Minutes 26th January 2023
WILLOUGHTON PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council Meeting was held in the Village Hall, Thursday 26th January 2023 at 7 pm
PRESENT
Cllr. Mrs. K. Phillips, (Chair), Cllr. Ms. H. Goring (Vice-Chair), Cllr. Mr. D. Cowell, Cllr. Mr. B. Moore, Cllr. Mrs. S. Rovezzano, Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan (W.L.D.C.), and Ms Hazel Fox (Clerk).
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles-Nicholson.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST/DISPENSATIONS
Cllr. Mr. B. Moore expressed an interest as a member of the Committee of the Limestone Rangers Football Club.
Cllr. Mrs. K. Phillips expressed an interest in The Tillbridge Solar Project.
Cllr. Mr. D. Cowell expressed an interest as his Wife is Chair of the Board of Governors of Willoughton School.
3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 24th November 2022
The minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held 24th November 2022, were duly approved and signed by the Chair.
4. MATTERS ARISING
a) Resignation of Cllr. Mr. P. Baldwin
Councillors expressed regret at the resignation and agreed the experience and knowledge of
Cllr. Mr. P. Baldwin would be missed. The Chair will write on behalf of the Council to Cllr. Baldwin to thank him for his years of service and will purchase a gift.
Action: Cllr. Mrs. K. Phillips
b) Precept for 2023/2024
It was agreed, the budget of £8,000 would be submitted to WLDC. The Clerk will complete the necessary paperwork.
Action: Clerk
c) Planning Application Ref: 145819. Prince William Lodge, 6a Vicarage Road, Willoughton, Gainsborough, DN21 5SA.
The Clerk had previously informed Councillors, planning permission has been granted.
d) Standing Orders
The updated Standing Orders prepared by the Clerk were duly approved and will be uploaded to the Parish Council website.
Action: Clerk
e) Financial Regulations
The Financial Regulations prepared by the Clerk were duly approved and will be uploaded to the Parish Council website.
Action: Clerk
f) Civility & Respect Certificate
Cllr. Mrs. K. Phillips signed the certificate received. The Clerk will upload to the Parish Council website.
A Dignity at Work Policy and Training for Councillors and Staff Policy is required. The Clerk will prepare and bring to the next meeting.
Action: Clerk
g) Neighbourhood Plan
Councillors agreed more assistance was required to interpret the requirements and the offer from Mr Luke Brown (WLDC) to attend a dedicated meeting would be accepted. The Clerk will contact Mr Brown and request availability in March.
Action: Clerk
h) Invitation from 7000 Acres Group
The invitation to attend the meeting on 24th January was previously circulated to all Councillors. It was agreed to discuss the proposed solar developments at the next meeting of the Parish Council and agree a joint perspective.
i) Village Noticeboard
The board is in the process of repair and should be back in situ shortly. The Clerk will liaise with Matthew on timescale.
Action: Clerk
j) Under 10’s Football
Cllr. Mr. B. Moore advised next year there would be in operation an under 11’s team. Measurements had been taken of the pitch and unfortunately it is currently not of adequate size. The overgrown hedge requires trimming, and the basketball post requires relocating. Cllr Moore will liaise with Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles-Nicholson regarding the hedge. The Clerk will obtain quotations to relocate the basketball post.
Action: Cllr. Mr. B. Moore /Clerk
k) Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan Report
Cllr. Howitt-Cowan congratulated Willoughton Primary School on an excellent Ofsted Report. Updates were provided to Councillors on the green bin renewals, the Cinema Complex developments in Gainsborough, the Global Berry Planning Application, Selective Licensing, and the 8th of May Churches Festival. The Clerk enquired if grants would be available to Councils for the Coronation Celebrations. Cllr. Howitt-Cowan advised he would report back.
It was agreed, the Clerk would write to the Primary School to offer congratulations.
Action: Clerk
5. PLAYING FIELD
a) Questionnaire
The Clerk had previously circulated a prepared Questionnaire to gauge interest in the Village in refurbishment of the Play Area and equipment. Councillors agreed the form was suitable and this should be distributed to all homes in the Village and the Primary School. A copy of the form will be uploaded to the Council website.
Cllr. Ms. H. Goring offered assistance to upload to the Social media and Village Hall sites. It was agreed all Councillors will assist in delivering to homes. The Clerk offered her services.
RESOLUTION: The Clerk will print copies and compile a list of addresses for distribution:
Action: Clerk
b) Funding for replacement equipment
The Clerk advised, numerous funding streams are available for application. Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan advised WLDC Community Pot should be investigated. Contact with Cllr. C. Perraton-Williams should also be considered for assistance. Cllr. Mr. D. Cowell requested the Clerk compile a definitive list of all sources of funding available and bring to the next meeting.
6. HIGHWAYS
a) Purchase of 30 mph Signs
The Clerk advised minimum payment is £50, therefore five signs must be purchased. The Clerk was requested to enquire further, or alternatively, contact other neighbouring Councils to order alongside.
Action: Clerk
b) Water at the corner of Gainsborough Road outside Caudle House
Cllr. Mrs. K. Phillips advised no further updates. Continues to chase.
Action: Cllr. Mrs. K. Phillips
c) Drain running alongside Templefield Road
Highways Department at West Lindsey Council scheduled to repair before the end of April. The Clerk will request updates.
Action: Clerk
d) Drains on Church Street
Drains have now been cleaned out; however, a street sweep is necessary to prevent a reoccurrence.
Cllr. Mr. P. Baldwin was tasked with making the necessary enquiries. The Clerk will contact Cllr. Baldwin for details.
Action: Clerk
e) Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership
The Community Speed watch Programme was discussed. Councillors agreed potential volunteers could be low and viability at the current time was considered. The preferred option was to continue to press for a 20-mph speed limit on select roads through the village. It was agreed to invite Graeme Butler (Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership) to the next Parish Council meeting and to add information of the Community Speed watch Programme on the website requesting volunteers.
Action: Clerk
f) Attendance of Cllr. C. Perraton-Williams
It was agreed, the Clerk should write to Cllr. C. Perraton-Williams requesting attendance at the next Parish Council meeting. If unable to attend, apologies should be submitted and a written report.
Action: Clerk
7. ACCOUNTS
a) LALC subscription invoice
It was agreed, this invoice is authorised for payment, however cheque will be signed and sent at the next Parish Council meeting.
b) The following other payments were approved:
31-Jan LUANA DE SANTIS LITTER PICKING FOR JANUARY £95.00
31-Jan HAZEL FOX SALARY FOR 30 DECEMBER - 27 JANUARY (4 WEEKS) £196.48
31-Jan HMRC TAX (THIRD QUARTER) £137.96
28-Feb LUANA DE SANTIS LITTER PICKING FOR FEBRUARY £95.00
28-Feb HAZEL FOX SALARY FOR 27 JANUARY - 24 FEBRUARY (4 WEEKS) £196.48
Once these cheques are cleared, this will leave £11,512.82 in the Savings Account and £4,317.85 in the Current Account. This gives a total of £15,830.67 in the Parish Council Accounts.
Cheques were signed by Cllr. Mrs. S. Rovezzano and countersigned by the Clerk.
8. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
14th Nov, 21st Nov, 28th Nov, 5th Dec, 12th Dec, 19th Dec, 9th Jan & 16th Jan - LALC E-News.
18th Nov – LALC - Civility & Respect Newsletter.
25th Nov – LCC - Kirkby la Thorpe, Spilsby, Corby Glen & Skegness Schools admissions policies.
25th Nov – West Burton Solar Project Statutory Consultation information.
29th Nov – LCC – Town & Parish Council Newsletter.
30th Nov – SAAA – Appointment of External Auditor notification.
8th Dec & 21st Dec – WLDC – Parish News.
9th Dec – LCC Math Skills Survey notification.
13th Dec – YMCA – Newsletter.
13th Dec – Parish Online Newsletter.
16th Dec & 16th Jan – Jack Hubbard – Play equipment flyer.
3rd Jan – Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan – District Councillors Report December.
12th Jan – 7000 Acres Group – Invitation to meeting regarding solar developments.
18th Jan – Michael Head – Introduction from Neighbourhood Policing.
19th Jan – Tillbridge Community Relations Team – Invitation to meeting.
9. REQUEST FOR AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS
Councillor Email addresses.
King Charles III Coronation.
10. NEXT MEETING
The date and time of the next meeting will be (subject to any change in circumstances):
Thursday 23rd March @ 6.30 pm
The meeting closed at 8.27 pm.