Town Council Minutes 14 April 2011

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

Bideford on Thursday 14 April 2011 at 6.30 pm

PRESENT:

North Ward:

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

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 S E L Clarke OBE
Councillor Mrs P Davies
Councillor B Lacey

IN ATTENDANCE:    Mr G B McLauchlan (Town Clerk)
Mr R D Coombes (Town Clerk’s Assistant)
Councillor S Robinson (Devon County Council)
Councillor P Pennington (Torridge District Council)
PC J Wright (Bideford Police Station)
7 x Members of the Public
1 x Member of the Press
    
203    PRAYERS

On the invitation of the Mayor prayers were offered by Reverend Paul Martin from the High Street, Methodist Church, Bideford.

204    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillors Mrs C B Church (East Ward – Illness) and A T Powell (South (Outer) Ward – Holiday)).

205    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

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

206    PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

A member of the Community Arts Network explained that in their failed bid for the purchase of the Old Rectory they had set their sights on the Geneva building.  They believed that the building had the layout that would support a Community Hub.  Although not stating the manner he requested the support of the Council in their endeavour to secure the acquisition.

A second member of the public spoke on the clearing of weeds.  The Chairman advised that a handyman would soon be employed and would be tasked with working in areas highlighted by councillors representing their respective wards.

A final member gave thanks to the Council for its work and commitment to Bideford during the last four years.  He further mentioned the convening of the Annual Parish Meeting on Tuesday 19 April 2011.

207    MINUTES

The Minutes of the Extra-Ordinary Meeting held on 9 March 2011 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 11, Against: 0, Abstention: 2)

208    MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 10 March 2011 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 12, Against: 0, Abstention: 1)

209    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 11 March - 10 April 2011.  

Assaults – 8
Criminal Damage to property including motor vehicle – 9
Public Order offences – 9
Possession of drugs – 4
Burglary (including one dwelling – Abbotsham Road) – 5
Theft from shop – 13

The serious incident at Crabby Dicks in Cooper Street where a twenty seven year old female collapsed and died is not being treated as suspicious, at present.

c.    The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.

d.    There were no questions.

e.    The Mayor then thanked PC Wright for attending the meeting and updating members accordingly.

210    MONTHLY REPORT FROM THE LOCAL COUNTY COUNCILLOR

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

b.    Councillor Robinson thanked the Mayor, greeted the Chamber and briefly updated members on the following issues.

•    Traffic Accident Statistics.  
•    Award for work on Long Bridge
•    Pannier Market Survey.
•    Woodland Management Plan for Ford Ancient Woodland.
•    Westleigh Junction. He felt it was regrettable that North Devon’s HATOC, as a counter to the motion at Torridge’s HATOC that called for a re-think on the proposals for a set of traffic lights.
•    Guidance on the use of 106 funds.  In highlighting that there is no obligation on Local Planning Authorities to undertake the task of drawing up the Community Infrastructure Levy, he recommended that the Bideford Town Council:
o    insist on having a major input into the list
o    ensure that major items of infrastructure are included
o    there are two aspects to the framework –internal to the site and the catchment for the locality obligations
o    renegotiation of agreements. Unless there is a clear undertaking that the locality voice is heard, e.g. Bideford are consulted before TDC even contemplate any such derogation, there could be a serious loophole
o    there should be a strategic aspect to the County’s requirements for each and every development e.g. a third bridge, restoration of the railway, etc.
•    North Devon Public Record Office.  

c.    The Mayor then invited members to submit questions.

Questions and comments raised included:  that a Stakeholders Meeting regarding the Local Record Office was only publicised in the Record Office.  Was it too late to apply to purchase the County owned Geneva Building at a reduced rate?  The contentious Lime Grove Development application has run out of time, it should be reviewed.  In the light of recent publicity has County asked for audited accounts for the BMX Bombers Club initiative?  Street Lighting: the cost of changing the timing, whether there was parity across the whole of Devon, the use of energy efficient bulbs and the effect of seagulls on the lighting sensors.  County led recycling charges.

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

211    COMMUNICATION BROUGHT FORWARD ON THE DIRECTION OF THE MAYOR

a.    A Real Ale Festival will be held at the Pannier Market on Saturday 30 April and Sunday 1 May 2011.

b.    The Mayor paid thanks to retiring Councillors Bone, Mrs Church and Lacey.  Further thanks were offered to the Council for their work over the past four years and the land marks achieved during the term.

c.    Councillors Bone and Lacey thanked the Mayor and fellow councillors and expressed their enjoyment of their time as members of the Council.  Councillor Bone, having recently attended a Sea Cadet function hoped that the Council would continue to support them in the future.

212    MARKET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the meeting held on 7 April 2011 were received and adopted.

(Vote – For: 13, Against:  0)

213    PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the meeting held on 30 March 2011 were received and adopted.

(Vote – For: 13, Against:  0)

214    STAFFING, FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the meeting held on 17 March 2011 were received and adopted.

(Vote – For: 13, Against:  0)

215    WOODLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Town Clerk advised members that only the Category Four points had changed on the Plan.  He advised that when the Council took on the Woodland the intention was to pass it on to a Community Group to manage.  The Staffing, Finance & General Purposes Committee would now look at how this would be implemented and make recommendations to Council. He further confirmed that “Local Nature Reserve Status” had been applied for.

Proposed by Councillor A T Inch, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the Council approve and adopt the Revised Woodland Management Plan.

(Vote – For: 13,  Against: 0)

216    SECTION 106 FINANCED PROJECTS

After some consideration by members on the proffered project ideas, it was

Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That this agenda item be deferred for consideration of the new Council.

(Vote – For: 13,  Against: 0)

217    BRIDGE TRUST

Councillor Lacey briefed members on the income, expenditure, charitable donations and grants figures.  He further spoke on the record of the start up grants provided over the last quarter.
 
Councillor Christie expressed concern on the money provided by both the Bridge Trust and the Council to Torridge District Council in support of the Old Town toilets.  He intimated that a letter should be written voicing the Council’s concerns over the delay in the work being carried out.

The business of the meeting having been concluded the Mayor thanked the members for their attendance at the meeting which concluded at 7.40 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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