BAYDON PARISH ASSEMBLY

MINUTES OF PARISH ASSEMBLY HELD ON 16TH MAY 2003

The minutes of last years meeting were circulated to all present. Agreed and signed as a correct record.

REPORT BY PARISH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

I can confirm that the Parish Council met on 8 occasions during the year, these meetings are published on the notice board and take place on a Monday evening at 8.00pm. Villagers are welcome and are encouraged to attend.

Following the District Council elections we welcomed our new District Councillors Susan Findlay and Brian Twigger who have been very supportive and helpful over the last year. A big thank you is expressed to Chris Humphries for all his hard work on our behalf as our outgoing District Councillor and who remain supportive and still attends our Council meetings as County Councillor.

The Parish Council has reviewed 21 planning applications during the year. A year in which the face of Baydon was to change, with finally the housing development commencing on the old Russley Motors site, to be called Fiveways. This is now nearing completion, with the first house already occupied. There was however disappointment with the affordable housing that had been granted unable to commence due to a lack of funding, although it is strongly hoped that this will commence later this year.

A planning application for 26 dwellings was received for the land off Aldbourne Road; this was refused by Kennet District Council although a further submission is expected shortly.

There was an application which drew a lot of publicity for the construction of a wind turbine near Membury, which although in West Berkshire had the biggest impact on Baydon as a village. This application was strongly opposed by the Parish Council and after a lot of work it was ultimately refused permission.

An ongoing planning concern has been the proposed development of many plots of land near Baydon Hole. This is being dealt with seriously by Kennet District Council, with enforcement notices being issued.

At long last the work was carried out to solve the flooding problem in Finches Lane and the entrance of Downsmead was resurfaced.

During the year we enjoyed the annual events within the village, such as Beating the Bounds (this years had to be postponed because of the weather, a new date to be set), Bonfire Night & Fireworks and Carol Singing around the village green.

As in previous years there were 3 (in fact 4) community skips provided for the village throughout the year, although this service is coming to an end, the PC are fighting this as it will only contribute further to the already increasing problem of fly tipping in and around the village. On this subject a couple of successful litter picking days were held, thanks to all those who helped.

Some of you may have noticed the new village sign and post on the green, along with new and refurbished lane nameplates.

A couple of negative points still continue in the village. Dog fouling is ever increasing, so please would every dog owner be responsible in this matter. The situation of dogs wandering the village continues, again can dog owners please ensure that this does not happen as it is particularly hazardous to traffic. The speeding though the village continues with the police carrying out speed traps on an occasional basis. Parking on the pavements within the village is a problem for pedestrians and in particular for anyone with a push chair etc. again more consideration by all concerned should be given.

During the year work was carried out on producing a ‘Baydon Welcome Booklet’ this will contain any information felt useful to new or old villagers. This will be available shortly.

Following the necessary level of interest shown by villagers Broadband will be available later this year.

The village web site continues to operate with Brian Billington delighted to receive any village information. The minutes of Parish Council meetings are now published on this site.

It is pleasing that the various organisations in the village seem to be growing in strength, in particular it is pleasing to see the Brownies and the YouthClub/BYPA both becoming re-established, as with all these organisations they can not operate without people to help.

To end I would like to thank my fellow councillors for all their help and support and Louise Hawley for all her hard work in what has not been an easy year.

REPORT BY COUNTY COUNCILLOR CHRIS HUMPHRIES

A written report had been previously circulated to all those present, copy attached to file copy of minutes.

Cllr Humphries invited questions from the public.

Mr Whitehead-Patey asked how we get support for resurfacing the section of the M4 adjacent to the village to reduce noise. Councillor Humphries advised the Council to write to George Batten to lobby for support.

REPORT BY DISTRICT COUNCILLOR BRIAN TWIGGER

Apologies from Councillors Twigger & Findlay

REPORT BY HEAD-TEACHER ST. NICHOLAS SCHOOL

Mr Chambers reported that there are 102 children on the roll, with 19 new children due to start in September mostly from outside the village. There will be some staff changes with 2 members of staff retiring in the summer. The OFSTED inspection in March was very good with comments such as ‘effective, good behaviour & attitudes shown, good teaching practices’ being made. The fun week last July was a big success; there have been theatre visits, a Caribbean steel band at school, PE & football coaching, with a talk today by Bloor Homes. Close links remain with the Church, thanks to the School Governors and the Friends of Baydon School for their work over the year. This years School/Church Fete is to be held on Saturday 19th July.

REPORTS FROM VILLAGE GROUPS

Baydon Resource Group

Mr Whitehead-Patey reported that it had been a quiet year. However grants have now been received from Kennet District Council, £2K and Bloor Homes £5K. The Village can now start to consider what project to start on. The AGM to be held on 24th May at BYPA hall. Mr Whitehead-Patey advised that he would be standing down as Chair.

Friends of Baydon School

No report submitted from this group.

Baydon Under Fives

No report submitted from this group, apologies from Denise Dawson, Pre-school leader.

Thursday Club

Written report submitted by Mrs Peggy Slater was read to the meeting, summarised for the minutes. Membership numbers have remained at about 25. Many trips out enjoyed, although coach outings have had to be subsidised by club funds due to small numbers travelling. Thanks to Noel & Sheila McCleary for hosting a successful coffee morning. Thanks also to Stan Titcombe for arranging indoor events and quizzes etc.

Baydon Cricket Club

No report submitted from this group.

Baydon Brownies

A written report submitted by Mrs Pat Barnes was read to the meeting, summarised for the minutes. The Pack was re-established in October 2003 and is led by Pat Barnes and assisted by Jayne Dominy, starting with 6 brownies. There are now 9 enrolled, the pack can take up to 16 but has a self imposed limit of 12 unless additional regular help can be found. The pack is now following the recently updated ‘Brownie Adventure’ programme which encompasses three areas, you, the community and the world. Many activities have taken place, Christmas shoeboxes, dressing the Christmas tree in the Church, a sponsored ‘walk for wildlife’, badge work and ‘daughters to work’. The pack has been invited to line the route for the visit of Prince Charles in June to Marlborough. They will also be taking part in a Birthday party to celebrate the 90th year of the Brownie movement.

WI

Mrs Pat Mapstone reported that membership currently stands at about 16. The group have enjoyed several interesting talks and events throughout the year and have planted a large number of daffodils around the village. The group meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month, new members are welcome

PCC

Mrs Enid Johnson reported that the PCC is very proud of the Church School and quoted from the recent OFSTED report, thanking Peter Chambers and the staff for their dedicated care. She went on to apologise for the poor state of the churchyard, a shortage of funds and the loss of the gardener have caused problems. The PCC and family of the Councillors are to be thanked for bringing it back under control. Regarding the Church building, new drainage & soak away is needed to tackle the rising damp problem. Village support is needed to fund repairs to the building. Funding for everyday running of the church is seen to be the responsibility of the congregation and electoral roll members and is a separate issue. Mrs Johnson advised that the accounts of the Sylvia Mather Charity would be on display at the end of the Assembly for public inspection.

Baydon Young Peoples Association

No report submitted from this group.

VILLAGE MATTERS/PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

1. VILLAGE GREEN, TO RE-LANDSCAPE OR NOT?
   The results of the survey show that 22 people responded. 1 in favour, 1 giving constructive suggestions and 20 firmly against re-landscaping. Mrs Rees complained that the poll sheet which had been at the shop was not visible enough. The Clerk apologised but stated that the fact that it was there had been advertised the Scene in Baydon. This matter will be concluded at the next Parish Council meeting.
   Mr Whitehead-Patey advised that the Parish Council are still perusing the possibility of siting a permanent power supply on the Green.
   Mr Whitehead-Patey advised that Bloor Homes had suggested putting short wooden bollards around the Green to prevent parking on it. Baydon does not have this problem, so this suggestion has been declined.
   Mrs Furber asked who would be taking on the responsibility of cutting the beech hedge on the two sides adjoining the Green. To be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting.
2. DOG FOULING.
   The Chairman commented that this subject is raised every year at the Assembly. The PC recently enquired about getting poop scoop bins but was turned down as they are considered toxic waste and not financially viable at this time. The waste can however be placed in a normal refuse bin for collection if it is in a plastic bag. The Chairman urged everyone to report offenders either to Kennet District Council or to the Parish Council who will take the matter up.
3. POND SITE.
   The Chairman reported that this site was cleared a couple of years ago but has subsequently become completely overgrown again. It is registered as common land and as such can not have anything constructed on it. Because it is out of sight it has become a magnet for rubbish dumping and youngsters loafing. Access to two of the new houses will be via the by-way, it is hoped that this may reduce the problems. The matter to be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting.
4. Mrs Rees and Mrs Furber both reported that Ermin Street to the west of the village adjacent to the cricket field entrance has subsided on the right hand side as you leave the village. Clerk to report to Wiltshire County Council.
5. Mrs Mapstone asked about the provision of community skips. The Chairman confirmed that the village no longer gets any but that the PC has contested this decision. He went on to state that the Parish Lengthsmen scheme visits the village twice a year to carry out minor ground clearance and repair work.
6. Mrs Newman commented that there is still a problem with flooding at the Aldbourne Road and Ermin Street junction. It is her opinion that the drain by the Red Lion yard must be blocked. he Clerk advised that this has been reported previously and checked by Wiltshire County Council who could find nothing wrong, the complaint will be monitored.
7. Mr Stephens reminded the Council that the removal of a telegraph pole at the Fiveways site had been discussed at the planning stage. Mr Whitehead-Patey advised that he would speak with Bloor Homes regarding this.
8. Mrs Rees advised that the bridleway sign on right of way no. 4 is missing. Mr Barnes advised that he would check this out and take appropriate action.
9. Mrs Lafford asked when the cable sticking out of the verge by the motorway bridge was to be removed. This has already been reported, the Clerk to put on work schedule for next Parish Lengthsmen visit.
10. There is a tyre dumped by the bridge. The Chairman offered to pick it up when next passing.
11. Mrs Johnson expressed her wish to correspond further with Councillor Brian Twigger regarding the School’s application for the provision of parking on the paddock, which was withdrawn on the advice of the District Council. The Chairman noted that the PC had supported this application last time. He also noted that the adjoining property has now fenced in their property so visual impact should be reduced. He advised that he would pass on Mrs Johnson’s comments to Councillor Twigger and ask him to make contact. Mrs Rees asked if the pond site could be used for parking. Mr Whitehead-Patey stated that as the area is registered as common land it can not be developed to meet this need.
12. Mr Chambers asked whether the village could be eligible for doorstep recycling boxes. This matter to be put to Councillor Twigger.
13. Mrs Lafford asked why green sacks had to be paid for and why garden rubbish had to be separated out into green sacks when the bags are then collected by the same refuse lorry? This matter to be put to Councillor Twigger.

The Chairman closed the meeting thanking all those who had taken the time to attend.

The meeting concluded at 8.35 p.m.