Summary of the West Monkton Parish Council Meeting – 10 February 2026:

Meeting Overview
The meeting was held at 7:00pm with councillors present, the Clerk, the Bathpool Flood
Warden, and Somerset Councillors. No members of the public attended. Minutes from 27
January 2026 were approved.

Key Reports & Updates
Flooding in Bathpool
 Severe January rainfall (264mm) led to flooding of 10 homes and 4 businesses.
 Old River Tone reached a record level (11.2m).
 Ongoing sewer discharge issues reported; Wessex Water engaged.
 Pumps ran extensively; further rainfall already recorded in February.
 A Section 19 flood investigation has been triggered.
 Meeting arranged with Network Rail and Environment Agency.

Major Projects & Decisions
Planning
 Supported application at Roundwell, Yew Tree Lane, with sustainability and
biodiversity recommendations.

Finance
 Payments and receipts approved.
 Internal Auditor appointed (Kevin Perry).
 Accepted Audit Working Party recommendations, including:
o Budget transfers to address overspends.

Insurance & Contracts Approved
 Event Insurance policy selected (£180).
 Fireworks contract (Option 1) approved for Somerset Day Shindig.
 Bin emptying contract accepted.
 Country Park pathway materials ordered.
 One day of gully clearing approved (grant funded).
 Highlights Floodlighting Ltd appointed for Sports Pitches floodlights.

Community & Facilities

Maidenbrook Country Park
 Pathway contractor appointed; works start 2 March.
 Lottery-funded infrastructure progressing (fencing, CCTV, signage, tools).
 Vision review ongoing.

Hyde Park Sports Ground
 Pump track works due to start 23 February.
 Planning consent issued for sports pitches.
 Floodlighting contractor appointed.

BACH
 Amended Memorandum of Understanding approved.
 Grant of £19,490 awarded to Primary School for solar panel installation.
 Investment of £15,000 into Nationwide account approved.
 Cleaner vacancy noted.

Heathfields POS
 Agreed rolling lease with Persimmon for advertising board (£50/week).
 Ditch clearance at Hob Lane under review.

Youth & Community
 Community Café, Repair Café and Youth Café running regularly.
 HYPE youth programme ongoing across LCN.
 Successful safeguarding and training sessions delivered.
 Food Hygiene Rating for Community Fridge renewed at Level 5.
 Multiple events planned including:

o Annual Parish Meeting (24 March)
o Easter Egg Hunt (4 April)
o SWISH event (18 April)
o Somerset Day / MCP Grand Opening (9 May)

Poppy of Honour
 Council position: Memorial to be restored to original condition before installation in
Country Park (likely 2027).
 Pavilion preference confirmed as rectangular oak frame.

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.