MARK PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Village Hall, Mark on Tuesday, 3rd July 2018 at 7.30 p.m.
Present:- Councillor N. van der Bijl (Chairman), Councillors Mrs E. Corkish, Mrs S. Flack, G. Francis, Mrs A. Hanlon, Mrs J. Horn and Mrs J. Weekes with the Clerk.
Apology for absence received from Councillor W. Human and County Councillor D. Huxtable.
13. 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 and Mrs Flack also declared a personal interest in Mark Cricket Club.
14. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 1st May 2018 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
15. Finance
a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1st April were as follows - Current £5,689.45, Reserve £31,655.07.
b) 2017/18 Internal Audit
It was noted that the Internal Auditor had no issues to raise with Members.
g) Authorisation for Payment
It was agreed that the following payments be made:-
000860 GWB Services grass cutting £1,200.00
000861 Parish Clerk expenses & Sundry payments £266.35
16. Public Areas Portfolio
a) Highway Matters
It was noted that all recent highway defects, blocked drains and fly-tipping deposits had been reported to appropriate authorities. The County Council had indicated that repairs to the subsidence opposite the White Horse Inn would commence within a few weeks and a report on possible safety improvements in the vicinity of Mark First School would be considered at a County Council Meeting. There was no update on a possible extension of the 30-mph limit at Blackford Road and other measures in the Church Street area. It was agreed to arrange for brambles alongside the river bank at Jubilee Green to be cut back.
There had been no recent information on Bus Service 67. Councillor Francis gave an update on possible sponsorship for the refurbishment of historic finger post signs and he reported further on the possibility of sharing a SID with Burnham Without and East Huntspill Parish Councils. It was agreed to take part in this joint venture with the precise costs to be determined following clarification of the cost of brackets and a parishioner completing a safety course. It was noted that four “Kill your Speed” signs had been purchased.
HGV’s were still taking a shortcut along Harp Road and Buttlake Road to premises in Westhay and it was agreed to again request the County Council to enforce the approved route via the A39.
b) Play Area
It was agreed to request Gary Bickers to cut the road side hedge.
c) Public Rights of Way
Councillor Francis reported that the County Council would be carrying out work on a footpath near the Solar Farm
d) Village Hall /Football Pitch Area
It was noted that work had commenced on the installation of fitness equipment. The South Western Ambulance Service had advised that the defibrillator at the Village Hall needed to be replaced later in the year. It was agreed to explore a more central location in the centre of the village and also a site for a second defibrillator in the Mark Causeway area. The total cost was likely to be approximately £2,800.
17. Planning Portfolio
The following planning applications were considered:-
009 Erection of garage and gym and stable building, Southwick House, Southwick Road, Mark – Mr & Mrs C. Larkin – recommend permission.
012 Erection of extension, Stepping Stones, Fishers Lane, Mark – T. Norman – recommend permission.
014 Change of use of holiday let to residential dwelling, Magnolia House, The Causeway, Mark – J. Balson – recommend permission.
016 Erection od detached garage with first floor store/games room and formation of new access, Nut Tree Cottage, Harp Road, Mark – Mrs F.K. Griffiths – recommend conditional permission.
It was understood that Mark Cricket Club were to meet with the School to discuss their plans to develop a cricket ground at Mark Causeway and issues relating to school access/car parking.
18. Northwick Road Project Liaison Group
Councillor Mrs Horn presented an update on the log of issues raised through the Liaison Group together with an update on progress with the development. It was agreed that appropriate information on Open Day(s) be included in the parish magazine and on the web-site.
19. Web-site Portfolio/Superfast Broadband
Councillor Mrs Weekes reported upon web-site statistics. It was also noted that there was currently no clear information on the delivery of Superfast Broadband throughout Mark.
20. Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next Meeting be held on 4th September 2018 at 7.30 p.m.
The Meeting closed at 8.50 p.m. Chairman