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Author: Lindsey Wood

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

Wiltshire Council Local Plan

The Local Plan consultation begins on Wednesday 27 September, with 16 in-person drop-in events being held across the county. Find out more about the events: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/local-plan
There will be an in-person drop-in Local Plan event at The Nadder Centre, Tisbury on Wednesday 4th October from 3pm-7pm so please come along to find out more. There will also be an online event on Tuesday 10 October. Info: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/local-plan
  • 28 September 2023

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

What do I do if I get flooded?

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

What do I do if I get flooded?

 

This document has been compiled based on information provided by the Environment Agency (EA), whose responsibility it is to make people aware of flooding from rivers and the sea, provide flood warning services and build and maintain flood defences.

 

Your flood warning service – Get the service that’s right for you

EA provide a free flood warning service to many areas at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea.

 

Find out if you can sign up for our free 24 hour Floodline Warnings Direct service by visiting their website  www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood or by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

 

You can select to receive warnings by phone, text, email, fax or pager.

In some areas EA also warn people about flooding using:

  • Sirens – usually a wailing sound only activated when a flood is about to happen.
  • Loud hailers – a vehicle will drive around repeating the flood warnings.

 

Other places to get the latest flood update

 

Your personal flood plan

 

  1. Know who to contact and how
  • Agree where you will go and how to contact each other.
  • Check with your council if pets are allowed at evacuation centres.
  • Keep a list with all your important contacts to hand.

 

  1. Think about what you can move now
  • Don’t wait for a flood. Move items of personal value such as photo albums, family films and treasured mementos to a safe place.

 

  1. Think about what you would want to move to safety during a flood
  • Pets
  • Cars
  • Furniture
  • Electrical equipment
  • Garden pot plants and furniture
  • What else? …

 

 

 

  1. Think about who you could ask for help / who you could offer to help, particularly vulnerable neighbours or relatives, in a flood. Start preparing today before a flood happens. Use this checklist as your flood plan.

 

  1. Check your insurance cover
  • Check your buildings and contents insurance policy.
  • Confirm you are covered for flooding.
  • Find out if the policy replaces new for old, and if it has a limit on repairs.
  • Don’t underestimate the value of your contents.

 

  1. Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies
  • Ask your supplier how to do this.
  • Mark taps or switches with stickers to help you remember.

 

  1. Prepare a flood kit of essential items and keep it handy
  • Copies of your home insurance documents.
  • A torch with spare batteries.
  • A wind-up or battery radio.
  • Warm, waterproof clothing and blankets.
  • A first aid kit and prescription medication.
  • Bottled water and non perishable foods.
  • Baby food and baby care items.

 

Useful numbers

 

Your important flood telephone numbers. Fill this out and keep this leaflet with your flood kit.

 

Environment Agency Floodline                                                                0345 988 1188
Quickdial number
Local authority emergency helpline
Insurance company 24-hour number and policy number
Local radio station frequency for news alerts and weather updates
 Family and neighbours
Work phone numbers
Doctor’s surgery
Local police station
Vet/kennel/cattery
 Local hotel or B&B
Gas supplier and meter number
Electricity supplier and meter number
Water supplier and meter number
Electrician
Plumber
Builder

 

 

 

 

 

 

Temporary flood protection equipment

 

Flood protection equipment can help stop flood water getting into your property.

Follow manufacturer instructions to put these in place when you get a flood warning.

 

You can get more information about flood protection equipment in the ‘prepare your property for flooding’ leaflet on the EA website.

 

Floodboards These fix to frames around windows and doors. They can be washed, stored and used again. Always remove flood protection equipment once the flood water has gone. This will help your property dry out.

 

Plastic covers to seal airbricks These can stop flood water coming in through your airbricks.

 

Sandbags Your local council may provide these during a flood, but they may be scarce. You can buy your own sand and bags, or fill pillowcases and plastic bags with earth. Be aware that following a flood they will be contaminated by sewage in the water. You can get more information about using sandbags on the EA website.

See Wiltshire Council’s policy on sandbags here: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/civil-emergencies-sandbags

 

 

Further steps to protect your property There are things you can do to your property that will make it easier and cheaper to clean up after a flood. See Further Information at the end of this document.

 

Flood warning codes

Flood info

What to do to stay safe in a flood

 

In the event of a flood focus on the safety of you and your family

  • Cooperate with the emergency services if they tell you to evacuate during flooding. • Be prepared to act quickly and get yourself to safety. We use our flood warning services to warn you of flooding from rivers and the sea as soon as we can. But there are some types of flooding we can’t predict. Stay alert to localised flooding also known as ‘surface water flooding’. This usually happens where drainage systems are unable to cope with heavy spells of rainfall. We cannot give you a direct warning for this type of flooding. Instead we forecast where it might be a problem in certain counties and put a daily flood risk forecast on our website. You can also find out about the possibility of ‘surface water’ flooding in your area by checking local weather forecasts.

 

What to do in an emergency, to stay safe

 

  1. Check in with other people in your household – if they are not at home make sure they are somewhere safe.
  2. Gather essential items together either upstairs or in a high place.
  3. Fill jugs and saucepans with clean water.
  4. Move your family and pets upstairs, or to a high place with a means of escape.
  5. Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies when flood water is about to enter your home if safe to do so. DO NOT touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water.
  6. Keep listening to local radio for updates or call floodline 0345 988 1188
  7. Check in with vulnerable neighbours or relatives.
  8. Flood water can rise quickly, stay calm and reassure those around you. Call 999 if you are in danger.

 

Important! Flood water is dangerous

  • Six inches of fast-flowing water can knock over an adult and two feet of water can move a car.
  • Avoid walking or driving through it.
  • Keep children and vulnerable people away from it.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly if you touch it.

 

Protect what you can

 

Move important items to safety and put flood protection equipment in place when there is a flood warning. Follow manufacturers’ instructions carefully to help stop or reduce the flood water entering your property.

 

Take items upstairs or to a safe place in your property

  • Safely store important documents such as insurance papers.
  • Move items of personal value such as photos, family films or treasured mementos. • Move lightweight household belongings you can pick up easily and quickly.
  • Move items of furniture that are expensive or harder to repair before cheaper ones.

 

If possible, move your outside belongings to higher ground

  • If the flood water hasn’t reached you, move your car to higher ground and move outdoor pets to safety.

 

Help stop water entering your home

  • Put plugs in sinks and baths. Weigh them down with a sandbag, a pillowcase or plastic bag filled with garden soil, or a heavy object.

 

If you do not have non-return valves fitted

  • Plug water inlet pipes with towels or cloths.
  • Disconnect any equipment that uses water (like washing machines and dishwashers).

 

Stay safe, always listen to the advice of the emergency services and evacuate when told to do so

 

  • Leave your home if the emergency services say so. Refusing to leave on their advice will put you, your family and those trying to help you at risk.
  • When you are evacuated you will be taken to an evacuation centre run by your local council. Free food and bedding is provided. Bring spare clothing, essential medication and babycare items if you have an infant.
  • Most evacuation centres will let you bring your pets. Take their food. Put cats and small animals in a pet carrier or secure box.
  • People running the centres are trained to give you support and advice. They will help you through the stress of a flood and prepare you for what to do afterwards.

 

What to do after a flood

 

When you’re sure it’s safe to return to your home, take care when entering as there may be hidden dangers in floodwater such as sharp objects and sewage pollution.

If your supply hasn’t been switched off at the mains, do not on any account touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water. Get a qualified electrician to come to the property to switch off the power.

 

Cleaning up after a flood

 

In many cases, your insurance company can pay for professional help to clean up your property.

The clean-up will usually involve:

Pumping out water from your home using a generator

Cleaning and disinfecting the property. Avoid high pressure hoses as they can blast contaminated particles into the air.

Drying out the property with dehumidifiers.

Local councils can supply skips and advise you on disposal of sandbags as they may need to be treated as contaminated waste.

 

 

 

 

 

Home insurance and flooding

 

According to the Chartered Insurance Institute, the average household flood claim amounts to £50,000.

That’s a staggering amount of money to stump up if you were affected by flooding, so it’s wise to ensure that you take out a home insurance policy to cover your home and contents.

Check how much your policy covers you for flooding, if the policy replaces your items new for old, and if it has a limit on repairs.

 

Making a claim

 

You should inform your insurer about flooding as soon as possible.

They’ll let you know whether you should clean the property or if they will send professionals to do that for you.

Many policies also cover the cost of temporary accommodation where you can stay while clean-up and repairs are underway. This could be in a B&B or rented property.

Your insurance provider will send a loss adjuster to your property to inspect the damage and to confirm what repairs and replacements will be covered by your policy.

Keep a record of flood damage for future reference.

Mark the height of flood waters on the walls in every room affected.

Photograph or video all damage to your home and contents.

List all parts of the property and contents damaged and, if your policy covers it, all food spoilt too.

Even if you live in an area at risk of flood or have made a flood claim in the past, it should still be possible to get reasonably priced insurance thanks to the Flood Re scheme. Under the scheme, your insurer pays out if you make a valid claim for flood damage, but it can then claim back a proportion of the money from the Flood Re fund. This reduces the insurer’s financial risk, so it can offer you cheaper cover.

 

 

Further information

 

The Environment Agency has published a booklet with advice on how to prepare your property for flooding. See Prepare your property for flooding

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 10 May 2022

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

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

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

 

29th January 2025

 

Dear Councillor,

 

You are summoned to a meeting of Mere Town Council to be held on Monday, 3rd February 2025 at 7.00 pm in the Andy Young Pavilion, 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 Monday, 13th January 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) 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).

*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)

*c) Public Toilets refurbishments – reports attached

*d) Communications Plan for Mere Town Council – Cllr. Rachael Hansford (Draft plan attached)

 

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

 

  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

 

 

 

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

*b) To note the Town Council’s response to Wiltshire Council’s LTP4 Consultation (response attached)

 

  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.

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

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

  1. b) To note the reconciliations for December 2024; the Chairman to sign and verify against the bank statements seen
  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

*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)

 

  1. General Items
  2. a) To set date, time, venue and format for Annual Town Meeting

*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:—15.50 at Nadder Centre, Tisbury, SP3 6HJ
  3. b) South West Wiltshire Area Board meeting – Wednesday, 19th February at 6.30 pm at Wilton Community Centre, west Street, Wilton SP2 0DG

*c) Town & Parish Council Planning Forum – Wednesday, 5th March 6pm – 8 pm 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 30 January 2025