PRESENT Cllrs Hallett (Chair), Cripps, England, Hawkins, Rowswell, Sarker, Wakely, Messrs P Robathan & K Ronaldson (District Councillors) and two prospective candidates for the County Council Election – Mr Brian Smith and Mrs Anne Larpent.

APOLOGIES Cllrs A Humphreys, B Walshe.

MINUTES The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and signed.

No interests were declared.

Mr Ronaldson advised that the District Council was unable to trim the high hedge at Piece Lane as it would have meant going over private land but they will try to reduce it with a tractor and flail. If potholes in the road have not been repaired by the following Wednesday, Mr Ronaldson said he would give a reminder at the Area North Meeting. The PCSO for this area is now Charlotte Rogers.

Mr Robathan advised that the Council tax will be increased by 2.74% by the County Council and 3.75% by the District Council and it will not be necessary to cut any services. South Somerset has chosen not to collect plastic or cardboard this year as this would have added 8% to the Council tax.

No objections were raised to an application to erect replacement single storey rear extension to Brookside, Robins Lane.

The Cowleaze Meadow Group had applied to Wessex Water for a grant towards a site survey and were disappointed that only £250 was offered.

Cllr Hawkins had invited volunteers to help with the Parish Plan Review but had received no response.
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Cllr Rowswell had drafted a letter to be sent to Roger Meecham and Mike Fear on the subject of the recent flooding and drainage problems. Various potholes and landslips will be reported as will the depositing over hedges of soil cleared from the roads.

Mr Mark Doble will be thanked for his snow clearing work. Ian Morrison replied to the request to be included on the priority salting route, saying that he would put the suggestion forward for consideration at the end of the season.

The Clerk will further stress the need in view of the bus route and the Branstons Depot.

The Parish Council’s attention was drawn to an overhanging hedge on the west side of Lambrook Road on the edge of the village and the Clerk will ask the landowner to trim it.

Cllr England advised of a blocked drain in Washcross Lane.

This will take place at Long Sutton Village Hall on 26 March and Cllr Cripps will attend.

The meeting closed at 8.40 pm.