Baydon Village News
Baydon Parish Council Meeting of 26th November 2012
Mr Andy Knowles chaired the Parish Council meeting on Monday 26th November and all councillors were present. Cllr Tamsin Witt agreed to minute the meeting in the absence of a clerk.
Minutes of the last meeting were agreed and signed.
Wiltshire Councillor Chris Humphries asked permission to read a short statement concerning his Code of Conduct hearing at Wiltshire Council. He said he would continue to discharge his duty in the same manner as he has done over the last 40 years of public service, and would be standing as an Independent in next year’s elections.
Mr Mark Weeks of High Farm House, Finches Lane apologised in advance for work to Willow Track (Back Lane) which will start on 10th December to provide the installation of a gas supply to his home. Mr Weeks stated that he would personally fund the cost of keeping the Track open for access and also ensure that it would be restored to its original condition.
There were no planning applications.
The decision concerning Bridle Path Baydon 11 is expected in 3 weeks. Wiltshire Council has received numerous correspondences relating to the path.
Cllr Witt reported that the work on the junction of Aldbourne Road and Ermin Street would begin in the week following the “Taking Action on School Journeys”. The footpath outside of the School is also to be made wider. Highways have suggested that work on a traffic calming structure be applied for in the new financial year. Cllr Witt is to request match funding from the Marlborough Area Board.
Mr Mark Austen reported that speeding continues to be a problem through the village with speeds recorded of up to 60mph at a Community SpeedWatch session the Sunday before last, when often there were too many speeding cars at once to enable all the details to be written down, he added.
It was agreed that the new heating system at the Baydon Young Peoples Association (BYPA) hall was a great success, thanks to Lottery funding.
Swindon Community funding has awarded £4,850 towards creating a toilet for the disabled, and Wiltshire Council have agreed that some S106 money can be used for refurbishing the kitchen and insulating the building. The work is to be done during the Christmas holiday. The Wessex Downs Fund have also agreed to contribute money. The new flooring is to be laid in the February half term. The Parish Council has agreed to pay £8,501, which will be refunded when the work is completed.
Cllr Andy Knowles stated that Kim Austen, Tamsin Witt and the BYPA Committee had worked hard to achieve so much in such a short time.
A Christmas Tree is to be erected on the Village Green on 8th December at 9.30am. The lights are to be lit from 6am to 9am and from 3pm to 11pm each day.
On 21st December there will be mulled wine and mince pies served at 6pm followed by Carols around the Tree with Aldbourne Band at 6.30pm. A budget of £100 was agreed and Cllr Knowles is to approach the Post Office Stores for supplies.
It was noted that one or two trees on the Village Green needed removing. Cllr Dore agreed to speak to Guy Watson about the matter. Mr Weeks said that he had the use of a digger if it was needed. Cllr Witt also suggested that replacement box hedging was needed to improve the look of the existing hedge.
After some discussion about the closure of the Red Lion pub, it was agreed to write to the owners asking for an update of the situation and reminding them of their verbal agreement to extend the dining room.
It was suggested by Cllr Dore that the “Big Breakfast” be combined with a grand re-opening / re-launch of the BYPA Hall. Cllr Witt is to take the suggestion to the BYPA Committee.
The 2nd quarter budget was approved.
The bank reconciliation was as follows; Treasurers a/c £7,258.09; Savings a/c £10,590.00; Petty Cash £21.35; Total £17,869.44.
Payments approved were; £241.23 + £85 overtime to the previous Clerk; Southern Electric £21.61; Thames Water £19.55 and Pitman’s Grass cutting £1125.00.
The Precept was again discussed. Cllr Alison Tomkins felt that people would be unhappy, in this economic climate, if there was an increase.
Cllr Witt said that she would like more money put into Traffic Calming, as it was the village’s No.1 priority. She was asked to come up with a figure, which would be reviewed at the next meeting.
It was noted that the £500 paid towards a Youth Worker had been refunded by the Aldbourne Youth Council. It was agreed to write and explain that the money would be paid again as soon as recruitment was completed and a new Youth Worker was in place.
Cllr Knowles congratulated the Baydon Mile / Sports Relief organisers and eventers who raised £2,010 in sponsorship monies. It was a well organised event, he added, where 117 people from the village took part.
Congratulations were also extended to the Firework Committee and team for yet another excellent event and splendid show. 755 people had attended the event.
The closing date for applications to be the Parish Clerk is 30th November 2012.
The meeting closed at 9.20pm.
By Barbara Furber
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