MARK PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Village Hall, Mark on Tuesday, 10th March 2015 at 8.10 p.m.
Present:- Councillor N. van der Bijl (Chairman), Councillors Mrs D. Bayliss, Mrs E.F. Corkish, G. Francis, M. Schollar and Mrs J. Weekes with the Clerk.
Apology for absence received from Councillor S. Emary, District Councillor R. Burden and County Councillor D. Huxtable.
52. Declarations of Interest
Councillors Mrs E. Corkish and Mrs J. Weekes declared personal interests in matters relating to Mark Village Hall. Councillor Francis declared a personal interest in issues relating to National Grid as a shareholder.
53. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 6th January 2015 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
54. Play Area
The Chairman reported that following discussions with representatives of the Mark Community Association it had been agreed to keep the status quo with regard to management of the play area. Councillor Schollar reported that Wicksteeds had carried out the annual safety inspection of the play equipment. There was no urgent work required but there was a medium term need to replace a cradle swing seat and carry out repairs to the safety surfacing around the roundabout. He undertook to obtain quotations for the work and seek approval from Members before proceeding further. It was agreed that past inspection reports be placed with the parish records. Councillor Schollar also reported that he had passed the Wood Cup to the Community Association to hold for the next six months.
55. Finance
a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balances at 1st March were as follows:- Current £3,585.39, Reserve £13,431.99.
b) Authorisation for Payment
It was agreed that the following payments be made:-
000791 Future Dog IT Solutions web-site £350.00
000792 Parish Clerk expenses £476.35
c) Statement of Internal Control 2014/15
Members considered and approved a Statement of Internal Control for 2014/15.
56. Highway Matters
It was agreed to report specified road defects at Vole Road and Littlemoor Road and to seek information from County Highways on the programme for resurfacing Mark Causeway and unsatisfactory repair work carried out to the damaged railings at Yarrow Road. It was understood that County Highways were to progress the extension to the School yellow hatching to The Croft at Mark Causeway and, hopefully, white edge of carriageway markings to deter parking on the bends at Littlemoor Road and that the flashing lights for the School were on order. The Highways Officer had not yet met Councillor Schollar on site to discuss the recent installation of give way markings at Vole Road. It was agreed to contact the Drainage Board regarding enforcement of their Land Drainage Notice served on Enterprise Inns Plc and a need for further work to the rhyne to the west of the cleared section to improve water flow. It was noted that damage to verges in the area caused by HGVs was being investigated.
57. Planning Matters
An update of planning applications received together with the recommendations of this Council and the decisions of the District Council was submitted. With regard to application 036 - extensions and alterations to form separate dwelling, 25 Queensway Close, it was noted that permission had been granted by the District Council following a number of revisions to the plans but Members had not supported the creation of a separate dwelling which was not evident in the original plans. The following application was considered:- 009 Erection of agricultural building and removal of two existing buildings to the west of Southwick Road, Watchfield – S. Vincent – recommend permission.
58. National Grid
Councillor Mrs Corkish outlined the current position and emphasised the need for people to attend the Open Floor Hearing at Mark Village Hall on 17th March 2015. The Parish Council would be speaking on landscape and visual impact.
59. Village Hall /Football Pitch Area
It was noted that an alarm had been fitted in the Hall. Councillor Schollar reported upon the success of the defibrillator training held on 17th January 2015 and it was noted that new arrangements would need to be made for regular inspections of the defibrillator from May 2015.
60. Affordable Housing
Councillor Schollar reported upon the formation of a Mark Community Land Trust Steering Group and upon attendance at a CLT Seminar/Workshop held in Norton sub Hamdon on 11th February 2015. It was noted that CLTs could carry out other functions in addition to affordable housing. It was agreed that the Parish Council meet the cost of joining the CLT National Network in the sum of £49.00.
61. Parish Council Web-site
Councillor Mrs Weekes reported upon the development of the Parish Council web-site. There was still a need for voluntary assistance to help with this project.
62. Community Speedwatch/Speed Indicator Devices
Councillor Schollar reported upon changes to the administration of Community Speedwatch in the area together with action now being taken in connection with high end speeders. Following receipt of detailed information from the County Council, it was agreed to take no further action regarding the possible transfer of SIDs to the Parish Council.
63. Nuttall Grant Awards
It was reported that a grant of £500 had been forthcoming towards the cost of a seat at Jubilee Green to commemorate the Centenary of World War 1 and £488 towards the cost of the dog proof fencing for the play area. It was agreed to consider the purchase of a seat at the next Meeting and to increase the insurance grant to the Mark Community Association from £2,000 to £2,500 during 2015/16 as the Association had originally met the shortfall in the available funds for the fence.
64. Village Clean up Day
Members received a report on the recent Village Clean up Day. 18 people had taken part and some 35 bags of rubbish were collected. Various other problem areas had been reported to Sedgemoor Clean Surroundings and/or the Environment Agency for attention.
65. Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next Meeting, the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council, be held in the Village Hall on 19th May 2015 at 7.30 p.m.
The Meeting closed at 9.25 p.m. Chairman