Overview of West Monkton Parish Council Meeting: 28th April 2026

No apologies or declarations of interest.
 Previous minutes (14 April) approved.
 No public questions.

Planning
 Two planning applications approved (Swingbridge House and Uplands).
 Planning decisions noted via Somerset Council.

Major Projects & Infrastructure
Poppy of Honour
 2026 event schedule reviewed.
 £370.66 approved for Royal Welsh Show attendance.
 Storage arrangements agreed.
 Design meeting planned for June to progress fundraising.

Hyde Park Sports Ground / Pump Track
 Pump track construction nearly complete.
 Turf maintenance ongoing; water supply improvements being explored.
 Safety measures underway (signage, ROSPA inspection, risk assessment, insurance).
 Training approved:
o £525 for routine inspection training.
o £770 + VAT for operational training.
 Volunteers to assist with opening/closing and inspections.
 Equipment & site improvements:
o £100 donation for helmets.
o New padlocks (£317) and CCTV (5 cameras) approved.
o Temporary and future permanent bins/picnic benches planned.
 Car park & drainage contract awarded (£27,290).
 Grand opening proposed: 9 August 2026 with events and catering.

Other Projects
 MH2 development: update meeting scheduled (2 June).
 Bridgwater Road pitch:

o Preparing pitch (grass cutting, marking, posts installed).
o Permission for summer training sessions granted.

Community
 Community Café quiet early; Youth Café remains busy.
 New initiative: “Wellbeing Wednesday” (weekly sessions starting 6 May).
 Proposal for youth sports sessions supported (further research needed).

Events:
o Positive feedback on Easter events.
o “Shindig” planning progressing:
 £300 approved for compere.
 Event Management Plan approved.
o Potential market event planned (end of May).

Environment
 Potholes (Blundells Lane) to be followed up.
 20mph limit extension and traffic calming updates pending.

Assets & Facilities
Country Park / Somerset Wood
 Ongoing planting, maintenance, and improvements.
 Vandalism reported; CCTV upgrade being explored.
 Minor purchases approved (e.g. trailer wheel £37).

BACH (community building)
 Solar panels installed and operational.
 Maintenance issues addressed (doors, heating, lighting).
 Storage improvements under review.

Other
 Community Fridge: recruiting volunteer.
 Community Garden praised for quality.

Council Staffing & Governance
 Admin & Events Assistant role upgraded to Assistant Responsible Financial Officer.
 Salary increased (SCP 3 → SCP 13, effective 1 April 2026).
 Apprenticeship recruitment to be explored.

Other Notes
 Flood drop-in event reminder.
 Local housing need (LHNA): significant demand identified in Somerset.
 Next meetings scheduled (May onward).

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.