Minutes of the meeting of Westwood Parish Council held at the Parish Room, Farleigh Lane, Westwood at 7.30pm on Monday 1 October 2018
Present
Cllr. J Bishop (Chairman)
Cllr. D Adcock
Cllr. J Adcock
Cllr. M Cartwright-Hignett
Cllr. J Johnston
Cllr. T Leeder
Cllr. G Mumford
Cllr. P Phillips
Mr. R Coleman Clerk
There was one member of the public present.
1. Welcome and Introductions.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Apologies.
Apologies for non-attendance were received from Wiltshire Council Cllr. J Kidney and from PCSO MacLachlan of the Community Policing Team.
3. Declaration of Interests.
Cllr. Cartwright-Hignett declared a prejudicial interest in planning application 18/06192/FUL.
Clerk’s Note: There was no discussion or decision in respect of this planning application.
4. Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on 10 September 2018.
The Council resolved that the minutes of this meeting were a true and accurate record. The Chairman signed the minutes.
5. Wiltshire Council Report.
Cllr. Kidney had sent a written report to the Clerk prior to the meeting that the Clerk had sent to all councillors. This report is reproduced below (in italics):
Westwood Parish Council – Wiltshire Councillor’s Report, Oct 2018
Local Government Boundary Review -
Following my update at the September meeting, the boundary review committee at Wiltshire Council has been working on revised division boundaries to submit to the boundary commission. As suggested at the September meeting, it seems likely that it will be formally proposed that Winsley and Westwood Division will retain Winsley, Westwood, Limpley Stoke and Wingfield parishes, with the addition of South Wraxall and Monkton Farliegh parishes.
People wishing to comment on the boundary review can do so via the Boundary Commission’s consultation portal https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/14518
WW0020 Bridle Way, Staples Hill – I met with residents in Staples Hill to discuss their concerns over the condition of the Bridge Way, particularly the steps down to the cottages, as well as the bridle way from the cottages to the parking areas. I have reported the concerns to the Rights of Way Department and have a site meeting with the Rights of Way Officer to discuss potential repairs. It may be that the best course of action will be for the Parish Council to consider taking a bid to CATG to fund repair works, however I will report back in full following my meeting with the officer.
Young Athletes -
Wiltshire Council in partnership with businesses is offering grants to fund young athletes in the county.
Over the past five years, 34 potential champions in the county have benefited from funding, and the hunt is now on to find more sporting stars of the future.
Sports Scholarship grants of £500 are available for Wiltshire athletes aged between eight and 18 who are competing at regional or national level.
Funding can be used on equipment, coaching or on any other costs linked to their sport.
More information and how to apply can be found via this link (scroll down to “Sports scholarship grant - open for applications”): http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-supporting-athletes
Applications for the current round of grants should be submitted by 5 November 2018.
Year of Engineering -
As part of the Year of Engineering, Wiltshire Council is holding an event at County Hall, Trowbridge, on 16 October. “Science and Engineering: What Wiltshire Council has to Offer” is a day of presentations and exhibitions for pupils and teachers, as well as the general public. It aims to showcase engineering as an exciting, rewarding and creative career.
The morning session (9-11.30am) for teachers and leaders in education, features presentations by an array of experts in STEM teaching and learning, opening with SEERIH, Science and Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub, University Of Manchester.
In the second session (11.30am-4pm), the Atrium at County Hall welcomes visitors, including groups of school students and members of the public, to a wide range of attractions and exhibitions from employers, universities and other organisations linked with engineering. Exhibitors include:
•Royal Academy of Engineering
•The James Dyson Foundation
•University of Bath
•University of Southampton
•Wiltshire College
•The Army
•Wessex Water
•REME Museum
•Exciting hands-on activities and experiments
The event will also explain the ways in which Wiltshire Council can work with schools to encourage more youngsters to take up engineering and the support that can be given through the Swindon and Wiltshire Enterprise Adviser Network helping schools to work more closely with business.
To attend the morning session, or for teachers who would like to bring a group of pupils to the afternoon open session, email wslr@wiltshire.gov.uk
The afternoon session is open to the public. More information at http://rightchoice.wiltshire.gov.uk/Article/59075
Community Area Transport Group (CATG) –
The next meeting of CATG will take place at County Hall on Monday 12 November at 4pm.
Bradford on Avon Community Area Board -
The next Area Board meeting takes place on Wednesday 28 November 2018 at St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon.
Cllr. Johnston stated that she was unaware of a problem with Path WW0020 but that she would investigate the report.
6. Adjournment.
The Chairman adjourned the meeting for members of the public to raise any points of interest. The Chairman then reconvened the meeting.
7. Community Policing Team (CPT).
a. In the absence of PCSO MacLachlan there was no report.
b. There were no matters that needed to be brought to the attention of the CPT, although Cllr. Cartwright-Hignett reported that there was an active group within the area responsible for the thefts of farm equipment and the police were aware of this fact.
8. Community Speed Watch (CSW)/Westwood Road Safety
Cllr. Phillips reported that the CSW Team had undertaken some patrols recently. He added that his investigations revealed that there were unlikely to be additional locations within Westwood suitable for CSW activities and that he would consult with the CSW Team Leader to seek his views.
9. Working Groups – Working Group Reports.
Cemetery.
a. There was nothing to report from the Cemetery Working Group.
b. The Chairman stated that he had yet to examine the memorials identified as needing repair but would do so before the next meeting. The Clerk reminded councillors that whilst the Parish Council owned the cemetery it did not own the graves or memorials.
Planning.
a. The Council noted the status of extant planning applications thus.
| 17/08216/FUL
| Land North of 146 Upper Westwood | Provision of two self-contained camping pods with parking, change of use of land to leisure / tourism. (Resubmission of 17/02852/FUL). | Pending Planning Committee
|
| 18/07390/FUL
| 103 Lye Green | Change of use of single storey hobby/storage building into ancillary dwelling annex | Approved |
| 18/07751/FUL
| 14 Staples Hill | Proposed single storey and two storey extensions and alterations to existing dwelling | Pending |
| 18/06192/FUL | Iford Lodge Farm | Retrospective application to relocate and widen the existing agricultural access | Pending |
b. The Council examined the following planning application and resolved to send comments to Wiltshire Council as shown (in italics):
| 18/08600/TCA | The Old Vicarage, Farleigh Lane | 1 - 3x Acer Remove to ground level. T1 - 1x Horse Chestnut Remove large deadwood throughout canopy, and reduce height by up to 4m. |
New |
The Parish Council supported this planning application.
c. There were no planning applications received after 24 September 2018.
d. The Council noted Wiltshire Council Briefing Note No. 368 – Wiltshire Local Plan Review Update and the opportunity to attend the Briefing Sessions organised by Wiltshire Council.
e. There were no other planning matters.
Finance.
a. The Clerk reported the current financial position at 1 October 2018 thus:
| Lloyds A/C 1643417 | |||||
| Bank Statement | £ 20,891.94 | ||||
| 31-Jul-18 | |||||
| Credits (1 August 2018 to 31 August 2018): | |||||
| HMRC PAYE Month 4 | £ 105.40 | ||||
| J Long (Selmes) | £ 120.00 | ||||
| Total: | £ 225.40 | ||||
| Debits (1 August 2018 to 31 August 2018): | |||||
| Clerk's Salary (July) - Standing Order | £ 526.97 | ||||
| Clerk's Expenses (July) | £ 6.10 | ||||
| HMRC PAYE Month 4 | £ 105.40 | ||||
| Day Landscapes | £ 390.00 | ||||
| XYZ Web Ltd | £ 52.00 | ||||
| James Long (Masons) Ltd | £ 348.00 | ||||
| D Downes | £ 575.00 | ||||
| Westwood Flower Show (Late Payment) | £ 190.00 | ||||
| Westwood Parish Room (Late Payment) | £ 10.80 | ||||
| Information Commissioner (Late Payment) | £ 40.00 | ||||
| Total: | £ 2,244.27 | ||||
| Balance at 31 August 2018 | £ 18,873.07 | ||||
| Credits (1 September 2018 to 30 September 2018): | |||||
| HMRC PAYE Month 5 | £ 105.40 | ||||
| WC Precept (Part) | £ 12,278.00 | ||||
| Total: | £ 12,383.40 | ||||
| Debits (1 September 2018 to 30 September 2018): | |||||
| Clerk's Salary (August) - Standing Order | £ 526.97 | ||||
| Clerk's Back Pay | £ 52.00 | ||||
| Clerk's Expenses (August) | £ 7.68 | ||||
| HMRC Month 5 | £ 105.40 | ||||
| PKF Littlejohn (Audit) | £ 240.00 | ||||
| XYZ Web Ltd | £ 115.08 | ||||
| The Print Centre | £ 59.71 | ||||
| D Downes | £ 541.00 | ||||
| Total: | £ 1,647.84 | ||||
| Balance at 30 September 2018 | £ 29,608.63 | ||||
| Credits (1 October 2018) | |||||
| None | £ - | ||||
| Debits (1 October 2018) | |||||
| Clerk's Salary (September) - Standing Order | £ 537.50 | ||||
| Balance at 1 October 2018 | £ 29,071.13 | ||||
| Lloyds A/C 7573321 | |||||
| Bank Statement | £ 2,343.35 | ||||
| 30-Apr-18 | |||||
| Credits: | |||||
| 09/05/2018 (Approx) | £ 0.12 | ||||
| 09/06/2018 (Approx) | £ 0.11 | ||||
| 09/07/2018 (Approx) | £ 0.10 | ||||
| 09/08/2018 (Approx) | £ 0.10 | ||||
| 09/09/2018 (Approx) | £ 0.10 | ||||
| Total: | £ 0.53 | ||||
| Debits: | |||||
| None | £ - | ||||
| Total: | £ - | ||||
| Balance at 1 October 2018 | £ 2,343.88 | ||||
| National Savings Account (Park Fund) | |||||
| Balance at 31 December 2017 | £ 6,954.16 | ||||
| Credits: | |||||
| Interest 1/1/17 to 31/12/17: | £ 32.77 | ||||
| Debits: | |||||
| None | £ - | ||||
| Balance at 1 October 2018: | £ 6,986.93 | ||||
| Total Funds at 1 October 2018 | £ 38,401.94 | ||||
| Payments to be authorised 1 October 2018 | |||||
| Clerk's Salary (October) To be paid 1 November 2018 | £ 537.50 | ||||
| Clerk's Expenses (September 2018) | £ 9.70 | ||||
| HMRC PAYE Month 6 | £ 117.90 | ||||
| XYZ Web Ltd | £ 52.00 | ||||
| RoSPA Safety Inspection | £ 84.00 | ||||
| D Downes | £ 555.50 | ||||
| TOTAL: | £ 1,356.60 | ||||
The Clerk sated that there had been an additional credit to the Parish Council of £18 in respect of the use of the Playing Field for a Football Match in September.
b. The Council resolved to make the payments shown under ‘Payments to be authorised’ on the Financial Statement.
Environmental.
a. Cllr. J Adcock gave a full report on the work of the Parish Steward and commented that he gives the Parish excellent service and that many of the tasks that he undertakes are as a result of his own initiative. The Parish Council endorsed these comments by Cllr. J Adcock. The Parish Steward had produced a list of recent tasks that he had undertaken. This list is shown below (in italics):
Strimmed Footpath and Railings by Westwood Motors.
- Cut back overgrown hedge by Westwood Motors.
- Strimmed all gullies/outlets and grips – Lyefield Lane.
- Strimmed all outlets opposite Farleigh View.
- Reported broken stile opposite The New Inn.
- Strimmed gullies by Upper Farm.
- Dug out hidden outlet at Lyefield Lane.
- Strimmed verges near The New Inn.
- Cleared gullies and outlets by The New Inn.
- Cut round bench at Lyefield Lane.
- Strimmed verge opposite Westwood Manor.
- Cleared all gullies at Westwood Manor.
- Cleared all gullies at Lower Westwood.
- Reported blocked gullies at Lower Westwood.
- Cut back vegetation at road signs at Elms Cross junction.
- Cleared all outlets from Iford Manor to Nursery.
- Filled potholes at Staples Hill.
- Reported missing Wiltshire sign at Staples Hill.
- Cleared all gullies along Farleigh Lane.
- Cleared all gullies Westwood Road to Turnpike Cottage.
b. Cllr Mumford reported that he had undertaken a full survey of the village to establish the existence of ‘Width Restriction’ road signs and to determine the purpose for which they had been erected. He advised the Council that the signs appear to have been positioned to prevent large vehicles from crossing the narrow bridge at Freshford and that he could not find any ‘Width Restriction’ signs that appertained to Jones Hill road.
The Council resolved that an argument is to be presented to the CATG for appropriate road signs to be erected at each end of Jones Hill to deter or prevent large vehicles using that road – a road that is very narrow and that lacks passing places. Cllr. Mumford stated that he would attend the next CATG meeting and would present the case to it.
c. The Clerk reported that a parishioner had alerted him to the blocked drains along the Lower Westwood Road between The New Inn and Lyefield Lane. Cllr. J Adcock commented that this is a continuing problem that has often been reported to Wiltshire Council but she would, again. inform Wiltshire Council. Councillors also commented that it does appear that the existing drain is unable to cope with the required water flow when there is heavy rain and this may be because the drain is broken and requires a major repair or replacement.
Open Spaces.
a. There was nothing reported in respect of Open Spaces.
b. Cllr. Phillips stated that all the Play Equipment appeared in good order and that a RoSPA Safety Inspection that had recently been undertaken revealed a few relatively minor defects that required attention. He added that he would attend to these matters but that the seat on the swing designed for very small children needed replacing in due course. The Council resolved that a maximum of £150 be allocated to this project and invited Cllr. Phillips to proceed with the purchase. Cllr. Phillips stated that he had been unsuccessful in engaging Playforce to inspect the damaged Play Area safety surface and Cllr. Johnston suggested that he may wish to contact Schoolscope – another play equipment company that may be more responsive.
The Clerk commented that it may be appropriate to consider applying for an Area Board grant early in the New Year to assist in the purchase of new play equipment – perhaps a single item – and to consider refurbishing the Play Area progressively over a period of time and not as a single ‘all encompassing’ project.
Footpaths.
a. Cllr. Johnston requested the Clerk to contact the Footpath Warden for a reply to the earlier correspondence from the Parish Council in respect of the broken stile at the end of Path 28.
b. Cllr. Leeder stated that he has yet to repair the loose metal stile at the top of Path 26.
10. Local Government Boundary Review.
The Council resolved that Westwood and Westwood Parish Council has strong historical, social, cultural, scholastic and business links with Bath and Bradford on Avon and that it is important to the parishioners of Westwood that Westwood remains in its existing Winsley and Westwood electoral division and within the Bradford on Avon Community Area. The Clerk was asked to make this response to the Boundary Commission.
11. Bradford on Avon Area Board/Community Area Transport Group (CATG).
Cllr. J Adcock stated that she had attended the recent Area Board meeting that concentrated on ‘Youth Matters’. She reported that it had been very interesting, especially the involvement of youngsters in the presentations, and that the meeting recognised the existence and needs of the surrounding villages.
The next meetings are to be held thus:
BoA Area Board – 28 November 2018.
CATG – 12 November 2018.
12. Neighbourhood Plan.
Cllr. Leeder stated that he is now in a position to distribute the Rural Housing Needs Survey forms to villagers together with the Neighbourhood Plan questionnaire. He stated that there was a significant amount of photocopying required and the purchase of envelopes and other stationery. The Council resolved that a maximum of £100 be allocated for these tasks.
13. Date of Next Meeting.
Councillors noted the date of the next Parish Council Meetings:
· Ordinary PC Meetings – 5 November 2018 and 3 December 2018. Meetings commencing at 7.30pm.
14. Any Other Business.
Exchange of views on matters not requiring a decision.
Cllr. Johnston requested that the next Westwood Update contains an article requesting parishioners to ensure that they cut back overgrown vegetation that may be obstructing footpaths and pavements.
Cllr. J Adcock stated that there is a dementia friendly cinema show taking place in St Margaret’s Hall on the first Tuesday of October, November and December. The cost is £4.50 per ticket. The intended programme is: October – The Greatest Showman, November – Mary Shelley, December – The Hatton Garden Heist.
The meeting concluded at 8.38pm
Chairman 5 November 2018
ACTION LIST – Meeting 1 October 2018
Action 1 (1/10/18) Cllr. Johnston.
To investigate Path WW0020.
Action 2 (1/10/18) Cllr. Bishop.
To investigate repair action for the memorials (James Long Report).
Action 3 (1/10/18) Clerk.
To send planning comments to Wiltshire Council.
Action 4 (1/10/18) Clerk.
To make payments.
Action 5 (1/10/18) Cllr. Mumford.
To attend CATG – Road signs for Jones Hill.
Action 6 (1/10/18) Cllr. J Adcock.
To contact Wiltshire Council – Road drain/Gully problem along Lower Westwood Road.
Action 7 (1/10/18) Cllr. Phillips.
To purchase new seat for ‘Toddlers Swing’.
Action 8 (1/10/18) Clerk.
To send comments to Boundary Commission (Electoral Boundary Review).
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