STEEPLE ASHTON PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL PARISH MEETING The Annual Parish Meeting on 14th April heard reports from the Parish Council and from other aspects of village life, Neighbourhood Watch, STASH, The Friends of Steeple Ashton and Steeple Ashton On Line (www.2sa.co.uk). PC Emily Thomas advised (via the clerk) that a white van had been reported visiting farms and other properties in the area seeking scrap. Subsequently an item has gone missing from one of these properties. Mr. I. Van Ryssen, the Chairman of the Parish Council reported on the first year of the new council elected last May. It was the first time that the nine seats had been filled at an election and we are now eligible to qualify for Quality Status which would give the Parish Council slightly more powers. He reported that because of the change to a unitary authority next April, Wiltshire Council, the Parish Councillors will stay in office for a further five years instead of three (to 2013). Sarah Pittman from Cheeky Chops Day Care Nursery gave a short report on the new nursery based at St. Mary's school. She started her report by saying that she has eight years experience as a childminder and is registered in Steeple Ashton to care for babies, toddlers, pre school and after school/holiday clubs. She reported on her many fresh and innovative ideas, which include learning Spanish, music and gardening lessons. (01225 768120 for more details). CPRE ? BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION. We will be judged in May for this competition. Please do your best as in previous years to help keep the village clean and tidy. VILLAGE CLEAN UP It is proposed to have a village clean up on a Saturday in May. All help is welcome to tidy the village. See village notice board for details or contact Mrs. R. Brett-Green. WCC CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT We have been advised by WCC that Civil Parking Enforcement comes into effect in West Wiltshire on 16th June 2008. Under the existing system in West Wiltshire, a parking offence is a breach of criminal law enforceable through the criminal justice system. ÿThe Road Traffic Act 1991 as amended by the Traffic Management Act 2004 (TMA) allows a Highway Authority to apply to the Secretary of State to establish Special and Civil Enforcement Areas which once approved, transfers the responsibility for parking enforcement from the Police to the Highway Authority. The powers are therefore transferred to the County Council and the District Council will manage the enforcement on behalf of the County Council. ÿThe enforcement of the parking tickets known as Penalty Charge Notice?s (PCN?s,) which are issued to motorists who do not comply with the parking restrictions, under the new system of CPE become a civil debt as opposed to a criminal offence. Under new provisions of the Traffic Management Act 2004, the Department for Transport has revised the penalty charge levels applicable for parking contraventions to affect a fine appropriate for the seriousness of the contravention. ÿFor example parking where it is prohibited (i.e. double yellow lines) will incur a œ70 penalty whilst parking outside of a parking bay on street will incur a œ50 penalty. REVISED WWDC PLANNING CONSULTATION Until recently when a Planning Application was submitted to West Wiltshire District Council, their policy was to notify adjacent properties that a Planning Application had been submitted by a neighbour. A sign was also put up regarding the Planning Application. The policy has now been revised and neighbours will not be notified of a Planning Application in their vicinity, a notice will be the only notification. However, neighbours and other members of the public are still invited to send their comments on the Planning Application to the District Council. DOG FOULING Once again this has been reported to the Parish Council as a serious nuisance, particularly at the end of Coach Barton. PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG, wherever you are and deposit the litter in the dog bins provided. Please also keep your dog on a lead. It has been reported that loose dogs have attacked other dogs on leads. PLANNING Planning applications are considered at Parish Council Meetings and Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meetings. There is an Open Forum for members of the public to comment on planning matters prior to their consideration. RECENT APPLICATIONS: New Plans: 08/01021/FUL - Stephen Graver Ltd Edington Road - Extension to industrial building 08/01058/TCA - 12A Dark Lane North - The felling of three Leylandii and topping of three Leylandii Appeals: New Appeal to Planning inspectorate: 07/00702/FUL - Downsview Sandpits Lane - Erection of single storey extensions for conservatory, utility/family rooms Appeal dismissed: 07/01440/FUL - Removal of condition from Planning Application 89/00006/FUL - Hillview, 39 Common Hill, Steeple Ashton, Trowbridge Wilts. BA14 6EE PARISH COUNCIL OFFICE This is open to the public three times a week (Monday and Tuesday 2.30pm - 3.30pm; Wednesday 10am ? 11am) or by appointment. The telephone number is 01380 871461 PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS The April 2008 Planning Issues Only Parish Council Meeting is scheduled for 7.30pm Monday 28th April (subject to requirement) at the Village Hall. The May Parish Council meeting, which will be the AGM, will be held on Monday 12th May 2008 in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. Judith Buxton Dean Clerk to the Parish Council. Tel:01380 871461/870871 email: jbd.sapc@virgin.net