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MINUTES OF THE APRIL 2004 MEETING OF INSTOW PARISH COUNCIL


HELD AT INSTOW PARISH HALL ON THURSDAY 15th APRIL 2004 - 7.30 PM


Present: - Councillors P Cook, N Crombie, M Green, A Johns, G May, F Scott, S White (Chairman) and Mr R Jacob (Parish Clerk).


2404/1 PRAYER

The Clerk led the Council in prayer.

2404/2 APOLOGIES

Councillors R Cann (DCC), Mrs L Brown (NDDC), C Harper and Ms A Mayoh (Both IPC).


2404/3 POLICE REPORT

(a) Crime: - Constable Parker reported that since the last meeting of Council there had been a number of crimes reported within the parish namely, a burglary of a garage (fishing tackle stolen), an attempt theft of a motor vehicle, criminal damage to one of IPC’s bus shelters at Venn Cross (see item 2404/9 (iii) (d)), and finally a minor offence of criminal damage for which one person had been detained by police. Constable Parker added that one vehicle had recently been searched at Instow and this revealed a number of hypodermic needles within (no drugs had been found). Constable Parker then referred to a spate of purse thefts from elderly persons frequenting large stores in the Barnstaple area (Noted)

(b) Other Matters: - Constable Parker reported upon the result of his enquiries with NDDC as regards vehicle tyre disposal/dumping within the parish (see item 2403/3 (b) (ii)). He confirmed that all dumped tyres had been removed from the Old Bideford Road by the Environmental Health Department. After discussion IPC RESOLVED to suggest to NDDC that it do all it can to "encourage" registered scrap dealers to levy a charge on scrap vehicle disposal (currently there is no charge although £1.50 is levied for each tyre to cover environmental disposal costs), which would then, in effect, cover their costs as regards "environmental" tyre disposal and undoubtedly prevent illegal dumping. (Action: The Clerk)

(c) Instow - Community Policing: - (i) Constable Parker explained that his Community Policing role extended to Newton Tracey, Horwood, Lovacott, Harracott, Yelland, Fremington and parts of Tawstock as well as Instow, Westleigh and Eastleigh; he added he was also frequently called upon to work in the Barnstaple area. (Noted)

(i) Cllr White said he had received complaints from parishioners that much less had been seen of PC Parker within the parish than his predecessor, Constable Johnson. Constable Parker explained that the Community Policing team at Barnstaple had been increased since his deployment and that getting access to vehicles was often a problem. (Noted)

(iii) Cllr Johns said he had recently reported, by way of a "999" call, that a man was verbally abusing and "threatening" parishioners in and around Marine Parade, many of whom were in fear for their personal safety. He said he had not been updated as to the action(s) taken by the police and found this disconcerting. Constable Parker reported that he had been in the village at the time of the "999" call but had not been notified. After discussion IPC RESOLVED to express its concerns to the Devon and Cornwall Police and the Clerk was asked to write a suitable letter to the North Devon Divisional Commander. (Action: The Clerk)


2404/4 PARISHIONERS

Planning - Kiln Close Lane: - A parishioner queried whether a building extension in Kiln Close Lane was in accordance with the agreed plans as it did seem to be going "rather high". It was RESOLVED that the Clerk should contact NDDC’s Planning Department and notify the parishioner of the result of his enquiries as soon as possible. (Action: The Clerk)




2404/5 REPORT COUNTY COUNCILLOR R CANN

In the absence of Cllr Cann there was no report. (Noted)


2404/6 REPORT OF DISTRICT COUNCILLOR Mrs L BROWN

In the absence of Cllr Mrs L Brown there was no report. (Noted)


2404/7 MINUTES

It was RESOLVED that the March 2004 minutes of Instow Parish Council be approved and signed. (Noted)


2404/8 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

a) (Item 2403/8 (b)) - Charter Toilets - Instow: - (i) The Clerk updated IPC on his communication (emails various) with Cllr Harper and Geoff Barclay (NDDC‘s Environmental Health Dept) reference the Sandhills Toilets i.e. deep cleaning, toilets inoperative, rubbish inside etc. (Noted)

(ii) The Clerk added that no confirmation had yet been received from NDDC as to its chosen site for the Quay Car Park Charter toilets - he said he had reminded NDDC of IPC’s preferred site, that is, current location. (Noted)

b) Item 2403/8 (c) - NDDC - Future of Lifeguard Provision: - The Clerk advised IPC that he still awaited a response from The Crown Commissioners as regards IPC’s Beach Lease (letter of 20.2.04 refers). He said he had re-sent the letter on the 5th April). (Noted)

c) Item 2403/8 (e) - IPC - Siting of Xmas Tree/Signal Box Agreement: - (i) The Clerk reported he had spoken to the proprietor of The Commodore Hotel and that IPC would be more than welcome to hold its annual charity Xmas Carol Singing event around "The Commodore’s" tree in future years. IPC discussed this matter at the conclusion of which it was RESOLVED to take up the "Commodore" offer and to dispense with the Xmas tree at The Signal Box for future years - Clerk to advise Andy Bell (NDCCS) and Signal Box Committee. The Clerk was asked to check with the Commodore’s proprietor that it would be in order to take a charitable collection as usual. (Action: The Clerk)

(ii) It was further RESOLVED that IPC’s Xmas tree lights could be offered to the Signal Box Committee who might perhaps decorate the box at Xmas and thereby add to the village festivities. (Action: The Clerk)

d) Item 2403/8 (g) - IPC Traffic Management Sub Committee Meeting (23.4.04): - The Clerk referred to a draft agenda for this meeting which had been circulated to Cllrs with their agenda papers (6.4.04). After discussion it was RESOLVED to adopt the agenda as written and the Clerk was asked to circulate a copy to all interested parties asap. (The Clerk)

e) Item 2403/9 (ii) (b) - NDCC Grant Application: - The Clerk advised IPC that the North Devon Cricket Club had expressed its appreciation for the recent support of IPC (email of 24.3.04 refers). (Noted)

f) Item 2403/9 (iii) (k) (ii) - CROW Act 2000 - Provisional Map: - The Clerk confirmed he had placed the provisional map at the Post Office (19.3.04) and that on collection (6.4.04) no issue(s) had apparently been raised by parishioners. (Noted)

g) Item 2403/9 (iii) (l) - NDDC - Disability Discrimination Act Seminar: - The Clerk advised IPC that an invitation had been received (18.3.04) to this event (8th April - originally told it would be in October) and that Cllr Harper had agreed to attend and represent IPC. However, it was subsequently cancelled because of lack of numbers - paperwork to follow. (Noted)

h) Item 2403/9 (iii) (m) - Proposed Dredging at Culver Sands, Inner Bristol Channel: The Clerk said that the TTEF would not be formulating a response to this until after its meeting of 19.4.04. After discussion IPC RESOLVED to "wish to be associated with the view of TTEF" and the Chairman of TTEF, who was present at the meeting, agreed to act as necessary. The Clerk did refer to, and read out, an email from the Chairman TTEF of relevance to this topic. (Noted)

i) Item 2403/12 (b) - Sandhills/Dilapidated Willow Fencing: - The Clerk advised IPC of his email communications (24.3.04 etc) with NDCCS who were instrumental in erecting these fences in the first instant. He said NDCCS intends to tidy up the fencing in question and remove any parts that might present a danger. (Noted)


2404/9 CORRESPONDENCE

(i) TTEF Correspondence and related (For information only): -

a) Email (dd 8.4.04) and attachments from Chairman TTEF reference "Fast Leisure Craft": - (i) The Clerk said he had copied/circulated the attachments (letter and minutes of meeting of 26.1.04) to Cllrs for their perusal/information (Noted)

The Chairman TTEF added that the RNLI were to commence its training off the beach week commencing 19th April. (Noted)

b) Email (dd 13.4.04) from Chairman TTEF reference "Appledore Quay Wall": - The Clerk said he had circulated copies to Cllrs for their perusal/information.(Noted)

c) Emails (x2) from Secretary of TTEF reference "TTEF Minutes (various) and Subscriptions 2004/5": - The Clerk said that the minutes had already been received and circulated by the Chairman TTEF to IPC at an earlier meeting and that the 2004/5 subscription would be dealt with later - see item 2404/10 (1) (Noted)

(ii) Other Correspondence: - (For discussion and resolution)

a) Letter (dd 19.3.04) from NDDC reference Street Collection Permit on 12/13th November 2004 (between 8 am and 8 pm) for Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal: - The Clerk advised IPC that as this was a bone fide charity and a regular collection he had already told NDDC that IPC had no objection. IPC RESOLVED to ratify this decision. (Noted)

(iii) Other Correspondence (For information only)

a) Email and letter attachment (dd 18.3.04) from parishioner (David Jeremy) concerning (i) "Venn Cross to Tarka Trail Footpath - Pollution?", (ii) "Footpath - Tarka Trail to Beach via Oil Pipeline?", (iii) Gorse Hill Wings Project", (iv) "Public Toilets next to Beach (North)" and (v) "Instow School": - The Clerk reminded Cllrs he had copied the letter to them with their agenda papers (6.4.04) and then went on to inform IPC that he: -

(i) Pollution - had provided the parishioner with the Environment Agencies Emergency free-phone number (01392 0800 80 70 60/444000) so he could report the pollution himself (see also 2312/9 (iii) (q)). After discussion, led by Cllr May, IPC RESOLVED to also inform the EA. (Action: The Clerk)

(ii) Oil Pipeline Footpath - had advised the parishioner this issue would be discussed at IPC’s next meeting. After discussion (no Cllr could remember this ever being a "footpath", authorised or unauthorised) it was RESOLVED the Clerk should contact the NDCCS and DCC’s P3 co-ordinator to ascertain the legal position and bring their comments back for further debate. (Action: The Clerk)

(iii) Wings Project - had made certain enquires and then advised the parishioner this was a matter he might like to take up directly with Instow School as it was not a IPC matter. (Noted)

(iv) Toilets - Beach (North) - had advised that these toilets belong to NDDC and are to be replaced by Easter 2005 with a new Charter toilet block. (Noted)

(v) Instow School - he would raise this at next meeting of IPC; Cllrs noted the contents of the letter and debated it no further. (Noted)

b) Letter (March 3004) from The Society of Local Council Clerks offering membership to Clerk: - The Clerk advised IPC he had passed a copy to the Chairman as requested in the letter. After discussion it was RESOLVED that IPC would not seek membership as it was already well supported locally and by way of the Devon Association of Parish Councils (Noted)

c) Letter (dd 23.3.04) from NDDC (Mrs J Genge - Monitoring Officer and Solicitor to NDDC) reference "Notification from the Standards Board for England - Change in Complaints Process": - The Clerk reminded Cllrs he had copied this to them with their agenda papers (6.4.04). (Noted)

d) Received (23.3.04) information from Cllr May that Stone Bus Shelters at Venn Cross had been damaged (window removed and slates/felt damaged): - (i) The Clerk told Cllrs this matter had been reported to the police (PC John Parker on 24.3.04 - see also item 2404/4 (a)) and that necessary repairs had been made by Mel Harris (see item 2404/10 (1)). He added that christian names had been found scratched on some of the broken slates, namely "Aosie", "Jo" and "John". The Clerk suggested that metal grills could be placed at either side of the windows, so as to prevent further damage, and that he would speak to the local press so as to make parishioners fully aware of this on-going problem and to report suspicious behaviour to the Police. He said it might be appropriate to approach the newspaper article as a means of publicising IPC’s grateful thanks to DCC and NDDC for their recent bus shelter grants and to mention the damage "in passing". IPC RESOLVED to support this course of action - the Clerk said he would liaise with the Chairman. It was not agreed to fit grills to the windows. (Action: The Clerk)

(ii) The Clerk asked if IPC felt that seats should be fitted to the inside of the stone bus shelters? After discussion it was RESOLVED that no further action should be taken on the grounds that any new seats might be vandalised and would most probably not be used by a great number of "shelter" users. (Noted)

e) Telephone call (23.3.04) from Mrs Annie Brenton (866300) (Outreach Voluntary Development Worker) of North Devon Development Agency seeking Volunteers to join said organisation: - The Clerk reported he had subsequently received a letter, together with a number of posters/pamphlets, that he had placed at the Post Office; he added the letter (dd 29.3.04) had been copied to Cllrs with their agenda papers (6.4.04). (Noted)

f) Letter/pamphlet (dd 29.3.04) from DCC reference "Parish Lengthsmen Programme 2004-5": The Clerk reminded Cllrs he had copied this to them with their agenda papers (6.4.04) as well as to the Parish Handyman. It was suggested the pamphlet be left at the Post Office for parishioners to read. (Action: The Clerk)

g) Letter (dd 30.3.04) from DCC reference "Dartmoor Sunday Rover - Changes to some services": - The Clerk advised IPC that he had placed this at the Post Office for the information of parishioners. (Noted)

h) DCC Monthly News Round Up for April 2004 (received 1.4.04): - The Clerk said he had copied this to Cllrs with their agenda papers (6.4.04) and placed one copy at the Post Office for the information of parishioners. (Noted)

i) Letter (dd 2.4.04) from North Devon Safety Partnership concerning "Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator": - The Clerk said this advised IPC that it was seeking to employ an Anti Social Co-ordinator and enclosed a job description for information. He said it also set out its strategy for anti-social behaviour and sought IPC’s views. The Clerk said he had provided a copy to the Chairman prior to meeting. After discussion it was RESOLVED to note the information and take NFA. (Noted)

j) Emails (24.3.04 etc) from Clerk to Julian Roskilly (DCC Highways) concerning "Damage to Sea Wall (Marine Drive) and Sand on Highway": - (i) The Clerk advised IPC that the damaged sea wall was to be attended to by the Parish Lengthsman on his next visit to the parish and that DCC intended to clean up the sand on the highway before the Easter weekend although the subsequent bad weather made that objective difficult to achieve. Cllr Scott reported a further stretch of damaged wall that the Clerk agreed to pass on to DCC. (Action: The Clerk)

(ii) The Clerk said he also intended to contact the Environment Agency to report stones missing from the sea defence wall opposite the shops. (Action: The Clerk)

(iii) The continual problem of the blown sand on the highway (Marine Parade) and "Boathouse" bus shelter in particular was discussed. It was RESOLVED the Clerk should again pass on the concerns of IPC to DCC. (Action The Clerk)

k) Note (received 15.4.04) from The Democracy Movement (SW) of Tiverton, Devon reference "Fly the Flag remembering especially the Official Flag Flying Days": - The Clerk briefed IPC as to the contents. (Noted)

l) IPC Standing Orders Review 2004: - The Clerk reminded IPC that this document was due for review at the Annual Meeting of Council in May (20th) adding that he and Cllr Scott would like know (asap, and certainly by the 13th May) of any relevant comment(s) from Cllrs so as to assist them in their final recommendation(s) to Council. (Action: Cllr Scott and The Clerk)

m) Miscellaneous correspondence: - Atlantic Coast Express Magazine (No. 58 - Spring 2004), Devontalk Magazine (Spring 2004) - placed at Post Office, North Devon Festival (4-27th June 2004) Handbook (placed at Post Office) and Children’s Hospice SW Newsletter (Spring 2004) - placed at Post Office. (Noted)




2404/10 FINANCE

The Clerk reported on the financial transactions since the March meeting: -

1. INCOME: -

Lloyds Bank (Business a /c) Interest January 2004 £ 12.75

Ditto Ditto February 2004 £ 12.49

Ditto Ditto March 2004 £ 13.89

TOTAL: - £ 39.13

2. EXPENDITURE: -

Mr O W Cook Tractor Garage Rental £ 32.00

Mr M Harris Village Handyman £ 108.00*

Mr P Cook Beach Cleaning £ 217.07

Mr P Cook Tractor Fuel £ 17.50

Inland Revenue Tax re: P Cook £ 7.93

NDDC Bus Shelter Licence 2004/5 £ 10.00

SWEB Energy Car Park Machine £ 7.13

TTEF Subscription 2004/5 £ 15.00

TOTAL: - £ 414.63

Key: -

* Includes repair (£20) to stone bus shelter at Venn Cross (Instow Town side) - see correspondence item 2404/9 (iii) (d).

3. BANK - STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS: -

Lloyds Bank Business a/c no. 02350065 as at 25.3.04 (Statement) = £ 133.38+

Lloyds Bank Treasurers a/c no. 02348842 as at 19.3.04 (Statement) = £12,074.19

Key: -

+ Actual balance ££3.38 - Three outstanding cheques amounting to £130.00.

4. RESOLUTION REQUIRED: -

IPC RESOLVED to transfer £415.00 from Lloyds Bank Business account number 02350065 to Lloyds Bank Treasurers account number 02348842 to cover cheques as at 2 above. (Action: The Clerk)

5. MISCELLANEOUS: -

(a) Instow Welfare Trust (IWT): - (i) The Clerk reported he had received a letter (dd 23.3.04) from CCLA Investment Management Ltd reference the latest dividend on said account and that it enclosed a cheque, made payable to IWT, in the sum of 44p. The Clerk told IPC he had returned the cheque with a covering letter to CCLA asking that any further correspondence be forwarded to the Revd Clive Cooper (IWT Trustee) who would, no doubt, liaise as necessary with colleague IWT Trustees, Devon Community Foundation and CCLA; the Clerk confirmed he had copied said letter to the Revd Clive Cooper. (Noted)

(ii) The Clerk further reported he had received an email (dd 3.4.04) from Mark Kidson (IWT Trustee) telling him that he had received a letter from the Charity Commissioners advising that the IWT had been removed from the central register of charities (with effect 29th March 2004). (Noted)

(iii) The Clerk added that the final meeting of the IWT Trustees was to take place on the 24th April and that IPC would be told of any relevant issues discussed. (Noted)

(b) Reclaiming of Vat: Not Registered: - The Clerk reported he was soon to liaise with Mr G Day (IPC’s IA) to ascertain how much Vat could be reclaimed for year 2003/4 and then an application would be made to Customs and Excise. (Noted)

(c) COIF Charity Funds Annual Report 31st December 2003: - The Clerk reported this had been passed to IPC’s IA, Mr G Day for his information. (Noted)

(d) Draft Annual Accounts 2003/20004: The Clerk reminded Councillors they had been provided with a copy with their agenda papers for discussion at the meeting as necessary. Cllr Crombie confirmed he had checked the document with IPC’s financial records and had found all to be in order. (Noted)

(e) Budget (Income/Expenditure) 2002/2003 against Actual (Income/Expenditure) 2002/2003: - The Clerk provided Councillors with a copy. (Noted)

(f) Internal Audit - January to March 2004: - Cllr Crombie confirmed he had carried out this internal audit and found all to be in order. (Noted)

(g) Bank Reconciliation - 1st January 2004 to 31st March 2004: - The Clerk reported that a copy of this had been circulated to Cllrs with their agenda papers (together with draft annual accounts 2003/4 - see (d) above); Cllr Crombie confirmed said figures had been checked and all was in order. (Noted)

(h) Inland Revenue - End of Year (2003/2004) Returns (P35 and P14s’): - The Clerk confirmed this had been completed and sent to Inland Revenue. (Noted)

(i) Car Park Machine 2004: (i) The Clerk reported that all was progressing well reference the installation of the "new" car park machine in time for the 1st May adding that DCC and NDDC had been extremely helpful. (Noted)

(ii) The Clerk further advised IPC that a new sign had been ordered for the car park showing the new prices and relevant "Car Park Regulations" (adding that NDDC had agreed to pay half the cost) and that a supply of tickets was in hand - cost still to be established. (Noted)

(iii) The Clerk reminded Cllrs of the car park price increases for 2004 i.e. £1 for 2 hours (formerly 50p), £3 for 24 hours (formerly £2.50), Season Ticket £80 (same as 2003) and weekly ticket £12 (same as for 2003). (Noted)

(iv) The Clerk said he still needed to explore the set-up, servicing and maintenance costs and would report back to IPC at the next meeting. (Noted)

(j) Letter (undated - received 13th April 2004) from Audit Commission (AC) together with Annual Return for the Year ended 31st March 2004 and associated papers: - The Clerk confirmed he was to meet up with Mr G Day IPC’s IA asap and take the necessary action adding that the appropriate paperwork needed to be completed and returned to the AC by the 5th July 2004. (Noted)

(j) Parish Seats/Bus Shelters: - The Clerk reported that on the 31st March, together with the parish handyman, Mel Harris, he had inspected all parish seats and bus shelters and that he recommended, as a result, that 18 seats be re-stained, 10 be affixed to the pavement with "D" fixings (for security and pavement cleaning purposes) and that one be condemned because of "concrete cancer"/worn slats. He added that this seat bore no name of a donor and was situated opposite the Boathouse. In addition, he said, all bus shelters, with the exception of the new stone shelter at Atturm (total 6 in all), needed to be cleaned, painted and "spring cleaned" as necessary. The Clerk told IPC that the parish handyman had quoted him £15 per seat (plus the cost of stain, "D" fixings, bolts etc) and that this would amount to an approximate "ceiling" cost for the seats of £325 and £40 per bus shelter; approximate total "ceiling" cost of £275. After discussion IPC RESOLVED to adopt the Clerk’s recommendations in full as regards the seats and bus shelters and approved the "ceiling" costs for both. Clerk to advise Handyman and request that all work be completed in the next 3 months. (Action: The Clerk)


2404/11 PLANNING

a) Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs’) - Instow (Update) - See also 2403/11 (e): - The Clerk confirmed he had written (24.3.04) to NDDC’s Planning Director requesting that Mr Andrew Tucker (NDDC’s TPO Responsible Officer) meet up with Cllr Harper, either at the Civic Centre or preferably on site at Instow, so as to update the current records. (Noted)

b) Application for planning permission for County Matter Development (Mineral and Waste Disposal) or Development by DCC - Variation of condition 1 of Planning Approval No. 02/27/243672/92 extension of time at former Yelland Power Station, Yelland - See also 2403/5 (ii): - The Clerk reported he had made contact with Andy Bowman (DCC) by email (22.3.04) and as a result received a copy of relevant planning application (26.3.04) which he then forwarded to the Chairman for consideration by IPC’s Planning Officers. The Clerk added that Mr Bowman had requested that any comments made are specific rather than of a general, or hearsay, nature. The Clerk also referred to an email from the Chairman of the TTEF to DCC (dd 20.3.04). After discussion IPC RESOLVED not to recommend approval citing reasons that (i) had not "illegal" (some alleged and others evidenced/reported to DCC) taken place the ash bed capping process could well have been finished within the current permitted period and (ii) a vast number of heavy lorries accessing and egressing the site (citing the evidence as accrued by Cllr Mayoh - see item 2402/9 (ii) (d)) were travelling through Instow, depositing mud and causing a nuisance/danger to residents (as well as providing a danger to pedestrians who used the access road to the power station to reach the Tarka Trail. (Action: The Clerk)

c) Outline Application for the Erection of 1 Dwelling at Land adjacent to The White House, Lane End Road, Instow (Reference no. 37400): - The Clerk reported receipt of this application (1.4.04) and of having passed it immediately to the Chairman for the attention of IPC’s Planning Officers/Sub Committee. After debate it was RESOLVED not to recommend approval of the application on the grounds that the re-alignment of the highway (Lane End Close), currently 4m in width, would be reduced to 1.6m and this would have a marked effect on pedestrian/road users and road safety in general. (Action The Clerk)

** Cllr Crombie declared an interest, left the room and did not speak**

d) Approval of details in respect of erection of 4 No. Dwellings, Garages and Access (amended plans) at Land at Lane End Road, Instow (Reference No 35529): - The Clerk advised IPC that NDDC had GRANTED planning permission for this application with conditions as listed; a copy of this letter was provided to Cllrs for their information. (Noted)

e) Erection of replacement garage with dependant relatives accommodation over at Gorse Hill, Instow (Reference No. 37026): - The Clerk advised IPC that NDDC had REFUSED planning permission for this application for reasons as listed; the Clerk elaborated for the benefit of Cllrs. (Noted)


2404/12 ANY MATTER RAISED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN

Environment Agency (EA) - Flood Defence System Testing: - Cllr Cook questioned why the regular testing of the flood defence system at Instow necessitated in the signs at each end of the village being left on for so long. It was argued that this had the undesired effect of turning visitors away from the village; the question of why so many EA staff was needed to man the flood defence barriers at the time of spring high tides was also debated - it was not felt, in the view of IPC, to be cost effective. It was RESOLVED the Clerk should contact the EA and seek a response to both points. (Action: The Clerk)


There being no other business the meeting was closed.
 

 

Instow