdated figures from the Office of National Statistics. These show that Devon and Cornwall had a six per cent rise in crime between June 2011 and June 2012 compared to the same period the previous year.

You may see some media coverage around these figures, however we have responded by highlighting the most recent data and the reduction in crime over the last six months.

Devon and Cornwall remains a safe place.

c.The Mayor then invited Members to submit questions.  Questions and comments raised
included:

•Appreciation of prompt response and successful conclusion to incidents along Alverdiscott Road.
•Witnessing of drug dealing incident in Cooper Street/Jubilee Square.
o Had incident been reported?  Recorded incidents affect police establishment figures and enable deployment of personnel.
o While problem is moved on people are stopped daily/twice daily.
• Illegal Parking Meddon Street – High View/Silver Street.
o Police aware, will act if obstruction, jurisdiction lies with Torridge District Council’s traffic wardens.
• CCTV
o Manned eighteen hours per day over weekends, less so during the week, however, recorded images can be referred to.
• Regular disturbance between 3.00 am – 5.00 am in Allhalland Street.
• Drugs raid – wrong house.
• Parking at Barnstaple Hill causing difficulties for double decker busses.
o Problem has been taken to the appropriate authorities.
• Hazards of early morning runners wearing dark clothing.

d.The Mayor then thanked PC Wright for attending the Meeting and updating Members accordingly.

111 MONTHLY REPORT FROM THE LOCAL COUNTY COUNCILLOR

a. The Mayor welcomed Councillor Sam Robinson to the meeting.

b. His report had been made available to Members and covered the following issues:

• Highways and Transport Liaison Group.
•Highways – Exclamation missing on Westward Ho! sign.
•Christmas Free Parking initiative.
•Representation for Parishes and Bideford affected by the Atlantic Array development.

c.The Mayor invited Members to submit questions.  Questions and comments raised included:

•“Access only” sign requested for Coldharbour.
•Proactive approach to Atlantic Array
oMeetings/implications for local Parishes/Bideford Town
oDevon County Council (DCC) lobbying.  Welsh Assembly/Glamorgan Council benefitting. 
oImpact during summer season – cost/compensation.
oSpoil destination.
•Request for County Councillor to question DCC and establish what benefit Bideford can expect to enjoy as a result of the works.

d.The Mayor then thanked Councillor Robinson for attending the Meeting and updating Members accordingly.

e.The Mayor welcomed Councillor Mrs Alison Boyle to the meeting.

f.Councillor Mrs Boyle thanked the Mayor and greeted the Members.  She spoke on the Array but also advised that the Bideford College would be attaining co-operative trust status from 5 November 2012.

g.The Mayor invited Members to submit questions.  Questions and comments raised included:

•Concern that DCC is quoting £7,000.00 for the Plans in developing Cooper Street.  Could the Councillor elicit favourable support?
•Proactive approach to Atlantic Array

h.The Mayor then thanked Councillor Mrs Boyle for attending the Meeting and updating Members accordingly.

112 COUNCILLOR PARSONS, LEADER TORRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL

a.The Mayor welcomed Councillor Barry Parsons to the meeting.

b.Councillor Parsons thanked the Mayor and the Members for the opportunity to address them on issues affecting the Parish.  He spoke on the Atlantic Array
and a meeting he had attended, with the then Leader of Torridge District Council former Councillor James Morrish, in Autumn 2010 at the Civic Centre in Barnstaple on the potential siting of 400 turbines.  There was no focus on Bideford/Torridge, no mention of benefits yet Bideford will be seriously affected (by the works).  TDC, Bideford Town Council and DCC can make lots of representation although not within their powers to stop the process.  Focus must be on looking at the benefits to Bideford and adjoining parishes – there is “serious” money/advantage in the development process.  He advised that an officer at DCC, had researched and submitted papers to RWE.

He reported that Torridge had the lowest wage in the Country, Cornwall received ten times the amount of European money per head and there were elements of depravation in funding, transport and heat.

Councillor Johns arrived at the Meeting (having previously given his apologies).

Councillor Parsons having alluded to the importance of open communication between Bideford Town Council and TDC spoke also on the priority of TDC to pool their resources and work with North Devon Council (NDC) in the future; he stressed that they must succeed.  Their combined County Councillor representation at DCC is equal to 25%.

Finally, he reiterated the importance of working together, drawing on members’ strengths and experiences to move issues forward.  He recognised the hard work and commitment of the Town Council.

c.    The Mayor then invited Members to submit questions.  Questions and comments raised
included:

•Rubble Meddon Street.
oPrevious correspondence will be passed to Councillor Parsons.
•Request to review the prominence/security of the Canons in the Park.
•Perception that TDC lead without recourse to others.
oCouncillor Parsons intimated that he was open to ideas/discussion and he readily engaged with the Mayor and other Town Councillors.
•The process that enabled the Farmers’ Market to trade at Jubilee Square on Saturdays, especially given that Bideford Town Council and Bridge Trust helped fund the works; would the Pannier Market/Butcher’s Row trading be advertised?
oDCC still to be consulted.
oThe non-establishment of a Jubilee Square Committee.
•The need for (Bideford Town) District Councillors to feedback to Town Councillors.
oCouncillor Parsons offered more potential TDC presentations from (other) councillors/officers.
•The Mayor could provide feedback – Part II is available.
•If not detail then reassurance over the handling/future by TDC of Brunswick Wharf was requested.
d.The Mayor then thanked Councillor Parsons for attending the Meeting and speaking to the Members accordingly.

113 MR RICHARD SCANT, OPERATIONS MANAGER STAGECOACH

a.The Mayor welcomed Mr Richard Scant to the meeting.

b.Mr Scant thanked the Mayor for the opportunity to address the Members.  He spoke of his experiences as a driver and supervisor prior to his appointment as Operations Manager.  He spoke on the demise of First Direct and that Stage Coach had taken on drivers, cleaners and fitters.  It was a very busy time.  The Depot grew by 35 – 40% over the night of 23 September 2012.  His continued presentation referred to a document produced by the Bideford Chamber of Commerce and answered questions raised in the document as follows:

o Stage Coach operated out of Barnstaple.
o Park and Ride in Bideford.  DCC would have to lead and provide funds to support an initiative.
o Road Train.  Not their core (business) model.
o Route Number seventy.  Additional busses had been advanced, recently.
o There were no plans for a service from Bideford to Tiverton Parkway.
o Services to Appledore and Westward Ho! after 8.00 pm have been introduced.
While First Direct used to run services direct to the Hospital, Stage Coach, with a change at the Barnstaple station do run services every twenty minutes.

c.The Mayor then invited Members to submit questions.  Questions and comments raised
included:

• Average age of bus fleet.
o New buses would be coming in the next twelve t eighteen months.
• East-the-Water congestion.
• Bus route to the Pannier Market.
• Number Seventy Two.  Double Deckers are not always suitable for certain routes.
o Routes are checked.  Regular liaison with DCC.
• Concern on number of prams on board a bus (should not exceed two) and regular incidents of wheelchair users being turned away.
o Request for information made.
• Barnstaple Station is not manned. 
o While Stage Coach operates out of the Bus Station it is not theirs. 
• Disabled people need to approach drivers to obtain access to disabled toilets.
o Will look into disabled facilities.
• Last hospitable bus is 7.00 pm where visiting finishes at 8.00 pm.
o Later services are being considered.
• On line ticketing for services.

c.The Mayor then thanked Mr Scant for attending the Meeting and speaking to the Members accordingly.

Councillor Mrs Davies left the Meeting.

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

The Town Clerk:

• asked those Members attending the Remembrance Day Service and Parade on Sunday 11 November 2012 to be robed and ready by 10.30 am.
• asked Members to be robed and ready by 10.15 am on Saturday, 8 December 2012 for the Signing of the Lease Ceremony at the Bideford Pannier Market.  She advised that the Allotment Cups and Commendation Certificates will also be presented.
• reminded Members that the Bideford Town Band’s Annual Concert would take place at the Royal Hotel, Bideford at 7.45 pm on Monday, 3 December 2012.  Those interested are requested to advise the Office by 30 November 2012.

The Mayor announced that the Council had been awarded £10,000.00 under the Town Team Partner initiative. 
• Councillor Mrs Brenton advised that DALC would be interested in feedback from the Council on the scheme.
• Councillor Christie spoke on a possible Chamber/Council idea advising that the monies would be drawn down from the TDC holding.

115 STAFFING, FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

a.Minute 071.  Concern was expressed at the size of the recommended budget.  Councillor Christie stated that there were three Memorials in Bideford.

Proposed by Councillor Brenton, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the vote is deferred until a response has been received from the Bridge Trust regarding the request to them for funding.

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

b. Minute 075.  It was noted that the grant budget period should read 2014/15.  Further discussion ensued highlighting the need for robust checking and accounting.  Concern over lobbyists, potential for charities to suffer and the probable increase in the precept to enhance the current system.  While it is an initiative run at District and County level Councillor Mrs Brenton advised that it was not operated by other town/parish councils.

Proposed by Councillor S G Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the decision regarding the proposed Councillors Community Grant Scheme for 2014/15 is deferred until the Town Council Meeting to be held on 13 December 2012.

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

c. The Minutes of the Meeting held on 4 October 2012 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

d.The Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 October 2012 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

116 PLANNING COMMITTEE

a.The Minutes of the Meeting held on 19 September 2012 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)
b.Minute 049.g.  It was noted that the vote had not been recorded although it was unanimous.  The Minutes of the Meeting held on 10 October 2012 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For:15 , Against: 0)

117 MARKET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 27 October 2012 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 15,  Against: 0)

118 ALLOTMENTS COMMITTEE

a. Councillor Howell noted that the Minutes did not reflect his attendance.  He asked that the Minutes be corrected.

b.Minute 018.  Councillor Vanstone advised Members of a bee keeping initiative for Tricks Allotment Site.  He advised that seven out of ten committee members had responded to an E Mail/circular indicating their support.

c. The Minutes of the Meeting held on 20 September 2012 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 15,  Against: 0)

119 GRENVILLE STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHTING SCHEME

The Town Clerk appraised Members on the potential to extend the Christmas String Lighting Scheme along Grenville Street.  She had been advised that new cabling would cost approximately £6,000.00.  Councillor Christie commented that it would bridge the link between the High Street and the Pannier Market.  Discussion followed on alternative methods, timing and further tenders.

Proposed by Councillor Wootton, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the Town Clerk seeks three tenders with a view to having the Lighting in place for this year and that the monies be taken from the Regeneration Fund.

(Vote – For: 14, Against: 0, Abstention: 1)

120 SNOW WARDEN

Members discussed filling the now vacant position of Snow Warden.  Councillor Powell advised that the infra-structure was in place.

Proposed by Councillor Powell, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Johns is nominated as the Council’s Snow Warden.

(Vote – For: 15 , Against: 0)
121 CODE OF CONDUCT

Councillor Mrs Brenton advised Members that under the terms of the Localism Act all Members must request dispensation to set the Precept.  She added that all councils should vote to give the Town Clerk the authority to grant dispensations.  Dispensation decisions must be minuted.  She believed that a vote should be taken at the next Meeting (of the Council).

The Members received and noted the updated Code of Conduct as directed by NALC.

122 NOTICES OF MOTIONS

Councillor Powell moved the following Notice of Motion and was seconded:

a. “That this Town Council recognises it's founder, the town's prodigal son and hero; Sir Richard Grenville by sponsoring the Bideford 500 Heritage Project to erect a Plaque in his honour on the Grenville Manor.”

Following discussion, which included funding streams, suitable wording, the material used and a varied view of his achievements Councillor Vanstone moved the following amendment to the Motion:

“That this Town Council recognises Sir Richard Grenville by match funding with the Bideford 500 Heritage Project to erect a Plaque in his honour on the Grenville Manor.”

RESOLVED:  That the Amended Motion is supported.

(Vote – For: 11,  Against: 4)

Proposed by Councillor Clarke, seconded and

RESOLVED: That money from the Regeneration Budget should be used.

(Vote – For: 9, Against: 6)

Councillor S G Inch moved the following Notice of Motion and was seconded:

b. “Mayor’s Parade (to involve all community groups), to become a re-enactment of the Queens Jubilee with the Mayor firing the Canon from Jubilee Square and a Party in the Park.  Date to be within the 8 weeks of the summer holidays to maximise the Tourism knock on benefit that will necessitate the involvement of N. Devon+ and any other agency involved in tourism.”

RESOLVED:  That the motion is supported.

(Vote – For: 15,  Against: 0)

Councillors Clarke and Howell moved the following Notice of Motion and were seconded:

c.    “To agree the transfer of left over monies re planning/project development from Pollyfield, or create a similar fund to generate feasibility document regarding the proposed satellite FE College/Community use Centre in Victoria Park in conjunction with Petroc.  This document would include information on funding streams, partners, build costs, constraints and opportunities.”

RESOLVED:  That the motion is supported.

Following discussion, which included reference to the true site:  Springfield Road Car Park/Cattle Market area adjacent to Victoria Park, the benefits of working with Petroc and the suggestion of a General Project Fund, that could also part finance the architectural work required for the Port Memorial Councillor Christie moved the following amendment to the Motion:

“To agree the transfer of left over monies re planning/project development from Pollyfield, to be placed in a general fund to generate a feasibility document regarding the proposed satellite FE College/Community use Centre in Victoria Park in conjunction with Petroc.  This document would include information on funding streams, partners, build costs, constraints and opportunities.  Six hundred pounds of this fund is also to be made available towards the architect’s report and costing for the Port Memorial”

RESOLVED:  That the Amended Motion is supported.

(Vote – For: 13,  Against: 2)

123 BRIDGE TRUST

Councillor Christie briefed Members on the income, expenditure, charitable donations and grants figures.

The business of the Meeting having been concluded the Mayor thanked the Members for their attendance at the Meeting which concluded at 8.58 pm.

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

 

   

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