Baydon village news

Baydon Parish Council meeting of 26^th July 2010

Mr Tony Prior chaired the Parish Council meeting on Monday 26^th July in the BYPA Hall. Apologies were received from Cllr Tamsin Witt.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed.

Planning:

Councillors discussed the news that the proposed play area in Newton’s Walk is to be for residents only. Cllr Alison Tomkins said she felt it was divisive in a small village. The clerk was instructed to write to Redcliffe Homes objecting, as attempted segregation was not a Parish Council policy. Cllr Tony Prior suggested asking for the freehold to be transferred to the Parish Council so that they may take on the responsibility for maintenance and insurance.

The clerk, Mrs Rowan Cockcroft read the Traffic Calming Working Group (TCWG) report, in Cllr Witt’s absence:-

a) The TCWG were not in favour of bulbs being planted in front of the new village gates, instead they would prefer some low level shrubs. The Parish Council was undecided about this proposal.

b) The situation concerning possible Community Speed Watch in Aldbourne Rd will be reviewed in 6 months time, however the TCWG have had an indication that this will not be possible if police vans are to visit Ermin Street. As the last survey showed that 78% of traffic exceeded the speed limit it was felt that police van presence was essential. There have been ten visits of the van in the last twelve months.

c) The landlords of the Red Lion pub have been asked if they will allow a Park and Stride sign to be displayed in the pub car park. The landlords have asked to see the proposed sign before giving permission.

d) The situation regarding recalibration of the 30mph flashing signs was deferred. It was suggested that a letter be sent to Membury Industrial Park reminding the drivers of the speed limit through the village.

Cllr Prior then gave a report of the Marlborough Community Area Board meeting. He said that there had been a proposal to provide transport for children to visit other villages with Youth facilities. Waste disposal and libraries were also subjects that were discussed.

It was noticed that Baydon Cricket Club had received a grant from the Area Board.

In his report from the Marlborough and Villages Community Partnership, Cllr Michael Edmonds said that a sub-committee had been formed to discuss transport for children.

He reported that the Baydon Young Peoples Association (BYPA) had been sent information concerning funding of £5,000 but that chairman Venice Marriott had not yet replied.

Cllr Prior expressed his disappointment at the lack of parents attending the Playarea meeting. However, he added, perhaps that was because they felt the Parish Council were “doing OK”. Three suppliers had been chosen to submit quotes.

A letter had been received from Playbuilder to say that the money may not be in the pipeline, as promised. The applications will be revised and a new list of successful applications will be sent by August. Mr Prior has emailed to point out that Baydon as yet has no playarea and asked for the village to be top priority. If granted Playbuilder might insist the area be completed by December.

Work is continuing however, even if the area has to be completed in phases. Cllr Prior suggested using some of the money from the reserve. This is to be discussed at a later date. Other possible grants cannot be applied for until planning permission has been granted, therefore Cllr Prior suggested submitting plans drawn up by himself, using the first quote received, the cost would be £167.50. This was approved. Cllrs Tomkins and Edmonds thanked Mr Prior for his hard work concerning this matter.

It was reported that someone is causing wilful damage to the allotment plots again. Cllr Prior said that the person / persons concerned should think seriously about what they are doing. It is pointless and irritating but the allotments will not go away. Theft of fruit and vegetables had also been reported. “Stop it and get a life,” added Mr Prior.

A letter from Aldbourne Parish Council criticising the MAVCAP and MCAB was received. It was agreed to ignore it.

There was no response to a letter asking for a Community Emergency Volunteer.

Cllr Prior said that he had made a personal response to the Local Transport Plan draft Parking Strategy.

Finance:

£50 was approved for the strimming of the unused allotment plot and its continuing upkeep. Payment to HMRC of £203.36 was also approved, as was £16 to the Land Registry for the formal ownership of the Parish Field.

Cllr Edmonds gave the bank reconciliation statement for July 2010. The main account holds £18,803.30; the recreation account £8,359.56 and the Allotment fund £957.57. The quarterly budget was also approved.

Cllr Edmonds proposed that the Council use Jane Collett as the Internal Auditor, as do Aldbourne Parish Council, at the cost of £24. It was agreed by a majority, Cllr Prior had reservations. The Asset register stood at £3,912.00 and was approved.

Details of CASE (Council for Advancement and Support for Education) funding and WYPOF (Wiltshire Young People Opportunity Fund) were sent to Venice Marriott for the Baydon Young Peoples Association (BYPA).

It was noted that polythene bags of Dog-poo were regularly being left of the verge in Ermin Street.

Cllr Tamsin Witt’s planned absence from 6^th September 2010 until 28^th March 2011 was noted.  Cllr Prior expressed the Council’s good wishes for the safe arrival of the baby.

Mr Andy Knowles of Fiveways was co-opted onto the Parish Council. He had attended the previous meeting but was on holiday and unable to attend this meeting.

The meeting ended at 9.32pm

By Barbara Furber

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