Present: G. Willcox (Chair), M. Colman (retiring Vice-chair), D. Creed, M.Heal, A. Creed, T. Holley, J. Gane and parishoner I. Goodby.
Minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed.
Public Speaking-time.
I. Goodby brought to the parish council's attention the flooding she has experienced twice (December 2023 and January 2024) where she lives at Coxbridge. This is thought to be caused by overflowing water at the brook which the raparian owner wants to dredge but cannot liase with the Environment Agency to do this. Mrs Goodby reported having attended a Flood meeting at Shepton Mallet attended by multiple agencies but not the Environment Agency and feels an emergency group should be set up with a designated phone line with the ability to set out Flood Warning Signs.
A copy of the Somerset Prepared Home Emergency Plan was presented.
Cllrs Colman and Holley pointed out the village whatsapp group is very useful and that it could not be expected of one person to be in charge of a designated phone line for emergencies such as flooding or for the placing of official signs in an unofficial capacity.
It was also noted (Correspondence) Somerset Council's Civil Contingency Unit will no longer be supplying sandbags from 13th March 2024.
As per letters regarding Flooding at Steanbow and flooding strategies the issue to be discussed further.
Useful links and sources of advice and help:-
Somerset Prepared somersetprepared.org.uk.
Environment Agency - Check for Flooding - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Floodline service - 0345 988 1188
National Flood Forum https://nationalfloodforum.org.uk/
Matters arising from the last minutes.
As per report of people parking on double yellow lines at the foot of Church Lane it has been confirmed by Somerset Council's Traffic Engineer (Traffic Management, Road Safety and Parking Services) signage is NOT required. As per last Minutes the Highway Code sets out the rules and regulations very clearly Double Yellow Lines signify NO WAITING AT ANY TIME.
For those who find motorists parking in contravention of parking restrictions the enforcement contractor NSL can be contacted on 01823 219035 or email
A copy of the email has been sent to West Pennard School to be brought to the attention of parents.
Clerk reported blocked storm drain under the pavement at Redcott/Newtown Lane - Ref NO 801708 and blocked drain by Hillside/Southtown Lane - Ref No 800519.
Correspondence - circulated. No further action.
Planning:
Complaint raised re large, overbearing polytunnel in a field behind Sticklynch Dairy/ Sticklynch. Formal address to be confirmed and advice to be sought from Planning/Somerset Council.
Highways Matters.
Clerk to report collapsed drain in gateway opposite Inistor/Southtown Lane which has created a large rut down the road, large pothole at the corner of Breech Lane/Southtown Lane and the very bad state of Scottles Lane.
Reported issues to be chased up (as above).
Retiring Councillor Marion Colman was thanked for her twenty-one years unstinting service to West Pennard Parish Council as she retires and was presented with a cake and flowers.
Date of next meeting MONDAY 8th APRIL 2024 - Agenda and Notice of meeting to follow in due course.