Temperature 16°c (61°f)
Clouds are
Few Broken
Humidity 82%
Minutes March 2006
BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 16 March 2006 at 7.30pm
in the Charter Hall Town Hall Bridgwater
Present:- Councillor W.J. Monteith (Mayor of Bridgwater – in the Chair)
Councillors M.D. Cresswell, B.J. Gillard, A.J. Moore, W.H. Munn,
P.G. Parker, Mrs K.E. Pearce, D.L. Preece, K.F. Richards,
Mrs G.J. Slocombe, P. Smeed and J. Turner J.P.
Apologies:- Councillors Granter, Loveridge, J.R. Munn and Needs.
80/05. MINUTES:
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of Bridgwater Town Council held on
26 January 2006 be confirmed and signed by the Mayor as a correct record subject to
the deletion of the word 'deferred' and replacement with the word 'denied' in
Minute 77/05 11. Notice of intention – Personal Statement by Cllr David Preece.
81/05. MATTERS ARISING:
1. Marsa Malta / Bridgwater Twinning – Draft Twinning and Co-operation
Agreement (Min 68/05 2.): The revised draft Agreement had been sent to Marsa and
their response and confirmation was awaited so that the signing ceremonies could be
set up.
82/05. Public Participation:
Proposed Youth Shelter on Coronation Playing Field: Representations were
received on behalf of residents of Avalon and Mendip Roads backing onto the field
about the proposed location of a Youth Shelter. The residents did not object in
principle but were concerned that a siting close to their properties in that part of the
field would exacerbate the amount of nuisance and disturbance already suffered. A
siting further away in the vicinity of the Rolla-coaster was requested. Cllr Cresswell
confirmed that planning permission was not required but that the residents had been
notified as a matter of consultation on the siting. Concern was expressed that the
Town Council had received no notification although ward councillors had.
RESOLVED:
1) That the Town Council support the views expressed on siting and
request that the location take these into account;
2) that the Town Council enquire why not consulted and ask to be
consulted in any future proposals; and
3) that any invitation to the Youth Service (& Police) be left to the
incoming Mayor and Town Clerk after the annual meeting.
( Cllrs Gillard and Richards declared an interest as members of the SDC Development
Control Committee and left the meeting for the item. )
83/05. REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ( 15 FEBRUARY 2006 ):
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 15 February 2006 (attached as an appendix) had been circulated and were introduced by the Chairman Cllr John Turner. Cllr Turner
commended the report to the Council and replied to questions. In particular he and
the Town Clerk explained why the item on the Angel Crescent 'Rocket Planter' had
come forward and the discussion regarding public conveniences. On the latter it was
stated that the Taunton Road facility was adjudged to have a lifespan of 18 months
and a cost of some £100,000.00 to replace.
RESOLVED:
1) That the Ward Budget Bidding application for Hamp Ward for
the provision of two garden benches at Gibb House in the sum of
£500.00 be approved as recommended;
2) that all other matters covered in the Finance Committee resolutions
be noted and endorsed.
( Cllrs Cresswell, Gillard, Parker, Mrs Slocombe and Smeed declared an interest in
Minute 23. Arts Centre and Cllr Parker also in CAB and Cllr Turner in Gibb House item. )
84/05. PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS:
RESOLVED: That the payments made since the last Meeting recorded in the Town
Clerk's Report dated 09 March 2006 be approved and confirmed.
85/05. REPORT ITEMS FOR NOTING:
The following were noted by Members with invitation to comment:
- Somerset Strategic Partnership – Somerset Economic Strategy – Extract from Executive Summary covering key issues and priorities and outlining the Strategic objectives.
- Local Development Framework – Statement of Community Involvement – Summary of draft document circulated at request of Planning Panel.
86/05. TOWN COUNCIL ACCOMMODATION and TOWN HALL and ISLAND SITE:
Members had received a presentation on the 09 March on outline plans for the site as
requested at the previous meeting. This showed the potential for a mix of uses
with the ability to retain the existing community resource. The Mayor had met with the
Leader of SDC at his request and received assurances that the brief for any disposal
would take into account the desire to retain the Town Hall and Charter Hall and the
Town Council's needs and requirements. This should put the open competition on a
level playing field. Members hoped that they would have a part to play in commenting
on the brief and the assessment of any bids.
RESOLVED: That although acknowledging that this is entirely a matter for SDC as
the owners of the land the Town Council confirm their expressed interest in the future
of the site and willingness for involvement at appropriate stages.
87/05. TOWN HALL CHARTER HALL and TRINITY HALL:
Notwithstanding the item above and previous correspondence and discussions the
Town Clerk reported further seperate letters from the Arts Officer of Sedgemoor which
requested the Town Council to present proposals by the end of April 2006. In both cases the letters (copies of which were circulated) set out the options SDC would be
prepared to consider. There had been no detailed discussions on these although the
Town Clerk had met with Allison Parsons Corporate Director in a useful exchange and
was continuing to receive requested information. However much more detailed
examination was required before the Town Council could be in a position to present
proposals. Members considered the envisaged timescale to be unreasonable and
were not prepared to be rushed into any agreement given that financial and legal and,
possibly, valuation advice would be required. Members also felt that SDC should be
advising and canvassing the current users and setting up a meeting to glean views and
interest. This would work towards an acceptable time-table being formulated.
RESOLVED: That the Town Clerk communicate these views to SDC and indicate that
the Town Council will be happy to be present at any meeting set up.
88/05. BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL – FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Town Clerk referred to the discussion at the Finance Committee (Minute 83/05
above) and to additional information obtained and awaited. This had been extended
to the future of public conveniences in the town upon which an initial response had
been submited. Members noted the functions already carried out and those where
contributions were made in cash or kind or offered or planned or partnership working
applied.
RESOLVED: That the Town Council re-confirm their willingness to consider specific
functions and areas subject to resources and ability to deliver and refer the issues to
the Finance Committee for detailed examination.
89/05. BRIDGWATER HERITAGE REGENERATION PARTNERSHIP:
A meeting of the partnership had been held and attended by Cllrs WH Munn and
Smeed and the Town Clerk. This was designed to examine the Costitution and
membership and a way forward. Representation would be one voting member
although a substitute or deputy could be nominated. Currently both members were
the Council's representatives. The Council had a clear line on financial contributions
and this would be further disscussed at the next BHRP meeting
RESOLVED: That Cllr Smeed be nominated with Cllr WH Munn as Deputy.
90/05. SOMERSET COAST PCT – OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE FOR NEW BRIDGWATER COMMUNITY NOSPITAL:
Members were referred to the Case approved by the PCT Board to go forward with a
preferred site at Bower Lane off the A39 Bath Road. Reservations were expressed
about the site which requred planning consent although Members were pleased to note
that the content of the proposal provided for the matters raised by the Town Council in
response to consultation including a maternity unit with birthing facility.
RESOLVED: That, whilst welcoming the proposed new hospital, the Council are
disappointed that there was no consultation on this site, which they regard as
unethical anyway, because of major concerns about accessibility and a disregard of
views expressed on other sites and as a consequence invite the PCT Chief Executive to a special meeting as a matter of urgency to explain the justification for this.
91/05. PUBLICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE:
The Town Clerk reported on correspondence and papers received and those included
in the report.
RESOLVED: That the following items be noted and actioned as appropriate:
1. Northgate and Eastover – Stakeholders and Community Consultation events
2. Review of Tendered Bus Services
3. Street Naming – new road off Victoria Road access to BIC centre – Request to
submit suggestions to Town Clerk and consider from list of historical names received
4. SCC meeting with Towns and parishes 05 June 2006 – Cllr Mrs Slocombe
nominate representative
5. Disused allotment land at Kidsbury Road (site of proposed Care Home) –
Deferred for further information on proven need and consideration of alternatives
6. Signpost sculpture – objections and response from Lead Officer
7. Somerset Community Foundation – access to grants and financial aid for organisations
8. Police response – letter from Sedgemoor and East Bridgwater campus schools -
Mayor to take up with Chief Inspector Hart
9. Admiral Robert Blake – 2007 – 350th anniversary of his death – Blake Museum -
Referred to Finance Committee for report back to Council
10. Association of Charter Trustee Towns and Charter Town Councils – Executive
meeting – Agree to submission of appropriate letter on possible re-organisation
11. Tenants Newsletter
12. Post Office Branch move Raleigh House Parkway with effect from 01 April 2006
13. Premises Licence Variation – Arts Centre – No objections
14. Sedgemoor District Local Plan 1991 – 2011 – Complimentary copy held in office
( Declarations of interest - Cllr Parker in item1. and Cllrs Parker (County Councillor) and Gillard and Richards (SDC Development Control Committee) in item 6. and Cllr Parker in item 13 (Arts Centre). )
92/05. ANNUAL MEETING AND MAYOR-MAKING 05 MAY 2006:
Members discussed detailed arrangements for the Mayor-Making meeting.
RESOLVED: That the agenda and programme be prepared as now agreed.
The meeting finished at 9.30pm