Minutes of meeting held on 23rd April 2003: It was proposed by Mrs Larcombe and seconded by Mrs Benson that the minutes be signed as an accurate record. The minutes were duly signed.

Matters arsing: There were none

Presentation of the Jubilee Cup: The Jubilee Cup was presented to Mrs Gill Ellis, a representative of the Potterne Village Hall Dining Club in recognition of their hard work in providing value for money meals for the residents of the village and also for providing a social gathering at the same time. This dining club has been well received by the residents of the village.

Chairman of the Parish Councils report, including the Financial Report of the Parish Council: Following the elections last May the Parish Council filled 9 vacancies and co-opted two new members, Mr McCormick and Mr Bringloe.

The Council had started to carry out work in task groups, rather than sub committees particularly for consultation documents, and this had proved successful. There were areas in the village that were trying to be improved, namely Highlands Wall which was progressing with the co-operation of both Wiltshire County Council and Kennet District Council. Silver Street to Coxhill Lane footpath was giving rise to concern as the rubbish seems to accumulate no matter how may times it is cleared. Unfortunately the amenity skip service provided by Kennet District Council is no longer available as it does not meet Central Government directives, but Hopton Industrial Estate re-cycling centre will be opening in the near future. Mr Hoddinott thanked the Councillors and Clerk for their continued support.

Several questions were asked of the Parish Council : Rubbish re-cycling boxes and would they be introduced to the village: At present these boxes were only available to Devizes.
Courthill footpath and handrail: A handrail has been promised by Wiltshire County Council when funds are available and this is something that the Parish Council are keen to see in place.
Extended speed limits: The Parish Council have applied to Wiltshire County Council to extend the 30mph speed limits along the A360 into Devizes and at the Potterne Wick end, also further along the Worton Road up Pound Hill and Whistley Road.
Cemetery Maintenance: This is proving successful with the contractor keeping the cemetery tidy and the village seems to be appreciative of his work.
Publicity: The Parish Council continue to try and raise awareness of their activities through the Parish Magazine and the website.
The Bell: Questions were raised as to what is happening at the Bell and when would the site be improved. Mr Hoddinott explained that planning applications had been approved for three house to be built, but listed building consent to alter the Bell itself was still in progress. It was hoped that work would be stared as soon as possible to get this site tidied up and improve the entrance into the village.

Report from the Police Authority: WPC Anne Deuchar, the local police officer for our village gave a report. It was reported that there had been minimum crime in the village over the last 6 months. 6 offences of criminal damage were reported, which is similar to most villages in the area and a couple of burglaries. Villagers must be more aware of security for their properties. Nuisance behaviour of youths caused an element of problems in the village.

The public were invited to ask questions of WPC Deuchars:

The Clerk read out a letter from a resident who was concerned about the anti-social behaviour of some of the youths and has asked whether an anti-social behaviour bye-law could be put into place to curb these outbreaks. WPC Deuchar responded by saying that it was very difficult to place a bye-law in a place where charges have not been made. It is much easier for larger towns such as Devizes, where there have been numerous charges of anti-social behaviour in the past. If a civil anti-social behaviour order was to be placed it would an enormous amount of work for the Police and the village alike. Extensive thorough records would need to be kept, people would need to be named and shamed before anything would be considered. There are no anti-social by-laws in Wiltshire at present. WPC Deuchar is happy to talk to youths causing problems if they can be named.

A question was asked about what could be done about youths damaging the youth club and starting bonfires outside of the shop in Silver Street. An elderly person had been receiving abusive telephone calls and had changed her number to stop them. WPC Deuchar had no records of any of these incidents.

There was concerned about eggs being thrown at properties in the Highlands estate area and Coxhill Lane, this had been reported to the Police, but nothing further had been heard. WPC Deuchar explained that it is considered criminal damage if a cost has been incurred. Stress etc., caused is not considered a criminal act.

Mrs Cutler was concerned that parents still do not feel safe crossing at the zebra crossing due to the speed of the traffic. WPC Deuchars said that Steve Colwell at Salisbury who monitors traffic speed has no problem with traffic speed in Potterne. WPC Deuchar has said that she will let the Parish Council have the telephone number to request the mobile speed check unit.

Parking on pavements, particularly in the High Street: This matter caused concern for a number of residents and WPC Deuchar said that little could be done unless it was blocking the footpath and not allowing access for a wheelchair or buggy, although it is an offence to park on the footpath. Parking should be no closer than 10 metres to a road junction. Any vehicle that is taxed and insured has a right to be on the road, no matter what state it might be in.

WPC Deuchar stressed that anything that was urgent should be directed through the normal channels, otherwise she could be contacted at the Devizes Police Station, and if she is not available a message will be taken and in due course she will return your call.

Reports from Local Groups and Organisations

Royal British Legion, Potterne Branch:

The branch takes part in the Annual County Conference by sending a delegate and the Standard bearer, the Standard Bearer leads a small contingent in the Annual Re-Dedication Service and Parade (this year to be held in Marlborough) and they send a delegate to the National Conference to vote for the members as they have indicated. Additionally, they have a representative of two at the Fovant Badges Drumhead Service. The Remembrance Day Service is well supported and last year we were able to assist Worton & Marston with their Remembrance Day Service.

The Honorary Welfare Officer visits members who are sick or otherwise in need of company, to cheer them up with small gifts, while also having the facility to contact the County Field Officer in cases of more serious need of difficulty. The Poppy Appeal raised just over £858 last November, with thanks being given to the generosity of the villagers and the co-operation of the village businesses.

Three social events are held each year and an annual dinner where all supporters and members are welcome. Other branches are visited. Mr Boyack ended by saying that many people in the village had connections with the various branches of the military forces and a free exploratory visit to one of their meetings was most welcome.

Potterne Pantomime Group:

The proceeds from last year's pantomime "King Arthur & The Magical Quest" a total of £1,500 were shared amongst 12 Potterne organisations during May last year. In addition, we donated £100 to Devizes Link, which is a service used by many Potterne residents. They will shortly be deciding about how to distribute the proceeds of this year's pantomime and would like to hear from any village organisation that would benefit from a donation.

In July last year they held a Garden Party on a wonderful summer evening and the proceeds from this gave us funds to begin our preparations for this year's panto.
They are hoping to have a barn dance in the summer, but a date for this has not yet been fixed.

Potterne Charities: Mr Hoddinott read out a report on behalf of the Charities. The annual accounts show the income for the financial year just ended amounting to £3091 and increase of £10 over the previous year. Investment income from the 10 charities in Potterne came to £822 and income from land amounted to £2269. On this basis the Trustees at Christmas were able to make grants of £30 each to 52 individuals, adding up to a total of £1680. Donations varying from £80 to £170 were made to 7 village organisations, this totalled £1085. The above amounts plus expenses of £195 and the contribution of £90 to the Worton & Marston Charities (1/3rd of the Hunt-Grubbe Charity) leaves a balance of £1143.

Potterne School: Clare Brooks, Head teacher gave a report on behalf of the school. The last year at school has been a busy one, with changes in staff; Mrs Townsend the Deputy head moved to take a headship, and Mr Rees and Mrs Wallis both returned to New Zealand. Mrs Partington moved to a school nearer her home. The school welcomed Mrs Zulver and Mrs Furniss to the teaching staff, and Mrs Wilkinson, Mrs Moxham and Mrs Cutler to the Teaching Assistant team. Following the retirement of Mrs Bringloe, Mrs Philpott was appointed in September to be the new Finance and Administrative Officer. Mrs Mayo joined the team teaching singing to all classes and offering private music lessons to pupils.

The Governing body has increased in number and in strength over the last 12 months. All members are involved in major decisions regarding school and the children.

There have been many changes to the school buildings and grounds; the mural, which was begun last summer on the boundary wall, new school entrance gates and fencing and the playgound, covered with new tarmac. Inside the building, the hall, two classrooms, reception stairs and staff room have been redecorated.

The school continues to develop a travel plan, encouraging children to walk to school by making the journey safer. Neighbours of the school have been involved in parking and access plans at Blackberry Lane.

Year 5 and Year 6 children won the fair play award at the Kennet Sports Festival last year. Year 6 children beat the targets set for level 4+ in Science and Maths KS2 SATS. They exceed the level 5 targets in science and reading.

The use of Devizes School's PE facilities has meant the whole school has had the opportunity for gymnastics and games in the gym and on the all weather pitch. Swimming lessons continue.

Ten new computers have been purchased and the computer suite rearranged to accommodate them. The village computer club uses the suite for their regular meetings.

Potterne Senior Citizens Mrs Benson said that this group had raised over £158 on a coffee morning which had allowed them to visit Sherborne Abbey and Gardens later in the year.

Emergency Response Volunteers: Mr Hobbs reported that he had attended several meetings and a plan now needs to be developed that would assist the village if a major disater were to happen in out village. Mr Hobbs will be placing an article in the parish magazine asking for volunteers with local knowledge to assist with the plan.

Potterne Village Hall: Mr Bailey reported that the village hall had carried out extensive improvements to the kitchen facilities and had even installed a dishwasher. Disabled access to the building had now been achieved by the installation of a ramp, but access to toilet facilities was still causing a problem. The management committee were looking at ways of improving these facilities.

Any Questions: Over grown hedges along Whistley Road: The Clerk will reply to say that the Parish Council that the hedges along Whistley Road were an annual problem and the land owners were frequently written to, but the Parish Council will endeavour to include other land owners.

Road Surfaces, particularly at the bottom of Court Hill and going towards Littleton Pannell : This was a County Highway Problem and that there is an information day being run by Wiltshire County Council in May as to what road works etc., are being carried out. Both Mr Hoddinott and Mr McCormick are going to represent the Parish Council.

Street Cleaning : The matter of employing a street cleaner was raised. This is something that the Parish Council have endeavoured to do, but to no avail. Someone to carry out small tasks for the Parish Council, such as weed clearing, litter picking etc., has been advertised in both the Parish Magazine and on the website. Funds are available to assist with these jobs, so if anyone knows of someone who would being willing to carry out similar work, then point them in the direction of the Parish Council.

Whistley Road Pump: It was asked whether the running water from the pump was tested, as he knows of several people that drink from it. This matter will be taken to the next Council meeting for discussion.

White railings barrier outside school on Church Corner: The repairs that have been carried out by Wiltshire County Council to the barriers outside of school following any collisions have resulted in the uprights being removed and therefore the strength of the barriers reduced. The Parish Council will write to Wiltshire County Council asking them to see if the strength of the barriers is sufficient.

There being no further business Mr Hoddinott thanked those present for their continued interest in the village and closed the meeting at 9pm

Previous Meetings:
10 March 2004 11 February 2004 14 January 2004
December 2003 12 November 2003 8 October 2003 10 September 2003 13 August 2003 9 July 2003 11 June 2003 14 May 2003 Annual 2003 9 April 2003 12 March 2003 14 February 2003 8 January 2003
11 December 2002 13 November 2002 9 October 2002 11 September 2002 14 August 2002 10 July 2002 12 June 2002 8 May 2002 10 April 2002 13 March 2002