MARK PARISH COUNCIL

 

A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Church Hall, Mark on Tuesday, 6th November 2018 at 6.30 p.m.

 

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

 

Apology for absence received from County Councillor D. Huxtable.

 

30. 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.

 

31. Minutes

 

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 4th September 2018 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

 

32. Truespeed

 

Samantha Hill, Growth Manager for Truespeed, gave an update on the installation of their network in the area. Infrastructure in the area was due to be in place by the end of November with the system being activated in December for people who had signed up. It was agreed to support the Church Hall for a free community building connection. Samantha answered questions raised by Members and was thanked for her update.

 

33. Finance

 

a) Balance of Accounts

It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1st November were as follows - Current £16,422.09, Reserve £33,289.82.

 

b) Bank Reconciliation

A bank reconciliation for the period 1st April to 30th September 2018 was checked against the original bank statements and signed by the members who did not sign cheques as part of the Council’s internal controls.

 

c) Authorisation for Payment

 

It was agreed that the following payments be made:-

Dd                Sedgemoor DC                dog bin servicing                                     £167.23

000868      GB Sport & Leisure        safety surfacing repairs                          £583,32

000869      GWB Services                  grass & hedge cutting                             £747.00

000870       Smith of Derby               clock maintenance                                  £604.80

000871       Somerset Forge               fingerpost restoration                         £2,472.00

000872      Parish Clerk                     expenses & sundry payments                £395.95

 

34. Public Areas Portfolio

 

a) Highway Matters

 

It was noted that all recent highway defects, drainage problems and fly-tipping deposits had been reported to appropriate authorities. It was agreed to endeavour to find evidence in fly-tipping deposits to enable the District Council to identify the source of tipped materials. The County Council had advised that the police supported a possible extension of the 30-mph limit at Blackford Road but that any safety scheme in the vicinity of Mark First School was awaiting financial approval.

 

Councillor Francis reported upon a meeting regarding the operation of Bus Service 67 and gave an update on the refurbishment of historic finger post signs. Work was now complete on the signs at Harp Road, Perry Road and Buttlake. He also reported upon the operation of the shared SID scheme. It was noted that HGV’s were still taking a shortcut along roads in Mark instead of using approved freight routes.

 

b) Play Area

 

Councillor Human reported that the play area had been awarded a Highly Commended Certificate in the 2018 SPFA Field of the Year Competition and it was noted that the repairs to the wet pour had been completed.

 

c) Public Rights of Way

 

It was felt that possible enhancement of signage could be a future project and it was agreed to request Mr Bickers to paint the gate on the footpath link at Littlemoor Road when weather conditions were suitable.

 

d) Village Hall /Football Pitch Area

 

It was reported that the damage caused to the Village Hall during the break in had been repaired. The South Western Ambulance Service had advised that the defibrillator at the Village Hall needed to be replaced in the near future and possible sites for a second defibrillator in the Mark Causeway area were discussed. One possibility would be investigated further. The total cost was likely to be approximately £2,800 and provision would need to be made in the draft 2019/20 Estimates.

 

35. Planning Portfolio

 

The following planning applications were considered:-

 

024 Certificate of Lawfulness for work carried out to separate 2 attached houses to form 2 detached houses, 4 & 6 The City, Mark – Mrs K. Jones – recommend permission.

025 Certificate of Lawfulness for use of land for 15 caravan pitches and open storage of caravans, Splott Farm, Blackford Road, Mark – Mr & Mrs P. Duckett – recommend permission.

 

It was agreed to report non-compliance with approved plans in respect of application 003 – land at Vole Road and a possible unauthorised sign at Harp Road. The District Council were investigating planning issues at Wagon Nursery and at Yarrow Road

 

36. Northwick Road Project Liaison Group

 

Councillor Mrs Horn reported that development had been completed and the properties were all occupied.

 

37. Web-site Portfolio/Superfast Broadband

 

Councillor Mrs Weekes reported upon recent web-site statistics and suggested that a possible update of the web-site design be explored.

 

38. Jubilee Green

 

It was agreed to replace the final older seat at Jubilee Green with a new seat to commemorate Mark men who lost their lives in the two World Wars. Available finance had been identified in the current budget.

 

39. Next Meeting

 

It was agreed that the next Meeting be held on 8th January 2019 at 6.30 p.m.

 

 

 

 

The Meeting closed at 8.10 p.m.                                              Chairman

 

 

 

 

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