THE PARISH NEWS (Sparkford, Weston Bampfylde and Little Weston) (with Sutton Montis)
Vol. 1 No.6
November 1985
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Editor: Mark Berry, Bridge Cottage, Sparkford, North Cadbury 40778 Another bumper issue this month: it is very gratifying to receive so much material for publication, and also to hear such favourable comments about the usefulness of the Parish News. Keep it up! Items for the next issue by November 18th, please.
SPARKFORD
PARISH COUNCIL
Approximately 15 parishioners attended an open discussion which preceded the October meeting proper of the Parish Council. It was called in an effort to reach an acceptable solution to the problem of noise and litter at the entrance to Twines Close and the subsequent removal of the seat known as 'Pensioners Rest'. It was the general opinion that, by the removal of this seat, the elderly were being penalized for the shortcomings of the young who were causing the nuisance. Various suggestions were put forward and it was agreed that these should be discussed at the immediately following meeting of the Parish Council. It was further agreed that the final decision is the responsibility of the Parish Council. During the Council meeting proper the adoption of the following policy was agreed: 1. Firstly, the Parish Council will purchase and erect a litter bin close to the original site of the seat at Twines Close. 2. Secondly, when this is in position, and only then, the seat will be returned to its site at Twines Close. 3. Thirdly, Parishioners will be advised through the 'Parish News' that the seat will remain in position for a trial period of 12 months, after which the matter will be reviewed. If, at that time, it is reported that litter and noise from or around the seat persists, the Parish Council reserve the right to remove the seat without further consultation. 4. Fourthly, the co-operation of all parishioners will be sought through the 'Parish News', and through the help of local organizations, to persuade youngsters not to drop litter and not to cause a nuisance with rowdy behaviour. The meeting then heard that some work on the site of the proposed play area in the Glebe is going ahead. The Clerk will once more refer to the County Surveyor the matter of the incorrectly working street light outside 55 Church Road. Next, the meeting learned that the South Somerset District Council is to investigate the problem of parking at and around Wolfester Terrace, but it was felt that it would not be completely resolved until the re-routing of the A303 was finally sorted out. Highway matters: The Clerk will refer complaints of holes in the road outside 59 Church Road, Sparkford, in the road outside Manor Farm Cottages leading to the Church at Weston Bampfylde, and at the entrance to Higher Farm, Weston Bampfylde, to the Highway Surveyor, and will remind him that Twines Close is still awaiting resurfacing. Councillors will make a note of overhanging bushes in the Parish which could present a hazard to pedestrians. It was then learned that the District Council has placed a Protection Order on 28 trees at the Mount. A request for a grant to Sparkford Parish Hall was considered and the sum of ÂŁ65.00 per annum was agreed, to commence on June 1985, and to be reviewed in line with inflation. The accounts for Audit, which is to take place on 1 November 1985, were inspected. The application to extinguish a section of footpath, 27/13, between the A303 at 'Birchwood' and the railway line was not opposed because there is an acceptable alternative in 27/14. The next meeting will be on 5th November at 7.30 p.m. in the Committee Room. Avril Ward Clerk to the Council
The Parish Council have been appalled by the frequency of accidents occurring near the Hazelgrove entrance, where one recently resulted in fatalities. When the new by-pass is constructed the roundabouts at junctions with the A359 should reduce collisions, but as this project is not immediately imminent, the Council, in conjunction with the Queen Camel Parish Council, will be urgently pressing for some remedial action to be taken in the meantime in an effort to prevent further accidents.