The link to the December Parish Council Meeting Agenda can be found here

Here is a link to a report on the Parish Council meeting held on 5th November 2018

The agenda for the November meeting can be found here

Please also note that there will be an Emergency Planning meeting in the Victoria Rooms at 6:30pm on 6th November. This will 'launch' the 2018 revision of the Emergency Plan and renew the list of volunteers. 
If you are interested about how we respond to cold weather traffic and other incidents please come along. 
This document gives some background information.

The Report on the October meeting can be found here

The agenda for the October meeting can be found here 

The Report of the September Meeting can be found here

The Report of the August meeting can be read here

The report of the July 2018 Parish Council meeting can be found here 

The agenda for the August 2018 meeting can be found here

The agenda for the July Parish Council meeting can be found here. Please note the 6:30pm start time.

A report on the June Parish Council meeting can be found here

The Annual Parish Meeting was held on 15th May.

A report which will form the basis of the minutes can be found here

Milverton Parish Council Report May 2018

Milverton Parish Council held its Annual Meeting on 14th May in the Victoria Rooms.

The meeting opened with election of the Chairman for the coming year. Dr Julie Richardson stood down as Chairman. Dr Russell Jenkins elected as Chairman un-opposed with Dr Julie Richardson elected as Vice Chairman.

The Parish Council also appointed is committee officers for the coming year, this includes the Emergency Committee, Personal Committee, Amenities Committee which will now include Recreation representatives, Allotment Committee and village organisations.

Under planning, the Council gave their comments on two applications received. The first for the erection of Agricultural building with access track at land at West of Burn Hill, Milverton. Councillors have concerns about the access and speed of traffic for agricultural vehicles turning into the proposed entrance.

The second planning application is the change of use, with the erection of garages and formation of a private driveway and adaption of access at Nitwits/Homeleigh, Preston Bowyer.   The safety of occupants of the two dwellings would be greatly improved and the Council agreed to Support this application.

Councillor Phelps has resigned his position on the Parish Council and the process of finding a replacement has been started. A notice will be displayed advertising the vacancy and unless an election is requested Councillors will fill the vacancy by co-option and would be pleased to hear from anyone who would like to play a role in this interesting and varied aspect of village life.

For details and an informal discussion please call the Chair of the Council Russell Jenkins or the Clerk, Gwilym Wren on 400657.

Also, Margaret Wren has resigned as Finance Officer. There were no plans to replace the post.

The Parish Council have started the inspection on the toilets and a surveyor has been to look at refurbishing and modernising the toilets.

Once again, the Council spoke in some depth about The Future Use of the Former Creedwell Surgery. A group of residents and some Councillors have visited the former surgery building.

Cllrs agreed that the Parish Council could not take on the building. Supporting or backing a project might be possible by the Parish Council.  Ideas would be requested at the Parish meeting and for someone to take the project on. Ideas for a community hub have been suggested in various forms including the involvement of the Community Benefit Society, although this group has not fully registered yet. If the Village were to take on the building then a clear business plan will be required before any project or group can move forward. Feedback from the Parish Meeting will be looked at after the meeting.

The Village Clean Up has been postponed until the Autumn with the vegetation growth now started, a date of Saturday 20th October was set and resources will be requested from the offers given before.

In April the Council spent £2201 on salaries, toilet cleaning, and SALC subscription. So far £479.50 of the £525 due has been collected in Allotment rents.

Lorna Thorne

Deputy Clerk to Milverton Parish Council

The next Parish Council meeting will take place on 4th June at 7pm in the Victoria Rooms. The agenda is here

TO ALL ELECTORS OF

MILVERTON

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING 2018

YOU ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART.

IT WILL BE HELD AT

THE VICTORIA ROOMS

On Tuesday 15th May at 7.00pm

Under the Chairmanship of the

Chairman of the Parish Council

The Parish Meeting may by Law discuss all parish affairs and pass resolutions about them.

The following matters have already been placed on the agenda:

• The Future of the former Creedwell Surgery Building
• Refurbishment of Fore Street Toilets
• A Village Plan for Milverton
• Motif for New Road Signs in Milverton
• The Proposed Somerset West and Taunton Council

Many Village Societies, Clubs and Associations will be in attendance. Come and find out what they do and what they have planned for 2018.

Dr Julie Richardson

Chairman

Milverton Parish Council

The next Parish Council meeting will be the Annual Meeting on Monday 14th May 2018 in the Victoria Rooms at 7:00pm

The agenda can be found here

Milverton Parish Council

Meeting Report

April 2018

Madam Chairman, Dr Julie Richardson welcomed Councillors and six members of the public to the meeting on 9th April.

The meeting opened with a question about the Surgery Building that is now for sale on the open market. It was questioned whether the extension that was built with community funds had a covenant on it. With the money having been a donation this is not believed to be a valid a reason to restrict the sale of the building. The Council then discussed the potential of the building being used as a Community hub for organisations and societies within Milverton. It was also suggested that the building could be used  as community offices to rent. The future use of the surgery will be on the agenda for Annual Parish Meeting on 15th May.

Councillors and residents still have concerns over the prescription and patient service run from Creedwell Community Rooms.

Under planning, the Council gave their comments for the outline planning consent for residential development of up to 2 dwellings, whilst retaining and refurbishing the existing Garden Cottage. High Street.  Councillors supported the outline proposal plans.

The Parish Council were saddened to hear of the recent passing of Michael Reynolds, an extraordinary man whose time, tacked and expertise helped keep Milverton as it is today.  Madam Chairman will attend his Memorial Service on 4th May and give thanks on behalf of the Parish Council.  

The Emergency Plan activation has been reviewed and the Emergency Committee Chairman will look to correct some issues that have been raised. The list of Volunteers needs updating to add Electricians and Plumbers.  Street representatives, the purchase of equipment like salt bin shovels, walkie talkies and mini generators will also need to be in place for future events. Communication of plan activation needs improving. It was suggested that a banner could be erected in the village and  reminders posted in the Parish Magazine.

A recent article appeared in the Wiveliscombe Messenger which the Council agreed summed up feelings on the reduction of the Number 25 bus route. Although there is still a lot of upset it is clear  that First Bus are going to keep the revised timetable, without too much consideration of the users of the service.

Replacing the Village signs have been investigated and an idea to add a motif has been suggested. Parishioners are asked to bring ideas to the Annual Parish Meeting which has been postponed to Tuesday 15th May.

In February the Council spent £2064 on salaries & PAYE, toilet cleaning and electrics, planning officers and the emptying of dog bins.  Income came from Allotment rents and VAT rebates.

Lorna Thorne

Deputy Clerk to Milverton Parish Council

The next Parish Council meeting is on Monday 9th April 2018 in the Victoria Rooms at 7:00pm

The agenda can be found here

Milverton Parish Council

Meeting Report

March 2018

Madam Chairman, Dr Julie Richardson welcomed Councillors and seven members of the public to the meeting on 5^th March. She thanked all those who helped the parish cope with the recent bad weather including the Clerk and the owners of Milverton Stores.

The meeting opened with a question about the rubbish that was accumulating in the Notaro owned access to the Creedwell field. Although it is unsightly there is nothing that can be done as it is private land. The Planning officer present confirmed that any accumulation of rubbish had to be significant before the Council could use its powers to deal with 'untidy sites'.

There was also a question about the rubbish in the entrance to the Creedwell flats which patients used to access services in the Community Rooms. The Clerk will raise the mater with TDBC Housing Services.

Under planning Councillors approved the installation of dormer windows and other works at Dunroamin', Whites Lane.

The Clerk reported a positive meeting with Jane Birch of the Community Council for Somerset (CCS). It had been agreed that CSS would undertake a parish wide survey to underpin a potential Neighbourhood Plan. This would also include a Housing Needs Assessment. Councillors also discussed census data that had been compiled by the Vice Chairman which showed that the age profile was increasing steadily whilst numbers in the 30-45 age group were falling sharply.

Following the closure of the surgery Councillors discussed the provision of medical services and prescriptions at the Creedwell Community Rooms. There was agreement that this was not an ideal place with poor access and inadequate privacy. However SomPar had made it clear that this was their preferred venue and were unwilling to change. On a brighter note SomPar had purchased a vehicle for Wivey Link to help get patients to and from Lister House and this service was bedding in well.

The Clerk reported that a pipe had burst in the Fore St toilets which Mr Hendy had kindly repaired. This had flagged up some maintenance issues and it was agreed that this was a good opportunity to re-design the toilets into a unisex facility.

The Clerk also reported several road issues. The 20mph roundels will be re-painted before the end of March and the broken bollards in Fore Street and St Michaels Hill will be replaced.

Councillors discussed the ending of the SCC SID programme. SCC was prepared to re-instate it at a cost of £100 per unit per deployment meaning that to keep the existing service would cost the Parish Council £600pa. Councillors were not prepared to accept this and asked the Clerk if the Council could install its own permanent device near the school.

Councillors reviewed the operation of the Emergency Plan during the 5 days of cold weather and snow the previous week. There was general satisfaction that it had worked well and all problems that were encountered had been dealt with. However, several areas were identified for improvement and these will be discussed by the Emergency Committee at its next meeting. The outcome of this will be in the May Parish Magazine.

Councillors also discussed the problems caused by the closure of the M5 on 9^th February. The village had experienced regular and lengthy traffic jams as displaced traffic tried to find a way around the congestion on the A38. Thanks were offered to Russell and Emma Jenkins in Milverton Stores who had spend many hours trying to keep traffic moving around the pinch points in the village. Mrs and Mrs Hoyle were also thanked for their efforts. A review of this will be undertaken by the Emergency Committee.

The Council approved grants to Citizens Advice, the Samaritans and the Wiveliscombe Community Office.

In February the Council spent £1714 on salaries & PAYE, toilet cleaning, the website and allotments.

Gwilym Wren

Clerk to Milverton Parish Council

Milverton Parish Council

February Meeting Report (Apologies for the late posting)

The Council met on Monday 5th February in the Victoria Rooms as usual.

Under Planning Councillors used their delegated powers to pass an application for works associated with a loft conversion at Kubri. To seek to address the concerns of a neighbour associated with the Permitted Development aspect the Council will be writing separately to the applicant.

The Council is keen to undertake a Housing Needs analysis to inform the need for a Neighbourhood Plan. The Council has been in discussion with Somerset Community Council and will be seeking a face to face meeting to take this further.

Councillors discussed the impending surgery closure on 9th February. Unfortunately there was a lack of clarity as to where the proposed services were to be run from and details will be sought at a meeting with SomPar later this month.

In matters to report Councillors expressed concern about the continuing epidemic of dog mess and the rubbish along the bypass.

Cllr Pine reported that a footpath problem has been highlighted by Nynehead Parish Council which she had raised with SCC. The SCC Footpath Officer has carried out some temporary clearance work and will follow up with contractors or volunteers during the summer.

The Deputy Clerk reported on possible new road signs at the entrance to the village. She has some designs from SCC and indicative costs which will be circulated. Councilors will hold a detailed discussion at the March meeting.

The Clerk reported in detail on SCC’s proposal to shut down its Speed Indicator Device (SID) programme and the potential options available. Councillors were of the view that whilst the devices did slow traffic and the information collected was useful the indicative costs of up to £500 per year per location were too expensive. The did however ask the Clerk to investigate a permanent SID outside the school.

The Clerk reported correspondence with the Race Director of the Taunton Triathlon. The Council had raised concerns about speeding cyclists and was seeking reassurance that there were adequate safety precautions and protocols. Councillors were not particularly satisfied with the tone of of the replies and the Clerk will write again.

Councillors also debated the changes to the 25 bus timetable. The Clerk had enquired about this using the First website and received an irrelevant computer generated reply.  Given that there had been no consultation or information other than a changed timetable the Clerk was asked to liaise with Dulverton and Wiveliscombe and try to contact Taunton bus station direct.

Councillors also discussed the SCC library consultation and will make a response through the Chair.

The Clerk reported that following a meeting of allotment holders which was very critical of the Parish Council. Following the meeting wood chip had been laid on the path and a new gate latch installed.

The Council spent £1665 in January on salaries, toilet cleaning and subscriptions.

GDW

14th February 2018

The agenda for the next March meeting on 5th March can be found here

MILVERTON PARISH COUNCIL EMERGENCY PLAN

In view of the forecast of very cold weather this week Milverton Parish Council will be activating its Emergency Plan on Monday 26th February.

The primary purpose is to protect elderly and vulnerable residents during the impending cold snap. The Parish Council Emergency Committee will be working with the Vicar, Rev Helene Stainer, to ensure that those in the community without close support are looked after and do not want for warmth or hot food.

A secondary purpose is to prepare the village for a possible snowfall and make sure that grit bins are full, salt supplies and 4X4 vehicles are available and communications established with outlying areas.

The Parish Council is holding a briefing in the Victoria Rooms on Monday 26th February at 7pm to meet those available to help and set out how that help will be directed.

The Agenda for the next Parish Council meeting on 5th February is here

Milverton Parish Council

Report on Meeting Held on 8th January 2018

The meeting opened with Madam Chairman, Dr Julie Richardson, welcoming  Mrs Lorna Thorne as Deputy Clerk.

The main focus of the meeting was to agree the Precept for 2018/19.  Councillors reflected on the continued cuts to local authorities and the uncertainty of future funding from the new merged District Council which is likely to be created on 1st April 2019. Given that the main objective of the merger is to save money and reduce budget gaps Councillors were very concerned that more services would be 'cascaded' down and present grant levels reduced.  Additionally, the Council wants to commission a Housing Needs survey to help inform future local planning, redevelop the Fore Street toilets and have money available for local grants. After some discussion the Council agreed unanimously to increase the Precept by £5000 to £25000.

Under planning Councillors supported the erection of an agricultural building at Weekmoor Farm and supported the removal of a mobile home at Wilscombe Wood Cottage.

The Clerk reported that he is pursuing quotes for the Housing Needs analysis for the village from TDBC and the Somerset Community Council. It is hoped that this can be carried out in the next 3-4 months.

Councillors expressed their dismay at the decision to close the surgery and are considering ways of marking this unfortunate event.

The Clerk reported that TDBC did not consider that the removed section of hedge at Burn Hill was sufficiently developed or diverse to merit protection. The road boundary will now be marked by a fence with several single trees. He also reported that TDBC will be re-marking the white lines in the Fore Street car park.

Councillors were disappointed that Somerset County Council (SCC) will be terminating Speed Indicator Device programme at the end of March.  Currently there are three village roads in the programme - Wellington Road near the school, Butts Way and Wood Street. SCC is offering to run a paid for service if enough Parish and Town Councils subscribe or it will support Councils to purchase and operate their own equipment. The Clerk will ask about the paid for service but Councillors consider the costs of training, equipment and software associated with running a parish scheme to be prohibitively high.

The Clerk also reported that he had been in correspondence with the Triathlon Race Director about speeding cyclists in the village. Whilst the Director has some control over the event there is little that can be done at other times. She did however offer to share the Risk Assessment and consider any suggestions coming from the Parish.

The Parish Council spent £1458 in December on toilet cleaning, salaries, grass cutting, room hire and donations.

The agenda for the next Parish Council meeting to be held on 8th January can be found here