1 Election of Chairman: R Neve was proposed by S Dickie, seconded by K Dexter and duly elected as Chairman.

2 Election of Vice Chairman: P Mottram was proposed by R Neve, seconded by C Willy and duly elected as Vice Chairman.

3 Apologies for Absence There were no apologies.

4 Youth Parish Council

There was no report from SP Youth Parish Council.

5 Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest.

6 Late Correspondence

Covered under the relevant agenda item.

7 Agreement of Minutes

The minutes of the monthly meeting held on 7 April 2008 were approved and signed as a correct record.

8 Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

9 New Planning Applications

a) 01648lbc and 01649ful The erection of a single storey extension and conversion of garden room into an oratory at 12 Palmer Street. SP PC recommended approval.

b) 01370ful Erection of a conservatory at 38 Summershard. SP PC recommended approval.

c) 01811ful Demolition of existing house and outbuildings and the erection of 6 dwellings and associated works at 5 Roundwell Street. There were few differences to the planning application previously submitted so SP PC recommended refusal for the same reasons as the last time when this application was last considered.

d) 01758tpo Carry out tree surgery works to a weeping willow shown as T1of the SSDC Tree Preservation Order at The Old Granary, Coles lane. SP PC recommended approval.

10 Membership of Parish Council Working Parties and Representatives on Village Committees

a) These were agreed as per the attached list.

b) P Mottram explained why Community Speed Watch has stopped and the suggestion of mobile flashing speed signs which is being considered by the SSDC Market Towns Initiative was discussed.

11 Local Development Plan

It was agreed that K Dexter, S Dickie, N Greenleaf, J Johnson and R Neve would review sections of the draft Local Development Plan and meet to consider the SP PC response which is due by the end of May 2008.

12 Highway Matters

a) Surface dressing is planned for Hayes End from the A303 to Bridge Road, Frogmary` Street and Moor Lane for July 2008.

b) Somerset Highways have been asked to deal with the poor state of the trees in Carey’s Hollow.

c) The surface of Doctor’s Row requires attention but there is also a problem with water damage from missing gutters and over hanging trees of neighbouring properties. Repairs need to be in keeping with the current style of the lane.

d) Quotes have been received for a Twinning sign at the entrance to the village in Hayes End. Before a decision is made, K Dexter will look at all the signs at the entrance to the village and discuss with Somerset Highways what is really necessary. It was noted that the new cemetery sign is badly positioned being on the wrong side of the road.

e) A pot hole at Creedy Bridge requires attention.

13 Footpaths

Nothing to report

14 Recreation Ground

a) The hasp on the broken gate has been repaired but now part of the fence has been pulled up.

b) There has been a site meeting to discuss the siting of the new youth shelter and consideration is being given to moving the football pitch by 5 – 10 yards to ease the congestion in the area of the tennis court and MUGA.

c) A container for use by the cricket/football club is available at a cost of £850, but it was agreed that this would be considered as a grant application in June.

d) The options of rebuilding the wall or to have railings at the Bridge Road steps were considered. Rebuilding the wall is favoured and quotes will be obtained for this.

e) The contribution related to the new developments in SP still needs to be clarified

15 Cemetery

The Lengthsman will be putting up the new SP cemetery sign at the entrance to the cemetery. The Somerset Highways directional sign has been poorly placed on the wrong side of the road.

16 Churchyard

a) Mrs Heard and Mr Ballard will be looking after the main flower bed at the church yard, but it is not yet clear who is going to be looking after the side flower beds.

b) Quotes have been obtained for the pier and church wall. The PCC want to consider these at their next meeting in July and then involve their architect, but there is serious concern about the state of the east wall and the delay this will cause.

c) The possibility of moving Garden of Remembrance to the churchyard will be discussed with the PCC by K Dexter.

17 Approval of Cheque Payments

a) There was a revised list of cheque payments as so many late invoices were received. Approval was given for cheques 3675 - 3700; value £65,372.31, drawn as indicated on the list attached to these minutes.

b) The new bank mandate has not yet been completed as the bank does not have the correct forms available.

18 Accounts for 2007/2008

The audited accounts for 2007/2008 were approved. The internal auditor's report will be considered at the next meeting.

19 County Councillor’s Report

There was no report.

20 District Councillors’ Report

a) The new library gates are in place and a letter of thanks will be sent to the property owner.

b) Direct contact numbers are now available for Mike Fear and Colin Fletcher from Somerset Highways.

c) Some parishes are mapping all the gullies in their village; something SP might want to consider.

d) The appeal for the new house in George Lane has been dismissed.

e) The police have publicised their priorities and the crime statistics. K Ronaldson will let SP PC have a copy of the report.

f) The Strategic Safer Neighbourhood teams are working well.

g) The checks at Podimore roundabout in January covered 8,160 vehicles and of these 106 were stopped.

21 To Consider

a) Affordable Housing Sites – SP PC have a meeting planned with R Pallister to discuss local housing needs and are keen to see affordable housing for local people, but housing that can continue to be for local people. This request to provide details of land owned by the parish for possible future affordable housing sites will be discussed again after this meeting, but the immediate response is not to provide the information requested as SPPC may come under pressure to dispose of this land that the parish owns.

b) Annual Parish Meeting – The police PACT discussion will be discussed at the Local Action Group meeting on 20 May 2008.

c) Appointment of Internal Auditor. It was agreed that Henry Lovegrove would be asked to continue as the Internal Auditor.

d) Appointment of Youth Worker – There had been no queries about the costings and programme previously circulated and it was agreed to appoint Pete May and his company as the Youth Worker paid by SP PC to work on activities with the young people, particularly on Friday evenings. These will compliment but be separate to the existing youth club.

e) Poop Scoop Bins – Following the comments at the Annual Parish Meeting it was agreed to purchase another poop scoop bin for Mere Lane and then reassess the situation. The bin in Hele Lane is being replaced but in a slightly different position. It was noted that SSDC will fine persistent offenders based on circumstantial evidence.

f) Social Evening for Parish Councillors – Keith Duffield was thanked for his suggestion of a trip on the Bridgwater/Taunton Canal and asked to suggest a suitable date.

g) Summer Activities for Older People and Young People – The information has been circulated to the various groups in SP.

The meeting then closed to the public for the annual review for the clerk and caretakers salaries and the clerk’s hours of work.

Chairman……………………… Date…………….