In their first meeting of 2011 Councillors discussed the following topics.
Creedwell
The Action Group's Judicial Review process continues with an Oral hearing set for early February. TDBC are still considering the Parish Council request for a reconsideration of the Certificate of Lawfulness.
Roads
Councillors discussed the recent severe weather and whether the Parish was as prepared as it could have been. SCC had offered the facility to collect bags of road salt but this was not taken up as the Parish Council had no transport or place to store it. Distribution would also have been difficult.
Four areas had reported problems through not having any salt or grit Baghay, Nynehead Road, Wiveliscombe Road and Woodbarton. Councillors agreed to offer to collect bags of salt for delivery to residents in the outlying areas on the understanding that someone would be prepared to store them securely.
Councillors agreed to look into the provision of a grit bin for Woodbarton. The bin outside the Victoria Rooms will be moved to the nearby toilets as this will be more convenient for Creedwell.
The Clerk was asked to check the existing grit bins and request replenishment from SCC as necessary.
Councillors were disappointed by the negative response of SCC to their request for permanent Speed Watch signs.
Councillors noted that SCC relied on residents who had requested a Disabled Parking Bay to inform them when they were no longer needed and wondered how this worked if the person was deceased. Councillors will be seeking clarification.
Footpaths
The bad weather has contributed to the collapse of a wall alongside a path between Turnpike and Herons Lane which has now been closed until it is made safe.
The footpath between the Orchard and the top of High Street is now in a very poor condition and an urgent meeting is being sought with SCC.
Thanks were offered to Mrs Hennah for leading a very successful village walk on 2nd January.
Village Toilets
Councillors were very concerned that TDBC was considering closing the toilets in Fore Street and at the Recreation Ground. They are both very well used facilities and would be a significant loss to the community, tourists and workmen.
It was noted that the pipes in the Fore Street toilets had burst on Christmas Eve and they had been locked since then.
The Parish Council will be asking TDBC what the situation. is.
Precept for 2011/12
Councillors set the Precept for next year which is unchanged at £11500.
Libraries
Councillors will circulate the petition to retain the Wiveliscombe Library and the mobile Library service.
