MINUTES OF ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - 12 MAY 2009


MINUTES
of the Annual Meeting of
CHIRTON PARISH COUNCIL

held in the School on Tuesday 12 May 2009

Present

Jeremy Cross, Anthony Mather, Stewart Neale, Jonathan Oliphant (Clerk) and Stephanie Robertson. Apologies were received from David Baker and Sarah Withers. Three members of the public also attended.

Election of Chairman and Deputy Chairman

Jonathan Oliphant proposed Anthony Mather for chairman, seconded by Stephanie Robertson and Anthony Mather proposed Stephanie Robertson for deputy chairman, seconded by Stewart Neale. Both were elected nem. con.

Appointment of Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer

The chairman asked Jonathan Oliphant if he was willing to take on both roles and he accepted. However he said that he intended to stand down from both the council and as Clerk in 2011.

Minutes of the meeting on 10 March and 14 April 2009

These having been issued previously were agreed and signed by the Chairman

Matters Arising — Allotments

The Clerk gave an update on the situation. We have reached an impasse in our quest for land, either within or without the parish. We have no church glebe land or NT and none of the landowners who actually have their land "in hand" are willing to offer any. Other owners have their land tied up in agricultural tenancies and the tenants are unwilling to consider offering any up.

It would appear that we are legally obliged to find land and that our next step is to consider compulsory purchase/rental for which we would have to approach Wiltshire Council . Wiltshire Association of Local Councils (WALC) have been approached for advice on this and their definitive reply is awaited. My view is that pursuing the compulsory line will cause considerable animosity in the village, especially with the landowner concerned. I suggest that we call a meeting of all the applicants and explain the situation to them in the hope that they will see the problems we face. We only have the minimum of six, possibly plus their spouses.

After discussion it was agreed:

  • To await the reply from WALC
  • Call a meeting of all the applicants to discuss the way forward
  • Approach selected landowners once again to see if any are willing to change their mind

Equal Opportunities

A letter from the Equal Opportunities Commission had been circulated but had not reached all councillors. The Clerk explained the gist of it which was that the Commission was going to use a heavy hand on all town and parish councils who were not living up to their obligations in this matter.

Floral Chirton

The Clerk expanded on an idea that he had floated with councillors earlier. This was to engage the members of the parish in a project to brighten up the village in the Spring by planting bulbs like daffodils and crocuses along the verges and banks throughout the village. He suggested that the council publicise this initiative in the June Newsletter and call a meeting of interested parties to plan where planting might take place. The expectation was that householders would be willing to do the planting. In return the council would authorise a sum not exceeding £100 in 2009 to buy the bulbs. This suggestion was unanimously agreed.

Any Other Business

Stephanie Robertson said that she was still awaiting the dates for the Area Board meetings.

Meeting Dates for 2009/10

The following were agreed subject to information on the dates for the Area Board. Tuesdays 19:30hrs:

  • 8 Sep
  • 8 Dec
  • 9 Mar 2010
  • 13 April 2010 Council Meeting at 19:00hrs followed by the Annual Parish Meeting
  • 11 May 2010 Annual Council Meeting

The Chairman then closed the council meeting and invited questions and observations fro the floor.

  • Mr Bass raised the problem of vehicles driving on the verges in the village, particularly in Miller Close. The Clerk was asked to mention this in the June Newsletter
  • Mr Conbeer asked about progress with trying to extend the village conservation area southwards up to the A342. Stephanie Robertson said that she would prepare a draft document for presentation to Wiltshire Council via the Pewsey Area Board.
  • Mr Read raised the problem of vehicles parking outside Iris Cottage in The Street. Their presence made it difficult for pedestrians, particularly school children, walking down The Street. The Chairman pointed out that they were not the only vehicles and that there were wide grass verges on which pedestrians could walk.
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There being no further business the meeting closed at 20:00hrs



Posted: 30 May 2009