MINUTES OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETINGS
SHALDON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING 26th July 2011 following planning
IN THE METHODIST CHURCH HALL
Present: Cllr Peter Williams (Chair) (PW), Cllr Hugh Davey (Vice) (HD), Cllr Maia Miller (MM),
Cllr Chris Clarance (CC), Cllr Lisa Pash (LP), Cllr D Yates (DY)
In attendance: Barbara Coley (Clerk)
Prayers taken by: Rev W Robertson
1. Apologies: Cllr Eddie Holden (EH),
2. To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting of 28th June 2011: Prop LP Sec MM Carried
3. Matters Arising from the minutes of the meeting of 28th June 2011:
HD - Meter Gauge and Power Supply: The water carnival committee has confirmed that refrigerated vehicles are being used for power in the short term.
CC Item 3: Letter re Congregational Hall: Clerk to confirm SPC not interested in pursuing purchase but would be interested in future office space. CC to advise correct contact at DCC. Action: Clerk/CC
PW: Item 12: Amphitheatre on the Ness: PW explained to Mr Aspden that his idea could not be pursued until it was formally planned.
4. Declarations of Interest: There were none.
5. Shaldon Business Forum (SBF): Street Trading: Cllr Williams suspended S/Os to invite Mr G Ballman (GB) to state his case. GB stressed that Shaldon had a unique number of businesses that were all struggling and competition from street traders was a threat to them. He has researched and found that some areas have trading restrictions across the whole district these included Newton Abbot and Teignmouth. He looked to SPC’s support to find the best way forward for restrictions to be imposed suitable for this village. Mr S Rowe said there was nothing to stop anyone coming into the village and trading without paying rates. The ice cream man was a catalyst for the SBF to take action. With S/Os reinstated PW asked whether the SBF businesses were considering providing ice cream etc after their businesses had closed. HD asked SBF to support SPC in their quest to prevent businesses going over to residential.
LP, HD and DY agreed in principle that trading restrictions should be considered but were concerned regarding the impact this may have on village activities such as the Water Carnival event and 1785. MM commented that more than one source of competition attracts more people and everyone benefits from this. CC believes that traders paying rates should not have their business eroded by casual traders and was in favour of backing the traders.
PW proposed accepting the suggestion from the SBF that we should apply to TDC for a number of streets within the village to become ‘consent streets’. This is the ‘middle road’ in which there can be exceptions made upon application to TDC. Sec HD. 5 in favour in principle. 1 abstain
MM asked who was going to finance the application for these restrictions. GB confirmed that the traders will pay the costs upon application.
PW suggested clarifying with TDC the restrictions available and forming a working party with SBF to find the best solution. Action: HD agreed to liaise with EH to this effect.
6. Devon & Cornwall Constabulary: In Colin Rider’s absence MM read out the latest crime statistics.
7. Neighbourhood Watch: Joan Atkins was present at the meeting and gave an overview of the NHW organisation and how it works in Shaldon (Appendix I). Councillors were not all in favour of the need for NHW in a close village community although MM was very supportive and CC agreed that notices being displayed were an effective deterrent. PW proposed funding of £10 for a replacement of the missing NHW sign as reported to SPC by a local resident. Sec MM Carried. Action: Clerk issued cheque.
8. Chairman’s Report:
This month has been a busy one, as usual, for your Chairman involving much ongoing business and some new issues.
The formal opening of the Shaldon and Ringmore Tidal Flood Defence Scheme took place on July 1st in the presence of Lord Smith who officially opened the scheme. As your Chairman I was able to record my special thanks to the Flood Liaison Group who met over 18 times to negotiate the best possible deal for Shaldon which included the inclusion of Ringmore in the scheme and measures to ensure an acceptable wall height, and storm drainage solutions at both Ringmore Brook and Horse Lane. We are also indebted to the new team of Flood Defence Volunteers who have been trained to close the gates. An operations manual is in the final stages of preparation and will be circulated shortly.
I attended the opening party of the Palk Green Close and was able to congratulate them for their success in forcing the issue to a successful conclusion. The new village green status and the conservation status of the area will preserve one of the few remaining open spaces in the Shaldon and Ringmore from development. I also visited Teignmouth and Shaldon Museum and was most impressed with the wonderful new building. There is due to be a Councillors welcome event later this year. Unfortunately owing to teething problems (mine not the school) I was at the last minute unable to attend the opening event but I am sure we all, as councillors, wish the school well and record our delight at the excellent new facilities available.
We are in ongoing discussion with the Shaldon Business Forum and will be meeting with them as soon as possible to explore better ways to co-operate. The KGV netting issue is on our Agenda tonight but we have agreed to accept the revised TDC solution to the problem ( a play goal at the western end of the field) although I have made it clear to TDC that the previous solution (netting at the Shoreside end) was preferred by the parties involved at the time and that a change of policy may cause concern and may not resolve the issue in the long-term.
I have been pursuing the issue of trying to persuade TDC to allow us to make decisions on local issues – particularly parking. We have received some good press publicity and an initial response from TDC encouraging collaboration of the issue.
I must express my sincere regret that our long-term Clerk, Barbara Coley, is leaving office shortly. A recruitment process is in progress and Barbara has agreed to help us in the interim, but I know we all find it hard to imagine the Council working so effectively and efficiently without her. We wish her all the best for the future.
9. Correspondence: Councillors’ Comments
LP: A5: Repair of bench at Riverside: LP has in hand
A7: Increase in EDF energy charges is alarming
T4: Anna Lang: request for update on bins: In touch and pursuing
HD: A2: Scarecrow Event comments from Mr Ballman: SPC needs a higher profile and would appreciate support from the village. It is more helpful to work together.
CC: A2 Sad to read letter re scarecrow event and would have preferred if PW could have judged the scarecrow event on behalf of SPC.
PW: Explained that he was asked by CC to express concern that SPC had not been involved in judging the scarecrow event. Peter Stokes did his best to encourage synergy between SPC and SBF but he said it going over old ground would achieve nothing and that the two should get together and support each other. He expressed disappointment that no one from SBF supported the bonfire event as it is difficult to maintain without village support. PW suspended S/Os to allow GB to speak. SBF were very upset by the letter from PW as they were elated when the scarecrow event was so successful. He is keen to work together and have that dialogue.
PW tabled a letter just received from the Tourist Information Centre asking questions about ownership of the Tourism website: S/Os were suspended to allow Mr Ted Byrne, Chair of TIC to comment: He explained that in view of Mr T Willan's retirement from TIC the letter was written to formally establish who owned the website and had responsibility for keeping it going, content etc. PW explained that SPC had benefited by being able to post information on to the website and had initially made a contribution to help set it up but did not own it or take responsibility for it. Mr T Willan was present and gave an overview of the history and benefits of the website. With S/Os reinstated PW said SPC were very willing to meet to discuss the way forward. Action: PW will reply to letter.
8. Devon County Council Councillor’s Report: CC attended the opening of the new Shaldon Primary School assembly hall and classrooms on 8th July the result of £1.7 million investments. Children attending the school predominantly do not live in Shaldon with the exception of 80 from Shaldon. He thanked Christine Channon and John Clatworthy at DCC for authorising the project. Turning to thoughts of winter, snow and ice CC reported that the Fuji towable salt spreader was now in Shaldon and will be stored in the sand bag store. As the snow warden CC hoped that volunteers would come forward to help grit the roads in times of snow and ice.
9. Teignbridge County Councillor’s Reports: CC gave an overview the new TDC solution of a kicking goal at the western end of the KGV field facing towards Shoreside so that missed balls at the kicking goal land on the football pitch. Although not the preferred option of local interested parties CC has had to go along with this alternative solution in the hope that it solves the problem for local residents and, if not, the planning permission remains in place for the original solution.
Preliminary plans have been drawn up for a 45 x 15ft changing room on the south side of the KGV field with police architects input to avoid vandalism. These plans are with TDC’s conservation department and once an acceptable design is agreed CC will present these to SPC for approval with a view to taking this to planning permission stage. The next challenge would then be funding. CC sees this as the best way to deliver what is needed on the field.
10. Parish Councillors’ Reports:
CC Confirmed that the ferryboat service is now meeting its mid-July contractual arrangements by running until dusk ie until 9pm. Unfortunately, the service starts at 8.45 instead of 8am. LP asked CC to keep a log of what he observes with regard to the ferryboat service. CC promised to do his best.
MM In her capacity as tree warden and wildlife rep MM thanked the bonfire committee for taking her views into account by considering reducing the noise of fireworks.
She will be attending TALC and asked if councillors had questions to ask, in particular, of Cllr Jeremy Christophers, Leader of the Council. Referring to the netting at the KGV field, CC suggested asking ‘why the joint decision of the parish council and the community are not being implemented in line with the localism agenda. The suggested question for Supt Glen Mayhew: ‘Why are you closing local access to the police station? Having the only one at Newton Abbot does not seem like localism. CC also suggested ‘Why don’t you have a postbox at the police station’. As he was unable to deliver a letter for this reason.
PW Re watering of the trees at KGV field and the Ness: action was being taken but not frequently. One of the cherry trees at the Ness is dying. MM had asked for watering pipes but they were not provided. PW has received an offer from one of the duty staff at the Approach Golf course to water the cherry trees when he is on duty and he will ask other colleagues to help. PW has agreement from staff at the Ness café and the zoo to carry out the watering. LP has contacted two residents in Dunmore Court to seek help. MM confirmed that trees on Ringmore village green are being looked after.
HD Teignmouth Harbour Consultative Body: Contamination on Dawlish front dumping from Exmouth harbour is being analysed. Mussel men and mooring owners and harbourmaster had a meeting on the Salty to discuss the problem of boats sinking. Plans have gone in for the EA flood defence for back beach at Teignmouth.
DY: Questioned why the low chain across the Clipper Quay had appeared which seemed to be dangerous. LP agreed to ask the owner of the quay if he could improve this situation. Action: LP
LP (i) Signpost to public conveniences at the embankment is being provided.
(ii) Floral displays: these are dependent on rain. Thanked Marine Parade residents for watering the floral barrels.
(iii) Benches: LP has photographed and reported problem bench on Riverside to TDC. The bench on the Green is in need of repair but is owned by SPC and LP will ask a local handyman to fix it.
(iv) Bin at Manor House: The solution to move a bin from the ferry shelter to Manor House cannot be implemented by Interserve without consultation with EA. However, following difficulties when Colin the street cleaner had trouble with a large amount of bottles at the ferry shelter, it may not be a good idea to lessen the number of bins at the ferry shelter. There are lots of teething problems with new bins at the manor house and ferry shelter including lock and design problems for which TDC will not take ownership nor maintain. The green bins at the quay are also problematic. LP proposed a meeting with EA, TDC and SPC when she has had more time to observe all the problems and test usage over the next 4 weeks. The new bins look very nice but may not be fit for purpose. CC felt that the best recourse was for the EA to redesign the bins.
(v) Victoria Hall: Attended meeting where architect has drawn up plans for the Hall to be discussed at the meeting with the trustees which LP will attend.
PW Netting KGV field: PW updated SPC on the latest developments. The goal post at the other end was proposed by TDC as the best alternative solution and accepted by all SPC councillors except EH. EH had sent a long message regarding his objections to this alternative solution and that his original working group views had been over-ruled. He feels TDC has ignored the consultations that took place – people attending were a wide range of representatives whose views should not be ignored. PW therefore suggested writing a second Email containing Eddie’s comments so that his opinion can be brought to the attention of the TDC officers concerned. PW asked SPC their views on what should be done.
All agreed that it was best left alone and that MM’s question at TALC to Cllr Christophers would suffice ie to ask how this strange change of plan had come about despite localism principles. PW agreed that SPC should accept CC’s view in that the new solution should be accepted with the codicil that if this does not work we will come back with the original solution. All agreed.
14. Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations: CC would like to make plans for this day. He suggested purchasing commemorative coins. LP suggested contacting each village organisation to set up a working party in order to organize a street party on Monday 4th June 2012. Action: Clerk An Email to be sent to as many local organisations as possible to ask for a representative to join the working party. Date of meeting Tuesday 13th September at the MCH at 7.30pm following the planning meeting. Mr T Willan agreed to place information on the village website. A notice to be placed in the parish news.
15. Accounts: These were taken as read. Prop CC Sec MM Carried.
- proposal to pay £22.40 insurance premium pa for Fuji salt spreader: Carried.
17. Date of next meeting: 27th September 2011 (following planning meeting at 6.45pm)
18. Public Comment Mrs Joan Lord: Drains around the Green have become silted up in particular outside nos 11 and 12. Action: DY
19. Mr J Rowe: Reported that there were no railings on the last flight of steps before the Ness and this was dangerous. This was not part of flood defence scheme. Action: DY
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