Notes of the Parish Council meeting held on July 10th 2002

The DTLR Consultation paper on Local Investigation and determination of misconduct allegation has been considered by the Council. It has been decided not to send back any late comments.

The Chairman would liked to have seen full attendance at the Parish Council meeting in order to discuss the village clean up initiative. The village will eventually be divided up between the Councillors into areas of responsibility for cleaning up, with two Councillors looking after one section. The project will be put on hold until the autumn and after the proposed roadworks.

The Parish Lengthsmen have contacted Mr Bunce and have said that they have some spare capacity to do a days work in the village. It has been suggested that they target Church Walk and St. Mary's steps. Also suggested was that the overgrown brambles on Blounts Court wall along the A360 be cut back.

Wiltshire County Council has confirmed in writing that there will not be a bus shelter erected in the High Street. However, they will be improving bus stops along the A360, and Mr Hoddinott has already proposed to Wiltshire County Council that a bus shelter at Mount Pleasant would be welcomed.

In the Open Session, Mr Boyack brought to the attention of the Parish Council the state of Brownleaze cemetery. The grass needs cutting and clearing. It is not in the present contractors remit to clear the grass after it has been cut. The Clerk will be writing to the contractors to remind them that the grass height is to be kept to the agreed level. This matter will be put on the agenda for the August meeting and the contract specification will be reconsidered.

Overgrown hedges in Potterne Wick and Whistley Road are causing concern.

The Chairman brought it to the attention of the PC that the noticeboard in Potterne Wick needs replacing. It has been suggested that a new three-window noticeboard be placed in the High Street and the old one transferred to Potterne Wick. The property owner will be consulted before a new noticeboard is purchased. Listed building consent maybe needed.

Kennet District Council has written to the Clerk asking for comments on the Standardisation of Urban Grass Maintenance. The grounds maintenance operations carried out by Kennet District Council have recently been audited by the Best Value Inspectorate. One of the recommendations was to establish a uniform approach and minimum standard for urban grass cutting throughout the area. Parish Councils were being asked to consider the standard and make comments if necessary. After considering the standard, the Parish Council will reply that the frequency of cutting should be an average of a 10 day working cycle, cutting to an average height of about 25mm', not a 15 day cycle as suggested and that housing association grass maintenance brought into the uniformed approach.

A copy of a letter to Mr Lander, Wiltshire County Council from a resident of Blounts Court concerning grass cutting has been received. The concern was at the lack of grass cutting carried out by the County Council on the small corners of grass on Blounts Court estate.

After the concern that Mrs Goddard may have to step down from the planning sub-committee, due to her involvement with the planning department at Kennet District Council, the Parish Council has been reassured that she can still be involved following consultation with the District Solicitor.

A letter has been received from Kennet District Council informing the Parish Council that they are entitled to apply for a transport grant. This has been passed onto the transport representative, Mr Hobbs, to deal with.

The Kennet District Council Best Value Review report has been received and noted.

Kennet District Council have granted planning permission to Blounts Court Lodge for the removal of horse chestnut and removal of previously reduced horse chestnut; 10 Duck Street for inserting flue liner to main chimney; 26 Blounts Court for the erection of a two storey extension and car port; Chilsbury House for a single storey rear extension and two storey front extension; The Mill School for the extension of the tennis court.

Ringway Parkman has informed the Parish Council about the maintenance to A360 Potterne to Devizes. Works are to commence on July 22nd 2002 which will involve the use of temporary traffic lights for three months. For one week in October the road will be closed. Works to be carried out include:

  • Provision of road side kerbing where there is currently none
  • Resurfacing of defective footway (with enhanced borders to grassed areas)
  • Addition of dropped crossing points where useful
  • Upgrading of additional drainage system
  • Installation of mini roundabout and zebra crossing at Silver Street junction
  • Upgrading existing bus stops
  • Installation of ‘gateway’ treatment
  • Planning and resurfacing of the entire existing carriageway
  • Renewal and updating of road markings
  • Traffic signs and street lighting will also be upgraded if required

The Clerk has written asking if the bus stop at Mount Pleasant could have a bus shelter installed. The letter from the Clerk also pointed out that the Parish Council would not wish to see Whistley Road being used for diverted traffic and people should be discouraged from using this road as a quick way through. Sign recommending 'access only' should be erected.

Jennie Britton
Village Correspondent

Previous Meetings:
12 June 2002 8 May 2002 10 April 2002 13 March 2002