A meeting of the council, managed according to Government-produced Covid-19 secure guidelines, took place on Monday, October 19, at Nynehead Memorial Hall.

Before the business of the meeting commenced, the chairman, Dr J Butterley, paid tribute to fellow councillor Rivers Barry, following Mr Barry’s sudden death earlier in the day. Mr Barry’s active support, enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of matters relating to the local countryside and conservation were valued assets. He made a significant contribution to the council and the wider community of Nynehead, and he will be much missed. A casual vacancy on the parish council will be advertised later in November.

The parish council did not meet in September so the agenda was quite full. Members approved the bank reconciliations for the months April to June 2020 and July to September 2020. They also approved

the half-yearly expenditure report at September 30.

The condition of the lanes was discussed and the need to closely monitor gullies which block up quickly at this time of year with heavy rain and falling leaves. Concern was also expressed about the volume and speed of traffic using the lanes around Nynehead, which reached a peak during the closure of the bridge at Tonedale. Several accidents occurred as a result of speed and lack of care. The clerk has been in communication with Somerset Highways and a site meeting has been arranged in November between a Somerset County Council traffic engineer and the councillor. Nynehead Court has offered some funding for traffic management measures ahead of its proposed development plans for next year and it is hoped to move this forward quickly once proposals have been discussed.

Mr M Vest reported on the creation of a Network Partnership Working Group which is in the process of being established between Wellington Town Council and surrounding parishes ahead of the decision in January 2021 by central Government about the restructuring of Somerset as a unitary authority. Mr M Vest and Dr J Butterley have represented Nynehead in two online meetings and it is hoped that collaboration at this early stage will enable stronger local influence on local matters. Present and future functions and services and potential networking opportunities will be discussed at the next meeting.

In her police report, PCSO Henderson raised awareness of bogus ‘tree specialists’ who have been preying on the older population in local communities, offering to carry out garden work for large sums of money but without completing tasks. Residents are advised not to let any strangers onto their property or into their homes. Trusted sources only should be used.

The annual parish footpath walk in September, led by Joe Frost, was well attended and a great success. Villagers of all ages and dogs enjoyed the autumn sunshine to complete the circular walk, and it was a particular pleasure to welcome newcomers to the event.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 16, at Nynehead Memorial Hall and will start at 7pm via Zoom. Details of how to attend virtually will be posted on the next agenda. The parish council exists to serve the needs of the community and residents are encouraged to share ideas, voice concerns and suggest initiatives by contacting the clerk, Judy Jones – e-mail [email protected]