MARK PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Mark on Tuesday, 1st July 2025 at 7.00 p.m.
Present:- Councillors D. Kehoe (Chairman), Mrs A. Bennett, D. Champion, G. Francis, W. Human, J. Iddles, C. Taylor and Mrs J. Weekes with the Clerk and Somerset Councillor H. Munt.
15. Declarations of Interest
The Chairman and Councillor Mrs Weekes declared personal interests in matters relating to Mark Village Hall and Councillor Taylor declared an interest in the proposed village show.
16. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 6th May 2025 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
17. Reports of the Somerset Councillors
Somerset Councillor Munt reported upon issues relating to adult social care, a new method for reporting road defects and progress on road maintenance. Reference was made to a lack of planning enforcement officers and it was agreed to compile a list of outstanding enforcement issues to forward to Councillor Munt. It was also agreed to support proposals for a new single member Somerset Ward comprising Mark, Wedmore and Burtle.
18. Finance
a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balance of accounts at 30th May were as follows - Current £23,462.43, Reserve £31,432.61.
b) Authorisation for Payment
It was agreed that the following payments be approved
001018 Parish Clerk payroll & sundry payment reimbursement £1,228.81
001019 GWB Services grass cutting & maintenance £1,410.00
19. Planning Portfolio
It was agreed to confirm a recommendation of permission made since the last Meeting in respect of 016 (Detached double car port and store and other alterations, Chestnut Barn, Vole Road and no observations in connection with 010 (New agricultural access and track, Vole Road).
20. Public Areas Portfolio
a) Highway Matters
It was agreed to report highway defects at Buttlake Road and Perry Road. It was noted that the damaged railings at the Church Street junction were scheduled to be replaced before 31st July. Revised parking restrictions at the Kingsway/Church Street junction had now been approved. It was noted that a 40mph buffer speed limit on the approach to Blackford could not be supported due inter alia to it not meeting DfT guidance.
b) Play Area
Councillor Taylor was undertaking some repair work, which had been identified in the last annual inspection.
c) Public Rights of Way
There were no new issues relating to the public rights of way.
d) Village Hall
The Chairman reported that two young people who were involved in anti-social behaviour were now subject to restorative justice. It was reported that model aeroplanes were again being flown in the field.
e) Somerset Bus Partnership
Councillor Mrs Bennett reported upon the work of the Partnership. A conference would take place on 12th July.
f) Noticeboards
Chris Taylor would shortly refurbish one of the former noticeboards for use as a general parish noticeboard to be sited at the rear of the lay-by at Jubilee Green. Damp penetration in the new noticeboards had been rectified.
g) Environment Agency
Issues of possible pollution of a rhyne to the south of the Causeway and a large pile of refuse on land off Harp Road had been reported to the Environment Agency for investigation. The local Drainage Board would be requested to clear a water course to the west of Grange Paddock.
h) Mark Village Show
It was noted that the Show Committee were still endeavouring to set up a new bank account. It was agreed to forward the previously agreed grant of £100 to the bank account currently being used by the Committee.
i)Legacy
The Chairman and Vice-Chairman agreed to provide identification evidence at the solicitors to enable the land to be registered in the name of the Parish Council.
j) Cemetery
It was agreed to accept the lowest quote received from O. Puddy in the sum of £281 to replace a gate post at the cemetery.
21. Parish Website
It was agreed to accept an estimate for a new modern web-site through Parish-on-line with information on the current web-site being transferred to the new web-site together with .gov.uk e-mail addresses for Members.
22. Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next Meeting be held on 2nd September 2025 starting at 7.00 p.m.
The Meeting closed at 7.50 p.m.
Chairman
Print 