Milverton Parish Council Report

August 2016

Madam Chairman reported a useful meeting with the NHS Partnership Trust and the retiring GP partners. A good line of communication has been established and the Council is proposing to work very closely with the Partnership Trust to ensure a smooth handover and continuity for Milverton Surgery.

Under planning Councillors agreed an extension at Fairfield Terrace and supported the removal of a eucalyptus tree from a property in High Street.

The Council noted that the Planning Inspectorate had confirmed the Notaro appeal over the Creedwell field. Any representations have to be with the Inspectorate by 23^rd August.

Following continuing complains from residents the Clerk reported that SCC was proposing to install speed loops in Wood Street in an attempt to curb traffic speed. Additionally a mobile police speed camera will also operate from time to time.

Under crime it was reported that there had been multiple shed break-ins at the Allotments with a variety of items stolen. The Police have visited and have offered to mark equipment in order to deter future thefts.

The Clerk reported that the Electoral Commission is in the middle of a 10 week public consultation during which it is asking for proposals for new wards. The closing date is 5^th September. After considering presentations the Commission will publish draft recommendations in November 2016. There will then be a further round of consultations with final recommendations to be published in March 2017. Any changes will come into effect for the 2019 elections.

Cllr Wren reported that TDBC had agreed to pursue a merger with West Somerset District Council (WSDC) at a meeting on 26^th July. WSDC was meeting to decide on 6^h September. Cllr Wren had not been happy that the decisions were so far apart and would have preferred them to be on the same day as originally planned. If approved both Councils would cease to exist in 2019 and elections would be held for the new larger Council area.

Mrs Pine the Footpath Officer reported that SCC had promised repairs to Footpath 7/24 near Milverton Court 'this summer'. The footpath across the Creedwell field had now been cut and was passable. However, path 7/10 which did not join on the map would be dealt with next year under the provisions of the Deregulation Act.

Councillors received complaints from allotment holders about bonfires being lit in contravention of the Tenancy Agreement. It was revealed that household as well as vegetative matter was being burnt which was a hazard to human health and could contaminate the soil. It was agreed that the Council would send a letter to all plot holders and the Allotment Committee would make a series of unannounced visits. Anyone found breaking their agreement would be served with a notice.

In July the Council spent £629 on salaries PAYE and gardening.