Notes of the meeting held by Potterne Parish Council on Wednesday, 12th March 2003

The Chairman started the meeting with a minutes silence following the death of Councillor Barry Duncan. Several members of the Council had attended the funeral and a letter of condolence had been sent to Mrs Duncan.

A letter has been received from Clenche Properties informing the Parish Council that they were hoping to begin work on the Bell Inn site in the near future. At present Clenche Properties are still happy for the recycling bins to stay there.

The Wiltshire Highways Partnership are still requiring further information as to the nature of the marker stones the Parish Council wish to erect around the village in memory of the late Mr Alan Mead.

The new zebra crossing on the A360 is still causing concern and Wilts County Council will be asked to install the additional road markings and reinstate the school flashing lights as soon as possible as they had promised.

The Church Commissioners will be asked for any information they have regarding the ownership of the bank to Highlands estate and the A360. The land registry has been unable to produce evidence of ownership to several plots.

There is still one section of hedge along Whistley Road which is in need of trimming following several requests for the work to be carried out, and the Parish Council will again contact the land owner.

The repositioning of the recycling banks was discussed as these banks would have to be moved once Clench Properties start the building in the car park of the Bell Inn. Several sites were suggested and the Clerk was asked to write to Wiltshire County Council asking if the Banks could be placed at the entrance to Ryleaze playing field. It was also questioned whether it was viable to retain a recycling area in the village.

Having received several representations from Parish Councils about the possible impact on village life of the Licensing Bill which is currently before Parliament a statement had been received making it clear that such facilities, like village halls, community facilities and church halls will be exempted from the fees associated with the provision of entertainment, or entertainment facilities under the licensing regimes.

Potterne have again decided not to enter the best kept village competition this year.

Councillors were reminded of the forthcoming elections on 1 May 2003 and were offered nomination papers. These have to be submitted by 1 April and the Parish Council already have several vacancies. Anyone requiring any information can either contact Kennet District Council at Browfort or the Parish Clerk.

Wiltshire County Council is to refurbish three bus stops in the village. Two at Mount Pleasant and one at Potterne Wick. There will also be further investigation into the possibility of providing shelters at several sites.

The British Legion have asked the Council to consider cleaning the war memorial again and the Clerk will obtain quotes for this work.

A resident had written concerned at the state of the brook in Whistley Road, especially opposite the sewerage works lane where the bank has collapsed and infilling is creating a passing place to the detriment of the width of the stream.

The Chairman has received a letter of resignation from Mr Trevor Bunce who is moving to Norfolk. Mr Hoddinott thanked Mr Bunce for all of his hard work for the Council and wished him well in Norfolk. The Village is now short of a Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator and any volunteers would be appreciated.

Right of Way 6 - Stert Valley
Wilts County Council has rescinded a notice upgrading Right of Way 6 in Stert Parish to By Way status. This order had caused considerable concern in the locality, and further consultation will be carried out.

Previous Meetings:
14 February 2003 8 January 2003
11 December 2002 13 November 2002 9 October 2002 11 September 2002 14 August 2002 10 July 2002 12 June 2002 8 May 2002 10 April 2002 13 March 2002