A meeting of Nynehead Parish Council took place on Monday, July 13, in Nynehead Memorial Hall. With lockdown restrictions easing and to facilitate the conduct of council business, councillors unanimously decided to resume face-to-face meetings, managed within the Covid-19 secure guidelines produced by Government.

As part of the annual governance and accountability return 2019/20, the chairman approved and signed a number of statements, and the council reviewed and adopted the risk management policy.

Further discussion also took place about whether a defibrillator in East Nynehead would serve the needs of the community. The clerk had sourced a more a more cost-effective option through the charity London Hearts, which supplies the dual-functioning SP1 iPad defibrillator. This not only carries out daily self-diagnostic tests, meaning maintenance is very limited, but this model can also be applied to both an adult and a child at the flick of a switch rather than having to change pads, thereby saving vital time. The council agreed this was a better option and would apply for funding when community funding options re-open in September. The need for a volunteer emergency telephone system would be discussed at a later date if a grant is awarded.

A quick and effective way of disseminating information around the village, when urgent, was also discussed. A WhatsApp or Facebook group was suggested but it was recognised that a significant number of older residents do not have wi-fi. Instead it was agreed that a number of volunteers spread across the village would form small hubs and share information verbally or via a written note. The clerk will collate information and send this via e-mail to the nominated volunteers. It is hoped in this way that everyone will be included. Members of the public are encouraged to contact the clerk if they are aware of any incidents. Information can then be shared and may prove useful in subsequent investigations. In addition, it is hoped to publish a shortened version of the Nynehead News later in August to inform residents of forthcoming events and club activities as they start up again.

In the police report, PCSO Henderson stated that two burglaries had taken place in the Nynehead, Oake, Bradford-on-Tone and Langford Budville area. These are part of an on-going investigation. Anyone with information relating to these burglaries should call 101 or e-mail Avon and Somerset police from the website. Hi-visibility patrols are now operating in the area.

The parish paths liaison officer reported that footpaths were being well used but reminded people to take their rubbish home with them and to clear up after their dogs and dispose of waste responsibly rather than leave it in the middle of paths, which is unsightly and a potential health hazard. It was agreed that it was safe to hold the popular annual parish footpath walk on Sunday, August 30, departing from the Memorial Hall at 2pm. Everyone is welcome and it is expected that the walk will last about one and a half hours.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 17, at Nynehead Memorial Hall and will start at 7.30pm. The parish council exists to serve the needs of the community and residents are encouraged to share ideas, voice concerns or suggest initiatives by contacting the clerk, Judy Jones, e-mail: [email protected]