Berkley Parish Council

20/02/2026

20/02/2026

TIME TO ACT
Page 2

20/02/2026

TIME TO ACT

11/12/2025

192
Berkley Parish Council

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held at Frome Rugby Club on Wednesday 19 November 2025 at 7.30pm

Present: Mr A Knight, (Chairman), Mr P James (Vice Chairman) Mr D Lee, Mr K Mills
Mrs J Harvey (Clerk)
Mr A Boyden (SCC Frome North)

1. Apologies Ms D Denton (SCC Frome North)

2. Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 11 September 2025 having been previously circulated were taken as read, unanimously approved and signed by Andrew Knight, Chairman.

3. Matters Arising

Oldford Development David Lee reported that he had looked into, on behalf of the Parish Council, the feasibility of employing planning consultants to assist in ensuring that the interests of local residents are protected when the planning application is submitted.

He has received two quotes, and it was unanimously agreed that the proposal of Context Planning Consultants was best suited to our needs; also it came at the recommendation of Andrew Boyden and Dawn Denton. Context’s proposal includes a meeting with the Parish Council, a site visit, a detailed review of the application documents and preparation of a comprehensive objection letter. Their hourly rate is £130 plus VAT, with an overall estimate of £3,000 plus VAT. VAT is retrievable by the Parish Council. It was unanimously approved to go ahead when the planning application has been submitted.

It was also agreed that Berkley Parish Council would request a meeting with and get the views of Frome Town Council with regard to the proposed development.

The Pines Despite the lawful development certificate having been turned down, and the order to stop work has been made by Somerset Council, activity continues on the site. Adam Boyden will make arrangements to meet with planning to keep this a priority issue.

Some twenty or more new families are on site, mainly transient. Discussions with Cllr Frederica Smith-Roberts and Somerset Council will continue, although the laws on fair rents apparently do not apply to Caravans/mobile homes.

The problem of fly tipping continues unabated. Andrew Knight has contacted Commerce Park with regard to the risk to the bund, but they are not interested. Andrew emphasized the need to keep a record of key issues.

193
Battery Energy Storage System Anna Jones, Planning Manager, Enray Power, telephoned the Clerk prior to the meeting advising of their proposed response to our letter of 30 June 2025. However, at the time of the meeting this had not been received. Kelvin undertook to consult with EDP and Screwfix, Commerce Park, both businesses in close proximity to the proposed development.
(Notification of amendments to the original construction was received from Somerset Council Planning on 20 November 2025, and Enray’s response was subsequently circulated on 20 November 2025. A request for extension of time was refused. A meeting to discuss was arranged for 1 December 2025.)

Signs at Rooks Lane, Pot and Kemps Lane and Public Footpath Peter James agreed that the ground was now soft enough to knock in the posts. The public footpath sign has been reinstated at Fairoak Farm.

New Parish Councillor Not discussed.

Fly Tipping is being reported on the portal and councillors informed. Er****on of signs to be discussed later.

4. Parking Issue – Commerce Park This is in the hands of Commerce Park and the Police.

5. Potential Visit by Bill Revans re. gypsy site policy Discussed under The Pines, Matters Arising, The Pines.

6. Somerset Council Redundancies & Spending on Consultants Adam Boynton reported little solution at Somerset Council policy level.

7. Planning Situation at Packsaddle- The Appeal has been refused.

8. Finance The cheque for £30 to SALC in respect of Councillor training was unanimously approved.

9. Correspondence

Email 22 October 2025 re Devon Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Precept Survey – no comment.
Email 28 October 2025 Mile Wilsher appeal for grant towards publication of The Network. Unanimously agreed to contribute £150.

10. Any Other Business

There is damage to the bridge adjacent to Andros, caused no-doubt by their lorries. Adam Denton agreed to take this up with Andros and to liaise with Lullington Parish Council.

Bus stop at Oldford. If planning permission is given to the development at Oldford this can be discussed further down the line.

The Bell, Standerwick. The Chairman announced this is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment. The palm trees on the perimeter, which the Parish Council have long time flagged up as a sight hazard, have been removed.

The meeting closed at 9.15pm.

JRH/4.12.25

Date of Next Meeting: 7.30PM, WEDNESDAY, 18 FEBRUARY 2026, FROME RUGBY CLUB

12/06/2025

186
Berkley Parish Council

Annual Meeting
held at Frome Rugby Club on Friday 23 May at 7.00pm

Present: Mr A Knight (Chairman), Mr D Lee, Mrs S John, Mrs J Harvey (Clerk)
Mr A Boyden (SCC, Frome North)

Apologies: Ms D Denton (SCC, Frome North), Mr P James, Mr K Mills

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting, and in acknowledgement of the number of residents from Oldford, brought forward Item 4, of the Ordinary Meeting, “Update on Oldford Development”.

The recent presentation by the developers at Frome Rugby Club, has done nothing to dispel the concerns of Oldford residents, particularly those of Windsbatch Lane.

The major points of contention were the effect of increased traffic on Gypsy Lane, the junction with Oldford Hill and Windsbatch Lane, with the potential of Stonebridge used as an unauthorised alternative route, already a bone of contention. Also if a country park is developed this will require extra parking, for which again, Windsbatch Lane is unsuited. Points of contention also include the loss of privacy of the residents living adjacent to the park. As there are no pavements, street lighting or parking areas and the lane is subject to flooding, it is totally unsuitable for pedestrian use. General flooding in the whole area is also a major concern.

The proposed area is laced with underground springs and there is a 40ft deep disused quarry above Oldford which was used as landfill in the 60’s and could potentially provide polluted run-off. Drainage could be a problem with no S106 provision.

Frome Town Council is looking for 2/3 bedroom houses, without garages, and no pavements. Design Codes could be at risk if the development is subdivided into smaller plots.

Light pollution in a rural area.

Adam Boyden advised that the planning application is likely to be submitted in July/August and if the Parish Council wished to present a robust objection they need to be ready. It was accepted that Berkley Parish Council did not have the necessary expertise, and it was agreed that David Lee would approach three planning consultants for quotes, at which time the Parish Council would reconsider the matter.

1. Finance

Statement of Accounts 2024/25 were read and unanimously approved.

Certificate of Exemption AGAR 2024/25 Part 2 was completed by the Clerk and signed by the Chairman for forwarding to PKF Littlejohn, Auditors.

187

Precept for 2025/26 has been approved by Somerset Council at £4,160.

Approval of Cheques to Zurich Municipal (£214.00), SALC (£148.51), D Lee – signs (£110.79), Value Products Ltd – defibrillator servicing £167.48). Unanimously approved.

2. Risk Management Our meeting venue remains under the remit of Frome Rugby Club. Financial safeguards remain rigorous.

3. Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman Andrew Knight proposed that he should remain as Chair and Peter James as Vice.. This was unanimously approved.

4. Meetings for the Coming Year Dates of future meetings will be arranged later and informed by the Clerk.

Ordinary Meeting

1. Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 6 February 2025 Having been previously circulated, were taken as read and signed by the Chairman as a true record.

2. Matters Arising

Lorries on Windsbatch Lane David Lee reported that the signs, which are fully compliant, are now in place just off the A36, as a result of which there has been a marked decrease in the number of lorries using the lanes.

It was felt that it would be of great benefit to have similar signs placed at the end of Rooks Lane, Pot and Kemps Lanes. David Lee estimated it would cost approximately £400 to buy the signs and put in place ourselves, and if Peter James could provide a post basher. Andrew Knight proposed the purchase, Sue John seconded, unanimously approved.

Grit Bins Following our formal complaint, all grit bins have now been topped up by County Roads.

Gritting Berkley Street In response to our complaint, Somerset Council has followed the guidance of the National Winter Research Group, and have rejected our request for the gritting of Berkley Street.

Pavement and fallen Wall at Oldford Dawn Denton has referred this matter on to Somerset Council. The Clerk will follow this up. Graham Hinton will provide further information on a stretch of pavement at Oldford that needs repair.

Security Lights at Commerce Park Adam Boyden and Nick Marshall have tracked down the offending lights and they have been lowered. Another resident of Berkley Marsh is plagued by lights shining into the bedroom windows. Adam Boyden agreed to follow this up on his behalf.

188

Berkley Sign missing from Kemps Lane The Clerk reported that Traffic Management Somerset would repair and reinstate the signs but at a cost to the Parish. She was asked to enquire if the sign could be returned to us for refurbishment.

3. Unapproved Development at The Pines The Chairman reported that owners have ripped out fences and created extensive ground works. Somerset Council have finally entered the site and stopped them from working. They have been instructed to submit a retrospective planning application. There are also reports of materials continuing to be delivered to the site. (see Planning)

There are reports of original tenants moving out because of the increased rents and the abuse of tenancy rights. This exodus will inevitably put a strain on council accommodation in the town.

4. Battery Energy Storage System (see Planning) The Chairman has arranged for the developers (ENRAY) to meet with the Parish Council and various other people from the community to discuss its impact on residents, and intends to ask for a public meeting to follow. This development will affect Commerce Park, Berkley, The Pines, and Oldford with the potential of light pollution, a year’s worth of development traffic, and continued opening up to maintenance, plus conservation issues such as bats and sky larks. (see Planning)

5. Social Media.Website - Network The website is a work in progress. David Lee commented on the lack of content by the Parish Council in the Network Magazine. It was agreed consideration would be given as to what we could contribute and who would undertake to do this.

6. Data Secuirty/Email Management The Chairman to register to an authority owned domain.

7. Parish Council Training David Lee to sign up for a course and report back.

8. Planning Matters

Application No. 2025/0234/FUL Provision of EVC Hub and Additional Valeting Provision and Associated Works for Motor Fuel Ltd, at Commerce Park Service Station, Southgate, Frome BA11 2RY. Berkley Parish Council no comment.
Application No. 2025/0583/VRC Variation of Condition 7 (Letting of Planning Consent 055800/013 (Construction of 4 self-contained holiday units, laundry and parking area) at The Old Cow Byre, |Limerick Lane, Beckington for Dr John Haynes. Berkley Parish Council no comment.
Application No. 2025/0752/CLE Application for an existing lawful development certificate for the commencement of building works at Bonneyleigh View, Gypsy Lane, Frome for Mr S Chant.

189
To be discussed
Enforcement Case No. ENF/2025/0058 Complaint Matter: Unapproved expansion of perimeter of site. Creation of new access and groundworks at The Pines, Gypsy Lane, Berkley, Frome. (see Item 3)
Application No. 2025/0690/FUL Construction, operation and decommissioning of a Battery Energy Storage System with vehicular access, internal access tracks, landscaping, boundary treatment, cabling and associated works and infrastructure on land at 380117 148769 Berkley Lane, Berkley, Frome. (see Item 4)

9. Any Other Business The Chairman reported that Susanne Thompson has recently resigned at Head Teacher of Berkley First School, and they are in the process of recruiting an interim Head.

Meeting closed at 9.30pm.

JRH/12.06.25

01/03/2025

183
Berkley Parish Council

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held at Frome Rugby Club on Thursday 6 February 2025 at 7.30pm

Present: Mr A Knight, (Chairman), Mr P James (Vice Chairman), Mr D Lee, Mrs S John, Mr K Mills
Mrs J Harvey (Clerk)
Mr A Boyden (SCC Frome North)
6 Residents

1. Apologies Ms D Denton (SCC Frome North)

The Chairman welcomed Andrea Brooke and Anne Oakes to the meeting and invited them to talk about the proposed merger of the Keyford Educational Foundation and Thynne’s Educational Foundation to form the Thynne and Keyford Educational Foundation; and to ask for the support of the Parish Council in nominating two trustees to the Foundation. The charities have been endowed with funds to provide financial support to young people towards the costs of their education, trade or profession. To qualify they must be aged between 5 and 25, and are resident in the areas of Berkley PC, Corsley PC, Frome Town Council and Selwood PC, or who attend schools in these areas. (see Correspondence)

2. Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 6 November 2024 having been previously circulated were taken as read, unanimously approved and signed by Peter James.

3. Matters Arising

Lorries on Windsbatch Lane David Lee reported that Sara Davis, Somerset Council, confirmed that the er****on of signs had been contracted out to be completed by the end of the financial year. However, she was unable to prioritise the work schedule.

Grit Bins The two bins previously stolen have been replaced with second-hand, acquired by the Chairman. The location of the bins has been passed to Highways for filling. Despite numerous follow-ups, including by Dawn Denton, the bins remain empty. It was agreed a formal complaint should be put forward. (Ref: 17214469)

Gritting Berkley Street David Lee has sent a letter of complaint to Area Highways Mendip. He now proposes to take this a step further by writing to the Ombudsman. Andrew Knight offered photographs in support. Adam Boyden undertook to look into this.

Pavement and fallen wall at Oldford. This is now the subject of a complaint (Ref. No. 702886. The Clerk to follow up.

184

4. Defibrillator

Andrew Knight reported that Berkley School now has a defibrillator for school use only and no longer had need of the one donated by the Parish Council. After lengthy discussion it was agreed that it should be offered to Berkley Church and Nick
Marshall agreed to speak to the Church Warden, Jeanette Hayward. It was understood that Berkley Parish Council would be responsible for its servicing

5. Finance

The Clerk confirmed that the Precept request had been submitted to Somerset Council requesting a 3% rise on the previous financial year’s application.

Kelvin Mills agreed to become a signatory with NatWest. The Clerk to set in motion.

A cheque for £68.16 in respect of expenses paid to New Valley Web Design was unanimously approved. Also unanimously approved the grant of £400 to Withywood for garden equipment.

6. Correspondence

Thynne and Keyford Educational Foundation. It was proposed by Andrew Knight, seconded by Kelvin Mills and unanimously agreed that Anne Oakes and Andrea Brooke should be nominated as Trustees to represent the parish of Berkley.

Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Berkley Parish Council invited to complete a questionnaire online regarding the Service’s response to automatic fire alarms. Kelvin Mills undertook to do this.

7. Planning
Dealt with Prior to Meeting

Application No. 2024/2126/FUL Replace portacabin and erect modular building Health Hub, Frome Market Health Hub, Frome Market Agricultural Park, Berkley Street, Standerwick, Frome. Berkley Parish Council recommends approval.

For Information

Appeal Ref: APP/E3335/W/24/3344906 Land to the south of St Brelades and The Laurels, Oldford Hill, Oldford, Frome Somerset. Application Ref: 2024/0497/PIP. Appeal allowed and permission in principle granted for residential development comprising a minimum of 1 and maximum of 3 dwellings. This is in Selwood Parish.

185

Discussion at Meeting

Planning Application Ref: 2023/1585/REM (Windsbatch Lane, Oldford) . There will be a public consultation on 11 February at the Frome Rugby Club between 3 and 7 pm. David Lee will attend.

Development at Pollyanna, Oldford. Alan Boyden informed the meeting that this is due to come to Committee. The objection with regard to restriction on turning of bin lorry has been withdrawn, and the application is likely to be approved.

8. Any Other Business

The Boundary Commission has extended its review to 4 March 2025. Adam Boyden expressed the view that he wants to keep them as they are, which was unanimously agreed. The Clerk undertook the complete the survey.

Fly Tipping in Pot Lane Residents reported recurring builders’ rubbish tipped in Pot Lane.

Nick Marshall reported security lights at Commerce Park were causing a nuisance as shining directly into his property. Sue John undertook to walk round Commerce Park to look for the source and report back. Adam Boyden agreed to bring this up at the next meeting with Commerce Park.

Kemps Lane, Berkley Marsh Sign - top missing. The Clerk agreed to contact Highways, Street Signage.

The Pines It was reported that there was a digger on site to remove the bank in order to extend the park. Malcolm Glover, Enforcement Officer has been on site.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.05pm.

JRH/15.02.25

ANNUAL MEETING
7PM, WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2025, FROME RUGBY CLUB
183
Berkley Parish Council

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held at Frome Rugby Club on Thursday 6 February 2025 at 7.30pm

Present: Mr A Knight, (Chairman), Mr P James (Vice Chairman), Mr D Lee, Mrs S John, Mr K Mills
Mrs J Harvey (Clerk)
Mr A Boyden (SCC Frome North)
6 Residents

1. Apologies Ms D Denton (SCC Frome North)

The Chairman welcomed Andrea Brooke and Anne Oakes to the meeting and invited them to talk about the proposed merger of the Keyford Educational Foundation and Thynne’s Educational Foundation to form the Thynne and Keyford Educational Foundation; and to ask for the support of the Parish Council in nominating two trustees to the Foundation. The charities have been endowed with funds to provide financial support to young people towards the costs of their education, trade or profession. To qualify they must be aged between 5 and 25, and are resident in the areas of Berkley PC, Corsley PC, Frome Town Council and Selwood PC, or who attend schools in these areas. (see Correspondence)

2. Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 6 November 2024 having been previously circulated were taken as read, unanimously approved and signed by Peter James.

3. Matters Arising

Lorries on Windsbatch Lane David Lee reported that Sara Davis, Somerset Council, confirmed that the er****on of signs had been contracted out to be completed by the end of the financial year. However, she was unable to prioritise the work schedule.

Grit Bins The two bins previously stolen have been replaced with second-hand, acquired by the Chairman. The location of the bins has been passed to Highways for filling. Despite numerous follow-ups, including by Dawn Denton, the bins remain empty. It was agreed a formal complaint should be put forward. (Ref: 17214469)

Gritting Berkley Street David Lee has sent a letter of complaint to Area Highways Mendip. He now proposes to take this a step further by writing to the Ombudsman. Andrew Knight offered photographs in support. Adam Boyden undertook to look into this.

Pavement and fallen wall at Oldford. This is now the subject of a complaint (Ref. No. 702886. The Clerk to follow up.

184

4. Defibrillator

Andrew Knight reported that Berkley School now has a defibrillator for school use only and no longer had need of the one donated by the Parish Council. After lengthy discussion it was agreed that it should be offered to Berkley Church and Nick
Marshall agreed to speak to the Church Warden, Jeanette Hayward. It was understood that Berkley Parish Council would be responsible for its servicing

5. Finance

The Clerk confirmed that the Precept request had been submitted to Somerset Council requesting a 3% rise on the previous financial year’s application.

Kelvin Mills agreed to become a signatory with NatWest. The Clerk to set in motion.

A cheque for £68.16 in respect of expenses paid to New Valley Web Design was unanimously approved. Also unanimously approved the grant of £400 to Withywood for garden equipment.

6. Correspondence

Thynne and Keyford Educational Foundation. It was proposed by Andrew Knight, seconded by Kelvin Mills and unanimously agreed that Anne Oakes and Andrea Brooke should be nominated as Trustees to represent the parish of Berkley.

Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Berkley Parish Council invited to complete a questionnaire online regarding the Service’s response to automatic fire alarms. Kelvin Mills undertook to do this.

7. Planning
Dealt with Prior to Meeting

Application No. 2024/2126/FUL Replace portacabin and erect modular building Health Hub, Frome Market Health Hub, Frome Market Agricultural Park, Berkley Street, Standerwick, Frome. Berkley Parish Council recommends approval.

For Information

Appeal Ref: APP/E3335/W/24/3344906 Land to the south of St Brelades and The Laurels, Oldford Hill, Oldford, Frome Somerset. Application Ref: 2024/0497/PIP. Appeal allowed and permission in principle granted for residential development comprising a minimum of 1 and maximum of 3 dwellings. This is in Selwood Parish.

185

Discussion at Meeting

Planning Application Ref: 2023/1585/REM (Windsbatch Lane, Oldford) . There will be a public consultation on 11 February at the Frome Rugby Club between 3 and 7 pm. David Lee will attend.

Development at Pollyanna, Oldford. Alan Boyden informed the meeting that this is due to come to Committee. The objection with regard to restriction on turning of bin lorry has been withdrawn, and the application is likely to be approved.

8. Any Other Business

The Boundary Commission has extended its review to 4 March 2025. Adam Boyden expressed the view that he wants to keep them as they are, which was unanimously agreed. The Clerk undertook the complete the survey.

Fly Tipping in Pot Lane Residents reported recurring builders’ rubbish tipped in Pot Lane.

Nick Marshall reported security lights at Commerce Park were causing a nuisance as shining directly into his property. Sue John undertook to walk round Commerce Park to look for the source and report back. Adam Boyden agreed to bring this up at the next meeting with Commerce Park.

Kemps Lane, Berkley Marsh Sign - top missing. The Clerk agreed to contact Highways, Street Signage.

The Pines It was reported that there was a digger on site to remove the bank in order to extend the park. Malcolm Glover, Enforcement Officer has been on site.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.05pm.

JRH/15.02.25

ANNUAL MEETING
7PM, WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2025, FROME RUGBY CLUB

27/11/2024

181
Berkley Parish Council

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
held at Frome Rugby Club on Wednesday 6 November 2024 at 7.30pm

Present: Mr P James (Vice Chairman), Mr D Lee, Mrs S John, Mr K Mills
Mrs J Harvey (Clerk)
Ms D Denton (SCC Frome North)
6 Residents

The Vice Chairman introduced Will Mortimer, who explained that, as a PCSO with Avon & Somerset Police, his role is to deal with low level crime in the Berkley Parish area, and to liaise with Ashley Reay in regard to Speedwatch follow ups. He was responding to Parish Council’s concerns with regard to the number of crimes recorded in the area since the beginning of the year, particularly with regard to thefts. He assured the meeting that the majority were of a minor level and were centred in one area. He confirmed that fly tipping is not recorded and should be reported online to Somerset Council/report fly tipping/Mendip East.

Avon & Somerset Police have two unmarked community transits covering the Shepton Mallet area, which can be booked to visit outlying villages. These vehicles contain publicity material and provide advice on crime prevention.

Ashley Reay covers the Mendip area for the Speedwatch Association, which has sites in and around Frome recording the speed of vehicles at varying times and frequency. Its aim is to persuade drivers to keep within speed limits and drive safely. He reported that in October, outside Berkley School, within an hour, 47 cars were recorded speeding. As an organisation it depends on volunteers, and anyone prepared to give their time, no matter how little, please contact Will or Ashley.(email [email protected])

1. Apologies Mr A Knight (Chairman) Mr A Boynton (SCC Frome North)

The Vice Chairman welcomed the two newly co-opted Councillors to the meeting: Kelvin Mills, whose has experience with District and Borough Councils, and Sue John a local to Berkley Marsh.

2. Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 2 October 2024
Item 3: Bus Shelter at Oldford Mr Hinton requested this to be amended to read “4 staff, 5 customers with their children use the bus twice a day.” Peter James and David Lee approved the minutes, Andrew Knight to approve and sign.

3. Matters Arising

Lorries on Windsbatch Lane Update Somerset Council have confirmed that they will supply and install three HGVsigns, one at the bottom of Windsbatch Lane and two at the junction of Court Lane with the A36. Adam Boyden and Andrew Knight are asking for timescales.

The Parish Council has received a letter from Andros which says, quote: “While the drivers are employed by a logistics company outside our control, we have informed the company to ensure new drivers are made aware of this issue. We are confident this will
182

prevent future occurrences, as drivers of 26-tonne lorries are unlikely to repeat the mistake once made”. There is, however, no offer to contribute towards the cost of signs.
Kelvin Mills confirmed that Google Maps have been informed by Somerset Council.

Lane Closure Berkley Update Section 429 has been approved and blocks are in place. Residents reported that the reduction in speeding vehicles is making a huge improvement to their quality of life.

Grit Bins Last winter only one of the grit bins in Berkley Parish had been filled by Highways. Dawn Denton agreed to follow this up; the Clerk to forward all what3words locations to her, including that of Windbatch Lane which is a new location.

Gritting Berkley Street David Lee has sent a letter of complaint to Somerset Council which he will forward to Dawn Denton to follow up.

Pavement and fallen wall at Oldford Andrew Knight and David Lee visited the owner of the bungalow adjacent to the fallen wall, who professed not to know who owned it. Dawn Denton agreed to contact the Area Supervisor, Somerset Council, who will be able to establish ownership. There also remained the issue of overhanging vegetation and tree roots stopping people from using the pavement.

4. Fly Tipping There have been incidents of flying tipping outside the blocks. These should be reported online to Somerset Council/report fly tipping/Mendip East.

5. Finance
The newly appointed Councillors agreed to have their names added as signatories for cheques. The Clerk to make arrangement with Nat West.

The statement of account as at 6 November 2024 which showed a credit balance of £14,077.33. The Clerk requested a grant be made to Berkley PCC in support to their upkeep expenses of the churchyard in the sum of £500. This was unanimously agreed.

6. Correspondence
Operation Tribute-Poppy of Honour. Email from West Monkton Parish Council 4.11.24. Berkley Parish Council will not participate.

7. Planning None

8. Any Other Business
The Clerk to check with SALC if it is mandatory that the Parish Council complies with WCAG 2.2 that Councils are encouraged to use a gov.uk domain for their websites and email communications.

Bus Shelter Dawn Denton reported that once Berkley Parish Council has been in touch with relevant bodies for funding, Somerset Council is ready to assess the site and advise on installations etc of the bus shelter. It was hoped by Berkley Parish Council that Andros would be prepared to contribute but this looks unlikely.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.35pm. JRH/17.11.24
181
Berkley Parish Council

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
held at Frome Rugby Club on Wednesday 6 November 2024 at 7.30pm

Present: Mr P James (Vice Chairman), Mr D Lee, Mrs S John, Mr K Mills
Mrs J Harvey (Clerk)
Ms D Denton (SCC Frome North)
6 Residents

The Vice Chairman introduced Will Mortimer, who explained that, as a PCSO with Avon & Somerset Police, his role is to deal with low level crime in the Berkley Parish area, and to liaise with Ashley Reay in regard to Speedwatch follow ups. He was responding to Parish Council’s concerns with regard to the number of crimes recorded in the area since the beginning of the year, particularly with regard to thefts. He assured the meeting that the majority were of a minor level and were centred in one area. He confirmed that fly tipping is not recorded and should be reported online to Somerset Council/report fly tipping/Mendip East.

Avon & Somerset Police have two unmarked community transits covering the Shepton Mallet area, which can be booked to visit outlying villages. These vehicles contain publicity material and provide advice on crime prevention.

Ashley Reay covers the Mendip area for the Speedwatch Association, which has sites in and around Frome recording the speed of vehicles at varying times and frequency. Its aim is to persuade drivers to keep within speed limits and drive safely. He reported that in October, outside Berkley School, within an hour, 47 cars were recorded speeding. As an organisation it depends on volunteers, and anyone prepared to give their time, no matter how little, please contact Will or Ashley.(email [email protected])

1. Apologies Mr A Knight (Chairman) Mr A Boynton (SCC Frome North)

The Vice Chairman welcomed the two newly co-opted Councillors to the meeting: Kelvin Mills, whose has experience with District and Borough Councils, and Sue John a local to Berkley Marsh.

2. Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 2 October 2024
Item 3: Bus Shelter at Oldford Mr Hinton requested this to be amended to read “4 staff, 5 customers with their children use the bus twice a day.” Peter James and David Lee approved the minutes, Andrew Knight to approve and sign.

3. Matters Arising

Lorries on Windsbatch Lane Update Somerset Council have confirmed that they will supply and install three HGVsigns, one at the bottom of Windsbatch Lane and two at the junction of Court Lane with the A36. Adam Boyden and Andrew Knight are asking for timescales.

The Parish Council has received a letter from Andros which says, quote: “While the drivers are employed by a logistics company outside our control, we have informed the company to ensure new drivers are made aware of this issue. We are confident this will
182

prevent future occurrences, as drivers of 26-tonne lorries are unlikely to repeat the mistake once made”. There is, however, no offer to contribute towards the cost of signs.
Kelvin Mills confirmed that Google Maps have been informed by Somerset Council.

Lane Closure Berkley Update Section 429 has been approved and blocks are in place. Residents reported that the reduction in speeding vehicles is making a huge improvement to their quality of life.

Grit Bins Last winter only one of the grit bins in Berkley Parish had been filled by Highways. Dawn Denton agreed to follow this up; the Clerk to forward all what3words locations to her, including that of Windbatch Lane which is a new location.

Gritting Berkley Street David Lee has sent a letter of complaint to Somerset Council which he will forward to Dawn Denton to follow up.

Pavement and fallen wall at Oldford Andrew Knight and David Lee visited the owner of the bungalow adjacent to the fallen wall, who professed not to know who owned it. Dawn Denton agreed to contact the Area Supervisor, Somerset Council, who will be able to establish ownership. There also remained the issue of overhanging vegetation and tree roots stopping people from using the pavement.

4. Fly Tipping There have been incidents of flying tipping outside the blocks. These should be reported online to Somerset Council/report fly tipping/Mendip East.

5. Finance
The newly appointed Councillors agreed to have their names added as signatories for cheques. The Clerk to make arrangement with Nat West.

The statement of account as at 6 November 2024 which showed a credit balance of £14,077.33. The Clerk requested a grant be made to Berkley PCC in support to their upkeep expenses of the churchyard in the sum of £500. This was unanimously agreed.

6. Correspondence
Operation Tribute-Poppy of Honour. Email from West Monkton Parish Council 4.11.24. Berkley Parish Council will not participate.

7. Planning None

8. Any Other Business
The Clerk to check with SALC if it is mandatory that the Parish Council complies with WCAG 2.2 that Councils are encouraged to use a gov.uk domain for their websites and email communications.

Bus Shelter Dawn Denton reported that once Berkley Parish Council has been in touch with relevant bodies for funding, Somerset Council is ready to assess the site and advise on installations etc of the bus shelter. It was hoped by Berkley Parish Council that Andros would be prepared to contribute but this looks unlikely.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.35pm. JRH/17.11.24