On Wednesday 18th June 2008 commencing 7-30 p.m.
Present Councillors B Alexandre, P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, J Cowley, K Garland, D Grimes, R Penfold, J Smith, J Wardell and G Carr-Jones Chairman
In attendance Eleven members of the public present, joined by three young people
PC Phil Sugrue and PCSO Kate James
To receive apologies C Cllr D Fox, J Cox
Declarations of Interest None
Confirm minutes of last meeting and decisions of NDDC Planning Cttee
The minutes of the Planning Cttee meeting held on 21st May were approved and signed by the Chairman.
Decisions of NDDC Planning Committee
No. 0396 Annex Gibbs Marsh Farm Granted
Nos. 0025/26 Stalbridge Arms Hotel. Various Alterations. Granted
Proposed Youth Shelter in Stalbridge
The Chairman asked the members of the public if they had a spokesperson – no. Those members of the public present were under the impression that the discussion was to be about a Shelter on the JFPA, and several spoke voicing their opposition. The Chairman stated that was not what was on the agenda, and that that suggestion had been voted against in December. We were here to discuss the principal of a Youth Shelter. Several members of the public again stated that there were problems in the JFPA, because of youngsters with drink, and noise nuisance etc. PC Phil Sugrue was asked about other Youth Shelters in his area, and commented favourably on those at Hazelbury Bryan and Stourton Caundle. A member of public (lady) asked why they couldn’t use Youth Club, why volunteers couldn’t run it etc. Bob Penfold answered – not enough hours provided by youth service. After more comments about vehicles and drinking etc, the Chairman pointed out that the Youth Shelter was intended for youngsters in the rough age range of 14-16, who would not be driving. He was concerned that there seemed to be an ‘anti-youth’ feeling, whereas there were only a few who unfortunately caused problems. He then asked Councillors individually and all were in favour in principle, with provisos that siting, up-keep, and funding were fully discussed. Those young people present commented that if they were involved in the construction of such a shelter, then they would feel responsible for it, and it would not be ‘trashed’.
On the matter of problems at JF Play area, the police can only do something if they are informed. Information leaflets were given out.
It was proposed that the item of the Youth Shelter be put on the Agenda as a ‘rolling’ item, by John and seconded by Des Grimes. Carried Unanimously.
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by D Grimes and seconded by B Alexandre that the following cheques be signed
DA Services Yeovil Hall Grant £701.97
Blackmore Vale Forge P Fields Grant £309.03
J Foster-Pegg Lease of Toilets £773.75
J Foster-Pegg Purchase Land for Churchyard £331.01
Ray Sharp NDDC grass £395
S Post £ 60
Ring £130.60 £585.60
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
G Carr-Jones reported that he had received an e-mail from S. Hill NDDC to say that the business rates on the Car Park and Toilets would be split – TC to pay toilets.
G Carr-Jones reported that grants were available for youth facilities. The Big Lottery Fund is delivering ‘myplace’ on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). £160m will be available in year one (2008/09) of which up to £50 million is available through a fast-track application route. myplace aims to deliver world class youth facilities driven by the active participation of young people and their views and needs. There is information on the DCC website. Clerk to be asked to investigate.
John Cowley asked about a Churchyard Grant – no information available yet.
Kate Garland had attended a Library Meeting, and the Friends have asked if the TC loan of £100 could be extended until September. It was thought that it had been a ‘donation’
A questionnaire has been sent out by the School to parents, stating that it was ‘on behalf of the TC’, asking children for suggestions for the JFPA – Clerk to be asked to investigate.
John Cowley reported that an incident at JFPA had left a young boy requiring an ambulance, and to gain entry the padlock was removed from the gate. Should it be replaced? Proposed by B Alexandre and seconded by K Garland that it be left unpadlocked. If any problems arose, it can be replaced.
B Penfold drew attention to the watery state of Drews Lane – whose responsibility to clean out ditches?
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-10 p.m.