Baydon Village News

Baydon Parish Council Meeting of 26th March 2012

 

 

All six parish councillors were present for the Parish Council meeting on Monday 26th March 2012.  Mr Andrew Knowles chaired the meeting, which was attended by a larger crowd than normal.

 

Mr Smith of 1 Model Cottage Aldbourne Road, asked if anything could be done about the fruit and vegetable stall, which, he felt, was affecting traffic in Aldbourne Road, and making access from his property very difficult. He said that he had already written to the Planning Office with a complaint.

 

The re-submission of a planning application for a single dwelling with associated parking plus new access and parking for 1 Ermin Street raised no objections from the Parish Council, although they were mindful of traffic flow near the junction.

 

An extension and a summerhouse at Barley Fields also raised no objections, as did the change of use from Public House grounds to private garden at the new dwelling next to the Red Lion.

 

The new access and other issues at Baydon House Farm are under enforcement by Planners. The owners have been asked to submit retrospective plans.

 

Cllr Tamsin Witt and Mr Mark Austen then gave reports from the Traffic Calming Working Group and the Marlborough Traffic Seminar. Mr Austen explained the new “Village Road” experiment where the road would not have loads of extra signs, middle road markings or chicanes, but subtle changes to make the road feel narrower and part of the village . This, it is reported, has been very effective in various villages by reducing the ‘design speed’ of the road rather than relying on legal enforcement. Cllr Witt said it was important to stay involved and watch the new project, but also it was important to formally register interest if Baydon wished to be included in the future.

 

At present there was a study being carried out along the road near the play area.   Cllr Michael Edmonds suggested asking The Marlborough Area Board if Baydon could be considered for the related funding. Cllr Witt agreed to draft a letter.  Cllr Edmonds remarked that the seminar was “packed out” and, he added, Wiltshire Council has taken on board the traffic problems in the villages.

 

A suggestion had been received concerning the Jubilee Stone, to make it more accessible. As it appears Mr Jonathan Smith donated the stone, Cllr Knowles agreed to contact him to find out what he felt about it. Cllr Knowles also suggested that daffodils be planted along the fence at the Playing Field to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee. The councillors agreed. It was agreed, with Mrs Debbie Moxon’s help, to apply for the £250 Gazette & Herald grant.

 

A policy relating to the awarding of financial grants was approved.

 

It was noted that the trustees of BYPA and the Parish Council had met to discuss the redevelopment of the hall.

 

 

Finance:

 

It was agreed that Cllr Edmonds would become the Financial Responsible Officer as the Clerk’s workload was such that she could no longer manage the responsibility within her 7 hours per week.

 

The payment of £40 for the BYPA Hall was approved.

 

As of 15th March the Parish Council’s accounts held £3,178.10 Treasurer’s a/c; £10,240.52 Savings a/c; £17.16 Petty Cash, making a total of £13,435.78.

 

Miss Shirley Smith made a request on behalf of the Baydon Parochial Church Council for financial assistance towards the repair of St. Nicholas Church roof. Considerable leaks had been happening over the past few years, she said, as the lead had been stolen some years ago. Felt had been used to replace the missing lead several times.  This time the Diocese say that stainless steel is to be used at a cost of £20,000. There is still a short fall of £6,000 said Miss Smith.  Cllr Edmonds proposed that the council give £1,000 from reserves.  Cllr Knowles added that the council was not a “bottom less pit” and another request for money had been received.  Cllr Alison Tomkins added that it was difficult to give money when it had not been budgeted for, however in the Village Plan it was recognised that the Church was an important feature for most people whether or not they attended.

It was agreed to give £1,000.

 

A request from the BYPA was received for a matched funding grant of £1,900 towards new windows and doors at the hall. Cllr Edmonds asked how the council could fund this amount. He then suggested that Wiltshire Council be asked for the outstanding S106 monies. Cllr Witt suggested that this should be plan A, and that plan B would be to give the money from the reserves with a view to building up the reserves again next year. All councillors were in favour.

 

The Parish Assembly is to be held in the School hall on Friday 18th May at 7.45pm. Refreshments would be available, it was agreed to spend up to £50 for this. Cllr Knowles said that he was looking to change the format, if at all possible.

 

It was announced that Andrew Jack the Marlborough Area Board manager would be at the Marlborough library for questions and answers on Wednesday’s 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th of April, from midday to 5pm. The councillors were willing to take questions from villagers if they were unable to attend themselves.

 

It was noted that there would be one vacant plot at the allotments next year (2013).

 

The meeting closed at 9.25pm

 

By Barbara Furber

 

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