Minutes

Present:  S. Petherbridge, M. Heal, D. Creed, A. Creed, T. Holley, A. Oakerbee, J. Gane and six parishoners.

Apologies:  G. Willcox (Chair).

A. Creed took the Chair.

Public Speaking-time.

Representative from the West Pennard Traffic Action Group presented a petition of 165 signatures requesting funding for a Speed Indicator Device.

Declarations of Interest.

Nil received.

Minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed.

Matters arising from the last minutes.

Co-option of S. Petherbridge.

Proposed, seconded and Passed - No Objections.

Sheila signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office book and presented a completed Register of Interests form.

Speed Indicator Devices.

Clerk presented two quotes from Messagemaker Stocksigns Ltd:-

1. One S.I.D. with solar power/data capture, 300mm amber digital speed display, displays over limit vehicle speeds and slow down, weight before batteries 7kgs, custom post mounting plate, trigger speed 5-75mph, display time 0-7 secs, operating range 90 metres, auto dimming for night time use, data capture records, number of overspeed vehicles, time and date, fully weatherproof.  Includes 2xbatteries, 80w solar panel, fixing brackets for 76mm posts, USB cable for data download, 6 year return to base warranty, dimensions 660x430x110, bluetooth data capture, car l.e.d. solar, grey galvanised post, 5m, 76mm, Delivery FOC - £4,527.60 (includes VAT)
2. Price for the above for 2 S.I.D.'s, as above,  £8,376.00 (Includes VAT).

S. Petherbridge suggested purchasing 2 posts from Somerset Council for £700.00 which they would erect for us and possibly SIDS also.

Please note: SC recommend solar powered devices require 4m high posts.

Messagemaker posts quoted are 5m high and 76mm, galvanised.

This would give the parish council a saving of £280.00 on the purchase of 2 posts from Messagemaker bringing cost down but they would be cheaper than from Somerset Council -  though without the benefit of installation.

Clerk to consult with Somerset Council Traffic Management.

Signing of Agreement with Somerset Council (Memorandum of Understanding), Application form, Issue of Payment. N.B There will be no application fee if the parish council is confident the application is per guidance and does not require Somerset Council support or involvement. Please note proposed locations should include exact location details (what3words,/googlemaps/photographs/direction of device/manufacturer and power source.  It is recommended that at least 4 locations are proposed.

Locations will be where Somerset Council have agreed

To remove/install SID's persons must be qualified to do so - Chapter 8 of the Traffic Sign manual signing, lighting and guarding requirements and accredited to work on the highway.

The costs of training courses locally for Chapter 8 training can be from £300-£500 per person.

Current standard personal protective clothing required.

There has to be evidence of 3rd party installer's Chapter 8 qualifications and Indemnity Insurance is required.

SIDS would be covered under 'Street Furniture' as per West Pennard parish Council Insurance.

Employees (Clerk) and Authorised Volunteers (up to 10) - Limit of Indemnity £10,000,000.

Further discussion and work required to go forwards - as a working party.

Cllr A. Oakerbee will act as Lead Councillor and liase with the village group.

Financing of the above:

Precept to include costs of the above and will be applied accordingly plus any other precept requirements when setting the precept.

Please note £5,000 remaining from GFL Fund for this purpose.

Suggested increase for the above £3,200 and to order SIDS in the next financial year.

War Memorial.

Thanks to Cllr T. Holley for the instigation of restoration works to the base of the war memorial - replacing damaged stones with new Bath stone, grouting to match existing and carved chanter -  courtesy of Bale Masonry - £1,092.00.

A cheque was duly issued for the amount and made payable to Bale Masonry via Cllr Holley who then reported Mr Bale could not pay the cheque in under Bale Masonry.  Cllr Holley paid by BACS and will be duly reimbursed on receipt of returned cheque and new chequebook.

Thanks also to P. Gurl for restoration of damaged bollard and reinstatement of all four and to Cllr A. Creed for presenting the West Pennard Parish Council Poppy Wreath.

All works duly completed ready for Remembrance Sunday 9th November.

Correspondence circulated - 

1. Consultation on proposed Charitable Collection Licencing Policy to standardise how street and house-to-house collections are regulated across Somerset. Public consultation runs from 1 November 2025 - 23rd January 2026 - respond at https://somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/licensing/charitable-collection-licensing-policy/
2. Thank you letter from West Pennard C of E Primary School in receipt of funds from GFL for £6,000 to refurbish trim-trail.
3. Monthly Report from Somerset Council Councillor C. Sully.
4. Somerset Association of local Councils monthly report.
5. Flood Group Network Axe-Brue Catchment Meeting, Godney Village Hall, 20th November, 10am-12pm.  Cllr S. Petherbridge will attend and report at next meeting of the Barton St David, Baltonsborough, Butleigh and West Pennard meeting on 17th November at Baltonsborough.
6. Please note:  Coxbridge Brook banks have been flail trimmed and the bed de-silted, courtesy of local landowners.
7. Letter from D. Rodrigues re Planning Service Recovery Plan to go to full council on 17th December 2025.  The motion calls for measurable targets to reduce backlog of applications and restore timely determinations, restoring parish and councillor engagement to pre July levels including removal of the single email point restriction, a plan to tackle enforcement backlogs and fill vacant posts with permanent staff, quarterly performance reporting for 12 months after the emergency period ends and direct engagement with parishes, councillors and agents to establish a 'good practice charter.
8. LCN Avalon and Polden Highways Group next meeting November 19th 2025, The Pavilion at Shapwick, Northbrook Road, TA7   9LN, 10am - 12pm - Councillor S. Petherbridge will also attend and report back at next meeting.

Finance - Balance to date £6,726.81.  This includes remaining £5,000 from GFL Fund.

Highways Matters to be re-reported:-Scottles Lane, Stockbridge Lane and Moggs Hole.

Works have been completed re blocked drain and overflow/Southtown Lane.

A.O.B.

It was Proposed, Seconded and Passed A. Creed be elected as Vice Chair.

A. Creed signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office book.

Request from Cllr. S. Petherbridge for a full year of meeting dates to be posted in News and Views and at the end of Minutes.

Clerk stated all Notices of Meetings and Minutes clearly state meetings are held on the second Monday of each month which was upheld by Cllr. T. Holley.

It was Proposed by S. Petherbridge, seconded by A. Oakerbee and passed same will be implemented

Cllr S. Petherbridge reported a Dr Bike Scheme implemented by Avalon and Poldens LCN is running until March 2026 for the maintenance of bicycles.  Further details at next meeting.

Next Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday 8th December 2025.

Notice of Meeting and Agenda to follow in due course.

There being no further business the meeting was closed.