MINUTES OF  MARK PARISH COUNCIL

 

HELD ON TUESDAY 5th JANUARY 2016

 

 

A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Village Hall, Mark on Tuesday, 5th January 2016 at 7.30 p.m.

 

Present:- Councillors N. van der Bijl (Chairman), D. Champion, Mrs E. Corkish, Mrs S. Flack and Mrs J. Weekes with the Clerk.

 

Apology for absence received from Councillors G. Francis, Mrs A. Hanlon and W. Human

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70. Declarations of Interest

 

Councillors Mrs E. Corkish, Mrs S. Flack and Mrs J. Weekes declared personal interests in matters relating to Mark Village Hall. Councillor Mrs S. Flack declared a personal interest in issues relating to Mark Cricket Club as a Committee Member and in Mark Community Land Trust Ltd as a member of the organisation. Councillor Champion declared an interest in planning application 047 and took no part in the discussion thereof.

 

71. Minutes

 

The Minutes of the Meetings of the Council held on 3rd and 30th November 2015 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as correct records.

 

72. Play Area

 

There were no current issues regarding the play area.

 

73. Finance

 

a) Balance of Accounts

It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1st December were as follows - Current £9,336.48, Reserve £16,938.34

 

b) Estimates 2016/17

Members considered the draft Estimates for 2016/17. It was agreed that the estimates be approved and a precept of £17,000 for 2016/17 be approved less any Council Tax Support Grant and the Clerk’s salary be fixed at £3,250.

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c) Authorisation for Payment

It was agreed that the following payments be made:-

000812 MCA                                        grant                                                                      £2,500.00

000813 SDC                                         dog waste bin                                                           £167.42

 

d) Risk Management Report

Members considered and approved a Risk Management Report for 2015/16.

 

74. Public Areas Portfolio

 

a) Highway Matters

 

It was noted that a number of highway defects, defective white lines and blocked drains had been reported to County Highways. Wessex Water were continuing to carry out sewer work at Mark Causeway with a road closure. Weekly bulletins were being received from Wessex Water and the signage had improved since the last meeting. There was no further information from the County Council regarding the issues relating to the request for a 30 mph speed limit extension at Blackford Road nor the school parking/Mark Cricket Club new ground development at Mark Causeway. An update had been provided by Councillor George of Wedmore Parish Council concerning the issue taken up by Wedmore Parish Council regarding HGVs taking a short cut through local villages. It was agreed that Mark Parish Council be represented at a meeting of Wedmore’s Highways meeting on 13th January 2016. It was noted that a further accident had occurred at the Harp Road bends. The police and County Highways had been approached for an explanation as to why so many accidents were occurring at this location. Concern was also expressed at damage to the edge of the carriageway particularly along Harp Road caused by increased traffic during the closure of Mark Causeway. It was agreed to write to County Councillor Huxtable to request urgent remedial action.

 

b) Cemetery Fence

 

Councillor Mrs Corkish reported that Gary Bickers had cleared undergrowth from the northern fence line but Mr. Lapage had not yet undertaken the fencing work.

 

c) Public Rights of Way

 

Councillor Champion reported upon issues related to bridleway 23/15. Clean Surroundings had been requested to remove debris, including broken glass, remaining following removal of a burnt out vehicle at Green Drove.

 

d) Mark Clean Up Day 2016

 

It was agreed to hold a Clean-up Day on 27th February 2016. Publicity would be obtained in the Parish Magazine and Councillor Mrs Flack undertook to register the event under the “Clean for the Queen” scheme.

 

e) Village Hall /Football Pitch Area

 

There were no issues relating to the Village Hall/football pitch area.

 

75. Planning Portfolio

 

The following application was considered:-

047 Change of use of land from agriculture to caravan storage to the north-east of Rookery Farm Creamery, Northwick Road – Mr and Mrs C. Petheram – recommend permission;

 

76. Special Projects - National Grid

 

Councillor Mrs Corkish reported that an announcement relating to National Grid was due on 19th January 2016.

 

77. Web-site Portfolio/Superfast Broadband

 

Councillor Mrs Weekes reported upon a need for more news from local organisations for inclusion on the web-site. It was agreed that approaches to local businesses be also considered.

 

78. Next Meeting

 

It was agreed that the next Meeting, the Annual Parish Meeting, be held in the Village Hall on 8th March 2016 at 7.30 p.m. with the speaker being Sue Mountstephens and/or a representative of the Drainage Board. An Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council to deal with urgent items would follow the Annual Parish Meeting.

 

 

The Meeting closed at 8.35 p.m.                                                             Chairman

 

 

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