Minutes of a meeting of the Town Projects Advisory Committee held in the Council Chamber, Windmill Lane, Northam on Wednesday 3 rd June 2009

PRESENT: Chairman - Cllr R W A Miller

Members - Cllrs Mrs M Cox, P Hames, R J Johnson, R H Osborne

Other Councillors in attendance – C Langton, R Tisdale

1. Election of Chairman

Cllr Miller was elected Chairman of the Committee for the ensuing year.

(Vote: Unanimous)

2. Apologies

Apologies were recorded on behalf of Cllrs Mrs Boyle, Mrs M Cox and B Edwards

3. Minutes of the Town Projects Advisory Committee held on 12 th May 2009

The minutes of the Town Projects Committee held on 12 th May 2009 were approved and signed.

(Vote: Unanimous)

4. Hanging Baskets

Cllr Miller reported that 35 hanging baskets had been ordered. In Appledore and Westward Ho! they would supplement the baskets provided by the District Council. Members considered the allocation for each village and it was agreed that there would be 12 for Northam, 12 for Westward Ho! and 11 for Appledore.

Members considered how best to undertake the watering and it was reported that further details on costings were awaited from Landscapes Southwest.

5. To consider requesting full Council to allow the Committee delegated powers to spend their budget

Members discussed the delay that occurs between Committees making recommendations and full Council ratification which allowed the project to proceed. It was generally agreed that Committees should be given delegated powers to allow them to spend the allocated funds on the previously approved identified projects. It was RESOLVED to recommend this to full Council.

(Vote: Unanimous)

6. Any other matters

Cllr Osborne raised the topic of the Bideford Town signs on the A39. He advised that he had held a conversation with Bideford Town Mayor which seemed to indicate that Bideford were not concerned about them and, as far as he was aware, the signs could be taken away. It was agreed that Cllr Osborne would pursue this further with Bideford Town Council and report back.

Cllr Johnson reported that the District Council were finalising the arrangements for Dog Control Orders. However, it had been agreed that Parish Councils would be consulted and this had not yet happened. Cllr Johnson advised that he would be taking this matter up with Torridge as a member of the relevant Committee. It was agreed that a fixed penalty scheme was required and Cllr Miller agreed to contact Mr Webster, the District Council's Responsible Officer for this service.

Anchor Park – The Town Clerk reported that he had a quotation for repairs to the fence around the play area and re-instatement of the gate. It was agreed to recommend acceptance of the quotation in the sum of £425.00