REPORTS
SHALDON PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
2008 - 2009
The Parish Council meets on the last Tuesday of each month in the Methodist Hall Shaldon at 7.15 p.m. except August and December. The Agenda is posted on the Parish Notice Board outside the Newsagent in Albion Street. Minutes of the meetings are posted on the Website and kept by the clerk.
The Planning Subcommittee similarly meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7.00 p.m. The minutes are available at the main Parish Meeting.
The Public are welcome to attend all these meetings.
During the period covered by this report Shaldon was represented on Devon County Council (DCC) by David Cox and on Teignbridge District Council (TDC) by Chris Clarance who is also an elected Shaldon Parish Councillor (see above). Following the county council elections in April 2009, Chris Clarance replaced David Cox on Devon County Council. Both Councillors regularly attended, and reported, to Shaldon Parish Council.
Major Issues concerning the Council in 2008-2009
2008-9 has been a very interesting year for Shaldon Parish Council, with many major issues to be considered as well as the more routine matters that normally occupy councillor’s time and energy.
Shaldon and Ringmore Conservation Area
One of the first issues dealt with this year was the successful expansion of the proposed conservation areas in both Ringmore and Shaldon to give a much more coherent area and which will help us protect control future developments in the village. We also investigated the possible Grade II listing of the congregational Church Hall but this was not achieved. We also suggested that a residents group attempted to get Palk Close designated as a village green
Shaldon and Ringmore Tidal Defence Plan
A major issue for the SPC has been the Shaldon and Ringmore Tidal Defence Plan. Three councillors actively participated in the Flood Liaison Group established by the Environment Agency which has held 18 meetings over the past two years. Finally, a Special Parish Council Meeting was held on 25th March at which the public were invited to voice their opinions. The final agreed SPC resolution on the matter was as follows:
The SPC welcomes the Shaldon and Ringmore Tidal Defence Plan as an essential safeguard to the people and properties of Shaldon and we regard the concept of walls and gates as the only viable solution to the flood risk. We are aware that not all individual residents support the plan but we regard the plan as a necessity for the community as a whole. We believe that the EA has done all it could possibly have been asked to do in the form of consultation so far. However, we strongly recommend that the EA is asked by TDC to takes into consideration, wherever possible, but without risking loss of the funding for the scheme, concerns and suggestions for improvements that have been raised at their recent drop-in sessions and at this meeting tonight, particularly any possible reduction of wall heights.
Subsequent to that meeting the EA has decided to defer application to TDC for planning permission the scheme pending an update of tide level predictions.
Surface Water Drainage Issues
In discussions with the EA and at Flood liaison group meeting it became clear that, for many people in the Parish, flooding due to surface drainage was a major issue. Bernard Howard, Chris Clarance and your Chairman have participated in discussions with the EA, TDC and DCC particularly in relation to Horse Lane and Ringmore Brook.
Flood Emergency Scheme
The flood emergency scheme put into place last year is still up and running. The flood volunteer list has been updated. It was hoped that the scheme would be replaced by the Shaldon and Ringmore Tidal Defence Plan but as that has been deferred the Flood Emergency Scheme will need to run for at least two more years. It is an excellent example of how the village can work together for the common good and is widely reported as the ‘best in the west’. One of our chief co-ordinators has asked to stand down and so we need someone to take on this role which is not physically demanding but requires efficiency and communication skills. Many thanks to Ron Evans for his role in the formative period of the scheme.
Quality Parish Status
In our July 2008 meeting last we discussed the possibility of achieving Quality Parish Status for Shaldon as outlined by the Devon Association of Parish Councils. On further examination of the criteria there were some shortfalls in our present situation. The first of these was that we did not have 100% elected councillors as, with two co-opted members, 71% of our councillors are elected. This rule has subsequently been waived. Secondly our clerk would need to hold an ACA Certificate in council administration and further our councillors would need to attend training session. This all seems a bit ambitious for a small council and we decided not to proceed towards full Quality Parish Status at the present time. However, we did decide to improve our communications with our parishioners and produce an annual report for distribution to all households and to place this report on the Parish website. We also decided to investigate the possibility of producing a Parish Plan which is also regarded as a hallmark of a quality parish.
Parish Plan
An initial meeting, held on 23rd September 2008, was attended by about 30 people. We welcomed Greg Davies and Cara Stobart from the Community Council of Devon who addressed the meeting on the purpose and process of producing a Parish Plan. There was a lively question and answer session with, both support for such a plan and also reservations about the necessity and achievable actions that such a plan would bring to Shaldon. 10 volunteers from the public plus three Parish Councillors agreed to form an advisory group to consider the best course of action for the future. At a much delayed meeting in April 2009 there was general support for proceeding with a Parish Plan but enthusiasm for actively participating in the process was luke warm and an adequate committee to proceed could not be formed from those present. It was decided to shelve the plan for the present time.
Boundary Commission Proposals for Unitary Status in Devon
The Boundary Commission have proposed a Unitary status scheme for Devon to include the whole of Devon apart from Torbay and Plymouth. They have also suggested an alternative which would give Exeter and environs separate Unitary status.
The Parish Council has expressed its reservations about both these schemes. We are strongly opposed to the separation of Exeter from what would be a rural Devon with no city focus. We were also unhappy with the proposed loss of Teignbridge with whom we have had a good partnership. We also felt that the SPC would find it difficult with its present size to take on new commitments and that the so-called market towns community boards lacked financial accountability and democratic credibility. Nevertheless, the SPC agreed it must be prepared for any eventuality and we welcomed the invitation to meet members of Teignmouth Town Council (TTC) on 22nd September 2008. The meeting was to discuss common interests and the possibility of a collaborative hub including TTC and SPC and probably Bishopsteignton, Coombeinteignhead and Stokeinteignhead Parish Councils. The purpose of this hub would be to take up delegated duties in a more efficient and cost-saving manner than could be achieved individually. Further meetings are planned as needed.
There is some doubt as to whether the Government will proceed with the scheme prior to the next General Election and so we once again will just have to wait and see but remain alert to any issues that arise.
Parish Council Website
On a more positive note, however, our improved web-site facility is an important plus point in communications with our parishioners which we can use it to publicise our activities and also seek opinions on particular issues. Tony Willan has been most helpful to the Parish in this achievement
Tourism Office
John Sutton is seeking external funding for a new leaflet to be circulated very widely to hotels, B&B’s etc in the surrounding area to encourage people to visit the area instead of current practice which is to send leaflets just to the tourist offices. This was strongly supported by SPC and we have assisted the project with a substantial donation from Parish funds.
Disposal by Teignbridge of Assets
We have been very alarmed by the proposal of TDC to dispose of many of its assets in a cost-cutting exercise. Our particular concerns have centred around the disposal of lands including the Homeyards Botanical Garden and more recently by the proposed disposal of the Teignmouth-Shaldon Ferry. Unfortunately as a small Parish with a very limited budget we cannot take on financial responsibility for either of these assets.
Botanical Gardens: We have argued that the disposal of Homeyards should await funding availability for improvements to the Botanical Garden from Lottery or other sources.
Shaldon - Teignmouth Ferry: With regard to the Ferry we made representation to the Ministry of State for Transport that the current parliamentary legislation requiring TDC to manage the Ferry operations through public tender should be maintained as we have no faith that a private operator would run the ferry in perpetuity which we so strongly need for our tourism and businesses. The Minister of State has referred David Owen of TDC to enter discussions with us we have received a letter from him to which we have replied reasserting our belief that TDC should maintain ownership of the Ferry.
Shaldon Village Hall Steering Group
Councillor Ann Storton is the SPC representative on this group which started up at the end of 2008. The ultimate aim of the group is the construction of a hall, for the use by the whole community, on the western end of the KGV field. It will incorporate facilities for Shaldon Sea Scouts and Shaldon Villa football club. The discussions and planning are at an early stage but the steering group are highly active and motivated and optimistic. Residents will be fully consulted as the plans progress and the group welcomes public interest and support.
Fishing Off the Bridge
SPC has been concerned for sometime about the risk caused by people fishing on Shaldon Bridge. The risk was identified as relating to, passers-by on the bridge and, perhaps more particularly, to boat passengers passing under the bridge, being snared by hooks. It was decided to form a working party with members of Teignbridge Town Council, Cllrs. Ann Storton, Peter Stokes and Rick Smith are our representatives. TDC were asked to assist with formulating a byelaw but this was not practical and the group are now liaising with Devon Constabulary about possible actions under existing laws.
Beach Cleaning/Levelling
It had become obvious that over time and particularly after a major storm in 2004 that the distribution of sand and stones on Shaldon Beach was far from ideal with sand accumulating in some areas and disappearing from others. Your council under the particular guidance of Councillor Clarance decided that something had to be done. In May 2008 a major exercise took place with support from TDC staff and with funding from SPC and Chris Clarance’s Teignbridge District Council Community Allowance. The result was a tremendous improvement of the beach. SPC have resolved to keep a watchful eye and put resources by in case such action is needed again.
Transport and Bus shelter
Transport availability for Shaldon residents is an ongoing issue and we were particularly concerned in an unannounced change in schedule of the Stagecoach bus service from Torquay to Exeter requiring a change of bus in Teignmouth. Councillor Peter Stokes has been trying to evaluate transport needs in the village as we are aware that many of our residents are elderly and no longer drive. On a positive note Councillor Clarance has negotiated with the builders of Oystercatcher Court that they would include a bus shelter on Bridge Road for passengers waiting for buses on the south side of the road.
Allotments
Negotiations have taken place concerning the lease of the Shaldon Village Produce Association Ltd. It was discovered that due to a name change (dropping the Ltd.) which had not been notified to SPC the lease had been invalidated. A new lease is now in place
Day to Day concerns:
Planning
One of the major responsibilities is considering and commenting on planning proposals in the village. In the last year our planning subcommittee dealt with 71 applications which were forwarded to us for our comments from TDC. The Planning subcommittee meetings under the Chairmanship of Rick Smith are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7.00 in the Methodist Church Hall. The public are welcome to attend and are asked to comment on the planning proposals. The general procedure for planning in Teignbridge is that individuals or companies submit plans to TDC. Once plans are submitted those relevant to SPC are sent for our comments. In accordance with our mission statement we draw attention to any proposals which we feel which affect the interests of the village and its community. Our comments may refer to such issues as highways, conservation, drainage and aesthetics. It is important to stress that our role is advisory and there is no mandatory condition for TDC to agree with our comments.
Crime
We are fortunate indeed to live in a low crime part of the country but it is not without some instances of criminal activity. We have a Community Police Officer, Colin Rider, who attends our monthly Parish Council meetings and provides regular up-dates. Councillor Kim Sturgess liaises with PCSO Rider on any crime reported to the SPC and we also keep in the Shaldon Newsagents, thanks to Steve Rowe, a crime register for people to report local crimes and concerns. Associated with crime is the problem of speeding in approaches to the village. With the assistance of the Devon County Councillor David Cox we have had the temporary loan of speed warning equipment which we have placed in Bridge Road and Ringmore Road. It is interesting to watch cars slow down when they see the warning signs and SPC are interested in acquiring more permanent/regular use of the equipment.
Village Maintenance
We are responsible for a variety of maintenance activities within the village under the guidance of Councillor Ann Storton. For example, this year we have had the Ferry Shelter redecorated, refurbished the ‘Shaldon’ tiled signs and pruned the trees by the clock tower. We have updated the benches on Sunny Patch and painted the clock tower chains. The SPC owns the Village Green. Last year we acquired the benches on the green and we have almost completed their renovation. Councillors spent several hours weeding Sunny Patch which Councillor Storton tells us is edifying and teambuilding! SPC is in regular contact with TDC and DCC regarding works required to their properties in the village including benches, litter and dog bins, railings, street lamps, KGV field and other open areas. One issue of concern are the overhanging hedges that, in some cases, reduce by 50% the width of already narrow footpaths. We appeal to all residents to cut hedges back firmly this winter so that they are vertical with boundary lines.
Flowers in the Village
No one can miss the beautiful floral displays on the Village Green and Marine Parade and the Welcome sign on the Torquay Road. Councillor Kim Sturgess takes responsibility for this activity. We seek tenders for the management of our flower beds and barrels and are fortunate that Lea Park Nursery does an excellent job. There are occasional reports of vandalism and we ask local residents to seek out the parents if boisterous kids are spoiling the displays. SPC Councillors are not policemen and can generally only respond to reports of vandalism by notifying the police and paying for repairs to the damage!
Roads and Highways
Councillor Steve Shelter works tirelessly to encourage DCC to target road repair work and road maintenance to where it is most needed. He reports that most of our requests have been dealt with in a reasonable time-span. We have also had two interesting road issues to handle over the past year. Firstly the issue on whether it should be Strand or The Strand in Shaldon. This raised strong opinion in the village but finally Strand was agreed to be correct from oldest plans and land registry documentation. The second issue has been the attempt to have School Lane designated as a one-way road which was supported by 90% of affected residents. Unfortunately “local democracy” has not persuaded DCC to act. Councillor Steve Shelter has resolved to pursue this issue with together with our DCC councillor (Chris Clarance) to try and reach a satisfactory conclusion
Torquay Road Footpath
Councillor Steve Shelter was the SPC representative in discussions during 2008-9 with former Devon County Council officers, DCC Councillor David Cox, Lisa Pash representing the Botanical Gardens and representatives of the Village Produce Association (Allotments) on the possibility of having a pedestrian footpath along the Torquay Road from the corner of Oak Tree Grove to allow safe access to the Botanical Cardens from Oak Tree Grove. Several proposals were considered but one was eventually chosen and has been costed.
Road Signage
Councillor Steve Shelter has also been active in discussions with new road signage for Shaldon. Councillors joined a village walk-around to assess the proposals by DCC and have made suggestions based on local knowledge. Councillor Shelter is in continuing discussion with DCC on the suggested SPC modifications
Street Cleaning and Dog fouling
We do get occasional report of dog fouling and litter which Councillor Ann Storton tries to deal with. Generally speaking our village is very clean and tidy and we have an excellent street cleaner called Colin who responds immediately to requests for a tidy up of a particular area
Bunting
The special international signal code bunting displayed in the village is both colourful and fascinating but in 2008 the obtaining of a license was has been subject to a Health and Safety saga. Fortunately, thanks to Councillors Chris Clarance and Steve Shelter the issues with DCC were resolved and our village was decorated in true ship shape manner. Councillor Shelter reports that the 2009 licence was obtained from DCC easily and quickly based on the huge amount of effort made by all concerned in 2008. Bunting doesn’t last long and SPC thanks the Water Carnival Committee for purchase of new bunting for the Green.
Events:
SPC is responsible for organising two major events in the village namely the Bonfire on the Beach and Firework display and the Remembrance Day service on the Green and evening reception after the church service.
Bonfire
2008 Bonfire night was horrendously wet and it is something of a miracle that the fire was lit and the fireworks went off with a flash and a bang. Councillor Chris Clarance was chief organiser of the event and we must also thank Fred Curry and his team who organised the firework display on Teignmouth Point. Not surprisingly takings on the buckets was down about 50% and food profits were down disastrously. Despite all this a good if wet time was had by all but some changes will have to be made for 2009 as reserve funds are down and we cannot withstand another wet night if profits are not protected.
Remembrance Sunday
The Remembrance Sunday wreath laying service on the Village Green, went off well despite awful weather and the evening service followed by refreshments was an uplifting social occasion.
In addition to SPC organised events, no annual report for Shaldon should omit the other fantastic events organised by different committees and organisations for which SPC is extremely grateful and your Councillors contribute to many of these activities on an individual basis
1785 Days
The village also operates the unique “1785 days” during the summer months which is operated by Lyn Manester. It provides a very picturesque sight every Wednesday and we thank the organiser and the stall-holders for their activities also the evening entertainers.
Water Carnival
Special appreciation must be recorded to the Shaldon Water Carnival Committee which organise the May Day Spring Fete with the crowning of the new Carnival Queen and Princesses, the Water Carnival Day and Boat Parade, the Winter Ball and the 3-legged Boxing Day Fancy Dress Race. These events give tremendous delight to participants and provide a very special feel to the village for residents and visitors alike.
Shaldon Regatta Week
Another special series of events is organised by Shaldon Regatta Ltd. The week includes many events ranging from the Long-Distance Row, Beachrounders, The Swimming, Volleyball, Sailing, Seine boat, Sandcastles, Gig & Punt competitions not to forget the Great Duck Race and the Tug of War. The 2008 event concluded with the Prize Draw, and what an extraordinary draw it was, our local MP Mr. Richard Younger-Ross drew his own ticket not once but twice before the boat was won by one of our future local rowers. The Regatta Week is a highlight of the Shaldon year and SPC extends its warmest thanks to all organisers and participants.
Finances
SPC is funded by a precept agreed at an annual SPC budget meeting and collected by TDC from local ratepayers based on the rateable value of properties in the Parish. Our income for 2008-9 was £14,500 which is equivalent to £13.40 p.a. for Band D rated properties. This is very much to the lower end of the range of precepts (11/50) in Teignbridge. A plus point is that our activities are low in cost but, on the negative side we have very limited options in increasing our activities. Our accounts are independently audited and we are treated as a Charity with respect to VAT and bank charges.
Chairman’s final thoughts
As the Chairman of the Parish Council writing this report I must mention other issues with which I have been involved include pleasurable activities such as the launching of the new pontoon in the harbour in a torrential rainstorm, remembrance services in similar weather on the Green. Photo-opportunities in the Strand V The Strand debate; Site Planning Meetings and resultant appearances at TDC. Attendance at a training session for Council Chairmen, a meeting of the Teign Estuary forum complete with River Teign mussels and Old Walls Vineyard wine.
It has been remarked that communication is a key to success in dealing with village issues and the SPC strongly endorses this view. In fact this report together with our new web-site are major steps forward to keeping the public fully informed. What we ask in return is that as many of you as possible keep in touch and come to our Parish Council and Planning meetings to help us gauge opinions and identify issues needing our attention. Peter Stokes has taken over the responsibility for publicity and has established good relations with the press who report and photograph our events and other items of news value.
It has been an altogether memorable year with the fantastic support of our team of councillors and Barbara Coley, our indefatigable clerk. The village thrives on the voluntary actions of many people, too many to name each and every one, but the SPC wishes to sincerely thank all who contribute.
Councillor Professor Peter Williams
Chairman of Shaldon Parish Council |