BRIDGE WORKS, CREECH ST MICHAEL - These works are urgently required and the road will have to be closed to traffic, however there will still be access by foot or bicycle while works are carried out.

RUISHTON LANE - Coun. Squier is discussing some form of traffic calming along this road with Ian Titcombe (WSA).

MOTORWAY ROUNDABOUT - There is to be a meeting on site between Coun. Prior-Sankey, Bulgin, Squier, the Police and Ian Titcombe on 29 March 2000 at 4.00pm

RUISHTON SCHOOL OFFICE - At present there are no funds available for minor building works. But the County Council are aware of the problem.

COMPLETION FOOTPATH IN CHEATS ROAD. - This is on the Taunton Deane list of minor works.

Coun. Bulgin* arrived at 7.45pm

SALC MEETING - Tomorrow evening , 7.30pm West Buckland Village Hall.

RUISHTON SCHOOL OFFICE - The Chairman read the letter to the meeting that the Clerk had sent to the Corporate Director - Education Authority

( Mr.Michael Jennings) and his reply, in which he stated he was unable to offer any immediate funding. However, from April the Government , as part of a new initiative, are providing individual schools with some modest capital funds each year . Subject to the agreement with the Education Department the Governors may choose to use this funding towards the improvements now proposed.

It has already been confirmed with the Chair of Governors that, without any promises of success, the school’s case will receive consideration against any funding the Education Department receive next year for minor capital works.

It was agreed that there is still a need to keep the pressure on until funds become available.

POLICE MATTERS - PC Smith was spoken at length with Mr I Earley regarding vehicles parking along Cheats Road. Mention was made that double yellow lines, particularly on the bends of the more main roads may alleviate a problem, which he does not believe to be particularly bad.

He has not yet been able to contact the resident in Overlands,regarding his complaint of problems from in the Recreation field.

He has also spoken at length with Miss Harrison, who indicates that matters have now improved. PS Smith asks whether the Council could consider recruiting a juvenile Liaison Officer, i.e. volunteer. This matter will be put to the Parish Meeting.

PROPOSED CLOSURE OF GAPS ALONG DUAL CARRIAGEWAY - A Notice has been posted to this effect , any objections to reach the TD Solicitor by 10 March 2000.

Couns. House and Lyddon reported on the Environment Agency plan.

It was agreed that comments should include concern on how the flooding on the levels is monitored and it’s affect on flooding in the Parish.

Question should be raised as to how the Authority prioritise their spending and as to whether the Parret barrage was still envisaulised.

That a forum should be formed of Parishes within the flood plain and that they be kept informed of future planning and developments.

There is currently an 85% grant available from Taunton Deane.

A letter was read from residents in Overlands expressing their concern over siting a bus stop at the end of Lawn Meadow.

At the present time there is no definate plan to site a bus stop there, in the meantime the Clerk will write to Southern National enquiring as to whether or not there is an official bus stop at this point.

Coun. Anderdon thought a bus shelter would be appreciated adjacent to The Nags Head, which is used by daily by 12 - 20 residents of Thornfalcon.

It was agreed that the Clerk should enquire the cost, whether planning permission is required and apply for a grant, possibly asking West Hatch for a grant towards the net cost.

Small Rural Play Area grants are still available from Taunton Deane.

With this in mind the Clerk will enquire the cost of extending the present modular play equipment.

It was also suggested that a small piece of equipment be purchased for the Toddlers Play area to erect in place of the a picnic table which was vandalised.

Coun. Rexworthy is to arrange for the ditch to be cleared of debris, providing the cost is no more than £100.00 and for cutting away deadwood from the trees in the far corner of the field.

Soil is still available for the mound under the slide. The repair of the slide is still in hand.

The Clerk had written for five estimates for the upkeep of the Recreation field, Memorial Garden and the shrub bed alongside Virginia Orchard, together with the emptying of the rubbish bins and clearing the surrounding area on a weekly basis.

Of the four replies, only two quoted for the work. Namely Deane DLO in the sum of £1494.15 and Parsons Landscapes Ltd in the sum of £665.00.

Both plus VAT (which we reclaim)
It was unanimously agreed that the Clerk should sign the Contract accepting Parson’s quotation and at the same time ask that the field be cut for The Village Funday on 15 July 2000.

The Somerset Structure Plan was discussed and Coun. Mullins urged that we should rejuvenate DOVE interest.
The M25 junction is at full capacity and there is at present no intention of providing another junction for Taunton.

A letter was read from the Prospective Conservative Candidate (Mr Adrain Flook) stating that he would like the opportunity to attend one of our meetings. It was agreed tht he was free to attend but would not be asked to speak at the meeting, although some members may wish to speak to him after the meeting.

Details of the Concessionary Travel Scheme for 2000/2001 have been received and have been posted in the Village Hall.

A note was read from Mr Dave Duke asking if the Parish Council minutes could be put on ’The Village Web Page’. The Clerk will liase with Mr Duke.