WRAXALL & FAILAND PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES FOR THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD AT FAILAND VILLAGE HALL 3 MAY 2005

PRESENT: - Cllr. Sykes (Chairman), Cllrs. Sheppard, Mrs Shaw, Mrs Parsons, Sapsed, Sally Varley – Liaison Officer, Tim Downey – Speaker, 13 public and the clerk.

APOLOGIES: - Cllrs. King, Mrs Moon, D/ Cllrs. Cook & Roberts & Dan Collins (Wildlife)

MINUTES: - The minutes of the APM held 18 May 2004 were signed as a correct record.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT :- Cllr. reported that 77 Planning Applications and 9 amendments had been considered and 3 applications which had been refused by North Somerset Council had been taken to Appeal (2 were dismissed and 1 was granted). Other items under the heading Planning & Environment included The Children’s Hospice, Cross Tree site and slip road at the bottom of Wraxall Hill, Wraxall House, Belmont House and The Elms Local Centre where a Nursing Home and Shops have been applied for. Under the heading of Highways, the Gable Farm Safety scheme has been completed but we have been unable to get NSC Highways to install schemes at Cadbury Camp Lane junction, West Hill, Portbury Lane junction and Lodge Lane. Lack of funds is always the reason. Consultations have taken place re. Airport expansion and access and Link road and in respect of the Local Plan Public Inquiry. The Community Contact vehicle was not well enough supported and so its visits have been curtailed. Avon Wildlife has been given a grant towards the purchase of Prior’s Wood. Council owned houses are the subject of a transfer of management and all tenants have been invited to various meetings to give their views. Thanks were given to all the Councillors who put in a lot of voluntary hours on behalf of residents.

TYNTESFIELD:- Ruth Gofton – Property Manager, gave an update of works in progress – Accumulator room, Dress, Gardens, Tree Surgery, Rights of Way, Students, Art Project and the Orangery which is under tarpaulin until more funding is available.

WRAXALL CHARITIES:- Mr AJ Tavener gave the Charities report. There is a 50/50 split of trustees between Wraxall & Failand, except for Ray Llewellyn who now lives in Nailsea. Regarding Finance, which shows a difference to last years figure, Mr Tavener explained that a piece of Charities owned land had been tenanted by 1 person for many years. It is now up for re-letting.

FAILAND ‘HOSPITAL’ CARS:- This scheme has progressed to the second stage. Cars are not a problem but Insurance is.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:- Report given by Mrs JI Ewens Area Co-ordinator. During April 8 crimes had been reported. Mrs Ewens urged those present to pass on the word that ALL crimes should be reported to the Police Telephone no. 0845 456 7000. If a crime is occurring or there is a concern for ones own safety then the emergency 999 should be used.

POLICE:- PC Adam Clarke 2707 told the meeting that various crimes had been reported including attempted theft OF a vehicle and FROM a vehicle, theft of a cycle, trailer, handbag from a public house – one distraction burglary and a ‘left without paying’.

Cllr. Sapsed asked what proportion of crimes were ‘cleared up’ and was told 16.6%

Our speaker was Mr Tim Downey, Manager of EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANNING

Mr Downey gave a resume of his Department’s work.

They are involved in Risk Assessment, preparing for Emergencies, Planning for recovery, Informing and warning the Public of such events as flooding. They co-operate with other authorities, share plans and procedures. Police HQ at Portishead are Gold command. Police, Fire & Ambulance Command Vehicles are Silver Control. When the emergency has been cleared the Police hand over to the Chief Executive of the Local Authority. Recovery could take years for such things as emergency feeding, clothing, memorial services and appeal funds.

Mr Downey was thanked by Cllr. Sykes and the meeting closed at 9.12pm.