Baydon Parish Council Meeting of 25th July – News Report

By Barbara Furber

The Parish Council meeting was held in the Baydon Young Peoples Hall (BYPA) on Monday 25^th July 2011 when all councillors were present.

Mr Tony Prior indicated during the meeting that he would be resigning as councillor in December, after 3 years as chairman. He said that after his operation earlier in the year his outlook on life had changed, and the workload had become too much. Cllr Tamsin Witt thanked Mr Prior for his hard work and success through 3 difficult years. Cllr Michael Edmonds said that he appreciated the work Mr Prior had put in and his commitment. It was also noted that Cllr Edmonds had become a councillor in Aldbourne, he insisted however that there would not be a conflict of interest.

During public question time the matter of the empty garages in Downsmead was raised. Youngsters were using one overnight and litter had been left in the car park. Cllr Witt agreed to phone the Housing Association to ask that the empty garages be kept locked.

Residents from Manor Lane raised concerns about the hedge in the Lane, which had not been cut for the last two years. Not only was the hedge high thus obscuring views but it was also growing out into the lane creating a danger to pedestrians whilst traffic was passing. Cllr Prior said that other hedging in the village was also causing concern. The clerk was instructed to write to Mr Lloyd of Baydon House asking him to cut the hedge along Manor Lane.

The community policeman, PCSO Jonathan Mills was invited to speak first. He said that he had received a telephone call to report anti social behaviour at the playground, which he dealt with, and also that 60 oxide cylinders had been found dumped at the Cricket Field. He asked that parents and children be aware that these cylinders are very dangerous.

Representatives from the BYPA were also asked to report on progress. Chairperson Venice Marriott requested that the Parish Council fund a Youth Worker, which would be a “brilliant kick-start”. Gordon Walker, she said, had agreed to help manage the situation. Mr Walker added that using a youth worker who already works in other local villages would create a good network.

The Parish Council agreed that they were fully behind the idea of a youth worker in principle but need more detail regarding the contract. Ms Marriott agreed to write up a contract and bring it back to the Council.

Cllr Alison Tomkin pointed out that the Village Plan highlighted the desire for more facilities for young people, and added that she felt the Parish Council should fund the project in the short term until it could be funded from elsewhere.

Cllr Edmonds proposed that £1,500 be paid subject to a suitable contract thus enabling the project to move forward. It was agreed unanimously.

Planning:

There were no objections from the councillors for the following;

1.   A single storey rear extension and link between dwelling and detached garage at Barn Lek, Aldbourne Road.

2.   Creation of off road parking area and retaining wall in Manor Lane

3.   Milking Parlour building and Yards at Gore Lane Farm

4.   Modification to original application for extension at High Farm House, Finches Lane.

5.   A Garden Room at Barley Fields

A written report from the Traffic Calming Working Group (TCWG) had been circulated. The Community SpeedWatch have been working hard and the police have increased their ad hoc speed checks as a result. The 30mph rumble strips have now been added at the Aldbourne end of the village.

Cllr Prior gave a brief report from the Parish Forum in which he congratulated the TCWG, their action concerning speeding was held up at the Forum as a leader ahead of other villages.

Cllr Witt said that the BYPA had had 2 meetings since the AGM with 8 people on the committee. The Association were applying for Charity Status, and had applied for their first grant in an endeavour to improve the hall. Cllr Witt had also contacted Wiltshire Council concerning a roadside bin outside the Cricket Field. The bin, she said, would cost under £100 but the cost of emptying it would be £150 per year. Cllr Edmonds asked why Baydon which only has 3 roadside bins should be asked to pay for one more, when other villages had a greater number and were emptied for free.

It was agreed to purchase a bin, but Cllr Witt was asked to write and ask why there would be a cost for emptying. Cllr Witt volunteered her husband to erect the bin.

The Cricket Field is to be added to the Litter Picking list and a Litter Picking day is to be arranged in the near future.

The removal of the old Terrapins from the Cricket Field was discussed. Cllr Prior had received quotes for the job and Cllr Edmonds said that the Parish Council had adequate reserves so Cllr Witt proposed that the council pay £480 to Berkshire Clearance for the removal of the 3 Terrapins before the Autumn, all agreed.

The matter of the Baydon Allotment Association (BAA) shed was discussed. The BAA had requested a communal shed 20’ x 10’ at the far end of the field beside the horses night shelter. The Parish Council agreed in principle to the shed and Cllr Prior is to liaise with the BAA concerning planning permission and screening.

It was noted that the old mound area in the Parish Field had been sprayed (£40) and strimmed. Extra seeding will cost £50 but there will be no further charge for annual cutting. The picnic benches are due to arrive on 9^th August 9^th.

The claim of £7,678.64 from Wiltshire Council for s106 monies was approved, proceeding with a claim of £3,354.00 that had already been spent on the Parish Field.

Cllr Edmonds proposed that the council write to Gleeson and to Redcliffe Homes asking if the s106 monies could be used for purposes other then recreational. After a heated debate it was agreed to write to Redcliffe. A draft letter was discussed and amended.

At this point Mrs Denise Dawson of Little Crickets Pre-school, said that the preschool had acquired a small part of a local garden to use as a play area. This, she said, would need equipping. It was suggested that she make formal request to the Parish Council for money. It was noted that Parish Council had also received requests from BYPA and the Cricket Club.

The requirement for a village Resilience Plan was discussed in full, but it was agreed that though important it would be very time consuming.

The school hall had been booked for a public meeting to discuss the 2012 Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations, on Friday 16^th September at 7.45pm.

The following payments were approved;

£2,977.00 re-payment to Marlborough Community Area Board on receipt of s106 monies; £10.17 to Thames Water; £38.00 to BYPA for Hall hire

The Parish current account is £8,696.01; Savings account £10,174.61; Petty cash £58.62

The quarterly budget report was circulated and agreed to be very healthy.

The additional fencing on the Parish Field was discussed at length. It was agreed to obtain 3 quotes for 6ft high chain link fencing along Ermin Street, to ensure that children didn’t climb down the bank onto the road.

Cllr Andy Knowles reported that the landlady at the Red Lion public house had passed on a message from the owners requesting that the Parish Council help fund the cost of repairs to the car park, or it would be gated. The clerk Mrs Rowan Cockcroft said, that nothing could be discussed until the council had received a formal request in writing. The councillors agreed that in principle they were not willing to contribute.

It was noted that Aldbourne Road, from the junction at Lottage Road, Aldbourne, up to its junction with Ermin Street, Baydon would be closed between 10^th August to 12^th August.

The meeting closed at 10.15pm

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