Chairman's Report
Annual Meeting of the Parish 13th May 2013 – Chairman’s Report for April 2012 to March 2013
Our Council has had the full quota of nine Parish Councillors for the full term since April 2012
Planning Applications and Developments
In the course of the year the Council dealt with 16 planning applications. This is 10 less than last year; we also continue to closely monitor any infringements on planning agreements.
Church Farm Scaffolding
Concerns as to the safety of the Church Farm scaffolding was brought to the Parish Council’s attention. The Council in turn brought the matter to the attention of the Health and Safety Executive in Bristol. They informed the Council that they wrote to the owner who said he would have the scaffolding inspected. We are being continually reminded of its unsightly appearance but have no powers to rectify this.
Parish Plan for Highways and Environment
The Council continue to address and consult with B&NES Traffic Department on traffic and safety issues within the Parish.We await finance to carry out works at the Paulton Road / A39 junction and the Parish Council’s suggested scheme for the improvements to the adjacent land are still with the B&NES Traffic and Safety Team who are carrying out a feasibility study of the whole area. Also a village gateway in Paulton Road is still a consideration if funds permit.
Phase 1 of the Hallatrow Hill footway programmed for 2012/2013 began last month.
The Council is being kept up to date with the progress which I am assured will recommence imminently. Having gained access to the specification of works Councillor Kew has insisted that the retaining walls are to be constructed of stone and not brick as proposed which I am sure you will agree will be far more in keeping with the character of the surrounding area.
Yellow lines opposite the Star Inn bus stop
The B&NES Traffic Regulation Orders Officer recently informed the Council, the proposals for the no waiting area for the High Street opposite the Star Inn, are in the next Traffic Order. The Council has approved of the proposed drawings received for comment as we feel this is a serious ‘bottle neck’ in our village and with housing developments that are underway in neighbouring villages and the proposals that are being voiced for future development in the area this situation of traffic build up here can only deteriorate.
Harts Lane traffic issues/problems
Members of the public have attended Parish Council meetings regularly to discuss with the Council, possible solutions to the speeding, volume, and size of traffic using Harts Lane. The public have produced documentation highlighting the dangers encountered in this lane and have independently raised these issues with the B&NES Traffic Engineer with suggested solutions for consideration. Councillor Kew and myself have been in consultation with the Traffic Engineer Mr. Stefan Chivers to consider the options that would help to make this area a safer place for all the public and in particular the children that use this road to access the village and school.
Parking
For nearly six years the Parish Council has been chasing B&NES Parking to have installed waiting restrictions in the lay-by by Eastwood Close. The B&NES Traffic Regulation Orders Officer recently informed the Council that the Outer Area TRO which covers the proposals in Eastwood Close is in the next Traffic Order to be processed. The Council has approved the proposed drawings received for comments.
Public Transport
Bus shelters and bus stops feature regularly on the agenda. The Council are aware of the flooding problems of the White Cross bus shelter. The matter is in hand
Footpaths
We continue to monitor the conditions of footpaths. As agreed last year, Curo (Somer Housing Trust) installed solar bollards at the request of the Parish Council.
The B&NES Public Footpath Officer informed the Council that a request had been received to move the left stone of the keyhole stile on footpath CL 11/24 (Wells Road) to create a larger area. The Council objected strongly to this alteration of the keyhole stile as it was feared that the stones could be damaged and we could see no real reason to spend valuable resources moving a traditional landmark that had been in place for longer than I can remember. The Council were supported by their decision by many members of the public, however a local minority had requested this alteration. The B&NES Footpath Officer stated that although the Council were being consulted for an opinion, the decision would rest with the ‘Footpath Officer’ for B&NES. We note that the stones have been moved and accept that the Officer is better placed to make these decisions than the Parish Council, the conservation of our heritage being of little importance.
Parish Council “News and Views”
Councillor Mrs V Smith suggested to the Council that High Littleton and Hallatrow have a Parish News magazine. After many discussions and research the Council agreed that this would be a valuable asset for the Parish. The magazine entitled “News and Views” has received a great deal of positive feedback, our thanks to Vicki. “News and Views” has replaced the Parish Council’s newsletter. I would like to thank all those who contributed to the Newsletter over the years, the distributers and especially to our editor Bob Hitchens.
Recreation Ground Committee
We continue to support the Recreation Ground Committee financially under the agreed ‘Terms and Conditions for the Financial Support to the Recreation Ground’. The Parish Council provide donations to the grass cutting, maintenance and insurance.
Dog fouling continues to be a problem in the Parish especially in the Recreation Ground, when dog waste is left for others to remove. The Council try to reduce this problem by supplying poop bags for parishioners to use. This problem has been discussed with the B&NES Dog Warden who now patrols the Recreation Ground.
Our Council recognise that the Recreation Ground members carry out a sterling job and are dedicated to providing this wonderful amenity for us, we thank them for all the time and effort that is expended to achieve this.
Cemetery & Grass Cutting
The Parish Council continue to finance the grass cutting
The Council organised a survey report on the health and condition of the trees in the cemetery. The report has been sent to the Holy Trinity PCC who have agreed for the works can be undertaken over the next 3 year period. The Parish Council have allocated finance for this project.
Youth Issues
The Community Bus team have sourced funding until July 2013. They now park in Greyfield Road due to difficulties parking at the Methodist Church car park.
Grants
This year we agreed to the following grant awards:-
Midsomer Norton, Radstock & District Dial-a-Ride - £150.
Mary Jones Charity - £250.
High Littleton with Farmborough Brownies - £60.
New Community Arts Trail - £175
Allotments
The 5 allotments at the end of Highbury Road in Hallatrow are fully allocated. We still have a long waiting list. The Council are looking once again at the possibility of land owners offering their land for the use for allotments. We are making enquiries to B&NES, to see if they can help with finding more land.
Parish Sweeping
Since the Parish Council left the B&NES Parish sweeping scheme, it was noted by the public and Council that a deterioration in the cleanliness of the streets. The Council brought this to the attention of the B&NES Neighbourhood Environmental Manager. We were informed that the Parish Agency money which was allotted to us was not transferred to Neighbourhood Services to enable them to provide a replacement satisfactory service. The Council decided to rejoin the Parish Sweeping scheme last November and employ a Contractor to provide a thorough street clean twice a year. The question of what happens to the Parish Agency money no longer used when a Parish Council leaves the Parish Agency Scheme, has been put to B&NES Councillors. We are asking why the agency allowance cannot be transferred to the B&NES Neighbourhood Services to keep our streets clean but up to now have not received any satisfactory answer, we will continue to press this subject with BANES.
B&NES Core Strategy and Placemaking Plans
The Parish Council keep up to date with the progress of the B&NES Core Strategy and Placemaking Plans. The B&NES Council discussed the status of the Core Strategy at a meeting held on 4th March 2013. B&NES agreed to a number changes to the submitted Core for development which will be presented to the Inspector in July 2013. Banes are set the task to find development sites for the construction of much needed housing and will need to build wherever a space exists. We have set up a sub-committee for the purpose to inform the Placemaking Plan of possible available land for development, if you feel there is land suitable for the construction of new homes we would be pleased to hear of any proposals.
Legal and Procedural Issues and Statutory Requirements
The Councils Accounts for 2011- 2012 successfully withstood internal and external audit, with no material observations raised.
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 2012
The 2 Jubilee street parties in High Littleton and one in Hallatrow were a great success. The Council received many positive comments.
Broadband speed in the Parish
The Council have been liaising with parishioners who have been looking into a superfast Broadband speed for the Parish, our speeds are considerably slower than some of our neighbouring parishes, there is a roll out program for betterment and it would be good if we could tap into this. It is felt that by registering as publicised this will enhance our chance of this much needed facility, I have registered have you?
And Finally……
I wish to give a special thank you to all the Councillors and the Clerk for their dedication and hard work throughout the term.
Chairman of High Littleton and Hallatrow Parish Council Paul Wyatt
Annual Meeting of the Parish 14th May 2012 – Chairman’s Report for April 2011 to March 2012
In February 2012, Mr Ken Staplin resigned as Councillor for The High Littleton and Hallatrow Parish Council. Mr Stuart Brien from Hallatrow was co-opted on to the Council in March 2012. The Council welcome Stuart, and we thank you for joining us
Planning Applications and Developments
In the course of the year the Council dealt with 26 planning applications (including resubmissions). This is 2 less than last year. The Council closely monitor any infringements on planning agreements.
Parish Plan for Highways and Environment
The Council continue to address and consult with B&NES Traffic Department, traffic and safety issues within the Parish.
The Batch (A39 and Timsbury Road junction) has received new railings. The whole area of the Batch is a marked improvement and is now an attractive feature of the village
At present we are in consultation with the B&NES Traffic Engineer with regards to the feasibility study of the proposed roundabout at the Paulton Road and A39 junction. The Council have themselves designed drawings for the improvements to the Triangle. These are at present being reviewed by the B&NES Traffic and Safety Team. We have asked B&NES if a village gateway in Paulton Road could be considered.
We have had sight and commented on drawings produced B&NES Traffic Engineer, for the proposed footway from the Hallatrow gateway to the Bookbarn.
Also in progress is proposed works for a footpath from Hallatrow to High Littleton. Phase 1 of the Hallatrow Hill footway is programmed for 2012/2013 financial year. Money has been set aside for the following year for the phase 2 feasibility study.
Parking
For nearly five years the Parish Council has been chasing B&NES Parking to have installed waiting restrictions in the lay-by north of Eastwood Close, High Littleton. The Parish Council were informed that it would be in the 2009/2010 financial programme. The Council are still pressing B&NES for a date.
Public Transport
Bus shelters and bus stops feature regularly on the agenda. The Council continue to monitor these matters. B&NES Public Transport have installed a second hand bus shelter at Rosewell Community Home, they have installed a bus shelter at Paulton Road and also financially assisted the Parish Council in repairs to the White Cross bus shelter.
Footpaths
We continue to monitor the conditions of footpaths. There have been no major problems with the footpaths this year. However, a request was made to Somer Housing Trust for lighting on the footpath that connects Rotcombe Lane and Eastover Road. Somer Housing have agreed to put in solar bollards.
Parish Meetings venue
The Parish Council monthly meetings ceased to be held at the High Littleton Royal British Legion Club in April last year. The Head Office of the Royal British Legion decided to close the premises. We looked into possibilities that would ensure that the building would remain open and used by the community, as opposed to becoming another boarded up building. Despite the Council’s great efforts, there was not sufficient interest by the community to make use of the building.
The Council are grateful to have the use of a school room at the High Littleton Primary School; we thank Mr Griffiths and his staff for their help.
Recreation Ground Committee
We continue to support the Recreation Ground Committee financially under the agreed ‘Terms and Conditions for the Financial Support to the Recreation Ground’. The Parish Council provide donations to the grass cutting, maintenance and insurance.
Cemetery & Grass Cutting
The Parish Council continue to finance the grass cutting
Youth Issues
During the summer in 2011, B&NES Youth Service organised a programme for the Youth Mobile Bus to the village for 24 weeks. Unfortunately, it has been recently confirmed that there is no further funding available for the mobile bus to visit High Littleton. The Community Bus fortnightly visit will cease in July 2012. The Community Bus team are trying to source funding to enable the visits to carry on from September 2012.
Grants
The Parish Council awarded Midsomer Norton Ring and Ride a grant of £100 and Mary Jones Charity £200.
Allotments
The 5 allotments at the end of Highbury Road in Hallatrow are fully allocated. We currently have a long waiting list! The Council have made efforts to relieve this waiting list by looking for further sites but to date have been unsuccessful.
Parish Sweeping
September 2011 saw the retirement of both the Parish Council employed Road Sweepers. The Council therefore decided to leave the Parish Sweeping Scheme. It was noted by the public and Council that a deterioration in the cleanliness of the streets was noticeable. The Parish Council have been liaising with B&NES Environmental Manager to address the problem.
Newsletter
The Newsletter continues to be published on approximately on a quarterly basis providing the Parish with information of the Council’s activities and other organisations. Once again the Council wishes to thank all those who contributed, the distributers and especially to our editor Bob Hitchens.
B&NES Core Strategy – Policy C Village Capacity Work
The B&NES Core Strategy is the primary document in the Local Development Framework B&NES suite of planning documents. It will sets out the long term spatial vision for Bath & North East Somerset up to 2026 and the broad locations for new housing, jobs and other strategic developments. All Parish Council have been requested to make their representations. High Littleton and Hallatrow Parish Council have objected strongly to the possible inclusion of a housing development. Developments in the Core Strategy are being closely monitored by the Parish Council. Our thanks to Nicholas for all his work steering us through this process.
The Co-op site in High Littleton
The Council still receive complaints of the unkempt old Co-operative site in the High Street. We have enlightened Jacob – Rees-Mogg MP of this ongoing problem
Legal and Procedural Issues and Statutory Requirements
The Councils Accounts for 2010-2011 successfully withstood internal and external audit, with no material observation raised.
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 2012
Vicki and Keith have been very much involved in organising Jubilee Street Parties, one in High Littleton and Hallatrow. The Parish Council have purchased celebration mugs for the children of the parish
And Finally……
I wish to give a special thank you to all the Councillors and the Clerk for their increasing hard work and dedication
Chairman of High Littleton and Hallatrow Parish Council Paul Wyatt