Key Points from December’s Parish Council Meeting

by Paul Elliston

(full minutes available in due course on www.westmonkton.net)

• The new unitary Somerset Council and the new Taunton Town Council will start in April 2023
• The public consultation is still underway (until 12^th January) around the creation of a new Taunton Town Council. Whilst there is a clear unparished area to be covered, the process could mean surrounding parishes, including West Monkton, become incorporated in whole or in part. You’re invited to have your say on this at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MDVZMPK
• COVID rates across the county are very high and caution is advised. The Somerset Coronavirus Support Helpline continues to be available via 0300 790 6275. It is hoped the Firepool site will have extended opening hours to deliver boosters.
• The Planning Application from developers for MH2 has been submitted and available to view and comment on via the Somerset West and Taunton planning site (https://www3.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/asp/webpages/plan/plapplookup.asp) under the following Application Number: 14/21/0047/HYB
• The Parish Council precept (proportion of Council Tax) will be slightly less next financial year
• As of this month, Parish Council meetings will be twice monthly (2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays)

In addition to regular activities, the Parish Council continues to work towards:

• developing a response to the public consultation on the creation of a new Taunton Town Council
• liaising with County Council to resolve localised flooding issues in the Parish
• obtaining sports pitches for the Community, West Monkton Cricket Club & Taunton Rugby
• liaising with developers over repairs to fencing and crossing points
• establishing the Maidenbrook Country Park
• repairing the lighting in the West Monkton phonebox (book exchange)
• seeing the St. Quintins park play area repainted and refurbished
• securing properly planted trees and public open spaces on the MH1 site
• the installation of the planned play park at the Hartnells site
• securing a better use for the current wasteland at the rear of the Primary School
• exploring infrastructure improvement ideas as part of a climate change project
• liaising with County Council over the signage and speeds connected to the new Western Relief Road
• the revision of the Neighbourhood Plan

Achievements and progress over the past month:

• Saw developers cut Brittons Ash and old Hyde Lane hedges as requested
• Planted 7 donated beech trees close to Dyers Brook
• Co-ordinated the clearance of rubbish from the ditch by Swingbridge by local volunteers
• Developed and approved a new volunteering policy
• Developed a programme of events connected to climate action in the Parish
• A Local Business Directory has been added to the Monkton Matters website
• Donated £1000 to the Village Agent’s Crisis Fund to support those locally in need.

Share Your Views

For the Parish Council to work for you, it needs to know what you think. If you have any comments on any local issues, including those above, you’re welcome to attend a meeting including via Zoom (next one is 25^th January), speak to a Councillor or simply contact the Parish Clerk (clerk@westmonkton.net) or Paul Elliston, Parish Councillor responsible for Community Liaison (paulelliston@westmonkton.net / 07765 388655)