Summary of West Monkton Parish Council Meeting
Date: Tuesday 28 July 2026, 7.00pm

Key Decisions
 Minutes from 14 July 2026 approved.

 20mph speed limit extension: Awaiting costings from Somerset Council.
 Tudor Park crossing: Parish Council will not contribute CIL funding, prioritising
the Yallands Hill crossing instead.
 Flooding: Agreed to prepare a grant application to the Somerset Rivers Authority for
ditch and gully improvements at Gotton Lane.
 Bus franchising: Supported in principle, provided it does not reduce the Number 12
community bus service.
 Planning: Supported the change of use at Langaller Manor Farm for
industrial/employment units, with recommendations on parking, flood mitigation and
potential community facilities.
 Hyde Park Sports Ground: Accepted the Bicycle Chain sponsorship proposal
(subject to trackers being added to bikes if possible), approved the risk assessment,
and agreed to negotiate the electricity connection quotation.
 NALC Star Awards: Agreed to submit nominations for Council of the Year and
Clerk of the Year.
 Lottery-funded Country Park project: Approved remaining Year 2 expenditure.
 BACH grants: Approved one grant (£280) and part-funded another school trip
(£332.50).

Flooding and Highways
Residents raised serious concerns about a broken culvert on Gotton Lane, which has been
causing water to flow down the road and increasing flood risk to nearby properties.

Actions agreed:
 Clerk to pursue Somerset Council over repairs and request CCTV inspection.
 Arrange a site meeting to assess drainage improvements.
 Provide gel flood bags to affected residents.
 Investigate drainage issues on Blundells Lane.

Community and Projects
 Poppy of Honour has raised over £2,000 at the Royal Welsh Show, with further
fundraising events planned.
 Hyde Park Sports Ground is nearing completion, with pump track works, CCTV
installation, signage and utilities progressing.
 Further discussions on the MH2 development scheduled for 5 August.
 Football pitch transfer at Bridgwater Road continues to be pursued.

Community Services – The Council reported continued success of:
 Community Café
 Wellbeing Wednesday
 Repair Café
 Bereavement Café
 Pain Café
 Youth Café
 Detached Youth Work

Additional developments include:
 £10,000 grant application for a Warm Hub/Cool Hub.
 £1,500 Sainsbury's grant secured for Summer Youth Café activities.
 Detached youth workers engaged with over 100 young people during their first
outreach session.

Parks and Open Spaces
At Heathfield Gardens:
 New swing installed.
 Further fencing and play equipment repairs approved.
 Continued issues with dog fouling noted.
 A five-year maintenance plan will be developed.

At the Country Park:
 Wildflower seed harvesting and tree protection ongoing.
 New signage, volunteer projects and environmental activities progressing.
 Green Flag recommendations include anti-social behaviour reporting signage.
 Anti-social behaviour involving dogs remains a concern.

Community Garden
 Around 970 flowers, vegetables and fruit plants have been planted.
 Volunteers thanked for their work.
 Lessons from this year's planting will inform next year's plans.

Other Matters
 Representatives appointed to attend the Somerset Parishes Conference in October.
 Broadband update requested for the next meeting.
 Graffiti removal volunteers continue work across the parish.

Next Meeting
Tuesday 11 August 2026 (Business-focused Parish Council meeting).

Note: This summary was produced by AI using the DRAFT minutes of the Parish Council Meeting. The full minutes will be available on the parish council website once they are approved at the next parish council meeting.