Baydon Parish Council Meeting 26th October 2015
News report by Barbara Furber
There were twelve people in attendance at the Parish Council meeting on Monday 26th October 2015. Andy Knowles chaired the meeting and all the Councillors were present.
The minutes from the last meeting were approved and the meeting was then opened for Public Question Time.
There seemed to be a great deal of unease about the siting of the proposed Chicane. Householders at the western end of the village were concerned about the space between the 30 mph sign and the first houses in Baydon. Tim Norman had concerns about his ability to manoeuvre in and out of his garage. Cllr Tamsin Witt reported that Highways were in the middle of changing contractors so work would not start and a final decision would not be made without consultation before next summer at the earliest. Mrs Debbie Moxon voiced concern about parking and the consequential effects on the Post Office Stores trade. Lengthy discussions ensued and many alternative suggestions came from the floor including rumble strips, speed humps and moving the 30mph signs. Cllr Andy Knowles suggested a full Village consultation be set up with Highways and Wiltshire Council in the new year, but emphasised that plans were only preliminary. Cllr Tamsin Witt will try to arrange this. Cllr Witt also reported that Wiltshire Council were going to distribute SID (Speed Indicator Devices) out to town and parish councillors to operate independently from Wiltshire Council going forward. They propose to give them to groups of villages to share. She asked that the matter be discussed at the next meeting.
Planning:
Permission to replace Antennas on the water tower was approved.
Cllr John Cockcroft said that he had not yet finished the Laptop and Printer Policy. He reported that the Event Trolley would cost around £30.00, this was approved.
Cllr Knowles said that the handrail on the footpath off of Manor Lane should be completed in November by Chris Duck.
Litter Picking / Pedestrians in the Road signs were displayed at the meeting.
It was agreed to purchase four more Litter Pickers / Grabbers and to ask the BYPA if they would allow space for the storage of this equipment in their Hall.
Cllr Tony Prior agreed to paint over the graffiti on the play area bench.
Cllr Witt proposed using the 106 monies from Newton’s Walk to purchase traditional swings and a roundabout for the playground. It was agreed as the monies have to be used by April. There were insufficient funds for a large slide but it was agreed to include this in the plans for the future. £8,154.00 was approved.
The Rights of Way BAYD 2 and 11 part Diversion Order, Modification Order 2015 was discussed. Cllr Prior gave a precise description of the pros and con’s relating to the modification order. Only 4 objections had been received, he noted and this was not a true reflection of the views of the villagers. In his opinion the new footpath is in the same field as the original; its length is reasonable and comparable; it was more convenient for walkers and better for the land owners. All councillors agreed to support the order.
Cllr Prior reported that the Downsmead Noticeboard window had been replaced.
The playground had been inspected by the RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents). There were no major faults and all the equipment was in good order.
Cllr Prior felt that letters to landowners about over hanging foliage was not the best way of tackling the problem. He suggested two visits to the landowners, followed by a letter if nothing happens, explaining that work could be carried out and charged for. Although a lengthy process, he felt it a better process that going straight to Wiltshire Council, and probably quicker. There was decent from the floor about the length of time wasted. Cllr Knowles pointed out that waiting for Wiltshire Council to follow up could take far longer.
Cllr Prior agreed to obtain quotes for the painting of the railings outside of Forge Cottage, village entrance white gates and the village noticeboard at the end of Downsmead.
The Risk assessment for Bonfire Night on the 7th November was approved and the insurance cover accepted. Trevor Dominy said that donations were down so far this year, and the field had been closed because someone had dumped a 5 gallon oil drum on the bonfire. Cllr Knowles said that the event was supported by a great number of villagers, and donations should be realistic. Trevor said that 650 people attended last year in spite of poor weather, 770 the year before. The total cost of the fireworks last year was £2,000, Donations last year covered the cost with £200 left over for this year. The Firework Committee agreed to run the event until the money runs out.
A vote of thanks was proposed to the Firework Committee for their dedication. They had recently attended another training session.
The PCC intend to produce a welcome pack for newcomers to the village and asked the Parish Council for help with printing costs. Cllr Knowles asked for detailed quotes.
Finance:
Treasurers a/c £31,436.96; Reserve a/c £4,555.34; Barclays internet £9,064.00; Petty Cash £16.58
Income received £25.21
Payments approved were RoSPA £78.00; Pittams (BYPA cut) £36.00; Petty Cash £20.00; BYPA Hall hire for the whole year £110.00; Work on Notice Board £36.88; Thames Water £13.22
A litter picking day is to be held on Saturday 21st November 2015 starting at 10am. All villagers welcome.
It was agreed to approach Mr & Mrs Johnson about donating a tree for the Green. If this was not possible it was agreed to spend up to £200 on a tree. The tree would be in place on Saturday 5th December. Carols around the tree would take place on Friday 18th December at 7pm. Refreshments will be discussed at the next meeting, Cllr Witt was to approach Kim Austen concerning the live music accompaniment.
The meeting closed at 9.26pm
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