Agreed 8th June 2010

1. Town Centre parking from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday in the Town Centre, Castle Cary
Motorists waiting contrary to the restrictions on single and double yellow lines (except where they are loading/unloading or a valid disabled badge is displayed UNLESS there is a loading ban in effect demonstrated by one or two kerb markings) and exceeding the 2 hour permitted period of waiting for on-street parking bays. Illegal and inconsiderate parking impedes the traffic flow through the town, endangers other road users and reduces parking availability, which adversely affects the local economy.
Lead Agency:
Police: PCSO Beth Edwards

2. No Cold Calling Zone
Both Ansford Parish Council and Castle Cary Town Council have expressed an interest in making specific areas 'No Cold Calling Zones' to deter incidents of bogus callers and rogue trading.
Lead Agency:
Police: PCSO Beth Edwards

Outcomes

Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage
There have been no further reports of crime or anti-social behaviour in this area since the last update. It has been ascertained that shrubs and trees adjacent to this area belong to the same owner as The Priory. This matter is now being pursued by South Somerset District Council (SSDC) as part of ongoing issues with the derelict property. It has been agreed locally to remove this as a PACT priority.

School parking
Both schools and the crossing patrol at Castle Cary have reported that illegal and inconsiderate parking has reduced considerably as a result of warning letters sent to the registered keeper of offending vehicles. It has been agreed locally to remove this as a PACT priority, although increased patrols, warning letters and enforcement will continue.

Town Centre parking
An informal meeting was held between the SSDC Community Development Officer and PCSO Edwards to discuss possible long term solutions to ongoing parking issues, incorporating education as well as enforcement. It is anticipated that parking restrictions in the market towns (including Castle Cary) may be decriminalised in the financial year 2011/2012 at which time parking enforcement will be passed to parking attendants employed by the district council. This will affect any long-term parking projects undertaken. Subsequently it has been decided to focus attention on enforcement as and when time permits. The provision and condition of existing signage and road markings will be reviewed as part of the decriminalisation process.

No Cold Calling Zone
A public consultation has been ongoing since the spring to establish support for the scheme. An article and reply slip has featured in both the spring and summer edition of the Ansford and Castle Cary newsletter for residents to indicate their views. The response has been disappointing to date with only 35 slips received, although they have all indicated support for the initiative. Ideally we need around 10% of households (about 150) to support the scheme before we can proceed to the next stage. We are exploring additional ways to consult with residents.