12th March 2008

ADOPTED
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 12th March 2008 at 7.30pm in the Committee Room West Monkton Village Hall
Present: Cllrs Reeves (Chairman) Day, Ellis, Haskins, Gage, Perris, Besley, Tully, Cavill.
In attendance: Mrs P A Cavill, Clerk and one member of the public.

28/08 Apologies
There were none.

29/08 Adoption of the Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 13th February 2008
The minutes, having previously been circulated, were adopted and signed as a true record: proposed by Cllr Ellis, seconded by Cllr Gage and agreed unanimously.

30/08 Matters arising from the Minutes; Clerk’s report
The Clerk’s report, having been circulated prior to the meeting was taken as read. Further to the Clerk’s report it was agreed to:
Contact I Titcombe SCC Taunton Deane Highways to request ‘Slow’ signs by Hazebrouck on Greenway, (northerly direction); also to arrange a site meeting with him on a Mon or Fri to discuss solutions for the crossroads at Sidbrook.
Contact PO consultation re West Monkton Post office closure and request disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
Get quotes for painting the bus shelter at Spital Row in Monkton Heathfield and make arrangements to drain the puddle therein.
To note that TDBC litter picking squad will give advice to an appointed local litter picker and to contact the three bus shelter cleaners to ask if they know of anyone who would do the litter picking. If unsuccessful, then advertise in Village News and on web-site.
To request litter picking from TDBC at Tanpitts Lane and Brittons Ash - these are both on Safe Routes to School.

The meeting was closed.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Mr Ken Goodwin explained the situation regarding the grant applications associated with the proposed extension to the Village Hall. Inflation of building costs year on year make it difficult to put enough funds together. The current grant application, if successful, would be made in April 2009, so work would commence mid-2009. Staged payments would be needed over three years; the Village Hall Management would have a loan from the Charity bank for a 3 - 4 year period. The VHM Committee have had 3 competitive prices for the projects, and architects have been paid. The contribution required from the Parish Council is required to be significant - deemed to be up to 25%, = £50k. The Hall is reputedly one of the best used in Somerset. It considers that it is complementary to the school. Mr Goodwin stated that most of the users are from the Village A breakdown of who uses the Hall and when was not available. Planning permission was granted in 2005, it requires work to be started within 5 years.
It was reported that the Parish Church sign is missing from the end of Dosters Lane
It was reported that the ditch at the top of Church Hill has been blocked by building traffic associated with the works going on at ‘Dowsborough’, this means that water is flooding down the lane. Because the ditch wall has collapsed, the edge of the road is breaking away. A culvert may be blocked.
The Elms Estate footpath through to School Road is being dog fouled. It is a different owner from the previous source of dog fouling in the same area. A dog bin is requested.
PC Curtis and PCSO Cornish have not been seen around as often as before Christmas, and local petty theft is increasing - thefts of copper and lead have occurred from building areas.
More complaints about the field behind Hartnells Farm being used by a private owner for motor bike racing.
Beer cans and other litter accumulating round the back of Gotton Manor Nursing Home.
Flooding on Yew Tree Lane an ongoing concern

The meeting was reconvened.

31/08 Items raised by the Public in Open Session
The request for grant money from the Parish Council in the sum of about £50k will be put on the agenda for April. No discussion can be productive until a proper breakdown of the figures is received. The Parish Council has repeatedly asked for a breakdown of users: Parish based and out-of Parish, and this has not been forthcoming. The Clerk will writ to Mr K Goodwin clearly identifying what statistics are required, so there can be no further misunderstanding.
It was agreed to check that the sign had not been thrown over the hedge - if genuinely missing a replacement sign will be ordered.
Refer the matter of the ditch and collapse of the road edge at the top of Church Hill to SCC Taunton Deane Highways (D Quick).
Report dog fouling to TDBC dog wardens, and request if a dog bin could be situated in the car park by the flats in Heathfield Drive.
Contact Local Police to ascertain why they have not had visible presence in the Parish, and report theft of copper and lead.
Clerk to check previous correspondence regarding landowner and private motor bike racing.
Report beer cans etc behind Gotton House to TDBC Litter Hotline
Refer flooding on Yew Tree Lane to Environment Agency, and ask SCC to check the ditches.

32/08 Arrangements for Annual Parish Meeting on 26th March 2008
It was noted that the Police could now not attend. The Rector will be away and it is yet to be confirmed whether his report will be read to the meeting or presented by the Curate in training. Peter Daniels from Viridor will present information about the climate and environmental issues they are dealing with on the Priorswood recycling site.
All councillors were urged to highlight the meeting and get people to attend. It will be publicised on the web-site and in the Village News.

33/08 Village Hall extension
In view of information provided during Public Question Time it was agreed to defer this item until the April agenda.

34/08 Indemnity re CFPC and the dog bins
After some discussion and following advice given by SLCC and comments made by Allianz insurers, it was considered that if the proposed bin (just over the Parish Boundary on the walk from Yallands Hill to Tudor Park) was identified on the Parish Council’s insurance policy, then it would be covered by the WMPC Public Liability policy. It was proposed to follow that course of action - proposed by N Cavill, seconded by M Besley and all agreed. It was agreed unanimously to get two dog bins arranged, one at Yallands Hill (as above) and the other at the top of Greenway on the verge beside the junction into Sidbrook Orchards.
It was requested that a map of the village should be made available for use during discussions such as this.

35/08 Official reports
Cllr Ellis gave a report on the Flood Fair she had attended with Cllr Gage. Cllr Tully had also attended. The information given was very useful and several leaflets were available. It was agreed a report should be sent to Jenny McBride for the Village News. It was noted that serious issues were addressed, and thanks were given to the Councillors who attended.
Cllr Perris reported on the Climate Working Party. There had been a meeting in the Church Room, and he had attended an event at Glastonbury. The main suggestion considered - to buy some land and plant trees on it - was deemed unachievable and it was recommended that there should be a tree sponsorship scheme for the Parish, and a ‘climate’ fair to educate residents of the parish. Documentation from SCC would indicate that its intention is to lead by example- it is reducing its carbon footprint in the hope the public will follow. The inference was that the action should be within communities, and the SCC has neither the money nor the time. The purpose of the meeting in Glastonbury was to identify channels of communication, some ways are difficult and confusing. It was useful to get feedback from other Parishes. The general opinion was that it is easy to preach to the converted, but if the people aren’t already saving energy then they won’t want to talk about it or engage in the process. The SCC Climate Café had found the same thing. Cllr Perris suggested that the Parish Policy on ‘climate’ should include bouncing it back to the County and the Government, and to find a way to do something in the Parish by the Precept. Cllr Cavill suggested that rather than stage a whole event, there might be more success and interest in taking a table or two at another Parish event and giving away the energy saving light bulbs as a way of engaging the public in general. It was noted that Morrison’s supermarket were selling the light bulbs very cheaply, less than could be sourced elsewhere. It was agreed that the Parish should purchase 400 bulbs to give away at a future Village event to highlight the Parish Council’s Climate Policy. Proposed by Cllr Gage and seconded by Cllr Perris, all agreed. It was agreed that Cllr Perris would purchase and store the bulbs until the event. After some discussion it as agreed that bayonet fittings should be purchased as most homes have at least one bayonet fitting somewhere in the house.
Cllr Cavill reported on the Task and Finish Group at TDBC on Renewable Energy Miscanthus crop has been found to have more uses than previously thought: plastics, fuel, building materials. It is potentially a better fuel than biofuel from wheat. It is useful for small projects such as heating a school or a hospital. There has been a drive for Parish Councils to include Local Area Heating. Leaflets have been produced that could be distributed along with the light bulbs at the Climate Fair.
Cllr Tully reported unanimous support at County Council level for the non-closure of local post offices. He reported that he had £5000 in his Councillors’ discretionary fund, and access to a further £20k for projects in the division. Choice of the projects would be made by a Panel of Councillors. The County Council hosted a seminar on the Severn Barrage. Three areas could be considered - Cardiff to Weston, Swansea to Weston and a further one. The seminar was attended by speakers from Environment Agency and English Nature. The main purpose of the project is to produce electricity -7% of the national need. It was proposed the barrage should carry road and rail bridges. A two year consultation period will ensue.
Cllr Reeves reported on three information gathering meetings regarding the proposed development at Monkton Heathfield; with the developers, the TDBC Planners, and the SCC Highways Authority. The meetings were disappointing in that they did not take into account local experience, but the one gain was that there was no objection from any of the three presenters to opening the permissive footpath across the field to connect the end of School road with the A38 at Brittons Ash. It was the general opinion from all three parties that the matter could be determined under Reserved Matters.

36/08 To consider and confirm the response to TDBC Planners to applications 48/2007/061 and 48/2007/062
A draft response had been circulated prior to the meeting. With two additions, the document was adopted to send to TDBC Planners and all members of the Planning Committee. Proposed by Cllr Ellis, seconded by Cllr Day and all agreed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start of document
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL
Response to TDBC
Applications 48/2007/061 and 48/2007/062

The Parish Council has had information gathering meetings with the Developer’s Consortium, Taunton Deane Planning Authority, and SCC Highways Authority.

There are two applications: one is largely the same as the application registered in 2005 and registered with the Inspector as an Appeal by the Developers’ Consortium on the grounds of non-determination by TDBC. The other is an application excluding the Hookipa site.

The Hookipa site is the subject of a separate application for a roundabout.

The Parish Council has considered the information it gained and wishes to make the following comments.

1. Introduction
The Parish Council does not object to the application in principle, understanding that it is a government requirement that this large number of houses and associated building works should be delivered. It is also aware of the government requirement to provide affordable housing and social housing. The Parish Council would wish the TDBC Planning Committee to note that it wishes to work towards the successful integration of the existing community with the new settlement: the existing parish is circa 1200 houses and this application is for a further 900. A further 4000 have been identified in the Regional Spatial Strategy 2011 - 2026.

2. Eastern Relief Road (ERR)
The line of the Eastern Relief Road (ERR) road, at the southern end, does not follow the original line shown on the Local Plan. Although the Parish Council understands that the Local Plan line is neither mandatory nor statutory, it represents a smoother line through the application site. However, the Parish Council has been informed by the SCC Highways Authority that they are satisfied that the dog-leg on the application will not slow or deter traffic, and will serve the needs of the development until 650 houses are built. Despite assurances from the SCC Highways Authority that Saturn modelling confirms this to be true; the Parish Council has serious doubts. Having the benefit of local knowledge of the situation as it exists now, the Parish Council knows that at peak hours the traffic regularly backs back up the current A38 from Creech Castle as far as the Land Rover Garage at Bathpool, blocking the junction at Milton Hill. This can only be due to the inefficiency of the junction at Creech Castle. Apart from some minor works at the Creech Castle (described as ’minor tweaking’ during information gathering meetings), the junction there will not be changed. The Parish Council believes that the situation that exists at the moment will replicate itself when the A38 is bus-gated and traffic is directed along the ERR. If traffic backs up on the ERR, then the through traffic is going to find alternative routes, and estate traffic will have difficulty leaving or entering the estate at peak times. SCC Highways Authority has noted government requirements to get cars off the road, and hence the green travel plan is included..
Traffic already uses the lanes north of the A3259, through West Monkton Village, Goosenford, Gotton, Cheddon Fitzpaine and Rowford as a rat run whenever either of the two trunk roads through the Parish is obstructed in any way. The Parish Council is very concerned that, if traffic does not flow easily on the ERR, the lanes will become a regular rat run. These lanes are not, in any way, suited to speeding traffic and repeated representations by the Parish Council to SCC (Taunton Deane Highways) have been unsuccessful in finding a solution.
The Parish Council believes the ERR and the roundabout at the southern end will not serve the traffic from the 650 houses nor through traffic adequately. The travel plan, though worthy, will not match peoples’ aspirations which include buying a house and having a car. The designation of the employment land is likely to be storage and warehousing so will not provide a large number of jobs for people on the proposed development to walk or cycle to work. The Parish Council anticipates that most residents in the new development will be commuters, so the road capacity is important.

3. Western Relief Road (WRR)
The Parish Council knows that the WRR per se is not part of this application. The Developers’ Consortium stated that the WRR is not required in law to be part of the application, and stated that TDBC Planning had verbally agreed with this. But because the ERR will only allow for the building of 650 houses, the WRR becomes part of the whole development since the outline application currently before the TDBC Planning Committee is for 900 houses, 350 of which cannot be delivered without the WRR.
The Parish Council wishes to make a clear note that the line of the WRR currently shown running up Milton Hill is very unsuitable, since traffic will need to leave the Farriers Green estate (more than 150 houses) directly onto the WRR, and part of Milton Hill is a ’Safe Route to School’ from Taunton and Bathpool. This Safe Route to School needs to be protected and so the Parish Council is reassured by the SCC Highways Authority’s statement that the A3259 will be bus gated only when the WRR is in place, and not before. The Parish Council has been reassured by the Memorandum of Agreement drawn up between TDBC and the Developer’s Consortium: for TDBC, if necessary, to use its powers of Compulsory Purchase; and the Consortium to make financial contribution, so the WRR can be built. At the top end of Milton Hill with the junction at School Road, currently, chaos exists at school times, with traffic entering and leaving the cul de sac of School Road to drop children off at the Primary and Secondary Schools, and Tacchi-Morris. The Parish Council understands that the WRR is required to be in place by the occupation of the 651st dwelling, although local knowledge would indicate that the WRR would be needed sooner than that and a lower threshold than 650 as the trigger point would be advantageous in getting the WRR completed in time to service the development as it grows. A corner of the orchard at the junction of Milton Hill with the A38 would be needed smoothing the line of the WRR from the roundabout(removing the dog-leg in the current application). The Parish Council has been informed by SCC Highways Authority that they are preparing to enter into a legal agreement with the Developer’s Consortium to link the remaining 350 houses of this application with the provision of the WRR.
The Parish Council knows that the WRR is not included in this application, but consideration of it is essential to reach a satisfactory conclusion over the roundabout at the southern end of the ERR, the proposals to bus gate the A38 and A3259, and the delivery of the remaining 350 houses after the 650 are built.

4. School Road
The issue of traffic in School Road at school arrival and departure times has been a vexed issue for the Parish Council for many years, and despite the plethora of double yellow lines in the area, the situation remains as bad as ever. There is little room for improvement because Heathfield School, Tacchi-Morris and West Monkton Primary School are situated at the end of a cul de sac. Additionally, in fulfilling government initiatives, Tacchi-Morris/Heathfield School will soon open a unit for 14 -19 year old vocational Higher Diploma candidates. The Parish Council believes that the traffic situation could be resolved by making the permissive path running from the bottom of School Road to Brittons Ash on the current A38, into a one way single track, traffic- calmed road. The Parish Council has had verbal agreement from the Developers’ Consortium, the TDBC Planning Authority and SCC Highways Authority that this would be a good idea, although apparently it has never appeared on any plan. The Parish Council believe that this road would also serve to integrate the existing with the new settlement, and, by allowing vehicular access, assist in ensuring the sustainability and financial viability of the proposed Local Centre. Parents dropping their children at Heathfield School would have time to get round to the Primary School in time for its later opening. The Parish Council wish to emphasise the importance of securing the goals of integration and sustainability and request that the solution offered herewith is seriously considered.
The Parish Council is pleased with the arrangements for new accommodation for the Primary School, with accompanying Community Hall.
The Parish Council wishes to strongly endorse the route from the bottom of School Road to Britton Ash being made a vehicular one way road.

5. The green wedge
There is a green wedge separating Farriers Green/Bathpool from Taunton. This separation is blurred by the presence of a scattering of older houses. Generally speaking, at Bathpool it is one field wide and is traversed by the A38 running east/west; and for a short distance from Dyers Lane (a closed junction with A38) to the Milton Hill junction the A38 has no houses either side of it. The northern side of this stretch of the road and Milton Hill form 2 sides of the small orchard that would need to take the road line smoothing the WRR to the roundabout at the southern end. The proposed line of the ERR including the roundabout would traverse the green wedge running north/south and would have no houses either side of it in the area south of the Hookipa site. The Parish Council is satisfied that the acoustic barrier, proposed bunding and tree planting would effectively mitigate the effect of the ERR approaching the southern roundabout. This has been checked out by Parish Councillors standing on the canal side at St Quintins Park and looking across the canal to the field comprising the green wedge. The Parish Council believes that there is sufficient of the green wedge remaining, plus associated landscaping and tree planting to protect the canal, the canal side footpath and the local environment. The assessment of the green wedge by TDBC Landscape Office has not been provided to the Parish Council.
The Parish Council, whilst sharing TDBC concerns about the protection of green wedges, believes that in this case, it has already been breached by the A38 and existing dwellings; and the proposals in this instance, with the bunding and landscaping, mitigate intrusion into the green wedge.

6. Hookipa site
The Parish Council has noted the issues regarding the Hookipa site. If a solution is unable to be found the Parish Council understands that the ERR could be built as far as the boundary to the Hookipa site. It is difficult to imagine how the aims of integration and the relief of traffic issues could be met if this were to happen. The Parish Council has been informed that should the Hookipa site not be part of the development then the development will be short of the required amount of employment land.
The Parish Council would expect the Developers to resolve the problem regarding employment land and the provision of an incomplete ERR would not be acceptable.

7. Bus gates
The Parish Council has been informed by the Developers’ Consortium that they are committed to building the ERR before the rest of the site is developed. SCC Highways Authority have confirmed that the bus gate at the southern end on the A38 at Bathpool would be put in place when the ERR opens. So traffic will immediately be directed down the ERR. SCC Highways Authority state that there will be no change in status or grade of the A3259 until the WRR is complete. Furthermore the SCC Highways Authority state that the bus gate at the other end of the site, at Camels Hump (Hobbs Lane) junction will be put in when the WRR is open.
Whilst the Parish Council remains concerned about traffic flow round and through the site, it has no objections to these arrangements for bus gates.

8. Play and open space areas
The Parish Council understands that the application submitted in November 2007 comes under different legislation than the application submitted in 2005, (currently the subject of an Appeal). Consequently this application is accompanied by a Design and Access statement. The Parish Council is satisfied with the proposals for Play requirements.
The Parish Council is pleased that the Dyers Brook area will become a wildlife corridor, but the area must have appropriate illumination and be overlooked by housing so it is also a safe area.
To assist integration and sustainability, the Parish Council believe the Dyers Brook area should be traversed by more than just the permissive walkway. The Parish Council consider it is essential to see turn this into a one way road, and a footbridge at the other end of Dyers Brook should be another link between the existing and the new communities.
The Parish Council wishes to ensure that every opportunity is taken to integrate the existing and the new communities. The area around the proposed Local Centre, and the Dyers Brook wildlife corridor would benefit from another footbridge access into the existing estate. Otherwise there is only one link between the two communities. The Safe Route to School (from Creech St Michael) across the permissive path could be retained adjacent to the single track traffic - calmed one way road.

9. Drainage issues
The Parish Council has been assured that there will be no issues with capacity for rain water draining from the site. However, water does regularly 'pool' at the junction of Camels Hump (Hobbs Lane) with the A3259, causing danger to motorists - provision for surface and rain water removal should be given high consideration.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of document

37/08 To consider Planning applications registered at TDBC
48/2008/007LB Mrs S Melhuish: Retention of satellite dish, Unit B, The Old Dairy, Dyers Lane, Bathpool. Likely issues - none listed. Comment: The Parish Council has no objection to this application.
48/2008/012 Mrs H Pulsford Erection of extension Greenbank, Yallands Hill Monkton Heathfield Likely issues - none listed. Comment: The Parish Council supports this application.
48/2008/008A Mrs F Wadsley Two signs above the canopy comprising individual internally illuminated letters (max height 0.850m) and 22 grade indicator flags each 0.45m wide by 0.850m high at Sainsbury’s filling station Hankridge Farm Retail Park, Heron Gate, Bathpool, Taunton. Comment: The Parish Council suggest that this application will result in illumination of the night sky and would wish the illumination to be suitably shielded.
48/2008/005 Mrs F Wadsley Refurbishments and improvements of petrol filling station including new kiosk, canopy, jet wash 7, underground tanks, and repositioned LPG storage with blast wall with associated parking and access changes at Sainsbury Store Hankridge Farm Retail Park Heron Gate Bathpool, Taunton. Comment: The Parish Council has no objection to this application.
48/2008/006A Mrs J Moore: Internally illuminated replacement totem sign measuring 2.016m wide by 4.950m high at Sainsbury’s Petrol Filling Station, Hankridge Farm Retail Park, Heron Gate, Bathpool, Taunton. Likely issues - none listed. Comment: The Parish Council would require that the overall size of the replacement totem is no larger than the existing, and the light from it should be shielded in such a way to prevent illumination of the night sky and light pollution.
AND
48/2008/009A Mrs J Moore: Fascia sign and brand wall sign to kiosk at Sainsbury’s Petrol Filling Station, Hankridge Farm Retail Park, Heron Gate, Bathpool, Taunton. Likely issues - none listed. Comment: The Parish Council would require that light from backlighting is controlled to prevent illumination of the night sky and avoid light pollution.
48/2008/011 Mrs P Hogg: Erection of replacement conservatory 11 Sylvan Way, Monkton Heathfield. Likely issues - none listed. Comment: The Parish Council has no objection to this application.

Ref 48/2007/086: Copy of letter of objection sent to TDBC received from Mrs Gosbee.
48/2008/010 Resubmission of application for single storey science block with minor alterations to permitted scheme 48/2007/060 at Heathfield Community School, School Road, Monkton Heathfield. TDBC has no objection to this development. Likely issues - none listed. Comment: no objections.

38/08 Planning Decisions made by TDBC
48/07/075/JD Construction of new building to deliver post 16 education plus the relocation of a temporary classroom unit at Heathfield Community School School Road, Monkton Heathfield. Conditional permission granted: commence within 3 years; classroom unit to be removed and land reinstated by August 2009; development shall be in accordance with plans and specifications, materials to be used must be approved; no construction vehicles in term time between 8.15am and 9.45am and 14.30pm and 16.00pm; travel plan to be submitted within 3 months; car parking needs approval and must be constructed in accordance with agreement before the building is occupied; car parking spaces not lost to the development will be available for drop off and pick up throughout the construction period; lighting details need approval; landscaping including 15 new, heavy or extra standard trees, maintenance and protection of landscaping for 5 years after planting, including replacement of trees lost to disease or damage; photovoltaic cells to be approved and installed according to plan.

Planning Application withdrawn
48/2008/003 Erection of free standing restaurant and reconfiguration of car parking in landscaped/car park area of Hankridge Farm, Heron Gate, Taunton.

The Planning Decisions were noted.

38/08 To consider Communications as listed
The Communications list had been circulated prior to the meeting.
Requiring Action
TDBC Corporate Strategy 2008- 2011. Document is out for public viewing - go to http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/TDBCSites/POLPERF/forms.asp
Or contact Jane Smyth for a hard copy 01823 356481.
Postwatch: information about Post Office Closure programme. Any Councillor want to write? Parish Council has sent in an email but more would help the case to keep West Monkton PO open.
‘Enjoy England Celebrate St Georges Day‘ Afternoon tea competition. Any Councillor interested in taking this forward?
SCC Validation of Planning Applications. Document is available for consultation on the web site www.somerset.gov.uk/ete/planning for a period of 6 weeks up to 4th April 2008. Email comments to planning@somerset.gov.uk.
Somerset Waste Partnership; Promotion of the refuse and recycling collection service during Easter, May and August Bank Holidays. Should this be passed the Jenny McBride to put in the newsletter/ and on website?

For Information
Taunton Deane Area Working Panel meeting 25th Feb - enclosed papers may be of interest (CLLR Ellis?)
SALC newsletter - copy enclosed for each Councillor - Clerk has Registration forms if needed
Police Booklet ‘Safer, Stronger Neighbourhoods’; Clerk could keep as reference for useful phone numbers and email addresses.
Tree Guardian Issue 2 Spring 2008 (Cllr Perris?)
Letter from SCC Laurence Smith dated 13th February 2008. The (modification of the footpath) Order has been sent to the Secretary of State for the Environment along with the objections that were received to it.
Letter from Mr D Almond dated 22nd February 2008 reporting on the Allotment Society AGM. Mrs Rose Sibley will remain as Chairman. They will continue with their own insurance for another year. The ‘No Trespassing’ notices are being prepared and will be displayed soon. The padlock for the gate is noted. Mr Brian Thomas is the Treasurer, Mr Almond is the scribe.
Letter from Mr Durman West Michael and Creech St Michael LAT. Apologies for delay in response. They will in future call the LAT by its correct title. No disrespect was intended. Unable to answer questions about numbers participating from West Monkton, but phone number provided for further enquiries.
Lease of land from SCC known as the Play Area that TDBC was holding in the strong room has been returned and will be kept with other Parish Council archives.

It was agreed to send the St Georges Day material to the Village Hall Management Committee, and information about Refuse and Recycling collections over the Easter May and August bank Holidays to be sent to J McBride for inclusion in the Village News.

39/08 To receive and approve Receipts and Payments
Receipts
Millennium Book £7.50

Payments
Bus shelter cleaning in February
Miss Kimber £10.00
Ms Newland £20.00
Mrs David £20.00
Village Hall Room hire in January £3.40
Clerks salary in February £447.48
Clerks expenses Oct to Mar £221.31
Clerks CEP Oct to Mar £74.93

The receipts and payments were itemised, and the Financial Sheet was explained. It was agreed to make the payments as shown and adopt the Financial Sheet, proposed by Cllr Besley, seconded by Cllr Ellis and agreed unanimously.

40/08 Dates of the next meetings
Annual Parish meeting will be 26th March at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, Peter Daniels to speak on environment and climate at Priorswood recycling site.
Next parish Council meeting will be 4th April 2008 at 7.30pm at the Village Hall.

41/08 Outstanding items
Waiting list for allotments - no further action.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 10.55pm.

Signed Chairman………………………………....... Date…………………………