Parish Council Meeting – 4th September 2024
CHILTON TRINITY PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Chilton Trinity Parish Council was held on Wednesday, 4th September 2024 in
the Village Hall, Chilton Trinity at 7.30 pm.
In attendance: Parish Councillors Mr P Felton (Chairman), Mrs L Hook, Mrs R Felton and
Mr D Hobbs. Ward Somerset Councillors Mr B Bolt and Mr M Caswell together with the
Clerk, Graham Jarvis and by invitation Vanessa Dare from the Environment Agency and
Claire Deacon from Kier Group Plc. No other residents were present.
The guests provided an overview of the project and mentioned that arrangements were
being made to hold two drop-in sessions. One for general interest with the other likely to be
held at the end of September/early October for local landowners. Invitations would be
issued once the dates were finalised. Some test piling had taken place on the Express Park
side the previous week, noise and vibration levels were closely monitored. Borrow pits were
being established and the haul road was from Saltlands to Straight Drove was now
complete. The expected Government announcement to approve funding for the completion
of the Scheme had yet to be received but a decision was thought to be imminent.
Several questions were asked of the guests including an enquiry as to the reason why a
claim for compensation from a resident had not received appropriate attention. An
assurance was given someone involved in the case would contact the resident the following
day.
Vanessa and Claire were thanked by the Chairman for their contributions and he looked
forward to their participation at future Parish Council meetings.
Public Speaking Time: No topics raised.
* * * * *
29. Apologies for absence, disclosures of interest and dispensations.
An apology for absence was received from Mr D Brown (work commitments) which was accepted. Dispensations from the Code of Conduct were held by Mr Felton
and Mrs Felton regarding support for facilities at Chilton Waters and by Mr Hobbs concerning the proposed river barrier and associated flood defence works.
30. Minutes of Previous Meetings.
The minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 3rd July and extra ordinary Meeting of 23rd July 2024 were presented. These were approved and signed as a
true and complete record.
31. Matters Arising: –
a) 16b – Local Community Network, Dowsborough Group – The Chairman mentioned that the next meeting was scheduled for 11th September at
Wembdon which he would attend with Mrs Hook. The main agenda item was Health and Wellbeing, a representative from Connection Devon and Somerset
had been invited to attend to provide an update on the project.
b) 16c – River Parrett Barrier Project – Members considered matters given in the presentation earlier. Strong views were expressed at the lack of progress
to resolve an outstanding claim from a resident. The promise given that contact would be made the following day was noted but should that not
happen further reminders would be given and other avenues of complaint explored.
c) 20h – Lighting in Former Telephone Box – The Chairman reported that due to the type of bolts used he was unable to investigate the cause of the
loss of illumination. Contact was made with Robson Electrics who attended and replaced two tubes and starters which had solved the problem. An email
had been sent to the contractor thanking them for their promptness and quality of service.
32. Planning Matters.
a) Decision notified by the Local Planning Authority and recorded.
20/24/00002 – Tree Works, Chilton Park. (Approved – Delegated Authority).
b) Other Planning Matters – None.
33. Incident of land incursion on 18th August 2024.
The Charman gave a comprehensive reported on the occurrence which due to the prompt action of residents had been peacefully and speedily resolved. The site had
been vacated by the travellers the following day leaving the site clean and tidy. Appreciation was expressed to all the residents involved on the successful outcome.
A message from the landowner would appear in a future edition of Chilton Trinity Village and is also appended to the signed copy of these minutes.
(Ward Councillors Mr Bolt and Mr Caswell left the meeting).
34. Phone box surrounds.
Further to Minute 53b – 6th March 2024; there was agreement that action should be taken as soon as possible to improve the area either by paving or tarmac. The
Chairman would contact the owner of the adjoining property as the current surface overlapped.
35. Financial Matters.
a) Payment of Creditors.
The following payments were confirmed/approved:-
i) Robson Electrics – £65. 98 ( £54.98 + £11.00 VAT) – cheque No. 272.
ii) Somerset Association of Local councils Ltd – Membership 2024/25 –
£144.09 – cheque No. 273.
b) Bank Reconciliation Statement as at 30th June 2024.
The Clerk presented a statement together with supporting papers, these were examined by Members and agreed as correct.
c) Community Infrastructure Levy Funds.
Further to Minute 19e – 3rd July 2024, members discussed the possible
application of the funds including the provision additional seating along the footpath, fingerpost signage and ground improvement works. There was
agreement that the topic be discussed again at the next meeting.
d) Recompense for Volunteer Grass Cutter – Deferred pending further
information.
36. Roads and Footpaths.
a) Chilton Waters Development – Adoption of Highway
The Chairman reported that he had been supplied by Somerset Council a map dated 13th June 2024 marking the areas of the development which had
been formally adopted. (Refer to Minute 36b – 1st November 2023). The Clerk confirmed that the location of the grit bin in Brickworks Road had been
given to Somerset Council.
b) Chilton Road – Crossing to/from “New” Footpath.
Further to Minute 20c – 3rd July 2024; the Chairman mentioned that he had contacted the Highway Authority again suggesting that the “Slow” sign be
repainted and for a similar message to be painted on the road from the opposite direction. No response had been received and he would send a
reminder.
c) Broken Signs Chilton Road / Stright Drove Junction.
Further to Minute 20d – 3rd July 2024; the Chairman reported that response from the Highway Authority was that the matter should be referred to the
Parish Council. The Clerk agreed to contact another Parish Council whom he thought had arranged for the maintenance and supply of fingerposts.
d) Straight Drove – Pot Hole.
Further to Minute 20e – 3rd July 2024; Mrs Hook reported that when she identified the approximate location on the on-line map, surprisingly the
response was that the place was not the responsibility of the Highway Authority. There was agreement that clarification as to the precise site of the
hole would be obtained and the matter reported again.
e) Woodland Trust – Free Trees Pack.
The Chairman reported that the Woodland Trust were inviting applications from Community Groups to obtain trees for delivery in the spring. It was
agreed that the Council would apply for a pack of 15 which would comprise of 3 species.
f) Flower Troughs.
There was agreement that the summer planting in the two troughs would be replaced with items suitable for winter and spring. The idea to provide a
receptacle for floral displays opposite the former telephone box would be investigated.
g) Hedge Cutting.
There was agreement that the usual contractor be approached to undertake the annual hedge cutting which was likely to take place in October or
November. A site meeting would be arranged with the contractor, the Chairman and Mr Andrews to discuss the height of the cut required. The
Council were aware of safety concerns regarding visibility splays which would be considered at the site meeting.
37. Topics for Future Meetings: None.
38. Dates of next meetings – Wednesday, 6th November 2024 at 7.30pm.
Meeting closed at 9.30 pm.
Chairman