2021 Parish Council Meeting Minutes

Gedney Hill Parish Council

Minutes of the Gedney Hill Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 20th September 2021.

Present

Councillors         K. James  (Chairman)

P. Redgate

J. Venters

N. Watson

Minutes               K. Sharp (Parish Clerk)

Also present       6 members of the Public

Public Forum

It was raised by a member of the public that the land next to the Red Lion pub, needs tending to as this is deemed untidy and makes that end of the village look unkempt.

Also, who is responsible for mowing the grass on the house on the corner?

A member of the public enquired as to the footpath adjacent to the Church being private land as a lady with a possessing a firearm has been threatening people who cross this land.  It was stated that this is a police issue and the police should be made aware, by the people who have been threatened.

The lack of chimes from the Church clock was raised as an issue by a member of the public.  It was questioned why these were not ringing and what was being done about this.  The Chairman briefly stated the issue with the clock was due to the pulleys needing replacing and the cost of such.  He also suggested this was an item on the agenda to be discussed later in the meeting.

1. Apologies for absence and acceptance

Councillor D. Mann

2. Declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 and consideration of any requests for dispensation

Councillor Redgate stated he wished to abstain from any voting on Project Dignity and The Sports Pavilion, but would involve himself in any discussions.

3. To approve the draft notes of the meeting held on 17th May, 2021

The Councillors confirmed they were an accurate record of the Parish Council meeting, the Chairman duly signed them.

4. Church Clock

There was an update given to the public with regards the Church Clock by the Chairman.  He stated the cost quoted to repair the clock and suggested research was being done to find a suitable engineer, with an affordable quote. To date it has been difficult to find anyone that would be prepared to investigate the current problems but this is being actively pursued.

5. Highways

a.  To update on the request to LCC Highways regarding the speed limits along North Road and Highstock Lane.

The hedge at the corner of Lincolns Avenue (issue raised in public forum) is overgrowing the footpath and thus making it difficult to walk around the corner to North Rd. As this is a busy junction this should be addressed on an urgent basis. The clerk will contact Highways to see if they can address the issue.

It was noted that the kerb stones by the village shop, were damaged, and that cars were parking on these.  It was queried as to whether this is this an issue for highways or the police? The clerk will contact Highways to see if they can address the issue.

               6. Cemetery

It was confirmed that M. Ford was still off sick and may be off for some time.  However, other villagers have been helping with grass mowing and emptying the bins accordingly.

               7. Footpaths

                              a. Right of Way – Identification

Lincolnshire CC have sent a map to the clerk stating that the footpaths are not identified on it and could we identify where these footpaths are?

The Clerk has emailed Lincolnshire County Council and asked if someone could visit the village to be physically shown the footpaths in question that are overgrown and inaccessible.

               8. Village Bakery

A meeting was held on 10th September in the village with local residents and McColls, to discuss the issues being raised in respect of the closure of the village bakery, at their shop.  McColls recognised there had been a lack of communication with regards to the closure, but have made every effort to hear suggestions from the villagers for their shop going forward.  Hot, fresh produce will be available and a book is to be made available in the shop, so villagers can comment (good or bad) or make suggestions as to what produce they would like to see.  The shop will be closed from the 23rd – 30th September for work.

9.  Project Dignity

John Murray attended the meeting to give an overview of Project Dignity.  The proposal is for a years’ trial and proposals were well received from other members of the public.  The Chairman has asked if information could be posted on the village noticeboard so that people can request a booklet from John explaining the project in detail. If, and when, planning permission is requested, villagers are in the know and can comment accordingly.

The Chairman stated that no letter from the Parish Council had been sent to Project Dignity, as stated in their brochure, and asked that this statement be removed.

               10.  Defibrillator

The replacement parts for the defibrillator have arrived and will be fitted in the next couple of days.

11. Planning

a. To discuss current planning applications

The following applications received since the last meeting were discussed:

               12.  Sports Paviliion/Playing Field

The pavilion has been opened already for bookings.  The Chairman thanked Councillor Seymour for his kind donation.  The Chairman also thanked Jenny Venters and Shirley James for their hard work put in to the refurbishment of the pavilion and also to Shirley for providing the new kitchen units.

Councillor Watson agreed to advertise and promote the pavilion on Facebook.

A few issues still need to be sorted such as the hot water, but a local plumber has been called in to review the installation of a new cylinder but  has also suggested individual heater as an alternative.

Terms and Conditions of the use of the pavilion have been revised and are being issued to hirers.

The Chairman has asked any of the councillors wish to take over the keys and caretaking of the hall however there were no offers. The chairman and Councillor Mann will continue to hold the keys for the time being.

A member of the public commented on how lovely the Pavilion was now and that it was a good venue for children’s parties or other social events.

Councillor Redgate discussed his proposals for the playing field, once funding is received.  The proposals were shared with both the Councillors and the members of the public.  The plans included an adult trim trail, to try to encourage parents to use the field when their children do.  The plans await funding decisions, but work could commence in April if funding received.

13. Community Speed Watch

a. To receive the CSW report

The CSW co-ordinator provided a report.  Data issued as follows:

14. Clerk’s Report

The Clerk stated she had contacted LCC to report the bins outside the village shop had not been emptied.  A member of the public confirmed she thought this had improved, but it was agreed we would keep an eye on this and report it further, if necessary.

The Clerk said there was nothing else to report, that wasn’t mentioned elsewhere on the agenda.

15. Financial matters

               a.  Annual Governance and Accountability Return

The Clerk stated that the AGAR had been completed, internally audited and sent off. The acceptance of the accounts are awaited.

b. To update on accounts

Account balances (account balances as of 20 September, 2021)

GHPC

Current account 06903266 £8,825.78

Business reserve 58607552 £1523.56

GHSP

Current account 07582544 £585.10

Business reserve 62021915 £732.62

MONIES IN

GHPC

Current Account £550.00                                                                                                       

Business Reserve £0.02

Total £550.02

GHSP

Current Account £0.00

Business Reserve £0.02

                                                                                                                                                      Total £0.02                                                                                                                       

ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

GHPC

Total                                    £2,855.66

Uncleared Cheques

                                                                                                         Total                                    £542.13

GHSP

Payee                                                 Chq No.                              Gross                   VAT       Nett

None                                                                                               Total                                   £0.00

               16. To advise of any items to be added to the next meeting agenda

None.

17. Dates of next meetings

The next Parish Council meetings are scheduled as follows, at 18:30. The individual venue will be communicated nearer the time.

November 15th 2021

January 17t h2022

March 21st 2022

May 16th 2022 (to include the annual meeting)

               18. Other Business

None.

The meeting was closed at 19:36 hrs.