Present:

Steve Holmes  Chairman
Andy Hall
Judy Cottrell
Alan Weddercopp
Jane Baker
Nick Graves
David Greig  Parish Council Liason Officer
Alan Stoodley  Secretary

Apologies:

Gareth O'Rourke
Carol Kemble 
Bob Kemble
Phil Parker

The members and guests were welcomed and apologies duly accepted.

The previous minutes were reviewed and agreed.

New Members

Two people had volunteered there services with regard becoming committee members, these being Jane Baker 
and Nick Graves. Both Jane and Nick were proposed for election on to the committee by Steve and 
seconded by Judy. There election on to the committee was unanimous and they were welcomed aboard 
and thanked for their interest. 

Summer Park - Haines Park / Highgrove Post Mortem

Steve fed back to the meeting regarding issues discussed at the previous evenings meeting. 
The residents clearly have problems with some people who use the land. Loud noise often late 
into the night, constant swearing, balls entering gardens (sometimes hard balls), unsavoury litter 
being left on the land, use of motor bikes etc.

Many of the problems were thought to be caused by adolescent youths, which is a known national 
problem but nonetheless any effort made to help the problem would be useful.

In light of the above it was agreed that the Association would work with the Somerset County Council 
in particular with there Community Youth Workers to try and establish a way forward.

With regard the Summer Event Steve explained the background to it and the fact that it was intended 
to further strengthen relationship between the Wilton and Sherford communities. It was stated that it 
was with regret that the event was cancelled and hence this meeting was called to air the issues and clarify 
the situation.

The Council representatives stated that they in fact owned the land and that they would be prepared to 
issue licences for events. However licences would only be issued to responsible bodies and strict conditions
 would be applied i.e. the time of activities would be restricted to social hours (almost certainly afternoons only) 
licences would not be issued for antisocial activities such as Disco's and bonfires.

There was some criticism over the lack of communication about the Association's activities. Steve assured 
the meeting that many efforts had been made on this front but that resource sometimes caused problems. 
He agreed that the Association would look into the issue of communication including distributing a paper stating
 what the Association does and why.

The above is a brief summary of Mondays meeting.

Moving back to tonight's meeting the way forward was discussed. It was thought that we should be 
seen to be addressing the raised issues with the council and then a relatively low-key event should be 
held around Easter time. It should be ensured that the event is carried out beyond reproach hence winning hearts 
and minds paving a way for a more elaborate event in the future.

Parking on Wilton Lawns

This is still a problem, Steve is to write to the Council again but a softly softly approach will be required 
as they are currently assisting the Association on several fronts.

Barnardos

Work has now started on 4 houses (thought to have been sold)

The future of Blagdon lodge is still unclear, efforts are being made by local residents to obtain listed 
building status for the Lodge. These efforts are helped in part by a change in planning permission for the site 
but all seems vague at this point in time.

It was thought that that every effort should be made to save at least the facade of the building 
The Association has been advised that D.Hartnell of Taunton Deane is the individual to be contacted with 
regard obtaining information on what actions need to be taken to progress conservation order.

Cycle Path Cherry Tree Lane  

Concerns are still being expressed regarding the safety in the lane due to wayward golf balls. However 
the Council have carried out a risk assessment which deems the lane to be safe. It was agreed that the Association
 could only monitor the situation.

It was noted that a rustic fence has now been erected along the lane.

Crossing Trull Rd 

No further movement or information to date.

Memorial Map

This is still not in place, Steve to pursue.

Phils Rambles

Still proposed but no information to date.

Community Bobby

It was thought attendance of the Community Bobby at the Association meetings would be of value. 
The Police have been contacted and are keen to be involved. Steve to furnish the Police with dates of
our future meetings.



Sherford Stream - Open Spaces

An area of open land in the Sherford Stream area is causing some concern because it is overgrown. 
This makes it a haven for misuse in a variety of ways, in is also considered a potential lair for anyone with a 
criminal intent (mugging, robbery etc.).

The land is privately owned by a person who is working abroad, the Association knows a person who is in contact with 
the owner and he has agreed to broach the subject with the owner. Feedback is yet to be received.

The purpose of obtaining the land is to refurbish it and generally tidy it up, possibly with a view to providing a bench 
and generally creating a picnic area.


Being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30pm.

Date of next meeting Tuesday 7th October 2003 Wilton Church Hall.

Date of AGM  Monday 24th November 2003 Wilton Church Hall.