MARK PARISH COUNCIL

A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Village Hall, Mark on Tuesday, 5^th September 2017 at 7.30 p.m.

Present:- Councillors N. van der Bijl (Chairman), Mrs E. Corkish, Mrs S. Flack, G. Francis, Mrs A. Hanlon, Mrs J. Horn, W. Human and Mrs J. Weekes with County Councillor D. Huxtable and the Clerk.

County Councillor Huxtable left the Meeting at 8.10 p.m. prior to making a report.

26. Declarations of Interest

Councillors Mrs E. Corkish, Mrs S. Flack, Mrs J. Horn and Mrs J. Weekes declared personal interests in matters relating to Mark Village Hall. Councillor van der Bijl declared an interest in Mark Bowling Club and Councillor Mrs Flack declared an interest in Mark Cricket Club.

27. Minutes

The Minutes of the Meetings of the Council held on 4^th July and 29^th August 2017 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as correct records.

28. Truespeed

Graham Kerslake, Director of Sales, Truespeed gave a presentation on their plans to roll out ultra-fast fibre to premises in the rural area, the benefits of the scheme and how they might be able to deliver services in Mark. They planned to commence marketing and raising public awareness within the next two weeks followed by two public question and answer sessions in the Village Hall. 30% of properties (including businesses) in Mark would need to sign up to make the scheme viable and if this was achieved the School would be connected free of charge

29. Finance

a) Balance of Accounts

It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1^st August were as follows - Current £3,494.12, Reserve £31,645.29.

b) Authorisation for Payment

It was agreed that the following payment be made:-

000846 Parish Clerk                     expenses                                   £119.67

30. Public Areas Portfolio

a) Highway Matters

All highway defects reported to date had been rectified. There was no update on possible extension of the speed limit or safety improvements to cover the Perry Road area of Blackford Road and the Chairman undertook to take this matter up with Councillor Huxtable together with a suggestion of 20 mph zones in the vicinity of Mark First School and between the two chicanes in Blackford Road/Church Street. It was noted that the subsiding pavement near Jubilee Green would be reinstated prior to 31^st March 2018.

There was no further update regarding bus service 67 between Burnham on Sea and Wells. Councillor Francis would arrange for certain fingerpost signs to be straightened when ground conditions were suitable. Mike Schollar was willing to administer a Community Speedwatch Scheme again in Mark subject to sufficient volunteers to be available to undertake speed checks. It was agreed to seek volunteers by way of a newsletter possibly in conjunction with information on the Truespeed scheme.

b) Play Area

It was hoped that the Parish Council would be represented at the SPFA Presentation Evening on 19^th September to receive this year’s Field of the Year Award.

c) Public Rights of Way

Councillor Francis reported that the County Council would be carrying out work on a footpath near the Solar Farm. A number of waymarkers also required attention in the area.

d) Village Hall /Football Pitch Area

Members considered the current position regarding the proposed lease for the Bowling Club. Meetings had been held between the various parties in an attempt to reach a mutually agreeable solution and a further joint meeting was planned with the District Council’s legal officer.

e) Jubilee Green

Councillor Mrs Corkish reported that photographs had been taken to record the current condition of Jubilee Green prior to possible commencement of an alternative temporary use. Councillor Francis undertook to clarify if this temporary use was still likely to take place and it was suggested that further bollards be installed to deter long term parking in the area.

31. Planning Portfolio

The following planning application was considered:-

025 Erection of double garage, Alma House, The Causeway – J. Gourlay – recommend permission.

Reference was made to comments on the District Council’s Planning Web-site relating to application 021 (Mark Cricket Club)

32. Web-site Portfolio

Councillor Mrs Weekes reported that new photographs of the Village Hall had been included on the web-site. Issues regarding the Parish Magazine were also discussed.

33. Next Meeting

It was agreed that the next Meeting be held in the Village Hall on 7^th November 2017 at 7.30 p.m.

The Meeting closed at 9.10 p.m.                                        Chairman