MARK PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Mark on Tuesday, 7th March 2023 at 7.00 p.m.
Present:- Councillors D. Kehoe (Chairman), D. Champion, G. Francis, W. Human and Mrs J. Weekes with the Clerk and County Councillor H. Munt.
Apology for absence received from Councillors S. Emary and C. Taylor.
53. Declarations of Interest
Councillor Mrs Weekes declared a personal interest in matters relating to Mark Village Hall.
54. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 20th December 2022 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
55. Report of the County Councillor
Councillor Munt reported that a budget had been set for the new Unitary Council with increased provision for children’s social care and adult social care. The unitary process would result in savings from a reduction in staff at a senior level. Local Community Networks were being developed. He also undertook to contact the Environment Agency regarding removal of debris from the river alongside The Wall and Rights of Way regarding the amount of arisings left behind along the bridleway by their contractor.
56. Planning Portfolio
The following applications were considered – 003 Variation of approved plans – alterations at Laurel Farm, The Causeway – H. White – recommend permission;
008 – Outline application for the erection of two dwellings at Orchard Cottage, The Causeway – Mrs E. Watts – recommend refusal;
It was also agreed to confirm recommendations of permission made since the last Meeting in respect of 030 (extension 7 The City), 039 (extension The Haven), 044 & 045LB (extension Willow Deane), 052 (work to trees, Sedgemoor Manor School), 053 (extension, Jack’s Barn), 001(variation, Vicarage Lane Farm), (stables etc, Northwick Road) and 007 (track, Rookery Farm).
It was also agreed to report likely planning contraventions at Yarrow Road and at Green Lane.
57. Finance
a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1st February were as follows - Current £5,875.25, Reserve £30,480.24.
b) Authorisation for Payment
It was agreed that the following payments be made
DD Sedgemoor DC payroll £999.99
000969 GWB Services grass cutting etc £341.40
000970 Parish Clerk expenses £255.82
c) Risk Management Report and Statement of Internal Control 2022/23
The Council approved a Risk Management Report and Statement of Internal Control for 2022/23.
58. Police Report
PC Patrick Smith and PCSO Lauren Bonell were in attendance to give a report on recent crime statistics for Mark. They discussed various aspects of their work and undertook to check specified parked vehicles which might be deemed to be causing an obstruction.
59. Public Areas Portfolio
a) Highway Matters
A number of highway defects and fly-tipping deposits had recently been reported and appropriate action taken. It was agreed to report further defects along Vole Road and Southwick together with an overgrown hedge at Southwick. Fly-tipping at River Road and Dutch Road would also be reported.
b) Play Area
No issues regarding the play area were raised.
c) Village Hall
Councillor Mrs Weekes reported that upon incidents involving youths at the Village Hall which were being investigated by the police.
60. Parish Website
It was agreed that the Chairman and Mrs Weekes meet with a web-site designer and report back to the next Meeting on the best way forward to increase the capacity of the web-site.
61. HM The King’s Coronation
It was understood that an event was planned at the Village Hall involving a community lunch with a band on Sunday, May 7th and an event at the Church on Monday, May 8th which included the tower being opened. It was agreed to plant a weeping willow tree plus with an inscribed plaque to commemorate the Coronation at the northern end of Jubilee Green.
62. Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next Meeting be held on 2nd May 2023 starting at 7.00 p.m.
The Meeting closed at 8,15 p.m.
Chairman
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