Present:- Mr Hounsell (in the chair), Mrs P Kent, M/s H Hooper, Messrs Buck, Downie, Fowler, Holt, and Parsons.

Apologies:- Mr Williams(TDBC), PC B Hicks

In Attendance:- Mr Crossley (Clerk)

There were no declarations of interest

The Minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2005 (amended by the deletion of the words "it was understood that" from Minute No 1238) were agree as a correct record and signed by the Chairman

There were no questions from Members

The Clerk reported that both he and Mr Williams had made representations about the poor advance signing for the A303 closure, but the response had been that the intention was to divert the majority of traffic onto the A358 and the M5

RESOLVED that the position be noted

TDBC had confirmed that it had undertaken the original planting, but had advised that future maintenance liability lay with the landowners. The Clerk reported that he had obtained quotations from the Council’s contractor for playing field maintenance for attending to the hedge, and they had provided a price for minor pruning and for more major works. Mr Clark of TDBC had visited the site and supported carrying out the major works for which it was willing to make a grant of £200. Members queried the cost of the works and referred to the availability of voluntary help to resolve the issue.

RESOLVED that as it appears that the trees and hedge form part of the playing field the matter be referred to the Village Hall Management Committee for it to determine

Members were advised that repairs had been undertaken and that information was being sought on the location of the key.

RESOLVED that the offer of Mr Downie to approach Mr R Thomas about re-painting the notice board be accepted

Mr Parsons briefed members on a workshop he had attended on behalf of the Council. A copy of briefing notes had been circulated before the meeting. The Clerk also advised members of a further training initiative which TDBC were organising for elected members

RESOLVED that the Chairman approach TDBC about the possibility of a local presentation to members on the new Planning system

The Clerk reported that PC Hicks was unable to attend the meeting but had offered to make an individual visit to any member with particular concerns. Mr Downie updated members on the steps taken since the vandalism incident to the Flower Show Marque and that he hoped to move the focus on to community policing policy. He had a meeting scheduled with District Commander John Snell and offered to report back after that meeting

RESOLVED that the issue be further discussed at the next meeting

RESOLVED that TDBC be informed that the Council has no comments to make on this application

RESOLVED that the invitation be noted

RESOLVED that the offer from Mr Newman, a property consultant, to meet the Council to discuss his company’s approach to development be noted

TDBC had written to advise that the administrative arrangements were to change and that in future it would liase directly with the Council and would be asking the Council to appoint and keep informed its local tree wardens. TDBC was also seeking guidance on the continuation of the tree wardens’ insurance cover

RESOLVED that information be sought on the extent of the insurance cover as the Council is inclined to advise that it is no longer required

SCC had invited parish councils to participate in a community project to increase awareness in the stone and woodcarvings that exist in Somerset’s churches

RESOLVED that the invitation be passed to the Beercrocombe and District Historical Society

RESOLVED that this invitation be declined

A copy of the half-year review of receipts and payments had been circulated with the agenda. The Clerk also submitted a Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation Statement showing a balance of £263.55 in the Current A/c and £3311.11 in the Business Reserve A/c

RESOLVED that 1) the half year review be approved

2) payment of the following accounts be approved

1) Provisional Local Transport Plan now available. Taunton Deane’s Transport Road Show to be held on 28 November 2005 at Taunton Rugby Football Club

2) SCC are holding public consultations on acceptable levels of Council Tax on 9 November at United Reform Church Hall Wellington, 14 November at Wells Town Hall, and 16 November at Caryford Hall Ansford (all commencing at 6.45)

3) November newsletter from SALC

4) Circulation sheet of 4 November

5) The chipping site on the A358 is to have a web cam fitted for monitoring purposes

The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.40pm.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 11 January 2006

P Hounsell

Chairman