MINUTES

OF THE MEETING OF THE

Council

Tuesday 22nd July 2003

HELD AT THE TOWN HALL, WESTON-SUPER-MARE, SOMERSET.

Meeting Commenced: 6.00 p.m. Meeting Concluded: 8.19 p.m.

PRESENT: Councillors Ian Peddlesden (Chairman), Glyn Duck (Vice-Chairman), Elfan Ap Rees, Nigel Ashton, Felicity Baker, Ian Baker, Michael Bell, Jeremy Blatchford, Astra Brand, Peter Bryant, Peter Burden, Mark Canniford, John Clark, Andy Cole, Robert Coleman, Bob Cook, Alan Cotton, John Crockford-Hawley, Isabel Cummings, John Daws, Peter Fisher, Jon Gething, Colin Golland, Jenny Gosden, Ann Harley, Alan Hockridge, Peter Kehoe, Derek Kraft, Muriel Kraft, Tony Lake, Tom Leimdorfer, Greta Lewis, Ronald Moon, George Morris, Michael Nobes, John Norton-Sealey, Mari Owens, Hugh Parsons, Robert Payne, Ian Porter, Howard Roberts, Michael Roe, David Shopland, Richard Skinner, Chanel Stevens, Sally Tabrett, Audrey Telling, Arthur Terry, James Tonkin, Barry Walters, Clive Webb, Elizabeth Wells, Roz Willis, Deborah Yamanaka.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Councillors Bob Bateman, Ian Bates, Nick Brown, Ian Parker, Bob Steadman, Richard Tucker and Andy Wright.

COU

Prayer

The Rev. Norman Wallwark offered prayer.

COU

Councillor Mrs. Felicity Baker: Birthday Congratulations

This was the birthday of Councillor Mrs. Felicity Baker and, on behalf of the Council, the Chairman expressed best wishes to her and presented her with a small gift.

COU

Public Participation Time: Traffic Congestion in the Town Centre and Sea Front, Weston-super-Mare (Mr. Pete Holder) (Agenda Item 1)

Mr. Holder, the Lifeboat Operations Manager of the Weston-super-Mare Lifeboat Station, addressed the Council. He expressed concern about the current traffic management arrangements in certain areas of Weston-super-Mare and particularly in the Sea Front area and adjacent to the Asda Supermarket. He estimated that, in some cases, the arrangements were delaying response time by members of the lifeboat crew by eight to ten minutes, which had an obvious danger to life and the effectiveness of the lifeboat service.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Holder for his address and indicated that Councillor Burden, the Executive Member for Strategic Planning, would consider the points that had been raised.

COU

Declarations of Interest (Agenda Item 4)

Members declared the interests below –

Councillor Mrs. Willis – Interest in the Integrated Community Equipment Service Contract as a Member of a Working Party.

Councillor Mrs. Lewis – Interest in the Goblin Combe Environment Centre Establishment as a Ward Member.

Councillor Daws – Interest in the Avon Pension Scheme.

Councillor Duck – Interest in the Avon Pension Scheme.

Councillor Burden – Interest in the Avon Pension Scheme

Councillor Porter – Interest in the Avon Pension Scheme

Councillor Crockford-Hawley – Interest in the Avon Pension Scheme

Councillor Skinner – Interest in the Avon Pension Scheme

Councillor Nobes – Interest in the Avon Pension Scheme

COU

Minutes – 17th June 2003 (Agenda Item 5)

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the meeting be approved as a correct record.

COU

The Constitution 2003 (Agenda Item 6)

Motion: Moved by Councillor Roe, seconded by Councillor Hockridge and

RESOLVED: that the amendments to Standing Orders, deferred at the previous meeting and referred to in Minute COU 33, be approved and adopted.

COU

Honorary Aldermen (Agenda Item 7)

Councillor Roe, Leader of the Council, reported on the procedure for electing Honorary Aldermen.

Motion: Moved by Councillor Hockridge, seconded by Councillor Skinner and

RESOLVED: that Mr. Kenneth W. Lacey be proposed for the conferment of the title of Honorary Alderman at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council to be held in due course.

Motion: Moved by Councillor Bryant, seconded by Councillor Roe and

RESOLVED: that Mr. William J. Prosser be proposed for the conferment of the title of Honorary Alderman at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council to be held in due course.

Motion: Moved by Councillor Stevens, seconded by Councillor Mrs. Muriel Kraft and

RESOLVED: that Mrs. Ella D. Nicholls be proposed for the conferment of the title of Honorary Alderman at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council to be held in due course.

COU

Leader’s Announcement (Agenda Item 8)

Ian Cooper, Acting Director of Development and Environment

Councillor Roe, Leader of the Council, advised the Council that Ian Cooper (Acting Director of Development and Environment) would soon be retiring from the local government service. Mr. Cooper had joined local government in 1972 and had worked for a number of authorities. On behalf of the Council, Councillor Roe thanked Mr. Cooper for his work for North Somerset Council. Councillors Hockridge and Duck supported Councillor Roe’s comments. The Chairman made a presentation of a long service award to Mr. Cooper and The Council expressed appreciation to him for his work for the Authority, with acclamation.

COU

Chairman’s Announcements (Agenda Item 8)

Library Staff: European Computer Driving Licence

The Chairman congratulated the members of the library staff who had completed various parts of the European Computer Driving Licence Programme. He presented North Somerset European Computer Driving Licence certificates and British Computer Society lapel badges to Sue Pinnock, Jane Saker and Graham Tuckwell. The Council expressed appreciation to the members of staff involved with acclamation.

Steve Pilkington, Chief Constable

The Chairman had expressed best wishes to Steve Pilkington, the Chief Constable, for a rapid recovery following his recent serious illness

Clive Gillis, General Practitioner, Weston-super-Mare

The Chairman had expressed his best wishes to Dr. Clive Gillis, a General Practitioner in Weston-super-Mare who had been the subject of police action in Italy concerning unfounded alleged offences.

Ms. May Tanner, of Portishead

The Chairman had congratulated Ms. May Tanner of Portishead on her 100th birthday. Ms. Tanner lived in Council sheltered accommodation.

Engagements

Since the previous Council meeting, the Chairman had attended 43 engagements in North Somerset.

COU

Forward Plan (Agenda Item 9)

Councillor Roe, Chairman of the Executive, presented the Forward Plan (dated 17th July 2003) and made a statement thereon.

RESOLVED: that the Forward Plan be received.

COU

Advance Written Questions (Agenda Item 10)

Advance written questions to the relevant Members were received and the questions and the replies are contained in Appendix 1.

COU

Question Time (Agenda Item 11)

Oral questions were directed to the relevant Members. The Members concerned and the summary notes and the topics involved are contained in Appendix 2.

COU

Reports and Matters Referred from the Executive

1st July 2003 (Agenda Item 12)

(Minute EXE 25) Birnbeck Pier

Motion: Moved by Councillor Roe, seconded by Councillor Burden and

RESOLVED: that the recommendations be approved and adopted.

(Minute EXE 29) Goblin Combe Environment Centre Establishment

Motion: Moved by Councillor Roe, seconded by Councillor Mrs. Yamanaka and

RESOLVED: that the recommendation be approved and adopted.

COU

Report on an External Organisation

Avon and Somerset Police Authority (Councillor Terry) (Agenda Item 15)

Councillor Terry presented a report and Members asked questions thereon.

RESOLVED: that the report be received.

COU

Integrated Community Equipment Service Contract (Agenda Item 17)

Councillor Ashton presented a report.

Motion: Moved by Councillor Ashton, seconded by Councillor Fisher and

RESOLVED: that the Integrated Community Equipment Service Contract be awarded to Medequip for a period of three years, commencing on the 1st November 2003.

COU

Appointment of Independent Members and Town/Parish Council Representatives to the Standards Committee (Agenda Item 18)

The Chairman ruled that a supplemental report on this matter be considered as an urgent item because of the statutory requirement that there be a Town/Parish Council representative on the Standards Committee by its next meeting on 4th September 2003.

Councillor Roe presented a report and a supplemental report.

Motion: Moved by Councillor Roe, seconded by Councillor Hockridge and

RESOLVED:

(1) that the appointment of Ms. Elizabeth Lockwood of Portishead and Mr. Tony Williams of Weston-super-Mare as independent members of the Standards Committee be confirmed;

(2) that the former independent members, Mr. Peter Barrett and Mr. Roger Williams be thanked for their contribution and service to the work of the Standards Committee since their appointments in 2001; and

(3) that Mr. Tony Horry of Kewstoke Parish Council be appointed as the first of two Town/Parish Council representatives to the Standards Committee.

COU

Appointment on Outside Bodies: Mead Vale Community Association (Agenda Item 19)

Councillor Roe presented a report.

Motion: Moved by Councillor Hockridge, seconded by Councillor Roe and

RESOLVED: that the Council make an appointment to this body for the current Municipal Year and that Councillor Golland be appointed accordingly.

COU

Statement of Accounts 2002/03 (Agenda Item 20)

The Chairman ruled that a supplemental report in respect of this item be considered as urgent because of the statutory requirement that the Council approve the Final Accounts by the end of July 2003.

Councillor Roe presented a report and a supplemental report.

Motion: Moved by Councillor Roe, seconded by Councillor Hockridge and

RESOLVED:

(1) that the Council adopt the Statement of Accounts 2002/03 (subject to audit) including the replacement note 28 (i.e. pages 30 and 31) as circulated; and

(2) that the Chairman of the Council, in accordance with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2003, sign and date the Statement of Accounts for 2002/03 (subject to audit) in accordance with paragraph 9.4 of the report.

In the presence of the Council, the Chairman signed and dated the Statement of Accounts for 2002/03 accordingly.

COU

Financial Regulations (Agenda Item 21)

Councillor Roe presented a report.

Motion: Moved by Councillor Roe, seconded by Councillor Hockridge and

RESOLVED: that the Financial Regulations (as amended) attached to the report, be approved.

COU

Locking Castle Learning and Resource Centre – Stage 2 Appointments (Agenda Item 22) (URGENT ITEM)

The Chairman ruled that a report on this matter be considered as urgent because there would be harm caused to the public interest if the project were delayed and the Heron’s Moor Primary School section of the building failed to open on the target date of September 2004.

Councillor Roe presented a report.

Motion: Moved by Councillor Roe, seconded by Councillor Hockridge and

RESOLVED:

(1) that the sub-contractors listed at Appendix A of the report be approved; and

(2) that Kier Western be instructed to proceed with the construction of the Locking Castle Learning and Resource Centre.

________________________________

Chairman

________________________________

APPENDIX 1

NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL

COUNCIL MEETING, 22ND JULY 2003

ADVANCE WRITTEN QUESTIONS (Agenda Item 10)

QUESTION NO. 1

From Councillor Clark

To Councillor Hockridge, Deputy Leader of the Council

Parish Wharf Leisure Centre

“I am pleased to see that work is, at long last, in hand to bring the Parish Wharf Centre up to a satisfactory standard. I appreciate that to minimise loss of use it was necessary to undertake some of these repairs at night, however some of these operations were very noisy. I went down myself after 11 p.m. and found noise levels quite unacceptable. Local residents tell me that noisy operations were still going on at two in the morning some nights. It appears that local residents were not made aware of either the need for or duration of this work. Will the Deputy Leader assure us that in future more care will be taken to limit disturbance and keep affected residents informed at this and similar sites?”

Reply:

“The work to improve the ventilation at Parish Wharf Leisure Centre is now complete.

The decision to work overnight was taken in order to avoid disruption to public use of the swimming pool. It was not anticipated that the work would cause significant noise, therefore residents were not informed of the Council’s intentions.

Once officers became aware that residents were being disturbed, an instruction was issued to the contractor to minimise the level of noise and to carry out any works likely to generate noise prior to midnight.

Officers have had a number of complaints from residents and have apologised for any inconvenience. Such circumstances do not occur often but in any such similar situation these considerations will be given due care.”

QUESTION NO. 2

From Councillor Clark

To Councillor Mrs. Yamanaka, Executive Member for Environment and Community

Recycling Bins in Wyndham Way Car Park

“Earlier this year I enquired about the repositioning of the re-cycling bins in Wyndham Way Car Park in Portishead. The then Executive Member agreed to review the position but I have had no indication that such a review has taken place. The current position makes it difficult to transfer materials from car to skip. Would the Executive Member inform me whether such a review has been undertaken and if so to what effect?”

Reply:

“We have carried out a review but unfortunately there is no better position within the car park area with the current layout. However, working with the Town Council we have arranged to redesign the present layout to accommodate the bins in two car park spaces adjacent to the present position which should improve the access problems.”

QUESTION NO. 3

From Councillor Clark

To Councillor Mrs. Yamanaka, Executive Member for Environment and Community

Waste Collection Service at Port Marine

“We were promised a state-of-the-art waste collection service at Port Marine, with electric vehicles collecting from the site. So far we have a modest conventional collection service with, in one case, householders storing rubbish in a lean-to which is never given a complete clean. Do we have a date for the introduction of the promised system?”

Reply:

“The proposals for the recycling at Port Marine depend on the developer providing a compound outside of the Port Marine site. This will allow for the processing of materials, storage of bins etc. limiting the requirement of large vehicles entering the Port Marine site. The timescale for the provision of a compound will follow the first occupation of houses on the new Ashlands development. This is expected to occur in the next six months and the promised recycling service will be provided. This will involve a small electric truck picking up the materials to be recycled and transferring them to the compound. There will then be no need for rubbish to be stored in the lean-to.”

QUESTION NO. 4

From Councillor Walters

To Councillor Lake, Chairman of the Planning and Regulatory Committee

Footpath Consideration

“Will the Chairman explain how the Area Committee will be able to consider, comment, and use local knowledge, on any proposed and suggested changes to local footpath, bridleways etc. since his Committee has decided that all such decisions are to be made only by a small select group of Councillors, not by the relevant Area Committee?”

Reply:

“The question implies that powers are being removed from the Area Committees. This is not true. Under the Council’s Constitution, the Planning and Regulatory Committee makes rights of way decisions. The local knowledge and expertise of local members is recognised and valued. The intention is to involve local members at an early stage in the process and of course, local members will have the opportunity to address the Rights of Way Sub-Committee when it meets to consider individual cases. Far from reducing the role of local members, they will have an enhanced role in the revised process.”

QUESTION NO. 5

From Councillor Walters

To Councillor Hockridge, Deputy Leader of the Council

Section 106 Agreements

“Can he tell us when the report on this matter promised at the last Council Meeting would be available?”

Reply:

“Since the last Council meeting, both the Finance and Resources and Organisational Effectiveness Policy and Scrutiny Panels have agreed to include aspects of the operation of Section 106 agreements to their work plans. They are likely to examine respectively the levels of contributions sought from developments and the effectiveness of monitoring how these contributions are spent. I intend to discuss with the Chairmen of these panels the benefit of meeting jointly to examine these issues. It may well be necessary to meet more than once but I anticipate an initial report coming forward in the September 2003 cycle of meetings.”

QUESTION NO. 6

From Councillor Walters

To Councillor Burden, Executive Member for Strategic Planning

Safety Camera Partnership

“Can he tell us if and when the Safety Camera Partnership will make a presentation to Members of the Council as discussed at the last Council Meeting?”

Reply:

“The Safety Camera Partnership has confirmed that it will make a presentation to the Strategic Planning and Economic Development Policy and Scrutiny Panel and I am awaiting confirmation of the meeting to which this presentation will be made as these dates have only recently become available.”

QUESTION NO. 7

From Councillor Walters

To Councillor Kehoe, Executive Member for Learning

Education Expenditure

“Will he confirm that in North Somerset Education Expenditure in 7% above the Central Government recommended levels? Will he publish a report comparing the levels of expenditure and the academic attainments for each of the four Unitaries that used to be Avon County?”

Reply:

“The question raises two issues.

(1) Expenditure

North Somerset expenditure on education is not 7% above the Education Formula Spending Share. The Government increased funding to North Somerset by 7% after taking into account the increase in teachers’ pension costs and the transfer of grants such as Nursery Grant for 3 year olds to general education funding. This translates into an increase in funding per pupil of 3.5% reflecting the increase in pupil numbers in North Somerset.

North Somerset Council funds the schools budget block by 1.4% above the Schools Formula Spending Share.

Overall the primary school budgets went up by 14.9% and secondary school budgets by 11.9%. In spite of this year’s increases, funding per pupil in North Somerset remains amongst the lowest in the country.

So, on any formula used by this Authority I can confirm that North Somerset Education is 1.4.% above the Education Formula Spending Share.

(2) Academic Attainment

With regard to publishing data on achievements I will confirm that I will publish a report in the Autumn on the performance of our schools at key stages 2, 3, 4 and 5, for all Councillors. It will be scrutinised by the Policy and Scrutiny Review Panel when it examines progress of the Education Development Plan during this year’s programme.

As such it will be available to all Councillors.

I also confirm that data is available on the performance of schools in the former Avon area but comparisons across the four unitary authorities is generally considered to be unhelpful as they do not compare like with like. School performance data is published and used by North Somerset Council as a tool to ensure continuous improvement – it should not be used to draw up crude league tables and make bogus comparisons with our neighbours.”

In response to a supplementary question, Councillor Kehoe indicated that it was too early to comment as to whether the Council could keep within budget provision limits in respect of pension contributions.

QUESTION NO. 8

From Councillor Ap Rees

To Councillor Kehoe, Executive Member for Learning

Primary School Allocations in Bleadon

“As the Executive Member for Education will know, there has been some disquiet lately in Bleadon relating to primary school allocations. The present situation was explained very well to the Parish Council last week by Mrs. Sally Varley, and the Parish Council now understands the matter.

I don’t wish to reopen or challenge that explanation, but for members not familiar with the subject will simply comment that it relates to the closure of Bleadon School by Somerset C. C. and an agreement at the time that pupils from the village would be housed in the enlarged Uphill School in future and thereby receive priority over non Bleadon and Uphill children.

The point of my question however is that a member of the public, recently moved into the village and encouraged by a past District Councillor, Mr. McGrath, (making promises during the recent election campaign), is still questioning who made the decision to cancel the previous agreement and under what authority.

I admit that it does seem odd that such a critical decision for the parents in Bleadon was apparently made without Mr. McGrath being aware and, it would seem, with no local consultation as the Parish Council was also unaware. What has been established is that the decision was made circa 1997-98, when Councillor Leighton Greenham was Chairman of the Education Committee and Mr. McGrath was the local Councillor.

Can the Executive Member therefore please undertake to unravel who did make the decision, whether it was in consultation with the then Chairman, and then explain to Mr. McGrath (with a copy to myself), so he fully understands who was responsible, when, and why?”

Reply:

“The prime issues involved in this situation appear to be three-fold –

(1) how do we handle applications for school places and in particular those received after the closing date,

(2) whether a binding/moral contract ever existed between North Somerset and ANOther Authority, and if so when was it reversed, and

(3) whether others outside of North Somerset Council have made ill advised promises to residents.

As Councillor Ap Rees will know, North Somerset must have, and has, the arrangements and closing dates regarding applications for school places. What is more, North Somerset must, and does, publicise both the arrangements and the closing dates. In the particular case referred to in the Councillor’s question, the application for a place at Uphill was not received until long after the closing date. By this time Uphill was already over-subscribed - having accommodated all the applications from Bleadon residents who met the deadline. The process was therefore fairly and equitably conducted and it would be unlawful to change the allocations.

The parent concerned has exercised his right of appeal and the independent appeal body found in favour of the LEA.

As regards the existence of a binding arrangement surrounding this matter I am advised by the Council’s Legal Service that, and I quote, ‘The decisions of this Council must be in line with current legislation and cannot be fettered by any policy and/or informal arrangement emanating from a previous authority in the 1960s’.

Individuals have been upset and this is regrettable. However having explored the issue with officers I see little or no value in spending officer time and money exploring unwritten promises allegedly made. We have a major task within the Post Ofsted Action Plan and we should focus our attention on that task. I have a more detailed written response for Councillor Ap Rees should he wish to receive it and I hope he will concur that the Authority has acted reasonably.

However, I will of course, ask the officers to review the application process and the associated publicity. It will always remain difficult to cater for children whose parents miss the closing date and those who choose to move into the area after the closing date has passed.”

In response to a supplementary question, Councillor Kehoe confirmed that details of his reply had already been sent to Mr. McGrath.

QUESTION NO. 9

From Councillor Cotton

To Councillor Roe, Leader of the Council

Pedestrian Crossing at Central Way, Clevedon

“Last week’s serious accident to a child on a traffic light controlled crossing in Central Way, Clevedon has highlighted a number of issues.

(1) Can the design of this crossing be improved to make it safer?

(2) What practical measures can be taken to enforce the new 30 m.p.h. speed limit?

(3) How can we make the existing pedestrian underpasses more user-friendly and less of a nuisance to immediately adjacent residents?

Can the Leader pledge all possible Council support to improve safety on all parts of Clevedon’s ring road?”

Reply (by Councillor Burden):

“Highway officers are liaising with the Police to establish the circumstances of the accident and will visit the site and investigate whether any improvements to the pelican crossing are necessary. Officers are also in the process of preparing a report to the Executive Member for Strategic Planning on the effectiveness of the new 30 m.p.h. speed limit and what further traffic calming measures are feasible. This report will highlight that Central Way has been identified by the Safety Camera Partnership as a site for mobile speed enforcement.

The Council has recently received a request from adjacent residents that the pedestrian underpass across Central Way is closed because of the anti social behaviour of youths that congregate there. The Council is working closely with the Police to address anti social behaviour issues under the Community Safety Strategy and the problems reported by residents will be investigated.

The Council is committed to improve safety on all our roads. Our Local Transport Plan has adopted the Government’s target for 2010, of a 40% reduction in the number of all people killed or seriously injured, and a 50% reduction for children. We plan to spend £380,000 on local safety schemes this year, as well as almost £200,000 on school travel projects.”

In response to a supplementary question, Councillor Burden confirmed that everything would be done to improve the situation.

QUESTION NO. 10

From Councillor Canniford

To Councillor Mrs. Yamanaka, Executive Member for Environment and Community

Squatters

“In light of the reports in the local press, would the Executive member put in place a policy to deal with squatters, so those situations highlighted in the press recently which are causing great distress to residents and neighbours, can be dealt with quickly and efficiently by the officers instead of waiting for the elected members and the press to highlight the problem.”

Reply:

“The initial response following a report of squatters in empty buildings is to establish ownership; alert the owner to the presence of the squatters, potential problems associated with anti-social behaviour, vandalism and public health issues.

Prime responsibility for obtaining vacant possession rests with the owner but the Council has some responsibilities in relation to public health and safety, dealing with public health issues and working with partner agencies e.g. Police.

Any person who is squatting may be determined as homeless. As such, any person can make a homeless approach to the Council and an investigation can be undertaken. Areas such as priority need, local connection and intentionality will be taken into consideration in determining whether or not the Council has a statutory duty to accommodate the person. Whilst the investigation is carried out, interim accommodation may be provided if necessary.

In the case of dwellings, the Director of Housing and Social Services takes appropriate action, including enforcement action to secure the property, on vacant possession and also pursues opportunities with the owner under the Empty Homes Strategy.

The Council cannot ordinarily take action to remove squatters, even if a Closing Order under the Housing Act 1985 is made against a dwelling the owner must initiate vacant possession proceedings.

In the case of empty commercial or other buildings, the main issue is that of safety. There are legal solutions provided by the Building Act but in the case of a building in a Conservation Area, the only remedy is to board-up and secure. This does little to secure a long term solution and can lead to problems such as vandalism and arson.

Where ownership of a building cannot be established or confirmed, actions the Council can take are limited to dealing with issues of immediate public health and safety, working with partners and supporting neighbours.”

QUESTION NO. 11

From Councillor Mrs. Yamanaka

To Councillor Ashton, Executive Member for Social Care

Day Care Centre, Wrington

“Until recently, elderly people in the Wrington area were able to attend a day care centre once a week run by Age Concern at Wrington’s United Reform Church. I understand that funding came from North Somerset’s Social Services.

Age Concern have now stopped running this centre, and Wrington’s elderly people have been deprived of a valued resource.

I would like to know why Age Concern have stopped running this and other centres, and what plans you have for reinstating the service under another provider.”

Reply:

“In February we received a letter from Age Concern North Somerset informing the Department that they were unable to continue to provide day services effective from 28th March 2003.

This followed the suspension and subsequent resignation of the General Manager. The day care managers (one in the North and one in the South ) who co-ordinated the day care staff and centres also decided to retire.

We have been working with Brunel Care since, to extend their existing day care provision and ‘pick up’ the Age Concern service.

However because Age Concern North Somerset refused to take notice of advice - from Age Concern England, they made all their staff redundant and have taken a long time to clear their outstanding debts. This made it very difficult, legally and financially to take over a previous service. It seems their demise came about purely from bad management.

We are actively seeking ways to provide day services across North Somerset including talking to service users in Wrington.”

In response to a supplementary question Councillor Ashton indicated that he was able to give further information on a private basis to Councillor Mrs. Yamanaka.

QUESTION NO. 12

From Councillor Crockford-Hawley

To Councillor Hockridge, Deputy Leader of the Council

Grove House