MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF PORTSKEWETT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
HELD AT ARW SCHOOL TUESDAY 16th FEBRUARY 2010
Councillors present:
Mr. P. Nurcombe (Chair)
Mr. G. Turner (Vice-Chair)
Mr. T. Fawcitt
Mr. A. Griffiths
Mr. I. Standing
Mr. B. Richards
Mr. P. Fox
Mr. A. Whiteley
Mr. G. Parker
A large number of residents, mostly from Treetops, attended with their concerns regarding the LDP Preferred Strategy consultation. They were not happy with the potential Candidate Site for 250 houses, identified as the field on the Crick Road (currently identified for Light Industrial use). Many concerns were put forward. Councillor Fox addressed the group and thanked them for raising the issue. He stated that the site would not stay empty and would have some development there but it needs to be relative and in keeping with the community, this was the opportunity to comment at the very early stages of the Strategic Plan. Councillor Fox would respond to the consultation in his own right and the Community Council would also submit its comments, and supports some of the concerns that were raised.
1. SIGN THE ATTENDANCE BOOK
The Attendance Book was duly signed.
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies had been received and accepted from Councillor Watkins.
3. REPORT FROM LOCAL POLICE REPRESENTATIVES
PCSO Withers attended the meeting as PC Turner was on leave. He advised there had been 20 calls of significance, including the following:
Parking problems and vehicles causing obstruction in King Harold’s View.
A break-in at the Barratts site.
Several calls regarding youths causing trouble in the school grounds, acting suspiciously in Treetops, on the railway line in Station Road and placing trees in the road and moving traffic bollards.
PC Turner had monitored The Close, where reports of vehicles being damaged had been received. Nothing was seen but another vehicle was later damaged.
Vehicles parking on the roundabout by the school, warning letters were issued and tickets would be issued if it continued.
Bogus callers in the village asking if homeowners wanted a crime survey. This was NOT a Police initiative.
4. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
It was proposed by Councillor Griffiths and seconded by Councillor Richards and agreed that the minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record.
5. MATTERS ARISING
a) Traffic Calming and Warning Signs for School
Councillor Fox reported that MCC were pricing the works for the Diocese, who hope to have the money in the new financial year. An advisory 20mph scheme will be in place, with a crossing near to the roundabout and the table top humps on Crick Road will be refurbished.
Designation of Bridleway
Clerk had asked MCC for an update and had been advised that this was being dealt with by the Coastal Access Project and it was hoped that it would be completed soon.
Future of Mill Site.
No progress to report.
Traffic Calming Sudbrook
It was hoped that the 20 mph signs would remain as they were not removed when the resurfacing works were done. If needed, Councillor Fox would have a site meeting with the Chief Executive attending.
Noticeboard Near Treetops (Church Hall)
Clerk had asked MCC to install the noticeboard but there was a delay due to staff absence.
Telegraph Pole and Pavement outside Old Smithy
No progress. MCC are continuing to pursue the developer to move the pole and resurface the pavement.
Footpath Sign by Aust Farm
Clerk had been advised that the installation of the sign was waiting to be allocated to a Field Warden or contractor. She would ask for a timescale as it had been over a year since the sign was removed
Overgrown Hedges on Crick Road
Councillors Nurcombe and Watkins would cut the branches that obscure the signs, when the weather improved.
ACTION P.N. and P.W.
Bench on Foreshore at Black Rock
Awaiting installation of the bench. Clerk would ask MCC for a timescale.
Barratts Development
Numerous directional signs had been placed in the area, some directing traffic down the narrow lanes. Councillor Turner had spoken to the Barratts representative and had the unofficial ones removed. However, some of them had been replaced. Clerk to speak to the Site Manager and would also ask for the ‘lorries turning’ sign opposite the pub to be replaced in an upright position.
Dropped Kerb at Canterbury Way
No progress to report.
Stowball Common
The work had been completed. No further comments.
Bin on Camp Field
Councillor Watkins has removed the bin and would repair it.
ACTION P.W.
Recreation Hall
The Chairman would contact Mr Taylor to enquire when the AGM was going to be held to enable a Councillor to be on the Committee.
Lease at The Quest
Awaiting new lease from MCC.
Missing Fence on Footpath 13
Clerk had asked MCC for a timescale when the fence would be replaced as it had been missing for some time.
NY254
Councillor Turner would check if the light had been repaired.
Potential Purchase of Speed Monitoring Equipment
PC Turner had advised the clerk that it was likely that the budget from CSAT was going to be reduced. He asked if the Community Council was able to commit to an amount of money. Caerwent Community Council are interested but had not committed to any money as yet. It was hoped that the balance would be met by the Safety Partnership. Councillor Nurcombe advised that he had spoken to the Chair of Shirenewton Community Council who were interested in sharing the cost and use of the equipment.
Use of Network Rail Land
Clerk had been contacted by Network Rail who had asked if the land would be used for just a community group or for general public use and if a licence for the land was wanted for long or short term use. It was more difficult to apply for long term use and for use by the general public. Also a photograph of the land was required. Councillor Parker would provide this.
ACTION G.P.
Surface of Manor Way
The area was recently repaired with hot surfacing material. The road has been assessed and prioritised for resurfacing. It appears in MCC plans for renewal in 2011/12. However this is subject to review and finances allowing.
6. COMMUNITY FUN DAY
After a short debate it was decided to hold an event this year as it is an opportunity to bring the community together, although it did prove to be hard work for those involved. It was hoped to hold it in the field next to the Recreation Hall on either 3rd or 17th July. The cost of the event was mostly paid for from the profits made at the bonfire event.
7. REPORT FROM REPRESENTATIVE ON ARCHBISHOP ROWAN WILLIAMS SCHOOL
Councillor Standing reported that at the last meeting, parents had expressed concerns that the traffic calming scheme did not seem to be progressing. As Spring was the timescale given, it would be premature to complain at this point.
8. DISCUSSION WITH COUNTY COUNCILLOR
Councillor Parker declared an interest and signed the ‘Declaration of Interest’ book. He did not take part in the discussion relating to the LDP. Councillor Fox advised that the Community Council needs to formulate its response.
Councillor Fox also reported that there had been a 100% increase in the collection of recyclable waste after the introduction of the co-mingled sacks – it had been very well received.
9. NEW CORRESPONDENCE
MCC Planning Committee Agenda. Circulation.
Ombudsman Clerk had asked for copies of the most recent Code of Conduct. Each Councillor was given a copy for reference.
MCC Highways. Letter regarding the effects of the winter on the highways and the knock-on effect on the budget. The remains of this year’s budget is mostly being diverted into potholing and patching the highways. Also next year’s budget could be affected in the same way. Circulation.
MCC Advising that planning applications will be advertised in the Free Press from 1st March. This will save MCC in the region of £20,000 - £25,000 per year.
WAG Review of Councillors’ Allowances. Consultation. As no member on this Community Council claimed any allowances it was agreed not to respond to the consultation.
MCC Proposal to name the Barratt’s site ‘Monument Close’, as it is close the ancient monument of Harold’s Field. Members agreed to accept this name.
Planning Applications Received
None this month.
Planning Applications Approved
00986 Unit 4 Severnbridge Est. Loading Canopy.
01081 3 Millstone Cottages. Conservatory
Planning Applications Refused
None this month.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor Standing reported the stop sign on the junction of Middle Lane Leechpool and the B4245 was obstructed by a tree. He would clarify to the Clerk exactly where the tree is and she would report as appropriate.
Councillor Standing asked if the ‘slow down’ sign at the Leechpool entrance to Portskewett was to be permanently sited there. It was likely that the sign would be ‘long term temporary’ as before.
Councillor Griffiths had received a report that bins had been removed from Black Rock. Councillor Nurcombe stated that he thought bins were there when he visited the site earlier in the day.
Councillor Griffiths reported fly tipping on the Lower Leechpool road near to the caravan park. Clerk to report.
Councillor Turner reported the surface of Crick Road by the traffic calming humps was in a poor state and that filling the potholes would not solve the problem and the road needs to be resurfaced. Councillor Fox reiterated that due to the recent snow and ice, MCC had tremendous pressure on the budget as so many roads in the county had been affected. The surface of Crick Road was likely to be addressed with the upcoming traffic calming in the area.
Councillor Fawcitt asked if dog waste bins could be placed at Black Rock. Clerk advised that the cost of the maintenance and emptying of these was prohibitive.
Councillor Whiteley had been asked to raise concerns that there appeared to be some works going on in the railway cutting at Black Rock cottage. Nothing could be done, the owners were working on their own land. If any planning application were submitted to infill the cutting it would be dealt with at that time.
Councillor Parker reported that the ‘No Fear’ valeting company at Parkwall appeared to be turning into a scrap yard. Clerk to ask Planning department if there is any breach.
10. FINANCE
EMBED MSWorks.Table.4
11. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and gave the date and time of the next meeting as Tuesday 16th March at ARW School, the meeting was then declared closed at 9.10 pm.
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