A meeting of Holt Parish Council was held on Thursday 24th April, 2008 at the URC Hall.
 
Present:  Cllr. John Palmer, Cllr. Helen Quilliam, Cllr. Becky Stevens, Cllr. Barbara Tucker, Cllr. Martin Moyes, Cllr. Jimmy Gooding, Cllr. Basil Ash, Cllr. David Hogg.
 
In Attendance:  District Cllr. Trevor Carbin, PSCO Vicky Huntley
 
Apologies:  Cllr. Jane Grant, Cllr. Helen, Rabaiotti, Cllr. Bob Mizen, County Cllr. Ernie Clark, PC Martin Barrett.
 
Open Meeting:  PCSO Vicky Huntley reported that speed checks have been carried out at the Melksham end of the village with the result that ten people had been caught speeding and one without insurance. Anti-social behaviour has been reported in Hawcroft and the Police have sent letters to all residents on the estate.  The problem in Maulton Close is ongoing.
 
Cllr. Helen Quilliam informed Vicky Huntley of an incidence of cruelty to an animal in Ground Corner.  Vicky advised that such cases should be referred to the Police when they occur.
 
Cllr, Trevor Carbin reported that the Boundary Commission will shortly publish their decision following the results of their consultation.
 
He also reported that the County rate has increased by 36%, which in real terms  is 40% because of the way in which funding is allocated to landfill and recycling costs.
 
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 26th March 2008:  The minutes of this meeting were approved and signed.
 
Matters Arising: Maulton Close - problems being experienced by a resident of Maulton Close have been highlighted through the magazine.
 
Spa Pump - this is being pursued by the Enforcement Officer at WWDC.  Cllr. Jimmy Gooding to draft a letter to WWDC stating that they have a responsibility to ensure that the structure is not damaged; in its present state it is defaced because the stonework bearing the inscription has been removed.
 
JT Beaven - the Enforcement Officer has attended a site meeting and reported that the residential accommodation at the far end of the site was originally used for residential purposes in the 1960s and that the flat at the front of the property was converted to a flat for the managing director several years ago.  Cllr. Jimmy Gooding disputed this; it appears that there are two areas being used for residential use at the front of the property, one which was converted to residential use some years ago and one for which planning permission has never been given.  WWDC to be informed.
 
National Trust parking - Cllr. Martin Moyes now has some cones.  A response has not yet been received from Holt Ahead regarding working with the National Trust towards providing car parking for their visitors.
 
West Wiltshire District Council Standards Committee - Parish Council Representative - Cllr. Martin Moyes has put his name forward.
 
Village Hall disabled access funding - £2500 has not been paid to the Village Hall Committee.
 
White lines have been reinstated at the junction of The Midlands with The Common and at the Station Road Junction.  The centre lines have not been reinstated.  The Clerk to follow up.
 
Cllr. Jimmy Gooding reported that the road surface adjacent to the Sawtells development has not been reinstated.   A letter of thanks to be sent to Mouchel Parkman, cc Cotswold Homes, thanking them for making good the road surface and for supplying two new lampposts.

Management Committee Report:  In the absence of Cllr. Bob Mizen there was not a report.
 
Traffic Committee Report:  Pedestrian Crossing - this matter has been raised again by Cllr. Fleur de Rhea Phillippe.  Cllr. Martin Moyes has been in contact with Mr. Michael Crook, Wiltshire Highways Department, who has advised that the School Travel Plan may provide funding for a crossing. A committee has been formed to assist the school with a travel plan in order to secure a pedestrian crossing.  Cllr.Martin Moyes proposed that the Parish Council should support this initiative.  It was proposed, seconded and agreed that this should be taken forward.
 
Cllr. Basil Ash asked again for confirmation that provision for horse and rider should be included in proposals for a cyclepath. Cllr. Martin Moyes said that it is intended that the route should be as inclusive as possible, but that at this early stage no assurances could be given.
 
Footpath Survey:  Paths to be walked and reports to the Clerk by the end of August.
 
Correspondence:  Parish Plan Information Information Event - Cllr. Jane Grant to be asked to attend.
 
Bobby Van Trust - in line with Council policy, it was agreed that a donation should not be given to this charity.
 
Towards One Council for Wiltshire - Richard Munro, Project Manager, Delegation to Town Parish Councils, Towards One Council, to be invited to speak at the next meeting.
 
Wiltshire Highways Meeting - Cllr. Jimmy Gooding will attend.
 
The Rural Housing Trust - drop-in session re affordable housing - Cllrs. Becky Stevens and Barbara Tucker will attend.
 
Holt Open Gardens - Catherine Ayres has asked that Ham Green can be used as the starting point.  This was agreed.
 
Trowbridge & District Amateur Radio Club has requested use of the Playing Fields and pavilion on 3rd or 4th May for a link up with Holt, Norfolk to commemorate the fire which destroyed in the town in 1708.  This was agreed.
 
Caretaker's Report:  A detailed, written report has been received.  The chain and lock on the double gates leading to the children's play area has disappeared.  The Clerk to replace.
 
Accounts:  The following accounts were approved for payment:
Wessex Water                                              £121.05
G.Aland/Caretaking                                       £200.00
G.Aland/Ground Maintenance                          £222.78
JM Beale                                                      £405.26                                                                     
            Remuneration                          £332.07         
            Fixed Expenses                         £ 33.02 
            Stationery/Photocopying             £ 21.09  (VAT £3.14)
            Postage                                     £ 4.08
            Telephone/Calls & line rental       £15.00
 
 
                                                                                                
Insurance renewal - Allianz Cornhill has quoted a renewal premium of £1,656.07 and Zurich £1,316.35.  It was proposed, seconded and agreed that the Zurich proposal should be accepted.
 
Any Other Business:  Posts and chains, Ham Green - the foundry repairing the damaged posts has offered to supply replacement tops for the other damaged posts on Ham Green whilst the mould is available.  The Clerk to obtain a quotation.
 
Village Clean-up Sunday, 1st June.  Meet at the Village Hall Car Park at 10.00am with appropriate tools. Clerk to advertise in Village Magazine.
 
Cllr. Helen Quilliam reported builders rubbish by Dawes' Pond.  The Clerk to report to CLARENCE.
 
Cllr. Barbara Tucker reminded the meeting that Holt Pavilion Regeneration Committee will be holding an open afternoon at the Village Hall between 2pm and 5pm on Sunday, 11th May.
 
Holts Sports and Recreation Committee wish to build a second tennis court and would like the Council to consider the possibility of the site of the old children's playarea being used for this purpose.  In the absence of a Parish Plan, the Chairman asked the Traffic, Planning and Management Committees to consider future use of the playing fields and bring their ideas to the next meeting, when it is hoped that a representative of the HSRC will attend to outline their thoughts.