Town Council Minutes 11 August 2011

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

Bideford on Thursday 11 August 2011 at 6.30 pm

BIDEFORD TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of the Town Council held in
the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bideford on Thursday 11 August 2011 at 6.30 pm

PRESENT:

North Ward:

Councillor Mrs E A Brenton
Councillor P S Christie
Councillor D C Fulford
Councillor Mrs M P Fulford
Councillor T J Johns (Town Mayor)

South Ward:

Councillor D G Brenton
Councillor S G Inch
Councillor P J Pester
Councillor R I Wootton

South (Outer) Ward:

Councillor A T Powell

East Ward:

Councillor S E L Clarke
Councillor P Davies
Councillor M C Langmead
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)
PC J Wright (Devon & Cornwall Constabulary)
6 x Members of the Public
1 x Member of the Press

070    PRAYERS

On the invitation of the Mayor prayers were offered by Reverend Alan Glover from St Mary’s Parish Church, Bideford.

071    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillors  A T Inch (South Ward – Personal) and D A Howell (East Ward – Holiday).


072    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

Councillors Christie and Johns declared a personal interest in agenda item 16. (Trustees, Bideford Bridge Trust).

073    PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

A member of the public expressed his appreciation to the Market Management Committee for getting the area around the Pannier Market cleaned up.  He noted however that there is still a problem with weeds in the town generally.

A second member of the public spoke about the Atlantic Array.  Before speaking to Council he asked that it be minuted that although he is a District Councillor he was attending the meeting as a member of the public and not as the representative of an elected body.  He went on to provide facts and figures about the proposed Atlantic Array and urged Bideford Town Council to make sure they profited financially from this project.  Councillor Powell then responded and advised that he has e-mailed Torridge District Council regarding the Town Council’s involvement in the Atlantic Array and would also urge the Council to become involved.  Councillor Christie spoke further about the Atlantic Array and Councillor Clarke mentioned a report that had been presented at a meeting with Torridge District Council and asked that the member of the public provide a copy as he had been at this meeting.

A third member of the public said that he was ashamed of some of the Councillors’ behaviour towards the Town Clerk at last month’s meeting especially after all he had done for Bideford.

A fourth member of the public outlined his concerns regarding the grime in the town and the infrastructure which does not seem to be able to cope with the current level of occupation.  He is concerned that more houses are planned for Bideford.   Councillor Brenton then advised that he has had a site meeting with a sewer engineer and that the sewer at Devonshire Park will be updated.  Councillor Mrs Fulford expressed agreement with the member of the public.

074    MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 14 July 2011 were approved and signed as a     correct record.

(Vote – For: 11,  Against: 0, Abstentions: 3)
075
    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 14 July – 10 August 2011.  

•    Assaults  -  20
•    Criminal Damage -  7
•    Theft/Dishonesty - 14
•    Burglary - 2
•    Public Order - 4
•    Drugs - 2

PC Wright then advised that the prolific shoplifter mentioned in previous reports has recently spent three further periods in police custody and is now sentenced to a further month of imprisonment.

From a Police point of view the Water Festival passed off without major incident.

Mention was made at the last Council Meeting of the potential for using volunteers to man Enquiry Offices. The comments made were forwarded to the Blueprint Team in Exeter who has replied saying this was an option that was considered and enquiries were made with Thames Valley Police who run a similar scheme.  After consideration it was deemed unsuitable to run the scheme within Devon and Cornwall.

c.    The Mayor then invited Members to submit questions.  Questions and comments raised included:

•    An observation about the burglaries that had taken place through insecure windows.  The Councillor would prefer a situation where you
     could safely leave windows open.
•    One Councillor commented that following the riots he is pleased to see some more common sense policing without copious paperwork
     being filled in.
•    A request for an update on the Police Office at Pollyfield (Councillor Mrs Davies advised that it is open on a Tuesday and Thursday)
•    Why is there on-going work/expenditure on the wall at the Police Station if it is now closed?
•    Is there an update on the concern that an individual may be taking photographs of children in Victoria Park?  
•    Have patrols been increased within alcohol free zones within the town.
•    Is CCTV on business premises illegal and against Human Rights?
 
d.    The Mayor then thanked PC Wright for attending the Meeting and updating Members     accordingly.

076    MONTHLY REPORT FROM THE LOCAL COUNTY COUNCILLOR

a.    The Mayor welcomed Councillor Mrs Boyle to the Meeting.

b.    Councillor Boyle advised Members on the following issues:

•    Atlantic Array – She had recently been to Lundy and spoken with the Island Manager about the impact the Atlantic Array may have
     on  Lundy.  She expressed her disappointment that she had not received anything from RWE.
•    Northern Peninsular Strategic Housing Management Assessment.
•    Winter Service Meeting at Woolsery.  This was very much focused on the rural areas.  She expressed her appreciation that the Town
     Clerk and Councillor A T Inch had attended.
•    It is essential that the gut in the Torridge is maintained and does not get silted up because if it does the larger ships will not be able to
     come in to Bideford.
•    Devonshire Park - Thank you to Councillor A T Inch for his work in encouraging buses to Devonshire Park.  Efforts are also being made
     to get the public pathway around West Croft School lit.
•    The banners on the lampposts on the approach to Bideford look very attractive.
•    Praise was given to the Bideford 500 and the Atlantic Watersports.
•    Sadness was expressed for the gentleman found deceased at East-the-Water Church.

c.    The Mayor then invited Members to submit questions.  Questions and comments raised included:

•    The possibility of moving the Tourist Information Centre when major budget funds come through from the County Council - Councillor Mrs Boyle then explained the scope of the different budgets.
•    Winter services – would it be possible to arrange for the pavements in the town to be gritted during snowy/icy periods.  The Town Clerk advised that town and parish councils had responsibility for clearing footpaths.
•    Could a consultation be organized to explore the idea of resident’s parking around Elm Grove, Lime Grove etc?
•    Illegal parking in Hart Street.
•    Using the Bideford/Westward Ho! Railway line as an extension of the Tarka Trail.  Could Councillor Mrs Boyle help progress this project?
•    The possibility of designating one side of the Long Bridge footpath for pedestrians and the other side for cyclists.
•    Councillor Brenton requested that any changes to parking restrictions at Hart Street should involve St John Ambulance as they have
     their premises there.

(Councillor Brenton declared a personal interest in Hart Street as Chairman, St John Ambulance)

d.    The Mayor then thanked Councillor Mrs Boyle for attending the meeting and updating Members accordingly.

077    COMMUNICATION BROUGHT FORWARD ON THE DIRECTION OF THE MAYOR

•    A letter has been received from Devon & Cornwall Constabulary acknowledging the Council’s letter to the Chief Constable.  The
    Council’s correspondence has been forwarded to Barnstaple and it can expect to receive a response within 28 days.
•    An email has been received via Councillor Robinson indicating that no information has been found about a traffic survey in the Pannier
     Market location.  Councillor Christie requested that the Joint Delivery Team be asked if they have taken action on this issue.
•    Councillor Mrs Brenton was thanked for her Sure Start report.
078    MARKET ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 4 August 2011 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 14,  Against: 0)

079    MARKET MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 4 August 2011 were approved and adopted.

(Vote – For: 14,  Against: 0)

080    PLANNING COMMITTEE
 
a.    The Minutes of the Meeting held on 20 July 2011 were approved and adopted.

    (Vote – For: 14,  Against: 0)

Councillor Christie informed Members that he had expressed his concern regarding the percentage of affordable housing (according to Strongvox) for the Pollyfield development at the beginning of the Planning Meeting held on 10 August 2011. He asked the Town Clerk to clarify the percentage with Torridge District Council.

b.    The Minutes of the Meeting held on 10 August 2011 were then approved and adopted.

    (Vote – For: 14 ,  Against: 0)

081    STAFFING, FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

a.    The Minutes of the Meeting held on 21 July 2011 were approved and adopted.

    (Vote – For:14,  Against: 0)

b.    Prior to approval and adoption of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 27 July 2011 the following comments were made:

•    Councillor Brenton advised that he had never previously been required to leave a properly convened Town Council meeting.  He felt it had been closed and not adjourned and therefore the procedure which then followed had not been done correctly.  The Town Clerk advised that the meeting had not been concluded – just stopped in order to seek legal advice, and therefore there was no requirement to issue a further agenda.  
•    It was suggested that all councillors should have the opportunity to meet the short listed candidates for the role of Town Clerk.  It was also advocated that it should be the Committee Chairmen who form the interviewing panel.  Disappointment was expressed that the interview panel does not include a woman.

c.    The Minutes of the Meeting held on 27 July 2011 were approved and adopted.

    (Vote – For: 12,  Against: 2)

082    BIDEFORD BRIDGE TRUST REPRESENTATION

Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Pester be nominated as the Council’s representative to replace Councillor S G Inch on the Bideford Bridge Trust.

(Vote – For: 9,  Against: 0, Abstentions: 5)


083    DRAFT VISION AND ACTION PLAN FOR BIDEFORD

The Members received the Chamber of Commerce’s Draft Vision and Action Plan for Bideford and the following comments were made:

•    There are lots of great ideas in the plan but concern was expressed as to how they will be achieved.
•    It was felt that the recent presentation by the Chamber of Commerce had been enthusiastic and positive and Members are looking forward to working with them.
•    It was felt that the Draft Vision and Action Plan should be given general support.
•    Individual aspects of the plan were also selected by Members for comment.

Proposed by Councillor Powell, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the Council supports the Chamber of Commerce’s Draft Vision and Action Plan for Bideford and further suggests that the two organisations work together to create an achievable Community Action Plan.

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

084    TORRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL PLANNING TRAINING DAY

Proposed by Councillor Christie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the Planning Training be held on Wednesday 7 September 2011 at 6.00 pm.

(Vote – For: 14, Against: 0)

085    BRIDGE TRUST

Councillor Christie briefed Members on the income, expenditure, charitable donations and grants figures.  He advised that £21,000 has been agreed for East-the-Water School for a special outdoor playground.  He also said that due to funding changes Torridge Training Services are experiencing a cash short fall and have approached the Bridge Trust for some funds.  They will also be approaching the Town Council and Torridge District Council.

The business of the Meeting having been concluded the Mayor thanked the Members for their attendance at the Meeting which concluded at 8.25 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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