July 2019 Minutes
MINUTES of the Meeting of DEEPING ST NICHOLAS PARISH COUNCIL held on Monday 29th July 2019 at 7:00pm, at Deeping St Nicholas Church
(Recorded by the Clerk)
Present: William Rodwell (Chairman) David Branton (Vice Chairman), Andy Croyle, Deborah Croyle, Nicholas Watts, Louise McGuiness, Charles Sly, Richard Ivatt, Carol Mackenzie
Angela Harrison (Clerk)
District Cllr Bryan Alcock
District & County Cllr Nigel Pepper
1 member of the public
1. Apologies
At the time of the meeting, apologies had been received from:
Barry Hopkins
Paul Barrett
County Cllr Elizabeth Sneath
Winston Brown (Press)
2. Declarations of Interest (in accordance with the LGA 2000)
None
3. Public Speakers (Max 3 mins each)
None
4. Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Monday 20th May 2019
Proposed: R Ivatt
Seconded: C Sly
It was resolved to formerly adopt the Minutes of the Annual meeting and for the Chairman to sign them as a true record.
5. Matters Arising from the Minutes
DB raised the issue regarding Network Rail (Signal Box)
- Receiving no response to letters
- Changes of personnel making it more difficult
- Need to refer the matter to the Local MP, Sir John Hayes
- LM offered assistance with copies of past correspondence
- Nene Valley Railway would be interested in the building if the Village decided not to keep it
It was agreed that the issue would be pursued by DB and keep LM informed
6. Reports from District/County Cllrs
Cllr Alcock
Consultation just announced as to where voting will take place throughout the District. Worth keeping an eye out for venues in this area
Cllr Pepper
Nothing to report other than volunteering for the Community Speedwatch a couple of times. Figures can be provided should the PC require them
7. New Bus Service + Call Connect Update
A discussion was had regarding the new bus service and the cost of acquiring Bissell Poles from LCC who have quoted £900 per pole, (including the digging and siting of the Poles).
- This was considered too much, so LCC have now asked what can the PC afford to pay?
- Initially it was thought we would need 8 poles, but after some work, it was decided that 5 Bissel Poles would be enough, if we used existing lampposts
- NW proposed £100 per Pole, e.g. £500 total
- LM offered to put an application into the Windfarm for funding and to request funding from each of the District Councillors
After consideration, it was suggested that LM obtain feedback, with figures, from Delaine regarding the service and submit an application for funding to the Windfarm. The matter will then be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting, once the figures have been obtained.
Call Connect
Lots of requests for service on a Saturday, but some residents were being refused due to the service being full up. One resident made 10 requests but only managed to get on twice
8. Playing Fields & Bus Shelters
• CS visited all Playing Fields and confirmed that they were all in good condition
• Never seen anyone on the playing field in Hop Pole
• Tongue End is looking nicely overgrown for wildlife
• Post Box at Banks Drove has been taken away for repairs
It was requested that the Clerk monitor the Facebook page to gauge the desire for new equipment at Hop Pole.
- Tongue End Playing Field:
a) Football
Mr Stephen Williams, British School of Sport has put in a request to use the playing field for grass roots football. He is happy to maintain the field through funding from parents and sponsors.
A discussion was had, regarding the pros and cons of allowing the field to be used in this way.
It was agreed that due to the current condition of the playing field and that it would not be of benefit to the Parish or for the Parish, that we decline his offer.
b) Allotments
Proposed by CM as an option for the playing field
It was suggested that the PC write to all of the residents of Tongue End asking if they would be interested in an allotment
It was agreed that there would also be something put into the Village News
South Holland in Bloom
• DC would be prepared to attend 1 meeting per year, which would entitle the PC to £400 extra on the Precept
• Could also get a Gardening Club going
• It was agreed that DC would attend the meeting and look to promote it in the Village News
9. Report from the Finance Committee
- Renumeration for the Internal Auditor
It was agreed to pay the Internal Auditor £70 for her work
Proposed; DB
Seconded: RI
10. Report from the Planning Committee
Village Hall Update
A discussion was had regarding the progress of the Home Farm application and the issue regarding the adoption of the Local Plan which does not include this piece of land in its 5-year land supply.
Cllr Alcock explained that it is likely to be put before the Planning Committee early September this year.
The other current, outstanding Planning Applications were discussed, but there were no new applications for the PC to submit comments
11. Correspondence
Email regarding air pollution from Vine House Farm
CallConnect: 2 for 1 travel on Mondays throughout the school holidays
12. To discuss any information which the Chairman may legally bring to the Council’s attention
Re: Noticeboard up on the Lichgate for the Parish Council
£352.80 for an identical notice board (non-standard size)
Other notice boards may be available at a cheaper price, but they won’t match the existing one
It was agreed that this was too expenses and that AC gain other quotes.
Safety issue alert regarding some defibrillators - Telefoncom
One defibrillator has been successfully funded for by the community, who will continue to fundraise for the ongoing costs
The second one has been paid for by the Windfarm, to be sited at the shop.
Although the Parish Council has instigated the funding, they will have no involvement in the ongoing maintenance of the defibrillator.
These will be advertised in the Parish News
The Clerk to provide letters which can be posted through residents’ doors regarding overgrown hedges.
13. To add Agenda items for the next meeting
1. Signal Box
2. Dog Poo Bins.
Meeting ended at 9pm