Town Council Minutes 14 October 2010

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

Bideford on Thursday 14 October 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 S G 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 Mrs P Davies
Councillor B Lacey
Councillor R W Vanstone

IN ATTENDANCE:    Mrs H J Blackburn (Deputy Town Clerk)
Mr R Coombes (Assistant to the Town Clerk)
Councillor S Robinson (Devon County Council)
Councillor P Pennington (District Councillor)
Inspector T Holmes (Bideford Police Station)
Sergeant P Searle (Bideford Police Station)
7 x Members of the Public

114    PRAYERS

On the invitation of the Mayor prayers were offered by Pastor John Evans.

115    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillor A T Inch (South Ward – Holiday).


116    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

Councillors Christie, Inch, Johns, Lacey and Pester declared a personal interest in agenda item 15. (Trustees, Bideford Bridge Trust).

Councillor Mrs Davies declared a personal interest in agenda item 8. (Trustee, Pollyfield Centre).

Councillor Vanstone declared a personal interest in agenda item 13. Minute Nos. 44.b and c (Customer of employer), f and h (Friends).

Councillor Ratcliff declared a personal interest in agenda item 11. Minute No. 71. (Business – provision of services).

117    PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

Comments were received from four members of the public.  The first person voiced her concerns in providing full and frank details on the development of 99 Lime Grove.  She spoke on the detrimental effect that the work has had on the surrounding area and the distress it has caused to those living in the vicinity.

The second person spoke on what was understood to be a recently resolved issue regarding suppliers of local produce and a national retailer.  He hoped that the Council would support those local producers although he did not indicate how.

The third person advised members of the lack of lighting in Devonshire Park where he had unintentionally walked into a lady, early one morning, on his way to work.  He feared that the thoroughfare would provide opportunities for muggers or assailants, generally.

The fourth person exclaimed his delight at the rescue of the Miners from Chile and encouraged the Council to send a note of congratulation to the President of the Country.  He disagreed with employing another cleaner, believing that Devon County and Torridge District Councils already had people in their employ for the very task; although he felt more bins are required  He implored the Police to clear those traffic signs obscured by trees and shrubs. While referring to some District Council investment in confectionary he wondered if the money could not have been better spent on filling pot holes.  Councillor Powell advised him that should he take to cutting down any offending tree branches he may fall foul of a Tree Presentation Order that will soon be in place.

The Mayor thanked those members of the public for their contributions.

(Councillor Mrs Church joined the Meeting.)

118    MINUTES

The Minutes of the Extra-Ordinary Meeting held on 29 September 2010 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For:  13,  Against:  0,  Abstention:  1)


119    MONTHLY UPDATE ON POLICING ISSUES WITHIN THE PARISH

a.    The Mayor welcomed Inspector Holmes and Sergeant Searle to the meeting.

b.    Sergeant Searle reported the following incidents and items of note for the month of September 2010:

 September 2010   ( Detected)
Assaults    14                (7)
Burglary Dwelling        3   
Criminal Damage      7   
Damage to Motor Vehicles    12   
Theft from Motor Vehicle    2    (1)
Theft of Vehicle    0   
Drink Driving    3   
Shoplifting    8    (4)
Drugs    4   
Drunk and Disorderly
Public Order    8
1   
Disqualified Driving    1   

He stated that in the last year the Torridge area had seen a decrease in all crime of 19% and the detection rate of 31% was above Devon and Cornwall’s target.

With Halloween approaching retailers and schools would be visited in addition to the PCSOs providing a presence in the build up to the festivities.

An Alcohol Awareness Campaign will take place during the week of 18 – 24 October 2010.  The main thrust will be alcohol and children, education and appropriate sanctions.  Locally the Police will be working in consort with the licensees and off- license outlets.

In answer to a question set at a previous meeting, the Police are monitoring lorries crossing the Long Bridge and will take an active stance on 4 November 2010, deploying Police motor cyclists versed in taco graphs and weight limits.

c.    The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.

d.    Questions raised included the anomaly that allows a 72-seater 32 ton bus to traverse the Bridge (the Chairman advised that there was an exemption for public transport), commencement date of new Beat Manager at East-the-Water, Tarka Point alleged drug issues, continuing drug issues in Tower Street and concerns raised by Bridge Trust tenants of drug users negotiating Queen Street.

e.    The Mayor then thanked Inspector Holmes and Sergeant Searle for attending the meeting and updating members accordingly.

120    MONTHLY REPORT FROM THE LOCAL COUNTY COUNCILLOR

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

b.    Councillor Robinson thanked the Mayor and greeted the chamber and updated members
    on the following issues:

•    Roadways that were not “adopted”
•    “A” boards on pavements
•    Highway Winter Service
•    Cantilever Walkway on Bridge
•    Pedestrian crossing at the east end of the Long Bridge
•    Village Green status at Londonderry Farm
•    Speeding on Abbotsham Road
•    Glass in Bus Shelters
•    Part-time lighting 

c.    The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.

d.    Questions and comments included the overgrown footpath along Alverdiscott Road, street lighting hazards, adoption of road leading to the Clovelly Road Industrial Estate, Westleigh Junction and concerns over traffic light disruption, gritting of pavements in poor weather and the dramatic increase in the cost of hiring facilities at Bideford College.

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

121    POLLYFIELD CENTRE

a.    The Mayor invited Councillor Clarke to address the Council.

b.    Councillor Clarke thanked the Mayor and advised the members on the accounts that had recently been distributed.

(Councillor Fulford left the meeting)

122    COMMUNICATION BROUGHT FORWARD ON THE DIRECTION OF THE MAYOR

a.    The Deputy Town Clerk advised that the Community & Resources Committee of Torridge District Council will be reviewing the annual parking charges at a meeting to be held at 4.30 pm on 15 November 2010 in the Committee Room, Riverbank House. Councillor Christie agreed to attend and represent the Council.

b.    The Mayor reminded members of the Remembrance Day Service and Parade to be held on 14 November 2010 in Victoria Park and St Mary’s Church.

123    MARKET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the meeting held on 7 October 2010 were received.

(Vote – For:  13,  Against:  0)

124    PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the meeting held on 6 October 2010 were received.

(Vote – For:  13,  Against:  0)

125    NOTICES OF MOTION

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

“That the Town Council revisits the idea of employing a part-time street cleaner sharing the cost with Northam Town Council who already have the scheme in operation.”

RESOLVED:  That the motion is supported and referred to the Staffing, Finance & General Purposes Committee to investigate costing, feasibility and make recommendation to Council.

(Vote – For:  7,  Against:  5,  Abstention:  1)

126    NOTICE OF MOTION CONCERNING THE RETENTION OF PCSOs

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

127    BRIDGE TRUST

Councillor Lacey briefed members on the income, expenditure and grants figures.  He gave further detail on property in and around the Town.

The business of the meeting having been concluded the Mayor thanked the members for their attendance at the meeting which concluded at 8.05 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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