Present: Cllrs E Janes, Hockings, Stubbings, Fearn, Williams, Evans, Beamish and D Cllr Steer
Apologies: Cllrs G Janes, Patrick and Jeffries
Public: 5
Clerk: Mrs D Crann
The Vice Chairman took the meeting
as the Chairman, though in attendance, felt he might not be able to stay for
the full meeting.
The members of the public were then invited to speak. Mr Beagley of Harberton
wished to speak for his fellow residents of St Clement’s Terrace regarding the
flooding problems in Harberton. He had sent a letter to the Clerk, with copies
to all councillors, regarding a recent meeting with Bill Lawrence of SHDC.
There had been a recent offer from DCC of a £50,000 grant towards a storm
drain – this appeared to carry a time limit and must be used in this financial
year. There was also the £5,000 raised by the Parish Council precept to go
towards this scheme. It appeared that, at present, SHDC had not finalised any
plans, though work was in progress. All affected residents of Harberton were
anxious that this scheme should be started asap to take advantage of this new
funding offer, and hoped that SHDC could see their way clear to helping its
completion and match-fund if at all possible. Mr Beagley and his fellow
residents were also concerned that any new drainage work should also include
St Clement’s Terrace cottages, which have been regularly flooded in recent
years and were not included in the Exjet report of March 2000.
After some further discussions, the members of the public left the meeting.
The minutes of the previous meeting were then considered, agreed and signed by
the Vice Chairman as a true record.
Matters Arising:
1) P3 Footpath Scheme. Cllr Williams has now received the agreement from DCC. This required all the paths listed to be walked before this could be signed.
2) Flooding in Harberton. The scheme at the top of Harberton was progressing well and well on the way to completion thanks to the help from Mr D Camp and his father, Jim Hoddinott, James Miller and DCC for providing the baskets, etc. A good example of local co-operation.
3) Harbertonford Playing Field. The Clerk had written to Mr Bob Greg of the Diocese and was awaiting further details of the new licence and reimbursement for the skip hire.
4) SHDC Standards Committee. Cllr Williams had now been accepted as the new Parish representative on their committee.
5) The Luscombe Cross. Ongoing.
6) The Parish Council representative as Primary School Governor. D Cllr Steer had made enquiries and it appeared that the Secretary will be writing to the Clerk. In the meantime, it was proposed by Cllr Fearn, seconded by D Cllr Steer, to nominate Cllr Beamish to be the Parish Council’s representative. He accepted. There being no other nomination, voting was all in favour.
7) Cllr Fearn had attended the final meeting of the South Hams Rural Transport Forum on 18/9/03. He reported that it was hoped that it would be reconstituted in another form soon and would then include new local initiatives.
8) Cllr E Janes reported on the site meeting to discuss the wall bordering the Harbertonford car park and the Old Parsonage. It had been agreed that it should be repaired and Mr Len Lewis had agreed to carry out these repairs asap.
9) Cllr Beamish was thanked by the Parish Council for clearing away the cress growing in the leat under the Post Office at Harbertonford and removing it so quickly.
Correspondence:
1) The letter from Ken Beagley had been received by all councillors. Mr Beagley had attended the start of the meeting and a full discussion regarding the flooding in Harberton had taken place. As a result of this the Clerk will write to Ruth Bagley, Chief Executive of SHDC on the matter, supporting the residents’ call for a flood scheme, also hoping that full advantage may be taken of DCC’s offer of the £50,000 grant money and that SHDC may be able to contribute financial assistance.
2) The Clerk put in a request for another filing cabinet. Being unable to locate a suitable second-hand one, she requested a new one costing £99.99, together with suspension files and a lever arch file as a new Minute Book. Total cost £126.86 (inc VAT of £18.89). It was agreed to purchase these items. Proposed by D Cllr Steer, seconded by Cllr Fearn. All in favour.
3) Public Access to the Countryside Consultation Questionnaire. To be completed and returned by the Clerk.
4) River Dart Mooring Questionnaire. This was considered to be inapplicable.
5) The annual audit of the accounts was now complete. In accordance with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003, the notice is to be posted on both noticeboards.
6) A letter from Harberton PCC was read out to the meeting. This requested consideration be given that Harberton PCC might be given a larger annual grant than Harbertonford, as the upkeep of the churchyard cost more due to its greater size. This will be kept under review when the precept is decided in Dec/Jan.
7) DAPC. Various items received – Budgeting and Financial Risk Assessment, 26/11/03; Ethical Framework Seminar, 20/11/03; AQA Qualification Training for Clerks, 4/11/03 and 13/11/03. The Clerk will attend at Totnes on 13/11/03.
8) Invoice received from D Jane for £20.00 for repairs to bus shelter and noticeboard in Harbertonford. This to be paid – proposed by Cllr Beamish and seconded by D Cllr Steer. All in favour.
9) Devon Magistrates’ Courts Committee. D Cllr Steer reported that an additional burden was falling on SHDC as a result of them now being responsible for all new licensing after the closure of some magistrates courts.
Other items on the table – Safer South Hams, Adult Education – Upholstery, etc, SHDC Minutes of Executive Meetings 4/9/03 and 2/10/03, Standards Board Bulletin, SHDC Executive Forward Plan, DCC Monthly Newsletters, Totnes and District Strategy Group, SHDC Agenda and Minutes, Prince’s Trust Volunteers, S Hams CVS, S Hams Arts Update, SHDC Members’ Allowances, DCC Care Direct Devon, DCC Strategic Plan and Report on Dartington Primary School Governors’ Meeting 23/9/03.
Matters at the discretion of the Chairman:
1) Cllr Evans reported on a telephone call that she and others had received from a private concern posing as an environmental survey but, in effect, selling alarms. She wished to warn people that they might also be trying to gain entrance to private houses.
2) Cllr Williams reported a pothole by Church Close garages in Harberton.
3) Cllr Beamish reported three noisy youngsters on mopeds at 2.00am recently in Harbertonford. He had got out of bed and approached the lads, confronting them face to face. He had also reported the matter to the police.
4) Cllr Fearn reported a pothole and the road falling away near Angle Cottages, Harberton, on the Belsford Road side leading to Harberton. Also a finger post missing along Blakemore Level, signing Harbertonford.
5) Cllr E Janes reported that the leat bed between A381 and Harbertonford churchyard was overgrown. The Clerk will contact the Environment Agency. Also there is rubbish being thrown into the back gardens along Marl Park, Harbertonford, from the playground by the children.
6) Cllr E Janes asked if the Clerk could follow up yet again the request for a street light along A381 opposite Mill Meadow, Harbertonford.
Cheques signed:
No 298 – Viking Direct - £126.86
No 299 – D Jane - £20.00
The meeting closed at 9.40pm.
The next will be held on 11 November 2003 at 7.30pm at Harberton Parish Hall.