LUCCOMBE PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 30th October 2019 at 7:30 pm in Luccombe Village Hall

Attended by: Chair Mr H Harington (HH,) Mrs J Stapleford (JS),Mrs R Gande (RG), Mr J Dascombe (JD), Clerk Mrs R Clements, SWT Councillor Mr A Milne (AM), SCC Councillor Mrs F Nicholson

Members of the Public Mr C Wood (PVCCT), Mr M Butcher and Mr P Palmer

1. Apol/DCI Mr M Harding Apologies DCI Mrs J Stapleford re Mr F Stapleford Grass Cutting Invoice 2. Mr C Wood Mr Wood addressed the meeting talking about the Vale Coastal Community Team, how it came into being, the grant it was awarded and the Draft Economic Plan that has now been produced for consideration by, and circulated to, Porlock, , Without, Luccombe and Parish Councils. HH commented that the initiative is Government led ratherbeing directed by Local Councils, it is also funded by lottery money which makes the lottery a tax. HH felt that the Report did not put enough emphasis on Sustainability and Environment, the proposed planting of 100 trees is derisory and the Environmental impact of Tourism should be taken into account, local Hotels should source local produce. HH will write to the PVCCT. CW said that Porlock Parish Council has adopted a plan of sustainability, and HH had raised some well-made points. CW left the meeting at 7:50 3.Minutes The minutes of the meeting held on 7 Aug 2019 having been previously circulated were agreed and signed. 4. M.A. None 5. SWT AM - on the 8th October the full council adopted the Corporate Strategy to 2024, details of which can be found on the Councils website https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/your-council/corporate-strategy/ The Council is keen on combatting Climate Change but is installing an ice rink for 4 weeks with an estimated environmental cost of 5 1/2 tnes of CO2. All district carparks will be free for the 4 Saturdays leading up to Christmas. The Council are still orientating spending on the Taunton area AM continues to remind them of the West area, but it is hard work. Response times are still not good i.e. 6 months on licencing and 4 months on tree felling. The new computer system also continues to have teething problems. JS reported that the Notice advising the Public of the time detailing the Council Representation in the Library was incorrect as is the contact number. I t has been taken down by Library staff. There had also been no Representative on one specified day but no prior notice was given, angering the people who turned up to speak to her. AM reported on the Porlock Fire Station it is hoped that the Consultation Process can be challenged as there were many faults in the paperwork, Devon County are supporting this as they are in an even worse position.

6. SCC FN talked about Education and said that the schools no longer have a catchment area but unfortunately the buses do, e.g. Exford School children can go on to Wiveliscombe but have to pay for transport whereas School children have free transport to Wiveliscombe. Opportunity Area which was 323rd out of 323 areas managed to reach the national average. The Council were having to make permanent changes with short term money. Young Voices have recently held a meeting with representatives from SWAT district Council, SCC. North Devon Council and Local Housing Authorities and other businesses, to discuss the difficulties for young people who want to work and live on Exmoor. Regarding Highways FN spoke about works and road closures, diversions have to take Health and Safety into consideration. RG mentioned that the road from Luccombe to Brakeley steps had recently been closed because of flooding but all that needed to be done was to clear some leaves away from a drain. JD asked about the Bus service to Lynmouth which runs throughout the school holidays. JD felt it would be popular with the visitors in September and October, this is run by a commercial company and he was advised to contact them. 8:30 pm AM and FN left the meeting. 7. Member’s RG reported that a number of posts by the river in Stoney Street are bent, broken or rotted. RC to take photos and inform RC Reports Highways. A number of cars in Luccombe, had been vandalised last weekend with eggs and flour being thrown over them, cars in Wootton Courtenay, West Luccombe, Allerford and Bossington had similarly been targeted in an apparently mindless and motiveless attack. JD reported that chainsaws are being used to damage signposts. JS all quiet on the neighbourhood watch front. A Brexit scam regarding the availability of medicines was doing the rounds, also a young girl, pretending to be deaf and dumb, has been selling pictures. She has also been seen smoking and talking on a mobile phone. There ensued a discussion regarding a speed limit for the village as cars drive too fast into the village especially from the Wootton Courtenay direction, or whether repainting the “SLOW” signs would help. RC to ask Highways. HH the telephone box will not be removed as there is no mobile signal in the area HH has asked for the conservation aspect to be taken into consideration as well to protect the box in the future.

8. Planning A Planning application has been lodged for a building at West Luccombe Farm. All in favour. Planning for the transmitters on the Church tower has been submitted. 9. Finance Payments: Fred Stapleford in anticipation of his pending invoice for £600, the Clerk 6 monthly salary of £558.43 minus bank RC charges of £20 again! Dorset Air Ambulance £50, Budget and Bank Reconciliation all approved and signed. 10. AOB Exford and Porlock PC’s want a salt bin at Chetsford Bridge which is in Luccombe Parish. Porlock has a spare one will provide RC their spare bin. At West asking for a donation £50 approved. Mr Phil Palmer asked if any progress had been made regarding a defibrillator. RC to make enquiries, He also reported that the gates into the woods either side of Crook Horn Hill by Chapel Cross are being left open, RC to contact N.T. RC The meeting closed at 9:25 pm. Date of next meeting Weds January 29th 2020.

Signed………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Chair Date…………………………………………………………………………….

Signed…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Clerk