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Present: - Councillors, P Cook, N Crombie, Mrs T Dipper, M Green (Vice
Chairman), C Harper, G May, B Thomas, S White (Chairman) and Mr R Jacob
(Parish Clerk).
In Attendance: Cllr R Cann (DCC) and 5 parishioners.
2907/1 PRAYER
The Clerk led the Council in prayer.
2907/2 APOLOGIES
Cllr A Johns and PC Hodgson.
2907/3 POLICE REPORT
a) Crime: -
PCSO Cornish said that 2 crimes had been reported in the parish since the last
meeting, namely, a burglary (diesel at Holmacott landfill site) and criminal
damage (fuel tank of a car). (Noted)
b) Other Matters: -
PCSO Cornish said that 10 incidents had been reported in the parish since the
last meeting, namely, x1 crime related, x1 alarm, x3 road related, x1
harassment, x1 suspicious activity, x2 anti-social behaviour and x1 dog
related. (Noted)
c) Neighbourhood Watch Update: -
PCSO Cornish provided councillors with a “neighbourhood messaging” brochure
for their information - see also item 2907/8 (e). (Noted)
d) Marine Watch: -
PCSO Cornish said a meeting was to be held w/c 21st July, at the North Devon
Yacht Club to discuss this initiative. He said Special Branch Officers would
be in attendance and that he would be giving a talk on crime prevention
initiatives. (Noted)
e) Other Matters: -
(i) Illegally Parked Car -: - PCSO Cornish said they had been dealing with a
car that had been illegally parked in Kiln Close Lane and that he now hoped
the matter was resolved. (Noted)
(ii) Community on Show Event: - PCSO Cornish said he would be present at the
show with a police car and would be offering crime prevention advice. (Noted)
(iii) Handgun Incident - Rectory Lane: - In answer to a question from Cllr
Cook, PCSO Cornish confirmed that the police had recently recovered a handgun
(ball bearing) from a hedge in Rectory Lane following a shooting incident near
The Cedars in Barnstaple. There had been 4 persons arrested. (Noted)
2907/4 PARISHIONERS
(a) Footpaths and Signs: - .
(i) A parishioner said the footpath along Anstey Way, opposite Atturm, from
Rectory Lane West to the Pedestrian Island Crossing was in a very bad state;
it was overgrown (grass) and narrow in any event. IPC RESOLVED to advise DCC
Highways Superintendent. (Action: The Clerk)
(ii) A parishioner said the Rectory Lane hedge cuttings had left a pile of
debris on the highway at this point. The Clerk advised IPC that it was now,
apparently, DCC Highways policy not to collect such debris. (Noted)
(iii) A parishioner said he had discovered the waymarks on footpath No. 3
where it traversed the Tarka Trail but as they consisted of two small plastic
discs, often overgrown by vegetation, perhaps a few more, visible from both
directions could be added. The Clerk said the current waymarks accorded to DCC
footpath policy but as it happened, the NDCCS was soon to install a footpath
sign at this location. (Noted)
(iv) A parishioner said the Instow sign, on entry from the Yelland direction,
remained untouched and in his opinion shabby. The Clerk advised IPC that this
sign, and the one at the Bideford end of Anstey Way, had recently been cleaned
by the handyperson and that he doubted DCC would replace them on the basis
that village gateways were to be installed in the very near future. (Noted)
(b) Parking on Grass Verges: -
A parishioner said that long term parking on the grass verge between the Heron
and Rectory Lane, opposite Atturm had recently been observed and reported to
the police with effective action being taken. He went on to suggest that a "No
Parking on Grass Verge" notice be provided, to dissuade those who think it
admissible. IPC RESOLVED to pass this suggestion to DCC Highways
Superintendent who was responsible for grass verges. (Action: The Clerk)
(c) Google Camera: -
A parishioner said a google camera vehicle had been sighted in Old Rectory
Close and no doubt in other parts of Instow. He asked whether the parish
council had been notified beforehand. The Clerk answered in the negative.
(Noted)
(d) Instow School – Retirement of Headteacher Peter Kent: -
A parishioner said he wished to place on record his appreciation of the
excellent service which had been provided to the School and the Village by
Peter Kent during his many years a Head of Instow School; he wished to thank
him publicly and wish him all best wishes for the future. The Clerk said that
Councillors were to host a small social event after the meeting with Peter
Kent and his wife and that he would ensure said thanks and best wishes were
passed on. (Noted)
(e) Green Energy: -
A parishioner asked whether the Parish Council would consider the production
of renewable energy within the parish with potential for Parish income, as
proposed by the current government. After a discussion it was RESOLVED that
some research needed be made on the subject on the basis that IPC could not
make a decision without the relevant information to hand. (Action: The Clerk)
(f) Defective Lighting – The Quay: -
A parishioner reported that the lighting in the vicinity of the Quay was
defective in that it was coming on at all times of the day and very early in
the evening. IPC RESOLVED to advise the appropriate authority. (Action: The
Clerk)
(g) Unkempt Car Park – The Bar @ The Quay:-
A parishioner said a number of complaints had been passed to her about the
unkempt state of this car park due to weeds (long grass) and puddles of water
during periods of heavy rainfall. After a discussion, IPC RESOLVED to advise
the management of the pub. (Action: The Clerk)
2907/5 REPORT COUNTY COUNCILLOR R CANN
(a) Westleigh Junction – Site Visit: -
Cllr Cann said he had met on site with the Leader of DCC and 2 cabinet members
and he was hopeful it had brought home the difficulties and potential danger
for drivers; he said he was optimistic that further improvements would be
undertaken. (Noted)
(b) Landslip on A39 and Ragwort: -
Cllr Cann said this essential work was estimated to cost £180,000, subject to
change dependant on the ground conditions on site, and that South West
Highways had commenced their programme of ragwort pulling. (Noted)
(c) Children in DCC Corporate Care: -
Cllr Cann said the number of children in corporate care was 551 as at 30th
June 2009 and the annual cost to DCC was £20.2 million plus for Joint Agency
Services; he said the cost of a bed per night at the Atkinson Suite was £700.
(Noted)
(d) Kiln Close Lane/Proposal for Redevelopment of The Sands: -
(i) Cllr Cann spoke of a meeting on site with planners etc and then outlined
possible plans for the redevelopment of the site, the implications of access
to the rear and the making of Kiln Close Lane (lower half) one way. (Noted)
(ii) After a discussion IPC RESOLVED to support this in principle and Cllr
Cann agreed to report back as and when appropriate. (Action: Cllr Cann)
(e) Instow – Traffic Meeting: -
Cllr Cann said he noted that this matter was to be discussed under “Matters
Arising” and that he would speak then as necessary. (Noted)
(f) Marsh Lane – Noisy Manhole Cover: -
Cllr Cann said action to rectify this was in hand following a complaint he had
recently received. (Noted)
(g) Excess Speed – New Road: -
Cllr Cann said traffic count/speed checks were soon to take place at this
location following complaints of excess speed; he added that New Road did not
fit the criteria for a 20 mph speed limit – see also items 2907/8 (c) (i) (h)
and 2907/9 (i) (f). (Noted)
(h) NDC/TDC – Joint Services: -
Cllr Cann said he was soon to meet with TDC to discuss a joint services
initiative as regards those services within his NDC “Environment” portfolio.
(Noted)
2907/6 REPORT OF DISTRICT COUNCILLOR B MOORES
In the absence of Cllr Moores the Clerk read from a report he had provided; he
referred to “Local Government Review” (current deadlines now unlikely on the
basis that the Boundary Committee acted unfairly in failing to properly
consider the concept put forward by Suffolk Councils – High Court ruling),
“Funding – Rough Sleepers” (NDC has helped to secure almost £150,000 from the
government to make improvements to the Freedom Centre on Howard Avenue; i.e.
education, training and employment), “Working Together for the Future” (NDC/TDC
have been liaising as regards the sharing of services), “College Funding” (NDC
is deeply disappointed that the NDC has not secured funding for a new campus),
and “Ransom Strip” (further meetings have taken place). (Noted)
2907/7 MINUTES
It was RESOLVED that the June 2009 minutes of Instow Parish Council be
approved and signed. (Noted)
2907/8 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
a) Item 2906/8 (a) – Village Gateway Initiative: -
(i) The Chairman provided IPC with an update. He told IPC that the proposed
village gateways plans had failed the DCC safety audit; he explained the
reasoning. (Noted)
(ii) The Clerk then referred to an email (dd 29.6.09) from DCC Highways via
Cllr Cann and which attached a full copy of the safety audit; it had also been
copied to the Chairman, Cllr White. (Noted)
(iii) The Clerk said the email (as at (ii) above) and attachment had been
copied on to Cllr Thomas (30.6.09 and 6.7.09) at the request of the Chairman
for attention in his absence on holiday. (Noted)
(iv) Cllr Cann, Chairman and the Clerk then referred to a meeting they had had
with a senior DCC Local Services Officer on 14.7.09 (see item (c) below)
adding that it had been agreed that he would ascertain what amendments to the
plans were necessary to make them acceptable and would report back asap. Cllr
Cann agreed to monitor this in liaison with the Clerk. (Cllr Cann and The
Clerk)
b) Item 2906/8 (b) - DCC Commons Act 2006/IPC Actions: -
Cllr Harper said he had been unable to finalise this issue, that was, the
registering of the land between mean high tide mark and seawall as common
land, but would ensure it was finalised by the next meeting. (Action: Cllr
Harper) c) Item 2906/8 (c) – Marine Parade/DCC Traffic Management Meeting: -
(i) The Clerk advised IPC that Cllr Cann, the Chairman, Cllr Mrs Dipper and
himself had met with a senior DCC Local Services (Highways) Officer at the
Commodore Hotel on Tuesday 14th July 2009; he provided each Cllr with a copy
of the agenda for their information. The Clerk then summarised the discussions
as follows: -
(a) Marine Parade – Congestion (Buses etc); to include removal of double
yellow lines opposite Boathouse (Loading Bay): -
The Clerk outlined possible solutions to the congestion problems and said DCC
Local Services (Highways) were considering options to clearly identify the
access gates to the beach (Boathouse) as an emergency access point to the
beach. (Noted)
(b) Access/Egress to Commodore Hotel on Marine Parade: -
The Clerk said the meeting had discussed the various options; the Officer from
DCC Local Services (Highways) had agreed to review the situation and report
back. (Noted)
(c) Village Gateway Project: -
See item 2907/8 (a) as above. (Noted)
(d) Flailing of Hedges – Anstey Way (various) and general pavement/highway
maintenance (weeds etc) – encroachment of trees and shrubs: -
The Clerk said he had outlined the outstanding issues that still required
attention and the frustrations of securing necessary work. The Officer from
DCC Local Services (Highways) had agreed to review the situation and report
back. (Noted)
(e) Annual IPC Grass Cutting Grant – Review: -
The Clerk said this was discussed at a further meeting with DCC Local Services
(Highways) – see item 2907/10 (5) (k) (Noted) (f) General poor state of road
surface – Seafront: -
The Clerk reported that the Officer from DCC Local Services (Highways) had
agreed to review the situation and report back. (Noted)
(g) Poor state of Drains Maintenance – especially seafront (flooding) and
Anstey Way: -
The Clerk reported that the Officer from DCC Local Services (Highways) had
agreed to review the situation and report back. (Noted)
(h) Excess Speed – New Road: -
For further details of this refer to item 2907/5 (g). (Noted)
(i) Tour of Britain Cycle Race: -
For further details of this refer to item 2907/9 (i) (h). (Noted)
(ii) Cllr Cann summarised by saying he would eventually be provided with a
full report from DCC Local Services (Highways) setting out recommendations and
options that he would quite naturally share with IPC. IPC thanked him for
arranging the meeting that had been most useful. (Noted)
d) Item 2906/8 (e) – Quality Parish Council Reaccreditation Update: -
The Clerk said he would do all he could to put together a draft
reaccreditation application prior to the September meeting albeit that some
new initiatives would need to be considered by IPC and adopted prior to the
application being submitted.
(Action: The Clerk)
e) Item 2906/9 (i) (b) – Neighbourhood Watch Messaging/Website etc: -
The Clerk referred to an email (dd 20.6.09) he had sent to the Instow
Webmaster as regards the addition of a “neighbourhood watch” page being
included on the Instow website. He said that to date he had not received a
reply despite a reminder email having been sent. He agreed to chase it up.
(Action: The Clerk)
f) Item 2906/9 (i) (c) – All Saints Chapel – Children’s Play Area?: -
(i) The Clerk advised IPC he had spoken to the Reverend Calway (15.7.09) and
had been advised that the Instow PCC were to discuss this matter at a meeting
on 27th July and that if it was, in principle, agreeable to this project he
would advise the Clerk. (Noted)
(ii) The Clerk suggested that if this was the case he would arrange a site
meeting with a NDC/DCC Officer familiar with playground facilities together
with representatives of IPC/PCC/DCC and NDC to determine whether the project
was viable or not. (Noted)
(iii) After a discussion IPC RESOLVED to adopt this course of action.
(Action: The Clerk)
g) Item 2906/11 (b) – Unkempt Grass Verges/Flower Beds (IIB): -
(i) The Clerk referred to an email (dd 20.6.09) he had sent to the Chairman of
IIB and of his response. (Noted)
(ii) The Clerk advised IPC that DCC Highways had recently passed unfavourable
comments to him about the unkemptness of the verges within the village where
IIB flower beds were situated and that ultimately IPC was responsible for the
maintenance and general appearance of these verges on behalf of DCC. (Noted)
(iii) The Chairman of IIB, who was present at the meeting, addressed Council.
He explained IIB’s reasoning for its particular strategy of maintenance of its
flower beds (seeding of wild flowers etc) but agreed to review said policy in
light of complaints received by IPC. (Noted)
2907/9 CORRESPONDENCE
(i) Matters for discussion/resolution or noting
a) Letter (dd 26.6.09) from NDC (Technical Support Administrator) reference
“House to House Act 1939: KICT – Supporting Kids Through Cancer Treatment”: -
(i) The Clerk said this stated that collection was to take place in the parish
of Instow between 24th August 2009 and 29th August 2009. (Noted)
(ii) The Clerk advised IPC that in view of the fact this was a bone fide
charity (checked on internet) he had told NDC (email of 29.6.09 refers) that
IPC would have no objection. (Noted)
(iii) IPC RESOLVED to ratify this decision. (Noted)
b) Letter (dd 19.6.09) from NDC (Community and Leisure) reference “Graffiti
within North Devon”: -
(i) The Clerk said this stated that NDC was working with partnership agencies,
in particular the Probation Service, to remove graffiti from North Devon and
was asking IPC if they could be advised of any locations within the parish
where an instance of graffiti had occurred. The Clerk added that when all data
had been collected throughout North Devon a plan would be implemented and IPC
would be involved in helping support the delivery. (Noted)
(ii) The Clerk reminded Cllrs he had forwarded a copy of the letter to them
with their agenda papers (7.7.09). (Noted)
(iii) After a discussion it was said, by Cllr Harper, there was some graffiti
in the charter toilets at the junction of Marine Parade/Lane End Close; IPC
RESOLVED to have this information passed to NDC. (Action: The Clerk)
c) Letter (dd 29.6.09) from NDC reference “Local Government Review”: -
(i) The Clerk said this letter set out the latest information from the
Department for Communities and Local Government regarding Local Government
Review, namely, Boundary Committee to report by 15.7.09, formal representation
period extended to 18th September 2009, formal decision likely October 2009
and New Council from 1st April 2011; he said a copy of the letter and
attachment had been copied to Cllrs with their agenda papers (7.7.09). (Noted)
(ii) The Clerk also referred to an email (dd 1.7.09) and attachment from
Department for Communities and Local Government reference “Approach to
decisions on unitary proposals for unitary local government in Devon etc”; he
said he had forwarded this to Cllrs with email addresses (2.7.09) and had
provided copies to other Cllrs with their agenda papers (7.7.09). (Noted)
(iii) The Clerk also referred to an email (dd 15.7.09) and attachments from
DAPC reference “Latest News – Local Government Review in Devon”; copies were
provided to Cllrs for perusal at the meeting. (Noted)
(iv) The Clerk also referred to an email (dd 15.7.09) from the Department for
Communities and Local Government reference “Boundary Committee Advice on
Unitary Proposals for Devon, Norfolk and Suffolk”; copies were provided to
Cllrs for perusal at the meeting. (Noted)
d) Email (dd 2.7.09) from DCC reference “Bus Service Changes: Instow Area”: -
The Clerk said he had provided a copy to Cllrs with email address (2.7.09) and
to others with their agenda papers (7.7.09). (Noted)
e) Email (dd 2.7.09) and attachments from Defra reference “Review of Bathing
Waters EC Directive 2006/7/EC”: -
(i) The Clerk said this email had been forwarded (2.7.09) to Cllr Green (IPC’s
Water Quality expert) for perusal prior to the meeting and that Cllrs had been
provided with a copy with their agenda papers (7.7.09). (Noted)
(ii) Following advice by Cllr Green and a discussion IPC RESOLVED to take no
further action. (Noted)
f) Email (dd 2.7.09) from Cllr Mrs Dipper reference “New Road – Excess
Speed/Danger to Pedestrians”: -
(i) Cllr Mrs Dipper spoke to Council and outlined her concerns. (Noted)
(ii) The Clerk advised IPC he had immediately forwarded said email to Cllr
Cann DCC (2.7.09) for attention and that as he had reported earlier in the
meeting, speed checks were to imminently be carried out in the area – see item
2907/5 (g). (Noted)
g) Email (dd 3.7.09) from a parishioner reference “Instow Beach – Dogs”: -
(i) The Clerk said the parishioner had expressed her concerns about dogs on
the beach and their affect on beach users; she questioned why there wasn’t a
total ban on dogs during the summer months and why there weren’t regular
patrols to enforce legislation and issue fines. (Noted)
(ii) The Clerk told IPC he had advised the parishioner (email of 4.7.09
refers) of the intricacies involving the current dog legislation and of the
fact that NDC’s Dog Wardens did visit the beach regularly and had issued fixed
penalty tickets. (Noted)
(iii) The Clerk told IPC he had emailed (5.7.09) and spoken personally
(6.7.09) to NDC’s Environmental Health Dept (EHD) and ascertained that the old
bylaws of relevance to the control of dogs on the beach had been replaced by
regulations and these would soon be repealed as a consequence of the
introduction of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act that would bring
about a North Devon wide designation requiring dog owners to clean up after
their dogs; dog free zones were not part of the new legislation and dog ban
areas have been moved to stand as a separate control. NDC had said that it
will still be able to enforce the legislation on the part of Instow beach
leased by IPC from the CC because both the CC and IPC had expressed a
willingness to cooperate. Regrettably, it would seem that DCE had not
expressed a similar willingness as regards those parts of the beach that
belonged to it and NDC was not therefore prepared to take formal action
because to do so could be construed as having no authority. The Clerk said
that as a matter of interest, there was no legislation that catered for dog’s
urinating in a public place. (Noted)
(iv) The Clerk added that NDC had advised him that IPC could put up its own
signs “banning dogs on the beach in the summer” but would need to enforce this
itself (as some other private beach owners in North Devon do); NDC would have
no legal authority to assist with this initiative. Alternatively IPC could
elect to seek a limited range of enforcement powers (under the CN and E Act
2005) in its own right but there would be costs including staffing and
training implications. (Noted)
(v) The Clerk told IPC that he regularly received phone calls from the public
enquiring about dogs on the beach and that it was invariably the NDC’s
Customers Services Dept who had advised the public to do so. The Clerk said he
had been told that this should not be happening and that all enquiries should
be passed to NDC’s Environmental Health Dept. (Noted)
(vi) A discussion then ensued at the conclusion of which IPC RESOLVED not to
take any proactive action at the present moment; Cllr Cann said he would
review realistic options with NDC’s EHD and get back to IPC, via the Clerk, in
due course.
(Action: Cllr Cann)
h) Email (dd 10.7.09) from Cllr Cann reference “Tour of Britain Cycler Race –
September 17th and 18th 2009”: -
The Clerk advised IPC that this race would be going through Instow (Marine
Parade) on 17th September 2009 en route to Bideford and that the most likely
time was “early” afternoon. Cllr Cann said further information would be
released by DCC in due course. (Noted)
i) Memorandum (dd 14.7.09) and attachment (insurance policy schedule) from
Trustee and Treasurer of Instow Parish Hall Management Committee reference
“Westleigh, Instow and West Yelland Community on Show – Insurance”: -
(i) The Clerk said this memorandum and policy schedule had been copied to
Cllrs for perusal at the meeting bearing in mind that some of the show
activities were to take place on parts of Instow beach as leased by IPC from
the Crown Estate. (Noted)
(ii)After a discussion, lead by Cllr Green and Cllr Crombie, IPC RESOLVED to
note the information on the grounds that the insurance arrangements seemed
appropriate in the circumstances and in accordance with its insurer’s
instructions. (Noted)
j) Email (dd 15.7.09) from a parishioner reference “Residents Parking - Marine
Parade between Boathouse and Sand Dunes Car Park”: -
(i) The Clerk outlined the content of the email and explained the reasoning
behind the request of the parishioner. (Noted)
(ii) After a discussion IPC RESOLVED to advise the parishioner that “Resident
Parking” needed to be self financing/regulating and that in its experience
this was not a viable option for Instow. IPC asked the Clerk to remind the
parishioner that a reasonably priced season ticket was available to park in
the Quay Car Park during the summer months when parking restrictions were in
place. (Action: The Clerk)
(ii) Taw and Torridge Estuary Forum and associated Matters (Placed in
“Briefing Folder” for information of Cllrs)
(a) Email (dd 25.6.09) from Environment Agency (EA) reference “Bathing Water
Date for Instow, Westward Ho! and Saunton Sands as at 25th June 2009”
(b) Email (dd 3.7.09) from Environment Agency (EA) reference “Bathing Water
Date for Instow, Westward Ho! and Saunton Sands as at 3rd July 2009”
(c) Email (dd 16.7.09) from Environment Agency (EA) reference “Bathing Water
Date for Instow, Westward Ho! and Saunton Sands as at 16th July 2009”
(iii) Matters to note: (Placed in “Briefing Folder” for information of Cllrs)
a) DAPC Matters (Various): - (i) Email (dd 22.6.09) reference “NALC/SLCC
Networking Lunches Sept/December 2009”; (ii) Email (dd 22.6.09) reference
“Co-option – Best Practice” – Clerk responded as necessary; (iii) Email (dd
23.6.09) reference “New Clerks Short Course”; (iv) Email (dd 25.6.09) and
letters (x2) reference “Community Planning Drop In Surgery (Torrington)”; (v)
Email (dd 29.6.09) reference “Chief Executive’s Report – NALC” – copied to
Cllrs with email addresses; (vi) Poster (received 2.7.09) reference
“Conference: Empowering Communities in Devon” – Clerk to attend if available -
DAPC advised; (vii) “DAPC Newsletter - July/August 2009”; (viii) Letter (dd
June 2009) reference “Help Vitalise Support your Local Disabled People and
Carers”; (ix) Email (dd 2.7.09) reference “LCR Opinion Article – should
training for parish and town councillors be mandatory?”; (x) Email (dd 7.7.09)
reference “NALC Leadership Academy – Warwick University”; (xi) Email (dd
9.7.09) reference “Advert for Deputy Clerk – Honiton”; (xii) Email (dd
10.7.09) reference “Community Buildings Conference/AGM 2009” – email forwarded
(11.7.09) to Acting Chairman IPHC; (xiii) Email (dd 14.7.09) reference
“Reminder - “Conference: Empowering Communities in Devon” and (xiv) Email (dd
14.7.09) reference “2009 Awards for Local Councils”.
b) NDDC Members Services Weekly Information Sheet for w/e 19.6.09, 26.6.09,
3.7.09 and 10.7.09.
c) Letter (dd 22.6.09) from DCC (P3 - Parish Paths Partnership) reference
“Summer Workshops”:-
Clerk and Handyperson attended a meeting at Loxhore on 15.7.09.
d) Email (dd 24.6.09) from Acting Chairman of Instow Parish Hall Committee (IPH)
reference “IPH AGM 2009 – 6th July”: -
Copied to Cllrs with email addresses.
e) Email (dd 24.6.09) from a parishioner reference “Instow Verges”: -
Clerk responded as necessary and copied reply to Cllr Cann (DCC).
f) Letter (dd 25.6.09) from ndh reference “Pre-Reinforced Concrete (PRCX)
Catch-Up Meeting – 15th July 2009/Whiddon Valley Community Centre”: -
Copy of letter passed to Cllrs with their agenda papers (7.7.09).
g) Email (dd 26.6.09) and attachment from Cllr Cann reference “Westleigh
Junction Question to DCC Leader”: -
DCC Leader to meet Cllr Cann (DCC) on site on 7th July 2009.
h) Clerks and Councils Direct magazine – Issue 64 (July 2009).
i) Telephone call (25.6.09) from a Bideford resident reference “Instow Beach –
Dogs and Deck Chairs): -
Clerk advised caller of the intricacies of the legislation of relevance to
dogs on Instow Beach and of the enforcement by NDC’s Dog Wardens; caller
expressed an interest in running a deckchair franchise on the beach.
j) Telephone call (26.6.09) from Cllr May reference “Complaint from
parishioner reference Unkempt Grass Verges/Pavements-Walls and Weeds”: -
DCC Highways Superintendent advised.
k) Email (dd 29.6.09) from Defra reference “Stakeholders Database Update:-
Updated by Clerk as necessary.
l) Pamphlet from DCC entitled “Highways – Surface Dressing”.
m) Email (dd 1.7.09) from Instow PCC reference “Changes within PCC – Contact
Details”.
n) “Mole Valley Farmers Newsletter (July 2009) – No 542.
o) Email (dd 25.6.09) from Clerk to Cllr Moores (NDC) reference “Ransom Strip
and land adjacent to Atturm”: -
Clerk advised by Cllr Moores (email of 25.6.09 refers) that NDC Legal
Department has been asked for advice on this land’s ownership; response
awaited.
p) Devon talk Magazine (Summer 2009).
q) Email (dd 5.7.09) from Cllr Harper reference “Parish Emergency Plan –
Request for Information by Beedon PC, Yorkshire”: -
Advice provided by Clerk.
r) Email (dd 6.6.09) from Cllr Johns reference “Blocked Drains – Marine
Parade/Quay Lane”: -
DCC Local Services Superintendent informed (email of 6.6.09 refers) and action
programmed; Cllr Johns advised.
s) Devon In Touch Monthly News Round-Up (July 2009): -
Copy placed at post office for information of parishioners.
t) Email (dd 7.7.09) from a parishioner reference “Blocked Drains – Outside
Littehill North, Anstey Way”: -
DCC Local Services Superintendent informed (email of 7.6.09 refers);
parishioner advised.
u) Letter (received 13.7.09) and attachments from Go North Devon reference
“Transport” and Travel Guide 2009/2010 – Shopmobility”: -
Pamphlets placed at post office for information of parishioners.
v) Telephone call (circa 1.7.09) from a parishioner reference “Mobile Shop –
Commodore Slipway/Service of Hot Food and Encroachment/Obstruction of Public
Footpath etc”: -
(i) Clerk advised parishioner that she ought, in the first instant, to speak
to proprietor to establish the situation and/or contact DCC/NDC as regards the
alleged service of hot food and obstruction of the footpath.
(ii) Clerk subsequently received an email (4.7.09) from NDCCS who had received
similar complaints and were making its own enquiries.
(iii) Clerk received a telephone call from proprietor (6.7.09) stating that
all issues had been resolved.
w) Telephone call (8.7.09 – answer phone) from a caller reference “Selling of
Photo Prints on Seafront”: -
Caller did not leave name or contact telephone number – Clerk unable to phone
him back.
x) Telephone call (9.7.09 – answer phone) from Cllr May reference “Poor Hedge
Cutting – Instow”: -
Clerk unable to ascertain locations in order to speak to DCC Local Services;
not believed to be DCC contractors.
y) Email (dd 7.7.09) from Cllr Harper reference “Signpost junction of Marine
Parade and Quay Lane”: -
Reported incorrect signposting as regards toilets and church; matter passed to
DCC Local Services for attention.
z) Email (dd 10.7.09) from Cllr Harper reference “Car Parked on Double Yellow
Lines – Kiln Close Lane”: -
Matter passed to police (13.7.09) for attention.
aa) Agenda and associated papers of NDC’s Standards Board Meeting of 22nd July
2009 at 7 pm.
bb) Email (dd 15.7.09) from a parishioner reference “Street Lighting -
Instow”: -
Matter reported to SEC Lighting (DCC’s agents) and parishioner notified.
2907/10 FINANCE
1. INCOME: -
Car Park Period ending 24th June 2009 £ 943.40
Ditto Periods ending 3rd July 2009 £ 693.00
Ditto Period ending 13th July 2009 £ 721.80#
Ditto Weekly Ticket Nos. 7 & 8 £ 24.00
Ditto Weekly Ticket No 9 £ 12.00
TOTAL : - £2394.20
Key: -
#Car Park Takings are up on 2008 by approx £725.00.
2 EXPENDITURE: -
Mr M Harris Village Handyman £ 448.00
Mr M Harris Grass Cut (No 3) £ 250.00
Mr P Cook Beach Cleaning £ 425.00
EDF Energy Car Park Machine £ 6.83
DAPC Affiliation Fee 2009/10 £ 154.30*
TOTAL: - £ 1284.13
Key: -
* £15.30 VAT recoverable
3. BANK – STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS: -
Lloyds Bank Treasurers a/c no. 02348842 as @ 26.6.09 (Statement) = £ 14.77*
Lloyds Bank Business a/c no. 02350065 as @ 3.7.09 (Statement) = £15389.17+
Key:
* According to Clerk’s records this is £1.27 (1 cheque to the value of £13.50
uncashed).
+ According to Clerk’s records this is £16110.97 as at date of meeting.
4. RESOLUTION REQUIRED: -
IPC RESOLVED to transfer £1284.00 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) Mole Valley Farmers – IPC Account (July 2009): -
The Clerk advised Cllrs that this confirmed IPC was in balance. (Noted)
(b) Crown Estate (CE) Beach Lease 2010+ : -
(i) The Clerk reported he had met with the CE’s agent at Instow on Friday 3rd
July and discussed with him (a) the renewal of the beach lease, (b) ownership
of the beach between the mean high tide mark and seawall (Commodore to
Boathouse) and (c) method of charges for Mooring Rights during the period of
the new lease: -
a) Beach Lease (Post 2009): -
(i) The Clerk said a draft “Head of Terms” document, in respect of the
foreshore at Instow (Reference 317/3/79), had been handed to him for the
perusal of IPC; a copy had been forwarded to Cllr Crombie (4.7.09) for perusal
prior to the meeting. The Clerk also provided a copy to Cllrs at the meeting.
(Noted)
(ii) After a discussion it was RESOLVED that in principle the head of terms
was acceptable to IPC and that the Clerk should make contact with a suitable
local solicitor to act on IPC’s behalf. (Action: The Clerk) b) Ownership of
Foreshore between mean high tide mark and seawall: -
The Clerk said the CE could not provide any material evidence as regards
ownership of this area of the beach. (Noted)
c) Mooring Rights – Fees: -
(i) The Clerk said the CE suggested IPC charged an annual fee for the Mooring
Rights (for the period 2010-2012) of £1,250 and that it also levied £30 per
mooring (regardless of size of boat) to cover ground rent. (Noted)
(ii) The Clerk added that in a snap shot of moorings in use, within the area
of Instow Sands leased by IPC from the CE on 3rd July 2009, there were
approximately between 40 – 50 boats. This, he said, would amount to an
additional revenue pa of between £1,200 and £1,500. (Noted)
(iii) The Clerk reminded IPC that half of all income derived from the beach
had to be paid annually to the CE and that the CE expected IPC to be
business-like in its management of the beach on its behalf. (Noted)
(iv) After a discussion IPC RESOLVED to accept the guidance as offered by the
CE and the Clerk was asked to place an advertisement in the local press for
the “Mooring Rights 2010-2012”. (Action: The Clerk)
(d) Audit Commission- Annual Return for the Year ended 31st March 2009: -
The Clerk informed IPC that no requests had been received by him as a result
of the publication of the “Exercise of Electors Rights” form at the post
office (“Inspection Days” being Monday to Friday {9 am to 5 pm} for the period
22nd May to the 19th June 2009 (i.e. 20 working days). He said he had removed
the notice and accompanying paperwork and filed it for information. (Noted)
(e) Internal Audit – April to June 2009: -
The Clerk reported that Cllr Crombie had carried out this internal audit
(14.7.08) and found all to be in order. Cllr Crombie confirmed this to be the
case. (Noted)
(f) Bank Reconciliation – 1st April 2009 to 30th June 2009: -
The Clerk referred to a copy of this paper that had been circulated to Cllrs
at the meeting; he said the figures had been checked and confirmed by Cllr
Crombie (14.7.08). Cllr Crombie confirmed this to be the case. (Noted)
(g) Letter (dd June 2009) from HM Revenue and Customs reference “Employers
Budget Pack 2009”: -
The Clerk reported that this had been suitably filed for future reference.
(Noted)
(h) Email (dd 8.7.09) from Chairman of Bideford and Instow Railway Group (BIRG)
reference “Grant Application 2009”: -
(i) The Clerk told IPC of the crux of the request and of the fact he had
advised the writer to contact Cllr Cann (DCC) and/or Cllr Moores (NDC) for
their consideration of a DCC/NDC Community Grant. IPC RESOLVED to support this
action. (Noted)
(ii) It was noted that the BIRG were in dire need of additional volunteers to
man and maintain the signal box; Council RESOLVED to spread the word within
the community. (Action: IPC Cllrs)
(i) Beach Cleaning Grant 2009: -
The Clerk told IPC he would make the necessary application for 80% of this
grant during the summer recess; he explained the process. (Action: The Clerk)
(j) Email (dd 15.7.08) from Charity Commissioners reference “Annual Return
2008/9: Instow Recreation Ground 300872”: -
The Clerk advised IPC he had completed this return on line (15.7.09) and that
a copy of said return was available at the meeting if required by Cllrs,
particularly Cllr Trustees of the account. (Noted)
(k) DCC Grass Cutting Grant Review: -
(i) The Clerk reported that following meetings (January 2009 and 15.7.09)
between him and DCC’s Chief Assistant Engineer Area North Highways, supported
by Cllr Cann (DCC), IPC’s DCC grass cutting grant for 2009 would be £2,442.42.
This, he said, would become a general verge maintenance grant that would
include grass cutting. He said IPC’s grass cutting grant in 2008 was £745.08.
(Noted)
(ii) IPC congratulated the Clerk on achieving this excellent result and after
discussion it was RESOLVED to use some of these monies to tidy up the
footpaths and highways within the village that had been neglected of late by
DCC Highways – Clerk to liaise with the parish handyperson. (Action: The
Clerk)
2907/11 PLANNING
a) Letter from NDC reference “Demolition of existing and erection of new
garage/workshop/car port with additional living accommodation over together
with alterations to the vehicular access at Loventor, Kiln Close Lane, Instow
(Reference No 48329)”: -
The Clerk said this stated that NDC Planning had GRANTED permission for this
application with conditions as listed; a copy of the letter had been forwarded
to Cllrs with their agenda papers (7.7.09). (Noted)
b) Extension to dwelling at 9 Old Rectory Close, Instow (Reference No 48685):
-
i) The Clerk reported receipt (4.7.09) of this application and of having
passed it immediately to the Vice Chairman for the attention of IPC’s PSC; for
response by 23rd July 2009 or an extension would need to be applied for.
(Noted)
(ii) The Clerk confirmed that the details of the application had been placed
on the Instow website for information of parishioners. (Noted)
(iii) After a discussion, led by IPC’s PSC, IPC RESOLVED to recommend APPROVAL
of this application. (Action: The Clerk)
*** Cllr White (Chairman) declared an interest, left the room and did not
speak ***
c) Letter (received 4.7.09) from NDC Planning reference “Demolition of
existing and erection of a unit of holiday accommodation at Seafield,
Sandhills, Instow (Reference No 48412): -
The Clerk said this stated that NDC Planning had GRANTED permission for this
application with conditions as listed. (Noted)
2907/12 ANY MATTER RAISED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN
(a) Quay Lane – Blocked Drains: -
Cllr Harper said there was a blocked drain in Quay Lane approximately 20-30
yards from its junction with Anstey Way. IPC RESOLVED to advise the DCC
Highways Superintendent. (Action: The Clerk) (b) Rectory Lane – Wasp’s Nest: -
Cllr Thomas reported an exposed wasp’s nest in a hedge at 10 Venn Close; he
said it was a danger to passers-by particularly children. IPC RESOLVED to
speak to NDC/Occupier of No 10 Venn Close to resolve the matter. (Action: The
Clerk)
(c) Potholes – Quay Lane outside Village Hall: -
Cllr May said there were two large potholes outside the Village Hall; IPC
RESOLVED to advise the DCC Highways Superintendent. (Action: The Clerk)
(d) Water Seepage – Worlington Hill near Bridge: -
Cllr May said there was some water seepage at this location that could well
come from a water pipe. After a discussion IPC RESOLVED to advise the DCC
Highways Superintendent. (Action: The Clerk)
(e) Poor Hedge Trimming – Instow/Westleigh: -
Cllr May expressed concern as regards some recent “poor” hedge trimming on the
Westleigh side of Instow that had presumably been done by contractors of DCC.
IPC RESOLVED to advise the DCC Highways Superintendent. (Action: The Clerk)
(f) Pavement Subsidence – Outside Quay House: -
Cllr Harper reported that the pavement had subsided at this location resulting
in a number of pedestrians tripping and falling. IPC RESOLVED to advise the
DCC Highways Superintendent. (Action: The Clerk)
(g) Ransom Strip: -
(i) Cllr Harper said it was time IPC adopted a more proactive response to this
issue as all it had been able to do, to date, was talk about it but with
little to show for it. Cllr Harper acknowledged that the lack of access to
land within the parish was the prime reason and maybe IPC should rectify this
by considering the purchase of land in and around the village. The Clerk
reminded IPC that if the Children’s Play Area project at All Saints Chapel got
off the ground that this could use up a fair proportion of the Ransom Strip
monies. (Noted)
(ii) A discussion then ensured at the conclusion of which IPC RESOLVED to give
this matter due consideration during the summer recess and to bring it back as
“Matters Arising” at the September meeting. (Action: IPC Cllrs)
(iii) Cllr Cann said he would also consider all the options available and come
back to the next meeting with an input. (Action: Cllr Cann)
2708/13 SUMMER RECESS
It was RESOLVED that the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Clerk take any necessary
action during the August recess of the Parish Council, to canvass Councillors
should the need arise, and should the situation demand it to convene a special
Council Meeting. (Noted)
There being no other business the meeting was closed. |
