Baydon Village News

Baydon Parish Council Meeting of Monday 8th April 2013

Cllr Andy Knowles chaired the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 8th April, in the BYPA Hall. Apologies were received from Cllr Philip Dore.

Wiltshire Cllr Chris Humphries pointed out to the meeting that an AGM could not be held until 4 days after an election, and that the Parish Assembly was usually held before that event. All parish councillors now have to apply for re-election onto the Baydon parish council. Cllr Knowles thanked Cllr Humphries for this information, and with 35 days notice required for such local elections would look at arranging the relevant dates.

The Parish Assembly was then set for Friday 14th June.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed.

Mr Jim Grove asked about a waste bin being sited at the Alpaca Walk. Cllr Tamsin Witt said that she was meeting with Wiltshire Council to discuss the matter very soon.

A letter had been received from Mr Ian Timms concerning damage caused in Fiveways by children riding skateboards and scooters. The youngsters were not residents of Fiveways. Mr Timms requested that a sign be erected banning games on the estate.  The matter was discussed at length. Cllr Kevin Howell suggested that Mr Timms “have a word” with the children involved. Cllr Alison Tomkins suggested an article in the Scene in Baydon. It was agreed to formulate a letter in reply to Mr Timms.

Planning:-

Wiltshire Council planning officer has approved the application from Baydon House Farm for the erection of an agricultural building plus work on the Keepers Cottage, but with conditions.

Baydon Parish Council had no objections to applications for the following; a rear extension, to convert an outbuilding for living accommodation and the erection of a new garage at The Forge, Ermin Street. The construction of a flat roof on previously approved 2 storey extension thus creating a single storey, at 30 Downsmead. Rear extensions at 3 Aldbourne Road.

It was agreed to engage Pittams again to cut grass in the village and to cover the extra annual cost of £504 (including VAT, so £420 net) to include the BYPA Hall grass for one year.  £300 had also been quoted for an initial tidy up of all the grounds surrounding the hall, which would be a one off cost. Cllr Tomkins pointed out that users of the hall should be paying for the grass and garden maintenance at the hall, not the precept. It was agreed to ask the BYPA to contribute towards the costs of the first year.

Mrs Heather Burch asked on behalf of the Allotment Association if they were insured under the Parish Council’s Public Liability insurance. Cllr Knowles said that any damage incurred by fences, gate etc that were owned by the Parish were covered, but any injuries sustained working on the allotment or by someone leaving tools etc lying about would not be covered. He pointed out that householders insurance might cover such cases.

Discussions concerning the Newton’s Walk Playground were deferred.

The quarterly budget report was approved, being for the period 1st January to 31st March 2013 . The bank reconciliations up to 31st March were; Treasurers a/c £14,124.66; Savings a/c £2,606.65; Petty Cash £21.35; Total £16,752.66.

The funds surplus for the year, Cllr Knowles pointed out is because there was no clerk being paid for several months.

Approved payments were £26.03 to Cllr Tomkins for printer cartridges, £20 for two BYPA Hall hire dates. There is to be a refund from HMRC of approximately £250.

It was noted that the three people who had volunteered to stand as parish councillors have now changed their minds, so there are still 2 vacancies.

Cllr Witt added her thanks to Mrs Debbie Moxom for donating various kitchen equipment to the BYPA Hall.

The meeting closed at 8.50pm.

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