Rackenford and Creacombe Parish Council

Minutes of the meeting held at Rackenford School on

Wednesday 12th November 2008.

 

Present were:Miss S Child(Chairman), Mr F Phillips, Mr B Morrison, Mr M Lane, Mr S Warne, Mrs J Cox, Mrs C Hall(Clerk) and 4 members of the public.

 

795. Apologies were received from Mr A Stone and PCSO M Livett. The Chairman reported that Mrs C Cranch had sadly resigned from the Council and that she would be missed.

 

796. The minutes of the last meeting were taken as read and signed by the Chairman.

 

797. Feedback from the committees.

Brian Morrison reported on the HCPA meeting. The area would have to be sprayed. The committee were looking for the best and cheapest option. The shelter was discussed and drawings passed round. It has not got to the costings stage yet. It will be made from timber with a slate roof, erected at the football pitch end of the court. It was declared a good idea in principle. More information is to follow.

 

798. Matters arising.

There were none.

 

799. Children’s Play Area/Common.

Brian Morrison reported on the sandpit. It needs more ocean-fine sand. At Travis Perkins this is £39.50 a dumpy bag. It was resolved to spend up to £120.00. We will try to use the MVF vouchers. Fred offered to store any excess. This was proposed by Brian Morrison, seconded by Fred Phillips and unanimously passed.

It is the time of year for hedge-trimming again; this will be kept an eye on.

Molehills have been reported on the Common. Fred Phillips will see to it.

 

800. The Post Office/Shop.

Michael Lane reported that the Post Office will be gone by the end of the month. Outreach services will continue two mornings per week with a full Post Office service then but the shop will be limited as to what it can do other than sell stamps. The shop will take over the ATM.

On Friday 21st November there will be an auction of promises in the Stag Hall to raise funds for the shop as well as Trinity Well and the children’s play area resurfacing.

 

801. Footpaths and Trinity Well.

Stuart Warne will take over the footpaths from Brian Morrison.

The footpath between Western Common and West Backstone is still an ongoing project and Brian will consult Devon Footpaths on the best way to clear between the double hedgebank and to improve the access to this across land belonging to the Notts in Black Dog. Jenny Cox will obtain the name of the agent who acts for them. David Taylor who owns the other side of the hedgebank will be approached once a plan is in place. The bridge by the Stag has been repaired by P3 funds.

Trinity Well: the building is finished and the frame for the glass is in place. Michael Lane is working on the wiring. The notice boards are close to being finished. The Clerk circulated an update on funding and costs.

 

802. Report by the District Councillor.

He was not present.

The village PCSO could not attend either, but he left his report. There were no crimes reported last month and most incidents occurred on the link road.

 

803. Correspondence.

The box is circulating. The contents include:

a)     The South Molton Community Information Centre news pamphlet.

b)    Pamphlet on Communities in Control, about communities and local government.

c)     The NDDC Member Services information sheets.

d)    A copy of the CPRE magazine, Countryside Voice.

e)     A DAPC Newsletter.

f)      Information on the CPRE litter campaign, called Stop the Drop.

g)     A copy of The Playing Field.

h)     The RD&E NHS Foundation Trust’s Annual Report etc.

 

804. Financial Matters.

It was unanimously decided to open a deposit account in the Nationwide.

The Clerk passed around the relevant figures. It was decided to transfer £4,722.52 into the Nationwide. This consists of Council reserves, some A & L interest, income from the HCPA, a grant from Jeremy Yabsley for the play area and the PC matched funding for this.

Balances:   Lloyds  £17,902.00

                   P3          £2,152.00

 

Cheques written were:

a)     The Clerk’s wages and expenses  £885.60

b)    Hire of the school for next year’s meetings  £107.45

c)     The insurance of Trinity Well  £257.23

d)    Audit Commission fees  £148.63

e)     J C Hughes (Trinity Well) £8,000.00

f)      CPRE  £28.00

 

Cheques paid since last meeting:

a)     Eric Puffett (thatching Trinity Well) £1,200.00 and £1614.07

b)    Inthatch  £660.93

c)     Taw & Torridge Scaffolding  £476.00

 

A VAT refund of £679.34 was reclaimed. The second half of the grant and Precept, £1,998.00, has been received. Money for the hire of the HCPA has been received, £494.00.

The Clerk’s hours were increased from 125 to 150; this was proposed by Sarah Child and seconded by Michael Lane.

The Audit has been received and put up on the notice board. 

 

805. Planning Matters.

a) NDDC Certificates of Approval has been received for applications at the following:

        i.            Upcott Manor.

      ii.            Lower Bulworthy.

    iii.            Land at Toll House.

   iv.            Lower Meadown.

b) An application for caravans at Creacombe Parsonage has been replied to   by email by this Council.

c) The four wind farm applications in the area have gone to the Planning Inspectorate but no date set for the inquiries.

 

806. Matters of Urgency Raised by the Chairman.

a)     There will be a Beer Festival next year.

b)    Fred Phillips reported that his relationship with Highways was good, but that he had had complaints about the parking in the village. PCSO Livett will be asked for his comments regarding road marking or signs.

 

807.    The date of the next meeting is Wednesday 14th January 2009.

The dates of next year’s meetings were passed round to the Councillors.