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INSTOW PARISH COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT

MUNICIPAL YEAR
2005/6

o Introduction by the Clerk – Roger Jacob

o Report of Chairman – Cllr Anthony Johns

o Draft Annual Accounts

o Details of Parish Councillors

o Parish Council Meetings 2006/7 - Councillors Attendance Record

o Dates of Council Meetings 2006/7

o Dates of Council Meetings 2007/8

Clerk’s Report 2006/7

Dear Parishioners

It is with much pleasure that I put together the introduction to this year’s annual report (2006/7). This is my sixth full year as Clerk, and I am pleased to report that the previous 12 months have been, as in former years, challenging and demanding yet rewarding and fulfilling in any number of positive ways.

This is the third consecutive year that Instow Parish Council has published an annual report, an initiative brought about as a consequence of it deservingly achieving “Quality Parish Council Status”.

The parish council’s achievements throughout the year 2006/7, and its aims and objectives for the future are fully covered by Council’s Chairman, Cllr Anthony Johns, whose full and lucid report follows. I feel it is my duty, however, to take this opportunity to earnestly thank all those people who have made my job, and that of Council, that much easier throughout the year. This includes, and in no particular order of importance, Mr Geoff Day (Internal Auditor), Mrs Rose Day (IPC’s Environment Consultant (TTEF)), Andy Cameron/Bruce Cramp (Instow Website), Melvyn Harris (Parish Handyperson), Peter Cook (Beach Cleaner), Pat Staddon (Press Liaison), Julian Roskilly (DCC’s Local Services Manager), Peter Yeo (Instow in Bloom), Andy Bell (North Devon Coast and Countryside Service), Ros Davies (DCC Footpaths) and Leslie Smith MBE (Secretary Devon Association of Parish Councils).

I should also like to acknowledge herein the unparalleled and positive contributions of both Cllrs Rodney Cann (DCC/NDDC) and Mrs Lynn Brown (NDDC) who have, without exception, worked tirelessly throughout the year to improve and make Instow a better place in which to live. It is a great shame that Cllr Mrs Lynn Brown has decided to step down as a District Councillor at this year’s forthcoming local elections; Instow will miss her enthusiasm, commitment and dedication.

I am also extremely sorry that Cllrs Freddie Scott and Ms Alyzon Mayoh have decided not to stand for re-election to the parish council. Both have made significant and valuable contributions to Council throughout their tenure of office and their part in the “team” will be sadly missed.

On a downside; Instow no longer, in my view, receives the commitment it deserves or indeed should expect from the local Constabulary although Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Tony Charles, during his relatively short time amongst us, has worked tirelessly to do all he can to keep Instow crime free and a safe place in which to live. It is, regrettably, a sign of the times although you can be assured that Instow Parish Council and I will do all we can to ensure a visible policing presence in the parish.

Finally, I would just like to say what a pleasure and honour it is to serve the parish of Instow as your Clerk and that I hope you will find this annual report of interest – any comments, good or bad, would be much appreciated; we do relish feedback!

Roger W Jacob

Clerk to Instow Parish Council

Chairman’s Report
for Instow Parish Council’s Annual Parish Meeting (19th April 2007) and Annual Report 2006/7

Dear Parishioners

This report is about the achievements of this council over the last 4 years as well as this year. Many of the issues are always ongoing and as this is election year and the end of the term for this council it feels correct to do so. There are to be some changes to the members as two have decided not to stand again. We are not going to have an election because an insufficient number of parishioners have put themselves foreword to fill the vacant seats. I would like to thank all the members of the council and especially the two who are not standing, Cllrs Freddie Scott and Alyzon Mayoh, for all their hard work over the past years in helping to keep our village the gem that it is.

The Council achieved quality parish status in 2005 (which is an indication as to the effective and business like manner in which it has operated) being only the 2nd Parish/Town Council in the North Devon District and the 16th in the whole of Devon to achieve this status. It has made us extremely proud and the status has enabled us to work even more closely with Devon County Council, North Devon District Council and other statuary bodies.

We have only seen a 5% rise in the Parish precept over the past 4 years. The council has managed to keep this level due to its commercial income from the Quay Car Park leased from North Devon District Council.

The Council has worked very closely with our County Councillor Rodney Cann and District Council Mrs Lynn Brown. We have seen the introduction of a 20mph speed limit along Marine Parade, an improved junction at Slee’s Corner and Pinch Points along The Sea Front along with the much needed new charter toilet block near the Sand Dunes and the planning permission approval and funding to replace our other public convenience in the Marine Court Car Park. Regrettably this is now dependent on the outcome of the consultation to build more flats on this site. Our Councillors and this Parish will do all we can to ensure this does not go ahead.

Also during the tenure of this Parish Council a Self Help Emergency Plan has been introduced to help in the event of a local disaster, a consultation with the parish on the ‘Ransom Strip’ and the findings are now being analysed by North Devon District Council. The initiatives which are being considered are a Play Area, Environmental Projects and Sports Facilities. The response from the questionnaire was immense and many of the unsuccessful recommendations are being explored through other means and those that are expected to materialise are solar panels for the village hall and an improvement of the coastal footpath through the Sand Dunes Car Park adjacent the Cricket Club to enable better access to the 2nd beach. A new tractor and scrape has been purchased to help keep our beach clean and for the first time in our history the Environments Agency’s water quality tests have seen us pass with flying colours and we have enjoyed some good press publicity instead of the negative in the past. Our bathing waters are now to a high standard and long may this continue. Instow is now proud to be part of the outstanding Instow website and we are able to publish our minutes and activities on the internet for all our friends to see anywhere in the world.

Finally last week I and the clerk attended the civic centre for a presentation to nominated parishioners in the community to be given recognition of their hard work. We as a council were asked to nominate and unanimously agreed on three. Peter Yeo, Pam Cantle and Pricilla Sharpe who all work so hard for the good of the village. Each was presented with a certificate from John Wilsher, the Chairman of North Devon District Council and I do believe all were very surprised and appreciative of their awards.

I have enjoyed my term very much as chairman and thank all those who have listened to our meetings and especially to my fellow councillors and vice chairman for their dedication. A special thanks needs to be given to our clerk Mr Roger Jacob who always performs beyond the call of duty for this council and without his support and knowledge my job would certainly not be such an enjoyable one.

This coming year will certainly not be an easy one. The Parish Council is committed to seeing the new toilet block built and the saving of our car park which is under threat of development from its owners NDDC. Without it the tourists and locals alike would find visiting our village more difficult along with seriously affecting the income of this council from its car park takings. Initiatives such as keeping our beach and our pavements clean would not be able to be completed to their current high standards.

Anthony Johns

Chairman to Instow Parish Council

DRAFT RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT 2005 – 2006

RECEIPTS
Precept - NDDC	5800.00
Grant – NDDC	1342.00
Mooring Fees	1000.00
Car Park Receipts	12507.15
Vat Refund 2004/5	2665.78
Beach Cleaning Grant	1800.00
Interest	402.02
Other Grants (Footpath etc)	375.00
Sundries	138.87
Sale of Tractor H 94 TYC	5950.00
Grass Cutting Grant	615.00
	Total: -	32,595.82
PAYMENTS
Handy Person	2484.25
Grass Cutting	1330.00
Beach Cleaning – Labour	2450.00
Beach Cleaning – Tractor Costs	2302.05
Purchase of Tractor J 459 OTT	8225.00
Clerk’s Salary & Bonus	4200.00
Clerk’s Expenses (Motoring, Stationery & other costs)	1464.08
Insurance	1074.97
Grants - Burial Ground	800.00
- Parish Magazine	500.00
- Village Hall	400.00
- Website	100.00
Instow W.I.	94.24
Telephone – Parish Number	313.68
Footpath Maintenance	340.50
Maintenance & Repairs	604.09
Car Park – Licence & Costs	1936.59
Audit	293.75
Other Expenses – includes DAPC, Training, Advertising, Crown Estates etc.	782.18
	Total: -	29,695.38
Balance of Year		+ 2900.44
Cash Balances Brought Forward 1st April previous Year		13,115.25

Cash Balances Carried Forward 31st March 2007		16,015.69