Town Council Minutes 12  August 2010

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

Bideford on Thursday 12 August 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 P J Pester (Town Mayor)
Councillor D M Ratcliff

South Outer:
Councillor A T Powell

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

IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr G B McLauchlan (Town Clerk)
Mrs H J Blackburn (Deputy Town Clerk)
Sgt K Connar (Bideford Police Station)
8 x Members of the Public
1 x Members of the Press

067    PRAYERS

On the invitation of the Mayor, Mr John Ward, Religious Society of Friends, called for a short period of reflection.

068    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillors S G Inch (South Ward – Holiday) and Mrs P Davies (East Ward – Personal).

(Councillor Bone arrived at the meeting)

069    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

Councillors P S Christie, T J Johns, B Lacey and P J Pester declared a personal interest in agenda item 17. (Trustees, Bideford Bridge Trust).

070    PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

No members of the public wished to speak.

071    MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 July 2010 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 14,  Against: 0)

072    MONTHLY UPDATE ON POLICING ISSUES WITHIN THE PARISH

a.    The Mayor welcomed Sgt Connar to the meeting.

b.    Sgt Connar reported the following incidents and items of note for the month of July 2010:

Criminal damage to dwellings    24
Criminal damage to vehicles    9
Theft from motor vehicles    5
Theft of motor vehicle    1
Burglary from dwelling    0
Burglary other        13
Common Assault        11
Assaults (with injury)    21
Section 18 Assault        3
Drunk and Disorderly    9
Hate crime        4

There was a further incident of assault on a constable in July with a local male charged and convicted of attacking an officer.  The officer suffered no long term injury and is back on duty.  Sgt Connar reported that the onset of the summer holidays has caused the population of Bideford to rise and this has contributed to the increased figures associated with the night time economy.  Operation Assure which involves increased patrols in Bideford town centre during the evening will continue until the end of the summer.  Two notable drug raids were carried out in July resulting in quantities of amphetamine and heroin being seized.  Sgt Connar then introduced PCSO Becky Tanner who has joined the Bideford Neighbourhood Beat Team and is currently working in the town centre.  Sgt Connar closed by informing members that he is soon to take up a post with the North Devon Youth Offending Team, based in Barnstaple.

c.    The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.

d.    Members firstly thanked Sgt Connar for his great contribution to Bideford during his time working in this area.  Questions and comments raised concerned: drug users behind the Parish Church, the speed camera at the bottom of Raleigh Hill and the request for a generic geographic breakdown of where those arrested for causing trouble in the town come from.

e.    The Mayor then thanked Sgt Connar for attending the meeting and updating members accordingly.

073    MONTHLY REPORT FROM THE LOCAL COUNTY COUNCILLOR

a.    Councillor Robinson had sent apologies but had circulated a full report to members before the meeting which covered the following issues:

•    An article which appeared in the North Devon Journal concerning secondary education in Bideford.
•    The response to the curtailment of services on some of the subsidised bus routes.

He then responded to the following issues raised by councillors at the last Council meeting:

•    A possible speed limit at Station Hill/Torrington Lane.
•    Excessive speed along Silver Street.
•    The adoption of Thornton Close.
•    Re-cycling collections on Mill Street.
•    Queries about poor road surfaces in various areas.
•    Kenwith Valley Cycle Route – still awaiting a response on this issue.
•    Repairs to the Long Bridge.
•    Misuse of Long Bridge by heavy vehicles.
•    Speed limit on Manteo Way.

b.    The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.

c.    Questions and comments raised concerned the missing glass in the bus shelters on The Quay.  It was requested that a firm letter be written to Area North Highways Management asking them to repair the bus shelters.  It was also requested that the scheme whereby a Company (Adshell) takes over the maintenance of the bus shelters in return for advertising on them be investigated.

074    BIDEFORD AMATEUR BOXING CLUB

a.    The Mayor welcomed Mr Jeff Facey, Bideford Amateur Boxing Club (BABC), to the meeting.

b.    Mr Facey informed members that the ultimate aim of the BABC is to move from their temporary accommodation on the Clovelly Road Industrial Estate to premises at Pollyfield.  An opportunity has arisen to possibly secure some matched funding from the Amateur Boxing Association.  Mr Facey has made an initial bid for £215,000 (which is half the amount of the £430,000 approximate cost to build new premises) and will receive a letter of encouragement or discouragement by 27 August 2010. Should the Club be encouraged to process the bid, they will then need to enter stage 2 of the process.  Mr Facey outlined the timescales, how the application process works, and their proposed funding streams.  If the funding grant is successful, the money will be given to the Pollyfield Centre to build a self-contained unit for the BABC.  This will belong to the Pollyfield Centre, but will be conditional upon a 10 year lease with the BABC for use of the unit.  If the BABC is successful at stage 2, they will then approach the Council, along with other bodies to match fund some of the money.

c.    The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.

d.    Questions and comments raised concerned the funding stages, how many children attend the BABC and where they come from, whether the BABC is a registered charity and how the matched funding would work.

e.    The Mayor then thanked Mr Facey for attending the meeting.

075    POLLYFIELD CENTRE

a.    Councillor Clarke updated members on the funding and management of the Pollyfield Centre.  He reported that a meeting was taking place that evening regarding the Pollyfield Centre.  He reported that the bar was making money, a partnership had been formed with Petroc, the facility was occupied most evenings and the BMX track was almost ready.  The accounts are currently being completed by an accountant.

b.    The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.

c.    Questions and comments raised concerned whether Tarka Housing have withdrawn their funding because the accounts have not yet been submitted, who represents the Council on the Board of Trustees and who holds the position of Treasurer, Secretary and Chair?  It was requested that the Council be given sight of the accounts and Councillor Clarke agreed to bring an abbreviated copy to the next meeting.

076    COMMUNICATION BROUGHT FORWARD ON THE DIRECTION OF THE MAYOR

a.    The Mayor reported that a Youth Parade due to take place on Sunday 5 September 2010 is in the process of being arranged.  As many youth associations in the area as possible have been invited.  They will assemble in Victoria Park with the Town Band, march along The Quay followed by a youth service in the church.  The Mayor advised that this is not a civic event but would like as many councillors as possible to attend.

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

c.    The Town Clerk advised that information regarding the Police Authority Liaison Meetings had been circulated to members before the meeting.

(Councillor Fulford left the room)

077    MARKET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the meeting held on 5 August 2010 were received.

(Vote – For: 13,  Against: 0, Out of room: 1)

078    PLANNING COMMITTEE

a.    The Minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2010 were received.

    (Vote – For: 13,  Against: 0, Out of room: 1)

b.    The Minutes of the meeting held on 4 August 2010 were received.

    (Vote – For: 13,  Against: 0, Out of room: 1)

079    STAFFING, FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the meeting held on 15 July 2010 were received.

(Vote – For: 13,  Against: 0, Out of room: 1)

(Councillor Fulford returned to the meeting.)

080    NOTICES OF MOTION

a.    Councillor Vanstone moved the following Notice of Motion:

    “Recently some of us attended a Police Liaison Group meeting and it was brought to our attention that funding for PCSOs is due to expire at the end of this financial year and in the current economic climate may not be renewed.  It was suggested that as many people as possible should lobby for their retention as this is more likely to succeed than getting them reinstated once lost.  I for one think they are a truly valuable asset to our town and credit to the force.  A letter should be sent to the Chief Constable and to Devon and Cornwall Police Authority suitably worded.”

    Following discussion, Councillor Lacey moved the following amendment to the Motion and was seconded:

    “Recently some of us attended a Police Liaison Group meeting and it was brought to our attention that funding for PCSOs is due to expire at the end of this financial year and in the current economic climate may not be renewed.  It was suggested that as many people as possible should lobby for their retention as this is more likely to succeed than getting them reinstated once lost.  I for one think they are a truly valuable asset to our town and credit to the force.  A letter should be sent to the Chief Constable, our Member of Parliament, the Prime Minister and to Devon and Cornwall Police Authority suitably worded.”

    RESOLVED:  That the motion is supported.

    (Vote – For: 14,  Against: 0)

(Councillor Lacey declared a personal interest in the following item (Chairman, East-the-Water Youth Club.))

b.    Submission by Councillor Mrs C B Church:

    “That this Council approves the funding for a sports/youth club worker for the town of Bideford at a maximum cost of £20,000.00 for one year.  The sports/youth worker would be employed full time and utilized throughout Bideford for the benefit of young people to provide sport and recreation services.  If approved this work could be overseen by Torridge District Council and Devon County Council Youth Services.  Regular reports and updates would be required to secure this funding.”

    Following discussion Councillor Mrs Church withdrew her motion in order to obtain more detailed information.
   
c.    Submission by Councillor D C Fulford

    “To give Town and Torridge councillors more visibility I would suggest that a provision be made in the Bideford Market for a table and chairs to be made available for councillors to meet the public and discuss their recommendations, concerns and suggestions that affect the well being and future of the town.”

    RESOLVED:  That the motion is supported.

    (Vote – For: 3,  Against: 0,  Abstentions: 11)

081    RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION COMMITTEE

Proposed by Councillor Ms Farrington, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That Councillors Bushell, Christie, Clarke, Ms Farrington, Powell and Pester form the Council’s Renewable Energy Generation Committee.

(Vote – For: 14, Against: 0)

082    COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN

Members considered whether the Council wished to take the lead on taking the Community Action Plan forward.

Proposed by Councillor Vanstone, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the feasibility of taking the lead on the Community Action Plan be referred to the Staffing, Finance and General Purposes Committee to consider and make recommendations to Council.

(Vote – For: 12,  Against: 2)

083    BRIDGE TRUST

Councillor Christie reported that the Town Council has requested a 10 year lease with a 5 year break clause for the allotment land at Handy Cross, to which the Bridge Trust has agreed.  He reported that the Bridge Trust has written to all tenants asking them to clean any weeds in front of their shop. He then mentioned Jubilee Square and whether the Town Council had been invited to the opening of the new Bideford College.  Councillor Christie reported that the grants allocated by the Bridge Trust last month were mainly book grants and that it had also agreed to fund a project whereby the North Devon Athenaeum will digitise their old photographs which are currently on glass.

The business of the meeting having been concluded the Mayor thanked the members for their attendance at the meeting which concluded at 9.00 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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