Minutes of a meeting of the Parish Council, which took place on Monday 10 January 2011.

Cllrs Humphreys (Chair), Cripps, England, Hawkins, Sarker, Wakely, Walshe, Mr P Robathan (District Councillor), Mrs A Larpent (County Councillor).

Cllrs Hallett, Rowswell, Mr K Ronaldson (District Councillor) and PCSO Rachel Napper.

There was one reported crime in the village during December. The Police have issued a warning about bogus ’Waterboard’callers tricking their way into people’s homes.

Mr Robathan spoke about the implications of the County Council cutbacks, expressing concern about the proposed reduction in road repairs, bus services, libraries, recycling centres and youth provision.

Mrs Larpent said the County Council will not be increasing council tax for the coming year and it is hoped that Parish Councils will have some leeway in their Precepts to cover some of the work the County Council is unable to do. No decisions on the spending cuts will be made until 22 February.
Mrs Larpent had seen the Winter Maintenance Map at County Hall and noted that the secondary gritting route from Lambrook stops at Shepton Beauchamp and she has asked for the village to be included. M r Doble had been asked to carry out work with his snow plough but was not allowed any grit to spread behind it. Mrs Larpent will report a large pothole at the Barrington Main crossroads.

The Precept for 2011/12 was agreed at £10,258, which is the same figure as the current year. Cheques were drawn

Cllrs Hawkins and Cripps will attend an event on 3 February at Brympton Way to consider changes to public service provision.
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Cllr Cripps reported that orchard planting is planned at Cowleaze on 29 January.

Cllr Walshe said the old hedge at the Recreation Field had been removed and 350 whips had been given to plant in its place.
Only two quotes had been received for the Children’s Play Area, and these were higher than expected, so further quotes will be sought.

The County Council is intending to cease funding for the Lengthsman but all the parishes in the scheme are keen to keep it going and feel they must hold the County Council to their three year contract.

Cllr Walshe will be installing a dispenser for dog fouling bags outside the Post Office and suggested the Parish Council considers putting some around the village.

Mr Robathan said that, as he and Mr Ronaldson will not be standing for re-election in May, they would be pleased to hear of any unfinished business the Parish Council would like followed up before then.
The meeting closed at 9 pm.