MINUTES OF THE ST NEOT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY , 10th MAY 2017 AT 7:30PM IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM, ST NEOT VILLAGE HALL, ST NEOT

Present: Councillors N J Ball, H Bunt, Mrs M Merrett-Jones, Dr L Jones, D Lucas, C Smith, R Berrett and G Rogers.

Cornwall Councillor M Eddy Mr A L Bellringer Sue Blaxley (Parish Clerk)

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7:30pm.

Public Participation

None

1. Apologies

Apologies were received from Councillor G Rogers.

2. Election of Chairperson

It was proposed by Councillor D Lucas and seconded by Councillor Mrs M Merrett-Jones that Councillor Dr L Jones be elected as Chairperson. No other nominations were received. All Councillors voted in favour of the proposal. Councillor Dr L Jones thanked everyone for their support and took the Chair. The retiring Chairman thanked everyone for their support during his term in office.

3. Election of Vice Chair

It was proposed by Councillor N J Ball and seconded by Councillor C Smith that Councillor H Bunt be elected as Vice Chair. It was proposed by Councillor Dr L Jones and seconded by Councillor Mrs M Merrett-Jones that Councillor R Berrett be elected as Vice Chair. Councillor H Bunt said that he was happy for Councillor R Berrett to be elected as Vice Chair. There were no other nominations and the proposal that Councillor R Berrett be elected as Vice Chair was carried unanimously.

4. Election of Planning Committee

It was proposed by Councillor D Lucas and seconded by Councillor Mrs M Merrett-Jones that Councillor Dr L Jones be elected as Chairperson of the Planning Committee. No other nominations were received. All Councillors voted in favour of the proposal. All councillors, except for Councillor D Lucas expressed a desire to be on the Planning Committee.

5. Election of Finance Committee

It was proposed by Councillor H Bunt and seconded by Councillor D Lucas that the following Councillors would be on the Finance Committee: Councillors C Smith (Chairman), Dr L Jones, R Berrett and D Lucas. All Councillors voted in favour of this proposal.

6. Election of Representatives a) Goonzion Downs Commoners.

It was proposed by Councillor N J Ball and seconded by Councillor Dr L Jones that Councillor H Bunt be appointed as the representative for the following year. The proposal was carried unanimously. b) Village Hall Management Committee.

It was proposed by Councillor N J Ball and seconded by Councillor Dr L Jones that Councillor C Smith be appointed as the representative for the following year. The proposal was carried unanimously. c) Moor Parishes Network

It was proposed by Councillor Dr L Jones and seconded by Councillor N J Ball that Councillor Mrs M Merrett-Jones be appointed as the representative for the following year. The proposal was carried unanimously. d) Community Network Panel

It was proposed by Councillor Dr L Jones and seconded by Councillor N J Ball that Councillor Mrs M Merrett-Jones be appointed as the representative for the following year. The proposal was carried unanimously. e) Liskeard Have Your Say Panel

It was proposed by Councillor N J Ball and seconded by Councillor D Lucas that Councillor Dr L Jones be appointed as the representative for the following year. This proposal was carried unanimously.

7. To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 12th April 2017

The minutes of the meeting held on 12th April 2017, having been previously circulated, were agreed as an accurate record subject to an amendment to the final sentence of minute 6 to read “Councillor C Smith said that he would meet with the scout leaders and sort out the issues but this was not considered necessary”.

8. Declaration of interest in items on the agenda

None

9. To receive a report on any matters arising from the previous meeting

It was noted that there was still no response from Adrian Drake regarding the overgrown hedge on the road to Fawton. Councillor C Smith said that he had cut the hedge belonging to Tregurrier. Councillor H Bunt said that Steven Masters had looked at the hedges and gorse on Goonzion Downs and said that they should be left uncut until September in order to protect the flora and fauna unless they pose a highway danger. He said that the trees adjacent to the highway at Linkindale may fall into this category. Councillor H Bunt said that Steven Masters will also cut the hedges on Penkestle Moor in September.

10. To receive the Chairman’s Communications

The Chair read out the St Neot United Charities report which said that there was a meeting on 5th December 2016 chaired by Rev P Briggs. The minutes of the meeting held on 5th December 2015 were read and approved. The accounts were presented and adopted. Income for the year totaled £1144 and monies spent assisting 14 persons in the parish and the school totaled £1100. The report went on to say that the value of their investments has increased to £6430. The report also said that as CAF have decided to charge £5/month for the maintenance of the bank account, it has been agreed to change the bank account to Lloyds. The report concluded by saying that it is considered that adequate funds remain to help with any unforeseen emergency.

11. To answer any questions from Councillors, previously notified to the Clerk

Councillor Mrs M Merrett-Jones said that the Holy Well needs cleaning and the brambles surrounding it need cutting back. Councillor D Lucas said he would attend to this matter. As the Holy Well is on land owned by Arthur Hooper, it was agreed that the Clerk would seek his permission before Councillor D Lucas undertook the work.

Councillor Mrs M Merrett-Jones said that a gravel track has been laid in a field at Milltown and boulders have been placed in the river. Councillor C Smith said these works were part of a maintenance programme.

Councillor Mrs M Merrett-Jones said that a hedge has been cut at Water Meadow Cottage without the owner’s permission. She also said that the railing by the side of the steps leading into Water Meadow is rotting. It was proposed by Councillor Dr L Jones and seconded by Councillor H Bunt that Councillor C Smith undertakes any necessary repairs. All Councillors voted in favour of this proposal.

Councillor Mrs M Merrett-Jones also said that a pipe outlet from Trevenna is leaking sewage into the stream especially after a busy weekend at the venue. She said that she thought that a new sewage system had been installed at the venue. Councillor N J Ball said this should be reported to the Environment Agency as the discharge is polluting a river and that the parish council were first made aware of this matter 18 months ago. Councillor H Bunt said he had no recollection of it being discussed by the parish council at a previous meeting. It was proposed by Councillor D Lucas and seconded by Councillor C Smith that Councillor M Eddy asks Mr Rowe to undertake the necessary repairs to the sewage system as soon as is practically possible or the parish council will have to report the matter to the Environment Agency. All Councillors voted in favour of this proposal.

12. To receive a report from the Clerk

The Clerk said the parish council’s website is now up and running. She said that Chris Timms will be taking over the administration of the St Neot website.

13. Councillor Surgery at Local Produce Market

To receive feedback from the Councillor surgery on Saturday 6th May 2017 and to appoint a volunteer for the next surgery on Saturday 3rd June 2017

Councillor Dr L Jones said she had attended the market on 6th May 2017. She said that a parishioner had complained that the bus shelter needs sweeping as it is full of leaves. Another parishioner complained about the potholes on the road to Colliford Lake. She said that parishioners were concerned that there seems to be no action by regarding the deposition of tyres and stationing of a mobile home on land near Colliford Lake. It was agreed that Cornwall Councillor M Eddy would follow up this matter. Councillor Dr L Jones said that Penny Greenwood had said that there is to be a celebration of the Church and their achievements on 24th and 25th June 2017 which will include a concert and picnic in Doorstep Green. Councillor Dr L Jones also said that Jenny Hart is trying to reinstate the footpath between Wortha and Draynes Ryland as it is an old drovers’ track. Jenny has submitted an application to Cornwall Council for a modification of the Footpath Order. Councillor R Berrett volunteered to attend the next surgery on Saturday 3rd June 2017.

14. To receive reports from - a) Police / Liskeard Have Your Say Panel

None b) Cornwall Councillor M Eddy

Cornwall Councillor M Eddy thanked the parish council for all their hard work under the chairmanship of Councillor N J Ball and he said that he was looking forward to working with the parish council over the next four years. He said that he will attend the produce market in St Neot as often as he can. He thanked everyone for their support in the local elections. Cornwall Councillor M Eddy said that Pengelley Hill is in the schedule of roadworks for re surfacing. Councillor N J Ball questioned why this road is to be resurfaced when it is rarely used when other well used roads are full of potholes. The Chair said that repairs are undertaken according to the grading of the deterioration of the road. c) Goonzion Commoners

None d) Bodmin Moor Parishes Network and Liskeard Looe Community Network Panel

None

15. To authorise the signing of orders for payment, including –

Playsafety Limited (Annual play equipment inspection) - £88.20 Julie Ball (Cleaning of toilets – May 2017) - £147.34 Sarah Dance (Grass cutting) - £180.00 South West Water (Water for Cott Yard) - £38.82 BT (Internet for Cott Yard) - £137.40 J V and C Alford (Works to Bridge) - £528.00 CALC (Annual Membership Subscription) - £321.84 Sarah Dance (Grass cutting) - £180.00

It was proposed by Councillor N J Ball and seconded by Councillor Mrs m Merrett-Jones that all of the above orders for payments be authorized. All Councillors voted in favour of this proposal.

16. To receive correspondence from -

a) Cornwall Council

b) Others

None

17. Finance Report

To receive a current financial statement of the accounts

The Clerk reported that this month we have received income of £15,966.78 as the first half of the precept and £103.00 for the rental of the pavilion as a post office. The accounts balance at £53,394.96.

18. Cornwall Local Plan

To consider purchasing copies of the Cornwall Local Plan

The Chair said that the parish council must quote planning policies in assessing planning applications in order to be fair and just. She said it was therefore very important to have easy access to the CLP. It was acknowledged that it is available online and a hard copy costs £10. It was proposed by Councillor N J Ball and seconded by Councillor D Lucas that the Clerk be authorized to purchase 8 copies of the CLP. All Councillors voted in favour of this proposal. Councillor Dr L Jones said that the Cornwall AONB Management Plan 2016 – 2021 is available free of charge from the Cornwall AONB Unit.

19. Play Area Safety Inspection Report

To receive and consider the Play Area Safety Inspection Report

It was noted that all councilors had received a copy of the report. Councillor C Smith said that he had examined the report in detail and had actioned the matters that were recommended: protruding bolt under the wooden bridge, protruding bolt on the fireman’s pole, D shackles on the wooden bridge and the height of the basket swing. He said that the report also identified that there are gaps around the edges of the rubber matting which could become a hazard in the future. The Chair thanked Councillor C Smith, on behalf of the parish council, for his hard work regarding this matter.

20. Doorstep Green and Playing Field

To receive and consider a request to use Doorstep Green for a musical event

The Clerk reported that she had received a request from St Pinnock Band to use Doorstep Green for a concert on Saturday 9th September 2017. They would need parking and electricity for their PA system. Councillors agreed to the use of Doorstep Green for this event provided all rubbish is removed and the site is left as it was found. It was proposed by Councillor N J Ball and seconded by Councillor Mrs M Merrett- Jones that the users be asked to make a donation for the use of the area. All Councillors voted in favour of this proposal.

To receive and consider a report on any other matters arising relating to Doorstep Green and the Playing Field

Councillor C Smith said that the dragon has been re-installed and the bridge has been finished. He said that the parish council could consider installing some adult fitness equipment in the playing field. The Chair said this could form part of a wider debate about the provision of new recreational facilities in the parish, such as table tennis or a tennis court. It was agreed that the matter would be discussed at the meeting of the parish council in June 2017.

Councillor C Smith said that he had purchased a new gate post for the pedestrian gate but the existing post required a considerable amount of excavation to remove it from the ground. He said that an alternative would be to put a new 16ft gate across the entrance to the playing field instead of two gates which would utilise the one remaining post. It was noted that the gate is often left open which Councillor Mrs M Merrett-Jones said encourages dog users. Councillor N J Ball said that it also encourages parishioners to use the area as a private car park. An alternative suggestion was to purchase a new wooden pedestrian gate and fix it to the existing post and to latch the 12-foot steel gate into the ground. Councillor N J Ball said this will result in the pedestrian gate being left to swing without a fixing when the steel gate is left open. It was proposed by Councillor C Smith and seconded by Councillor N J Ball that the existing steel gate is retained, a new wooden pedestrian gate is purchased and a new post installed in place of the post which has been broken so that both gates can latch onto it as well as a sign put on the gate instructing users to close the gate. The expenditure on these works should be up to the value of £500. All Councillors voted in favour of this proposal. Councillor C Smith said he would action this matter.

22. Cott Yard

To receive and consider the options for a new tenancy agreement for Cott Yard

It was noted that all Councillors had received copies of the options regarding the lease which have been put forward by the current tenants. They are currently reviewing their contracts with Cornwall Council and have suggested two options going forward: a new lease for all 3 suites for 6 months or a new lease for suites 2 and 3 for 12 months. Councillor C Smith said that he had calculated that, taking into account the rent and the business rates, the parish council would be better off by £856.32 if the tenants signed a 12-month lease for suites 2 and 3 as opposed to a 6-month lease for all three suites. It was proposed by Councillor N J Ball and seconded by Councillor R Berrett that the Clerk drafts a new 12-month lease for suites 2 and 3. All Councillors voted in favour of this proposal except for Councillor D Lucas who abstained from voting.

To receive and consider a report on any other matters arising relating to Cott Yard

Councillor R Berrett said the sign on the wall outside Cott Yard needs varnishing.

25. Toilets and Car Park in St Neot

To receive and consider a report on any matters arising relating to the toilets and car park in St Neot

Councillor N J Ball said that a new toilet roll holder is required. It was proposed by Councillor N J Ball and seconded by Councillor Dr L Jones that the Clerk be authorized to purchase one. All Councillors voted in favour of this proposal.

26. St Neot Orchard

To receive and consider a report on any matters arising relating to St Neot Orchard

None

27. Co-option

To receive and consider applications for co-option onto the parish council

Mr Andrew Bellringer said that he wished to be co-opted onto the parish council. Councillor N J Ball asked him what he thought he could contribute to the parish council. Mr Bellringer said he could contribute practical help and knowledge of the parish from a lifetime of living in St Neot. It was proposed by Councillor D Lucas and seconded by Councillor N J Ball that Mr Bellringer be co-opted onto the parish council and its Finance Committee. All Councillors voted in favour of this proposal

28. Date of next meeting

To confirm the date and venue of the next Parish Council meeting which will be on Wednesday 14th June 2016

The date of the next Parish Council meeting will be on Wednesday 14th June 2016 at 7:30pm in the Committee Room, St Neot Village Hall.

The meeting was closed at 9.05pm

Signed……………………………………………… Dated………………………..