Charleton Parish Council.

MINUTES of a Meeting of Charleton Parish Council, held on Thursday 8^th January 2004, at 7.30 pm., in Charleton Village Hall.

PRESENT were:- Mr. Hoggart (Chairman, presiding), Wg. Cdr. Leigh, Mrs Hawkes, Mr. Smith, Mr Faulkner and Mr. Brown.

Also present was:-  Mrs Raymond (Clerk).

1. Apologies for absence were received from Mr. Conboy,  Mr. Brazil (SHDC) and Mr. Masters (DCC).

2. The Minutes of the previous Meeting, held on Thursday 4^th December 2003, had been circulated prior to the meeting, and after a minor correction to a name, were approved and signed as correct.

3. Matters arising:-

i) Care and Repair:- Mr. Smith reported that there had been at least one person in the parish who had benefited from the work of Care and Repair, and the Clerk reminded Councillors that further leaflets were available for anyone who may be interested.

ii) The Adventure Playground:- No further progress has been made on clarifying responsibility for the various items in the Adventure Playground, but the matter will be addressed with some urgency now that the new school term has begun.

Parish Plans:- A relevant article in the correspondence to be circulated was brought to the notice of Councillors. Wg. Cdr. Leigh has devised a draft circular to be distributed to begin to make up a “wish list” from the parishioners. This will be distributed in due course.

4. Public participation:- None.

5. Correspondence:-

The Clerk was instructed to write to SHDC about the proposed increases in parking fees, especially those for disabled drivers. Since these increases are apparently not intended to bring any improvements to parking facilities in the town, but only to reduce any increase in the council tax, will that proportion obtained from  disabled drivers make any real difference to the amount of increase expected to be demanded in the council tax?

6. Planning:-

Notice of the granting of  Planning Permission was received in respect of           

Application No. 09/2118/03/F,  Erection of replacement boundary fence, etc., at Creekside,  Curlew Drive.

7.  Finance:-

The following cheques were passed for payment:-

            Cheque no. 100612, £165.48 to F. Raymond, for Clerk’s salary for Oct/Nov/Dec.03

            Cheque no. 100613, £6.00 to DAPC for copy of Standing Orders & Chairmanship.

            Cheque no. 1000614, £12.00 to E. & B. R. Noyce for Christmas tree.

8.  Reports:-

i) School:- There was no written report from the new head-teacher since the term has only just begun, but Mr. Smith reported that although the style has changed slightly, the new head has been well-received by parents and children. The Devon County Road Safety Officer is to attend tomorrow, Friday 9^th January, to consider traffic matters with the school staff.

ii) Footpaths:- Mr. Conboy was unable to attend this Meeting, but had reported by telephone to the Clerk that no further progress had been made in the matter of Footpath 2. Wg. Cdr. Leigh had written as an occasional user of the footpath in favour of the re-routing. It is hoped that more users will also send their views to the Environment Director, and Mrs Gross will be asked to include such an invitation in her weekly press column.

iii) Village Hall:- Mr. Smith reported that the wall and gatepost have been damaged by an unknown vehicle, and will be repaired as soon as possible. The missing table has still not been returned despite an appeal in the press. Mr. Smith has been invited to serve on a forum set up by the Home Office to survey and advise on Village Halls throughout the country.

iv) Coleridge Association:- The next Meeting will take place on 13^th January, after which a report will be made to the Parish Council.

v) Saltstone Group:- The next Meeting will be held on 19^th January, after which a report will be made to the Parish Council.

9. Highway and Community matters:-

i) Traffic calming:- A parishioner has suggested that the Parish Council request the installation of a priority sign at the approach to the narrow section of road between the Rectory gate and Weymouth Cottages, and a reflector strip and white markings on the steps to the cottages next door to the Ashburton Arms. The Clerk will write to Mr. Halliday, and to the residents of the cottages suggesting these measures might be taken to increase the safety of all road users.

ii) Street lights in East Charleton:- Mrs Hawkes suggested that the Parish Council should request the installation of two street lights, possibly attached to existing telegraph poles since there is very limited scope for any other posts to be erected, in East Charleton, near Bloomfields and the telephone box. The Clerk will contact Mr. Halliday for his advice on this matter.

iii) The Christmas tree was dismantled and disposed of by Mr. Smith.

10. Items for the next Meeting:- None.

11. Matters of urgency:-

Mr. Brown informed the Council that the Ashburton Arms is up for sale, at some twice the price paid for it when it changed hands last. The Parish Council will be alert to the possibility of an application for change of use to be submitted should no sale take place within a reasonable length of time.

13. Dates of Meetings in 2004:-

The following dates were confirmed for Meetings for the rest of 2004:0

            Thursday 5^th February

            Thursday 4^th March,

            Thursday 1^st April,

            Thursday 6^th May, (inc. Annual Parish Assembly, and AGM of Parish Council)

            Thursday 3^rd June

            Thursday 1^st July,

            (no Meeting in August, unless called for Planning)

            Thursday 2^nd September

Thursday 7^th October,

            Thursday 4^th November,

            Thursday 2^nd December.

There being no other business, this Meeting closed at 8.45 pm.