West Monkton Parish Council Meeting – Key Points Summary (27 Jan 2026)

Attendance & Admin
 Meeting held at 7pm; apologies from Cllr Munson.
 Minutes from 13 Jan 2026 were approved.
 No new declarations of interest or dispensations.

Flooding (Major discussion)
 Severe flooding across the parish, worse than 2023/24 levels.
 Key problem areas: Blundells Lane, Bathpool, Gotton Lane, Acacia Gardens,
Hyde Lane.
 Bathpool pumps overwhelmed; sewer discharges reported and escalated to Wessex
Water and the Environment Agency.
 Old River Tone peaked at 11.18m, a new record.
 Actions agreed:
o Clerk to write to residents about riparian responsibilities.
o Councillors to pass details of flooded properties to the Clerk.
o Street cleaning to be added to the Dec 2026 forward plan.

Planning
 Two applications at Uplands, Church Hill supported.
 Advertising signs reported to planning enforcement.
 Online consultation noted for land near Dosters Lane (open until 20 Feb).

Community & Events
 Community, Bereavement & Repair Cafés all continuing steadily.
 Youth Café very busy (20–30 young people weekly); additional wellbeing support
now in place.
 Major 2026 events confirmed, including:
o Easter Egg Hunt (4 Apr)
o Spring Shindig / Maidenbrook Country Park opening (9 May)
o Funfest (11 Jul)
o Monkton Market & Produce Show (1 Aug)
 Approved purchases:
o 18 extra benches (£449.64)
o Reusable cups (£1,130 less discount)
 Agreed to buy a fridge trailer (up to £3,500).

Village News
 Shortage of delivery volunteers identified; now resolved.
 Parish Council to continue funding extra printed copies.
 Decision to advertise for a future editor to plan succession.

Highways & Safety
 Speed Indicator Devices deployed.
 Road resurfacing works scheduled (early Feb).
 Yallands Hill crossing: agreed to proceed with local public consultation.

Environment
 Hedge planting planned near Thornash Close layby.
 Two new litter bins approved for Bridgwater Road.
 Church Hill improvements to be explored with public feedback.

Assets & Major Projects
 Heathfields POS: slow progress but fencing, bins and play park works nearing
completion.
 Country Park & Somerset Wood:
o CCTV installed, paths tender approved.
o Some antisocial behaviour reported and referred to police.
 BACH:
o Grant to Primary School to install solar panels discussed – full application to
follow for consideration.
o Two school trip grants approved (80% funding).
 Hyde Park Sports Ground:
o Junior fixtures to start; floodlight tender approved (subject to revised quote).

Other Notes
 Continued work on Poppy of Honour, MH2 infrastructure, and Blundells Lane
flood alleviation.

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.