MINUTES OF MEETING OF STERT PARISH COUNCIL
held in St. James’ Church on 22nd May 2023
Present:
- Chris Lawrence (CL) Chairman
- Alick Edwards (AE) Vice Chairman
- Ann Harris (AH) Councillor
- Lewis Cowen (LC) Councillor
- Lucy Barker (LB) Councillor/Treasurer
- William Howkins (WH) Councillor/Clerk
There were no members of the public present.
- Apologies for absence
There were no apologies.
- Declarations of interest
There were no declarations of interest.
- Minutes of previous meetings
The minutes of the previous PC meetings held on 13th February and 20th March 2023 were approved, proposed by LC and AH respectively and seconded by AE and LB respectively and both signed by the Chairman.
- Treasurer’s report
LB reported the balance of the PC account stood at £4,978.44, and this was verified by WH on the bank statement. She also reported that the precept for 2023/24 of £1,800 had been received. Since the last meeting there had been the following expenses: £20 to Stert PCC for use of the church, £43.90 for a plaque for the apple tree, £40 to Clock Inn as a contribution to their Coronation Party, and £43.20 to WH as reimbursement for the cost of the website.
LB requested authority to renew the parish insurance with Zurich via Community First. If we commit to another 3 years with Zurich, the cost will be £164.53, a significant reduction on last year’s rate as it excluded certain optional add-ons such as coverage for bouncy castles which are not needed. This was agreed.
LB also requested authority to continue membership of WALC expected to cost £77.88 as last year. They had been most helpful with advice to the PC on freedom of information regulations. This was agreed. Finally she sought agreement to buy our auditor a gift in lieu of his fee, and suggested £100. This was also agreed.
- Marquee
CL invited a discussion of the management of the village marquee. The village owns two marquees, one in fair condition, and the other somewhat damaged. It was decided, given the age of the marquees, that the PC could not guarantee that it was loaned out with all the required parts and nothing broken. The PC did not want to be responsible for a potential event bing ruined by a marquee mishap. LB noted that the marquees had been bought a number of years ago, and the purchase price had been more than repaid by donations for their use since. It was therefore decided to try and sell the marquee. LC to draft a suitable notice to be put in the Redhorn Parish Magazine.
- Saddleback: Rights of Way
There was representation from some residents over the ease of passage to the right of way at the cattle grid by Saddleback Farm. There were also other representations about ease of passage over the rights of way at the stream at the bottom of Stert. It is clear that both these rights of way are easily accessible by walkers. It is only those walking certain dogs (Saddlepack) and those with bikes/prams (stream) that have less easy access. As the PC is unsure of the rules concerning dogs/bikes/prams, and could find no definitive ruling on the matter, it was decided to seek guidance from the WC Rights of Way Officer.
- Devizes Gateway
CL reported on a stakeholder breakfast meeting he had attended in March given by Wiltshire Council.
He reported that plans for Devizes Gateway (nee Parkway) Station are on hold for a year pending further studies. This is because there is insufficient justification for incorporating a Devizes station into the rail network as a stand alone project. Time is needed for a new plan which is being proposed by Network Rail involving expanding Westbury station into a larger rail hub to accommodate freight traffic from the quarries in Cornwall as well as passenger services. An expansion of Westbury Station should make it possible for there to be an hourly service from Westbury to London Paddington calling at Devizes, Pewsey and Bedwyn.
The earliest that Devizes Gateway could open would be 2029. More detailed information on this proposal can be found on the Network Rail Website.
- AOB
The tree that LB had planted to acknowledge Clive Boyes long service to the parish had unfortunately died. LB said she would buy another tree but said the bank where the previous tree had been planted was unsuitable due to weeds and roots. It was agreed to find an alternative place to plant the replacement.
- Next meeting
The next meeting is scheduled for 4th September 2023.
Stert Parish 