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Minutes November 2006
BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2006 AT 7.30PM
IN THE MEMBERS’ ROOM, TOWN HALL, BRIDGWATER
PRESENT: Cllr P Smeed (Deputy Mayor of Bridgwater – in the Chair), Cllrs MD Cresswell, BJ Gillard, JG Granter, DP Loveridge, WJ Monteith, JR Munn,
WH Munn, MD Needs, DL Preece, KF Richards, Mrs GJ Slocombe, and
J Turner (JP)
Apologies: The Mayor (Cllr Parker) and Cllrs Moore and M/s Pearce
44/06 MINUTES:
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of Bridgwater Town Council held on
05 October 2006 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
45/06 MATTERS ARISING:
- Gift of Medals (Min 35/06.1) – Members welcomed the fact that the medals had been found and looked forward to the day when they could be displayed on the Town Council’s own premises.
- Town Hall and Charter Hall (Min 38/06.2) – Members referred to the exempt report to be considered by the Executive of SDC dealing with both halls in Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater, which should give an indication of the way forward.
- St Margaret’s Hospice New Build Appeal (Min 41/06) – The Town Clerk reported a letter from a resident applauding the Town Council (and the local press) for the way in which consideration of a contribution to funding of the Hospice had been handled.
- Eastover Park proposed cycle way and objections (Min 43/06.1) – Reference was made to a letter from Somerset County Council to the District Council, the tone of which was highly unsatisfactory and some of the contents of which were incorrect. This had been explained at length previously.
- BCI Victoria Children’s Centre and Play Area (Min 43/06.17) – Local members reported on problems with noise from equipment at the centre, which was being dealt with; that the surgery was due to open at the end of December; and that damage to the children’s play area had been minimal and repaired.
46/06 BRIDGWATER CHALLENGE; NORTHGATE; AND THE TOWN HALL & ISLAND SITE:
Polly Adams and Doug Bamsey of SDC gave a presentation and update on the Bridgwater Challenge and in particular the consideration by the Executive of SDC of the “New Directions for Bridgwater” report. They explained the way in which this was being taken forward and the invitation extended to the Town Clerk on behalf of the Town Council to join the Steering Group.
In relation to Northgate and Eastover/St John Street, they explained the work undertaken by the consultants, including the retail study and the outcomes. The preferred option in respect of Northgate was issued with public consultation sessions set next week. A similar draft proposals map in respect of Eastover was expected, although this would take the form of an overall strategy, giving a policy framework for future development, rather than the ownership led possibilities in Northgate.
Members raised various questions, which were responded to in relation to the effect on Eastover and St John Street of the Northgate proposals, provision of car parking within Northgate to replace existing, the balance between residential and retail, the re-alignment of the road and down grading providing greater priority for pedestrians, and the loss of even more of the Brewery field. All these issues would have to be addressed as development proposals were firmed up.
In relation to the Town Hall and Island Site, although a provisional report had been received this was not yet suitable and further work was required from the consultants. There was a need to know what was viable, as well as providing a marketing strategy. The timetable envisaged this for the following week.
RESOLVED:
1. That the report and information be noted and the officers thanked for the updates;
2. That the appointment of the Town Clerk to the Steering Group be confirmed and a request made that the Mayor (or Deputy Mayor) should also attend.
47/06 PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS:
The Town Clerk confirmed that the Ward Grant (HAMP) was to the La Ciotat House Residents Association.
RESOLVED: That the payments since the last meeting, recorded in the Town Clerk’s Report dated 01/11/06, be approved and confirmed.
(Cllr Creswell declared an interest in the item related to Griffens Carnival Club and took no part in the consideration).
48/06 REPORT ITEMS FOR NOTING:
The following were noted by Members with invitation to comment:-
- Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain – interest in land at Bristol Road – interest confirmed and further information exchanged and report on steps to take forward, including planning situation and need for consultation with District Valuer
(Cllr Mrs Slocombe declared an interest in relation to the adjoining Carnival Club site and took no part in the discussion and did not vote thereon).
- Building Schools for the Future – extreme regret that the Town Council were not advised formally or invited to support the bid put together by the County Council to secure resources for the building of four new secondary schools in the town – representations to be made to appropriate members and officers at the County Council
(Cllrs Loveridge, J Munn and Mrs Slocombe declared an interest in this matter and took no part in the discussion).
- Hinkley Point and Emergency Planning (reference from Planning Panel) – letter to be sent to the Station Director and clarification to be obtained on the emergency planning function.
- Mace Bearer/Mayor’s Marshall – resignation and retirement – noted that the Mayor had something in mind to recognise the service of the Mace Bearer. Past Mayors expressed appreciation for the work undertaken during their terms of office.
49/06 MEMORIALS, SAFETY AND TESTING POLICES:
The Town Council had been invited to comment on a draft report prepared for SDC, which resulted from Health & Safety issues and guidance from the Ombudsmen because of the implications for Bristol Road and Quantock Road Cemeteries, as well as some 23 closed churchyards. The Planning panel, in view of the timescale, had provided initial comments and the Town Clerk had circulated a paper prepared by Cllr Mrs Slocombe, which suggested that an option should be taken for all the unsafe memorials to be dealt with over a two-year period, with considerable administrative savings and less possible concerns to bereaved families. Members supported the point put forward by Cllr Mrs Slocombe on the basis that the best value would be obtained by re-fixing with the ground anchor system. The report was to be considered by the SDC Executive, together with Mrs Slocombe’s paper and the original view of the Town Council’s Planning Panel.
RESOLVED:
1. That in principle the Town Council support the views put forward by
Cllr Mrs Slocombe and the use of the ground anchor system to be undertaken over
the shorter two-year period;
2. that, subject to any necessary advice on the legality of the Town Council’s involvement
and provided consulted on the presice numbers and costs for Quantock Road and
Bristol Road Cemeteries, the Town Council will examine ways in which they can best
assist with the financing of the project;
3. that the Town Council also indicate their willingness to assist with the works necessary
in the closed Wembdon Road Churchyard.
50/06 ADDITIONAL STREET LIGHTING REQUESTS – SAXON GREEN AND WYE AVENUE:
Members were reminded that provision of street lighting had previously been subject to a joint financing scheme between local council, district and county, although the County Council now gave no funding support under the scheme other than to pick up energy and maintenance costs in some cases. The Town Clerk reported the two requests, one relating to the link path at Wye Avenue, and one related to garage areas at Saxon Green. It was understood there was a possibility of funding from housing in the latter case.
RESOLVED:
- That the Town Council are prepared to consider funding one standard for two lights, subject to confirmation that Housing are no longer prepared to assist with the energy funding and confirmation that the County Council will pick up energy and maintenance costs;
- that in respect to Wye Avenue Ward members be requested to inspect to establish the need;
- that other cases continue to be treated on their merits having regard to any budget available to the Town Council.
(Cllr Loveridge declared an interest in this matter as a member of SCC and took no part in the consideration and did not vote thereon.)
51/06 DEPUTY MAYOR ITEMS:
- Town Council Meeting 14/12/06 – in the absence of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and several members it was agreed the meeting should be cancelled and an urgent meeting on a different date convened should the need arise (next ordinary meeting 18/01/07).
- Christmas Lights Switch-on – invitation extended by the Mayor to join him in the Mayor's Parlour on 18 November 2006 at a reception following the Switch-on.
- Remembrance Day – invitation from the Mayor to join him for lunch following the Parade – arrangements in hand for service at the Cenotaph.
- SCC Public Service Nominations – members noted that Cllrs John Turner and Kathy Pearce had been nominated. Members confirmed congratulations to the successful nominee Jean Grant and to the two Bridgwater Town Council members.
52/06 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:-
- Eastover/St John Street – continuing campaign for CCTV in St John Street area and Eastover and anti-social behaviour issues. Meeting of traders held and follow up of signage and traffic/pedestrian priority issues;
- Mental Health: Fit for Future – further representations submitted in relation to Cranleigh House and unsatisfactory reply received – to be pursued.
- Christmas lighting schemes and budget contribution – referred to Finance Committee for determination.
- Road Traffic Regulation Orders – temporary road closures affecting Colley Lane and Town Centre for Remembrance Parade.
- Allotment Tenants Association – meeting held to reconsider fencing at Friarn Lawn – referred to Finance Committee to approve £2500 towards scheme (50%) and to request review of realistic rent levels.
- Affordable Housing – paper prepared by Duncan Harvey, Strategic Housing Officer, SDC, and issued to members – presentation to be considered in due course.
- SDC Parish Reception 2006 – Thursday 23 November 2006 – Mayor and Town Clerk to attend (white paper included in discussion)
- SCC meetings with Town and Parish Councils – outcomes papers from meetings in May/June.
- Charter Trustees and Charter Towns Association – next meeting 23/02/07 High Wycombe – Mayor or Deputy Mayor and Town Clerk authorised to attend.
- Cropping and Ploughing Rights of Way Advice
- Grants – letters of thanks from Shop Mobility, CAB, Victoria Children’s Centre and Somerset Care Sydenham House and St Mary’s Church
- Grants – new applications referred to Finance Committee
- Town/Parish Council Members – declarations of interest – reminder on requirements of code of conduct
- Funding available for Parish Plans
- SLCC South West Regional Conference - 08/12/06 – Town Clerk to attend
(Cllr Richards declared an interest in item 5 related to the Flower Show building and took no part in the discussion).
The meeting finished at 9.25pm
………………………………………
Signed
Chairman