1 Public Session

2 Apologies for Absence: Mrs B Cotterill, Ms N Greenleaf, Mrs C Forsey, Mrs S Blake, Mr K Ronaldson and Mr J Sharpe

Absent: Mr J Broughton and Mr R Shutler.

3 Declaration of Interests

None

4 Young People’s Parish Council

Representatives reported that 5 new members had been elected. They also noted that they had raised £60 by setting up a car wash. A successful time had been had helping at the Bath and West show. Members had set up their own website: www.somersetyouth.co.uk.

5 Late Correspondence

Late correspondence included two late planning applications and two planning decisions. The applications were deferred, the decisions were read out by the Clerk in the Planning section.

6 Agreement of Minutes

The minutes of the monthly meeting held on 5 May 2009 were approved after an alteration to show Mr. J. Johnson as absent and signed as a correct record.

7 Matters Arising

A rabbit problem was noted at the allotments. It was thought that this related to a pile of rubbish on one of the plots. The Clerk would contact the holder with a view to requesting permission for other allotment holders to clear the pile.

Adrian Moore of SSDC had met with Simon Nevitt regarding the Playbuilder Grant. Mr Nevitt publicised a training day on the 5^th of June and was looking for support in attending this.

8 District Councillors’ Report

a) P Robathan reported on two planning decisions that had not yet been notified to the Parish Council; The Hospital plans had been approved with 25 conditions some oriented towards the access and travel arrangements specifically attempting to avoid the need for cars. Also, the replacement Scout Hut had been approved.

b) It was noted that grants for central heating had been improved and increased. Mr Robathan encouraged members to notify any potential claimants.

c) On 13 June the District Council would be holding a “Zerosum” event to publicise and encourage individuals to assist with climate change

d) The Tour of Britain Cycle race planned to visit Somerset again, this time for two days. This was seen as a favourable response to the way the event had been organised during the last visit.

e) Mr Robathan confirmed that the message regarding dog bins was that individuals should double bag and take home for disposal rather than expect further provision of such bins.

9 New Planning Applications

a) 01739adv Display of 1 non-illuminated fascia sign (revised application) for The Minster Veterinary, The Red House, 2, St. James’s Street. SPPC recommended refusal, as previously, on the basis that the sign was too large

b) 01371ful Re-positioning of front boundary walls to enclose part of lay-by and the erection of 1m high boundary fence with trellis at 36, South Street. SPPC recommended refusal on the basis that Condition 4 (1966) was now even more relevant with the significantly increased levels of traffic.

10. Membership of SPPC Working Parties and Representatives on Village Committees

This was again deferred until the next meeting.

11. CPSO Report

CPSO Charlotte Rogers reported that the Police Post was to be moved for three months to a new location at the Committee Room of the Blake Hall from the 3 June due to works being carried out at the David Hall over the summer. She also noted that she and a colleague were intending to carry out a scheme to place 30 mph stickers on wheeley bins in the area. She noted that she would appreciate a small Parish Council donation should this go ahead.

Speed Watch would be set up again to monitor traffic along Hayes End.

Off-road bikes were causing a particular nuisance in gardens at Stoodham currently

12 Highways

a) K Dexter reported that a full resurface of Lightgate Road from Lightgate Lane junction to Silver Street was planned for October 2009.

b) Seven significant road defects along Hayes End had been reported to the Highways authority. It was hoped that these would be addressed within two weeks.

c) The question of a mirror requested to aid visibility from the entrance to Stoodham had been raised. The Highways Authority was not in favour but the possibility of there being a precedent elsewhere was being investigated.

13 Footpaths

a) FP 24/78, a popular path in Over Stratton, currently has two fairly good condition stiles making it difficult to use for the less able. It was agreed that the Parish Council would request permission from the landowner to replace these with suitable gates. Following agreement a source for these would be found.

b) On FP 24/91 Towards Field Lane in Over Stratton, there had been an accident with some concealed corrugated iron. A question had been raised as to whether it was a right of way. Peter Kidner confirmed that the path was to be added to the next update of the definitive footpath map should there be no objections upheld.

c) Potential strimmer purchase. Mr Kidner reported that following his request that the Parish Council Purchase a strimmer, the District Council had now offered to provide one to be shared with Barrington Parish. There was some concern over how this would work but it was agreed that the arrangement be tried for a few months and then the need for South Petherton Parish to have its own would be reconsidered if necessary.

14 Recreation Ground

Maureen Moore had made it known that she would like the Council to defer a decision on any changes to the Memorial Garden while the South Petherton in Bloom group put a plan together. This was agreed.

C Willy reported that the Recreation field was in good condition and that the Cricketers’ and footballers’ storage container was now in place and being used.

15 Cemetery

Nothing to report.

16 Churchyard

K Dexter reported that a number of potential sites had been located but that the Rector was not in favour of further seats in the Churchyard. A meeting with the Parochial Church Council was necessary to get their views. Mr Dexter would put together costs and location details for seats and path work for inclusion in the agenda for the next PCC meeting.

17 Donations

A list of requests for donations with any similar gift from 2008 had been circulated for members to consider prior to the meeting (see attached). It was agreed that donations would be made in line with this, recognising that further requests would be addressed later in the year. Consideration would be given to the process whereby gifts were made.

18 Approval of Cheque Payments

Approval was given for cheques 3898 – 3911 value £9489.18 drawn as indicated on the list attached to these minutes.

19 To Consider

a) Blake Hall Paymaster – It was agreed that the Parish Council would act as Paymaster on behalf of the Blake Hall for this project.

b) Market Towns Investment Group Tourism signage project – The Parish Council accepted that signage was necessary.

c) Poop Scoop bins – No further bins would be supplied (see 8e).

d) Village of the Year Competition – It was felt that it was too soon to re-enter the competition, particularly considering the South Petherton in Bloom initiative.

Meeting closed at 8.20pm.

Chairman……………………… Date…………….