Present. Cllr S. Hinson, Cllrs R. Bourton, M. Nailon, J. Pullen and Mrs V. Stubbings.
Also present, 8 members of the public
Apologies were received from Cllrs J. Bayliffe, Mrs D. Ponting and Mrs M. Groom.
1. The minutes of the meeting held on14th September 2015 were signed as being a true record.
2. Planning
a. 15/09731/FUL. Hurstbridge House, Pye Lane. No comments or objections received
b. 15/09755. 2 Broad Town Road. No comments or objections received
3. Finance.
a. a cheque payable to HMRC was raised. PAYE £50.40
b. The following direct transfer was noted. R.J.Davery. Salary and expenses. Jul-Sept; £237.44.
c. S106 funds for improvement to the play area approved and awaiting release by Wilts Council
d. Bank Balances. Business £1194.48 Instant Access £4695.27 Treasurers (Community Fund) £5100
4. Community Fund. Contract approved and returned by Good Energy. Clerk will produce an application form for grants.
5. CLPG. Thre good work done by CLPG has now reached an impasse, and the Parish Council must now complete this last phase, particularly as NEW-V has put a times limit on the process.
There are two options open to the Council
1. To pull out of the process now.
2. To remain with the process, hold an informal consultation, and then pull out if necessary.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 10.05 to allow for public participation.
Option 1. To do this now might disadvantage the Village.
Option 2. The cost would limit options 2 , particularly if it is deemed necessary to produce those sections of the report which is common to all areas, together with the Broad Town specific, which would lead to a document of up to 30 pages, and would have to include a questionnaire. If this were to be produced for each voter or household the cost would be excessive. It could be placed on the website, or alternatively copies held in the school, Village Hall and by Councillors and the Clerk for the public to peruse.
A further problem is that there has to be a secure system in place to prevent any form of voting irregularity. The Chairman re-opened the n[meeting at 19.23 hrs.
After much debate the Chairman proposed that " The Parish Council takes over from CLPG, should stay in the process, should reduce the options and word them in a usable form; then have a consultation with the public and stakeholders". This was carried unanimously.
6. Reports.
a. Neighbourhood Planning. See 5 above.
b. Area Board and CATG. No recent meeting.
c. Community Speedwatch. Volunteers still required.
d. Neighbourhood Watch. The recent report noted that PC Steve Porter had moved away, and the post is now being advertised.
7. Communique. To include information on the Community Fund and the progress of the draft Parish Plan.
8. Parish Matters.
a. Insurance cover for village volunteers. The Clerk has received confirmation that volunteers working at the request of the Council would be covered by insurance, but there are strict limitations.
b. Dog fouling has once again become an issue.
c. Grips through Thornhill. Despite being reported, nothing has yet been done. Clerk will pursue.
d. Big Gig AGM will be held on 13th Nov.
e. Work on the Marlborough Road railway bridge is again delayed.
f. A member of the public asked what had happened to the Communications Protocol, which should have been approved in September. Clerk noted that a new Transparency Code for Smaller Councils had been issued and he has yet to check for possible conflict.
9. Resignation. At the end of the meeting Cllr John Pullen resigned from the Parish Council due to ill health. This was received with much regret. The Chairman acknowledged the debt the Parish owes to John for his more than 20 years service to the community.
The meeting closed at 19.35hrs
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