The meeting was held in the Chapel at 7.30 PRESENT: Mr M Baddeley, in the Chair, Mr S Burgess,  Mr M Newport and Mr G Salter. APOLOGIES Received from Mr D Parsons and Mrs R Clark. IN ATTENDANCE: Mr Clark, SCC Councillor; Mr J Williams, TDBC Councillor; Mrs M Pearse, Clerk and 7 members of the parish. Constable 1558 Raich Reading and his colleaugue Pete (a volunteer ) dropped by to introduce themselves as they had recently been transferred to Neroche & Blackdown parish areas Tel 0845 456 7000 Voicemail 01823 3653287 71558 THE MINUTES having been circulated were taken as read and signed as correct by the Chairman. Proposed by Mr G Salter. Seconded by Mr M Baddeley. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT No further word from Highways re A358. Food alleviation works not yet been tested, the brook being cleared, Greenway Farm drainage still need attention. Policing in the village (lack of) raised nearly every meeting. Community Bobbies come, are promised assistants and then go also as fast as they came. Chief Constable invited to meet with all 47 PC Chairmen, the offer declined. Matter to be pursued. 13,000 new homes idea dropped, new Regional Spatial Strategy out - check to ensure they've not crept back in. Highways ignore most reports of minor repairs needed, more orange paint used than tarmac. Hedgcutting still another bone of contention, cow parsley growing as never before. Broughton Lane impossible to exit safely. (see PQT). TDBC COUNCILLOR'S REPORT Mr Williams reported that now that Stonehenge plans had been rejected the RDA has passed the money to the SW Regional Assembly and spread from Tewkesbury to Land's End it was spread too thin for major upgrades. the Henlade bypass would be part of a three stage improvement but not this year. 564 new homes needed for rent / buy, still shortfall - now looking at "exceptional sites". Passing council homes to Housing Assn and Govt directive. They are able to borrow money not at taxpayers expense to maintain & improve the stock, if TDBC keep the houses Council Tax payer foot the bill as govt had a proportion of the rent. Housing Assn retain all the rent. Tenants will all have opportunity to vote and have been circulated a very well though out leaflet explaining all. Most uninterested, think it's just a "big con". TDBC staff would be transferred and carry on with their jobs. SC COUNCILLIOR'S REPORT Mr Clark reported that SCC had a year of mixed fortunes. Their Comprehensive performance assessment had rated their Adult Social care and that of Children & Young People very good, but the fire service rated less well. The Fire Service now to merge with Devon with the single control centre in Taunton. It is not possible to improve the rural transport situation without more money. The Park & Ride figure not very encouraging. P & R to Musgrove already for staff but the hours are very restricted, may be extended to patients and visitors too. Of their failures Mr Clark mentioned the highest C. Tax rise in the country, the increase in the number of emloyees, the highways dept millions in arrears. Wyvern Waste been sold to M32. SCHOOL GOVERNOR'S REPORT Title now Sponsor Governor representing 2 parishes. School now almost 200 pupils, plenty of interest in new admissions. New Car Park commenced. Somerset Landscapes tender been accepted, will provide approx 20 more spaces. After 25 years Mr B Crudge to retire in September 2007, his replacement being selected. A celebration of his tenure to be arranged. PLANNING REPORT Mr M Newport reported that there had been now large developments this year, that having attended a TDBC planning information meeting he had discovered the enforcement officers were greatly overworked and plans had now been put in place to ensure no repetition of Oxen Lane in North Curry could occur. VILLAGE HALL REPORT Mr G Salter explained that the kitchen had been refurbished and he thanked all the volunteers for their hard work. A sub-committee had been formed to arrange functions to encourage locals to use the Hall. The Christmas party had been a success and other non-profit making functions in the pipeline. the boiler and the oil-tank have been renewed and moved and other repairs are pending. the Hall is now making money on the lettings. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME The usual topics were raised, hopefully the new policing arrangements will last a little longer, the hedges may be cut earlier and the potholes mended quicker. There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.50pm. Chairman..................................................... date..................................................