Baydon Village News by Barbara Furber

Baydon Parish Council – Meeting of Monday 15^th October 2012

The Parish Council meeting held at the Baydon Young Peoples Association (BYPA) Hall on Monday 15^th October was well attended. Mr Andy Knowles chaired the meeting and apologies were received from Cllr Tamsin Witt who was unwell.

Cllr Philip Dore agreed to take the minutes as it was announced that for personal reasons the Clerk had resigned.

The minutes of the last meeting were agreed and signed.

In the public question time Mr Jim Grove reported that a caravan and tent had appeared on the land near Baydon Hole, where no structures are allowed. Cllr Knowles said that he would look into the matter.

Concern was raised about the poor surface of Downsmead’s road, and the hedges each side of the alleyway from Ermin Close to Manor Lane. A letter is to be sent to the householder’s on either side of the alley, now that the growing season is over.

Mr Tony Prior asked if the Parish Council had become Custodian Trustees of the BYPA Hall. Cllr Knowles replied that it had not yet been finalised but the council were eager to fulfil the role.

A complaint had been received concerning the state of allotment 14b. The allotment holder of 14a has applied to take it over. This was agreed.

Planning:-

Owners of 1 Ermin Street had received full planning permission on appeal for a dwelling in their garden.

Cllr Knowles acknowledged a letter received from Mr Bernie Gribble concerning the extinguishment of part of Baydon 11. The matter was discussed by the councillors. Cllr Knowles said that he had looked into the history of the footpath and felt that the decision in 2003 to close it was valid. Cllr Alison Tomkins added that in all those years there had not been any objection en mass from villagers about the closure. Cllr Kevin Howell felt that if Baydon 2 and Baydon 8 were maintained there was no need for Baydon 11.  It was agreed to uphold the original decision.

The matter of an additional litter bin for the village was deferred until feedback from Wiltshire Council was received.

Concern about street lighting had been raised by a villager, but as that person was not at the meeting the matter was deferred until more information could be obtained.

County Councillor Chris Humphries said that there were no big issues raised at the Marlborough Area Community Board meeting.

In Cllr Witt’s absence Mr Mark Austen gave a report from the Traffic Calming Working Group (TCWG). Community SpeedWatch, he said, was not as frequent at the moment because of reduced daylight hours and because of the  volunteers other commitments. The work on the junction of Ermin Street and Aldbourne Road will begin this month in conjunction with the Safe Journey to School project.  The Council agreed to the removal of white lines down the centre of the road if Highways would also agree. Councillors also considered part funding of a chicane. The total cost would be £20,000 and Baydon would be asked to raise £2,500.  Mr & Mrs Brook Johnson said that they would be willing to donate £2,500 if the work could go ahead. Mrs Sally Johnson added that traffic calming at all entrances to the village was very important.  It was agreed to discuss the matter with Cllr Witt to see what was involved and the Johnson’s were thanked for their generous offer.

The matter of funding for a Youth Worker was raised. Baydon had paid £500 towards this scheme some months ago and as yet have received nothing for their money. It was agreed to ask for the monies back until such time that the scheme be up and running properly.

It was noted that the Baydon Village sign needed repair. Cllrs Dore & Tomkins agreed to see to the matter, after Cllr Knowles’s children had washed the sign.

Finance:-

The 1^st quarters budget was approved (and will be published on the village website in due course)

The bank reconciliation statement, as 15^th September was also approved; Treasurers account £4,185.93; Savings a/c 10,563.91; Petty cash £45.93;

Total £14.795.77.

The payment of £38.26 for the 3^rd party company that makes the Baydon website publically available was approved with a note of “excellent value for money”.

The precept budget was discussed at length, and Cllr Knowles invited comments from the floor.  Mr Tony Prior said that he would not expect the precept to increase this year in light of economic climate. He felt that the slack from last year could be taken through to this year. Cllr Knowles remarked that no groups had come through with requests for funding.  It was not yet clear if the council will be responsible for the £4,000 running costs of the BYPA Hall, or will fund “one off projects”. No agreement was reached.

Mr & Mrs Johnson agreed to donate the Christmas tree for the Village Green at a date to be arranged.

The meeting closed at 9pm.

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