Wembworthy Parish Council Minutes September 2024
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 12th September 2024 at the village hall 7.30pm
1/ Members present and apologies
Chairman Graham Penter, Vice Chairman Susan Vile and Laurence Peters.
Mid Devon District Councillor Steve Keable present together with Devon County Councillor Margaret Squires
Apologies received from Councillor Gail Tucker
2/ Public Questions
No members of the public present
3/ Minutes of last meeting
Minutes agreed as correct
4/Matters arising from the minutes
The village playground
The situation has not changed so the park continues to be closed.
The Landowner has made a 2ndrequest to have the equipment removed to MDDC.
The idea of relocating the park to Little Meadow was considered but not possible as too close to houses to meet the required criteria of 30 metres.
The removed equipment will be reallocated to other play parks by MDDC.
Emergency Plan
The PC is still awaiting a copy of the Nymet Rowland Plan so a discussion and a decision can be made, as councillors still have reservations about a plan being necessary.
5/ Preliminary Budget Planning for the Precept 2025
It was agreed that no increase would be necessary due to a surplus now the playground has closed. It was considered that the PC could support the village hall with its ongoing refurbishment as funds are now depleted following the new roof.
Contact has been made by Winkleigh Parish Council about the section 106 money available to improve the parking at Eggesford Station. This might not necessarily mean a monetary contribution just PC support to see this through, as it is not evident how parking can change, but to keep this in view. Final decisions on budgets to be made at November’s meeting.
6/Christmas Plans and Remembrance Day Wreaths
Christmas Tree – the PC considered planting a tree but the roots could interfere with the church wall so dismissed. The PC to order one from local supplier and some new lights. The PC discussed a possible Xmas event and the Chairman suggested that as the village hall has a social evening already planned on 3oth December that the PC could contribute to it in some way. It was agreed that £200 would be contributed towards some music as a disco was hired at last year’s event. All councillors present agreed. The remembrance day wreaths are still in acceptable condition to be used for another year.
7/ Update on the councillor’s specialist areas
Graham Penter – Planning – Bowerings Bridge Reeve Chulmleigh - Application for removal of Condition 6 (Private domestic use only) of planning permission 07/00862/FULL to allow use as a holiday let. Application approved by MDDC
Susan Vile – Church & Chapel –
Chapel – no news
Church – 6th October Harvest Festival – could a councillor attend? 8th October Eggesford Coffee Morning 10th November Remembrance Day service Councillor Vile to represent the PC same as last year.
Laurence Peters – Flagpole and Jubilee plaque – The flag is still upside down so will be rectified. Plaque still to be installed.
Gail Tucker – Public relations and Social Media – nothing else to report
James Limond – Broadband improvements for the village – not present
Sarah Goody (clerk) Village Hall liaison – The Flower and Produce Show was well supported and raised £1375 for the village hall. Quiz 11th October
Roads and Hedges – Road closure notifications for Eggesford station and Winkleigh road in October. Large pothole at the bottom of Eggesford road to be reported again. - *update it was patched up on 13th September.
8/Accounts
a) Update on bank balance
£11137.23 as at 30 August 2024 (last statement received)
£11090.67 PC funds
£46.56 remainder of the Jubilee Grant for the plaque
b) Cheques to sign
S Goody – clerk - Wages half yearly amount £500
S Goody – Ink cartridges – £12.53
S Goody – Replacement of defibrillator pads due to their expiry - £75.26
David Adams – Village Bench refurbishment - £366
9/AOB for next meeting’s Agenda
Date of next meeting Thursday 14th November 2024
A public meeting was held about aggressive dogs in Eggesford woods on 19th August
More than 50 people attended so it is a bigger problem than was anticipated. It was suggested that we invite the organiser Sherrie Marshall to the next meeting.
Meeting closed at 8.35pm