Town Council Minutes 08 July 2010

Minutes of the Town Council  Meeting held in the Council Chamber, Town Hall,

Bideford on Thursday 08 July 2010 at 6.30 pm

PRESENT:   

North Ward:
Councillor M L Bushell
Councillor P S Christie
Councillor T J Johns
Councillor Ms E L Farrington
Councillor D C Fulford

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

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

IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr G B McLauchlan (Town Clerk)
Mrs H J Blackburn (Deputy Town Clerk)
Councillor Mrs A Boyle (Devon County Council)
Sergeant S Bassett (Bideford Police Station)
6 x Members of the Public
2 x Members of the Press

053    PRAYERS

On the invitation of the Mayor prayers were offered by the Reverend Paul Martin.

054    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillor A T Powell (South Outer Ward – Illness).


055    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

Councillors T J Johns, B Lacey and P J Pester declared a personal interest in agenda item 14. (Trustees, Bideford Bridge Trust).

Councillors P S Christie and S G Inch declared a personal interest in agenda items 11.c. and 14. (Trustees, Bideford Bridge Trust).

Councillor C Bone declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 13. (Involvement with the case).

Councillor D Ratcliff declared a personal interest in agenda item 11.a. (Receives a council allowance).

056    PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

Comments were received from a member of the public who spoke about prayers and his views on what would be the ramifications if prayers were removed from the Town Council’s agenda.

A second member of the public then also spoke about prayers, climate change, the toilets at Old Town, speed limits within the town, Santa’s Christmas collection and the footpath at Devonshire Park.

A third member of the public spoke about renewable energy and micro generation as well as her views on the issue of prayers.

A Councillor then spoke about how he perceived the intentions of the National Secular Society.

057    MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 10 June 2010 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 15,  Against: 0)

058    MONTHLY UPDATE ON POLICING ISSUES WITHIN THE PARISH

a.    The Mayor welcomed Sergeant Simon Bassett to the meeting.

b.    Sergeant Bassett reported the following incidents and items of note for the month of June 2010:

Criminal damage to dwellings    11
Criminal damage to vehicles    23
Theft from motor vehicles    4
Theft of motor vehicle    3
Burglary from dwelling    8
Common Assault    11
Assaults (with injury)    14
Section 18 Assault    6
Drunk and Disorderly    4
Hate crime    2

Sergeant Bassett reported that the emphasis this month continues to be reducing criminal damage.  He compared this year’s crime figures to the previous two years and reported that they are lower.  He advised that high visibility patrols will continue, especially in the evening.  The Police are also working on an initiative with the District Council to try and decrease the amount of litter on the streets.

c.    The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.

d.    Questions and comments raised concerned a report of inappropriate language by a group of patrons of the Patch & Parrot in Cooper Street who were drinking in the pub, but taking a smoking break outside and what could be done to prevent such rowdy groups.  Alcohol consumption at Chudleigh Fort coupled with noisy behaviour and if a ban on alcohol consumption would be possible.  Drug and alcohol abuse in Ethelwynne Brown Close with young girls befriending elderly residents with a view to gaining entry in to their homes.

e.    Sergeant Bassett then informed members that this was to be his last meeting as he is retiring.  He then introduced Acting Inspector Paul Searle who will be representing the Police at future Council meetings.  Acting Inspector Searle spoke a little about his background and assured members that he will be working towards making Bideford a safe place to live and visit.

f.    The Mayor then thanked Sergeant Bassett for attending the meeting and updating members accordingly.

g.    Members then agreed that the Town Clerk should organize a plaque for Sergeant Bassett in recognition of his excellent service to the town.

059    MONTHLY REPORT FROM THE LOCAL COUNTY COUNCILLOR

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

b.    Councillor Mrs Boyle read a report provided by Councillor Robinson that included suggestions on how to accommodate the increasing student population locally and the bus routes in the Bideford area.  She then reported on issues raised at the last meeting on behalf of Councillor Robinson.

Councillor Mrs Boyle then reported her own activities for the previous month.  She attended a Highways meeting regarding traffic issues at Union Close and has spoken with Bideford College about the school travel plan.  There are suggestions to extend this into Moreton Park.  She then explained how the Neighbourhood Speed Watch Scheme would work.  Councillor Mrs Boyle met with Councillor Ms Farrington about the possibility of setting up a one-way system for Geneva Place, but there is a danger that this would increase speed in the area.  Councillor Mrs Boyle reported that there is still concern with the attitude of some of the young people at Bideford College, but it is hoped that the new college will provide a fresh start for pupils.  She then reported that the vegetation along Abbotsham Road which is forcing pedestrians to step off the pavement into the road is being dealt with and that she has identified two possible locations for a new community building in South Ward.  Councillor Mrs Boyle will be attending a cabinet meeting regarding setting up Clearwater House.

c.    The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.

d.    Questions raised concerned missing glass from the bus shelters along The Quay.  Why the Long Bridge needs resurfacing when it was done less than a year ago.  Parking issues at Torridge Mount.  Can the signage be checked for the weight limit on the Long Bridge?  Why is the revenue generated from the sale of The Rectory going to fund hubs in other areas?  Councillors would like information about how Section 106 money is spent.  Why are Tescos contributing £30,000.00 under a Section 106 Agreement towards road improvements instead of giving the money to projects within the town? How effective is CCTV in identifying large vehicles that come over the bridge?

e.    The Mayor then thanked Councillor Mrs Boyle for attending the meeting and updating members accordingly.

060    COMMUNICATION BROUGHT FORWARD ON THE DIRECTION OF THE MAYOR

a.    The Mayor gave members details of the new cantilever replacement for the Long Bridge, which will shortly be the subject of a Listed Building Consent planning application.  There will also be an application for a permanent pedestrian crossing on the Long Bridge.

b.     The Mayor reminded councillors of their requirement to abide by the Code of Conduct and particularly directed them to the section on the disclosure of confidential information.

c.    The Mayor gave a précis of the events he had attended during the last month.

061    MARKET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the meeting held on 1 July 2010 were received.

(Vote – For: 15,  Against: 0)

062    PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the meeting held on 23 June 2010 were received.

(Vote – For: 15,  Against: 0)

063    NOTICES OF MOTION

a.    Councillor Vanstone moved the following Notice of Motion:

“Due to the current economic situation I call upon those councillors who currently draw the Councillors Allowance to forgo this for the next 12 months. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor should still draw their allowance as they have expenses in fulfilling their duties but the rest of us do not.  This would not only be a clear gesture to the public that we serve them for no personal gain but also free up some finances to be more wisely spent as I expect we will be called upon to support more ‘good causes’ and ‘hardships’ in the coming year.”

Following discussion the Motion was not seconded and therefore lost.

b.    Submission by Councillor Ms Farrington:

“Bideford Town Council resolves to form its own Renewable Energy Generation Committee to implement the following 9 point plan:
1 - Make a Microgeneration/Energy Conservation Commitment
2 - Provide a training session for Town Councillors
3 - Establish a Town Microgeneration Champion(s)
4 - Establish a Microgeneration/Energy Conservation Fund for Community Buildings. (Act says advise on and promote)
5 - Promote national and local schemes to local people
6 - Influence Planning Policies
7 - Make links with Torridge District Council and Northam Town Council
8 - Make links to Neighbourhood Housing and Housing Associations
9 - Promote our policy in the local media

Proposed by Councillor Ms Farrington, seconded and:

RESOLVED:  That the motion is supported

(Vote – For: 15,  Against: 0)

(Councillor Lacey declared a personal interest in the following item (Trustee, Bideford Bridge Trust)).

c.    Submission by Councillor Christie

“That this Council provide £8,300.00 to match funding from the Bridge Trust to remove the derelict toilets at Old Town as part of its regeneration scheme for this area.”

Following discussion Councillor Vanstone moved the following amendment to the Motion:

“That this Council provide a maximum of £4,250.00 to match funding from the District Council, together totalling half the funding provided by the Bridge Trust to remove the derelict toilets at Old Town as part of its regeneration scheme for this area.”

Councillor Mrs Church then moved the following amendment to the amended Motion and was seconded:

“That this Council provide a maximum of £4,250.00 to match funding from the District Council, together totalling half the funding provided by the Bridge Trust to remove the derelict toilets at Old Town as part of its regeneration scheme for this area.  Furthermore, the District Council is requested to install a new toilet facility on this site.”

RESOLVED:  That the motion is supported.

(Vote – For:12,  Against: 0,  Abstentions: 3)

(Councillor Fulford left the room).

064    BIDEFORD WORKING GROUP - REPRESENTATIVE

Proposed by Councillor Ratcliff, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Mrs Davies be nominated as the Council’s representative on the Bideford Working Group.

(Councillor Fulford returned to the meeting.)

(Having previously declared a prejudicial interest in the following item, Councillor Bone left the room before the discussion and vote.)

065    INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRM OFFER TO COUNCIL

Members received details of an offer from Aughton Ainsworth, an International Law Firm specialising in human rights to act on behalf of the Council to defend the Council’s right to retain prayers at meetings.

Proposed by Councillor Clarke, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the Council accepts the offer on the proviso that the firm proves to be reputable.

(Vote – For: 12,  Against: 0,  Abstentions: 2,  Out of room: 1)

066    BRIDGE TRUST

Councillor Lacey reported that the Town Mayor had been welcomed to his first Bridge Trust meeting.  He advised that Bideford College were planning to call one of the rooms on their new site “Bideford Bridge Trust Conference Room.”  He then reported that if the Council wishes to rent the land at Handy Cross for allotment land, they must take both fields, not just one field.  He then briefed members on the income, expenditure 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 8.55 pm.





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

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BIDEFORD TOWN COUNCIL

 

Minutes of the Town Council Meeting held in the Council Chamber, Town Hall,

Bideford on Thursday 10 June 2010 at 6.30 pm 

 

	PRESENT:			North Ward:	Councillor M L Bushell Councillor P S Christie Councillor T J Johns Councillor Ms E L Farrington Councillor D C Fulford
				South Ward:	Councillor C Bone Councillor A T Inch Councillor S G Inch Councillor P J Pester (Town Mayor)
				South (Outer) Ward:	Councillor A T Powell
				East Ward:	Councillor Mrs C B Church Councillor Mrs P Davies  Councillor B Lacey Councillor R W Vanstone
	IN ATTENDANCE:				Mr G B McLauchlan (Town Clerk) Mrs H J Blackburn (Deputy Town Clerk) 2 x County Councillors
038			PRAYERS    On the invitation of the Mayor prayers were offered by Reverend Steve Hunt, Chaplain at Kingsley School.
039			APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE   Councillor D M Ratcliff (South Ward – Work Commitments).
040		DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA    Councillors P S Christie, T J Johns, B Lacey and S G Inch declared a personal interest in agenda item 16. (Trustees, Bideford Bridge Trust).
041		PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION   No members of the public were present at the meeting.
042		MINUTES    a.          The Minutes of the Extra-Ordinary Meeting held on 19 May 2010 were approved and signed as a correct record.   (Vote – For: 13,  Against: 0, Abstentions: 1)   b.          The Minutes of the Meeting (Mayor Introduction Ceremony) held on 8 June 2010 were approved and signed as a correct record.   (Vote – For: 10,  Against: 0, Abstentions: 4)
043		MONTHLY UPDATE ON POLICING ISSUES WITHIN THE PARISH    a.       The Mayor welcomed Sergeant Simon Bassett to the meeting.   b.       Sergeant Bassett reported the following incidents and items of note for the month of May 2010:   Criminal damage to dwellings 6 Criminal damage to vehicles 10 Theft from motor vehicles 3 Theft of motor vehicle 0 Burglary from dwelling 6 Burglary (other) 8 Common Assault 11 Assaults (with injury) 13 Section 18 Assault 4 Drunk and Disorderly 5 Hate crime 0   Sergeant Bassett reported that a lot of work has been done with regards Old Town Cemetery and hopefully the situation there has improved.  He also advised that the traffic department has been tasked with the vehicles which are speeding through Eastleigh.   c.       The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.   d.       Questions and comments raised concerned the “Policing in your Neighbourhood” leaflet, whether the recent incidents at Ayres Close were connected and whether the 28 assaults reported by Sergeant Bassett were related, and how many were following the consumption of alcohol? He was also asked if any Licensees have been issued with fixed penalty notices recently, how often are the police present in the office at Pollyfield and whether there are any other such offices currently being manned?  Further questions and comments concerned whether the demographic origins of the offenders in Bideford had been identified and if persistent offenders can be banned from the area, a report of some unruly residents at Moreton Park and comments regarding the opening hours of Bideford Police station.  Councillor A T Inch then explained how the yellow card scheme worked for North Devon public houses.   e.       The Mayor then thanked Sergeant Bassett for attending the meeting and updating members accordingly.
044		MONTHLY REPORT FROM THE LOCAL COUNTY COUNCILLOR    a.       The Mayor welcomed Councillor Mrs Alison Boyle to the meeting.   b        Councillor Mrs Boyle congratulated the Mayor on his appointment to Office.  She advised the dates of several meetings connected with highway issues and reported that a travel plan has been put in place from Bideford College to Westcroft Junior School.  She has spoken to Highways about the parking concerns at Union Close and informed members about the forthcoming care provision at Clearwater House for a small number of children with emotional and social difficulties.  She then explained the adjustment to the catchment areas for Pynes Infants and Westcroft Junior Schools and the reasons behind these changes.  Councillor Mrs Boyle finished by saying that she has asked Morgan Ashcroft to keep her up to date regarding the impact of their work at the new college on traffic and the local area.   c.       The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.     d.       Questions raised concerned the location of Clearwater House, clarification of the changes to the admissions policy for local schools, and the request for a pedestrian crossing outside ASDA.   e.       Councillor Sam Robinson advised that Councillor Mrs Boyle had covered all areas in her report.   f.        Questions raised concerned the lack of a recycling collection service in Mill Street and other nearby streets, traffic issues at the corner of St. Peter’s Church and the suggestion of a 20 mph speed limit to make the area safer, traffic calming on Silver Street, and the possibility of extending the 20 mph system to the top of East-the-Water.
045		COMMUNICATION BROUGHT FORWARD ON THE DIRECTION OF THE MAYOR    a.         The Mayor gave a précis of the events he had attended during the last month.   b.         The Town Clerk reported that Mr Mike Davy has retired as Mace Bearer after 16 years service.  A vote of thanks to Mr Davy was recorded for his loyal service to the Council.
046		ANNUAL RETURN    The Annual Return for the year ended 31 March 2010 and associated documents were received and approved.   (Vote – For: 14,  Against: 0)
047		MARKET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE    The Minutes of the meeting held on 3 June 2010 were received.   (Vote – For: 14,  Against: 0)
048		PLANNING COMMITTEE   The Minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2010 were received.   (Vote – For: 14,  Against: 0)
049		STAFFING, FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE   The Minutes of the meeting held on 7 June 2010 were received.   (Vote – For: 14,  Against: 0)
050		GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY   Proposed by Councillor A T Inch, seconded   RESOLVED:  That Councillor Ms Farrington represent the Council at Torridge District Council Green Infrastructure Strategy Event on 28 June 2010.   (Vote – For: 14,  Against: 0)
051		PARISH LENGTHSMAN   Members received the dates of the visit by the Parish Lengthsman in 2010.
052		BRIDGE TRUST   Councillor Lacey reported that the last Bridge Trust meeting had been quite short.  He advised that the Trustees are considering offering a field to the Council for allotments and the Town Clerk reported that the Council has registered its interest.  He then advised that the Bridge Trust has discussed demolishing the toilets at Old Town and has received some quotes for this work.  They are considering asking the District Council to share the demolition costs.  He then briefed members on the income, expenditure 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 7.20 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

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

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