Present:- Mr Hounsell (in the chair), Mrs P Kent, Messrs Buck, Fowler and Graham,

Apologies:- M/s Hooper and Mr Parsons. Mr Williams (TDBC)

In Attendance:- Mr Crossley (Clerk) Mr Watson (SCC)

RESOLVED That the absence of M/s Hooper due to a medical appointment be recognised as an approved absence for the purposes of S185 Local Government Act 1972

There were no declarations of interest

The Minutes of the meetings held on 10 and 24 November 2004 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman

In response to a question from Mr Fowler, the Chairman indicated that he had been advised that from February PC Ben Hicks (voice mail 01823 363287 7/2647) would be standing in for PC M Simmons, who was being seconded to other duties for 6 months. No response had been received to the question of displaying contact numbers on the public notice board, and this would be followed through.

No public responses has been received by the Clerk on the issue of support for a Community Speedwatch Scheme. PC Simmons had sought further guidance on the support for police surgeries

RESOLVED That PC Simmons be advised that the Council is of the view that rather than pressing ahead with police surgeries greater priority should be given to publicising contact numbers, and that the initiation of a Speedwatch Scheme would be further considered should significant problems arise

The Clerk reported that no response had been made on this issue

RESOLVED That PC Hicks be asked if this is an issue he is able to take forward

The Chairman reported that shortly after the last meeting the Dept of Transport had issued a press release confirming that the upgrading of the A358 and a by-pass for Henlade had been approved as a strategic route to the South West in preference to upgrading the A303. He had been advised that work would now start on preparing a detailed scheme with a view to work starting in the period 2008/2011, and that consultation meetings would be held as soon as information was available. Mr Watson indicated that the Dept had not as yet included the scheme in the current programme of approved expenditure and that it could be 10 years before work started.

Copies of the minutes were circulated to members. The Committee had considered applications relating to Orchard Park Nurseries and Oldway and Dellcott, Oldway Lane

An invitation had been received to be represented at this event, and a place booked for the Chairman who was now unable to attend.

RESOLVED that a nomination be sought from other members

RESOLVED that a grant of £50 be paid to Taunton and District CAB

The Council considered this application

RESOLVED that TDBC be informed that the Council has no objection to this application

The Clerk had circulated with the agenda the annual estimates for 2005/6 together with a suggested precept. Given the likely increase in balances members considered that they could prudently reduce the precept

RESOLVED that 1) the estimates be approved, and that the precept be set at £2500

2) that the Council’s representative on the Village Hall Management Committee be asked to encourage the Committee to increase the use of the Muga by improving its management, including the issue of paid support for its management, and that any question of financial support would be considered on its merits but would need to be addressed in good time for the preparation of the estimates for 2006/7

The Clerk submitted a Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation Statement showing a balance of £1237.37 in the Current A/c and £2256.63 in the Business Reserve A/c. He also reported that the Hatch Beauchamp Playgroup had completed its purchase of computer equipment and that he had paid the grant towards software authorised by Minute 1082.

RESOLVED that payment of the following accounts be approved