CHARLETON PARISH COUNCIL. 

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT CHARLETON VILLAGE HALL, ON THURSDAY 6TH MAY 2004, AT 7.30 PM. 

PRESENT WERE:-               Wg. Cdr. Leigh (Vice Chairman), Mrs Hawkes, Mr. Smith, Mr. Brown, Mr. Faulkner,

                                         Mr. Brazil (SHDC), Mrs Raymond (Clerk), and Mr. Stockdale (member of the public).

 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE WERE RECEIVED FROM     Mr. Hoggart, Mr. Masters, Mr. Hawkes and 3 members of the Public.                                                                                                    

   2. THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS ANNUAL ASSEMBLY, held on Monday 7th April 2003, were read, approved and signed as correct.                                                                                    

3. THE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:- 

Mr. Hoggart was unable to attend the Assembly, as he was recuperating from surgery, and so he submitted a written report, which was read by Wg. Cdr. Leigh. Mr. Hoggart apologised for his absence. His report continued as follows:- 

The Parish Council continues to meet on the first Thursday of each month except August to conduct routine business. This has included the monitoring of traffic speeds through the village, greater safety for pedestrians, maintenance of footpaths, and the overviewing of Planning Applications to maintain the character of the village.

 In the year some 19 Planning Applications were considered, with 8 being actually viewed on site. Of these 19 Applications the Council saw no objection to 17, and recommended refusal to 2.

 The village Web Site continues to be run by Wing Commander Leigh, but there is still very little take-up of the cheap advertising possibilities for local small businesses. 

At Christmas time a decorated tree was erected on the porch of the Village Hall and new lights were strung as well. The new live tree continues to thrive but is not yet strong enough for decorating.

The Parish Council continues to liaise with other Councils from Stoke Fleming through to Salcombe on matters of local interest.

At the last Annual Assembly the Council raised the question of a Parish Development Plan and asked for volunteers to assist in the necessary preparatory work.

In the absence of any response the Council decided not to pursue this formal plan but instead issued an invitation for villagers to submit ideas or a Wish List for improvements to the village.

 There has been a good response to this approach and the results are summarised below.  Some of these requests are already in hand and others will be dealt with in the coming year. 

Summary of responses by category.

A. Traffic speeds

                        12 responses:               -general opinion that 20 mph is unrealistic

                                                            -alternative measures needed

                                                            -reference to speed indication as at Halwell

                                                            -dislike of road markings

B Other Road Safety Issues.    

                        3 responses requesting mirrors to improve visibility at certain junction

                        1 comment on the danger of ‘s’ bend in Church Lane above the Church

C. Car Parking.

                        3 responses regarding need for more parking near the school

                        1 response regarding need for parking in East Charleton

                        1 response regarding anti-social parking in Charleton Way

                        1 response requesting improved parking in Marsh Lane

D. Pedestrian Safety.

                        2 responses requesting footpath between E. and W. Charleton

                        1 request to relocate the post box in East Charleton

                        4 requests for clarification of right of way on Virtual Footpaths

                        4 requests for improved street lighting in West Charleton

                        1 request for footpath from Village Hall to Church Lane

E. Environmental Issues.

                        2 requests for a bottle bank

                        1 complaint about poor access to a footpath

F. Trees and Hedges.

                        3 responses regarding tree protection and hedge trimming

 G Litter and dog fouling

                        3 responses making general complaints

H Road sweeping.

                        1 response to extend cover in East Charleton

I. Telephone box in West Charleton.

                        3 requests to clean and repaint

 J. Flower beds

                        3 requests regarding maintenance

 K. Village Hall.

1 response recommending improvement to external appearance and placement of new sign. 

L. Social activities.

3 responses commenting on lack of community spirit and asking for more social activities/concerts, etc.

 4. THE WEB SITE:-

Wg. Cdr. Leigh reported that there have been many hits every week from all over the world, but no local businesses have shown any interest in advertising on the Web Site, which may be accessed on

 www.charleton-pc.org.uk

 5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:-  None.

F.R. 9/5/04