The villages of
Stoke St. Mary, Thurlbear and Orchard Portman, Somerset, England.

Stoke St Mary Parish Council Minutes.
15th August 2001.

Both the TDBC Councillor(John Williams) and our newly elected County Councillor(Roderick Watson) were able to attend and gave guidance in their respective spheres. Councillor Watson (SCC) had that day, been to the village with an Atmos representitive to see just how deep and dangerous the potholes had become and he was pleased to tell the meeting that the village is now on the repair schedule. He also agreed to look into the reason for the delay in starting the Monmouth Walk repairs, and as an interim measure, Mr. R. Pearse and Mr. D. Parsons are to check the upper part to see if it is practical to remove some of the fallen timber by hand to improve the access. When questioned about time scale for the speed restriction, Councillor Watson was not optimistic - nearby villages are still waiting action after two years.

Councillor Williams explained the reasons behind the refusal for the Crown's planning application at the builders yard at Shoreditch. Although a brown field site, it is in the "wrong place" for housing. It was agreed to write to the planning department explaining why several Parish Councillors and some local residents had thought it a good idea, i.e.: clear up an eyesore, improve the dangerous road junction, particularly now that the Nursing Home wants to expand, and also to assist with the flooding. It was definitely the opinion of the council that the advantages outweighed the present situation.

In the play area, removal of the wooden surrounds and the chipping replaced with safety matting was discussed and the Clerk was asked to find out if this was a realistic option.

Mr. D. Parsons reported on the Village Fun Evening which although not intended as a fund raising event had generated a profit of around £350. He informed the council that the Millennium Committee had reformed as the Golden Jubilee Committee and plans were afoot to have four days of celebrations in June 2002. The plans for the Avenue of Trees, postponed due to the Foot and Mouth epidemic would continue in the autumn. The council also requested that the committee be asked to continue after next year's events with a view to raising funds to purchase an area of land within the village for a Village Green.
The next meeting was arranged for Wednesday 14th November 2001.

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