DRAFT MINUTES SUBJECT TO AMMENDMENT
LYDFORD PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
Held in The Nicholls Hall
Tuesday 18th January 2005
1-2005. Present:
Mr S Powne (Chairman): Mrs R Baker: Mrs S Holland: Mr P Fletcher:
Mrs L Cole: Mrs P Martyn (Vice-Chairman): Mrs K Boyd:
Mr DG Evans (Clerk)
Parishioners in attendance:
A total of three members of the public were present.
Others in attendance: PC G Calendar: Mr B Beasley DNPA
2-2005. Apologies for absence:
Cllr R Williamson WDBC
3-2005. Parishioners and Visitors time:
3.1 PC Calendar reported that no crime has been conducted in the village and that West Devon has the third lowest level in the country. The Chairman requested attention to the diversion of HGV's through the village on occasions when the A386 is closed due to accidents. PC Calendar stated that this was entirely down to Officers attending the scene and that he has spoken to Highways who feels it is limited as to what can be done to avoid these diversions. The Chairman asked if his Beat was being extended. PC Calendar stated that due to the non replacement of two Beat managers he now had a much bigger geographic area and was also on "response" when on duty. It was agreed that this situation was unacceptable and the clerk was requested to convey this to the Chief Constable. The Chairman thanked PC Calendar for his continued support and activity within the parish, (PC Calendar left the meeting at this point.)
3.2 Mr Brian Beasley, Trees and Landscape Officer for DNPA, detailed the Tree Warden Scheme. DNPA are the facilitators and work with the Tree Warden, the PC and WDBC. When a TPO or planning issue is raised DNPA will contact the PC first who should then contact the Tree Warden. It was agreed that the clerk should write to Mr Dave Chapman at WDBC requesting information as to who has been appointed as Tree Warden in Lydford and then arrange a meeting with this person. Brian Beasley will also strive to get all interested parties working closely together. Several questions were raised from the floor regarding the role of the Tree Warden's duties. Mr Beasley explained that all requests for work on trees within the conservation area should still be directed to him at DNPA. The Chairman requested the assistance of Mr Beasley regarding hedges on the footpath from the Castle to the Old Spring and owned by English Heritage. Mr Beasley offered to inspect and prepare a written report for the members. However, he stressed that if a tree/hedge is not in a dangerous condition and is not blocking the footpath/highway there is very little you can do except ask the landowner to consider a management regime. Mr Beasley confirmed the Forestry Act regarding the cutting of wood for fires. This is; 2 cubic metres per calendar quarter if the wood is to be sold and 5 cubic metres if for own use. He also stated that all trees in the preservation area are protected, indigenous or otherwise. The Chairman thanked Mr Beasley for his time and his constructive presentation. Mr Beasley left the meeting at this point.
4-2005. Minutes of the previous meeting:
4.1 An e-mail received from Cllr Williamson was read out. In it Cllr Williamson detailed a statement he wished to be inserted relating to his comments on Skit Lane. The Chairman asked all present if they felt that this statement reflected Cllr Williamsons comments made at the December meeting. It was unanimously agreed that the minutes, as presented, were a true and accurate record of the proceedings and no amendments to the comments made by Cllr Williamson should be made. Accordingly, the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 21st December 2004 were signed, by the Chairman, as a true and accurate record.
5-2005. Matters arising:
5.1 Receive progress report on Notice Boards - The clerk circulated costs for the replacement of the three notice boards and a quotation from Mick Jones for the repair and refurbishment of the existing ones. It was proposed by Mrs Boyd and unanimously agreed to accept the quotation for repair at an inclusive cost (excluding glass if required) of £186. The clerk was requested to advise Mr Jones and to arrange for the work to be carried out as soon as possible.
5.2 Receive progress report on signs for Skit lane crossing - A letter from Mrs Brickl was read out thanking the members for support and the clerk confirmed that Mr Brian George of LSG had been advised of this.
5.3 VE Day Celebrations - The clerk confirmed that Wednesday 26th was the date for the public meeting and all present were requested to strive to get as many people as possible to attend. The clerk also confirmed that he had established a source of funding, Home Front Recall, and would complete the forms as soon as the extent and cost of the celebrations was known.
5.4 Progress on hedges in Chapel lane and other areas - It was reported that the Ranger for DNPA, Paul Glanville, had been contacted for assistance and that Brian Beasley had agreed to inspect and give a written report.
5.5 Verges and gulleys - Colin Hicks has responded to the letter sent and has promised that these will be dealt with in the next few weeks.
5.6 SWW and replacement of mains supply - The Chairman reported that he had received no further news of the intended dates for this work.
6-2005: Receive report from Councillors on respective outside bodies:
6.1 DNPA - Mr Fletcher reported that the next meeting was scheduled for April 2005.
6.2 Police Authority - Next meeting scheduled for 3rd February.
6.3 Southern Link - Next meeting scheduled for March
6.4 Nicholls Hall - Next meeting scheduled for February
7.2005 - Receive Financial report:
7.1 The clerk circulated balances as follows;
Current - £106.81
Flexi - £4,963.35
Petty cash - .48
7.2 The following payments were authorised:
Clerk - £232.86 - Fixed expenses £15 - Stamps £5.04 - Mileage expenses Mr P Fletcher - £45.85 - Transfer of £300 from Flexi to Current account - Drop In - £50 (Agreed November 2004)
8.2005 - Correspondence:
8.1 WDBC re costs for winter opening of toilets. It was unanimously agreed that providing the 50% grant from DNPA could be attained then the cost of £1,264 should be paid in order to keep the toilets open throughout the year.
8.2 Letter from DCC re Definitive map - It was agreed to hold a public meeting on Wednesday 18th May at the Nicholls Hall.
8.3 Other items dealt with under respective headings.
9.2005 - Planning applications:
9.1 Replacement bungalow at Downside, Vale Down - No objections.
9.2 A letter from the applicants of Henscott thanking the members for the support given to the application was read out.
9.3 Thinning of trees at Beech Tree Cottage - Mr Fletcher declared an interest and was invited to stay by the Chairman. No objections.
10.2005 -Items raised for inclusion on the January agenda:
10.1 The reconstruction of the bridges over the river Lyd dislodged by high water levels in the Spring of 2004. It was noted that reconstruction of the bridge by the Vets was complete and that the one by the stepping stones will be reinstated as soon as funds are available.
10.2 Agree policy for future traffic diversions if the A386 has to be closed. The clerk was requested to invite a representative of the Devon and Cornwall Police to attend. (See 3.1)
11.2005 - Items raised for inclusion on the February agenda:
11.1 Footpaths
11.2 Improvements to Dartmoor Inn junction of A386
11.3 Agree level of VE Day Celebrations from those suggested at Public meeting.
12.2005 - To agree the date of the next meeting:
12.1 The date of Tuesday 15th February 2005 was agreed commencing at 7.00pm
There being no further business the meeting was formally closed by the Chairman at 8.40pm.
DG Evans
Clerk to the Parish Council ..............................................................
20th January 2005
Signed as a true and accurate record
Date
.
................................................... (Mr
S Powne - Chairman)