Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 9^th February 2005 at the Pratten Building, Hullavington School, that commenced at 7.30pm.

Present: Councillor E Gough – Chairman

Councillor: P Hadley, Mrs S Greenman, W Harmer, F Haffenden, T Redman, I Henderson (NWDC), Mrs S Webb (Clerk)

Apologies: Councillor Mrs M Bawden, B Fenner, G Stokes, J Thompson (WCC), Mrs J Jones (RF0)

In attendance: 1 member of the public

There were no questions asked.

1. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Councillor Gough and Haffenden declared a Personal Interest in item 13 (point 3) of these minutes. No further action was taken.

2. MINUTES

The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on the 12^th January 2005 were signed and adopted as a true record.

It was agreed that from the next AGM of this Council that the Minutes of each meeting would be numbered sequentially.

3. ACTION POINTS FROM MINUTES

• A letter is to be sent to Wiltshire County Council Highways regarding the redressing of roads in Hullavington. ACTION CLERK

• The Clerk reported that the Standards Committee of the District Council had granted the Dispensation Order on the 24^th January 2005.

1. PLANNING MATTERS

The following issues were reported:

Application references received:

• 04/02932/FUL Single Storey side extension – 11 Hill Hayes Lane, Hullavington (granted)
• 04/02291/FUL Replacement of 15 metre telecommunications tower – South Railway Field, Townlease Farm, Norton – (granted)
• 04/02654/OUT Residential development – Wilsons Coal Yard, Watts Lane, Hullavington – (granted)

The following planning application was tabled:-

05/00203/TN3 – Installation of 4 Antennas and 2 600mm diameter dishes upon existing 20m mast, and erection of 2 ground based equipment cabinets – Land at, Townsease Farm, Norton, Malmesbury.

Following discussions on this application, the Parish Council wish the following comments to be forwarded to the District Council. Hullavington Parish Council approve of the doubling up on the existing mast, however could consideration be given to suitable screening with appropriate shrubbery to alleviate the visual impact. (ACTION CLERK)

1. CAR PARKING/TRAFFIC MATTERS

There were no issues to report.

2. CEMETARY/BURIAL MATTERS

• Burials dating back to 2003/04 had not been registered or marked on the map and Exclusive Rights certificates had not been issued since 2002. Resolved that Members of the Council would assist the Clerk in bringing the cemetery/burials register and other matters up-to-date.

1. NEW VILLAGE HALL

Councillor Harmer updated those present on the latest situation and the Minutes of the last meeting of the Village Hall Committee were previously circulated. Thanks were relayed to Councillor Harmer for his informative verbal report. Members requested from the Village Hall Committee a written list of options and costings. (ACTION VILLAGE HALL GROUP) Meanwhile advice is to be sought from the District Secretary on the tendering process and the recommended number of quotes to obtain. (ACTION CLERK)

2. PARISH PLAN

The working Group/Sub Committee previously appointed is prioritising and analysing matters regarding the compilation of a Parish Plan and will report back to the Parish Council in March.

3. DRAFT COMMUNITY PLAN FOR MALMESBURY AND SURROUNDING

VILAGES

The above document has been circulated to members and the Parish Council together with the Community once the document has been studied will consider a reponse. Responses are requested before the 18^th February 2005.

4. VILLAGE MAINTENANCE

The following maintenance issues were reported.

• The school sign is loose and it has been reported to Clarence
• The fallen tree on footpath 29 has been dealt with by Mr Greenman. A letter of thanks is to be forwarded to Mr Greenman. (ACTION CLERK)
• The position of the notice board is in an awkward place when attempting to vacate the cemetery. (ACTION MEMBERS)
• The spring on the gate at the entrance of the play area needs attention (ACTION MEMBERS)

1. NEW BUS SHELTER

It was reported that the Bus Shelter is nearing completion and the official opening is Friday 18^th March at 3.30pm by the Rt Hon James Gray MP. A letter of confirmation is to be sent and all the suppliers are to be invited (ACTION CLERK)

2. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 came into force on the 1st January 2005. The Act gives a general right of access to information of all kinds held by public authorities (and those providing services for them). This includes Parish Councils. Please see the attached paper for more information.

The Clerk reported that a Seminar is being held by the Society of Local Council Clerks on the 20^th May – subject matter is the above Act. The Clerk intends to attend this. (ACTION CLERK)

3. FINANCIAL MATTERS

Since the 8^th December 2004 the following cheques were raised

• Grants and donations -
  A letter was received from Alison Reed requesting financial assistance towards music and words for the children of the Church Choir. Resolved: that the Clerk request more explicit information. (ACTION CLERK)

• It was proposed and supported that a donation of £100 be granted to the Malmesbury Link organisation, however due to the absence of the RFO this would be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. (ACTION CLERK)

The following information was reported:

• The cemetery vandalism was being investigated by the Police.
• That the new contact for Wiltshire Highways is Mr Danny Everrett

The appointment of the Clerk following Mrs Clothier’s resignation resumed on 3^rd January 2005. A salary of Spinal Column Point ## and 10 hours per week was agreed to be paid monthly at each Council Meeting.

Expenses incurred by the Clerk are to be paid by cheque at each Monthly Council Meeting, - to include one third of the telephone rental plus calls made on behalf of the Parish Council and car allowance expenses to be paid at the recommended National Association of Local Councils rates. (Mileage ###p per mile)

A Contract of Employment is to be drafted

Meeting closed at 9.54pm

Note: Items requested for the March Agenda: Website, Best Kept Village, Parish Plan.

 

 

Signed……………………..Dated………………………….