[DRAFT] Minutes of Parish Council Meeting, 16th June 2025, 7:30pm

Clerk: Philip Edwards (CiLCA) clerk@westharptreeparishcouncil.co.uk
www.westharptreeparishcouncil.co.uk
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Councillors Present: H Colton, D Hooper, S McCombe, J Mitchell and E Weatherill

Also Present: Philip Edwards (Clerk)

2506_[1] Public Participation Session

No members of the public contributed during this session

MEETING ADMIN

2506_[2] Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were received from C Gay and R Ireland

2506_[3] Declaration of Interest

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary or personal interests were made

2506_[4] Confirmation of Minutes

RESOLVED: The Parish Council meeting minutes of Monday 19th May 2025 were confirmed as an accurate record and signed by Chairman.

REPORTS – To receive and note any reports:

2506_[5] Chairman’s Report

• A report was received from the Chairman, which included:
  • Peter Wood Funeral: The Council supported flying the flag at half-mast during the funeral of former councillor Peter Wood, who made significant contributions to the parish.
  • Village Planting: Thanks were extended to all volunteers involved in the planting on the village triangle, including a resident who supplied water and Cllr. Gay for providing plants and compost.
  • Planters Outside the Pub: The Council supported the proposal to supply plants for these planters.
  • Community Recognition: A young resident was thanked for undertaking voluntary litter picking.
  • Bus Shelter Hygiene: A councillor has been disinfecting the bus shelter weekly due to public urination issues. The Clerk was instructed to contact local bus companies about the matter.
  • Voluntary Contributions: It was emphasised that Parish Councillors are unpaid volunteers who contribute to various tasks including litter picking, planting, and maintenance.
  • Post Office Closure: The recent closure of the village post office was reviewed.
  • Playground Upgrades: The picnic bench installation marked the completion of playground improvements. The Chairman thanked all involved councillors for their hard work and requested photos for online publication.

2506_[6] Clerk’s Report

• The Clerk reported on the following:
  • Upcoming Election: A BANES Ward Councillor election will be held on 3rd July 2025. The Council was observing the pre-election period with associated activity restrictions.
  • Audit Submission: The certificate of exemption was submitted to the external auditor and had been published online along with AGAR documentation.
  • Public Rights Notice: This had been posted on the website.
• Correspondence Received:
  • Post Office Limited – West Harptree (BS40 6EA)
  • Somerset Festival of Remembrance – Save the Date: 1st November 2025
  • Local Plan Pre-Options Engagement – Parish & Town Council Briefing Note

2506_[7] Meetings attended Reports

Noted: there were no other reports on meetings attended

2506_[8] Memorial Hall Reports

Noted: there were no reports on hall matters

2506_[9] Highways Reports

Noted: The council requested the Clerk to follow up with BANES the incorrect application of double yellow lines on Ridge Crescent

2506_[10] Recreation Ground Reports

• Noted: the Chairman’s report had covered completion of the playground improvements
• The grass cutting contractor would not be cutting grass for 3 weeks from 21/7/25 to 14/8/25

2506_[11] FINANCE

(a) Payments and income – see appendix 2025-06 Finance Reports

Cllr Mitchel declared a financial interest in item 1. ‘payments to approve’ and withdrew from discussion and voting on this item

1. RESOLVED: payments to approve listed in finance report
2. Noted: payments and Income listed in finance report
3. Noted: bank reconciliation

2506_[12] PLANNING APPLICATIONS

There were no outstanding consultation requests. The Council reviewed the new Local Plan and a related consultation request.

2506_[13] ITEMS FOR ATTENTION OF THE CLERK

Noted: members of the council were asked to encourage new members of the public to join the Parish Council

2506_[14] DATE OF NEXT MEETING

RESOLVED: Date of next meeting: Monday 14th July 2025, 7.30pm at West Harptree Memorial hall.

Diary: https://westharptreeparishcouncil.co.uk/diary-of-parish-council-meetings/

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There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 20:15

Agreed as a correct record,
signed by the Chairman of the meeting: _______________________ on:_______________
(Chairman initial all other pages)