Parish Council Meeting – 30th August 2023

CHILTON TRINITY PARISH COUNCIL

A Meeting of Chilton Trinity Parish Council was held on Wednesday, 30th August 2023 in the Village Hall, Chilton Trinity at 7.30 pm.

In attendance: Parish Councillors Mr P Felton (Chairman), Mrs R Felton and Mr D Hobbs. Ward Somerset Councillor Mr M Caswell together with the Clerk Graham Jarvis and one member of the public.

Prior to the start of the formal meeting a presentation was given by representatives involved with the River Parrett Barrier scheme. A summary of the work undertaken to date was given. Details were provided of the test piling which was scheduled for one week in September and would involve the engagement of a 300-ton crane. Noise and vibration levels would be closely monitored. Information was provided about plans to improve communication at a local level. (See minute 25 below). A question time followed; the Chairman then thanked the participants for their contributions. Mr Caswell left during the presentation and did not return.

Public Speaking Time: No topics raised.

* * * * *

22. Apologies for absence, disclosures of interest and dispensations.
Apologies for absence were received from Parish Councillors Mr Brown (work commitments) and Mrs L Hook (domestic emergency) which were accepted. Dispensations from the Code of Conduct were held by Mr Felton and Mrs Felton regarding support for facilities at a Chilton Waters and by Mr Hobbs concerning the proposed river barrier and associated flood defence works.

23. Minutes of Previous Meetings.
The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 5th July 2023 were presented. These were approved by the Councillors present and signed as a true and complete record.

24. Matters Arising: –
a) 15a – Chilton Waters Play Area – No further news.
b) 16 – Local Community Network – The Chairman reported that the new meeting of the Dowsborough Group was arranged for 13th September at a venue yet to be published. He would attend together with Mrs Hook and raise the issues of speeding traffic and seek details of available deterrents.

25. River Parrett Barrier.
The Council welcomed the information given during the earlier presentation that a Community Hub compound would be established and for the appointment by Kier (the main contractor) of a Community Liaison Officer who hopefully would be able to attend the next meeting. (Also refer to minute 28b of this meeting).

Planning Matters.
a) Decision notified by the Local Planning Authority and recorded: – None.
b) Any Other Planning Matters – None.

26. Financial Matters.
a) Payment of Creditors- None.
b) Bank Reconciliation Statement – 30th June 2023.
The Clerk presented a bank reconciliation statement as at 30th June 2023 together with supporting papers. These were examined by members and agreed as correct.

27. Complaints Policy.
Members considered an updated policy prepared by the Clerk. After a discussion there was agreement that the new policy as presented be adopted.

28. Roads and Footpaths.
a) Adoption of Areas by Highway Authority.
Further to minute 19b – 5th July 2023; the Chairman mentioned that he had consulted the Highway Authority who reported that the formal adoption of areas associated with the Chilton Waters development was in progress. Consultation between the Highway Authority and adjoining landowners was underway including owners of the strip between the footpath and field fences.
b) Diverted Public Rights of Way (PROW).
The Chairman mentioned that he had received reports expressing concern about the accessibility of PROW which had been diverted due to the river Parrett barrier scheme. After an investigation it was established that during the diversion Kier were responsible for maintenance of the revised route. The contractor has been approached and the problems promptly rectified.

29. Topics for Future Meetings: Meeting arrangements for 2024.

30. Date of next meeting – Wednesday, 1st November 2023 at 7.30 pm.

Meeting closed 9.00 pm.

Chairman