MINUTES of a meeting of the FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE held in the COUNCIL CHAMBER, WILTON on TUESDAY 21 APRIL 2009 at 7.00pm

Present Cllr A Kinsey, Mayor of Wilton Cllr J Hinnis, Deputy Mayor of Wilton in the chair Cllr Mrs B Belk Cllr Miss M Clarke Cllr Mrs C Blackman Cllr T Abbott Cllr T Batchelder Cllr P Matthews

In Attendance Mrs A C Purves Town Clerk Mr H Abel Minute Secretary

Also Present PCSO Lydia Waterman and Laura Powell (Mail on Sunday)

A G E N D A

Apologies None [subsequently received from Cllr Rhind-Tutt]

The Chairman proposed that Agenda item 5 (Sports Pavilion) be considered at the start of the meeting to enable PCSO Waterman to resume her duties as soon as possible. This was unanimously agreed.

30. Sports Pavilion PCSO Waterman told the meeting that the residents of 81A North Street and 7 Wiley Terrace had been victims of verbal abuse, damage to fences and trespass from a group of youths in Castle Meadow who have been purposely kicking balls into gardens. One of the residents is now suffering from stress related symptoms. This behaviour had come to the attention of the police in March this year and as a result a targeted patrol strategy had been instituted on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. This strategy involves officers from Salisbury and is not sustainable in the medium or long term. It was suggested that the kick wall be moved. It was feared that if this was done then the pavilion itself would become a target for balls causing damage to the wooden walls and tiles. It emerged that PCSO Waterman was the only officer to cover Wilton whilst PC Colin Rothwell was on long term recuperative duties following a back injury. It was proposed that a letter be sent from the Town Council to Inspector David McMullin, Divisional Commander, asking what cover Wilton had from the police. PCSO Waterman then asked the Town Council for suggestions as to where two police mail boxes could be sited. It was suggested that one be fixed to a wall near Downside or the School and as for the other, Cllr Mrs Blackman agreed to look at possible locations in Water Ditchampton.

31. Minutes of the Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting held on 17th March 2009, having been adopted at the Full Council Meeting on 7th April 2009, were accepted as a true and accurate record. (prop Cllr Kinsey, sec Cllr Batchelder – all in favour)

32. To receive any Declarations of Interest in accordance with the Parish Councils (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2007. None were declared.

33. Matters arising from the Full Council meeting  BMX track at Flouse Hole – There has been no response from Wilton Estate yet. It was agreed that it needed to be done quickly. The Clerk agreed to find out whether or not there was such a thing as a portable track which could be hired.

34. Finance i. A schedule of accounts dated 17th March 2009 in the sum of £1,986.53 was confirmed and authorised for payment. (prop Cllr Matthews, sec Cllr Kinsey – all in favour).

Finance & General Purposes Committee Meeting – Tuesday 21 April 2009 ii. Wooley and Wallis have conducted a valuation of the Town’s Regalia. It was suggested that some of the items could be displayed in Wilton House. It was agreed that details of the valuations be discussed at the next F&GPC meeting in camera.

35. To review other ongoing matters:- 35.1 Sports Pavilion – the decision on the planning application been delayed further because the planning notice was not properly displayed. The decision is now expected in the middle of May.

35.2 Wilton Middle School site – The suggestion that Sarum Orienteering Club use the site next year was given full support by Members. It was agreed that Cllr Kinsey attend a planning meeting on 15th May and that a representative of the local residents be invited. (prop Cllr Batchelder, sec Cllr Mrs Blackman – all in favour)

35.3 Parish Stewards – members were asked to suggest works that could be completed by the Stewards when next they visted Wilton and relay these to Cllr Seviour.

36. To receive monthly reports preceded by the Contractor’s Report i. Contractor’s Report – Minster Street safety surface under the roundabout needs repair. Cllr Miss Clarke reminded Members about the issue of providing play equipment for the disabled.

ii. Cemetery – Cllr Matthews reported that there would be a meeting of the cemetery sub committee at the cemetery next Tuesday (28th April) to consider available space.

iii. Minster Street – A hole in the ground has appeared near to the gate from the Carpet Factory. Also the river bank revetments need repair. The Town Clerk has one quotation for this work and is seeking others.

iv. Bulbridge – Cllr Mrs Belk reported that she had never seen it so tidy but the bus shelter in Burcombe Lane needs attention. It has been cleaned but now needs painting.

v. Castle Meadow –Cllr Batchelder reported that the meadow had been left very tidy after the Scouts St Georges Day Parade and proposed that a letter of thanks be sent to them for their work. Moles were active at the entrance to Flouse Hole and Japanese knot weed was alive and well. Mr Coombs has now built a wall around his formerly untidy dump. The Town Clerk was asked to look at the footprint of the wall as the lane is now much narrower with this new feature.

vi. Old St Mary’s Churchyard – Nobody knew who had fitted the power cable for the market. But it was noted that a hole had been drilled in the wall of the church building so that the connection could be made. The Town Clerk was instructed to look into the matter.

vii. Flouse Hole – nothing to report.

viii. Wishford Road – Cllr Mrs Blackman reported that some goal posts had been made for a team that no longer existed. It was thought that these had been left at the Middle School site. The Town Clerk would try to find out if these still existed.

ix. Council Offices – The thermostatic controls will be fitted this summer.

37. Chairman’s Report Cllr Hinnis had nothing to report.

38. Town Clerk’s Report The Town Clerk reported on the following: i. Age Concern – From 20th to 26th June 2009 Age Concern will be coordinating a series of events under the general heading of ‘Age is No Barrier’ The Town Council was invited to organise an event that would fit into this category.. ii. South Wiltshire Economic Partnership – There will be a meeting on May 5th at Ilford Hall Hotel on the theme of ‘Supporting the South Wiltshire Economy’.

Finance & General Purposes Committee Meeting – Tuesday 21 April 2009 iii. STREAM – Members were invited to a conference at Dinton Village Hall on 24th and 25th June 2009. It would cost £42 per day per delegate. iv. Re-surfacing Shaftesbury Road and West Street – The Town Clerk reported that the County map showing works scheduled for 2009 included Shaftesbury Road and West Street for ‘micro asphalting’. Work could take place in May.

39. To confirm the date of the next F&GPC meeting Tuesday 19th May 2009 at 7.00pm at the Council Chamber.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.40pm.

Members of the Council considered the foregoing matters in consideration of their duties: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability); Crime and Disorder; health and Safety, and Human Rights.

Finance & General Purposes Committee Meeting – Tuesday 21 April 2009