Baydon Parish Council Meeting

News report by Barbara Furber

 

 

The Parish Council meeting held on Monday 29th June 2015 in the BYPA Hall was chaired by Cllr Andy Knowles.  All the councillors were present. In the absence of the clerk Cllr Tony Prior agreed to take minutes.

 

Minutes from 30th March were approved and signed; minutes from 18th May were agreed, with slight amendments.

 

There were no questions in Public Question Time.

 

Planning for land adjoining Russley Road was discussed. The proposed stable buildings, ménage, horse walker, lunge pen, vehicle access amendments and change of use for equestrian purposes were approved by Councillors.

 

The laptop and printer have yet to delivered.

 

It was agreed to omit the limit of 15 minutes in public question time. Cllr Prior noted that it was always extended when the need arose. Cllr Tamsin Witt argued that at training sessions it was deemed best practice, but agreed it was unnecessary at most meetings.

 

Cllr John Cockcroft said that he had purchased a storage box for the event tent at £14.99. Cllr Knowles suggested that a sack truck also be purchased to carry the equipment. Cllr Cockcroft agreed to cost out the purchase.

 

There was no development on the Asbestos fly tipping situation, stated Cllr Prior. Wiltshire Council had reported a management problem.

 

Cllr Tamsin Witt attended the CATG meeting and had place the application for more traffic calming in the village. The revised and more detailed plans were circulated. The application was looked on favourably by Highways but it would be the end of July before the PC were informed as to whether the application had been granted funding.

 

Cllr Witt reported that four parishes had requested permission to buy their own SID’s (Speed Indicator Devices) but County Councillor Phil Whitehead had rejected the requests as he felt there was no need for them. County Councillor James Sheppard has agreed to back the proposal and look into the matter.

 

It was noted that a “C” class road review had been held looking into the national speed limit from Baydon, Aldbourne to Ogbourne St George. However Cllr Witt said that she felt that the review needed to look at the start and finish of the limits. Baydon’s 30 mph should, she felt, begin by the “gates” along Aldbourne Road.

 

The Parish Steward meeting did not take place as the steward has moved on and County are waiting for a replacement.

 

Cllr Witt reported that someone had tripped over weeds growing along the alley between Downsmead and Ermin Street.

 

Cllr Prior reported over growth of the tree outside of No 1 Ermin Street, which he has now trimmed.

 

Cllr Knowles reported that he was still awaiting feedback from Chris Duck concerning the handrail on the footpath off of Manor Lane. It was suggested that he contact Alan Archer to see if the work could be finally completed.

 

It was agreed not to plant replacement trees on the Green for the time being but to review the situation at the end of the year.

 

Cllr Prior met with Pittams concerning the grass cutting contract. It was agreed, by them, to issue just one invoice. Cllr Prior proposed that Pittams be asked to take the contract and to include BYPA cutting (2 monthly payments). All Cllrs agreed.

 

It was agreed to pay £30 for Pittams to spray around the boundary fence at the allotments.

 

Thanks were extended to ex-councillor Alison Tomkin who has completed the finances for the Baydon Allotment Association. 3 vacant plots are now available.  Thanks also went to Jenny Gribble and Alan Brown for covering plot 13.

 

Cllr Knowles agreed to become Liaison Officer for the time being. Reports indicated that the horses had strayed onto the allotments; however a new electric fence has been erected in the field. It was agreed to ask Alan Archer to quote for new fence posts in the existing fence to replace the rotten ones.

 

There was no update on the Youth Worker situation.

 

There was much discussion on what to purchase in the way of litter picking equipment.

 

Cllr Cockcroft proposed warning signs which could also be used by the Fireworks committee, along with litter pickers and hoops to hold the sacks. This would involve a cost of £450. Cllr Knowles felt that this was excessive. It was agreed to discuss again at the next meeting and ask the Fireworks committee to attend and contribute to the discussion and maybe costs.

 

The Zip wire repair and assessment will be completed by Wednesday. Cllr Cockcroft reported graffiti on one of the picnic benches.

 

It was agreed to contact Wiltshire Council concerning the Clerks resignation, and hopefully stop emails going to the wrong place/person.

 

Cllr Prior reported progress on the Village Rights of Way map. It will cost another £70 to include the new diversion path near Baydon House Farm. The total cost of £240 including VAT was agreed. Discussion took place about where to display the map. Cllr Knowles suggested that it be place in the pub for a time. Cllr Witt suggested a new notice board just for the map. Cllr Prior suggested a notice board on the Green.   Cllr Kevin Howell asked how much it would cost for copies, assuming that the greatest cost would be the producing of the original copy. Cllr Prior agreed to make enquiries.

 

Finance:

 

VAT reclaims £861.85: Allotment rent £100.00: Ex clerk 3rd repayment £25.00: Interest 0.12: Total £986.97.

 

Statements; Treasurers a/c £29,648.58: Reserve a/c £3134.63: Petty cash £20.21:

Total £32,803.42.

 

£1,200.00 from the Cricket Club was being ring-fenced.

 

Payments that were approved:

 

Pittams Apr/May £72.00: Alan Archer fence posts £57.17: Clerks final payment £51.56: Electricity £22.79: Raffle tickets for Fete £78.00: Deposit for Map £70.00: Income tax £167.40: Church clock £242.40:

 

Barclays is now awaiting ID approval before it opens the new account.

 

The Annual Return was approved with three minor queries being answered by Cllr Prior.

 

The Parish Council will not qualify for the new Government pension scheme.

 

It was reported that Cars had been broken into in Downsmead, but suspects had been apprehended.

There was also a theft from out buildings at Hebdon Cottage.

It was agreed to ask the Police to attend the next council meeting.

 

A request for use of the event tent by Aldbourne Cubs was approved, but Cllr Knowles said that a document should be created at the next meeting setting out the criteria for hiring.

 

The meeting closed at 9.35 pm

 

 

 

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