Overview of the Meeting – West Monkton Parish Council
(14 April 2026)

The Parish Council met on 14 April 2026 with full attendance and no apologies. Routine declarations and previous minutes were approved.

Clerk & Assistant Clerk Reports
Extensive updates were provided across administration, highways, planning, finance, community work and events. Key points included:
 Annual Report finalised; Strategic Plan published.
 Flood dropin sessions arranged; PSPO consultation submitted.
 Ongoing highways issues: potholes, gullies, zebra crossing updates, and 20mph extension costings.
 Significant end of year financial and audit preparation.
 Youth Café support, HYPE funding success, and planning for Easter and summer youth sessions.
 Event planning progressing for Shindig, Funfest, Flower Show and other 2026 events.

Somerset Council Report
Cllr Fothergill updated on council tax, dredging investment, housing stock consultation, NPPF response, new support phone lines, and electoral boundary changes.

Flood Warden Update
 March was dry; some standing water remains.
 £150k secured for pump installation at Bathpool.
 Flood dropin session confirmed for 30 April.
 Bank reinstatement works approved following insurance claim.

Communications
Strong engagement across Parish Council, Monkton Matters, Community Fridge and Country Park social media pages, with high reach and regular updates.

Village Hall & Spital Trust
 Noticeboard refurbishment cost confirmed.
 Overflow car park sale progressing.
 Fence issue at allotments to be reviewed.

Planning
The Council:
 Supported canal marker plinths and two replacement dwellings at Hill Farm.

 Strongly objected to the proposed care home at Heathfield Park due to parking, design, infrastructure and notification concerns.
 Supported tree works at St Augustine’s Church.

Proposed Developments
 Dosters Lane access review: PC supportive in principle but financial support deferred pending consultant feedback.
 Langaller Farmhouse: employment focused development expected; PC will comment when application submitted.

Finance & End of Year
 Numerous quotations reviewed; decisions made on football goals, booking software, car park contractor delegation, and a 40ft container purchase.
 Asset Register and reserves approved.
 Grant of £89.80 awarded for school uniform.
 2025/26 Annual Report approved.

Projects
Hyde Park Sports Ground:
 Tree planting completed; watering rota to be arranged.
 Pump track progressing well; expected to open in 6–7 weeks.
 Track officially named “Hyde Park Pump Track.”
 Handrail quotation approved; rugby pitch to remain in current position.

Poppy of Honour:
 Memorandum of Understanding approved with minor amendments.
 Storage arrangements ongoing.

Community &  Events
 Shindig preparations ongoing; compere still needed.
 Parking to be £3 per car; tea/cake reduced to £4.

Country Park & Somerset Wood
Volunteer Coordinator reported:
 Mowing resumed, wildflowers sown, willow tunnel restored, pond plants added.
 CCTV signage to be increased; antisocial behaviour noted.
 Replacement silver birch approved up to £200.

Environment
 Church Hill improvements awaiting COWMS feedback.

Other Matters
 Repairs needed to birdmouth fencing in several locations.
 Suggestion to use retractable bollards at Bridgwater Road pitch.

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.