Present: Cllr. R W G Butt (Chairman)

Mr. Chegwyn, a tenant of an allotment asked to comment on the new rules, which the Clerk had recently circulated. He referred to the gate and he agreed that it should always be closed - and even locked. It had been agreed two years ago that it should be replaced, but after suggestions from tenants that it could be repaired this committee agreed. A local engineer has now looked at the gate and he had stated that it was beyond repair. Mr. Chegwyn supplied a quote from a local engineer and asked if it was possible to revert to the decision to replace?

The committee agreed that, due to pressure from the landlord, the gate and posts should be replaced and the Clerk was asked to obtain a further quote and after a positive consultation with the Chairman place an order to proceed. It was also agreed that a good quality lock be purchased, together with the required number of keys to supply each plot holder. Clerk reported that the whole cost could be paid from the "repairs" head.

1. Minutes of a meeting of the Environment Committee held on 14^th April 2003

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

2. Matters arising from the minutes of 14^th April 2003

Flower Displays

Clerk reported that the new Caretaker at the Cemetery was now in post and had agreed to take on the flower basket watering and various other tasks for this committee i.e. grass cutting under seats etc. The Clerk reported that the baskets are now with the contractor and that planting would start this week. Cllr. Mrs. Thomas again stressed the fact that some tubs would also need watering and the Chairman said that he would be looking at the programme when he accompanies the Caretaker on his first exploratory run.

3. Correspondence

a). CPRE. Cllr. Mrs. Matthews agreed to attend the tea party in the CPRE Chairman's garden on 15^th June.

b). B&NES Surface Dressing Programme. The committee noted that Keels Hill and Whitebrook Lane would be dressed this summer.

c). Mr. A Hastings. Mr. Hastings has again written to the Clerk asking when the extra planting will be done on the new POS as children were now playing ball games very close to the houses in Morgan Way. Members recounted that the area in question had already been debated at two previous meetings and the request from Mr. Hastings had been sympathetically agreed. It was still felt though that the job should be done later when bare rooted trees could be purchased. The Clerk reported that, when the main contractor carries out his contractual replacement programme in the fall he is willing to supply and/or plant the new trees at that time. Members agreed to delay any more planting until the fall.

d). B&NES Local Transport Plan - Annual Progress Report Public Exhibition

There were no volunteers to attend.

e). Mrs. Dyson

Mrs. Dyson, who is the wife of one of the allotment holders, has written complaining generally about the new rules and the fact that they had not improved the appearance of the plots. She was not happy that the rents had been raised with no apparent improvement in the administration of the plots. She stated that nothing was happening.

Chairman suggested that he write to Mrs. Dyson - the committee agreed especially as improvements to the entrance had been agreed this evening.

4. Matters referred from the Annual Council Meeting held on 12^th May 2003

a). Derelict property - 73, Ashgrove

The committee debated the progress so far and it was agreed that this Council had got nowhere in getting the property tidied up. It was eventually agreed that the Clerk write now to the B&NES Solicitor asking for his advice on how to progress with the problem.

b). Abandoned car in entrance of Belle Vue Close

After a lengthy debate it was agreed to take this problem to the B&NES Solicitor.

c). Section of land in the west end of the new POS

It was agreed that the gap in the hedge should remain and that, when the birds had finished nesting, a contractor with heavy cutting equipment should be asked to clear the area.

d). Footpaths crossing the by-pass

It was agreed that the Clerk contact the highways depart to see if pedestrian warning signs could be erected where the four busy footpaths cross the by-pass.

e). Rubbish mainly in footpaths

It was agreed that the Clerk write to the B&NES footpaths department asking if signs can be erected at the worst places bearing in mind their new initiative on composting.

5. Village Traffic Calming

The Chairman asked this committee to agree to his idea that a survey should be carried out on a random sample of, say, 500 homes in the village to determine exactly what the general public feels about the traffic calming. He said that this Council has to be careful in its support for, mainly, minority views on the calming - usually by motorists who would naturally like to progress through the village more quickly. What does the average pedestrian think? What does the average cyclist think? What does the average mother with toddler think? If some of the questions were composed to find out these facts, this Council would have a better slant on the effectiveness of the calming.

The Chairman showed members his rough idea for the A4 questionnaire and it was agreed that Cllr. Mrs. Matthews should compute the form into shape for a closer inspection next meeting.

6. Speed Warning Flashing Lights Systems

Cllr. Mrs. Thomas introduced the subject by saying that, although the Council turned down the idea previously, she felt the subject should be re-visited. She knew of several places between the traffic calming where 30 mph and above could still be attained. Members generally agreed and asked that the Clerk investigate their source and funding. 

7. Hand-held Speed Guns

Cllr. Mrs. Thomas also introduced this item. She said that the recent newspaper publicity had prompted her own theory that this method of shaming the motorist did work. It was agreed that the Clerk investigates their source.

8. Progress at the new POS

Clerk reported that most of the work was now done. The work on the improvement of the grass and the replacement of dead whips and trees in the fall was the only work still ongoing and still to pay for. Members discussed at length a recommendation to Council on a suitable date and format for the opening and eventually agreed that, possible 20^th September would be suitable. It was suggested that the Chairman of Council should carry out the opening in the early afternoon with the general public encouraged to bring a picnic while enjoying music supplied by this Council. Clerk to check with Chairman of Council.

9. Any other business, being an exchange of information for noting or placing on a future agenda

Clerk reported on a new scheme being run by the Countryside Agency to map countrywide all footpaths and common land. The Clerk had studied the first draft map and had noticed that the two pieces of common land in this parish were missing - this was noted and the Clerk will object to their omission.

Clerk reported a letter from 33, Morgan Way complaining about a large hole between her turning bay and the edge of the POS. Cllr. Mrs. Matthews will visit and investigate the complaint.

Meeting closed at 8.30 p.m.