Heanton Punchardon Parish Council
MINUTES of the Parish Council Meeting 19 March 2024
The Royal British Legion Hall, Wrafton
Present: Cllrs S Crowther ,G Millett, R Reeder. M France, C Andrews, L Gilkes, G Norman
Apologies: Cllrs, D Holt, J Turner, C Andrews
In Attendance: Cllr P Maskell. Cllr R Knight . M J Measures (Clerk to the Council). One member of the public.
Disclosable Interests: None.
Chairman’s Discretion: Community Event in Wrafton
Minutes of the Meeting 20 February 2024
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 reported that £5m funding has been agreed for road safety improvements and she is hopeful that the scheme for the road crossing at Wrafton will be agreed. She commented on the large number of potholes and the constant flooding of some roads and was pleased to note that two Councillors will represent the Parish Council on the Advocate Scheme.
A full copy of Cllr Maskell’s report is attached to the Minutes
Cllr Knight commented on the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Climate Adaptation Stretegy and asked that Councillors look up the information on two links addresses which the Clerk will forward to Members. Concerning the allotments, there is a meeting with NDC Officers regarding land acquisition on Wednesday 3 April 2024. The Chairman asked if he could attend.
- Correspondence.
The Clerk had sent correspondence to Members and highlighted the proposed road closure for surface dressing on 9 April for Velator Road
- Finance Matters.
Invoices agreed for payment:, BeCleanSolar £27.50 (Mar), North Devon Council
£699.43 (Feb/Mar), M J Measures £162.50 (Admin/Accomm Dec/Mar); Cllr G Norman
£53.94 (litter bag hoops); Cllr R Reeder £30.00 (printing costs)
The balance at 19 March 2024 is £4414.67
Members agreed to keep the same Internal Auditor. Members also agreed to keep C J Wallis as DCC P3 contractor at a cost of £150.per month for initial six months and BeCleanSolar to clean the bus shelters once a month and the full road signs once every three months (cost to be approved).
- Planning Matters
78353 and 78379 have now been approved by North Devon Council
- On-going Matters
Allotments. On-going discussions
Dog Bins Cllr Knight is arranging a meeting with Cllr Millett and Mr J Brookman, NDC Officer, concerning the purchase and siting of a dog/waste bin in the pump track area.
Road-crossing. See Minute1214
Community Emergency Plan. Cllr Reeder gave Members a draft copy of the Heanton Punchardon Ward Community Emergency Plan’ It is a very detailed document and Members were asked to look at it in more detail. The Chairman thanked Cllr Reeder for producing copies the draft plan.
Footpaths. Cllr Turner has inspected the footpaths in the Parish and produced a detailed report for submission to Devon County Council Parish Paths Partnership Scheme. He highlighted that at the SW end of footpath 2, near Poyers Bridge, at the entrance to the pump track it would be useful to create a ramp for wheeled access such as wheelchairs, prams, etc. The clerk informed Members that he has contacted the DCC Area Warden who will investigate. Cllr Maskell said she will also look at the possibility.
Bus shelter repair. Members discussed the most appropriate type of replacement glass and it was agreed to use wire-strengthened glass. The Clerk will investigate replacement costs.
- Future Meetings
It was agreed to hold the Annual General Meeting and monthly Parish Council Meeting onTuesday 16 April 2024 and the Annual Parish Meeting (where members of the public can speak) and monthly Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 21 May 2024.
- Chairman’s Discretion.
Cllr Reeder suggested that a Parish Community Event could be held in Wrafton in the summer, encouraging the public to attend. Cllr Reeder agreed to investigate further and inform Members of progress.
The meeting closed at 20.03
Chairman………………………………………. Date………………………..