Baydon Parish Council - News report on 10th August 2015 meeting
The Baydon Parish Council met in the BYPA hall on Monday 10th August 2015.
The meeting was chaired by Andy Knowles, with Councillors Howell, Prior, Witt present. Apologies were received from Councillor Cockcroft and County Councillors James Sheppard.
The minutes from the last meeting were approved and signed.
A letter had been received from the PCC thanking the council for its donation towards the raffle tickets for the Fete.
It was noted that PC Boardman is now our Marlborough Police Area Officer, taking over from PC Nick Spargo.
In Public Question Time Mr Jim Grove observed that notices on the Public Notice Board are no longer visible due to the state of the perspex panel. Cllr Prior remarked that plans were afoot to replace the notice board with a new larger one.
Mr & Mrs Norman voiced concern about the proposed chicane, which will be very near their garage. Mr Tim Norman said that he was worried about the room it left him to reverse and manoeuvre into his garage. Mrs Ron Norman suggested a kerb to avoid erosion along the road edge by large vehicles. She also asked for speed bumps. Cllr Knowles replied that Highways have explored all avenues. There are things that are not possible on a through road. Cllr Tamsin Witt said that the funding had not yet been confirmed. Mrs Debbie Moxon said she was worried about the impact on her business at the PO Stores when the work was in progress. Would passing traffic stop she wondered.
A lengthy discussion ensued. Cllr Knowles said all worries would be passed on to Highways including the suggestion of speed humps.
Planning:
The planning at Hazelbury Farm, Russley Road has gone to appeal. See Wiltshire Council’s website for details.
The purchase of a laptop, printer and collapsible trolley were items due to be purchased by Cllr John Cockcroft. In his absence there was no update on the matter.
Cllr Prior noted that the asbestos fly tipping had been removed.
As there had been no CATG meeting, there was nothing to report.
Cllr Prior reported on his meeting with Rebecca Busby concerning the role of Parish Steward. There is no Parish Steward at the moment but 5 areas of concern in the village were dealt with, including strimming and weed spraying.
Chris Duck is to start work next month on the handrail on the footpath off Manor Lane.
It was noted that Pittams have sprayed weeds and cut the grass at the BYPA.
A quote for £141.00 was received from Alan Archer to replace rotten fence posts in the Parish Field. It was agreed to accept the quote.
There was still no progress to report concerning litter picking equipment and signage.
Cllr Howell quoted £25 for plastic “Pedestrians in the Road” signs.
Cllr Knowles suggested a meeting with the Firework Committee as the matter needed to be resolved soon.
The Zipwire in the playground has been repaired; however the bench still needs repainting to cover graffiti. Cllr Knowles said it was a shame that youngsters on the village had caused the vandalism.
The Parish Rights of Way map was displayed at the meeting. Mrs Moxon agreed to display it at the shop temporarily until a permanent home is found.
Cllr Prior is to seek a quote for a new Noticeboard to replace the one at the end of Downsmead.
Cllr Prior had circulated the Transparency Code. It was agreed that Cllr Knowles was chair; Cllr Prior RFO and footpaths; Cllr Witt CATG, Traffic Calming and BYPA rep; Cllr Cockcroft be responsible for planning; Cllr Howell for Technology, IT and small purchases.
Cllr then gave an emotive speech calling for more volunteers to become Councillors, especially retired folk. 2 councillors were currently needed as well as a clerk.
It was suggested, from the floor, that Cllr Priors speech be printed in the Scene.
It was agreed to donate £355.00 plus VAT towards the 2015 Firework Display.
Finance:
Treasurers a/c £28,690.23; Reserve a/c £4,479.77; Petty cash £7.76; Total £33,177.76 – plus £1,200.00 ex Cricket Club – ringfenced.
Payments approved: Printer Ink £9.98; External audit £120.00; Thames Water £19.11; Pittams £108.00; Tent Box £14.99; Zip wire repair £90.00; HMRC £13.00;
Right of way Map £170.00;
The Parish Council is in the process of changing banks to Barclays.
The 2014 / 15 Annual return was approved by the external auditor.
Cllr Knowles asked if anyone knew where the parish rubbish bin was, as it had not been seen since the Church fete in June.
Cllr Prior reported a hole in the road near Turf Run.
The meeting closed at 9.01pm
By Barbara Furber
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