Milverton
Parish Council
Meeting
Report
March
2018
Madam
Chairman, Dr Julie Richardson welcomed Councillors and seven members
of the public to the meeting on 5th
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 9th
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
