Baydon Parish Council Meeting Report

By Barbara Furber

 

 

The Parish Council meeting held in the BYPA hall on Monday 22nd September 2014 was chaired by Mr Andy Knowles. Apologies were received from Cllr Tamsin Witt and County Councillor James Sheppard.

In the absence of a clerk Mr Tony Prior volunteered to take the minutes.

 

In Public Question Time Mr Alan Brown mentioned the drains on Ermin Street and near the BYPA hall that were blocked. Cllr Andy Knowles agreed to send photographs to Highways.

Mr Brown also complained about boundary hedges encroaching upon the pavements.  It was agreed to discuss this later in the agenda.

 

Mr Jim Grove noted that the new “pedestrian” sign on the western approach to the village, was pointing the wrong way. Cllr Prior said that he had righted the sign but it appears that it is being hit by passing vehicles. He has emailed Cllr Tamsin Witt who will contact Ringway (Highway’s contractors).

 

Planning:

An appeal has been received on the planning for two houses on the field between Becketts and Turf Run in Aldbourne Road. Cllr Knowles explained that the plot is outside of the village boundary.

 

Mr Grove stated that the village Defibrillator has been mounted on the Red Lion pub wall, and “delivered on line”. Thanks, he said, should be expressed to Mr Steve Sutton because it was through his advice that Julie Doel (NHS) was contacted and the defibrillator was provided for free.  Miss Renee Saunders also contributed by holding a Bazar and Raffle and donating monies for the defibrillator.  Publican Mark Farrell has agreed to supply power and the NHS would cover any loss or damage. The group are now looking to the Parish Council to help with funding (approx. £200) towards the training of 6 to 8 people. Cllr Knowles said that he may know of someone who would train for free, but the matter is to stay on the agenda.  Cllr Kevin Howell thanked all those who had contributed in any way to providing this facility in the village.

 

Repairs to the electrical box on the Green have still to be resolved.

 

There was much discussion about a £30 deposit for allotment holders. Mr Brown said that he felt the council needed to be firmer with allotment holders. It was agreed to amend the tenancy agreement to include a £30 deposit, which would be forfeited only if the plot was left in a poor state. Cllr Knowles agreed to meet with existing tenants to discuss the matter.

 

Discussion about the Marlborough Area Board (MAB) grant for additional playground equipment was deferred.

 

The footpath between Manor Lane and Ermin Close was discussed. The Steward has been invited to consider the situation, and residents have been requested to cut back overhanging foliage.

 

The footpath off Manor Lane will be submitted to the Paths Improvement Grant Scheme (PIGS) as soon as quotes have been received.

 

A budget of £200 was agreed for mulled wine and mince pies at the “Carols around the Tree” event this year. As the pub provided this last year it was proposed to ask Debbie at the Post Office Stores this year, thus fairly sharing the costs between the two businesses in the village.

 

There is still a vacancy for a Parish Clerk. Councillors were urged to encourage villagers to apply.

 

Cllr Knowles said it was important to look at footpaths and pavements in the village as an action was needed to keep them in good condition. It was proposed to have a definitive plan. A quote of £500 has been received for work outlined so far.

 

Cllr Tamsin Witt has received quotes for replacing the dead trees on the Green; however more investigation is needed to discover why they have died before new ones can be planted.  The question was asked as to whether they needed to be replaced, as it would make the Green more open and therefore more useful for village events. The Councillors agreed to consider this idea.

 

Mr Trevor Dominy, of the Firework committee requested funding and it was agreed to repeat last year’s donation of £388.80 (inc VAT which can be reclaimed by the PC) Cllr Tony Prior is to place the order with Paine’s Fireworks.  Cllrs Knowles and Prior agreed to attend the Health and Safety meeting on 7th October. Mr Dominy reminded the councillors that stewards would be needed for the event on 8th November.

 

Cllr Prior said that he had listed items that seemed to have been lost from the agenda’s in the past. However he began with a list of achievements. Way markers have been put up, he said, a manhole cover repositioned, a signpost re-instated, and Brook Johnson has agreed to have Paines Lane (Baydon 2) cut. However a meeting with Pittams is still to be arranged. The Youth Worker update has again been deferred.

 

The Christmas Tree for the Green was discussed. It was agreed that Cllr Knowles look at the one promised by the Johnsons to see if it is appropriate. If not it was agreed to order from the PO Stores at a cost of £200.

 

Cllr Alison Tomkins reported that she was waiting to hear from Mrs Kim Austen as to whether the village band could play for the Carols around the Tree. If not, Aldbourne band would be asked.

 

Finance:

Cllr Prior is still awaiting communication from HMRC concerning the income tax situation in 2013 / 2014.

The accounts at present are:-  Treasurers a/c £27,349.00; Reserves £2,909.86; Petty cash £4.54

 

Payments approved:- Heart Internet £38.26; Southern Electric £20.18; Cheque re-issued to Mrs A Grieve £30.00; Pittams £348.00 inc VAT; ANP Post Crete £6.10; Petty Cash £30.00.

 

It was noted that there will be a Litter Pick on Saturday 11th October at 10am.

 

It was also noted that the Post Office would now be opening seven days a week.

 

The meeting closed at 9.20pm

 

 

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