Heanton Punchardon Parish Council
MINUTES of the Parish Council Meeting 16 January 2024
The Royal British Legion Hall, Wrafton
Present: Cllrs S Crowther, D Holt, J Turner , G Norman, G Millett, M France, C Andrews
Apologies: Cllrs. L Gilkes, R Reeder. Cllr P Maskell. Cllr R Knight
In Attendance: M J Measures (Clerk to the Council). One member of the public
Disclosable Interests: None.
Chairman’s Discretion: Litter-Picking
- Minutes of the Meeting 19 December 2023
The Minutes were agreed and signed as a true record
- Police Report:
A copy of the Police Report was sent to all Members
- Reports from County and District Councillors.
Cllr Maskell has reported her objections to the proposed on street parking charges in Braunton. The bus station will be re-opened by Easter and the café is out for tender and passengers will have access to toilet facilities after a three-year closure. Copy of the report is attached to the Minutes Cllr Knight, no report.
- Correspondence.
The Clerk had sent correspondence to Members, including NDC Leader’s call
for Government to address funding gap; article on “Managing Allotments”.
- Finance Matters.
Invoices agreed for payment:, BeCleanSolar £27.50 (Jan);North Devon Council £699.43 (Dec/Jan); Heanton PCC £300.00 (Cemetery Maintenance);The Royal British Legion £280.00 (hall hire ). The balance at 16 January 2024 is £7028.06.
Precept 2024/2025. Members agreed to request a precept of £9500.00.
- Planning Matters
None received. There was some discussion concerning the property developments along the Exeter Road with the effects on traffic flow particularly when attempting to make a right-turn. Cllr Crowther asked for an item to be on the next Agenda regarding Heanton Hill Lane access.
- On-going Matters
Dog Bins.. Cllr Reeder will provide a site-plan for installation and the Clerk will contact NDC. A Member asked if a waste bin could also be provided next to the dog bin. Following a short discussion this suggestion was not agreed.
Road-crossing. Cllr Turner reported that a petition for the provision of a crossing had been made via facebook and so far there have been 128 responses.
Velator Walkway/Pond. The Clerk read the response from the Environment Agency which stated that they are currently assessing the safety of the walkway and are deciding on the best option for its future use. There is no definite framework on when or if it will be re-opening The Clerk has contacted the Agency again for an update and is waiting for a reply. Cllr Holt explained the background to the problems at Velator Pond.
Community Emergency Plan. The Parish Council does not have an “Emergency Plan” and the Clerk will ask North Devon Council for further information and for their plans. Cllr Holt explained the purpose and use local community emergency plans to be in line with District and County plans.
- Chairman’s Discretion.
Litter Picking. Cllr Norman reported on the success of the recent litter-picking exercise. He said there was a real feel-good factor with some participants wearing the safety jackets showing the name of the Parish Council. It is planned to hold more exercises.
The meeting closed at 19.46
Chairman………………………………………. Date………………………..