Minutes of a meeting of the Parish Council, which took place on Monday 14 February 2011.

Cllrs Humphreys (Chair), England, Hallett, Hawkins, Rowswell, Wakely, Messrs P Robathan & K Ronaldson (District Councillors). APOLOGIES Cllrs Cripps, Sarker, Walshe, Mrs A Larpent (County Councillor) and PCSO Rachel Napper.

Mr Ronaldson said the District Council had resolved to call on the Highways Agency to restore the status of the A303 to the second strategic road route in the South West and to upgrade it through South Somerset by dualling the stretch from Sparkford to Podimore and making a grade separated junction at Cartgate. The District Council is opposing the proposed closure of the Crewkerne Waste & Recycling Centre.

Mr Robathan spoke about the County Council’s proposal to close some of the libraries and said the one in South Petherton is due for closure on 1 April 2012 unless a solution can be found. He is chairing the group which is campaigning to keep a library in South Petherton, which will involve finding a building and raising the funds to run it.

Cllrs Hawkins and Cripps went to the well attended meeting at Brympton Way to consider changes in public service provision, which was very interesting and made parishes aware that the only way forward is by working together.

Since the last meeting, cheques have been drawn for:

Accounts were settled for:

Permission has been granted for the erection of an orangery to dwelling and re-building of existing store at The Old Rectory, Great Lane.

The planting at Cowleaze has taken place and the parish is very grateful for the dedication of the team who are organising the project. Cllr Hallett wondered, now that the fencing is in place, how the ditch can be cleaned out. Page 359

The Paparazzi Party was very successful, raising approximately £1,000.

It was decided to postpone the discussion on extending the Recreation Field Lease until Cllr Walshe is present.

The Parish Council was asked to complete a survey on flooding for the County Council and this will be done by Cllrs England and Hallett.

The Committee is looking into training for the Lengthsman to carry out play equipment inspections.

Love Lane will be closed from 28 February for up to 14 days to enable sewer and service connections to be carried out.

Work will begin in mid February on the entrance to the new Southfields Maintenance Depot and will involve closing the A303 over night and diverting traffic.

A query was raised as to whether the Fish & Chip Van could park in a safer position and the Chairman will ask the advice of the PCSO. It was noted that a drain has been put in across the top of Great Lane. Mr Ronaldon will report potholes in Hollow Lane and Shells Lane. A parishioner had expressed concern about the large lorries along the narrow Barrington Main.

The path to Barrington has been made less slippery by cutting steps into the slope.

There is a very serious problem of dog fouling on pavements in the village and at Cowleaze. The Dog Warden will be making extra patrols in view of this health hazard and offenders will be prosecuted.
The meeting closed at 8.40 pm.