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Minutes October 2006
BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2006 AT 7.30PM
IN THE MEMBERS’ ROOM, TOWN HALL, BRIDGWATER
PRESENT: Cllr PGH Parker (Mayor of Bridgwater – in the Chair), Cllrs MD Cresswell, BJ
Gillard, DP Loveridge, WH Munn, DL Preece, KF Richards, Mrs GJ Slocombe,
P Smeed and J Turner (JP)
Apologies: Cllrs Granter, Monteith, Moore, JR Munn, Needs and Ms Pearce
34/06 MINUTES:
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of Bridgwater Town Council held on 10 August 2006 be confirmed and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.
35/06 MATTERS ARISING:
- Gift of Medals (Min 26/06.6) – the showcase containing the medals had been identified at the museum in the Bygones Room and was available for viewing.
- Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee – St Matthews Field Fireworks (Min 30/06.2) – a letter in appreciation of the sponsorship of the firework display for 2006 had been received from the Carnival Committee.
(Cllrs Creswell, Preece, Mrs Slocombe and Smeed declared an interest of a personal nature in this matter and took no part in the item.)
3. Mayor’s Book of Common Prayer (Min 30/06.6) – The Reverend Charles Chadwick
had sent an apology to the meeting, due to a prior commitment, but appreciated the
thanks of the Council on behalf of himself and the Parochial Church Council.
36/06 REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE (16 AUGUST 2006):
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 16 August 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 with the Town Clerk replied to questions and elaborated upon specific items. These included the 350th Anniversary of the death of Admiral Robert Blake, where Cllr Smeed had chaired the past two meetings preparing for the celebration, the reasoning behind the provision of a table-top dishwasher for the Mayor’s Parlour, and the award of Grant Aid to the Czech/Slovak Friendship Society for the visit of the jazz musicians. Particular ward members also thanked the Council for the grants awarded under the Ward Grant Scheme.
RESOLVED: That the report be adopted and the individual grant applications listed in Minutes 43 and 44 be confirmed.
37/06 PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS:
The Town Clerk responded to questions in relation to payments made and income received. Members requested that figures be totalled on a meeting-by-meeting basis, as a regular judgement against the estimates.
RESOLVED: That the payments since the last meeting, recorded in the Town Clerk’s Report dated 27/09/06, be approved and confirmed.
38/06 REPORT ITEMS FOR NOTING:
The following were noted by members with invitation to comment:-
- Town Council Accommodation and Town Hall and Island Site – report on consultation event held on 25/09/06 with anticipated consultant’s report to SDC Executive at end of November. Request to be made for reports and consultation and for copies to be sent to members of BTC who are not members of SDC.
- Town Hall and Charter Hall – future put to one side pending marketing exercise.
- Trinity Hall – Finance Committee decision endorsed as way forward and a basis for continuing discussions pursing Town Council interest.
- Bus Shelters –shelters at Durleigh Road (Oakfield Road junction) and Dunkery Road repaired and hopeful of positive response from AdShel for shelter at Westonzoyland Road opposite Eastern Avenue. Further sites identified to be examined. Continuing efforts to secure relocation of bus stop at Durleigh Road opposite Park Road to improved location.
- Bridgwater Cluster Group – confirmation that Town Council has no objection to agenda and minutes being circulated to press and to the press being invited to meetings.
39/06 PUBLIC CONVENIENCES – TAUNTON ROAD AND TOWN CENTRE PROVISION:
Members endorsed the way forward in relation to the Taunton Road facility and were encouraged by the decision of the SDC Executive in taking forward proposals for the provision of the new facility in Blake Gardens. The Town Clerk referred to discussions on the latter and the possibility that the Town Council may be asked to contribute. Some Members maintained their desire to see a location on the town bridge in preference to the location at the library.
RESOLVED:
- That in line with the approach adopted by the Finance Committee, the Council are prepared to consider a contribution to the running costs at Taunton Road, but without commitment to any future contribution that may be requested towards refurbishing or replacing;
- that the Town Council are prepared to consider a contribution to a new town centre facility, subject to details of the scheme and assurances about safeguards of the building and protection of users and more precise information on any anticipated shortfall;
(Cllr Mrs Slocombe declared an interest in this matter and took no part in the discussion and did not vote thereon).
40/06 BRIDGWATER TOWN CENTRE:
The walkabout had been held on 11/09/06 and proved very useful. A comprehensive snagging list had been prepared and an action plan was being drawn up, which would highlight responsibility for implementation. The public authorities would pick some of these up, but other items required co-operation and involvement from property owners and members of the public.
Cllr Smeed who, together with Cllr Gillard, the Mayor and the Town Clerk, had taken part in the walkabout expressed his delight with the response from SDC. Some concerns were voiced about the unavailability of the Highway Authority, although it was not clear if an invitation had been extended to them. Some Members also felt that increased police presence would deter much of the anti-social behaviour, which contributed to some of the conditions found in the Town Centre.
The Town Clerk explained action proposed by Clean Surroundings and a request for a contribution from the Town Council. He reminded members that some money was available from the money set aside in the budget. Consideration had also been given to the possibility of cleaning the Admiral Blake statue and the statue on the War Memorial in Kings Square. This could involve significant costs and estimates were being obtained. Cllr Smeed also pointed out that the Bridgwater Heritage Regeneration Partnership, now reactivated, was a possible source of finance.
RESOLVED:
- That the action taken be welcomed;
- that the Town Clerk be authorised to administer the balance of the budget available for the town centre clean up if called upon to do so, and this is itemised
(Cllr Parker declared an interest in this matter as a member of SCC and took no part in the vote.)
41/06 ST MARGARET’S HOSPICE NEW-BUILD APPEAL:
The Town Clerk gave an update since this item had first been raised and the decision to seek the views of the people of Bridgwater. This had been achieved with the help of the local press and the outcome from the Bridgwater Mercury poll was 53% against the sort of contribution mentioned and 47% in favour. Similar strongly divided views had been expressed in letters in pages of both the Mercury and the Bridgwater Times, and in the communications received directly, which reflected in the main a 50-50 split. Copies were available for viewing. The Town Clerk also read a letter from St Margaret’s Hospice who had kept up-to-date with events and their response.
In light of views expressed the Mayor felt that it would be wrong to take a positive decision in favour of a contribution at this time. Members felt that the debate had been useful and raised the profile of the St Margaret’s Hospice Appeal. They did not, however, feel able to proceed to making a contribution, although it was suggested that an application for Grant Aid under the Council’s existing scheme maybe considered in the future. This would be subject to the criteria and limited grant available within the scheme.
Members thanked the local press for their co-operation in gleaning the views of the public. The possibility of the Hospice’s presence at an open meeting was also discussed.
RESOLVED: That the Bridgwater Town Council do not proceed to make a contribution at this time, but in advising the St Margaret’s Hospice of this they be advised of the opportunity to apply for Grant Aid under the existing scheme.
42/06 MAYOR ITEMS:
- Glastonbury Chairs – the Mayor recorded thanks to Julian Taylor a member of SDC and a Ward Councillor for the Eastover Ward, who had repaired a couple of chairs in a poor state of repair. He intended to acknowledge Cllr Taylor’s work at the next opportunity.
- Mayoral Engagements – a list was circulated of events undertaken to the current day.
43/06 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 Park proposed cycle way and objections – decision of SDC Executive to refer back to SCC for further consideration of options.
- Proposed Skate Park – further meeting to be held and location identified. Application being put together. Confirmation of BTC willingness to contribute. Advice on provision of temporary sites.
- Eastover/St John Street – continuing campaign for CCTV in St John Street area and ASB issues. Case for mobile and permanent CCTV for locations in Bath Road and Bower.
- 350th anniversary of the death of Admiral Robert Blake – Cllr Smeed had chaired two recent meetings and had concerns for the tight timescales envisaged.
- Mental Health: Fit for Future – reply read and questioned what is to happen to Cranleigh House. Major concerns remain if people left in the community (letter in response to be circulated to all members).
- St Mary’s Parish Church – service for all members to attend on 15/10/06, following stonework completion.
- Road Traffic Regulation Orders – as listed, together with road closures for Bridgwater Carnival.
- Allotment Tenants Association – request for additional financial assistance with fencing at Friarn Lawn - deferred to Town Clerk for discussions.
- Western Power – erection of warning sign for anglers at Friarn Lawn Allotment.
- Air Ambulance – request for financial assistance - referred to Finance Committee.
- SCHIP Home Improvement Agency Green Team – requests for volunteers referred to press.
- Steps to establish a new single water management partnership to replace LAMP and PCP.
- Environment Agency – Choices for Future – managing flooding document.
- Christmas lighting update and lights switch-on on Saturday 18 November 2006 by the Mayor and Chairman of SDC.
- Charter Trustee and Charter Towns Association AGM – apologies sent – authority to pay affiliation fee for 2006/2007 £150 and request specification of services available.
- Transfer of allotment land – report on action taken and progress in relation to Bristol Road and Chilton 2 as well.
- BCI Victoria – confirmation of third phase grant and request for contribution from BTC to additional works needed – agreed at £3500. (Members expressed appreciation for the development and congratulations to those leading the project).
- Bridgwater Heritage Regeneration Partnership – 03/10/06 further report from Cllr Smeed.
- It's Your Community Fund – sponsored by O2 - copy to be supplied to Cllr Smeed.
- Sedgemoor Car Park charges 2007/2008 – request for views – vital that Town is not priced out of the market against other competitors.
- St Matthew’s Fair – report of damage to fencing at Fair Field Allotments – referred to SDC (copy to be supplied to Cllr Mrs Slocombe).
- St Matthew’s Field – gap in hedge – to be referred to SDC needing replacement or fencing for safety to prevent drop on to Durleigh Road.
- Ward Grant Scheme – HAMP application – La Ciotat Residents Association (noticeboard and equipment for social events) – grant of £300 approved.
(Cllrs Gillard and Richards declared an interest in item 2 in relation to planning, Cllr Parker declared an interest in items 2, 12 and 17, and WH Munn in respect of item 17).
The meeting finished at 9.35pm
………………………………………
Signed
Chairman