RECREATION FIELD - Three requests have been made for quotations for the upkeep of the Recreation field for 2000/01. To date no replies have been received.

DISTRICT AUDIT - Our books and papers have now been returned following the Annual Audit for 1998/99. There were no problems with the audit except that the Bank Balance and the Creditors were decreased by £3.00. The Bank balance stood at £12,179, including £5000 towards any legal fee re the Structure Plan.
We do not now have to get cheques returned by the Bank, who have been notified accordingly. Also, we do not have to include any figure as a Creditor for the Audit in the future. In actual fact we now owe two years Audit fees. We now await the Audit Certificate which was expected by the end of January 2000.

LAND ALONGSIDE THE MOTORWAY - Work seems to have started on returning this land to agricultural use.

FAULTY LIGHTS - These have been reported in Newlands Grove, A358 near Henlade crossroads and at Lower Henlade where the width restriction sign has been damaged.

SALC FEE - The fee for the year to 31 March 2001 has been fixed at 16.6 pence per elector for up to 2,500 electors.

So our fee should be £216.13 (99/00 - £204.88)

RECREATION FIELD - Coun. Anderdon enquired if smaller firms had been contacted regarding the upkeep of the Recreation field for the minor jobs.

They may not have equipment for mowing. Coun. Squier considered it would be better put out to tender. It was felt that if the work was divided they would have to be supervised. The Chairman decided to wait for replies to our letters.

It was agreed that Coun. Squier and Lyddon together with the Chairman and Clerk would review the standing orders and report back any recommendations to the Council.

It was reported by Coun. Bulgin that the Government Office of the South West has rejected the SCC figure of 44,800 dwellings for Somerset to the year 2011 and supported instead the EIP recommendation of 50,700. This could mean a further increase of 2,700 houses for Taunton Deane. There is also a study being carried out for a Park and Ride scheme at Cambria Farm, Blackbrook, would have a one thousand car capacity.

It was noted that there is now a lower growth rate in Somerset. Coun. Bulgin suggested that two or three Councillors should meet Mr Willoughby-Foster(TD Planning Officer) to ascertain the facts.As many as possible should attend the Public Strategic Planning Meeting on 9 March 2000 at 6 pm. The Chairman stated that it was essential to contact neighbouring parishes in order to have a communal meeting to fight against any more houses in this area. Action must be taken now!

The Chairman asked for two volunteers to attend a consultation with Mrs Growtage to ascertain the hours she works on parish council business. Coun. Shattock and Rexworthy offered to see Mrs Growtage with the Chairman, after which they will report back to the Council.

PARKING - Coun. Jelks read a letter from Mr Earley of Barton Lane, Ruishton re parking problems in the village. It is felt that this is a Police matter and should be referred to the local beat officer. The Clerk to reply to Mr Earley and WS Atkins to this effect.

CITIZENS AWARDS - Anyone wishing to make a nomination should contact the Chairman by 18 February 2000

MOTORWAY JUNCTION ROUNDABOUT - A letter was read which Coun. Squier had written to WS Atkins expressing his deep concern regarding the lay out of this junction and asking for this matter to be looked at again.

RUISHTON SCHOOL - A letter was read from Mrs J Harding, Chair’ of the School Governors appealing for help to raise £12500 to improve the Head Master’s office which is very small with a total lack of privacy. It was agreed that there was a need for improved facilities is obvious, but it was felt that financial assistance should come from the Education Authorities. However, the Parish Council will give support in every way possible.

The Clerk will write to the Education Authorities expressing concern and will also approach Coun. Prior-Sankey for her support.

The following accounts from the Deane DLO were passed for payment:

It was agreed that the signaturies for the Council’s Bank accounts remain as before viz Coun. Marshall,Bulgin and Rexworthy plus the Clerk. Cheques to be signed by two Councillors and the Clerk.

BUS SHELTER - Coun. Squier reported that there were funds available in the TD ‘Bus Shelter and Recreation Fund’, suggesting that a bus shelter at the bottom of Lawn Meadow should be a priority.

A reply is still awaited from West Hatch Parish Council re the need of a bus shelter at The Nags Head.

MOTORWAY JUNCTION ROUNDABOUT - Coun. Squier again stressed the dangers at this junction and the possibility of more accidents due to the layout.

PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE ST MICHAEL ROAD, CREECH ST MICHAEL This road will now be closed for the implementation of bridge relieving measures from 6 June 2000 for a duration of 8 weeks and not as previously advertised.

FLOODING - LIPE LANE - Coun.Bulgin stated that the recent flooding had been caused by a blocked gully behind the garages, where rubbish had been dumped in the ditch causing a blocked pipe.

There had been a problem tracing the owner of field, but Coun Jelks had been able to give WS Atkins a contact address.