1 Apologies for Absence: Apologies were received from Mrs. E. M. Willy, Mr. R. Palmer, Mr. H. Warden, Mr. W. Davis and Mr. J. Sharpe.

2 Declaration of Interests

Mr. R. Beale declared an interest in items 24 (recreation field caretaker) and 21 relative to work at the Cemetery. Mr. L. Port declared an interest in item 12, planning for the Swedish House, South Harp, Over Stratton.

3 Young People’s Parish Council

The spokesperson was unable to attend so no report was heard.

4 District Councillors’ Report

a) This item was brought forward as Rowena Smith (SCC) had been invited to the meeting to give an update on the County approach to Footpath issues. She had been asked to investigate and clarify existing complaints. Having identified those that had arisen over the last three years and categorised the types of problem, a list would be compiled and appropriate agencies would be contacted in due course. The Parish Council would place a copy in the library box and another on the notice board. She distinguished between maintenance type matters that mostly fell within the remit of SSDC (represented by David Shears also present), these included barbed wire over and ploughing footpaths. These matters were normally resolved with agreement with landowners. The County Council was responsible for enforcement type issues such as locked gates or other obstructions. These could involve legal action but not before consultation with Parish and District Councils. The County Council has the power to force the removal but normally seeks an agreed resolution. Time scale for expected solutions varied from maintenance type issues (four to six weeks) to enforcement (minimum of thirty days) and beneficial solutions (e.g. re-routing footpaths, six to twelve months). She noted that it was hoped that the definitive footpath map would be on the Internet by the end of 2005. The chairman introduced the topic of the Stewardship Scheme. Paull Robathan thanked Rowena Smith and David Shears for attending.

b) Mr. Paull Robathan noted that the Council Tax increase was to be contained at 3%. He also said that due to lack of support at the District Council meeting, District Council funding for the Lengthsman Scheme was looking difficult. He committed to helping the Parish Council in this regard. The Parish Council Chairman noted that a job offer had been made and accepted for this role. The council agreed to go ahead with the scheme.

c) Keith Ronaldson (SSDC) reported that a workshop recently held had investigated the theme of regeneration. This looked mainly at tourism and methods of increasing the attractiveness of the region.

d) Paull Robathan agreed to look into the reason that neither the 2003/4 resubmitted Recreation Maintenance Grant nor the 2004/5 Interim Grant had been paid.

5 Levels and Moors Partnership

Nancy Burditt (Project Officer) spoke on behalf of LAMP. She described the formation in 1995 of the Partnership that was set up to act as a go-between with the Parishes and the various agencies associated with the Levels and Moors. Eighty six Parish Councils were arranged into six groups, South Petherton being closest related to the Southern Moors Group. The Partnership has meetings with the various groups during the year and is able to assist with very varied projects from setting up circular walks to Rights of Way improvement plans.

6 Grass Play Area at Stoodham

Jeannette Lambe (Development Manager South Somerset Homes) presented the options open regarding the piece of land to the rear of the new housing development at Stoodham. It had been suggested that the land could be given to the Council with a Section 106 order ensuring that it would always remain a green area. It was proposed and agreed that South Somerset Homes should keep the ground and maintain any grass until such time as the need for an organised and equipped play area was established. The Clerk would write and confirm this.

7 Late Correspondence

This will be dealt with under the appropriate agenda item i.e. play inspection reports and planning decisions.

8 Agreement of Minutes

The minutes of the monthly meeting held on 8^th February 2005 were signed as a correct record.

9 Matters Arising or Raised by Members

a) It was reported that the required hatching and road markings around Stoodham junction with Silver Street had still not been completed (Item 15a, January minutes)

b) Mr. J. Johnson had reported fly tipping near the end of Droveway. The Clerk would inform the District Council. Mrs. M. Buckle had made a similar observation at Carey’s Hollow. The latter would be reported to South Somerset Homes and Mrs. Buckle advised that this had been done.

c) There had been no response to 15b, the report of sharp protruding branches after hedge cutting in Hospital Lane.

d) The caretaker has returned the unused £100 float.

e) Item 6e regarding a light in Prigg Lane car park that has not worked for the past year was again noted. Sue Wallis would e-mail Paull Robathan with details.

f) The Tennis Club remained concerned that not all clippings arising from the cutting of the conifer hedge had been removed. The clerk would contact the contractor again.

10 Planning Verdicts

The verdicts on planning applications received during the month were reported.

11 New Planning Applications

a) 00349ful Demolition of shed and erection of extensions to form new kitchen and porch and ground floor shower room at 2 Whitehall The Parish Council recommended approval.

b) 00260ful Erection of a conservatory at 22 Compton Road. The Parish Council recommended approval.

c) 00403ful Demolish an existing single storey area and erect an extension at Swedish House, South Harp, Over Stratton. The Parish Council recommended approval.

d) 00428ful Extension of residential curtilage and construction of a tennis court, Manor House, Middle Lambrook. The Parish Council had no objection.

g) 00167ful Erection of first floor extension to rear of dwelling at 19 South Street. The Parish Council reiterated the reasons given for recommended refusal in February 2005 in spite of the amendment of the removal of Dormer windows.

12 South Petherton Village Plan

Brian Herrick reported that a decision had been made regarding the data input and that this was about to be started, ideally with more volunteers.

13 Lengthsman

a) Following resolution of insurance issues it was anticipated that David Muir would commence on the 29^th March 2005.

b) David Harvey had agreed to co-ordinate the work over the five parishes. The Councillors were reminded that requests for work to be carried out should now be listed and routed through Mr. Harvey.

14 Highways

a) A letter from Mr. C. Blackmore regarding removal of earth opposite his property was under investigation but it was agreed that it was unlikely that this would be carried out as the bank formed a buttress to the wall. The Clerk would write explaining this to Mr. Blackmore.

b) White lining in the parish was deteriorating, notably the corner of South Street by the turning to Moor was very faint and therefore dangerous. The Clerk would inform the Highways Department, Keith Ronaldson would also contact Kim Sharpe directly about the matter.

c) In addition to the fly tipping mentioned in matters arising, the clerk was asked to contact the owner of land off Bridge road where fridges had been tipped, to make him aware.

d) There was also some tipping off the route from Ben Cross to Compton Durville, Mr. Kidner reported this and would clarify the location if needed.

15 Community Speed Watch

P Mottram reported that Yeovil Police had sent two officers to train volunteers. Unfortunately not all the volunteers could attend. The Chairman thanked Mr. Mottram for pursuing the matter.

16 Footpaths

a) A meeting had proved difficult to arrange but would take place shortly. The chairman noted that Mr. Kidner had been co-opted to the committee and as such should have been invited to the previous meeting. He apologised to Mr. Kidner for this oversight.

b) The Parish Stewardship Process was to commence with the return of the Public Rights of Way Survey being completed by the Footpaths Committee and returned by the 25^th March.

17 Cemetery Matters

Mr. Les Port noted that considerable improvements were underway with the filling of potholes in the track, path edging and tree work. It was pointed out that the fence was full of holes where it appeared that badgers were entering the cemetery and were likely to cause damage. A quote would be sought for the replacement of this fence.

18 Churchyard Matters

The new contractor for the grass maintenance had been shown the area and informed of the work that was required.

19 Pavilion Matters

Following the fire inspector’s recommendations Mr. Busell reported that £300 had been spent on work necessary to obtain a fire certificate. It was proposed and agreed that when Mr. Bussell had supplied invoices, the council would fund 50% of the cost. Pete Mottram would request the invoices.

20 Recreation Field

a) The Lengthsman would plant the agreed £100 of Shrubs in the area near the steps at Bridge Road.

b) Mr. Chris Willy had met with the inspector of the play equipment. Essential work on the tree house had been identified (top ladder rung cracked and side bars on the shelter portion needed screwing in place) and Mr. Willy would organise this work with Mr. Reg Beale.

c) The MUGA was now reported as on order with the location agreed. Mr. Willy emphasised that a vote of thanks was due to Mrs. Sandra Dickie and Mr. John Russell for negotiating the purchase from Base Leisure. Savings due to the negotiation would in part be used towards the employment of a surveyor to ensure that the construction met with expectations and requirements.

d) Mr. Willy had met David Wright (potential contractor) on site to investigate the options regarding skateboarding facilities. Over the period that they were on site several young people gave their views, which indicated enthusiasm but no real organisation.

e) Mr. Willy noted that some tree work was required. Near the Memorial Garden which was getting to look too closed in. Mr. P. Kidner would be approached with regard to tree removal after the Chairman had looked at the situation with Mr. Willy.

f) The cricket club was to buy netting for £311. It was agreed that this would be paid by the Parish Council.

g) Mr. R. Beale would remove the roller that was near the Youth Club free of charge.

h) The council would review the holding of keys for the main gates near the Youth Club and consider welding over the top of the hinges to prevent them from being lifted off.

i) The Clerk would write to Mr. P. Bussell asking him to ensure that the Disabled Grpoup that used the Pavilion on Thursdays closed the gate properly after leaving.

21 Approval of Cheque Payments

Approval was given for cheques drawn as indicated on the list attached to these minutes plus cheques for £757.71 to Knights Electrical and £25.19 to the Consortium. The latter cheques would not be paid until Mrs Sharon Blake returned from holiday to ensure they were in order.

21 Venue for future Parish Council Meetings

It was agreed that the Junior School was proving suitable for the meetings, particularly with the councillors seating arranged such that their comments were audible to members of the public present.

22 Tenders

a) The Parish Council went into a closed session to discuss the following;

The Caretaker post was awarded to Beale Heating and Building for the period of a year. The Clerk would write to confirm this appointment and request that the company presents a monthly invoice.

c) A phase 2 of work required at the cemetery was agreed to be awarded to Beale Heating and Building at an estimated cost of £170.

The meeting closed 10.50pm

Minutes Approved by: Chairman………………………

Date………………………..