Parish Council Meeting – 6th November 2024

CHILTON TRINITY PARISH COUNCIL

A Meeting of Chilton Trinity Parish Council was held on Wednesday, 6th November 2024 in
the Village Hall, Chilton Trinity at 7.30 pm.

In attendance: Parish Councillors Mr P Felton (Chairman), Mr D Brown, Mrs L Hook, Mrs
R Felton and Mr D Hobbs. together with the Clerk, Graham Jarvis and by invitation
Vanessa Dare from the Environment Agency, Claire Deacon from Kier Group Plc and Joe
May from the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Three residents were also present.

The guests provided an update on the project which included the construction of two public viewing platforms in the new year. The scheduled drop-in sessions mentioned at the

September meeting had been postponed until early 2025. On the Express Park side pre-cast piling was scheduled to begin in December. The work was dependent on wind and weather conditions. An extensive question time followed. Mr May referred to the prospect of a landscaping project on the Express Park side of the barrier. At present things were at a very early stage with funding separate from the Barrier project. The plan was for some concept drawings to be prepared which would be followed by a public consultation including an event at Chilton Trinity Village Hall. Reference was also made by Mr May to Suttons Pond (owned by the Somerset Wildlife Trust) in the Parish and the prospect of re-opening the facility. A preliminary quote obtained by the WWT
(£12/£15,000) to reinstate the bank was thought by residents to be too low. Mr May stated the matter would receive further consideration.
The Chairman thanked the guests for their contributions and he looked forward to future participation as the projects proceed.

Public Speaking Time: Right of Way fenced-off – Chairman would investigate.

* * * * *

39. Apologies for absence, disclosures of interest and dispensations.
An apology for absence was received from Somerset Ward Councillor Mr M Caswell. Mr Hobbs disclosed a pecuniary interest in agenda item 8a – Payment of creditors.
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. Mr Hobbs also disclosed a pecuniary interest as a party associated to grass cutting arrangements –
Reference Minute 44. b) v) below.

40. Minutes of Previous Meetings.
The minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 4th September 2024 were presented. These were approved and signed as a true and complete record.

41. Matters Arising: –
a) 31a – Local Community Network, Dowsborough Group – The Chairman and Mrs Hook reported on the meeting held 11th September at Wembdon.
The main topic was health and wellbeing in local communities. Disappointment was expressed that the expected representative from
Connection Devon and Somerset had failed to attend. (It was later learnt that the project would not be completed). The next meeting of the LCN would be
on 11th December in Nether Stowey –the Chairman and Mrs Hook would attend. (Meeting was postponed due to staff illness).
b) 31b – River Parrett Barrier Project – Members considered matters given in the presentation earlier. Disappointment was expressed at the absence of
constructive responses to many of the issues raised previously.
c) 36c – Broken Finger Post Sign – Chilton Road / Straight Drove. The Chairman reported on discussions held with Somerset Forge Ltd, who had
undertaken similar projects with other Parish Councils. An indication of the likely cost depending of the extent of work required had been received. After
a discussion it was agreed that a formal quotation be obtained to refurbish the post with two fingers, the broken finger and to supply and fit new cast finger
(to replace existing wooden sign which was rotten). The quotation would be circulated to members for comment and if appropriate the contractor would be
notified of the Council’s acceptance. The cost of the work would be met from funds held under the Community Infrastructure Levy.

42. Planning Matters.
a) Decisions notified by the Local Planning Authority and recorded – None.
b) Local Plan Early Engagement Consultation.
The Clerk reported that details of the process – an email had been forwarded to members the previous day. The closing date for feedback to Somerset
Council was 30th November 2024. In the circumstances it was agreed that if members had any comments these would be forwarded to the Clerk by 25th
November.
43. Phone box surrounds.
Further to Minute 34 – 4th September 2024; the Chairman reported that he had contacted the owner of the adjoining property. There was no objection to improving
the surface by the box which would differ from the area outside their property. There was agreement that two quotations would be sought to tarmac the area surrounding
the former phone box and that delegated authority be given to the Chairman in consultation with the Clerk to accept a quotation and report back to a future meeting.
44. Financial Matters.
a) National Association of Local Councils Circular – Local Government
Services Pay Agreement 2024/25 – Contents noted.
b) Payment of Creditors
The following payments were confirmed/approved:-

i) Somerset Council – Dog Waste Collection – £356.93 (£297.44 +
£59.49 VAT) – cheque No. 271.
ii) Mr P Felton – Window Box Contents – £20.68 ( £17.23 + £3.45 VAT) –
cheque No. 274.
iii) Clerk’s Salary, expenses etc – £927.70 – Cheque No. 275.
iv) HMRC – Employment Related – £194.40 – Cheque No. 276.
v) D & L Hobbs – Grass Cutting – £743.40 (£619.50 + £123.90 VAT) –
Cheque No. 277.
(Mr Hobbs having disclosed a pecuniary interest in item 44 b v) was absent whilst the matter was discussed. The ensuing discussion included a report
from the Chairman regarding the engagement for the works, Members agreed that the action taken was of best value to the Council).
c) Bank Reconciliation Statement as at 30th September 2024.
The Clerk presented a statement together with supporting papers, these were examined by Members and agreed as correct.
d) Community Infrastructure Levy Funds.
Further to Minute 35c – 4th September 2024, members agreed that the refurbishment to the fingerpost and ground improvement works by the former
telephone box would be met from CIL Funds held. Other potential application of the funds held would be discussed at a future meeting it being noted that
some monies would be at risk of recall if not spent within the current financial year.
e) Bank Charges.
The Clerk reported that a letter had been received from Lloyds Bank stating that the Council’s Treasurers’ Account [current account] was being replaced
by A Community Account from 14th January 2025. The account would be subject to a monthly maintenance fee of £4.25 and charges for some other
transactions would apply. Research had indicated that there was no practical alternative banking facility available. The situation was noted and an
appropriate allowance would be made in the preparation of budgets.
f) Grant Application – Somewhere House, Somerset – Deferred.
45. Roads and Footpaths.
a) Chilton Road – Crossing to/from “New” Footpath.
Further to Minute 36b – 4th September 2024; the Chairman was pleased to report that the faded “Slow” sign had been repainted. The Highway Authority
had agreed that a similar message would be painted on the road which would be seen when approaching from the opposite direction. The work was listed to
be undertaken before the end of the financial year.
b) New Footpath – Enquire for a memorial bench.
The Chairman and Clerk reported on an approach received about sponsorship of a memorial bench desired to be located on the new footpath. This was the
first time such a requested had been received. In view of the sensitive nature which led to the approach, there was agreement that the Chairman and Mrs
Felton would meet the person concerned to gain further information and discuss possible options which would then be considered at a future Parish
Council meeting.
c) Straight Drove – Pot Hole.
Further to Minute 36d – 4th September 2024; the Chairman reported that the pothole had been repaired.
d) Woodland Trust – Free Trees Pack.
Further to Minute 36e – 4th September 2024; the Chairman reported that the Parish Council’s application had been successful. A pack of 15 trees, a mix of of three species were expected to be delivered in March.
e) Signage – New Footpath (School End).
The Chairman reported on an incident where two cyclists abused a dog walker along the Parish Council owned segment of the footpath. This part of
the footpath was narrower than the remaining length of the path which had been adopted by the Highway Authority. On the grounds of public safety, it
was considered appropriate if cyclists could be asked to dismount whilst using the Parish Council’s section. There was agreement that relevant
signage be obtained and displayed.
f) Hedge Cutting.
Pursuant to Minute 36g – 4th September 2024; the Chairman reported that a site meeting had been arranged with the contractor to discuss the height of
the cut required.

46. Arrangements for Future Meetings
Members agreed that they wished for Parish Council meetings to continue to be held every other month on the first Wednesday in the Village Hall. The exception for
2025 would be the January meeting which would be held on 8th. The Clerk to contact the Bookings Secretary to see if the preferred dates were available.
47. Topics for Future Meetings: None.

48. Dates of next meetings – Wednesday, 8th January 2025 at 7.30pm.

Meeting closed at 10.00 pm.

Chairman