Open Session:

There were three members of the public present. One resident, Mr Whitfield, wished to comment on the plans for Castleman Way. He is concerned that there is a lack of signage directing walkers to the footpath from the bridge at the Pocket Park end of the Bickerley. Currently people are walking across the meadows, which are private. The Town Clerk thanked him for his comments and said that signage will be included in the plans for the Castleman Way. He invited Mr Whitfield to join the Friends of Castleman Trail working group, as it is vital that local residents are involved.

Apologies

The Town Clerk reported that apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Ford, Cllr Terry, Cllr O’Reilly and Jessica Osborne-Lax (Student Advisor).

Declarations of Interest

There were none

Present:

Cllr N J Chard (Chairman)
Cllr P Chambers (Vice Chairman)
Cllr D R Cole
Cllr M J Urwin
Cllr A C Wiseman

In Attendance:

Terry Simpson, Town Clerk
Claire Perrens, Meetings Administrator
Maisie Jenkinson, Student Advisor

OS/5050 Minutes of Previous Meeting

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 3rd December 2008, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record

OS/5051 Proposals for Roundabout Scheme

Members considered Policy & Finance Committee’s recommendation (please see Minute F/4335 10.12.08) “that the Recreation, Leisure & Open Spaces Committee be requested to investigate options for item number 4 (the roundabout scheme) and report to this Committee before authorising expenditure”.

The Policy & Finance Committee had agreed the provision of £2,000 towards planting the roundabout with shrubs instead of lawn, which will help to cut down the high maintenance costs involved. The Policy & Finance Committee members however were concerned that unless a major feature was made on the roundabout, there was no real need for the Town Council to maintain it and the licence could be terminated so that the County Council took responsibility.

The Town Clerk suggested that it is important for the Town Council to keep control as it has great local incentive to ensure the roundabout is well maintained. It is unlikely we could install a major feature as the County Council wish to keep the three trees on the roundabout, but it may be possible to make further improvements in future.

RESOLVED: That the current planting scheme proposed be confirmed as the best option for the Roundabout.

OS/5052 Gravestone Maintennance at Cemetery

Members considered a request for the Town Council to provide maintenance of an individual gravestone for an annual charge. Although not a service currently provided, the groundsmen would be able to provide this, on a limited scale, and it would provide a modest income.

RESOLVED: That the Town Council provide a gravestone maintenance service as a one-off trial, to be reviewed, and that if any further requests are received, the Committee be consulted before they are accepted.

OS/5053 Castleman Trail

The Town Clerk reported on proposed works to improve public access onto the Castleman Trail. Following consultation with the County Council Rights of Way team, it has been agreed that improvements will be made to the railway embankment. This will include removal of some self-seeded willows and scrub (whilst retaining brambles and suitable cover for birds and wildlife) and the removal of the redundant concrete railway fence posts.

This will improve access and make the area more attractive, with the eventual aim of providing seats and information boards. It was noted that the triangular area between the Trail and the Millstream is a sensitive area, with important bird nesting sites, and that public access may be restricted at certain times of the year. It may also be necessary for dogs to be kept on a lead.

RESOLVED: That the Town Clerk’s report be noted.

OS/5054 The Bickerley – Sewage Works

The Town Clerk reported that the start date for Wessex Water essential works to improve sewers has been deferred due to some issues needing further resolution. The new proposed start date has not yet been provided but will be communicated to members via the weekly bulletin as soon as it is known.

RESOLVED: That the Town Clerk’s report be noted.

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 7.35pm.