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

 

Note: Meeting recorded for minute-taking purposes

 

Present:  Councillors Sandra Catley (Chair), Rachael Hansford (Vice-Chair), Debbie Beale, Aubrey Colman, Rodney Coward, Raymond Hill, George Jeans &  John Jordan.

 

18 members of public + PC Tom Newman & PCSO Stewart Hunt.

Public Session

Carnival Committee Update

David Hytch reported that a Carnival Secretary had now been appointed although they are still looking for a Chairperson and a number of other roles within the committee.  Christmas lights event is to take place on 5^th December when Father Xmas will be in the Clock Tower.

Highways and traffic planning

David Hytch also raised concerns about outdated traffic data used in planning applications, increased traffic from new developments, and lack of pedestrian and disability access.

Graham Shephard added that Woodlands Road was not designed to take the level of traffic that is now using it and more development will increase that traffic.  He also added that there was a deep hole in the ground near the kissing gate at the bottom of Angel Lane leading onto The Meads footpath.

Street Lighting

James Hobhouse – been requesting repairs to street lighting in Oak Lane but contractors unable to access alleyway because they come with a cherry picker rather than a ladder.

Highways Improvement Request for Pettridge Lane, Edgebridge & Clements Lane

Nick Gosse read out a statement in support of his Highways Improvement Request regarding traffic issues on Clements Lane, Pettridge Lane, and Boar Street due to new developments.

Maggie Philips said that she had nearly been knocked down twice when traffic had mounted the pavement and said she supported the request for a 20mph speed limit

Graham Avory & Charmain Stone pointed out that there were a number of objections to the planning application for The Red House on the basis that another vehicular entrance off this road in this vicinity would be hazardous and inappropriate.

Sharon Hollick – was hoping to have little rectangular sign that says ’No Footway’ underneath the warning signs (similar to Tisbury)  – can we ask for these to be added as an extra on both signs at Edgebridge.

Aubrey Colman reported that the Macmillan Cancer Coffee Morning raised £700 two weeks ago.

Police Update

PC Tom Newman & PCSO Stewart Hunt attended the meeting and PC Tom Newman introduced himself as the new local officer for Mere.  Discussion of data-driven police speed enforcement, and options for police speed enforcement: Police officers with speed guns; speed enforcement team (not officers but uniformed members of the police team); community speedwatch teams.   There was also a discussion on ANPR cameras and whether Town & Parish Councils could/should purchase them.

77. Apologies for absence received from Cllrs. Nick Beale, Sam Dean, Alan Mead & Steven Pester.
78. Declarations of Interest:

• George Jeans as a Trustee of Mere Social Club – Personal Interest – Minute No. 81d)
• Philip Coward – declared a pecuniary interest in Minute No. 85a) (Payments).

 

79. Minutes – RESOLVED that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 1^st September 2025 be approved as a correct record of proceedings.

 

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

*a) Last month’s public session: Salisbury Street Parking Restrictions (see Chair & Clerks Report)

• Discussion: Confusion over Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and property names & numbering. The Clerk confirmed that she had asked for official maps to clarify TRO boundaries.  Jeans confirmed that the zig-zag lines for the zebra crossing were not covered by the TRO.
• Action: Clerk to continue to pursue TRO maps from Wiltshire Council.

1. b) Tree Survey Report (squirrels)

• Discussion: Squirrel damage to Millennium trees on Long Hill; pest control options considered. The Clerk read out an extract from the recent tree inspection relating to the damage that is occurring to this young avenue of beech trees by the squirrels “without the control of the squirrel population the tree issue will continue, possibly resulting in the loss of this young avenue of trees, or at the least their loss of amenity value”. Hill said that he is in favour of letting the trees take their chances and proposed to take no action for one year and re-assess the situation in a year’s time.  Proposal carried with a vote of 5 in favour and 3 against.

*c) Minute No. 71b) i) Highway Improvement Request Forms for B3092 – dated 29.7.25 (see Chair & Clerks Report)

• Discussion: Funding and installation of speed indicator devices and traffic counters.
• Decision: Await quotes and allocate budget as appropriate.
• Actions: Cllr. Jordan to report on device costs & installation; Clerk to coordinate with Wiltshire Council regarding installation/location. Clerk to ask Wiltshire Council for traffic survey for Castle Street

*d) Report on SWW Area Board meeting held on Wednesday, 17^th September and Mere Town Council application for funding for solar panels on public toilets (see Chair & Clerks Report)

• Discussion: Rachael Hansford congratulated on achieving the funding for the Solar Panels via the Chamber of Trade

 

81. Reports & Consultations
82. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report

• Cllr. Jeans reported that he has volunteered to sit on the Gypsy & Travellers Project Board which is in effect a scrutiny panel that helps bring forward policy.
• Stressed importance of the information that had been given at the Area Board meeting about flooding – that residents need to get prepared for potential of flooding given the climate change prediction of more intense rainfall. Property owners are responsible for protecting their homes from flooding. Residents are advised to fit protection measures like flood doors, rather than relying solely on sandbags.
• Reported that Unilateral Undertakings are causing high costs, delays and bureaucracy issues for developers and are causing delays for developments.

 

 

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

• Public Toilets – seems to be on track. Signage will be taken down when the toilets are fully opened. Cllr. Hill queried plans for cleaning the stonework and said that he didn’t think this had been previously agreed and felt it was an unnecessary expense as the building would look out of place.
• Footpaths 66/50 – members noted the information in the report and the Chair confirmed that we were on target for the lights to be on for the weekend that the clocks go back.

1. c) Wiltshire Towns Programme Activities update (information in Chair & Clerks Report)

• Noted information

*d) New Licence Application – Premises Licence and Club Certificate in respect of Mere Social Club.  Consultation between Mon 22^nd September to Mon 20^th October (redacted application forms attached)

• RESOLVED to approve the licence application.

 

82. Planning
83. a) Applications for consultation response:

 

Application No:	PL/2025/07308
Application Type:	Full planning permission
Proposal:	Retrospective application for the cladding of an agricultural building
Site Address:	Land and buildings at Woodlands Road, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6BY
Planning Register Link:	https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000GYNtp

• Discussion: Retrospective cladding application; concerns about materials

RESOLVED: Object on grounds of inappropriate materials which make the barn look visually intrusive in the landscape.   [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

 

Application No:	PL/2025/04203
Application Type:	Full planning permission
Proposal:	Construction of an outdoor equestrian arena/manege 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

• Discussion: Relocation to avoid footpath obstruction.

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

 

Application No.	PL/2025/07665
Site Location:	Breaches Barn , Mere , Warminster , BA12 6AB
Proposal:	Conversion of the existing agricultural barn to a single dwellinghouse and conversion operations reasonably necessary to convert the building.
Planning Register Link:	https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000GpWflIAF/pl202507665

• Discussion: Concerns about agricultural status and parking provision.

RESOLVED: Object based on lack of agricultural use and parking concerns.   [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

 

83. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
84. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward and MyWiltshire reports.

• Side out pavement along Castle Street to make it safer for pedestrians

*b) Highways Improvement Request Form – Clements Lane, Edgebridge, Pettridge Lane & Boar Street – Nick Gosse – 14.8.25 (Redacted form attached)

Discussion:

• Previous LHFIG request submitted by Town Council has resulted in warning signs being erected but SLOW markers on the road still to be installed. Rumble strips not now included as Highways Authority deem to be inappropriate.
• Request ‘No Footway’ signs to go on the warning signs
• Ask for traffic survey to be carried out in the vicinity of ‘The Red House’ Pettridge Lane
• Review 20mph speed limit request depending on results from the traffic survey.

 

84. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries
85. a) Confirmation of receipt of RoSPA Annual Safety Inspection of Play Areas & Skate Park

• The Clerk confirmed that the inspection reports had been received and she was pleased to report that there were no ‘high risk’ issues identified other than the skate park which is ‘high risk’ due to its activity rather than its structure and therefore risk cannot be mitigated.

1. b) Lettings/hiring of Andy Young Pavilion

• Discussion: Increase in private hire requests for Andy Young Pavilion; concerns about insurance, staffing, and suitability.
• Decision: Cease private hires; restrict use to community groups.
• Action: Clerk to update booking policy.

RESOLVED not to permit private hire of the pavilion in future.

 

85. Finance, Policy & Resources

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

RESOLVED: Schedule of payments reviewed and approved.

*b) Conclusion of Audit of 2024/25 accounts (certificate attached)

• Clerk confirmed that certificate of audit had been received with the following ‘except for’ matter “Information has come to our attention from the internal auditor highlighting the fact that the 2023/24 external auditor report and certificate were not published on the authority’s website by the dates specified in the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015.” Other matters not affecting the auditor’s opinion but which they drew to our attention are : “The smaller authority has confirmed that it has not complied with the governance Assertion in Section 1, Box 5, but it has provided the appointed auditor with an adequate explanation for non-compliance and details of the actions necessary to address weaknesses identified. This is consistent with the Internal Auditor’s response to Internal Control Objective C. “  With regards to the “except for” matter, the Clerk confirmed that this was an oversight and in fact the certificate had been published but had been put under the wrong year on the website by the webmaster.  She confirmed that she had checked that this year’s certificate had been published in the right place.  The “other matter” was something that the Town Council had previously discussed and now addressed.
• The Clerk explained her own experience and the general dissatisfaction amongst colleagues relating to the external auditors PKF Littlejohn and their tardiness in responding to AGARs that were submitted on 1st July (most responses received at the end of September with the sign off deadline being 30th September). Complaints about this were being submitted to SLCC & NALC.

1. c) To set date, time, venue and membership for Annual Budget Meeting

• Philip Coward, Aubrey Colman, Sam Dean, George Jeans, John Jordan, Clive Hazzard (if possible), Chair & Vice-Chair for the meeting on Wednesday, 19th November in the Andy Young Pavilion at 7.00 pm

*d) Assertion 10 of the AGAR for the 2025/26 accounts (information in Chair & Clerks Report)

Members noted the information in the Clerks Report.  The Clerk said she was currently working on drafting an IT Policy and website domains and email addresses would be raised as a future agenda item.

 

86. General Items
87. a) The Old Nursery site off A303 at Burton

• Discussion: Change of ownership; travellers moved in; enforcement action ongoing.
• Decision: Monitor situation
• Action: Clerk to liaise with planning enforcement.

 

Briefing Notes: 

*25-07 New Bus Stop Infrastructure funding and emerging process for requests (attached)

• Discussion: Funding and repairs for bus stops; request for new shelter in town centre.
• Decision: Submit request for new shelter; monitor progress.
• Action: Clerk to submit request for new bus shelter to Wiltshire Council.

 

87. Future Meetings & Events

• Extra Town Council meeting – Monday, 13^th October
• Remembrance Day – Sunday, 9^th November
• Xmas Lights switch on – Friday, 5^th December
• Wiltshire Council Budget Consultation Events – Wednesday 8^th October to Thursday 30^th October (the last one is in Tisbury).
• Mere Literary Festival – reminder that tickets are available from their website.

Actions Summary

Summary of agreed actions:

Clerk to continue to pursue TRO maps from Wiltshire Council

Cllr. Jordan to report on ATC device costs & installation; Clerk to co-ordinate with Wiltshire Council regarding installation/location.

Clerk to ask Wiltshire Council for traffic survey for Castle Street

Clerk to submit consultation response on licence application in respect of Mere Social Club

Clerk to submit consultation responses on planning applications

Clerk to request Parish Steward to side out pavement along Castle Street & inspect hazards relating to kissing gate at Angel Lane.

Clerk to report faulty street lights

Clerk to request ‘No Footway’ signs to be added to the warning signs at Edgebridge

Clerk to ask Wiltshire Council for traffic survey outside The Red House, Pettridge Lane.

Clerk to update booking policy for Andy Young Pavilion

Clerk to liaise with planning enforcement over The Old Nursery site at Burton

Clerk to submit request for new bus shelter to Wiltshire Council

 

Minutes approved at Mere Town Council meeting held on 3^rd November 2025

 

Signed……………………………………………….     ………………………………..Chair of meeting

 

 

 

MERE PEACE MEMORIAL SPORTS AND RECREATION GROUND

Registered Charity No. 1093497

 

For Trustees to consider the following:

 

36. Payment to Water2Business (water supply to old cricket club – now being used by MTFC) £36.39

RESOLVED to authorize payment

 

1. To approve amendments to lease for Youth Club Building to Seeds4Success (see Project Co-Ordinator’s report)

Cllr. Colman requested a review of the amendments which had been made by both solicitors and asked for another meeting to go through these.  There were concerns about the protracted amount of time being taken to agree the terms of this lease.  Agreed that Cllr. Colman would submit his comments on the lease to the Town Clerk by Monday 13^th October and that final decision is delegated to Chair and Vice-Chair after that.

 

Meeting closed at 9.13 pm