September 2021 Minutes
Willoughton Parish Council
A meeting of the Parish Council was held in the Village Hall, Thursday, 2nd September, 2021, at 7:30pm
Present
Cllr. Mr. D. Cowell (Chairman), Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson, Cllr. Mrs. S. Rovezzano, Cllr. Mr. B. Moore, Cllr. Ms. H. Goring, Cllr. Mr. P. Baldwin, Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan (W.L.D.C.), Mrs. K. Baldwin (Clerk)
Apologies
Cllr. Mrs. K. Phillips
County Councillor Mrs. C. Perraton-Williams did not attend the meeting, did not give any apologies and did not submit any report
Register Of Interest
Cllr. Mr. D. Cowell expressed an interest as his Wife is Chair of Governors at Willoughton School
Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson expressed an interest as local landowner and lessee of the Playing Field
Cllr. Mr. B. Moore expressed and interest as a member of the Committee of the Limestone Rangers Football Club
Minutes Of Previous Meetings
The minutes of the A.G.M. and Parish Council Meetings held 27th May, 2021, were approved and signed.
Matters Arising
Cllr. Mr. B. Moore and his Wife Sue have now left the Village, having sold their house and shop.
As Cllr. Moore still owns property in Willoughton, he is still entitled to undertake his duties as a Parish Councillor. We wish Brain and Sue well in their new home and hope they will be extremely happy there.
Cllr. Mr. B. Moore has agreed to continue emptying the bin next to the youth shelter.
The matter of possible rusting on the top of the new goalposts has been raised. Cllr. Mr. P. Baldwin has carried out an inspection of the posts and concluded that it is fair “wear and tear” as opposed to a fault.
It was noted that in order to cut down on litter collecting in the Village, the Pub has stopped selling cans to juniors.
The question of a dangerous dog being let loose on the playing field has been raised. The owner of the dog rents a property from Limestone Farming Conpany and this contravenes the terms of their lease. A letter has been sent pointing this out and it is understood that the dog is now muzzled when being exercised.
Playing Field
The annual ROSPA play equipment inspection was carried out during the month of August. A number of issues were raised but nothing which requires immediate attention. Cllr. Mr. D. Cowell and
Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson volunteered to address any necessary work. Progress will be reported at the next meeting.
Highways
Work has very recently been carried out on the surface of Gainsborough Road, The work completed is good, however, a number of potholes have been left unfilled (some of which are very deep) and these have been reported to “Fix my Street”.
The Parish Council has received no information as to any work carried out on Hollowgate Hill,
Northfield Lane and Pond Corner. There has been no heavy rain recently so it is impossible to ascertain whether any improvements have been made. Cllr. Mr. P. Baldwin has agreed to write to our County Councillor, Mrs. C. Perraton-Williams to enquire what, if any, work has been completed.
Defibrillator Maintenance
The Parish Council has entered into an agreement with West Lindsey District Council to maintain the Defibrillator on the outside wall of the Village Hall. Membership costs £100 (inc. VAT) annually and provides a list of functions carried out by West Lindsey. This should ensure maintenance going forward.
Accounts
There is in the Current Account the sum of £5593.57 and in the Savings Account £11,500.73
There are four cheques requiring signature:
Ch. 804, Willoughton Village Hall, rent for postal Outreach Services,
June to August inclusive £168.00
Ch. 805, Playsafety Limited, Playing Field equipment inspection £107.40
Ch. 806, Luana de Santis, Litter picking for September £89.10
Ch. 807, Luana de Santis, Litter picking for October £89.10
After these cheques have been cleared, this will leave £5139.97 in the Current Account, giving a total of £16,640.70 in the Parish Council Accounts.
Correspondence
An e-mail has been received from Carolyn D’Souza enquiring as to whether the Parish Council would consider an application to place a memorial bench on the Playing Field adjacent to St. Andrews Church, with the names of her parents on it. (Carolyn is the Daughter of Dorothy Woodhead who passed away earlier this year and used to live in the Village). The matter was discussed and unanimously approved, however, it was felt that a more appropriate location would be in the Churchyard itself. The Clerk is to write to Carolyn with the decision and we await her reply.
Cllr. Ms. H. Goring has been contacted by Scott Pritchard from the Village regarding the installation of a defibrillator at the football ground in Blyborough asking whether the Willoughton Parish Council could provide funding for ongoing maintenance. As Blyborough have their own Parish Meeting and do not come under the auspices of Willoughton, Scott has been referred to Patrick Dickinson who is Chairman. Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan is to look into this matter on behalf of Scott Pritchard.
A huge “thank you” was extended to Cllr. Howitt-Cowan for his comprehensive reports.
Cllr. Mrs. S. Rovezzano has been corresponding with Countryside Services at Lincolnshire County Council with regard to Public Footpaths. No action is to be taken at present, but an active watch will be kept going forward.
Any Other Business
In February of next year the Queen will celebrate her 70th accession to the throne. The Jubilee festivities will be held over 4 days and Parishes are being invited to plant a tree for the “Queen’s Green Canopy” to mark the celebration. It was unanimously agreed that Willoughton Parish would contribute to this idea and the planting of an English Oak tree was suggested.
The gardens on either side of the bus shelter have become somewhat overgrown and the Buddleia bush is hanging over the War Memorial. Discussion followed and it was decided that “Garden Angels” (who cut the grass on the Playing Field on behalf of the School) be approached as to whether they would enter into a contract with the Parish Council to maintain the gardens going forward. The Clerk is to write and enquire and any progress will be reported at the next meeting.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting closed at 8.37pm