November 2021 Minutes
Willoughton Parish Council
A meeting of the Parish Council was held in the Village Hall, Thursday, 18th November, 2021, at 7:30pm
Present
Cllr. Mr. D. Cowell (Chairman), Cllr. Mrs. K. Phillips (Vice-Chairman), Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson, Cllr. Mrs. S. Rovezzano, Cllr. Ms. H. Goring, Cllr. Mr. P. Baldwin, Cllr. Mr. P, Howitt-Cowan (W.L.D.C.), Mrs. K. Baldwin (Clerk)
Apologies
Cllr. Mr. B. Moore, Cllr. Mrs. C. Perraton-Williams (L.C.C.)
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
Minutes Of The Meeting Held 2nd September, 2021
The minutes of the meeting held 2nd September, 2021, were given unanimous approval and signed.
Matters Arising
Following agreement from the Parish Council to the placing of a memorial bench by Carolyn D’Souza on the playing field, a meeting was held on Saturday, 16th October, 2021, with Carolyn, Cllr. Mr. P. Baldwin and Clerk Mrs. K. Baldwin. The location of the bench next to that already existing was agreed. Once the bench has been completed, this will be placed with a hard fixing to avoid any future movement.
It is understood that a defibrillator has now been installed on the football pitch in Blyborough.
The question of dog poo along Vicarage Road was raised, Unfortunately the person largely responsible is disabled and walks his dogs from a wheelchair. He is therefore not able to “pick up” any poo which is deposited. Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan is to consult with West Lindsey as they are the designated dog wardens. The outcome will be reported at the next meeting.
Garden Angels have been approached with regard to the maintenance of the two gardens on either side of the bus shelter. Unfortunately, they have declined as their schedule is already full..
The Queens Green Canopy to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee was raised. The woodland trust is donating over 3 million saplings on a first come first served basis. However, following discussion, it was felt that a larger tree or trees (preferably English Oak) would be more fitting. Cllr. Mrs. K. Phillips has agreed to contact the local tree growers in Snitterby for advice. The Parish Council can apply for a plaque to commemorate the tree/s which can be included in the Queens Green Canopy Map. Again, the outcome will be reported at the next meeting.
Playing Field
It has been suggested that dog poo bags are made available on the playing field for use in the Village. The matter was discussed and it was agreed that the Clerk should contact West Lindsey with a view to providing this. Cllr. Ms. H. Goring agreed to ensure that the bags are kept topped up going forward.
The provision of an additional dog poo bin at the top of Long Lane was discussed and it was unanimously agreed that a request be made to West Lindsey to install this. The Clerk will write with the request and include a location plan. Progress will be reported at the next meeting.
A leaflet advertising gym equipment for the playing field has been received and this will be circulated for perusal.
Highways
The potholes on Gainsborough Road have now been filled, completing the necessary work. At the present time there would appear to be no problems with flooding on Hollowgate Hill and Pond Corner. However, the situation will be monitored during the next period of heavy rain.
The use of the “rat run” down Hollowgate Hill and along Gainsborough Road is still causing problems with speeding vehicles particularly at rush hour times during morning and evening. The Clerk is to write to Graeme Butler from the Road Safety Partnership to request that monitoring equipment be installed on Templefield Road/Vicarage Road and Hollowgate Hill to ascertain numbers and speed of vehicles. The question of introducing Speed Watch in the Village was also discussed, but we will await the results of any survey before committing to this. A letter is also to be sent to the School asking for parents dropping of their children in vehicles to adhere to the prescribed speed limit.
Precept And Accounts
The Precept for 2022/23 was discussed and it was decided that an increase of £100 per annum should be instigated, bringing the Precept to £7,800 in line with inflation. This proposal was unanimously approved and the necessary paperwork was completed for submission to West Lindsey.
There is the sum of £5050.87 in the Current Account and £11,501.02 in the Savings Account.
Four cheques require signature:
Cheque 808, P.W. & K.H. Baldwin, re-imbursement for purchase
of batteries for the speed indication device and the poppy wreath £147.93
Cheque 809, Luana de Santis, litter picking for November £89.10
Cheque 810, Luana de Santis, litter picking for December £89.10
Cheque 811, W. & AC Rose, payment for Village Christmas Tree
This cheque has been left blank until the payment due is known.
Once outstanding cheques have been paid, this will leave £4724.74 in the Current Account minus the cost of the Village Christmas Tree.
This gives a total of £16,225.76 in the Parish Council accounts.
Village Christmas Tree
Cllr. Mr. D. Cowell and Cllr. Mrs. S. Rovezzano have once again volunteered to the purchase and installation of the Village Christmas Tree. This has proved to be a great asset and is extremely popular with residents. We shall look forward to seeing the completed tree.
Correspondence
A letter requesting funds has been received from the Citizens Advice Bureaux in Gainsborough. It was decided that no action be taken with regard to this.
Any Other Business
A Planning Application, No. 143909, has been received by West Lindsey for the Old Post Office on Templefield Road and the Parish Council has been consulted for any comments. Much discussion followed and it was unanimously agreed that the proposed wooden cladding on the second storey of the proposed extension was not acceptable. It was felt that brick would be more appropriate and this should match with that of the existing house and be a condition of any planning approval.
To offset the block of brick on the second storey it is felt that a faux window should be installed on the second floor.
The existing parapet on the outside of the present building should be re-instated on the second floor.
The inclusion of the original shop front in the proposals is applauded by the Parish Council.
This proposal would then be in accordance with the Willoughton Neighbourhood Plan.
The Clerk is to inform West Lindsey of these decisions.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting closed at 8:59pm