Report of 30 October 2008 Meeting

Present: Mr C Matravers, Chairman (CM), Mr J. Merrick (JM), Mr J. Spicer (JS), Ms K. Rew (KR), Mr V. Sellick (VS), Ms T. Thomas (TT), Ms D. Criddle (DC), Mr A. Trollope-Bellew, County Councillor (ATB)

TT had become a member of the school board. It was looking for two further members, one from Crowcombe and one from Stogumber, as parent members

The Somerset Local Transport Plan 2 summary had been delivered to the council. A full version can be obtained from www.somerset.gov.uk.

Council Question Time events are to be held across Somerset. These events will be an opportunity for local communities to ask questions about any of the services or projects run by the county council or district councils. The nearest event is in West Somerset Council Chambers, Williton on Feb 9 from 1900 to 2100.

A copy of EDF's "Consultation on EDF's site at Hinkley point" publication was given to those present. This consultation will be an exhibition at various venues including West Somerset Council Offices Williton on December 17 from 1800 to 2000

The new police neighbourhood Beat Teams had been announced. Our new Police Constable, is PC. Fiona Clopet and our new Police Community Support Officer is PCSO David Rowe.

District Council Report. The Accounts of some of the SW organisations had some £25million in Icelandic banks. This should be compared with an annual turnover of £800million. It was thought this would not all be lost.
After a discussion the council felt that all the monies collected from second homes in the area should be used locally rather than by Somerset CC elsewhere.
It is possible to claim for parking and treatment at Musgrove Hospital as the drive service has been stopped.
Hinkley Point development will help the local economy as it will certainly mean more jobs available. It looks as though the development of the site is getting nearer to being started.

County Council Report. The council's net debt is £9million and may soon be over £12million pending the sale of key sites. Servicing this debt is costing the council £500,000 per year. The council finances are now under much tighter control. The council is trying to create a culture of openness, trust and honesty.
"Pioneer Somerset" is starting on 30th October. This is a scheme whereby all five District and County Councils are considering some sharing of services.
Mr Taylor will try to contact TT to discuss the Stogumber play area.

Planning
1, Orchard Drive - site meeting 1 November
National Grid Wireless Transmitter, Silverdown Hill, Stogumber TA4 4JF. The proposal to install three more antennas on top of Silverdown Hill has been granted by WSDC.
Lower Preston Farm, Lydeard St Lawrence. Erection of cattle building - refused by WSDC
Old Baptist Chapel. Addition of solar panels, a satellite dish and modifications to inside lobby. Accepted by Stogumber PC

Highways and village Maintenance
Light at end of Church Yard Path. Highways contacted
The Parish Council had no objections to the parochial church council proceeding with their proposed tree surgery in the church yard. No decision was taken whether the council could support such work financially

Matters by Permission of the Chairman
Precept would be discussed at the next meeting, although it was suggested that we might request less than for last year.
West Somerset Economic Development Strategy Consultation Event would be held on Monday 10th November,2008 at Tithe Barn, Dunster from 12.30 - 16.30hrsA key part of this work will be to ensure that funding that has been awarded to the District is targeted to deliver real benefits to its people and businesses. This important event will test the work undertaken to date and help establish agreed priorities and actions. Information kate.harwood@ekosgen.co.uk
The Homefinder Housing Allocation Scheme will start in the second week in December. We could advertise the same in our notice board, and offer it to the shop.
There were many complaints that a skip was virtually permanent in Sawpits Close. Action CM.

The next meeting will start at 19.30hrs on January 8th in the Common Room Deane Close

Allan Weir - Clerk to Stogumber Parish Council