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Author: Lindsey Wood

Minutes of Annual Town Council Meeting held on Monday, 12th May 2025

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

 

Minutes of the ANNUAL MEETING OF MERE TOWN COUNCIL held on Monday, 12TH May 2025 at 7.00 pm at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW.  The meeting will consider the items set out below.

 

Present:  Councillors John Jordan (Chair), Glen Ings (Vice-Chair), Debbie Beale, Nick Beale, Sandra Catley, Aubrey Colman, Philip Coward, Rodney Coward, Sam Dean, Rachel Hansford, Clive Hazzard, Raymond Hill, George Jeans, Alan Mead

+ 8 members of public

 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

Members of the public are invited to address the Council on any issue over which it has a power. This session will be limited to 15 minutes (3 minutes per speaker). The Chairman will convene the Town Council meeting after the public session (please note that once the meeting has been convened members of the public are no longer permitted to speak unless invited to do so by the Chairman).

Mr. Hopkins spoke in support of his planning application PL/2025/02086

Mr. Lear spoke in support of his planning application PL/2025/02106

 

REPORTS FROM LOCAL POLICE REPRESENTATIVES

None present

 

 

  1. TO RECEIVE DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE FORMS FROM ELECTED COUNCILLORS

All Councillors in attendance signed their Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

 

  1. TO ELECT THE CHAIR OF THE TOWN COUNCIL FOR 2025/26 AND TO RECEIVE THE CHAIR’S DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE

Cllr. Alan Mead nominated and Cllr. Rachael Hansford seconded for Cllr. Sandra Catley to be elected as Chair.  Cllr. Rodney Coward nominated and Cllr. Nick Beale seconded for Cllr. John Jordan to be elected as Chair.  A secret ballot was carried out amongst councillors with Sandra Catley receiving 8 votes and John Jordan receiving 6 votes.  Cllr. Sandra Catley duly elected as Chair and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

Cllr. Sandra Catley in The Chair

 

  1. VOTE OF THANKS TO OUTGOING CHAIR

The outgoing Chair, Cllr. John Jordan, was given a vote of thanks for his hard work as Chair during the last year.

 

  1. TO ELECT VICE-CHAIR OF THE TOWN COUNCIL FOR 2025/26 AND TO RECEIVE THE VICE-CHAIR’S DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE

Cllr. Sandra Catley nominated Cllr. Rachael Hansford to be elected as Vice-Chair, seconded by Cllr. Ings,  There being no other nominations, this proposal was put to the vote and carried with a unanimous vote.  Cllr. Rachael Hansford duly elected as Vice-Chair and signed her Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

 

  1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires a record to be kept of the members present and that this record form part of the minutes of the meeting.  Members who cannot attend a meeting should tender apologies to the Town Clerk.

Apologies for absence received from Cllr. Steven Pester.  Members gave authority for Cllr. Steven Pester to sign his Declaration of Acceptance of Office in the presence of the Clerk at a later date

 

  1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
  • To receive Declarations of Interest relating to matters contained in this agenda, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972 in respect of officers and the Localism Act 2011 in respect of members.
  • To receive written requests for new DPI dispensations.

Members are invited to declare disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests in items on the agenda as required by the Mere Town Council Code of Conduct for Members and by the Localism Act 2011.  The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.  If you become aware, during the course of a meeting, of an interest that has not been disclosed under this item, you must immediately disclose it.  Whether you can remain in the meeting and the extent to which you can participate depends on the type of interest you have.

  • Jeans declared a personal interest in Minute No. 22a)
  • Jordan declared a pecuniary interest in Minute No. 27a) (recipient)

 

  1. MINUTES – RESOLVED to approve as a correct record, the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 7th April 2025.

 

  1. STANDING ORDERS – To approve and adopt the Standing Orders for Mere Town Council (attached) – the Standing Orders (updated 6.5.25) were approved subject to the statutory procurement threshold amendment.

 

  1. FINANCIAL REGULATIONS – To approve and adopt the Financial Regulations for Mere Town Council (attached) – Agreed to defer consideration of the Financial Regulations until after the Internal Audit as the Clerk said that she had some questions for the internal auditor relating to this matter.

 

  1. INTERNAL AUDITOR – To appoint an Internal Auditor – RESOLVED to re-appoint the services of Kate Houlihan via the Local Council Consultancy service if she is happy to continue.

 

  1. COMMITTEE STRUCTURES – To review Committee Structures and appointment of any committees in accordance with standing order 4 and, if appointing committees, to consider Terms of Reference and membership – It was agreed that the Town Council would continue with the present arrangements of having an Annual Budget Committee + Staffing Panel & Appeals Committee only and an ad-hoc structure of Working Groups as and when considered necessary and required.

 

  1. WORKING GROUPS – To appoint members, including Convenors, to serve on Working Groups as required – as above.

 

  1. STAFFING PANEL – To appoint members, including the Chairman to serve on the Staffing Panel – It was agreed that the Staffing Panel member make-up should be Chair, Cllr. Colman & Cllr. Philip Coward.

 

  1. APPEALS COMMITTEE – To appoint members, including the Vice- Chairman. It was agreed that the Appeals Committee member make-up should be the Vice-Chair, Cllr. Debbie Beale and Cllr. John Jordan.

 

  1. APPOINTMENT TO OUTSIDE BODIES – To appoint representatives on the under mentioned bodies as required:

 

Review of representation on or work with external bodies and arrangements for reporting back;

Organisation 2024/25 Representative 2025/26 Representative
Youth Club, Seeds4Success, CAYPIG (Community Area Young People) Cllrs. S. Catley, A Colman & G. Ings. Cllrs. S. Catley, A Colman & G. Ings.
Cricket Club Cllr. G. Ings Cllr. G. Ings
Health & Community Care Cllr. R. Hill Cllr. R. Hill
Tennis Club Cllr. G. Jeans Cllr. G. Jeans
Football Club Cllr. S. Catley Cllr. S. Catley & Cllr. S. Pester
Public Transport Cllr. John Jordan Cllr. John Jordan
Mere & District Linkscheme Mrs. Adrienne Howell Cllr. A. Colman & Cllr. Sam Dean + Adrienne Howell
Museum Committee Cllrs. G. Jeans & Mrs. K. Symonds Cllrs. G. Jeans and C. Hazzard
Footpaths & Rights of Way Cllr. Jordan & Cllr. Stone Cllr. Alan Mead
Chamber of Trade Chairman & Cllr. Hazzard Chair & Cllr. Hazzard
Friends of Mere Museum Cllr. J. Jordan Cllr. J. Jordan
School Governor Cllr. Ings & Cllr. S. Catley Cllr. Ings
St. Michaels PCC Cllr. A. Colman Cllr. P. Coward
Mere Croquet Club   Cllr. A. Colman
Mere Bowling Club Cllr. G. Ings Cllr. Ings
Carnival Committee Cllr. J. Jordan Cllr. J. Jordan
Area Board & LHFIG Chairman & Vice-Chairman Chair & Vice-Chair
Mere Film Shows Mrs. Rosie Jordan-Barr Mrs. Rosie Jordan-Barr
Rivers Group Cllrs. R.  Coward & Cllr. Debbie Beale Cllrs. R.  Coward & Cllr. Debbie Beale
Trustees of Mere Forest Charity Cllr. Rodney Coward, Clive Hazzard, George Jeans, Ann Rich & Andrew Rees. Cllr. Rodney Coward, Clive Hazzard, George Jeans, Ann Rich & Andrew Rees.

The Clerk pointed out that councillors listed above should contact the groups and organisations to inform them that they were the Town Council’s representative for the ensuing year.

 

  1. ASSET REGISTER – To review the Town Council asset register for 2025/26 (attached) & Asset Management Policy (attached) – approved without amendment.

 

*17. INSURANCE POLICY – To review the Council’s Insurance Policy and discuss/decide on alterations. (see Clerks Report) – Members noted the building reinstatement valuations.  The Clerk pointed out that she was hoping for two insurance quotations to compare today but only one had been received in time.  It was therefore agreed to delegate the decision on the insurance policy to the Chair and Vice-Chair.

 

  1. BANKING AND FINANCIAL POLICIES – the following (a-c) below were considered and approved en bloc.
  2. To review the Council’s banking and signatory arrangements including Draft Business Debit Card Policy (attached) – the Clerk confirmed that the Council’s banking was currently paced with Lloyds Bank and that there were two councillors that verified the payments by physically signing each invoice.
  3. *To approve the schedule for Standing Orders and Direct Debits (in Clerks Report)
  4. *To approve membership and subscriptions for the council year (in Clerks Report)

 

  1. POLICIES

To review and decide on amendments to Council policies:

  1. Scheme of Delegation (attached) – RESOLVED to adopt the Scheme of Delegation without amendment.
  2. Draft Safeguarding Policy (attached) – RESOLVED to adopt the Safeguarding Policy without amendment. Jordan said that the policy should be made available in all of our facilities.
  3. Investment Policy (pending review) – deferred.
  4. Reserves Policy (pending review) – deferred.
  5. Governance & Management Risk Register – RESOLVED to adopt both documents without amendment.

 

  1. MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL – RESOLVED to continue with current arrangement of holding meetings

on the first Monday of every month unless it is a bank holiday, in which case the Town Council will meet on the following Monday. The Town Council does not have a scheduled monthly meeting in August.  It was agreed that meetings would continue to start at 7.00 pm.

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session
  • None

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)

*a) Request for the use of a part of Salisbury Street Car Park for Charles Coles Family Funfairs to have a small funfair for the Mere Carnival event on 13.9.25 – Mr. Tim Thorn representing Charles Coles Family Funfairs will be attending the meeting to answer questions and provide more details to clarify points raised at the last meeting.

Mr. Thorn confirmed that Coles Family Funfairs would arrive on the Friday night after business hours (6pm – 7pm), set things up (it would be a couple of rides, a couple of children’s rides and some games), open for Carnival Day and pack up on Saturday night and take it all away.  No-one will be staying on site and all the equipment will be confined within the area shown on the plan with rights of access maintained.  There was a discussion about where residents would be able to park if they found themselves displaced by the Funfair but Cllr. Hazzard said that this wasn’t really the responsibility of the Town Council.  Mr. Thorn confirmed that signage would go into the car park beforehand to warn people and that they would deploy someone into the car park during the day to advise people that they would need to move their cars by a certain time.  Members felt that the Carnival needed the funfair in order to survive and it was RESOLVED that the Funfair could use the car park on Carnival Day as indicated.  Having declared a personal interest in the above matter, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting.

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report – Cllr. Jeans reported on the lack of progress being made on fibre broadband to premises for Mere. It was agreed to raise this as a future agenda item.

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:

 

Application No: PL/2025/02086 – Re-consultation with additional information (please see Clerks Report)
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Self build bungalow
Site Address: The Acorns, Barrow Street, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6AB
Planning Register Link:

 

 

 https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000D93Yf

 

Cllr. Jeans explained that this kind of ‘exchange’ has happened in the past whereby a Class Q permission is exchanged for a new build.  Cllr. Debbie Beale said that this planning application has not changed since it was considered last month.  Cllr. Nick Beale said that he thought the application should be refused as it seemed like it was a way round getting a new build on agricultural land.  Mr. Marshall was invited to speak and said that the bungalow would be 25m away from the barn.  Cllr. Ings said that providing the bungalow was tied to the farm he felt that it was preferable considering that the barn was on a flood plain.  Cllr. Nick Beale proposed that, since the application has not been amended, the Town Council should object to the proposal for exactly the same reasons as last month.  Seconded by Debbie Beale.  Vote 3 for and 7 against & 4 abstentions.  Substantive motion was put forward by Cllr. Ings to support the application subject to the bungalow being occupied by a person solely or mainly working or last working at the agricultural enterprise known as The Acorns, Barrow Street, Mere.  Seconded by Cllr. Alan Mead and carried with a vote of 7 for, 3 against and 3 abstentions.  [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

Application No: PL/2025/02106
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Erection of two storey dwelling to replace existing bungalow
Site Address: The Lodge, Gillingham Road, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6LH
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000D9jo1

 

Cllr. John Jordan said that this property is not visible from the road and he couldn’t see an issue here.  RESOLVED to recommend that this application is recommended for approval.  [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

 

 

Application No: PL/2025/03735
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Demolition of all existing buildings.
Site Address: Beaumont Business Centre, Woodlands Road, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6BT
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000DhJ7x

 

RESOLVED to recommend that this application is recommended for approval.  Following a suggestion from the Clerk, members agreed to invite Redcliffe Homes to a future Town Council meeting for a pre-application discussion prior to them submitting a Reserved Matters application.

 

Application No: PL/2025/03944
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Single storey cattery enclosure
Site Address: Ashwell Nursery, Burton, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6BR
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000DsQkP

 

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.  [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

 

  1. 25. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports.
  • Property on North Road with a hedge causing an obstruction to the pavement and visibility obstruction on Denes Avenue/North Road junction.
  1. Wiltshire Council – Highways Capital Programme 2025/26 – the Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scheme and Flooding has approved the funding allocations and scheme lists for 2025/26. For further information please see page on Wiltshire Council’s website: https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?id=2135&LLL=0

Cllr. Jordan said that the document was disappointing with the programme included some repairs to Whitehill Lane, Limpers Hill would have some repair work for the little bit by The Pax in 2027/28, Burton Lane has some repair work identified but with no date and then they have said that there are access issues for Manor Road.  After having raised the last issue with our Wiltshire Councillor, their response was that they had to consider the safety of operatives, buildings and members of the public when assessing sites for access.  There was some work identified for Park Corner Farm.

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  Payments – Having declared a pecuniary interest in this item, Cllr. Jordan left the meeting room whilst this matter was discussed.  RESOLVED to authorise schedule of payments (attached).

  1. b) Bank Reconciliation – Cllr. Jordan confirmed that he had signed and verified the bank reconciliation for March 2025 against the bank statements whilst he was still Chairman.
  2. c) The Heritage Revival Fund has been created to help communities across England rescue and repurpose neglected historic buildings – Cllr. Jordan said that some time ago the Clerk had shared a document outlining a vision that she had for restoring and using the two chapels and he was keen to see if this fund might be suitable for this funding. It was agreed to raise this as a future agenda item.

 

  1. General Items

 

  1. Future meetings and events

The Clerk reported that there was an Extraordinary SWW Area Board meeting on 20th May at 11 am at County Hall, Trowbridge where they would be electing Chair, Vice-Chair and appointments to the LHFIG.

 

  1. Future agenda items

The Clerk gave a list of some of the agenda items that were pending and would be raised for discussion over the next few months.

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items enclosed/attached

 

Meeting closed at 8.30 pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 29 May 2025

Agenda for Town Council meeting to be held on Monday, 2nd June 2025

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

Duchy Manor,

Springfield Road,

Mere

Warminster,

Wiltshire

BA12 6EW

Phone: 01747 860701

e-mail: lindseywood@merewilts.org

www.merewilts.org

28th May 2025

 

Dear Councillor,

 

You are summoned to a meeting of Mere Town Council to be held on Monday, 2nd June 2025 at 7.00 pm at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW.  The meeting will consider the items set out below.

 

Before the meeting there will be a public session to enable the people of Mere to ask questions of, and make comments, regarding the Town Council.  Questions not answered at this meeting will be answered in writing to the person asking the question, or may appear as an agenda item for the next meeting.  Members of the public are asked to restrict their comments, and/or questions to three minutes.

Please Note: By entering the meeting room you are consenting to the use of your name being recorded in the Minutes.  The meeting may also be recorded by the press or members of the public.  Any person or organisation choosing to film, record or broadcast any meeting of the Council or its committees is responsible for any claims or other liability resulting from them so doing and by choosing to film, record or broadcast proceedings they accept that they are required to indemnify the Council, its members and officers in relation to any such claims or liabilities.

Any person who may find difficulty in access to the meeting through disability is asked to advise the Clerk by email (lindseywood@merewilts.org) at least 24 hours before the meeting so that every effort may be made to provide access.

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Lindsey Wood,

Town Clerk & RFO

 

Public Participation Session

 

Members of the public are invited to address the Council on any issue over which it has a power. This session will be limited to 15 minutes (3 minutes per speaker). The Chairman will convene the Town Council meeting after the public session (please note that once the meeting has been convened members of the public are no longer permitted to speak unless invited to do so by the Chairman).

Reports from local police representatives

 

AGENDA

  1. Apologies – To receive apologies for absence.
  2. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.

2.1 To receive declarations of interest from councillors on items on the agenda

2.2 To receive written requests for dispensations for disclosable pecuniary interests (if any)

2.3 To grant any requests for dispensation as appropriate

A request for dispensation must be made on an individual basis

 

Members are invited to declare disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests in items on the agenda as required by the Mere Town Council Code of Conduct for Members and by the Localism Act 2011.  The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.  If you become aware, during the course of a meeting, of an interest that has not been disclosed under this item, you must immediately disclose it.  Whether you can remain in the meeting and the extent to which you can participate depends on the type of interest you have.

 

  1. Minutes – To resolve that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 12th May 2025 be approved as a correct record. (attached)

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)

*a) Mere Cemetery Ancestry & Heritage Project and potential funding opportunity :The Heritage Revival Fund has been created to help communities across England rescue and repurpose neglected historic buildings.  (Project brief prepared by the Clerk in 2016 attached)

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report

*b) Project Co-Ordinator’s Report (attached)

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:

 

Application No: PL/2025/04535
Application Type: Prior notification: Development by telecoms operators
Proposal: The removal of existing 20m monopole, 3 no. antennas and 3 no. dish. Proposed replacement with 22.50m monopole, 3 no. antennas, existing 3 no dish to be re-supported on replacement monopole and ancillary development thereto including existing equipment cabin upgrade.
Site Address: Land adjacent to Charnage Quarry, Off the A303, Charnage, Warminster, BA12 6AP
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000EJNqT

 

Application No: PL/2025/04320
Application Type: Lawful development: Existing use
Proposal: The erection of a dwellinghouse and the use of outbuildings and land for purposes ancillary to the residential use. Change of use of a building to a dwellinghouse (The Bungalow) and the use of land for the stationing of a caravan for permanent residential occupation independently of Three Oaks Farm.
Site Address: Three Oaks Farm, Gillingham Road, Mere, BA12 6LH
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000E8x1K

 

Application No: PL/2025/04203
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Construction of an outdoor equestrian arena/manage with pedestrian access
Site Address: Burton Grange, Burton, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6BR
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000E4xxV

 

 

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward and MyWiltshire reports.
  3. b) Manor Road & Angel Lane priorities for Highway Maintenance for Mere? – Cllr. Jeans

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries
  2. a) Re-location of Town Council’s Honours Boards
  3. b) Castle Hill & Long Hill
  • Environmental Stewardship Scheme & scrub management
  • Replacement/repair fencing
  • Grazing
  1. d) Car Park Sponsorship update (see Minutes December meeting)

*e) Proposed works on adult football pitch to be carried out by Mere Town Football Club (see Clerks Report)

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  Payments – To review and authorise schedule of payments (attached)

  1. b) To note the reconciliations for April 2025; the Chairman to sign and verify against the bank statements seen
  2. c) To report on delegated decision on insurance quotation assessment.

*d) To note and approve the End of Year Budget/Expenditure report and associated financial summary documents (attached)

*e) To approve the Town Council’s Reserves Policy 2025/26 (attached)

*f) To approve the Town Council’s Investment Strategy 2025/26 (attached)

  1. To approve the transfer of £75,000 from our National Savings Account into our Lloyds Bank general account
  2. To approve the transfer of £50,000 from the Lloyds Bank general account into our CCLA Public Sector Deposit Fund Account

*g) To approve DRAFT Vexatious Complaints Policy (attached)

*h) Wiltshire Towns Programme – Action Plan for 24/25 and 25/26 (attached)

*i) SSEN funding (see Clerk’s Report) & PCC Community Action Fund 2025 (see Clerks Report)

 

  1. Audit and Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2024/25

*a) Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2023/24

  1. To receive and note the Annual Internal Audit Report (attachment pending)
  2. To approve the Annual Governance Statement (Section 1)
  • To approve the Accounting Statements (Section 2) [attached]
  1. For the Chairman and Clerk to sign the Annual Governance Statement and the Chairman to sign the Accounting Statements
  2. To set the commencement date for the exercise of public rights
  3. To note other information to be sent to the External Auditor and required by External Auditor as part of Intermediate Review 2023/24

 

  1. General Items
  2. a) VJ Day in 2025 will be observed on Friday, August 15th. This marks the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender to the Allies, effectively ending World War II

 

  1. Future meetings and events

*a) Invitation to attend Safer Together: Strengthening Community Safety Through Partnership & Anonymity (virtual briefing hosted by Crimestoppers) – 12th June 2025 at 17.30 Online  (see Clerks Report)

 

 

  1. Future agenda items

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items enclosed/attached

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MERE PEACE MEMORIAL SPORTS AND RECREATION GROUND

Registered Charity No. 1093497

 

For Trustees to consider the following:

 

To approve payment to Mere Town Council for maintenance charges                    £16752.34

As per Recreation Ground Summary in End of Year Budget/Exp report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 29 May 2025

Minutes of Town Council meeting held on Monday, 7th April 2025

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

 

Minutes of a Town Council meeting held on Monday, 7th April 2025 at 7.00 pm in the Andy Young Pavilion, Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW

Present:  Councillors John Jordan (Chair), Glen Ings (Vice-Chair), Debbie Beale, Nick Beale, Aubrey Colman, Rodney Coward, Clive Hazzard, George Jeans, Linden Stone, Kate Symonds & Lesley Traves.

1 member of public

 

Public Participation Session

Mr. Fineman spoke in favour of his planning application at Breaches Barn.

Clive Hazzard congratulated the Clerk on her April Fools email.  He also asked whether any potential Town Councillor candidates had thoughts on putting together an election leaflet and suggested that a candidate may like to gather a few lines from each candidate and put them all together on a leaflet that could be published on social media etc.

John Jordan thanked the volunteers who came out to do the Spring Clean litter pick with him yesterday.  He said that there was good turnout and the litter pick was carried out with great enthusiasm.

John Jordan also suggested that perhaps an experienced ex-Chair might want to take on the role of Vice-Chair to add support to a new Chair for the new Council after the elections in May and stressed that it is an honour to take on the role of Chair to the Town Council and encouraged someone new to take on the role.

 

Reports from local police representatives

  • None present

 

  1. Apologies for absence received from Cllrs. Sandra Catley & Raymond Hill.

 

  1. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.
  • Hazzard declared a pecuniary interest in Minute No. 557a) Finance (recipient).
  • Jeans declared a personal interest in Minute No. 556 in respect of Coles Funfair’s request to use Salisbury Street Car Park.

 

  1. Minutes – RESOLVED that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 3rd March 2025 be approved and signed as a correct record. RESOLVED that the Minutes of the working group meeting held to review & assess the effectiveness of Internal Control Measures held on Tuesday, 25th March 2025 be approved and signed as a correct record.

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session

Cllr. Jeans said that he thought it would be a good idea for candidates to get together and produce a leaflet.  He did, however, suggest that if these are to be published on social media then it would be advisable to turn off comments because he said that people can be very rude on social media.  The Chairman said that this was not a Town Council responsibility but could be done outside the Council by a group or by individual councillors.

The Clerk said that the Notice of Poll would be printed off and placed on the noticeboards, post office window and put on social media sites as a reminder for people to go and vote (with comments turned off).

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)

*a) Annual Town Meeting – draft Agenda attached.  The agenda was approved without amendment.  The Chairman encouraged members to attend the meeting.

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report – Cllr. Jeans reported that he had made 6 trips to Salisbury with 45 sets of nomination papers for Town & Parish Council candidates in the last couple of weeks. He said that he had received a lot of reports of dog fouling in public places. Double yellow lines in Salisbury Street have been painted in the wrong place and are covering three on-street parking spaces.  Horse riding has now been included in the LTP4 document.

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:

 

Application No: PL/2025/01982
Application Type: Householder planning permission
Proposal: Single Storey Extension
Site Address: THE PAX, LIMPERS HILL, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6BD
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000D7N8U

 

As the extension has an exterior door and could, potentially, become self-contained it was RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application with the following condition:

That the extension remains ancillary to the occupation of The Pax and cannot be occupied separately, rented out as self-contained accommodation or sold off separately.

[In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

 

Application No: PL/2025/02086
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Self build bungalow
Site Address: The Acorns, Barrow Street, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6AB
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000D93Yf

It was pointed out that this proposal was an alternative development scheme for the barn at The Acorns which was approved under Class Q on application number PL/2024/07389 and that if this proposed development were to receive planning permission then the barn, subject to the Class Q conversion would be demolished.  The Clerk also pointed out that the Class Q permission on the barn was subject to an agricultural tie.  The Chair pointed out that the location of the proposed bungalow was closer to footpaths.  RESOLVED to raise an objection to the above planning application as the proposal would place development in agricultural land in the open countryside and would place a detrimental visual impact on the landscape when viewed from Bridleway MERE45/10 and Footpaths MERE 27/10 & MERE 44/10.  The fall-back option is preferable as the residential conversion of the barn approved under PL/2024/07389 is closer to the concentration of existing farm buildings and will have less of a visual impact on the rural landscape.

Application No: PL/2025/02348
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Demolition of an existing dwelling and barn and the proposed replacement dwelling comprising of a three bedroomed property
Site Address: Breaches Barn, Barrow Street, Mere, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 6AB
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000DDSc6

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.

Application No: PL/2025/02698
Application Type: Notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area
Proposal: T1 Cherry, Remove lateral branch overhanging no 3 Castle Lane. Reduce lateral branch by 1.5m to leave at 1.5m
Site Address: THE MALT HOUSE, CASTLE STREET, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6JE
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000DOGlh

RESOLVED to recommend the above application for approval.

Application No: PL/2022/09365 AMENDED PLANS/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: New employment building (Use Class B2) with associated offices, access, car parking, service space, landscaping and associated development infrastructure.
Site Address: Land adjacent to Quarryfield Industrial Estate, Castle Street, Mere, BA12 6LA
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z000019AweX

RESOLVED to recommend the above application for approval.

Application No: PL/2025/01494 & PL/2025/01909
Application Type: Full planning permission & Listed Building Consent
Proposal: Replacement front and rear door, replacement kitchen windows, replacement dormer windows, new dormer roof with slate tiles and timber fascia to be painted
Site Address: The Stone Cottage, Salisbury Street, Mere, Warminster, Wilts, BA12 6HE
Planning Register Links: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning -application/a0iQ300000CkzMX

https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000D5Md7

 

RESOLVED to recommend the above applications for approval subject to the following condition:

The Town Council could find no mention for the materials of the replacement doors, windows, and dormer windows and assume that, as this is a Listed Building, that these will be made of timber.  Can this please be conditioned.

 

  1. 555. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports.
  • Potholes in Manor Road and Denes Avenue

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries

*a) Request for the use of a part of Salisbury Street Car Park for Charles Coles Family Funfairs to have a small funfair for the Mere Carnival event on 13.9.25 (information in Clerks Report + attachment)

Cllr. Jeans declared a personal interest in this matter and left the meeting whilst it was discussed.  The Clerk confirmed that she had made an approach to Wiltshire Council who had agreed, in principle, to depart from the terms of the lease for this one occasion and use part of the car park as detailed.

Members noted that it was not clear whether the area identified was just for rides or whether it would also include trailers and vehicles for the funfair operators.  There were no proposals as to how the area would be made clear beforehand.  Members felt that, generally, the area that was marked on the plan was too big an area and would take up too many car parking spaces but felt that they should go back to Charles Coles Family Funfairs and ask if it might be possible for them to use a smaller area for just toddler rides etc. and provide a bit more detail about how they plan to maintain access, consult with residents that need access, consult with the doctors surgery and how they proposed to stop people from parking on the area that they want to use.  There was a brief discussion about whether or not the Town Council could offer alternative parking spaces for those that might be displaced.

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  Payments – RESOLVED to authorise schedule of payments (attached)

  1. b) To note the reconciliations for February 2025 – the Chairman confirmed that he had verified the bank reconciliation against the bank statements and signed accordingly.

*c) Effectiveness of Internal Control Measures – RESOLVED to adopt recommendations of working group as outlined in Minutes of Working group meeting held to review & assess the effectiveness of Internal Control Measures held on Tuesday, 25th March 2025 (Minutes attached) and RESOLVED to approve and sign the Statement of Internal Control 2024/25 (draft attached).

*d) To report on allotment rent audit (see Clerks Report) – Noted without comment.

  1. e) 2023/24 Annual Governance & Accountability Return external auditor instructions – the Clerk reported that instructions had now been received from the External Auditor and that the Town Council would be subject to an intermediate review – the additional requirements for this year related to the Annual Review of Risk Management arrangements was discussed.

 

  1. General Items

Briefing Notes

  • Briefing Note no. 25-02 Management of Council business and publicity, during the pre-election period.
  • Briefing Note 25 -03 – Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) update

The Clerk pointed out that she had viewed the map and it would appear that Castle Hill & Long Hill had been identified as wooded areas in this strategy.  Cllr. Rodney Coward felt that this strategy was possibly contradicted by the governments new ruling to stop all new applications for Sustainable Farming Initiative grant.  It was agreed that members would spend more time looking at this.

 

  1. Future meetings and events

Annual Town Meeting – Wednesday, 23rd April 2025

 

  1. Future agenda items

NB – Please note that the next Town Council meeting will be the Annual Town Council meeting and will be held on Monday, 12th May 2025

 

Cllr. Jeans asked for the resurfacing of the uneven paved surface by the bus stop outside Balcony Cottages in The Square to be discussed at a future meeting.

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items enclosed/attached

 

 

 

 

Meeting closed at 8.09 pm

 

 

Approved at Mere Town Council meeting held on 12th May 2025

 

 

Signed:                                                                                                                                                                 Chair of meeting.

 

 

 

Signed by the Chair of the meeting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MERE PEACE MEMORIAL SPORTS AND RECREATION GROUND

Registered Charity No. 1093497

 

Meeting convened at 8.09 pm

 

For the Trustee to consider the following:

 

  1. Lease between Mere Peace Charity and Seeds4Success – please see attached documents:
  • Project Co-Ordinator’s Report (attached)
  • Draft Lease prepared by Wellers Hedley (attached)
  • Rental Valuation report for Youth Centre Building (attached)
  • Schedule of Condition for Youth Centre Building (attached)

 

RESOLVED to send the Draft Lease and the two commercial documents to Seeds4Success for comment and review.

 

  1. RESOLVED to authorise the following payment:

Water2Business – Standing Charge for water supply to old cricket shed                 £ 30.99

Wiltshire Council – Business Rates for Recreation Ground                                        £  0.00

 

 

 

 

Meeting closed at 8.12 pm

 

Approved at Mere Town Council meeting held on 12th May 2025

 

 

Signed:                                                                                                                                                                 Chair of meeting.

 

 

 

Signed by the Chair of the meeting

 

  • 7 May 2025

Agenda for the Annual Meeting of Mere Town Council to be held on Monday, 12th May 2025

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

Duchy Manor,

Springfield Road,

Mere

Warminster,

Wiltshire

BA12 6EW

Phone: 01747 860701

e-mail: lindseywood@merewilts.org

www.merewilts.org

7th May 2025

Dear Councillor,

 

You are summoned to the ANNUAL MEETING OF MERE TOWN COUNCIL to be held on Monday, 12TH May 2025 at 7.00 pm at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW.  The meeting will consider the items set out below.

 

Before the meeting there will be a public session to enable the people of Mere to ask questions of, and make comments, regarding the Town Council.  Questions not answered at this meeting will be answered in writing to the person asking the question, or may appear as an agenda item for the next meeting.  Members of the public are asked to restrict their comments, and/or questions to three minutes.

Please Note: By entering the meeting room you are consenting to the use of your name being recorded in the Minutes.  The meeting may also be recorded by the press or members of the public.  Any person or organisation choosing to film, record or broadcast any meeting of the Council or its committees is responsible for any claims or other liability resulting from them so doing and by choosing to film, record or broadcast proceedings they accept that they are required to indemnify the Council, its members and officers in relation to any such claims or liabilities.

Any person who may find difficulty in access to the meeting through disability is asked to advise the Clerk by email (lindseywood@merewilts.org) at least 24 hours before the meeting so that every effort may be made to provide access.

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Lindsey Wood,

Town Clerk & RFO

 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

Members of the public are invited to address the Council on any issue over which it has a power. This session will be limited to 15 minutes (3 minutes per speaker). The Chairman will convene the Town Council meeting after the public session (please note that once the meeting has been convened members of the public are no longer permitted to speak unless invited to do so by the Chairman).

 

REPORTS FROM LOCAL POLICE REPRESENTATIVES

 

AGENDA

 

  1. TO RECEIVE DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE FORMS FROM ELECTED COUNCILLORS

 

  1. TO ELECT THE CHAIR OF THE TOWN COUNCIL FOR 2025/26 AND TO RECEIVE THE CHAIR’S DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE

 

  1. VOTE OF THANKS TO OUTGOING CHAIR

 

  1. TO ELECT VICE-CHAIR OF THE TOWN COUNCIL FOR 2025/26 AND TO RECEIVE THE VICE-CHAIR’S DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE

 

  1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires a record to be kept of the members present and that this record form part of the minutes of the meeting.  Members who cannot attend a meeting should tender apologies to the Town Clerk.

 

  1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
  • To receive Declarations of Interest relating to matters contained in this agenda, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972 in respect of officers and the Localism Act 2011 in respect of members.
  • To receive written requests for new DPI dispensations.

Members are invited to declare disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests in items on the agenda as required by the Mere Town Council Code of Conduct for Members and by the Localism Act 2011.  The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.  If you become aware, during the course of a meeting, of an interest that has not been disclosed under this item, you must immediately disclose it.  Whether you can remain in the meeting and the extent to which you can participate depends on the type of interest you have.

 

  1. MINUTES – To approve as a correct record, the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 7th April 2025 ( attached)

 

  1. STANDING ORDERS – To approve and adopt the Standing Orders for Mere Town Council (attached)

 

  1. FINANCIAL REGULATIONS – To approve and adopt the Financial Regulations for Mere Town Council (attached)

 

  1. INTERNAL AUDITOR – To appoint an Internal Auditor

 

  1. COMMITTEE STRUCTURES – To review Committee Structures and appointment of any committees in accordance with standing order 4 and, if appointing committees, to consider Terms of Reference and membership.

 

  1. WORKING GROUPS – To appoint members, including Convenors, to serve on Working Groups as required.

 

  1. STAFFING PANEL – To appoint members, including the Chairman to serve on the Staffing Panel

 

  1. APPEALS COMMITTEE – To appoint members, including the Chairman, to serve on the Appeals Committee

 

  1. APPOINTMENT TO OUTSIDE BODIES – To appoint representatives on the under mentioned bodies as required:

 

Review of representation on or work with external bodies and arrangements for reporting back;

Organisation 2024/25 Representative 2025/26 Representative
Youth Club, Seeds4Success, CAYPIG (Community Area Young People) Cllrs. S. Catley, A Colman & G. Ings.
Cricket Club Cllr. G. Ings
Health & Community Care Cllr. R. Hill
Tennis Club Cllr. G. Jeans
Football Club Cllr. S. Catley
Public Transport Cllr. John Jordan
Mere & District Linkscheme Mrs. Adrienne Howell
Museum Committee Cllrs. G. Jeans & Mrs. K. Symonds
Footpaths & Rights of Way Cllr. Jordan & Cllr. Stone
Chamber of Trade Chairman & Cllr. Hazzard
Friends of Mere Museum Cllr. J. Jordan
School Governor Cllr. Ings & Cllr. S. Catley
Mere Bowling Club Cllr. G. Ings
Carnival Committee Cllr. J. Jordan
Area Board & CATG Chairman & Vice-Chairman
Mere Film Shows Mrs. Rosie Jordan-Barr
Rivers Group Cllrs. R, Cowand & Cllr. Debbie Beale
Trustees of Mere Forest Charity Cllr. Rodney Coward, Clive Hazzard, George Jeans, Ann Rich & Andrew Rees.

 

  1. ASSET REGISTER – To review the Town Council asset register for 2025/26 (attached) & Asset Management Policy (attached)

 

*17. INSURANCE POLICY – To review the Council’s Insurance Policy and discuss/decide on alterations. (see Clerks Report)

 

  1. BANKING AND FINANCIAL POLICIES
  2. To review the Council’s banking and signatory arrangements including Draft Business Debit Card Policy (attached)
  3. *To approve the schedule for Standing Orders and Direct Debits (in Clerks Report)
  4. *To approve membership and subscriptions for the council year (in Clerks Report)

 

  1. POLICIES

To review and decide on amendments to Council policies:

  1. Scheme of Delegation (attached)
  2. Draft Safeguarding Policy (attached)
  3. Investment Policy (pending review)
  4. Reserves Policy (pending review)
  5. Governance & Management Risk Register (pending review)

 

  1. MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL

To fix the dates and times of ordinary meetings of the Council and Committees (if any) for the ensuing year.

 

 

  1. 21. Matters Arising from Public Session

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)

*a) Request for the use of a part of Salisbury Street Car Park for Charles Coles Family Funfairs to have a small funfair for the Mere Carnival event on 13.9.25  – Mr. Tim Thorn representing Charles Coles Family Funfairs will be attending the meeting to answer questions and provide more details to clarify points raised at the last meeting.

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:

 

Application No: PL/2025/02086 – Re-consultation with additional information (please see Clerks Report)
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Self build bungalow
Site Address: The Acorns, Barrow Street, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6AB
Planning Register Link:

 

 

 https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000D93Yf

 

 

 

Application No: PL/2025/02106
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Erection of two storey dwelling to replace existing bungalow
Site Address: The Lodge, Gillingham Road, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6LH
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000D9jo1

 

Application No: PL/2025/03735
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Demolition of all existing buildings.
Site Address: Beaumont Business Centre, Woodlands Road, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6BT
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000DhJ7x

 

 

Application No: PL/2025/03944
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Single storey cattery enclosure
Site Address: Ashwell Nursery, Burton, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6BR
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000DsQkP

 

 

  1. 25. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports.
  3. b) Wiltshire Council – Highways Capital Programme 2025/26 – the Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Schene and Flooding has approved the funding allocations and scheme lists for 2025/26. For further information please see page on Wiltshire Council’s website: https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?id=2135&LLL=0

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  Payments – To review and authorise schedule of payments (attached)

  1. b) To note the bank reconciliations for March 2024; the Chairman to sign and verify against the bank statements seen
  2. c) The Heritage Revival Fund has been created to help communities across England rescue and repurpose neglected historic buildings.

 

  1. General Items

 

  1. Future meetings and events

 

  1. Future agenda items

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items enclosed/attached

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 7 May 2025

Minutes of Town Council meeting held on Monday, 3rd March 2025

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

 

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 3rd March 2025 at 7.00 pm in the Andy Young Pavilion, Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW

Present:  Councillors John Jordan (Chair), Nick Beale, Sandra Catley, Aubrey Colman, Philip Coward, Rachael Hansford, Clive Hazzard, Raymond Hill, George Jeans, Kate Symonds & Lesley Traves.

Also 10 members of the public.

Public Participation Session

Mel Wilkinson representing the Carnival Committee introduced the new Chair and Vice-Chair of the Carnival Committee (Victoria Johnson & David Hytch) and said that enough volunteers had come forward to give the committee the confidence to plan for a carnival for September 2025.  Last year’s event was successful and although we spent a lot of money, our finances are healthy.  John Jordan said that many people in this room had played a part in organising the carnival and paid his respects to the committee members past and present.

Mr. Birch of Oaktree House, spoke in favour of his planning application.  He pointed out that there was an error in the planning application – it wasn’t going to have 16 parking spaces but could accommodate 16 people if all accommodation was used to capacity at the same time.  The equestrian use is low key and will not be commercial.

Elaine Stallard thanked the Council for support with the Solstice Beacon proposal but unfortunately, after all our hard work, we are sorry to say that the Solstice Beacon will not now go ahead.  The beacon’s value means that it is uninsurable for malicious damage and it cannot realistically sit within the Tower Stories project although they would support a separate application for another time in which we may have to include funding to provide 24-hour security cover.

David Hytch explained that he had been working with the Town Council to get an electric vehicle charger into the car park in Salisbury Street but this project had now reached a déjà vu situation in that the company that I was working with has been bought out by another business and the new business has decided that they no longer wish to support the work in Mere to install an EV charger.  He said that this was very disappointing news for him personally and he thought it was a poor decision but he has not yet given up on the project as he was looking to find alternative providers/suppliers

 

Reports from local police representatives

  • None present

 

  1. Apologies for absence received from Cllrs. Debbie Beale, Glen Ings and Linden Stone.

 

  1. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.
  • Jeans declared a pecuniary interest in Minute No. 544a) [payment recipient]
  • Lesley Traves declared a personal interest in planning application PL/2025/01213

 

  1. Minutes – RESOLVED that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 3rd February 2025 be approved & signed as a correct record.

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session
  • None

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)
  2. a) For Chairman & Vice-Chairman to sign Operating Agreement and Licence for EV chargers to be installed in Salisbury Street Car Park – the Chairman said it was disappointing news that this project with Pluscharge would not now be realised (see public session) and said that the Town Council would remain hopeful that another company could be found to provide EV chargers in the car park.
  3. b) Public Toilets Refurbishment – update – Rachael Hansford reported that the planned meeting with Healthmatic did go ahead, although Roger Pipe was not able to come along as he was taken ill. However, we got the answers to the queries that we had which have now been fed back to Roger and when he is back he will schedule the electrical work, plumbing work and doors etc. The Chairman thanked Cllr. Rachael Hansford & Aubrey Colman and wished Roger a speedy recovery and the Clerk confirmed that he was doing well.  The Clerk confirmed that she would be writing to Wiltshire Council to make sure that they would be happy for us to charge for using the toilets in the way that we were planning.  (i.e. overnight usage).
  4. c) Report on South West Wiltshire Area Board meeting held on 19th February 2025 – the Chairman reported on the meeting which he said was rather abrasive at times, largely due to the distribution of LHFIG funds and progress of projects.

*d) Resources, timetable & information for Town & Parish Council elections (information in Clerks Report) – noted.  The Clerk said that she would be happy to print off some nomination papers & also confirmed that Cllr. Jeans had volunteered to take nomination papers in to the council offices and that she and Cllr. Jeans would make convenient appointments for this.

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report – Cllr. Jeans reiterated that Wiltshire Council will increase its council tax by 4.5% rather than the full 4.99 % permitted by Government. He said that he had provided a full report in Mere Matters.

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:

 

Application No: PL/2025/00844
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Change of use of equestrian land to (sui-generis) mixed equestrian and holiday accommodation with the erection of three holiday cabins, the conversion of a stable building to holiday accommodation, ground mounted solar PV array, associated landscaping and works
Site Address: Land north of Oaktree House, Limpers Lane, Mere, BA12 6BB
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000CH2Mf

 

Cllr. Hazzard said that although he hadn’t been to the site, he had spoken to residents that live nearby and reported that they were positive about the application.  RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application and to ask Cllr. Jeans to call this application in to committee if the planning/highways officers are making recommendations for refusal. [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

 

Application No: PL/2025/00956
Application Type: Listed building consent (Alt/Ext)
Proposal: Installation of an alarm and CCTV camera
Site Address: The Cottage, Wet Lane, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6BA
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000CKBTR

 

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.

 

Application No: PL/2025/01324
Application Type: Prior approval Part 3 Class Q: Agricultural buildings to dwellinghouses
Proposal: Prior notification under class Q for change of use of existing agricultural building to form a single dwelling and associated works.
Site Address: Land and buildings at Woodlands Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6BY
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000ChF4vIAF/pl202501324

 

The Chairman reminded members that there was a similar application for this barn in 2015 but was not supported as there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that agricultural usage was in place on 20.3.2013 and also the application did not contain any form of structural assessment that demonstrated that the existing building was structurally strong enough to take the loadings associated with external works required for conversion to residential use. The Chairman read out the criteria for determination as to whether the prior approval of the LPA would be required.

RESOLVED that the Town Council object on the grounds that this application does not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the officer’s recommendations made to the application for this barn in 2015 under Application Reference: 15/04655/PNCOU have been overcome.

 

Application No: PL/2025/01213
Application Type: Removal/variation of conditions
Proposal: Variation of condition 2 of PL/2022/09675 – To reposition the approved annex
Site Address: 1 Lordsmead Road, Mere, Warminster, Wilts, BA12 6BZ
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000CZCoz

 

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.   (Cllr. Lesley Traves declared a personal interest in this application and abstained from voting.)  [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

 

Application No: PL/2025/01439
Application Type: Listed building consent (Alt/Ext)
Proposal: Removal of decayed floor timbers and replacement with damp-proof course and concrete slab to meet existing floor.
Site Address: Burton Grange Barn, Burton, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6BR
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000Cj7OG

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.

Application No: PL/2025/02113
Application Type: Notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area
Proposal: 889 Yew Crown lift by removing branches below 3m that overhang adjacent lanes 890 Yew Crown lift by removing branches below 2m on eastern side 891 Beech Crown lift by removing branches below 4m on eastern side 892 Yew Crown lift by removing branches below 3m on eastern side 893 Yew Crown lift by removing branches below 3m on eastern side 894 Reduce height of crown by 3-4m and sides by 1.5 -2m. lift crown by removing lateral branches below 4.5m that overhang lane
Site Address: ELM COTTAGE, CHURCH STREET, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6DS
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000D9wZx

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.

*b) Integrated planning for a sustainable future – correspondence from Mr. Nick Gosse (see Clerks Report) – members noted the information.  Cllr. Philip Coward said that a very long time ago there was a plan to take a road into Woodlands at a time when Beaumont’s were trying to get very large chimneys off site but to take a road across the route suggested would be like HS2.  It was also pointed out that Wiltshire would not build a road unless there was a financial incentive to do so and that would likely be hundreds if not thousands of houses.  Mr. Gosse was invited to speak and said that the issue was a safety one and if someone gets run over there because there are no warning signs then it will come down on the Town Council’s and the County Council’ shoulders.  Mr. Gosse asked if the Town Council would suggest to Wiltshire Council that some form of traffic calming is introduced when the detailed planning application for the Beaumont’s site is under consideration. The Chairman also reiterated that pedestrian safety proposals had been submitted to the LHFIG some time ago but no progress had been made by Wiltshire Council on this.  RESOLVED that, if a planning application for the old Beaumont’s site is presented in the future, then the Town Council should suggest that finance be sought to help improve Clements Lane corner.

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports –
  • Potholes on the zebra crossing at White Road
  • Foliage obstructing signage at Downside Close and Underdown

*b) Response from National Highways to letter relating to flooding of A303 and ramps on bypass bridge at Manor Road (see Clerks Report) – Noted.

  1. c) Report on LHFIG meeting held on Wednesday, 5th February – the Chairman reported that sadly, there has been no progress on pending projects. The Chairman said that he had spoken to Paul Shaddock and asked for the contact details for our lighting engineers to speak to their lighting engineers and unfortunately, he would not permit this. Cllr. Jeans asked for this to go back on the agenda for the Town Council to consider whether or not it should power up the lights along Eric Mitchell Way.

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a) Payments – RESOLVED to review and authorise schedule of payments (attached) [Having declared a pecuniary interest, Cllr. Jeans left the room whilst this matter was discussed.]

  1. b) To note the reconciliations for January 2025 – the Chairman confirmed that he had verified the bank reconciliation against the bank statements and signed accordingly.
  2. c) To set date, venue and member make-up for Annual Assessment of Internal Control Measures – it was agreed that the Chairman + Cllrs Lesley Traves & Sandra Catley would meet to consider the draft assessment and make recommendations for the Town Council.

*d) Actions from Interim Internal Audit Report (report attached) – the Clerk to prepare draft policy/RA for the debit card, draft Reserves Policy, review the Financial Regulations & standing orders and the Clerk confirmed that she is currently seeking insurance quotations and building valuations.  The Clerk acknowledged that she was currently using two financial software packages but said that she did not have the confidence to stop using the old system at the present time although she was hopeful that this would be the case in the near future.

  1. e) Funding for Mere Matters – is the future of the magazine in jeopardy and what sort of money would make a difference? It was confirmed that the future of the magazine was not in jeopardy and the Clerk said that the editor had given her an assurance that he would contact her if lack of finance was an issue going forward.

 

  1. General Items

 

  1. Future meetings and events

*a) Town & Parish Council Planning Forum 5th March (information in Clerks Report) – Noted

  1. b) VE Day – 8th May & VJ Day – 15th August – the Chairman confirmed that he had been working with Stuart Walker and he was keen that we should commemorate VJ Day and will be working with the new vicar to take part in that but was not keen to hold two commemoration events as they would likely become diluted. The suggestion was that we would lay a wreath on VE Day but spread the word via Mere Matters and Social Media that we would be commemorating the end of the war VJ Day on 15th

 

  1. Future agenda items
  • None

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items enclosed/attached

Meeting closed at 8.23 pm

 

 

Approved at Mere Town Council meeting held on 7th April 2025

 

 

Signed:                                                                                                                                                                 Chair of meeting.

 

 

 

Signed by the Chair of the meeting

  • 2 April 2025

Minutes of a working group meeting held 25.3.25 to review and assess effectiveness of internal control measures

Minutes of a working group meeting held on Thursday, 25th March 2025 at 3.30 pm at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere.  BA12 6EW

 

Purpose of the meeting: To review and assess the effectiveness of internal control measures:

 

In attendance – Cllr. John Jordan (Chairman) + Cllr. Lesley Traves + Cllr. Sandra Catley + Lindsey Wood (Town Clerk & RFO).

 

Two draft documents had been presented to working group members prior to the meeting:

 

  • Statement of Internal Controls 2025
  • schedule for Internal Control Measures

 

It was pointed out that the Council’s Risk Management is still undergoing review with Guardian Advisors Ltd who the Town Council appointed in April last year.  The following aspects were covered during the year:

  • General Health & Safety training event for all Town Council staff was held in August
  • Fire Risk Assessment for the Andy Young Pavilion was carried out in August
  • Keith Roser of Guardian Advisors had visited all the Town Council assets and inspected the grounds compound with a view to analysing the Town Council’s needs and requirements to create a functioning Health & Safety management system
  • A First Aid At Work training course had been held for some Council staff in January
  • Some Draft Risk Assessments had been received but these are currently awaiting further discussion/review
  • A Draft Health & Safety Management Policy has been received but this is currently awaiting further discussion/review.

 

The Schedule for Internal Control Measures highlighted the Internal Control Measures & Risk Assessments that were likely to be reviewed in the next year.  Members were happy to present the Statement of Internal Controls to the Town Council for adoption and signature. (Draft Statement of Internal Controls 2025 attached)

 

 

In respect of recommendations made by the Internal Auditor from the current year audit – the Clerk confirmed that she would be:

  • drafting a policy for the use of the Town Council’s newly acquired business debit card.
  • Revising the Town Council’s Financial Regulations to reflect the changes introduced by NALC
  • Reviewing the Town Council’s insurance coverage, including a valuation of all properties and insurance quotations.

 

 

With the adoption of these new and/or amended documents, members of the working group recommended that the Town Council should confirm that it had made proper arrangements and accepted responsibility for safeguarding the public money and resources in its charge.  Members recommended that the Council should agree that they had considered and documented the financial and other risks the Council faces and dealt with them properly.  These assertions would enable the Town Council to agree ‘yes’ to assertions 2 and 5 in the Annual Governance & Accountability Report for the year ending 31.3.2025.

 

 

 

 

  • 2 April 2025

Agenda for Town Council meeting to be held on Monday, 7th April 2024

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

 

27th March 2025

 

Dear Councillor,

 

You are summoned to a meeting of Mere Town Council to be held on Monday, 7th April 2025 at 7.00 pm in The Andy Young Pavilion at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW.  The meeting will consider the items set out below.

 

Before the meeting there will be a public session to enable the people of Mere to ask questions of, and make comments, regarding the Town Council.  Questions not answered at this meeting will be answered in writing to the person asking the question, or may appear as an agenda item for the next meeting.  Members of the public are asked to restrict their comments, and/or questions to three minutes.

Please Note: By entering the meeting room you are consenting to the use of your name being recorded in the Minutes.  The meeting may also be recorded by the press or members of the public.  Any person or organisation choosing to film, record or broadcast any meeting of the Council or its committees is responsible for any claims or other liability resulting from them so doing and by choosing to film, record or broadcast proceedings they accept that they are required to indemnify the Council, its members and officers in relation to any such claims or liabilities.

Any person who may find difficulty in access to the meeting through disability is asked to advise the Clerk by email (lindseywood@merewilts.org) at least 24 hours before the meeting so that every effort may be made to provide access.

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Lindsey Wood,

Town Clerk & RFO

 

Public Participation Session

Members of the public are invited to address the Council on any issue over which it has a power. This session will be limited to 15 minutes (3 minutes per speaker). The Chairman will convene the Town Council meeting after the public session (please note that once the meeting has been convened members of the public are no longer permitted to speak unless invited to do so by the Chairman).

Reports from local police representatives

 

AGENDA

  1. Apologies – To receive apologies for absence.

 

  1. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.

2.1 To receive declarations of interest from councillors on items on the agenda

2.2 To receive written requests for dispensations for disclosable pecuniary interests (if any)

2.3 To grant any requests for dispensation as appropriate

A request for dispensation must be made on an individual basis

 

Members are invited to declare disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests in items on the agenda as required by the Mere Town Council Code of Conduct for Members and by the Localism Act 2011.  The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.  If you become aware, during the course of a meeting, of an interest that has not been disclosed under this item, you must immediately disclose it.  Whether you can remain in the meeting and the extent to which you can participate depends on the type of interest you have.

 

  1. Minutes – To resolve that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 3rd March 2025 be approved as a correct record. For working group to approve Minutes of working group meeting held to review & assess the effectiveness of Internal Control Measures held on Tuesday, 25th March 2025. (attached)

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)

*a) Annual Town Meeting – draft agenda attached

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:

 

Application No: PL/2025/01982
Application Type: Householder planning permission
Proposal: Single Storey Extension
Site Address: THE PAX, LIMPERS HILL, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6BD
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000D7N8U

 

Application No: PL/2025/02086
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Self build bungalow
Site Address: The Acorns, Barrow Street, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6AB
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000D93Yf

 

Wiltshire Council Planning Consultation Response
Officer’s Name: Joe Richardson
Direct Line: 01722 434583
Application No: PL/2025/02348
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Demolition of an existing dwelling and barn and the proposed replacement dwelling comprising of a three bedroomed property
Site Address: Breaches Barn, Barrow Street, Mere, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 6AB
Planning Register Link:  

https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000DDSc6

 

Application No: PL/2025/02698
Application Type: Notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area
Proposal: T1 Cherry, Remove lateral branch overhanging no 3 Castle Lane. Reduce lateral branch by 1.5m to leave at 1.5m
Site Address: THE MALT HOUSE, CASTLE STREET, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6JE
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000DOGlh

 

Application No: PL/2022/09365 AMENDED PLANS/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: New employment building (Use Class B2) with associated offices, access, car parking, service space, landscaping and associated development infrastructure.
Site Address: Land adjacent to Quarryfield Industrial Estate, Castle Street, Mere, BA12 6LA
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z000019AweX

 

Application No: PL/2025/01494 & PL/2025/01909
Application Type: Full planning permission & Listed Building Consent
Proposal: Replacement front and rear door, replacement kitchen windows, replacement dormer windows, new dormer roof with slate tiles and timber fascia to be painted
Site Address: The Stone Cottage, Salisbury Street, Mere, Warminster, Wilts, BA12 6HE
Planning Register Links: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000CkzMX

https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000D5Md7

 

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports.

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries

*a) Request for the use of a part of Salisbury Street Car Park for Charles Coles Family Funfairs to have a small funfair for the Mere Carnival event on 13.9.25 (information in Clerks Report + attachment)

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  Payments – To review and authorise schedule of payments (attached)

  1. b) To note the reconciliations for February 2025; the Chairman to sign and verify against the bank statements seen

*c) To adopt recommendations of working group as outlined in Minutes of Working group meeting held to review & assess the effectiveness of Internal Control Measures held on Tuesday, 25th March 2025 (Minutes attached) and to approve and sign the Statement of Internal Control 2024/25 (draft attached)

*d) To report on allotment rent audit (see Clerks Report)

  1. e) 2023/24 Annual Governance & Accountability Return external auditor instructions

 

  1. General Items

 

Briefing Notes

  • Briefing Note no. 25-02 Management of Council business and publicity, during the pre-election period.
  • Briefing Note 25 -03 – Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) update

 

  1. Future meetings and events

Annual Town Meeting – Wednesday, 23rd April 2025

 

  1. Future agenda items

NB – Please note that the next Town Council meeting will be the Annual Town Council meeting and will be held on Monday, 12th May 2025

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items enclosed/attached

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MERE PEACE MEMORIAL SPORTS AND RECREATION GROUND

Registered Charity No. 1093497

 

For the Trustee to consider the following:

 

  1. Lease between Mere Peace Charity and Seeds4Success – please see attached documents:
  • Project Co-Ordinator’s Report (attached)
  • Draft Lease prepared by Wellers Hedley (attached)
  • Rental Valuation report for Youth Centre Building (attached)
  • Schedule of Condition for Youth Centre Building (attached)

 

  1. Payment:

Water2Business – Standing Charge for water supply to old cricket shed                 £ 30.99

Wiltshire Council – Business Rates for Recreation Ground                                        £  0.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 2 April 2025

Minutes of Town Council meeting held on Monday, 3rd February 2025

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

 

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 3rd February 2025 at 7.00 pm in the Andy Young Pavilion, Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW

Present:  Councillors John Jordan (Chair), Glen Ings (Vice-Chair), Debbie Beale, Sandra Catley, Aubrey Colman, Philip Coward, Rachael Hansford, Clive Hazzard, Raymond Hill, George Jeans, Linden Stone, Kate Symonds & Lesley Traves.

Also Project Co-Ordinator, Roger Pipe + 1 member of public.

Public Participation Session

Clive Hazzard raised the matter of funding for Mere Matters and said he did not want it to get to the stage where it was necessary for people to pay to get the magazine.  The Chairman said that this should be raised as a future agenda item.

Glen Ings said that he had been requested by several parishioners to pass on thanks to the Town Council for the new play equipment and refurbishments at Castle Hill Play Area.

Hamish Bell reported on the Grove Building Audio Visual system that was now installed and fully working and had already proved to be a great benefit for the users of the hall.  The Town Council was thanked for its financial support towards this.

  1. Apologies for absence received from Cllrs. Nick Beale & Rodney Coward

 

  1. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.
  • Rachael Hansford declared a personal interest in Minute No. 527 a)
  • Jeans declared a pecuniary interest in finance – Minute No. 532 a)
  • Jeans stated that although he had property adjacent to the public toilets, he did not have any personal or pecuniary interest to declare.

 

  1. Minutes – RESOLVED that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 13th January 2025 be approved as a correct record with the amendment that Cllr. P. Coward was not amongst those present.

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session
  • None

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)

*a) Consideration of proposal for temporary art installation on Castle Hill – Solstice Beacon – (attached paper prepared by Elaine Stallard on behalf of the Tower Stories Community Group) – the Chairman reminded members that the Town Council had allocated £1250 from the Wiltshire Towns Programme Funding towards this event.  Elaine Stallard was present to answer questions from councillors and clarified points about the concrete slabs and confirmed that the beacon would not be visible from the A303, grazing and grass cutting.   Risk Assessments and insurance was also raised and it was confirmed that this would be given consideration.   RESOLVED that this should be fully supported by the Town Council

*b) Covenants/restrictions relating to the disposal of the land/property registered at St. Marys Church, Pettridge Lane, Mere – response from charity solicitor (response in Clerks Report) – members felt that the response from the solicitor had answered the Town Council’s question.

*c) Public Toilets refurbishments – reports attached – questions were raised about the vinyl flooring and the cost of the door that allows the toilets to be used at night with contactless payment.  It was pointed out that the labour caried out by Town Council staff is not included in the costings and we would be asking them to do a lot of painting and repairing in order to save money.  The Town Clerk pointed out that this work would need to be carried out after the grass-cutting season if we wanted to do it ‘in house’ or alternatively use outside contractors.  Clarification on contactless payment or swipe payment & the door locking mechanism was requested. The Clerk pointed out that the budget allocation for this project currently stands at £17k.  Cllr. Jeans said that he felt there was sufficient funds in reserve to vire £12k.  There were discussions on hand driers, and steam cleaning and it was agreed that outside contractors should be used to do the decorating in order to get the project completed sooner. Cllr. Rachael Hansford said that she felt that, overall, members had agreed on the main points of the refurbishment but minor details and refinements on variables can be given further consideration.  RESOLVED to make headway with painting & decorating, prepare urinal, put Wallgate unit in, plastic toilet cisterns, no vinyl on floor, sensor lighting and plumbing and try to get the gents toilets open.

*d) Communications Plan for Mere Town Council – Cllr. Rachael Hansford (Draft plan attached) – RESOLVED to accept it although it was agreed that it was not appropriate to highlight the Minutes.

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report – Cllr. Jeans explained the significant impact that the new governments Planning Policy has on Wiltshire Council’s Local Plan. He also explained that Wiltshire’s Council Tax is likely to be increased by 4.5%.  A sum of money has been paid by the developers of the Care Home at Norwood Park for a junction improvement scheme on the Gillingham Corner junction which should improve pedestrian safety.

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:

 

Application No: PL/2025/00254
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Erect 2no detached dwellings
Site Address: Land off Downside Close Adjacent to 1 Old Hollow, Mere
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000BrJB3

 

 

The Chairman reported that this was the third or fourth planning application for this site.  He confirmed that the last application which received planning approval even though the Town Council objected on grounds of Overdevelopment and Parking/Turning/Access, was for one large building.  The application now was for two detached properties.  Although members felt that these two detached properties were more in keeping with the surrounding area there were concerns that the previous properties might be more affordable.  RESOLVED to submit the following response:   Approve, subject to conditions – Given that the previous application (PL/2021/06674) for this site has been approved, members of the Town Council prefer the design of the two separate dwellings being proposed here to the application that has approval.  However, the Town Council’s reservations about parking and vehicle manoeuvrability within the site remain.

Parking/Turning/Access: Members of the Town Council feel that the parking, turning and access for the car parking spaces will be restricted in this small area and manoeuvrability of the vehicles will be difficult to achieve.

 

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports:
  • Clear vegetation obstructing signs along White Road directing drivers onto the A303.
  • Pothole repairs Denes Avenue
  • Large pothole on Zebra crossing in White Road
  • Potholes in Queens Road

*b) To note the Town Council’s response to Wiltshire Council’s LTP4 Consultation (response attached) – members noted the response.  Cllr. Jeans said that there was an Emergency Full Council meeting on 11th March to consider the LTP4 Consultation.

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries
  2. a) To consider quotations for Tree Inspection, written reports, survey schedules etc. – The Clerk confirmed that she had contacted four companies last year with a view to providing a quotation for the 5-year Tree Inspection & Survey and had only received two quotations back:

Company Y was £2210 + VAT & Company X is £2905 with no VAT.

RESOLVED to accept the quotation from Company Y

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a) Payments – RESOLVED to authorise payments as detailed in the schedule of payments (attached)

  1. b) To note the reconciliations for December 2024 – the Chairman confirmed that he had verified the bank reconciliation against the bank statements and signed accordingly.
  2. c) To authorise signature of the Grant Agreement for the Provision of the Wiltshire Towns Programme – Activity Generation Allocation Funding for Y3 2024/25 and Y4 2025/26 – RESOLVED that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman should sign the Agreement documents for return to Wiltshire Council’s Legal Services.

*d) Review of Mere Town Football Club’s fees & request for reduction in lieu of work carried out in the changing rooms. (information in Clerks Report) – the Chairman reported that he and the Clerk had viewed the Changing Rooms and they looked to be in good order apart from one place where the drains were blocked due to footballers washing their muddy boots in the showers.   Last year we gave them a reduction because they bought goods for redecoration and this year, they have carried out further decoration works. RESOLVED that the Town Council apply a further £150 +3% reduction on this year’s fees in lieu of the redecoration work that has been carried out.

 

  1. General Items
  2. a) To set date, time, venue and format for Annual Town Meeting – RESOLVED to continue the Annual Town Meeting on a similar format to last year but to make the information boards more readable and add a Q & A session to the end of the meeting. Date: Wednesday, 23rd April 2025 at 6.30 pm Venue: Duchy Manor

*b) Briefing Note 25-01 Electric Refuse Collection Vehicle (eRCV) trial (Briefing Note attached)

 

  1. Future meetings and events
  2. a) LHFIG meeting, Wednesday, 5th February 2025 14:00 -15.50 at Nadder Centre, Tisbury, SP3 6HJ – The Chairman confirmed that he would be attending the meeting.
  3. b) South West Wiltshire Area Board meeting – Wednesday, 19th February at 6.30 pm at Wilton Community Centre, West Street, Wilton SP2 0DG – the Chairman confirmed that he would be attending the meeting.

*c) Town & Parish Council Planning Forum – Wednesday, 5th March 6pm – 8 pm online (see Clerks Report)

 

  1. Future agenda items

Funding for Mere Matters – is the future of the magazine in jeopardy and what sort of money would make a difference?

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items enclosed/attached

 

 

 

 

Approved at Mere Town Council meeting held on 3rd March 2025

 

 

 

Signed:                                                                                                                                                                 Chair of meeting.

 

 

 

 

Signed by the Chair of the meeting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 27 February 2025

Agenda for Town Council meeting to be held on Monday, 3rd March 2025

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

Duchy Manor,

Springfield Road,

Mere

Warminster,

Wiltshire

BA12 6EW

Phone: 01747 860701

e-mail: lindseywood@merewilts.org

www.merewilts.org

26th February 2025

 

Dear Councillor,

 

You are summoned to a meeting of Mere Town Council to be held on Monday, 3rd March 2025 at 7.00 pm in the Andy Young Pavilion, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW.  The meeting will consider the items set out below.

 

Before the meeting there will be a public session to enable the people of Mere to ask questions of, and make comments, regarding the Town Council.  Questions not answered at this meeting will be answered in writing to the person asking the question, or may appear as an agenda item for the next meeting.  Members of the public are asked to restrict their comments, and/or questions to three minutes.

Please Note: By entering the meeting room you are consenting to the use of your name being recorded in the Minutes.  The meeting may also be recorded by the press or members of the public.  Any person or organisation choosing to film, record or broadcast any meeting of the Council or its committees is responsible for any claims or other liability resulting from them so doing and by choosing to film, record or broadcast proceedings they accept that they are required to indemnify the Council, its members and officers in relation to any such claims or liabilities.

Any person who may find difficulty in access to the meeting through disability is asked to advise the Clerk by email (lindseywood@merewilts.org) at least 24 hours before the meeting so that every effort may be made to provide access.

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Lindsey Wood,

Town Clerk & RFO

 

Public Participation Session

Members of the public are invited to address the Council on any issue over which it has a power. This session will be limited to 15 minutes (3 minutes per speaker). The Chairman will convene the Town Council meeting after the public session (please note that once the meeting has been convened members of the public are no longer permitted to speak unless invited to do so by the Chairman).

Reports from local police representatives

 

AGENDA

  1. Apologies – To receive apologies for absence.

 

  1. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.

2.1 To receive declarations of interest from councillors on items on the agenda

2.2 To receive written requests for dispensations for disclosable pecuniary interests (if any)

2.3 To grant any requests for dispensation as appropriate

A request for dispensation must be made on an individual basis

 

Members are invited to declare disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests in items on the agenda as required by the Mere Town Council Code of Conduct for Members and by the Localism Act 2011.  The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.  If you become aware, during the course of a meeting, of an interest that has not been disclosed under this item, you must immediately disclose it.  Whether you can remain in the meeting and the extent to which you can participate depends on the type of interest you have.

 

  1. Minutes – To resolve that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 3rd February 2025 be approved as a correct record. (attached)

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)
  2. a) For Chairman & Vice-Chairman to sign Operating Agreement and Licence for EV chargers to be installed in Salisbury Street Car Park.
  3. b) Public Toilets Refurbishment – update – Cllr. Rachael Hansford
  4. c) Report on South West Wiltshire Area Board meeting held on 19th February 2025

*d) Resources, timetable & information for Town & Parish Council elections (information in Clerks Report)

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:

 

Application No: PL/2025/00844
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Change of use of equestrian land to (sui-generis) mixed equestrian and holiday accommodation with the erection of three holiday cabins, the conversion of a stable building to holiday accommodation, ground mounted solar PV array, associated landscaping and works
Site Address: Land north of Oaktree House, Limpers Lane, Mere, BA12 6BB
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000CH2Mf

 

 

Application No: PL/2025/00956
Application Type: Listed building consent (Alt/Ext)
Proposal: Installation of an alarm and CCTV camera
Site Address: The Cottage, Wet Lane, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6BA
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000CKBTR

 

 

 

Application No: PL/2025/01324
Application Type: Prior approval Part 3 Class Q: Agricultural buildings to dwellinghouses
Proposal: Prior notification under class Q for change of use of existing agricultural building to form a single dwelling and associated works.
Site Address: Land and buildings at Woodlands Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6BY
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000ChF4vIAF/pl202501324

 

Application No: PL/2025/01213
Application Type: Removal/variation of conditions
Proposal: Variation of condition 2 of PL/2022/09675 – To reposition the approved annex
Site Address: 1 Lordsmead Road, Mere, Warminster, Wilts, BA12 6BZ
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000CZCoz

 

 

Application No: PL/2025/01439
Application Type: Listed building consent (Alt/Ext)
Proposal: Removal of decayed floor timbers and replacement with damp-proof course and concrete slab to meet existing floor.
Site Address: Burton Grange Barn, Burton, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6BR
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000Cj7OG

 

*b) Integrated planning for a sustainable future – correspondence from Mr. Nick Gosse (see Clerks Report)

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports.

*b) Response from National Highways to letter relating to flooding of A303 and ramps on bypass bridge at Manor Road (see Clerks Report)

  1. c) Report on LHFIG meeting held on Wednesday, 5th February

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a) Payments – To review and authorise schedule of payments (attached)

  1. b) To note the reconciliations for January 2025; the Chairman to sign and verify against the bank statements seen
  2. c) To set date, venue and member make-up for Annual Assessment of Internal Control Measures.

*d) Actions from Interim Internal Audit Report (report attached)

  1. e) Funding for Mere Matters – is the future of the magazine in jeopardy and what sort of money would make a difference?

 

  1. General Items

 

  1. Future meetings and events

*a) Town & Parish Council Planning Forum 5th March (information in Clerks Report)

  1. a) VE Day – 8th May & VJ Day – 15th August

 

  1. Future agenda items

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items enclosed/attached

 

  • 27 February 2025

Minutes of Town Council meeting held on Monday, 13th January 2025

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

 

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 13th January 2025 at 7.00 pm in the Andy Yong Pavilion, Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere.

Present:  Councillors John Jordan (Chair), Debbie Beale, Nick Beale, Aubrey Colman, Philip Coward, Rachael Hansford, Clive Hazzard, George Jeans, Linden Stone, Kate Symonds & Lesley Traves.

Mr. Hobhouse, Elaine Stallard, Graham Sheppard & Mrs. Lawson-Smith

Mrs Lawson-Smith thanked the Town Council for showing an interest in covenants relating to the Catholic Church site in Pettridge Lane

Graham Sheppard raised his concerns about the water running down the path at Lordsmead and also asked about the switching on of the lighting bollards along the path.

Elaine Stallard said that the Tower Stories light installation in the Church had been extremely successful and following on from this, Bruce Munro (the artist) would like to do another installation on Castle Hill later in the year.  Elaine said that she would provide the Town Council with further details prior to the next meeting in the hope that the Town Council would support this initiative.

Mr Hobhouse asked why the lights along Eric Mitchell Way hadn’t been switched on.

  1. Coward raised his concerns about flooding in both directions along the A303 following heavy rain last week and said the road was treacherous for drivers and if someone hit that at some speed in the dark then there would be a terrible accident.  He said that as the river is so close, there are options for National Highways to do something about it.   G. Jeans added his concern about the bridge that goes across the A303 at Manor Road – the ramps that lead up to the bridge are sinking either side causing large traffic humps.

The Chairman pointed out that the Town Council had received a stakeholder letter from the Police & Crime Commissioner relating to the Wiltshire Police budget its precept and their savings plan – it also encouraged people to take part in the “Use Your Voice: Budget and Precept” survey.  The survey is open until Friday, 31 January 2025, and can be accessed here:  Use Your Voice: Police budget and precept consultation

The Chairman thanked Nick and Debbie Beale for judging the Xmas Lights and said he was pleased to distribute prizes as follows:

  • 1st – 38 Lynch Close – Pat and Geoff Sams
  • 2nd – 26 Castle Hill Crescent – Neil Maitland and Claire Turner
  • 3rd – 2 Angel Lane – Roger Sainsbury and Julie Coward
  • Special Commendation – Denes Avenue

 

  1. Apologies for absence received from Cllrs. Sandra Catley, Philip Coward and Raymond Hill.

 

  1. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.
  • George Jeans declared a pecuniary interest in Minute Ref: 519a) + a personal interest in Planning Applications PL/2025/00201 & PL/2025/00204

 

  1. Minutes – RESOLVED that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 2nd December 2024 be approved as a correct record.

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session

The Chairman pointed out that with regards to the lighting on Eric Mitchell Way, it had previously been agreed to discuss this matter at tonight’s meeting but we haven’t been able to get the information we need in time and therefore it has been deferred until our February meeting. Cllr. Jeans gave his view that he, too, wanted to see the lights switched on and felt that the Town Council should just go ahead and pay to get them switched on without them being adopted by Wiltshire Council.

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)

*a) To consider whether or not the Town Council should seek legal advice for the restrictive covenants relating to the disposal of the land/property registered at St. Marys Church, Pettridge Lane, Mere. (information contained in Clerks Report & attached) – RESOLVED to seek legal advice from Charity Law Solicitor, Mr. Roger Taylor of Hedleys.

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report – Jeans reported that he had visited the police headquarters in Devizes which, he said, had been an eye-opener. He confirmed that he had raised the issue of unacceptable response times now that our emergency responses are made from Trowbridge.

*b) Project Co-Ordinator’s Report (report attached) – report noted without comment.

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Planning Applications
Application No: PL/2025/00201
Application Type: Notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area
Proposal: 1. HAZEL: – coppice/pollard approximately three stems on eastern side of group. Retain stems leaning due west for garden screen. 2. HAZEL:- sever ivy at base. – coppice 3-5 mature stems leaning due east. Retain stems leaning west for screen. 3. CHEESWOOD: – crown reduce, shortening height by up to one meter and lateral growth by approximately one meter. Trim to achieve a rounded dome. 4. HAZEL: overgrown hedge overhanging boundary. – reduce height and width, cutting back to previous pruning nodes. 5. APPLE: heavily leaning tree overhanging neighbours’ boundary. – reduce crown cutting back to previous pruning points. 6. ASH: – remove major deadwood, greater than 30mm at base or one meter in length.
Site Address: THE OLD HUNTING LODGE, BOAR STREET, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6DD
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000BoxD4

 

RESOLVED to recommend the above application for approval.

Application No: PL/2025/00204
Application Type: Notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area
Proposal: 1. BIRCH – crown lift (removing secondary and tertiary branching) over roof to afford a two-meter vertical and lateral clearance. 2. HEDGE (HAZEL, BAY, HAWTHORN): reduce height and lateral spread, on both sides, cutting back to previous pruning nodes. 3. HORSE CHESTNUT, young tree. Originating from old stump, now extensively decayed beneath ground level presenting stability issue. – Fell by sections. 4. BEECH, small tree (overgrown hedge) heavily leaning towards neighbours’ outbuildings. – fell. 5. BEECH: small tree (overgrown hedge) heavily leaning towards neighbours’ outbuildings. – fell. 6. PORTUGUESE LAUREL: – shorten lateral branches extending due south. To prevent continued extension into garden.
Site Address: THE OLD BREWERY, WATER STREET, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6DY
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-pplication/a0iQ300000Bp2mD

 

RESOLVED to recommend the above application for approval.

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports –
  • Dig back the soil that comes from the verges when the hedges are being pruned on the way out of Castle Street to Gillingham Corner
  • R. Coward raised the issue of potholes along Manor Road.  The Clerk said that she recalled that this road was due for some resurfacing treatment work during this financial year and wondered what had happened about that.
  1. b) White Road to Burton Footpath – Jeans explained that he thought that a precedent had been set with the surfacing of a bridleway in a nearby village and requested to Wiltshire Council that something be done about the stretch of White Road that leads from the Social Club to Burton Path but he later learned that the work in the nearby village was carried out by mistake and Wiltshire Council will not spend money on the path from White Road to Burton Path. He has, however, managed to provide private finance to engage a contractor to resurface a footpath width of this lane from the junction to the entrance of the Social Club and was suggesting that the Town Council vire some funds in order to resurface a footpath width with hot tarmac. It was agreed that the Clerk should obtain some idea of what the costs would be to hot-tarmac a 1.2m footpath width from the Social Club to the entrance to Burton Path before a decision is made on this.

*c) Wiltshire Local Transport Plan – LTP4 – Public Consultation on LTP4 runs from 28.11.24 until 24.1.25 – The Chairman said that he had read the documents and stated that it did say that Mere was one of a few places in Wiltshire where residents suffer from poor connectivity and has a higher risk of transport related social exclusion.  Cllr. Jeans said that he listened to some of the webinar but it appeared that the consultation was not designed to accept specific location issues.  The Chairman encouraged members to look at the documents and send him their thoughts so that he & the Clerk can make a collective Town Council response.

  1. d) Report on North Dorset Transport Action Group Meeting held on Monday, 9th December – The Chairman attended the meeting to represent the Town Council and he found the meeting quite practical and they took on board his comments that the current bus service from Mere to Gillingham is fairly successful

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries
  2. a) Review of Car Park lease/sponsorship strategy – The Clerk had prepared a report which showed that the amount of sponsorship has diminished and is clearly not meeting the sponsorship targets that we had hoped to get back in 2010. Some businesses have now closed and moved elsewhere and yet we have new businesses that have come into the town & the Clerk wondered whether councillors wanted to visit these businesses to see if they wanted to pledge, renew their pledges or increase their pledges for the sponsorship in order to keep the car parking free or indeed, whether they would prefer to have car parking charges imposed by Wiltshire Council. It was suggested that businesses be contacted again and that the Town Council should a plea should be put out on social media and Mere Matters asking for voluntary donations, especially from the people that park in there all day.

Cllr. Jeans abstained from speaking on this subject.

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a) Payments – RESOLVED to authorise schedule of payments (attached).  Having declared a pecuniary interest in this item, Cllr. Jeans left the room whilst this agenda item was discussed and took no part in voting.

  1. b) To note the reconciliations for November 2024 – the Chairman confirmed that he had verified the bank reconciliation against the bank statements and signed accordingly.

*c) Application to Lloyds Bank plc for the issue of a Business Debit Card – The Chairman explained that the resolution below had been taken from the Lloyds Bank Business Card application and documented approval at a meeting was a requirement.  Members unanimously voted to approve resolution as detailed below:

  1. That Mere Town Council apply to Lloyds Bank plc (“the Bank”) for the issue of a Business Debit Card to authorised users as determined by the Town Council from time to time.  The cards to be subject to the Business Debit Card Terms and Conditions, a copy of which was produced to the meeting and approved.
  2. That any two councillors from time to time are authorised to request the Bank to issue Business Debit Cards to certain authorised and are authorised to sign the application form and any other relevant documentation on behalf of the Town Council.
  3. That the Bank is authorised to debit the Organisation’s account number that is specified in the application form for the Business Debit Cards with all transactions effected under such Business Debit Cards together with any interest thereon and with any fees for the issue and renewal of such Business Debit Cards and that the Organisation will be responsible for any overdraft so created with interest.
  4. The Town Council acknowledges that the authorised users will be able to access information about the Organisation’s account when using a Business Debit Card at an ATM, and consents to this disclosure.
  5. These resolutions will be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the country in which our accounts with the Bank are held.
  6. We certify that the foregoing resolutions have been duly entered in the minute book and are in accordance with the Rules of the Organisation.

The Chairman also confirmed that there would be additional controls in place in relation to the signing in and signing out of the Debit Card by other staff members.

 

  1. General Items

*a) Emergency Resilience Hub – Allocation of building for inclusion in the Wiltshire wide map of hubs (see information in Clerks Report) – Agreed to allocate the Andy Young Pavilion for inclusion

  1. b) Communication Plan for the year – Rachael Hansford said that she thought the Town Council should have a written communication strategy which outlines what we do and who is responsible for doing it in terms of distributing information on noticeboards, social media and printed media. She agreed to prepare a draft strategy for members to comment on at the next meeting.

*c) Heart of Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority Plans following the publication of the Devolution White Paper (information in Clerks Report) – Members noted the information in the Clerks Report and Cllr. Jeans reported that at the extraordinary full council meeting held on 9th January, Wiltshire Council had voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining Dorset and Somerset councils to submit a bid for a new Heart of Wessex combined authority.

*d) Local Council Elections – 1st May 2025 (information in Clerks Report) – The Chairman said that the elections would be taking place on 1st May 2025 – the timetable has not yet been published but it would be good to spread the word now and encourage potential candidates to put themselves forward.

*e) Wiltshire Marque business support accreditation scheme to help local food and drink businesses (information in Clerks Report) – Members noted the information in the Clerks Report. The Chairman said he would include this in his report in Mere Matters/Mutters and spread the word for businesses to become involved.

 

  1. Future meetings and events
  • None

 

  1. Future agenda items
  • None

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items enclosed/attached

 

Meeting closed at 8.24 pm

 

 

 

Approved at Mere Town Council meeting held on 3rd February 2025

 

 

 

Signed:                                                                                                                                                                 Chair of meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MERE PEACE MEMORIAL SPORTS AND RECREATION GROUND

Registered Charity No. 1093497

 

 

For Trustees to consider the following:

 

Submission of Annual Return for Mere Peace Memorial Sports & Recreation Ground Charity for Financial Year End 31.3.24 (draft submission attached)

 

The Town Council as Trustee of the Charity approved the submission and authorised the Clerk to submit this to the Charity Commission.

  • 30 January 2025