Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Ruishton & Thornfalcon, Hatch Beauchamp and Pitminster Parish Councils, and also from Somerset Councillor Ross Henley.

To receive and note any declarations of interests in respect of any matters included on the agenda for consideration at this meeting.

(The other registrable interests of Councillors of Somerset Council, arising from membership of City, Town or Parish Councils and other Local Authorities will automatically be recorded in the minutes: City, Town & Parish Twin Hatters - Somerset Councillors 2023 )

There were no declarations of interest from Somerset Council Councillors present at the meeting.

To approve the notes from the previous meeting.

The notes of the previous meeting held on 13 March 2024 were agreed as a correct record by those present.

The Chair to advise of any questions, statements or petitions received that are not covered by items on the agenda for the meeting on which members of the public have requested to speak.

Mark Palmer of Neroche Parish Council noted they had purchased salt bins for their parishes and had been promised they would be filled, but they didn’t want to site the bins until it was known when they would be filled. They wanted to raise the matter for the record and to see if any parishes had any left over salt/grit or had an indication of when the bins may get filled. In response the Chairman acknowledged this was probably an issue in many parishes and asked the LCN officer to look into matter.

Cllr Martin Wale commented that the LCNs had been running for a while now and asked if all the LCNs were being reviewed. In response the Chair noted that he believed the LCNs would run for a full year before doing any in depth reviews.

Roads and Transport:

In the absence of Andy Grant, Martin Middleton provided a brief update on the Roads and Transport working group, including:

·       They had held an informal meeting, unfortunately only three parishes had been represented.

·       Collectively there was a desire to have a speed sensor camera.

·       They had discussed hedgecutting as felt it may be able to be done more efficiently and cost effectively locally rather than via the Council – and they queried if it may be possible for there to be some sort of credit or pay back system.

The LCN Chair referred to a letter circulated to parishes in February regarding enhancements to routine services – and noted he felt it would be a good place to start with queries to take to the Roads and Transport Working Group.

There was a short discussion about several issues in the communities regarding, roads, transport and Highways, and it was noted that many of the points could be taken forward to the Working Group. People shared experiences of the varying ways in which they were contacting Highways.

Environment and Conservation:

Tristan Colaco (Forestry England) was introduced. He provided a presentation and responded to questions about work of Forestry England and the Neroche Wild Core Area, including information about:

·       Wild Neroche

·       Forestry England Wild Core Areas

·       Forest Wilding Programme 2022-2027

·       Restoring Natural Processes

·       Context

Note – the presentation slides for this meeting can be viewed at the end of the printed minutes pack or online at:

https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/documents/s30638/LCNPresentationMay2024.pdf

Following the presentation, Mark Palmer gave a brief update on the Working Group. He noted he would like to see more input into the group and more parishes represented, and had recently circulated a message to that effect to the town and parishes in the LCN. He briefly reminded everyone of the matters discussed at their first meeting in February and that a date for the next meeting was currently being arranged – he noted the group needed more focus.

During a short discussion there was also reference to some local environmental issues including flooding, river and water quality. It was noted one parish had received helpful support and advice from the Martock Flood Wardens.

The Chair introduced Elizabeth McNabb who provided a verbal presentation and responded to questions about the Blackdown Support Group, including information about:

·       History and context of the group

·       Services provided by the group including social opportunities, transport, health and wellbeing.

·       An overview of health and deprivation issues associated with the rurality of the Blackdown Hills geographical area.

·       Volunteers and clients

·       Area covered by the group broadly covers the catchment area of the Blackdown Practice. Any resident of the Blackdown Hills could request assistance from the service regardless of whether they were registered with the practice or not.

Note – further details about the Blackdowns Support Group and contact details can be viewed on the website at: https://blackdownsupportgroup.org.uk/

Due to lack of time there was no discussion on this item. The Chair noted that several comments had already been raised and discussed earlier on the agenda as part of the updates from Working Groups.

Due to lack of time there was no discussion on this item.

The Chair noted that several comments had already been raised and discussed earlier on the agenda at the item on the Blackdown Support Group. There was a general consensus to establish a Health & Wellbeing Working Group.

Cllr Connor Payne referred to the Community Leaders Breakfasts which were arranged by the headteacher at Holyrood Academy. He noted they may be of mutual interest and suggested the LCN could request to be invited to the breakfasts and he was happy to make the contact - this was supported and welcomed by the LCN.

The Vice-Chair commented that less than half of parishes in the Chard & Blackdowns LCN had been represented at this meeting – there was a need to promote the LCNs and get people to engage with them and the working groups.

The date of the next meeting of the Chard and Blackdowns LCN was noted for Wednesday 3 July at Corfe Village Hall.