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