Minutes 25th January 2024
WILLOUGHTON PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council meeting was held in the Village Hall,
Thursday 25th January 2024 @ 6.30pm.
PRESENT
Cllr. Ms. H. Goring (Chair), Cllr. Mrs. S. Rovezzano (Vice-Chair), Cllr. Miss. K. Clarke, Cllr Mrs. T. Given,
Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson, Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan (W.L.D.C.), and Ms. Hazel Fox (Clerk).
2401/01. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Apologies were received from Cllr. Mr. D. Cowell.
Cllr. Mrs. K. Phillips sent apologies after the meeting.
2401/02. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST/DISPENSATIONS.
None.
2401/03. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 23rd NOVEMBER 2023.
Resolution: Minutes approved and were signed by the chair.
2401/04. REPORT FROM CLLR. MRS. C. PERRATON-WILLIAMS.
Cllr. Mrs. C. Perraton-Williams did not attend and neither apology nor a report were received.
The Clerk had previously written requesting improved communication, however this was not responded to.
The Chair has written a letter with assistance from the Clerk, which will be sent outlining the concerns of the Parish Council and assistance on improving the situation. The letter will be sent to The Local Conservative Association, Lincolnshire County Council and Sir Edward Leigh’s office.
Resolution: The Chair will finalise the letter and send to the organisations/individuals discussed. Action: Cllr. Ms. H. Goring
2401/05. REPORT FROM CLLR. MR. P. HOWITT-COWAN
Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan updated Councillors on current matters. Historically this is a quiet period in the year, however at present it is busy. The Devolution proposal consultation is open, and Councillors were encouraged to engage with their views. Leave to appeal the RAF Scampton asylum development was received from the courts and is being considered. The council is financially stable and has healthy reserves.
The West Lindsey Churches Festival will be in May, and there are several milestone anniversaries this year, namely:
West Lindsey District Council celebrates 50 years, Trinity Arts Centre celebrates 40 years, Friends of Gainsborough Old Hall celebrate 75 years. D-Day landings will also be marked in June this year as a 75 year anniversary.
Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson advised Limestone Rangers wish to extend their pavilion and asked for advice on funding streams which can be applied to. Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan offered £1,000 from his Councillor initiative fund and discussions were held on other potential avenues to investigate.
Councillors thanked Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan for a highly informative briefing and for his unwavering support which, as ever is appreciated.
2401/06. TO FORMALLY NOTE THE HEMSWELL PARISH COUNCIL RESPONSE.
It was noted, Hemswell Parish Council did not receive the letter sent by the Chair to all Parish Councils in our area, and consequently advised they were initially unaware of the contents of the letter. The Chair has subsequently corresponded.
2401/07. PLAYING FIELD.
Grant applications.
The Clerk advised, £10,000 has been received into the bank account from the National Lottery in preparation for the refurbishment. Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson arranged for the field lease to be re-newed and the Clerk thanked Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson for arranging so quickly.
West Lindsey District Council have pledged £10,320 as match funding for an FCC Foundation application.
The Clerk has completed all necessary paperwork and checks, and our application will be considered by the Directors on 13th March 2024.
Clerk and Councillor inspections/quotations for repairs.
Inspections had been completed by Cllr. Miss. K. Clarke, Cllr. Mr. D. Cowell, Cllr. Mrs. S. Rovezzano and The Clerk. Councillors requested the Clerk distribute an email with inspection questions.
Repairs were noted as required to the blue climbing frame, the trim trail netting, and the bark chipping surrounds. The Clerk had attempted to obtain three quotations, however, was only able to acquire one from Streetscape Ltd for repairs. Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan advised £400 could be applied for towards the repairs from his Councillor fund and will send the Clerk the necessary forms.
Resolution: Repairs to the netting are approved @ £230 (plus vat). The Clerk is to request a price to remove the blue climbing frame and further quotations are sought for the repairs to the bark chipping surrounds. The Clerk will email all Councillors with inspection questions. Action: Clerk.
2401/08. HIGHWAYS.
Request from litter picker for trolley.
The litter picked employed by the Council had contacted the Clerk to request a trolley is purchased to assist in the collection of heavy glass bottles. The Clerk had researched suitable models and advised the cost was £150.
Resolution: The Clerk will consult with the litter picker, and if the model is acceptable, will purchase.
Water corner of Gainsborough Road (outside Caudle House).
The Clerk had discussed the matter again with Mr Steve Hudson from LCC Highways. It was agreed, the gulleys will be jetted, and a volume of water put down to ascertain the draining rate. No further news has been received. The Clerk will contact Cllr. Mrs. K. Phillips, and if necessary, will contact LCC again. Action: Clerk.
Collapsed drain at Templefield Road (bottom of Hollowgate Hill).
Works have been scheduled for 12th February for surface water drainage system repairs. A road closure of 1 week has been confirmed. The situation will be assessed again once this work has been completed.
Blocked grating between 3 and 7 Northfield Lane.
Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson also requested assistance from Cllr. Mrs. C. Perraton-Williams. A reply was received, to advise jetters have attended recently on the other side of the road, Hollowgate Hill and Pond Corner and will request this location is also addressed. No further update has been received. The Clerk emailed Cllr. Mrs. C. Perraton-Williams for assistance on 8th January, however no reply has yet been received. The Clerk and Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson will continue to pursue. Action: Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson/Clerk.
Water on Hollowgate Hill. Accident on 18th January.
The Council have been actively pursing resolution of this problem for some time, requesting assistance from both Cllr. Mrs. C. Perraton-Williams and LCC Highways. On 18th January, several accidents were reported due to the water freezing and causing the surface to be slippery. The Clerk contacted
Cllr. Mrs. C. Perraton-Williams and LCC Highways again requesting urgent assistance. Cllr. Ms. H. Goring contacted both also, enclosing several photos of the site. Mr Steve Hudson installed “slippery road” temporary signage and advised work has been authorised to install a new gully. Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson advised this is welcome, however will not work until the existing pipes have been repaired and jetted. The Clerk telephoned and emailed Mr Steve Hudson to request contact is made with Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson to arrange an on-site meeting. If no contact is made within one week, the Clerk will chase up. Action: Clerk.
Complaint from member of the public. Litter outside The Bungalows.
The Clerk had received a complaint regarding medical staff attending patients in nearby houses discarding rubbish and sent photos of carboard boxes clearly marked NHS and other items. The resident had also asked if the litter picker could pay particular attention to this area. Councillors agreed, the litter picker should be asked to give this area priority and report back on volume of rubbish found. The Clerk will also contact the resident again for more information and attempt to ascertain who the health visitors are so this can be progressed further. Action: Clerk.
2401/09. GENERAL COMMUNICATION.
The chair respectfully requested, all Councillors respond promptly to email requests and pay particular attention to time-sensitive issues. Cllr. Mrs. S. Rovezzano and Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson will begin using their new parish council email addresses and will contact Cllr. Mr. D. Cowell for assistance on setting up on i-phones. Cllr Mrs. T. Given offered help if required. Action: Cllr. Mrs. S. Rovezzano and Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson.
2401/10. LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE PARISH COUNCIL ENGAGEMENT SESSION 14TH DECEMBER 2023
The Clerk reported attending in place of Cllr. Ms. H. Goring who was called away on another urgent matter, and advised Council it was an informative and useful session. Notes of the meeting were distributed to Councillors and included a request from Inspector Mr. Michael Head to email any priorities or issues to him direct. Low crime was reported in the village. In 2023, seven instances were reported, the majority centred on one location. A review of the B1398 Willoughton and Blyborough junctions were requested along with the potential for a 20 mph limit through the centre of the village. The superintendent understood our frustrations, and advised a road safety partnership meeting will take place alongside other neighbouring Councils.
2401/11. PROCEDURE FOR ELECTION OF CHAIR.
The Clerk had documented the current procedure, which Councillors agreed, requires no amendment.
RESOLUTION: Policy is approved without amendment. Action: Clerk.
2401/12. FIRST AID/DEFIBRILLATOR TRAINING.
Alternative dates had been offered as 27th April or 4th May. Councillors agreed, 27th April was preferred, and promotion will begin on the Parish Council website, village noticeboard, and social media. A.M. and P.M. sessions will be offered initially to residents. Should take up be low, the catchment will be widened to neighbouring villages. Action: Cllr. Ms. H. Goring/Clerk.
2401/13. ACCOUNTS.
To approve payments.
RESOLUTION: The following payments were approved, and cheques were signed by
Cllr. Mrs. S. Rovezzano and the Clerk:LUANA DE SANTIS LITTER PICKING FOR JANUARY £104.20
HAZEL FOX SALARY FOR 29th DECEMBER-2nd FEBRUARY (5 WEEKS) £265.60
WILLOUGHTON VILLAGE HALL RENT FOR POSTAL OUTREACH SERVICES 2nd FEBRUARY-29th MARCH (8 WEEKS @ 2 HOURS OF £6 ) £96.00
HAZEL FOX SALARY FOR 2nd FEBRUARY-1st MARCH (4 WEEKS) £212.48
LUANA DE SANTIS LITTER PICKING FOR FEBRUARY £104.20
LALC SUBSCRIPTION £98.74
WLDC DEFIBRILLATOR MAINTENANCE £100.00
Once these cheques are cleared this will leave £14,671.09 in the current account and £11,607.60 in the savings account. A total of £26,278.69.
Cheque signatories.
The Clerk advised, Santander required a form of identification from Cllr. Mrs. K. Phillips and signed minutes from the May meeting. The Chair signed a further copy of the minutes, and the Clerk will contact Cllr. Mrs. K. Phillips to request identification. Action: Clerk.
2401/14. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED.
Circulated in advance:
17/11/23 LALC Training bulletin
17/11/23 LALC Notification of Boston Haven High Academy consultation
17/11/23 Member of the public Complaint regarding War Memorial
24/11/23, 08/12/23, 20/12/23 & 12/01/24 LALC E-News
27/11/23 WLDC Parish News
27/11/23 NLCF Notification of funding
29/11/23 & 11/12/23 LCC Town and Parish Council update
29/11/23, 12/12/23 & 18/12/23 LALC Notification of School Admission Policy Consultations
04/12/23 LCC Greater Lincolnshire devolution consultation launch
04/12/23 Inspector Michael Head Neighbourhood policing priorities
04/12/23 Lincolnshire Community Foundation Household funding support
06/12/23 Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan December report & WLDC news
11/12/23 Lincolnshire Police Op Rudolph launch details
19/12/23 LCC Notification of Templefield Road closure
19/12/23 Cottam Solar Project Application for additional land information
20/12/23 Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan Information on judicial review appeal
21/12/23 WLDC Parish News
03/01/24 LALC D-Day celebrations information
04/01/24 Lincolnshire Police Crime statistics
08/01/24 Inspector Michael Head Neighbourhood policing priorities
09/01/24 & 16/01/24 Rural Services Network Bulletin
10/01/24 Parish Online Newsletter
12/01/24 LCC Devolution consultation information
14/01/24 Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan Information on green bin charges
16/01/24 Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan WLDC review of single person council tax discount
18/01/24 Willoughton Primary School Report of accident on Hollowgate Hill
2401/15. REQUEST FOR AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS.
None advised.
2401/16. NEXT MEETING.
The date and time of the next meeting will be (subject to any change in circumstances):
Thursday 28th March 2024 @ 6.30 pm
The meeting closed @ 8.10 pm.