Present:

Blossom Funnell (Chair)
Steve Holmes (Vice Chair)
Carol Hobson (Treasurer)
Pat Ogden
Grace Jones
Marion Hunter
Eileen White
Jennifer Smith
Lynn Wood
Margaret Agabliss
Peggy Stephens
Heather Foster
Gail Crawford
John  Meikle
Stephen Martin-Scott
Alan Stoodley (Secretary)

1.  Apologies:

Alwyn Lyndley
Jenny Hutt
Rob Kirby
Shaun Dale

2.  Previous Minutes:

The apologies were accepted. The previous minutes were reviewed and agreed.

 

3. - Venture Developments – 4 Wilton Street:

The meeting was updated on the current situation regarding the above site. The problems regarding mud on the road have been resolved and a temporary ‘hard surface’ will be provided to protect the road surface from further damage while the work continues with the affected area being reinstated to a permanent standard when the site development is complete.
  
4. – Parris Farm update:

Some progress has been made with regard this issue. The meeting was advised that the main building was now in the process of being removed, however the toilet block, septic tanks and concrete standing are all still in place. Blosom advised that she has been in touch with Taunton Deane who are keen for the issue to be completely resolved. It was agreed that the Association should maintain a watching brief.

5. – Burtons Orchard:

There was no further information available to the meeting at this point in time with regard the above issue. To be retained as an ongoing item.

 

 

6. – Parking

• Sherford Lane – The situation at Sherford Lane has improved with the provision of signing restricting the use of the lane by HGV vehicles. However there are still some problems to be resolved. Damage has been caused to two buildings near to The Bishops house. The transportation by large vehicles of the recent potato crop has not helped the situation.
• Sherford Rd. /Middleway Junction – The situation is currently no further forward.  Highways are to be contacted to get them out to re – assess the junction.  Stephen Martin – Scott asked if the original letter of objection had ever been seen.  This is ongoing.
• Westgate Street – The Parking issues at Westgate St. have improved. The parking capacity is of course not sufficient but people do seem to have made an effort to, park their larger vehicles outside their own properties. There also now seems to be a united front with regard dealing with the parking issues.
• General Parking Issues: The issue of limited parking in the area continues to be emotive. It was agreed that the Association should maintain pressure on the appropriate authorities to try and bring improvements to the situation but it was accepted that the authorities were working ‘within the rules’  

  
  
7. – Notice Board

The new notice board which will be positioned at the entrance to Cotlake Close has been commissioned and is currently being made. The site is currently being used to publicise Somerset Art Week, subsequent to this the new notice board will be erected.    

8. – Newsletter

Rob was thanked for his efforts regarding the production of the Newsletter. The quantity of newsletters available for distribution caused a small concern 900 being made available compared with the normal 1200. However feedback suggests that the information contained is very informative and well received.
The delivery of the newsletter to the Blagdon Village was discussed and it was thought that the most appropriate method of distribution would be via the Lodge’s committee.

9 – Chairperson.

Blossom kindly offered to take up the Chair of the committee on a one year basis to ensure the association did not fold. This period is rapidly coming to a close. The meeting was advised that to date no new candidate has come forward for the position. The situation to be reviewed at the A.G.M in October.

 10 - A.G.M

The A.G.M will take place on the 31st October at the St. Georges Church Hall. It was suggested at the meeting that posters advertising the event should be posted where considered appropriate.
  
11 – A.O.B

Lane – Churchill Way to The Bishops House.
The above lane is somewhat overgrown. Taunton Deane have been approached regarding the problem and whilst they have some sympathy they are looking into whether the trees are subject of a preservation order. A further complication is that the trees on one side of the lane are owned by Taunton Deane (Golf Course side) the other side is privately owned. Situation to be monitored.

Allotments – The meeting was advised that due to the recent refurbishment there is now a waiting list for the church allotments although it is thought that some will some become available in the near future.

 

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.00pm

 

Next Meeting - A.G.M. Friday 31st October St Georges Main Hall 7.30pm