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HULLAVINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 12TH DECEMBER 2007

AT HULLAVINGTON VILLAGE HALL

 

Those Present: Cllr Harmer (Chair), Cllr Mrs Greenman, Cllr Mrs Bawden, Cllr Mrs Dyson, Cllr Morgan, Cllr Gough. Cllr Haffenden , District Councillor H Greenman, M Edwards (Acting Clerk) and 6 members of the Public.

 

Meeting Started at 7.30pm.

 

Chairman’s Announcement:  Cllr Harmer agreed that a discussion take place on the letter from Post Office Limited about the proposed closure of some sub post offices and the proposed change at Hullavington.  Cllr H Greenman outlined some of the background and the likely changes that this proposal would bring included reduced services or changes to opening hours.  At the time of the meeting no agreement has been made to locate the post office within the village.

 

Discussion took place about alternative venues,  loss of services,  impact on the village if the Post Office was lost (environmental, social and business related), the alternatives offered by the  Post Office (Mobile, Home Delivery, Host and Outreach) and the impact on the service people station at Hullavington Barracks and the ongoing consultation exercise.

 

A letter would be sent by the Parish Council outlining its concern about the proposed changes. Cllr Mrs Bawden agreed to contact Hullavington Barracks.

 

  1. Public Questions – None were received
  2. Apologies: Cllr Jones
  3. Minutes of the meeting held on 14th November have been circulated and amended were approved and signed.
  4. Actions from the December meeting – Hill Hayes Lane a letter of thanks has been sent to North Wilts DC.  A note declining the invitation to the Carol Service was also sent.
  5. Planning Matters – The following applications were to be circulated to all Councillors.

      07/03207 - 13 Latimer Gardens, Hullavington, Chippenham, SN14 6HF, Installation of Bunded Fuel Oil Tank in Front Garden

      The following decisions were noted

      07/03060/FRC - Court Farm, Wiltshire, Woodland Grant Scheme – approved.

      07/02719/FUL - 24 The Parklands, Hullavington, Chippenham, SN14 6DL, Erection of Single Storey Front Extension – approved.

      07/02572/FUL - 13 The Parklands, Hullavington, Chippenham, SN14 6DL, Rear Single Storey Extension – approved.

      07/02294/FUL - Beanfield House, 58 The Street, Hullavington, Chippenham, SN14 6DU, Erection of single storey rear extension – approved.

  1. Car Parking, Traffic and Highway Matters

a)      Speed Limit and Safe Route to School – Cllr Mrs. Bawden reported that the School has submitted its bid for this work.

b)      Street Lighting (follow up to missing street light outside Village Hall).  The Acting Clerk has reported this to Scottish and Southern and WCC.  A response is awaited.

c)      Footpaths – Cllr Mrs. Bawden reported that Mr Miller has cut the entrance to FP14.  Footpath 16 is overgrown and a new stile is needed.  These will be reported to the Parish Steward

d)      Site of Electric Poles – The Acting Clerk has contacted Scottish and Southern and they will investigate the poles left.  It is possible that they may have BT cables attached and are therefore the responsibility of BT.  A map showing the location of poles is requested to ensure a speedy resolution.

e)      Other highway matters - Complaints have been received about the two Fish and Chip vans visiting the village.  It was noted however subject to them being licensed correctly the Parish Council has no powers to stop them visiting the village.  Cllr Haffenden reported that black ice at Brookside had caused an accident.  It was agreed to raise the subject of the blocked drain with WCC. The subject of the overgrown hedge by the Old Vicarage was also raised.

f)        Other Flooding Matters – Cllr H Greenman reported that a picture was being built up of flooding issues in the North Wilts district.  An increase to the land drainage budget by the District Council is to be agreed in the 2008-2009 budget year.

  1. Cemetery and Churchyard Matters

a)      Cemetery Update – It was noted that a the cemetery regulations did not state what type of memorial was allowed.  This matter would be discussed at the January meeting.

b)      Access by Scottish and Southern – An apology has been received on behalf of the contractor who undertook the work.  Details of  Cllr Gough, Bawden and Morgans contact details will be sent to the them for future reference.  The Acting Clerk was asked to write to the Stonemasons advising them of the revised charges.  A follow-up letter will be sent about the memorial to Mr George Bullough.

c)      Gate to Little Top Soil – Cllr Mrs. Greenman circulated details of costings for the gate.  It was Proposed by Cllr Morgan and Seconded by Cllr Mrs. Bawden that a sum of £150 + VAT be approved for the gate per quotation and another sum of maximum £150 + VAT be approved for the installation.

d)      Churchyard Matters – Cllr Harmer reported that the PCC has commissioned a detailed plan of the closed churchyard.  The tombs will continue to be monitored on an ongoing basis.  There is likely to be a need to carry out repairs to the Lych gate.

e)      Long Term Maintenance – The matter will be deferred to a future meeting.

f)        Other maintenance issues.  A sum of £500 has been allocated towards tree surgery and hedge removal.  Cllr Gough and Cllr Morgan agreed to lead on this matter.

  1. Village Maintenance

                  a)   Tree Surgery – The order has been placed.

                  b)   Damage to Green – The Acting Clerk has received an undertaking from Ashford Homes that the problems highlighted will not happen again.

                  c)   Sign on Bus Shelter – The issue of the sign was noted.  The cheque for £100 has also been received.  The complaints about the sign were noted and it was agreed that this was a temporary measure.

                  d)   Review of Grass Cutting – has been deferred to a meeting early in 2008.

                  e)   A frame noticeboard.  A thank you was expressed for the repairs carried out.

  1. Play Area Update – It was agreed to invite Helen Fowler to the January meeting.
  2. Financial Matters

a)      Current Account and Budget Review was undertaken.

b)      Payment of Invoices the following were approved for payment:  RFO £50 (821), R Outen £50 (820), M Edwards (822) £137.05.

c)      Change of Account and Signatories – Cllr Harmer was asked to supply details for the additional signature.

d)      Budget and Precept for 2008-2009 – Draft Approval was deferred to the January meeting.

  1. Exchange of Information, Reports from Members – Cllr Greenman outlined the meeting held in Malmesbury to discuss the pilot for the new Area Board.
  2. Correspondence – An invitation has been received from the Mayor of Malmesbury for an event on the 6th of January.
  3. Date and Time of Next Meeting:  Wednesday, 9th January 2008 at 7.30pm.
  4.  Meeting closed at 22.05.