MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
OF THE LYNEHAM AND BRADENSTOKE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON TUESDAY 13TH JUNE 2006
AT LYNEHAM VILLAGE HALL

Cllr M Petch (Chairman)
Cllr J Jardine (Vice-Chairman)
Cllr D Bunney Cllr D Turner
Cllr P Lightowler (from item 4) Cllr T Webb Cllr P Potter
Mrs J S Copp - Parish Clerk

Councillor F Ball

District Councillors A Bucknell and J Webb, Squadron Leader Young (RAF representative -Item 7 only), Mr P Lightowler (Item 12 only)

The Meeting started at 7.00pm.

1. Apologies:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor F Ball

2: Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 9th May 2006 :

17: Date of Next Meeting: Annual Council Meeting Tuesday 13th June 2006. It was generally agreed to remove the word “Annual”. IT WAS MOVED THE CHAIRMAN, SECONDED COUNCILLOR POTTER AND RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: "That the minutes as amended be signed as a true record of the meeting."

3: Register of Interests under the Parish Councils (Code of Conduct) Order 2001:

4: To consider application to fill one councillor vacancy:

An application to return to the Parish Council had been received from Mr Phillip Lightowler. IT WAS MOVED THE CHAIRMAN, SECONDED COUNCILLOR POTTER AND RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: "That Mr Phillip Lightowler be co-opted on to Lyneham and Bradenstoke Parish Council." Mr Lightowler signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office

5. RAF Matters:

a) To welcome the RAF Representative - The Chairman welcomed Squadron Leader Young.

Squadron Leader Young reported as follows:

Water Restrictions – RAF Lyneham is in the Thames Water geographic area and is covered by the water restrictions now in force, even though the water on the Station is provided by Brey Utilities (part of Yorkshire Water). The significance of this is that the RAF Lyneham water towers still provide water to all of the Families Quarters and some private dwellings in Lyneham Village and near Catcombe Wood. Essentially, the restrictions enforce a hosepipe ban and the RAF is restricting use of hoses and all other major users of water, except where there are strong operational or hygiene reasons. Military vehicles will not be washed, except by hand to clean windscreens, lights etc to maintain road safety. Aircraft will continue to be washed to maintain flight safety (a build-up of deposits can obscure damage). We would be grateful if our neighbours in Lyneham & Bradenstoke could make every effort to conserve water until the ban has been lifted. Further details can be obtained from www.beatthedrought.com

A3102 Calne Road Speed Limit - WCC Highways Dept had written to the Parish Council outlining the proposed reduction in speed limit from 50 to 40mph on the stretch of road between the C Site entrance and the Slessor Road junction (where the 30 mph limit starts). This was welcome news, although there was some concern that the very short stretch of road through Goatacre would remain at 50mph.

Security Fencing, Bradenstoke Junction to Lyneham Village – work would commence shortly on installing improved security fencing (2.4m high with .4m cranked-over top) along this stretch of the boundary. Given the close proximity of certain sections of the fence to the Public Road, WCC Highways Dept had been informed because it may be necessary to narrow the B 4069 temporarily for several metres to allow safe working on the fencing.

Concerns about eroded road markings – several key road markings on the A3102 and Preston Lane were now completely obscured. These include ‘stop’ and ‘give-way’ markings at junctions and a filter lane at the C Site entrance. We have asked the Highways Dept to re-mark these as a matter of priority.

MOD Police Constable – we are still waiting to hear from the MOD Police if this new post is about to be filled.

Lighting - we are seeking clarification of the lighting proposals at the Bradenstoke Junction (confirmed 3 solar-powered street lamps which would be timed to go off at say, 1 am).

Avon Grove Wood – the MOD Legal Boundary had been re-instated using coloured marker posts with the local Land Owner present.

The Chairman thanked Squadron Leader Young for his report.

b) To receive questions on RAF matters -
Concerns about eroded road markings - Councillor Bucknell said the work was in hand, however she would raise the matter again.

Water Restrictions – A resident asked about restrictions on married quarters and Squadron Leader Young explained the situation.

Councillor Potter stated that he had found a water leak on his land and this led to the water tower. Squadron Leader Young believed this was being dealt with by Thames Water.

Squadron Leader Young left the meeting.

6. To Receive Public Questions:

There were no questions.

7: Matters Arising from Previous Meeting:

a) Purchase of Lyneham Green - update - Awaiting information from Land Registry. The Clerk is to try to progress this. Action: Clerk

b) Update on lights suggested for Bradenstoke T junction - funding - Wiltshire County Council had offered a grant of £700. North Wiltshire District Council was due to meet to consider grant aid the following day and the Chairman would attend the meeting. Action: Cllr Petch

c) Notice board repairs - The Chairman would seek to progress this matter with the Vicar. Cllr Bunney awaited the result of this query before dealing with the repair work. Action: Cllrs Petch/Bunney

d) Request for mobile skateboard facility - WAYS ( Wiltshire Alternative Youth Sports) had received a contract from NWDC but insurance had to be organised before the facility could be used. However District Councillor Webb had registered Lyneham’s interest and WAYS would contact the Parish Council in due course.

e) Wiltshire County Council - Waste Site Allocation Development Plan document - The document was noted.

f) North Wiltshire District Council - decision to close public toilets - One of Wootton Bassett Town Council ‘s two public toilets had been closed and the Town Council had complained to NWDC. Cllr Bucknell agreed to seek further information.

g) North Wiltshire District Council - Dog Control Orders - Members had noted that local councils now had discretionary powers to issue a fixed penalty notice for offences under a dog control order. Cllr Bucknell agreed to seek further information and report back.

h) Councillors’ observations item from previous meeting - actions taken - The Clerk had written to the following: - Viridor re. Lorries using the village as a short cut - awaiting reply; Akers Car Sales re. parking on the Green - the proprietor had informed the Chairman that he would remove the car; Envisage had missed cutting a grass area - they apologised and said they would do so.

8. Planning:

a) Update on recent planning applications:

06/01113/FUL - Land adjacent to 79 The Green, Lyneham - the plans would be considered by Committee on 30th June with a recommendation for refusal. It was noted that the proposed new access would cross common land and it was agreed that the Clerk should check the law with regard to access. Action: Clerk

b) Westlea Housing - Affordable homes for rural areas - the letter was noted.

c) NWDC Order on 67 The Folly - NWDC was considering legal action and sought the Parish Council’s opinion. It was generally agreed that the District Council should continue to seek action since the resident was not complying with the Order. The Clerk is to write. Action: Clerk

9: Highway Matters & Transport:

a) Request for bus shelter at entrance to Lillybrook Estate - A site meeting had been held and a site agreed with Messrs Burchell. Councillor Potter agreed to obtain a site plan. Action: Cllr Potter

b) Request for sign at entrance to Bradenstoke: Restricted access - In hand.

c) Wiltshire County Council - Speed limits 2006 - The County Council proposed to introduce a new 40 mph restriction on the northern approach road and to lower part of the 50 mph restriction to 40 mph on the Calne Road. Members welcomed the proposed change but requested that the restriction on the northern approach should continue northwards up to Bowd’s Lane and that the reduction in the speed limit on the Calne Road should continue to Goatacre. The Clerk is to inform the County Council. Action: Clerk

d) Wiltshire County Council - Public notice re Waiting/On Street Parking Restrictions - this was noted.

e) Wiltshire County Council - Community Area Highway information - this was noted.

f) South West Regional Assembly - Draft Regional Spatial Strategy Consultation - Councillor Lightowler agreed to consider the document and report back. Action: Cllr Lightowler

g) Other maintenance issues: There were none.

10: Play Area & Open Spaces:

a) - Play area strategy - The Vice Chair would arrange the first Working Party meeting.
Action: Cllr Jardine It was noted that this project is ideal for applications for landfill tax credits.

b) Report on play equipment inspection - Cllr Ball had completed the report which was read out by the Chairman. There appeared to be problems with the Multi-Gym and the Clerk is to check the repair contract for this. Action: Clerk Zurich Municipal set out guidelines for inspections with which the Council complied.

District Councillor Webb reported that the metal insert in a bin at Bradenstoke Play Area had rusted through. He agreed to provide information on the size for the Clerk to order a new insert. Action: Clerk

It was also agreed to check the recommended distance play equipment should be from properties. Action: Clerk

c) To review grass cutting specification for Lyneham churchyard - According to the contract the bank in front of Lyneham church should only be cut once a year but the Vicar had requested further cuts since long grass affected a driver’s sightline when leaving the car park. IT WAS MOVED THE CHAIRMAN, SECONDED COUNCILLOR POTTER AND RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: "To allow three extra cuts of Lyneham church bank per season at a cost of £40 per cut."

11: Finance & Administration:

a) To consider Financial Statement for year ended 31st March 2006 - IT WAS MOVED THE VICE-CHAIR, SECONDED COUNCILLOR TURNER AND RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: "To approve the 2005 - 2006 year end accounts as presented:" The Chairman signed approval.

b) Accounts and Budget update and payment of invoices – IT WAS MOVED THE CHAIRMAN, SECONDED THE VICE-CHAIR AND RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: "To approve payment of the accounts as follows:"

c) Community First: Landfill tax credits available - This was considered earlier in the meeting.

12: Correspondence received:

a) To review the list:

b) Actions to be taken: Poor footpath surface, Preston Lane - It was suggested that Mr Humm might wish to contact the Clarence help line.

13: Allotments:

a) Water supply - A quotation of £1,399 plus tax to take a supply up to the footpath had been received from Thames Water , with unknown extra costs to take the supply onto the allotments. The regular metered water supply charge would be in addition to this. Members felt these costs would be unfair to the council tax payers and therefore it was agreed to refuse the quotation from Thames Water. However it was generally agreed to seek tenants’ opinions on the provision of free water butts to each allotment. Action: Clerk

b) Update - nothing to report

14: Councillors’ observations & items for next meeting:

Councillor Turner had received a complaint that there were no dropped kerbs on the footpath towards the village from Goatacre. The Chairman agreed to check the situation. Action: Cllr Petch
Councillor Bunney asked if it would be possible to place a memorial bench on the village green. It was agreed that the request should be put in writing.
Councillor Turner asked if Councillor Webb could move notices which were affecting sight lines. He agreed to do so. Action: Cllr Webb
Councillor Turner mentioned an item recently in the press regarding a planning issue. Councillor Bucknell explained the situation from a planning perspective.
Councillor Potter pointed out that the mound of soil from the Spice of Asia Restaurant car park had been removed and suggested that a letter of thanks be sent. This was agreed. Action: Clerk
The Chairman had been informed that the restaurant had put up a “Patrons Only” sign but he believed it was within residents’ rights to park there as it was common land.
Councillor Webb reported that there are holes in the fence at Pound Close play area and the Chairman said he would repair them. Action: Cllr Petch The Clerk is to check if the fences are included in the play area inspection sheet. Action: Clerk
Councillor Lightowler reported that cars were still being parked on the corner by Piggy’s Café despite the repainted yellow lines.
District Councillor Webb reported that there had been a blow out at the Clack Hill sewer on 28th May for the second time and this was to be dealt with shortly.

15: Date of Next Meeting:

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Date of Next Council Meeting Tuesday 11th July 2006 at 7 pm at Lyneham Village Hall.

16: To consider Council’s own website:

Councillor Lightowler agreed to investigate and report back to the next meeting. Action: Cllr Lightowler

The meeting closed at 9.20 pm