MARK PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Mark on Tuesday, 4th March 2025 at 7.00 p.m.
Present:- Councillor D. Kehoe (Chairman), Councillors Mrs A. Bennett, D. Champion, G. Francis, W. Human and C. Taylor with the Clerk.
Apology for absence received from Councillors J. Iddles and Mrs J. Weekes.
49. Disclosures of Interest
The Chairman declared a personal interest in matters relating to Mark Village Hall and Councillor Taylor abstained from voting in connection with Mark Village Show as a member of that Committee.
50. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 17th December 2024 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
51. Report of the Somerset Councillors and LCN Update
Neither Somerset Councillor was present. Councillor Human outlined proceedings at a recent Meeting of the Cheddar and Axbridge Local Community Network. A further Meeting would be held on 13th March.
52. Finance
a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1st February were as follows - Current £9,413.56, Reserve £31,309.47.
b) Authorisation for Payment
It was agreed that the following payments be approved
001013 Parish Clerk payroll & sundry payment reimbursement £1,248.55
001014 MCA grant £34.00
c) Risk Management Report & Statement of Internal Control 2024/25
The Council approved a Risk Management Report and Statement of Internal Control for 2024/25.
53. Planning Portfolio
There were no new planning applications to consider but it was agreed to confirm recommendations of permission made since the last Meeting in respect of 027 (Extensions and car port, Walnut Tree House, Yarrow Road) and 030 (Increase life span of solar farm, Yardwall Road).
54. Public Areas Portfolio
a) Highway Matters
It was noted that the highway drain at Kingsway had been jetted but further work was needed to clear the system. A further highway drain blockage near Satfield House would also be reported. Parking restrictions at the Kingsway/Church Street junction would be included in a forthcoming draft parking restrictions amendment order. A number of road defects had recently been reported and had been repaired or marked for repair. The overgrown hedge in the Wainbridge area had been cut back. It was noted that Somerset Council planned to carry out improvements along the B3139 during 2025/26 but a 40mph buffer speed limit on the approach to Blackford could not be supported due inter alia to it not meeting DfT guidance. It was agreed to seek further information on how the scheme failed to meet the guidance. The Environment Agency were unable to carry out maintenance work to the Mark Yeo to reduce the risk of flooding due to funding restrictions.
b) Play Area
Councillor Taylor would undertake some minor repair work, which had been identified in the recent annual inspection.
c) Public Rights of Way
It was agreed to report fly-tipping at the Pill Road end of The Wall.
d) Village Hall
The Chairman reported that following complaints of dog fouling the Mark Community Association purchased metal signs at a cost of approximately £34. It was agreed to make a grant to cover this cost.
e) Somerset Bus Partnership
Councillor Mrs Bennett reported upon action taken to update the notices in the village bus shelters.
f) Noticeboards
It was agreed to request Chris Taylor to give an estimate of the cost to refurbish one of the former noticeboards for use as a general parish noticeboard at Jubilee Green. Damp penetration in the new noticeboards would also be rectified.
g) Social Media Guidance
Councillor Iddles had circulated a draft Social Media policy and this was approved for adoption.
h) Mark Village Show
A request had been received for a grant of £500 from the Show Committee towards the cost of holding a Mark Village Show in 2025. Details of the estimate of costs was submitted. It was felt that the Committee should seek sponsorship from local businesses and seek other grants in the first instance and it was therefore agreed to defer a decision until the next Meeting.
i)Legacy
Further details of the land in question including any restrictions would be available after the grant of probate.
55. Parish Website
In the absence of Councillors Iddles and Mrs Weekes, there was no report on the web-site.
56. Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next Meeting be held on 6th May 2025 starting at 7.00 p.m.
The Meeting closed at 8.15 p.m. Chairman
NB the Meeting was adjourned to allow members of the public to speak on B3139 issues and on the proposed Village Show.
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