Minutes 26th September 2024
WILLOUGHTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held in the Village Hall, Thursday 26th September 2024 @ 6.30pm.
PRESENT
Cllr. Mrs. S. Rovezzano (Chair) Cllr. Miss. K. Clarke, Cllr. Ms. H. Goring, Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson, Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan (W.L.D.C.), and Ms. Hazel Fox (Clerk).
2409/01. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Apologies were received from Cllr. Mr. D. Cowell (Vice-Chair), Cllr. Mrs. K. Phillips and Cllr Mrs. T. Given.
2409/02. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST/DISPENSATIONS.
Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson expressed an interest as lessee of the Playing Field and in Willoughton Church and Churchyard.
2409/03. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
No members of the public present.
2409/04. MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD 1ST AUGUST 15TH AUGUST AND 4TH SEPTEMBER 2024.
Resolution: Minutes approved and were signed by the chair.
2409/05. REPORT FROM CLLR. MRS. C. PERRATON-WILLIAMS.
Cllr. Mrs. C. Perraton-Williams did not attend and neither apology nor a report were received.
2409/06. REPORT FROM CLLR. MR. P. HOWITT-COWAN.
Cllr. Mr. P. Howitt-Cowan thanked the Council for inviting him to cut the ribbon and officially open the new village Play Area. It was a wonderful event and pleasing to see so many children and their families enjoying the afternoon and the new equipment. Cllr. Mr. Howitt-Cowan congratulated the Parish Council on a superb new facility, which is beneficial to not only the children of Willoughton, but also of surrounding villages who can utilise it. The Government has announced, the former RAF Scampton site will now not be used to house asylum seekers, however the future of the site is unclear. West Lindsey District Council held its full Council meeting, where concerns were expressed regarding the provision of doctors and pharmacies in the area. The population has expanded, although infrastructure has not kept pace. Residents are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain appointments. The West Lindsey Churches Festival AGM was held for its 11th year. Scunthorpe wish to join forces and there are 12 such churches in this area. This will be discussed again in October. West Lindsey District Council finances are under pressure and circa ½ million will need to be found to fund the rest of the financial year. Two million will be required for the next two years to avoid cutbacks. Funding for the Churches Festival was of concern, and contingencies are being explored should they be necessary. Possible savings to the budget could be made by reducing the quality of the brochure and not holding the conference at the local hotel, however the festival is high profile and ideally should continue in its present form.
The Chair thanked Cllr. Mr. Howitt-Cowan for a most informative report and for attending the meeting.
2409/07. PLAYING FIELD.
a. Grass cutting.
The Clerk advised, the current contractor has been requested to cease cutting the grass in the play area to give the newly laid turf the opportunity to settle, and the grass seed to begin growing. The contractor had advised difficulties in cutting the grass and has advised the school. The Primary School wish to consult with the Parish Council on grass cutting responsibilities and requested a meeting to discuss. In preparation for this, the Clerk was requested to obtain three quotations for cutting both the field and the play area, split into the two sections.
Resolution: The Clerk will obtain quotations and add an agenda item for the next meeting. Action: Clerk.
Signage.
The Clerk had obtained four quotations for a replacement sign to be erected at the entrance to the play area. Councillors discussed the size and content of the sign. It was agreed, the size of 600 x 900mm was preferable to ensure it is seen. The format should include “dogs must be on leads” and the logos of the funders. The cheapest quote should be utilised.
Resolution: The Clerk will prepare artwork and circulate to Councillors for approval. Action: Clerk.
Insurance.
The Clerk advised, the current insurance is for a sum of £60,000 and the total cost of refurbishing the play area was £95, 940.64 (including vat).
Resolution: The Clerk contact Clear Councils Insurance and request the sum insured is increased to £95,000. Action: Clerk.
b. Clerk and Councillor inspections.
The Clerk advised; weekly inspection should restart now that the play area refurbishment is complete.
Cllr. Mrs. S. Rovezzano and Cllr. Ms. H. Goring requested not to be included in the rota. The Clerk has completed the first two since the refurbishment was complete.
Resolution: The Clerk will prepare a new rota for circulation. Action: Clerk.
c. Benches refurbishment.
Cllr Mrs. T. Given was unable to attend the meeting, and this matter was deferred to the next meeting.
2409/08. HIGHWAYS.
a. Water corner of Gainsborough Road outside Caudle House.
Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson advised this is still an issue. The Clerk was requested to take this matter up again with Anglian Water.
b. Drain cover Gainsborough Road (opposite Caudle House).
Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson will inspect and advise the Clerk.
c. Repairs to collapsed/damaged drain Pond Corner (junction of Templefield Road and Hollowgate Hill).
The Clerk was requested to check if this is still an issue.
d. Blocked grating between 3 and 7 Northfield Lane.
Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson advised this had been jetted, however was still an issue. The Clerk was requested to take this matter up again with LCC Highways.
Action: Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson/Clerk.
e. Speed indicator devices.
Councillors discussed the installation of further devices at the entrances to the village. It was agreed, one unit would be purchased and positioned at the entrance to the village on Vicarage Road. However more information was required on if the unit could be movable, and the best position. The Clerk was requested to contact Graeme Butler to request further information. Action: Clerk.
f. Salt bins.
The Clerk had received a request from Lincolnshire County Council to check grit bins in the village in preparation for the coming winter months. Those damaged or half full, should be reported as soon as possible.
Resolution: The Clerk will prepare a list of the locations of all salt bins in the village. Councillors who have bins in their roads, will check and advise the Clerk of their situation. The Clerk will check any remaining ones. Action: Clerk.
2409/09. DEFIBRILLATOR UNITS.
Councillors discussed provision of further units in the village, as the only current one is housed on the wall of the Village Hall. Locations were discussed and a site was identified at Mount Yard, Long Lane. Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson will send the address to the Clerk. The Clerk will liaise with Cllr. Rowles Nicholson and WLDC to arrange installation. The unit will be serviced under the current agreement of £100 per unit to be funded by the Parish Council
Resolution: A second defibrillator unit to be purchased for use by the village. Action: Cllr. Mr. G. Rowles Nicholson/Clerk.
2409/10. COMPLAINT FROM RESIDENT.
A resident had written to the Clerk to seek help with excessive litter on Vicarage Road, speeding on Vicarage Road and if the layby adjacent to The Bungalows could be designated homeowner parking only.
The Clerk advised, a further complaint had been sent to the staff of the care company, to ensure litter is disposed of correctly. The Clerk will inform the resident, the Parish Council have agreed to install a speed indicator device and will monitor the effect of this over the coming months after installation. It was agreed, the Parish Council have no jurisdiction on the layby, and this is a matter for the resident to take up with LCC highways themselves.
Resolution: The Clerk will write to inform the resident. Action: Clerk.
2409/11. REQUEST FROM RESIDENT.
A resident had enquired, if they could plant flowers and maintain some flower beds around the village. The Clerk had contacted the Parish Council insurers and had been advised; the resident would be covered whilst undertaking this work. Councillors discussed; a sum of money could be made available to the resident to perform this work. It was agreed, the suggestion was to be commended, and Councillors were appreciative of the resident offering to give up their time to do this for the benefit of the village.
Resolution: The Clerk will write to inform the resident and request the budget they consider suitable. Action: Clerk.
2409/12. PRECEPT 2025/2026.
The Clerk had prepared a budget and reserves statement for consideration by the Council. After reviewing the figures, the Council agreed, a 3% uplift should be applied. This will be used as an estimate by the Clerk to WLDC. This will be reviewed again by Council at the November meeting.
Resolution: The Clerk will complete the estimate in early November using 3%. Action: Clerk.
2409/13. ACCOUNTS.
a. To approve payments.
Resolution: The following payments are approved:
No.12 Chocolatier (Play Area open event) £81.00
Litter picking for September £114.40
Litter picking for October £114.40
Poppy Wreath £50.00
Village Hall rent for postal outreach services (30 August- 1 November) £108.00
Clerk salary for 30 August - 27 September £212.48
Clerk salary for 27 September - 1 November £265.60
Kompan Ltd (£70,000 paid direct by FCC Foundation) £95,940.64
This will leave £1,790.67 in the current account and £1,688.73 in the savings account. However, vat will be reclaimed of £15,990.10 from HMRC.
2409/14. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED.
23/07/24 Lincolnshire Police Newsletter
23/07/24, 30/07/24, 06/08/24, 13/08/24, 20/08/24, 28/08/24, 03/09/24, 10/09/24,
17/09/24 Rural Services Network Rural bulletin
24/07/24 Paul Howitt-Cowan West Lindsey District Council News
24/07/24, 27/08/24 WLDC Parish News
26/07/24, 09/08/24, 23/08/24, 09/09/24 LALC E-News
30/07/24 27/08/24 LCC Town and Parish Council update
30/07/24 LCC Minerals and waste local plan consultation
02/08/24 LALC Training bulletin
05/08/24 Cllr Paul Howitt-Cowan WLDC 50th anniversary
07/08/24 WLDC Funding information
07/08/24 Rural Services Network Funding digest
07/08/24 LCC Call connect changes
09/08/24 LCC Nature recovery strategy
09/08/24, 09/09/24 Lincolnshire Police Crime statistics
09/08/24 WLDC Parish News
15/08/24 Talk Planning Central Lincolnshire Design Code
19/08/24 Cllr Paul Howitt-Cowan Healthwatch survey
20/08/24 Cllr Paul Howitt-Cowan Proposed reservoir update
27/08/24 NALC Clerk's news
27/08/24 WLDC Pension credit news
27/08/24 LALC Extraordinary General Meeting
02/09/24 WLDC Amended notice of meetings
03/09/24 LALC NPPF proposed changes presentation invite
10/09/24 NKDC Information on Central Lincolnshire Design Code consultation
10/09/24 Parish Online Newsletter
19/09/24 LCC Devolution update
The Clerk requested permission to seek assistance with the Village Noticeboard. Council agreed, advice could be sought. Action: Clerk.
Cllr. Ms. H. Goring requested a schedule from the Clerk of payments going forward for rental of the Village Hall, in order that invoices could be raised to cover.
2409/15. REQUEST FOR AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS.
Cllr. Mrs. S. Rovezzano – Neighbourhood plan review.
2409/16. NEXT MEETING.
The date and time of the next meeting will be (subject to any change in circumstances):
Thursday 28th November 2024 @ 6.30 pm.
The meeting closed @ 7.46 pm.