THE PARISH NEWS (Sparkford, Weston Bampfylde and Little Weston) (with Sutton Mantis)
Vo1.2, No.9
February 1987
Editor:
Mark Berry, Bridge Cottage, Sparkford,
North
Cadbury
40778
Here we are again! Winter is well and truly with us once again, but already the early bulbs are pushing through the hard ground and the snow. And it will get warmer - it really will! Items for the next issue by February, 15th, please.
SPARKFORD
up
PARISH COUNCIL
It was with much regret that Mr. Cluett broke the news at the January meeting that for various reasons, but mainly the ill health which she has suffered since injuring her arm in the early part of last year, Mrs. Pam Hoare is to give up the agency of the Post Office. This is particularly sad because Mrs. Hoare's family have had business connections with the Parish for the past 85 - 90 years. The service which she has so willingly made available to the Community will be greatly missed. Mr. Cluett, on behalf of everyone, warmly wished her a long and happy retirement within the Community which she has served so well in so many ways. Next, the solution proposed by Wake's Services to the problem of the school bus waiting in Church Road at the junction with the A.303, thus causing a restriction in visibility to other road users: it is, that the children will catch the public service bus to the Sparkford Depot where the school bus will now pick them up. The Parish Council agreed that although this is not the ideal solution it is the only one which is acceptable in the circumstances. The questions of a lay-by on the Wincanton side of the Post Office, or, alternatively, the provision of one on the Yeovil side of White's Garage have been investigated by the Parish Council but both suggestions have been turned down by the Police and the County Surveyor for safety reasons. Hopefully, the situation will resolve itself when the A.303 improvement proposals come to fruition. Meanwhile, thanks to Wake's Services for their help. Noisy motor cycles are again causing offence and particular concern was expressed that some riders and their pillion passengers do not wear crash helmets, which is both illegal and dangerous. Unbelievably, the street lights are again either not working properly or not working at all! This, despite letters, phone calls and repeated servicing. The Clerk will follow up the strong letter of protest sent last month to Mr. Thistlethwaite at Taunton and meanwhile, Mrs. Cottier will take up the matter with the Trading Standards Office at County Hall. The problem with the lights added to the difficulties with the intermittent drop in the voltage supply or complete loss of supply to Sparkford prompts the question, "Are the two connected in some way?" A letter from Mr. Lord the District Engineer of Southern Electricity assuring us that all is now well with our electricity supply is ridiculous and the Clerk will reply to that effect. It was agreed that either Mr. Lord or his Deputy be invited to the next meeting, February 2nd., when the exact nature of the problem will be explained. (Mr. Good, Deputy Engineer, has since agreed to come to this meeting, so will all residents who have grievances please put them in writing and pass them on to a Councillor or to Mr. Cluett). Residents are warned of the danger presented by the missing railings to the river in the vicinity of the bridge at Weston Bampfylde. These are to be replaced some time during 1987/8 and meanwhile, orange bunting and reflector plates warn of the danger, particularly to vehicles approaching from Sparkford Hill Lane. A pot-hole between the Lane and the bridge is to be reported to Mr. Boyle-Hayward, as is the surface water collecting on the road outside Mill Farm. More on Highway complaints: Water overflowing drain between entrance to Ainstey Drive and Twines Close, which, in icy weather could prove hazardous to road users, is also to be reported to the Highway Surveyor who is presently investigating our other complaints mentioned in previous issues. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to all residents of Green Close, reminding them of the danger of parking each side and opposite other vehicles on this comparatively narrow highway. The Parish Council is worried that should a fire engine or an ambulance be needed by an occupant, the driver may find it impossible to approach the residence, and here they are particularly concerned with the elderly occupants of the bungalows. Everyone is asked to park with care. In closing this long report, may I remind everyone of the Annual Parish Meeting on Friday the 27th. March at 7.00 pm in the Parish Hall. Who knows, perhaps by then we shall hear the result of the Public Inquiry into the A.303 Improvement Proposals. Next meeting: Monday, 2nd. February, 1987 at 7.30 p.m. Avril Ward Clerk to the Council