Present: Cllr. R W G Butt (Chairman)

Public Session:

Mr. Peter Provest asked if, after the meeting, he could look at the list of supported bus services mentioned in Item 4 of the agenda. He had an interest wearing another hat. Chairman agreed,

1. Minutes of a meeting of the Environment Committee held on 4^th November 2002

These minutes, which had been previously circulated, were taken as read agreed a true record and signed by the Chairman.

2. Mr. Mike Fuller, Co-ordinator of the Avon and Somerset Parish Wardens Scheme

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Fuller who then proceeded to describe his work and the work of the wardens. He mentioned the facts that the present schemes were started in June 2001 and now covered 8 rural and 7 urban areas embracing 32 parishes. He described their hours, uniforms, vehicles, communications and the types of work taken on after prompts from the community, parish council or police. He said that funding came from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the District Councils and sometimes industry. A steering committee and strategy group administered them. They did 6 weeks training in the classroom and 2 weeks on the beat. Their hours in most areas covered from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cllr. Bolwell asked if they had teeth, as he could see no value in the job unless the Wardens had some form of deterrent to bad behaviour like the threat of arrest etc. Mr. Fuller said that Wardens tend to have a better rapport with youths and could usually defuse a situation without antagonism. Their main aim was to act as crime prevention officers.

Cllr. Mrs. Thomas asked if they could help in the fight against drugs. Mr. Fuller said that they had proved useful in identifying addicts and sellers, reporting new dealing sites and places of injection.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Fuller for his very comprehensive presentation and promised that the subject would be put on the next agenda for this committee.

3. Matter arising from the minutes of 4^th November 2002

Road Safety, Orchard Way

A reply has been received from B&NES with reference to the possibility of installing a pedestrian refuge in the centre of Orchard Way near its junction with French Close. The letter explained that the road width at that point will not allow a refuge and the proximity of French Close would not allow the refuge to be in the most natural crossing place. They would try to help the situation using other methods such as white lining. The lady who raised the point has been written to directly by B&NES. Noted.

4. To consider the Committee's underspend for the year 2002/2003 and to formulate a precept requirement for the year 2003/2004

The Clerk had circulated with the agenda two reports which covered funding committed for this year, possible schemes to be agreed to take up the estimated underspend for this year and an updated Action Plan to cover this year and possible schemes for next year.

Minutes of a meeting of the Environment Committee held on 16^th December 2002. Page two.

The Chairman explained that, although these two items appeared as separate items on the agenda, he would like to take the two together, as the two sets of figures were co-related. He also took the item early so that the officer from B&NES could leave as soon as possible.

His suggestions for new capital schemes to replace schemes that had been forced from the Action Plan by various changes in circumstance were discussed.

It was agreed that £3485 out of the estimated £4675 underspend this year should be spent on capital projects which will enhance the floral displays next year.

The Action Plan for next year was then studied and debated at length and Mr. Steele from the Footpaths Section of B&NES had kindly attended the meeting to advise on footpath signing and a possible footpath map. It was pointed out by the Clerk, Cllr. Jovcic-Sas and the Chairman of Council that £2000 free money from B&NES could be invested into footpath signage and it was decided that, together with funding from this Council, much of the work could be done next year.

The provision of a bus shelter outside the proposed new shops on the Ashgrove Motors site seems not as sure now that the applicant has withdrawn his application. It was therefore decided that the original idea for a cantilever style shelter outside the Methodist Church should be looked at again for next year. The Clerk said that he thought using our usual contractor, a shelter with long legs that could be fixed in the Chapel car park could be funded for £1000 as £500 can be claimed from B&NES.

It was eventually agreed after long deliberation that a bid of £5365 should be put to the Finance Committee to fund this committee for the year 2003/2004.

The Clerk promised a full report and updated Action Plan would be sent to all members of the Council as soon as possible.

5. Correspondence

A letter was received from B&NES advising this Council that this very night a meeting was being held in the Guildhall to carry out the annual review of supported bus services - this Council was asked to send a delegate. Members noted that small changes were proposed to the timetables of some supported services, those mainly running early in the morning. Some members pointed out that First and BBC seemed to run their services at the same time - other members were not sure if B&NES could do much about the practice. Mr. Provest was given sight of the proposals.

6. Progress report on the new POS

Cllr. McInnes repeated his suggestion made at the earlier Planning Committee meeting that he would like Cllr. Butt, his co-Clerk of the Works to meet him on site after Christmas when a list of anxieties could be formulated for the Clerk to send to the contractors. He felt that more progress should have been made considering the money already advanced to the contractor. Cllrs. Butt and McInnes were asked to carry out the proposed visit.

Meeting closed at 9.20 p.m.