Parish Council Minutes

Present Cllr Sully (Chairman) Cllr Williams Cllr Swain Cllr Dawson Cllr Wharton Cllr Hyde Cllr Wilson Cllr Coffin Cllr Garrett, Cllr Couper after the Hindon meeting

1. Public Open Forum - Information and Questions from the Public No public present

2. Apologies for Absence. Cllrs. Campbell, Haworth-Booth.

3. Notices of Interest. None

4. Minutes of Meeting held on 11th July, 2006. Approved and sign off Matters arising. The Clerk is still preparing the submission. for Quality Council. The quality of the submission is as important as meeting the criteria.

5. Chairman’s Report Chairman congratulated Wren’s Shop for the excellent opening event with Terry Pratchett, the tasting event and entertainment. The success being enjoyed by the shop and post office is a clear indication that there was indeed a need, and that this style of shop is supported by the village and that the efforts by the volunteers are being appreciated and welcomed. It is something to be proud of!

Once again the woods between the dips and the windmill are being used as a barbeque area and littered, with damage to the surrounding trees, making it unpleasant for other residents. This is not acceptable on Common Lands, and if this continues, we will take further action. Meanwhile it falls upon the Parish Council to clear up the mess. Knoyle House Grounds is apparently being used for golf practice, for which it is not suited, as it damages the surface and endangers surrounding residents. Dogs are being taken into Knoyle House Grounds, which is not allowed as it is a children’s play area. Chairman hoped that people would respect these amenities so that they can by enjoyed by everybody.

Chairman noted with sadness the passing of Lettice Glen Coats, who over the years participated fully in village organisations, as a magistrate for many years, and her great involvement with St. Mary’s Church. Chairman stated her abiding memory was of her smile when as Guiding Commissioner, she handed a prize to her on behalf of the East Knoyle Brownies team.

Chairman expressed concern that the alteration in style of policing in the Tisbury section will lead to a reduction in service and will attend the special meeting with the police on 26th September.

6. Committee Reports from respective Chairmen of:

• Planning Committee. The planning committee had met once since the last meeting when it supported an application and again tonight when one application was supported, one opposed and one where comments were made.

• Common Lands, Highways and Rights-of-Way Committee. Work needs to be carried out on Windmill Hill. Highways – a drain had been covered by the new surface at Upton causing flooding

• Finance Committee. The Finance Committee had recommended the annual increase in Clerk’s salary by one increment. A draft proposed budget for 2007-8 had been discussed. It was proposed to maintain the annual small increase of £200 in precept and utilize shop rental for additional visible projects on common lands. Any change in this principle should wait until we know what additional responsibilities the Parish Council may acquire under the local government review. Risk assessment had been undertaken and approved. The shop building was a council asset and the Clerk had examined the insurance policy provided by National Farmers Union Insurance for £120,000.

7. Other Reports from Councillors with Special Responsibilities for:

• Wiltshire County Council (County Cllr. Wayman). Not Present

• Salisbury District Council (District Cllr. Couper). Consultation was taking place on the transfer of the housing stock to a housing association, South Wiltshire Homes. The Council were examining the costs of consultancy.

• Police Liaison. There was to be a meeting on 26th September.

• Village Hall Management Committee There had not been a meeting.

• East Knoyle Community Shop Association The post office opened on 13th July. The sorting office had transferred back to East Knoyle. Terry Pratchett had performed the official opening on 5th August. A number of suppliers had given free tastings. The Quilt raffle had raised £1392. To date takings had been £36,478 with 6174 transactions. The overdraft had been paid off. The shop had been awarded a grant by Hall and Woodhouse but did not yet know for how much. The shop was featuring in a film for the Charity Bank and was to be a case study at the Plunkett Foundation Conference. There were 40 volunteers trained. Many customers had requested that an A frame be placed showing when the shop was open. Under the lease this could ony be done with the Council’s consent. It was agreed this should be an agenda item at the next council meeting.

 Mere Community Safety Partnership. Cllr Haworth-Booth not present.

 Wigglybus and Link schemes. Link seems more healthy with request numbers increasing but there had not been an increase in drivers. The scheme was still paying out more than was coming in. Tisbury had undertaken a lot of fundraising including Bingo. Wigglybus East Knoyle users mainly went to Shaftesbury. The call center was moving to Exeter. The contract changed 10 days ago. The management of the scheme was now a Community Interest Company based in Pewsey.

8. To consider approaching Highways Department, Wiltshire County Council concerning ownership of the grass area in front of Wren’s Stone as well as maintenance responsibility for the tarmac area in Knoyle House Ground and the footpath between the church and the garage. The lengthsman had cut some of the path from the church to the garage. It was agreed to investigate WCC position re ownership of the apron and also responsibility for the tarmac.

9. Correspondence. None

10. Any Other Business Cllr Hyde indicated there had been some concern expressed about the planning application to provide a garage at the rear of Steeple Close. It was noted this was past the stage for the Planning Committee. The tree on Common Land opposite Hill Cottage at Milton was still causing concern to the residents because of loss of light. The previous tree officer at SDC had not supported its removal. Cllr Hyde agreed to examine it again. The bushes were overhanging the footpath at the entrance to the village. Cllr Hyde to examine.

Chairman………………………………………………………… Date……………………………..