MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD AT GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL ON THURSDAY, 26 APRIL 2007 AT 6.30 P.M. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Mrs J Barnes, Miss R Brian, M Harrison, N Mapp, S Maskell, Mrs Meek, Mrs L Slade. 8 members of the public, District Councillor M Wilkinson, Sgt J Pearce, PCSO R Peacock and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 1. Apologies. Councillor R Tucker, County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. 2. Approval of the Minutes of the last Annual Parish Assembly held on 27/04/06. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 3. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the last Annual Parish Assembly. None. 4. Items raised by the public. None. 5. Presentation of Reports: 5.1 Police. Sgt J Pearce explained that he was the Section Sergeant for the Braunton Area. In the past 12 months there had been 2,265 incidents across the patch. The month of August saw a peak of 315. 186 crimes for the year were relevant to this Parish. His main points were: _ He said that the Government were making policing changes supported by the new Chief Constable. _ He is now known as a Neighbourhood Team Leader targeting neighbourhood crime as a priority. _ There was reduced funding for this year and next. The current Chief Constable has assured will not affect front line policing. _ As from May there will be no traffic wardens, considered to be a luxury, as the Government is changing directions. Money for traffic wardens has to be taken from the Police budget and in the light of neighbourhood policing the focus is on crime, quality of life and the increased establishment of PCSOs working on streets. A second PCSO is working out of braunton. _ Crime Investigation Team has been developed of which Braunton has one which involves uniformed officers, civilian staff and CID staff to take on board all crime. This commenced on 1 April and was working well. This allowed for more time to be in the community. _ There were 4 Special Constables in the Braunton Section aligned to neighbourhood section. It was expected that people would soon get to recognise and know them. _ A post box had been designed with cards for neighbourhood policing and community priorities for parishionersÕ concerns. They were invited to complete these and put n the box so that it could be seen what is important to people. It will be left at the Village Hall for a week to get a good cross section of people participating. _ Crime figures for 12 months: 186 in this Parish which was a 4.6% reduction on the previous 12 months. He went on to give the various percentage figures of crimes. He said that crimes were very low and that we were living in a good area. The main crime was criminal damage. A crime wave over Easter saw 20 crimes in one week due to thefts from vehicles. There were more crimes in first week of season than all of last year. As a result, 4 people had been arrested, one in prison, 2 were on Police bail, goods had been recovered and there had been a successful outcome. PCSO R Peacock then gave the figures for the last month to form his monthly Report, normally given at a Parish Council Meeting. On 2 April a 4x4 vehicle overturned in Georgeham; 3 April theft of purse; 10 April fraud at Saunton; 10 April theft from vehicle, 11 April 4 thefts from cars; 14 April theft of vehicle; 16 April theft of vehicle and property stolen from shed; 18 April fraud at Georgeham; 19 April theft of camera at Ruda, 25 April overturned vehicle. 5.2 County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. Not present. 5.3 District Councillor D Spear. The attached Report was read by the Clerk. 5.4 District Councillor M Wilkinson. Written Report attached. 5.5 Councillor J Symonds on behalf of Georgeham Parish Council. Written report attached. He added that he was disappointed there were insufficient candidates to warrant a Parish Council Election. 5.6 Councillor M Harrison Ð Footpath Warden. Written Report attached. 5.7 Councillor Mrs Slade on behalf of Georgeham Relief in Need. She explained that this organisation was set up many years ago and outlined the reason for doing so. It was administered by two Parish Councillors and the Vicar, at present the Reverend B Strange. They meet once a year but would call a special meeting if someone was in need. As in past years, no one has made a request for help. The Bank balance stands at £10,500 and Councillor Tucker has a copy of the finance details should people wish to see it. Councillor Mrs Slade stressed that the fund was in place to help people, for example by providing a walking aid or help with the installation of a stair lift. All requests for help would be dealt with discreetly. 5.8 Councillor Mrs V Meek Ð Parish Plan. Written Report attached. 5.9 Mr C Burrows on behalf of Croyde Village Hall. The interior and exterior had been repainted, the rear area resurfaced and a permanent skateboard constructed with fencing. Temporary storage arrangements had been made, a noticeboard for an events diary with fund raising taking place including a barbeque in August and a Christmas Carol Service. A disabled audit carried out by the Community Council of Devon was expected shortly. Funding from the Big Lottery Fund was being applied for, a previous Application being unsuccessful. The Community Council of Devon had asked the Committee to reapply for funding in respect of a single item and not one large project. The granting of £50,000 to the Hall was not technically true as only a percentage of this was applicable. Income for the last year was £19,624 and maintenance £10,255. 5.10 Mr G Fisher of Georgeham Village Hall. In March 2006 the Hall was decorated and a new stage and curtains provided. Thanks were expressed to Georgeham W I and friends who raised £2,300 towards the cost of the curtains. At the end of 2005 Planning Permission was obtained for the gents toilets and a new disabled toilet. Work commenced in October and it has anticipated that this would be completed by June. A successful application for funding to ROCKets resulted in £15,000 being awarded from march 2007. Other fund raising events were listed and details of Organisations who used the Hall. As a result of a legacy to the W I, it had been decided to refurbish the kitchen which was now completed. Grateful thanks were expressed to the hard working Committee. 5.11 No Representative from the Georgeham & Croyde Amateur Community Sports Association was present. It was noted that they had been invited to give or sent a Report. 5.12 Croyde Volleyball Club. The Clerk read a report from Mrs D Austen. 5.13 Mr C Burrows on behalf of Croyde and Georgeham Youth and Skateboard Club Written report attached. 5.14 Mr R Windsor on behalf of Croyde Surf Lifesaving Club. He said that the Club had gone from strength to strength with two sessions being held in Ilfracombe Pool on Wednesday and Sunday evenings. The sessions would be held on the beach at the end of May and a few sessions have been running at separate times on the beach. There were 130 members comprising adults and children. As regards new premises, a constructive meeting had been held with the National Trust, the RNLI and their Architects. The National Trust were willing to forward plans of the proposed project to the planning body, providing access can be agreed from the building to the Beach, which has to be granted by Park Dene. A letter has been sent but to date, no reply received. Councillor Maskell asked the lower age limit for children and was advised 7 years although children aged 6 years have been taken providing they meet a certain standard in the pool and on the beach and that parental help is available. 5.15 A Governor from the Governing Body of Georgeham Church of England Primary School. No representative was present but an invitation had been extended to present a Report. 5.16. Financial Report presented by the Clerk. A copy of the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2007 were circulated. There were no questions. The Clerk then read her Report which is attached. It was advised that the sum of £272.45 is being held at Braunton Parish Council in respect of the final costings for the Parish Plan and this is to be requested. The Meeting ended at 8.41 p.m. MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 26 APRIL 2007 ON THE RISING OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Mrs J Barnes, Miss R Brian, M Harrison, N Mapp, S Maskell, Mrs Meek, Mrs L Slade. 1 member of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 172. Apologies. Councillor R Tucker, County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. 173. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 29 March 2007 and 12 April 2007. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 174. Representations from the public on matters not raised at the Annual Parish Meeting. No matters were raised. 175. Declarations of Interest. None. 176. Planning. (1) Matters Arising. (a) A reply from Planning Officer Mrs M Pool regarding 3 static caravans on the Woody End, Georgeham site was noted. A report would be available for the next Meeting. (b) A reply from the Enforcement Officer regarding a chalet style structure at Down End was noted. Investigations were continuing and it was hoped to have further information for the May Meeting. (c) Copy correspondence from the Tree Officer regarding the pursuance of a Tree Preservation Order on 7 Sycamore Trees at Hill Park, Church Road, Georgeham was noted. Councillors were of the opinion that a Tree Preservation Order was not necessary but acknowledged the decision of the Tree Warden. (d) A reply from the Enforcement Officer regarding the delivery area at the Thatched Inn, Croyde was noted. He is to be advised that this is a licensing matter due to the change of use from Tea Room to a Public House with the layby having to be free from delivery vehicles. The danger of vehicles on the corner also to be highlighted. (2) The following Planning Application was considered: (i) 44217/44218 - Listed Building Application for demolition of existing and erection of new extension to dwelling Ð Fig Tree Farm, 47 St MaryÕs Road, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. (3) Planning Correspondence: The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted. APPROVALS 42064 Ð Listed Building Application for replacement roof to kitchen at Rock Haven, Rock Hill, Georgeham. 10696 Ð to note that a Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing use in relation to use of land as a caravan site for the period commencing at Easter and ending 31 October each year Ð land at Manor Farm, Putsborough. 177. Matters Arising. (for reporting only). (a) Governing Body of Georgeham Primary School. Associate Governor. This to be an Agenda item for the May Meeting. (b) Proposed Bus Stop. A letter had been sent to Mr M Newcombe, Road Safety Officer; Mr R Watkins, Highways Department DCC; Braunton Police; Stagecoach Bus Company; District Councillors D Spear and M Wilkinson and Mrs J Tamlyn, Headteacher of Georgeham Church of England Primary School. Letters of support had been received from Braunton Police and Georgeham Primary School. A reminder to be sent in time for a reply at the May Meeting. (c) Chapel Street Hedge. A report on the present position from North Area Highway Maintenance had been received from DCC which was considered unsatisfactory. They had not devised a solution with regard to the land which had been taken over by some residents. Further representations to be made for this to be concluded. (d) Georgeham and Croyde Amateur Community Sports Association. Councillor Symonds reported that a letter had been sent regarding the conditions laid down by the Audit Commission before the Parish Council can give funding assistance following a meeting of the Trustees. Councillor Mrs Meek to make enquiries as to the date of the AssociationÕs planned presentation. It was reiterated that a cheque is unable to be issued without the required documentation and a further meeting with the Committee. 178. Accounts & Payments. (i) Balances. Current Account Savings Nat Savings As at 28 February 2007 15,081.97 Receipts Nil Payments Previously authorised 7,356.42 BALANCE AS AT 31 MARCH 2007. 7,725.55 (ii) The following payments were approved and authorised: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for March 07 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for March 07 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for March 07 £ 84.50 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in the public toilets £ 17.51 NDDC Recharge of Salaries £1,296.00 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 6.00 Stationery £18.55 Ink Cartridges for Photocopier £47.49 £ 72.04 South West Water Water supply at Cemetery £ 5.18 Playsafety Ltd Play Area Inspection x 2 Fee £151.58 The Chairman was contacting RSS to complete the work on the Play Park since there had been a dry spell which was apparently the only reason for the delay on completion. (iii) Annual review of the ClerkÕs Salary. The Clerk left the room while this was discussed. It was unanimously agreed to increase her salary by 4% (£200 per annum), resulting in £5,192 per annum. (iv) Annual Return. It was noted that this document for the year ending 31 March 2007 had been received from the Audit Commission for return by 2 July 2007. It was pointed out by the Clerk that this did not allow much time following the adoption of the accounts at the next Meeting on 31 May for work by the internal auditor and a letter to be written to the Audit Commission requesting the deadline date be extended by a month. 179. Correspondence and Reports received by the Clerk. (i) Devon Association of Parish Councils. Nominations invited for the Election of DAPC County Committee for 2007-2001. Nominations invited. (ii) Community Council of Devon. It was noted that NDDC had made a decision to end its financial support. Taken by Councillor Mrs V Meek. (iii) NDDC. Follow up letter clarify some points as a result of the Community Council of Devon letter. Councillor Mrs Meek also took this study. (iv) ROSPA. Play Area Safety Inspection Report. Copies had previously been forwarded to the Chairman and Vice Chairman to study. Councillor Symonds advised that very little work was required, following recent works at both Play Parks. (v) Mrs J Mitchell. Email regarding litter in Croyde. This had been acknowledged by the Clerk with a follow up telephone call from Councillor Symonds. A discussion followed regarding litter following Bank Holidays and large events. (vi) Lord Mayor of Exeter. Letter regarding the City CouncilÕs proposed unitary status. It was proposed by Councillor Mrs Meek that this Council does not have a formal Council view on this issue. Seconded by Councillor Symonds. Vote 5 for, 2 against. Carried. A reply in this vein to be sent. (vii) ROSPA. Signs for Play Areas. These had been provided by the Clerk following her husband investigating the ROSPA website in connection with Bratton Fleming Millennium Green. The details were put with ROSPA Report. (viii) Georgeham Village Hall. Letter of thanks for donation. 180. Publications Received. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ Devon in Touch. _ Coastal Life. North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Spring & Summer 07 Newsletter. _ Charity Commission News. Georgeham Playing Field. This had previously been circulated to Councillors. _ Devon in Touch Newsletter Special regarding the GovernmentÕs Consultation on Exeter City CouncilÕs proposal for a Unitary Authority for Exeter. 181. Georgeham Playing Field. Effect of Noise etc caused by proposed heavy utilisation of field. Item requested by Councillor N Mapp who had sent an email regarding this to all Councillors. He felt that League Football Matches would generate noise and was concerned for the residents living nearby, especially at weekends should they wish to enjoy some quiet time. He was of the opinion that there should only be a maximum of 2 formal matches and pointed out that the CDU wee trying to encourage cross boundary use of facilities and children could use the Braunton Lobb fields. A discussion followed and various views were expressed. It was concluded that if use of the field became such that the adjoining residents quality of life was seriously affected, the Trustees would have to consider putting a restriction on the use for events such as League Matches. 182. Croyde Play Park Security. Councillor Symonds explained that when Croyde Village Hall has events, the Play Park suffers severe litter problems. It was acknowledged that the Hall Committee sweep the car park and Play Park when tidying the Hall on the following day but there was also concern that the Play Park was being used by itinerant campers. He had met with two Security Firms, Vanguard Security and Guarantor Security who work for Woolacombe and Mortehoe parish. The proposal was for a security officer to visit the Play Area between 9.30 and 10pm with a return visit between 1.30-2.30a.m on Friday and Saturday nights, 2 visits a night and on Sundays over a Bank Holiday weekend, commencing at the May Day weekend until the latter part of September. The officer would be unable to evict people but should anyone be there, the Police would be called. If they do not attend, a Crime Number would be obtained. Guarantor Security would attend at dusk and lock the Play Park, make a return visit at 3am and unlock it. Should anyone be there after it had been locked it would be considered as trespass. A quotation from Vanguard Security who have a contract with NDDC in respect of Croyde Car Park would be £10 per patrol with additional £10 per hour or part hour if a continued presence is required on site. Guarantor Security would install a clock device to confirm when the patrol comes. Their quotation was still awaited. Councillors agreed for this to proceed when both sets of figures were known. 183. Meetings Attended by Councillors. _ Councillor Symonds Ð security as covered in 182 above; style at the Rock Hill end of the Glebe Field. Councillors were in agreement for this to be replaced; resident visited as a result of tree damaging garage. Arrangements had been made for contractors to deal with the tree and he had carried out a general clear up to assist the elderly home owner. 184. Urgent Matters Brought Forward by the Chairman. This was the last Meeting of Councillors Mrs J Barnes and N Mapp and he was very sad to loose these two well respected Councillors whose efforts and input over the life of the Council was much appreciated. 185. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, 31 May 2007. This will be the first Meeting in the life of the new Council and will commence at 7 p.m. in Georgeham Village Hall. The first item on the Agenda will be for Councillors to sign the Acceptance of Office Forms and the Declaration of Interests Form, followed by the Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman. A decision to be taken at that meeting as to the venue of meetings. It was hoped that co-option of two Councillors to bring the Council up to full strength would take place at the June Meeting. The Meeting ended at 9.25 p.m.