Town Council Minutes 9 December 2010

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

Bideford on Thursday 9 December 2010 at 6.30 pm

PRESENT:

North Ward:

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

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:  

Mr G B McLauchlan (Town Clerk)
Mrs H J Blackburn (Deputy Town Clerk)
Sergeant P Searle (Bideford Police Station)
3 x Members of the Public
1 x Member of the Press

142    PRAYERS

On the invitation of the Mayor prayers were offered by Reverend Claire Rose-Casemore, St Mary’s Church, Bideford.

143    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

There were no apologies for absence.


144    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

Councillors Christie, S G Inch, Johns, Lacey and Pester declared a personal interest in agenda item 14. (Trustees, Bideford Bridge Trust).

Councillor Mrs Church declared a personal interest in agenda item 8. (Council’s representative on the Bideford Chamber of Commerce).

145    PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

Comments were received from three members of the public.

The first two speakers were members of the Ambulance Service and addressed the Council regarding the possibility of extra funds for New Year’s Eve.  They explained that their resources were severely stretched during the festivities and that they needed extra funds in order to provide the service required.  The Mayor advised that New Year’s Eve is not a Council led event, although he understood the need for extra resources and advised they speak with the New Year’s Eve Committee.  The representatives from the Ambulance Service also stressed that those involved with organising the event should follow the Purple Guide.

A third member of the public then read out some of the correspondence he has received in connection with  his role as Father Christmas and the absence of the flag on Armistice Day.  He continued with some further observations regarding dog bins, repairs to vandalised garages in Devonshire Park, dogs’ mess, further cases of vandalism and the street lights at Devonshire Park.

146    MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 November 2010 were then approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

147    MONTHLY UPDATE ON POLICING ISSUES WITHIN THE PARISH

a.    The Mayor welcomed Sergeant Searle to the meeting.

b.    Sergeant Searle reported the following incidents and items of note for the period 11 November to 8 December 2010:

( ) =   Detected
Assaults    5    (2)
Burglary Dwelling    1   
Criminal Damage to commercial premises.    11    (1)
Alcohol related offences    5   ( 5)
       
Sergeant Searle informed members that there are a number of planned operations to increase visibility in and around the town centre for the festive season.  These include “Operation Yuletide” which will run during December and will concentrate upon turning away visitors who are pre-loaded with alcohol.  Operation Silverwood is a joint approach with partner agencies to engage with the young people of the town in an effort to deter them from anti-social behaviour and activities.  Sergeant Searle also informed members that the application for the Section 30 dispersal power during the festive season has been successful and reminded members of the local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme which is open to residents.  He then explained the Alcohol Diversion Scheme which the Police will be operating.

c.    The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.

d.    Questions raised included accidents caused by ill adjusted/defective headlights, clarification of the phrase “pre-loaded with alcohol” and praise for the Police in prosecuting the teenager who assaulted Steven Cloak.  A councillor then requested that other councillors refrain from citing by name local families who they feel instigate trouble in the local vicinity.

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

148    MONTHLY REPORT FROM THE LOCAL COUNTY COUNCILLOR

a.    Neither County Councillor was able to attend the meeting, although both had circulated reports prior to the meeting.

    Councillor Robinson’s report covered the following issues:

•    Weight restrictions on the Bideford Long Bridge.
•    Street lighting at Devonshire Park and the adjoining estates.
•    Speeding along Silver Street.
•    Definitive maps of Public Rights of Way.
•    Pedestrian crossing at ASDA.
•    Westleigh Junction.
•    Slippery Footpaths in the Pannier Market area.
•    Accounting for 106 monies.
•    Traffic survey at Market Place.
•    The road at Clovelly Road Industrial Estate.
•    Coach waiting bay on New Road, Bideford.
•    Road repairs.
•    Community use charges at Bideford College.

    Councillor Mrs Boyle’s report covered the following issues:

•    A short synopsis of the “Tough Choices” meeting held by Devon Country Council which she had attended.
•    Concerns about road markings on the Meddon Street/Old Town Junction.
•    Possible funding for a bollard in Pynes Lane.
•    Vegetation along Abbotsham Road.
•    The renewal of the drainage system at Bowden Green.
•    Events and meetings attended.
b.    The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.

c.    Questions raised included the following requests for action:

•    Councillor Robinson to be asked to call-in the Westleigh Junction project.
•    Councillor Cann to be asked what actions he has taken to resolve the Westleigh Junction situation.
•    Devon County Council to be contacted and asked when the survey of the Torridge Bridge will be carried out and the traffic impact that will have on Bideford. 
•    Market Place has never had a traffic survey and the Council has always been informed that buses can not access this area of town – however, Councillor Christie has a photograph of a bus outside the Pannier Market.  It was requested that this issue be revisited with the bus companies, although the Town Clerk then informed the meeting that this is in hand.

149    BIDEFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

a.    The Mayor invited Mr Darren Johnson, from the Bideford Chamber of Commerce, to address the Council.

b.    Mr Johnson explained that the four main goals of the Chamber of Commerce are to:

•    Raise the profile of the Chamber.
•    Increase membership.
•    Assist members with their business development.
•    Keep the Chamber fresh and vibrant.

In recent months they have gained 19 new members, held a number of “how to” evenings on a variety of topics and published newsletters.  The Chamber is also involved with a number of other groups and committees.  However, there is a deep concern about a steady reduction in footfall within the town and the last 18 months have seen some staff layouts.  Parking is a constant issue and the Chamber is currently pushing hard to achieve free weekend parking. Mr Johnson advised that in order for the footfall to recover, all parties need to work together and any 106 money should be spent wisely.  Bideford needs to be turned into a business in its own right with specific, measurable goals.  Peter Quincey from North Devon Plus is currently producing a list of how to get the best from our town and Mr Johnson and the Chamber would like to work in partnership with the Council and other organisations to this end, in the very near future.

c.    The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.

d.    Members thanked Mr Johnson for an excellent presentation and said that they were looking forward to working with the Chamber of Commerce.  Councillor Ratcliff then explained the work of the ASDA 106 Committee.  Questions and comments concerned 106 money and the fact that there is nothing identified within the Community Action Plan for the town centre.  The concern of low aspirations within the town was discussed and the Management of Value Training System which is a new government initiative was mentioned.  An all year round late night shopping evening was also suggested.

e.    The Mayor then thanked Mr Johnson for attending the meeting and updating members accordingly.

150    COMMUNICATION BROUGHT FORWARD ON THE DIRECTION OF THE MAYOR

The Mayor/Town Clerk advised that:

•    The Signing of the Lease Celebrations would take place on Saturday 11 December 2010 at 10.30 am at the Pannier Market.
•    Remembrance Sunday was well attended and Councillor Christie asked if a note of thanks could be sent to the excellent Bugler.
•    The Mayor gave a précis of the events he had been involved with during the last month and showed councillors the glass trophy he had been presented with by the Carnegie Trust.

151    MARKET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the meeting held on 2 December 2010 were received and adopted.

(Vote – For: 15,  Against:  0)

152    PLANNING COMMITTEE

a.    The Minutes of the meeting held on 17 November 2010 were received and adopted.

b.    The Minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2010 were received and adopted.

     (Vote – For: 15,  Against:  0)

153    STAFFING, FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2010 were received and adopted.

(Vote – For: 15,  Against:  0)

154    TOWN BAND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Proposed by Councillor Bone, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Johns be appointed as the Council Representative.

(Vote – For: 15, Against: 0)

155    BRIDGE TRUST

Councillor Lacey reported that the Bridge Trust meeting had started with an address from Bideford College.  The presenter was questioned about the high rental charges at the College for groups using their facilities but he was not able to comment upon this as it was outside his remit.  The trustees are concerned that the vegetation at Old Town Cemetery is becoming overgrown and are also concerned that parking is still being shown on the proposals for Jubilee Square.  Councillor Lacey 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 8.00 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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