Charleton Parish Council.

Minutes of a Meeting of Charleton Parish Council, held on Thursday 2^nd December 2004, at 7:30 pm., at Charleton Village Hall.

Present were:-            Mr. Hoggart (Chairman, presiding), Mrs Hawkes, Mr. Smith, Mr. Brown and Mr. Faulkner

Also present were:-    Mr. Brazil (SHDC), Mrs Gross (Press),  Mrs Raymond(Clerk), and one member of the public, Mr. James Orritt.

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

2. The MINUTES of the previous Meeting, held on Thursday 4^th November, had been circulated prior to the Meeting, were approved and signed as correct.

 3. MATTERS ARISING:-

 a) The Casual Vacancies:- The Chairman Mr. Hoggart reported that he had been approached by South Hams Radio who asked if the Parish Council would like to advertise the two Casual Vacancies on the radio.  Since several people have expressed an interest in being considered for co-option to the Parish Council, it was felt that further publicity by radio was unnecessary.  One person has submitted a letter stating his willingness to be co-opted, one person stated his willingness in person at the last Meeting, and one person contacted the Clerk by telephone.  In view of this interest, thanks mainly to publicity through the weekly press column, it was felt that each  prospective candidate should be invited to attend the next Meeting, when further consideration will be given to the matter.

 b) SeaBritain 2005:- The official celebrations of the 200^th anniverary of the Battle of Trafalgar are to be co-ordinated under the above title.  Mrs Polly Birchall, Tourism Manager of SHDC, asks that information about any celebrations connected with the sea, including regattas and fishing festivals, as well as events commemorating Trafalgar, to be organised, may be publicised on the SeaBritain website, www.seabritain2005.com.  A copy of Mrs Birchall’s letter was passed to Mr. Brown, who is co-ordinating Trafalgar 2005 in the Parish.

 4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:-

 Mr. Hoggart welcomed Mr. Orritt, who attended this Meeting to offer himself as a candidate for consideration for co-option to the Parish Council.  

5. CORRESPONDENCE:- 

The Clerk will also write to Mr. Webb (Gardening Services), suggesting that he should approach the garage and shop himself for advertising his services, and also consider the Parish Web Site. 

6. PLANNING:-

a)         Applicant:                     Mr G Stoate

Application No.            09/2186/04/F

Proposal:                      Installation of flue

Location:                      The Linney, West Charleton

 The Parish Council considered that they would advise no objection to this Application.

             b)         Applicant:                     Southwest Property Services Ltd

                        Application No:            09/2237/04/F

                        Proposal:                      Resubmission of Application 09/1383/04/F for

                                                            the erection of a single dwelling

                        Location:                      Herondyke, Curlew Drive, West Charleton.

The  Planning Sub-Committee of the Parish Council will make a site visit to consider the response to this Application.  The Chairman will complete and return the form after the site meeting. 

7. REPORTS:- 

a) School:- No report was submitted this month.  Everyone is very busy with pre-Christmas activities, including a Fashion Show to be held on Monday to help raise funds towards new equipment. 

b) Footpaths:- Nothing to report. 

c) Village Hall:- Mr. Smith reported that the painting is now in progress, new curtains for the stage must conform to the fire regulations,  and Mrs Hawkes has been voted onto the Village Hall Committee.  The Committee decided at their recent Meeting to increase rents by £1 per hour during the winter months, to £7, and by 50p per hour during the summer, to £6.50. 

d) Coleridge Association:- Nothing to report. 

e) Saltstone Group:- The next Meeting is to be held on 13^th December, and will be attended by Mr. Hoggart and possibly Mrs Hawkes. 

8. FINANCE:- 

(i) The following cheques were approved for payment:-

            Cheque no. 100637,  £10:00 to F. Raymond, for Petty Cash

            Cheque no. 100638, £177:67 to F. Raymond for Clerk’s Salary for Oct/Nov/Dec.04

            Cheque no. 100640,  £12:00 to E & BR Noyce for the Village Christmas Tree

            Cheque no.100643, £19:39 to PRCDTR for Photocopying costs,  Jun-Dec 2004 

(ii) Closure of Business Premium Account:- As agreed last Meeting, the Business Premium Account containing some £19 will be closed. The letter arranging to transfer the money to the Current Account and close the Business Premium Account was duly signed. 

9. HIGHWAY AND COMMUNITY MATTERS:- 

(i) Speeding traffic:- Mr. Smith suggested that a possible way to discourage speeding would be the installation of concealed cameras.  He also asked Mr. Hoggart to bring up the question of speeding cars and motor cycles in the Quay car park at the next Meeting of the Saltstone group.

(ii) The warning signs for East Charleton are apparently ready , but have not yet been delivered.  Mr. Brazil will make enquiries about them. 

(iii) The trees below Lyte Lane have been checked and trimmed, and Lyte Lane steps have been cleaned satisfactorily, but the hedge at the corner of Croft Lane still needs attention.   

(iv) Vehicles have been regularly parked on the grass verge opposite the school, despite the No Parking signs, for some time now.  This has prevented the contractors from cutting the grass properly.  This is where it is hoped that a lay-by may be made, but no further advice has been received as to the funding of this work, despite a request being sent to Mr, Halliday.  This matter will be pursued by Mr. Brazil on behalf of the Parish Council. 

10. MATTERS OF URGENCY:- None. 

11. ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING:- 

            The Casual Vacancies. 

12. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING:-  Thursday 6^th January 2005 

The following Meetings were arranged:-

            Thursday 3^rd February,

            Thursday 3^rd March,

            Thursday 31^st March,

            Thursday 5^th May.

The Meetings for the rest of 2005 will be arranged at the next Meeting, and laminated lists will be available to all who normally attend these Meetings.

F.R. 4/12/04