Present:- Mr Hounsell (chairman), Messrs Buck, Fowler, and Holt

Apologies:- M/s Hooper, Messrs Downie, Graham, and Parsons. Mr Watson (SCC)

In Attendance:- Councillor Williams (TDBC), PC Pethick (Avon & Somerset Police), Mr Crossley (Clerk)

There were no declarations of interest

The minutes of the meetings held on 14 and 21 July 2004 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman

Mr Buck referred to further complaints that had been made to him about access to cut hedges by the disused highway on the road to Ashill and asked about progress. The Clerk reported that he had just received a letter from local residents re-opening the issue of access and that he would be approaching the highway authority and then putting the matter on the agenda for the next meeting.

In response to questions about a proposal to place a seat on the green at Hatch Green and a missing footpath sign at Church Walk, the Clerk undertook to seek the views of the statutory authorities and if appropriate list the items on the agenda for the next meeting

TDBC had confirmed that the road had been de-classified and that in the particular circumstances the work which had been undertaken did not require planning permission.

RESOLVED that the position be noted

The Clerk reported receipt of a copy letter from TDBC confirming that the barbed wire had been removed and which indicated that it was still in discussion with the landowner about boundaries and surfacing of the footpath. Mr Fowler indicated that a site meeting would be arranged shortly

RESOLVED that the position be noted

Mr Fowler reported that he had been unable to speak to his contact at TDBC. Councillor Williams reported that re-cycling was unlikely to be extended to plastics in the near future because of the large number of different types which would have to be hand sorted, and as plastic was bulky but light and the current targets were tonnage based, the Council was having to put priorities elsewhere. He confirmed that the situation would be kept under review.

The Clerk reported that SCC had arranged a further inspection, and would have the boundary bund increased in height where it ran along side the bridleway. However the inner gates would not now be replaced, and a new padlock and chain would be provided in order that they could be made secure when not in use.

RESOLVED that the position be noted

A fact sheet on the dog Warden Service had been provided by TDBC, and given the limited finance available it was clear that a new bin would only be provided in those areas which scored very highly under its priority scoring system, a situation which was unlikely to prevail in the village

RESOLVED that a copy of the fact sheet be circulated electronically to members.

A letter had been received from residents living in the vicinity of Oatmans, West Hatch seeking support for a 40mph speed limit on the road from the A358. PC Pethick advised the Council of the steps with which he had been involved monitoring traffic, particularly that using Meare Green as a "rat run", and that he intended to spend some time in the area checking on the speed of traffic. The Clerk advised that the West Hatch Parish Council, once it had the results in October of its monitoring programme, intended pressing for traffic management measures across that road network

RESOLVED that the steps taken by West Hatch PC be supported

The Clerk reported details of a new initiative promoted by SCC for community led projects to improve access on public rights of way, permissive paths and public spaces

RESOLVED that 1) the Rights of Way Officer of TDBC be asked to discuss with Mr Holt the state of a number of stiles in the parish and determine the responsibility for repair

2) the need for replacement gates on the path from the school to the village hall be discussed at the proposed site meeting

English Heritage had sent a letter outlining a new 50% grant scheme for the repair and restoration of freestanding war memorials which was less restrictive than the previous scheme. The letter also drew attention to a smaller grants scheme administered by the Friends of War Memorials Charity.

RESOLVED that the existence of the scheme be noted for future reference

TDBC had written inviting comments on a possible termination of this agreement which would result in all the statutory duties and functions relating to footpaths, bridleways and RUPP’s reverting back to the County Council instead of being discharged by TDBC under an agency agreement. Councillor Williams indicated that the rationalisation was being driven by the need to find economies.

RESOLVED that TDBC be informed that the Council would support bringing all the responsibilities under one authority and that it would like to see the role combined with other highway responsibilities.

RESOLVED that the request for a donation be declined

SCC had written advising that it was developing a Passenger Transport Strategy and inviting the Council to comment on a number of points

RESOLVED that the SCC be informed that

RESOLVED that given limited effect in this authority a response to this consultation be left to SALC

RESOLVED that the invitation to the Annual Meeting, to be held on 20 September, be noted

Revised salary scales and mileage allowances for the years ending 31 March 2005 and 2006 had now been agreed by NALC and SLCC and details were available for members. A copy of the scales had been provided to the Chairman. The applicable scale point for the Council was Scale Point 21

RESOLVED that the proposals be adopted

PC Pethick indicated his willingness to make himself available for police surgeries within the village or to organise visits from the mobile community police station. Members discussed with him the difficulties associated with what inevitably

would be fairly infrequent meetings and the alternative (if a suitable site could be found) of a "police post box" which he would empty on a regular basis. Members were happy to support the testing of the surgery concept and a Tuesday in November was suggested as a pilot

PC Pethick also spoke about the opportunities for organising youth activities on the MUGA for which the Police Authority had funding. Mention was also made of a skate board ramp which they were trying to develop in Monkton Heathfield, and of which the Clerk would try to find details.

RESOLVED that PC Pethick be supported in his initiatives, and he be referred to the Village Hall Management Committee regarding use of the MUGA

RESOLVED that no comments be made to TDBC regarding this application

The Clerk reported that Moore Stephens (the external auditors) had completed their audit and no issues had arisen. The statutory notices of completion of the audit had been published

The Clerk submitted a Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation Statement showing a balance of £2994.92 in the Current A/c and £2244.88 in the Business Reserve A/c.

RESOLVED that payment of the following accounts/grants be approved:-

The Clerk reported for information receipt of the following matters;-

The Chairman reported on the steps still being taken to secure progress on the scheme to provide a footpath on a length of Station Road.

Councillor Williams expressed his regret at the continuing problems with the joint SCC/TDBC initiative "Customers First", which he hoped would be resolved shortly. He also gave information on proposed development of a major skate park in Taunton.