October 13 2020 Minutes
Minutes of Langtoft Parish Council Meeting held via a Zoom link on
Tuesday 13 October 2020 at 7pm
Present: Cllrs. Andy Halfhide (Chair), Cllr. Andy Hallam (Vice Chair), Debbie Hallam, Angela Brogan, Yvonne McCulloch, Brian Branch, Steve Valentine and John Swift.
County Councillors: Cllrs. Barry Dobson, Rosemary Trollope-Bellew and Kelham Cooke, 3 members of the public and the Clerk Sarah Gresty.
Public Forum:
- A member of the public drew attention to the issue of parking outside the village shops, potentially causing danger at the crossroads. Asked what could be done to make the junction safer for West End residents. She related a recent incident she had when 2 cars pulled into West End then had to stop to let cars out, leaving her unable to pull off the A15; a large lorry blowing its horn at her from behind was very unsettling. She asked that this be made a priority safety issue.
The yellow lines outside the shops seem to be ignored.
Asked if extra ‘time limited parking’ could be made available on the grass verge opposite the shops to clear the highway. She had reported her concerns but had not heard anything. Cllrs. Dobson apologised for the delay in responding, he had forwarded her emails to Karen Nettle and was awaiting a reply.
Comments:
i)The crossroad safety issues had previously been explored, contributing to a feasibility study. Four-way traffic lights were an option but these would have to be privately funded by residents. A Longterm public works loan was mentioned but this would need a village referendum to move forward.
ii) This was an growing problem with heavier traffic use as villages, Bourne and Deeping expand.
iii) Traffic restriction orders are difficult to police with lack of resources.
iv) Data is being collated by the Parish Council
v) Current fatality records do not warrant Highways immediate action
Action: Cllr. Dobson to chase for a response from Highways.
- A member of the public expressed frustration at the late notice of the zoom login details.
- The Clerk reported that an email from a resident had been received with concerns at the amount of shrubs and vegetation that was over-hanging footpaths and pavements in the village.
20/21-106 Chairman’s welcome and remarks. Cllr. Halfhide opened the meeting by welcoming all those who had dialled in via zoom.
20/21-107 Apologies: There were none
20/21-108 Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests: Cllrs. A and D Hallam declared item 20/21-226 S20/1426 was a neighbour and although not a pecuniary interest would like to abstain from the vote on this item.
Minutes: To approve the minutes of:
20/21-109 Parish Council meeting held on 01 September 2020 RESOLVED: proposed as a true and accurate record of event by Cllr Angela Brogan, Seconded Cllr Yvonne McCulloch and unanimously agreed.
20/21-110 To receive reports from County and District Councillors and Police
- Cllr Dobson’s report
1. As winter approaches we are seeing the return of the higher number of infected people with Coronavirus symptoms. It is anticipated that there will soon be a renewed lock-down of sorts, especially in the top tier areas. Luckily, we fall into the middle tier. It has been published that the 18 – 35-year old members of the population are the most vulnerable. It is probably due to the fact that they have been back at work and, especially among university students, socialising outside of their bubble. It's very confusing, but the simple rule is to keep your distance and wear a mask wherever possible.
2. We have had to shelve the work to extend the Eventus Centre with another building at the moment, but we are looking at increasing the number of hot-desk stations within the centre and open up some of the vacant spaces for meetings on demand. It is also on the cards to extend the post box and telephone services for start-ups.
This proposal has been initiated with my input in order to encourage start-ups among the newly qualified or those who have found themselves out of work, want to become entrepreneurs and build their own future. I met last week with Amanda Bond and we discussed moving the reception to the lower floor for added security, but also to allow another fire escape (not as elaborate as the existing one at the southern end) but to keep everyone safe.
3. Along with my colleague, Cllr. Rosemary Trollope-Bellew, we have been discussing the application at County for the excavation site located at the junction of Greatford Road and King Street. We have listed comments from our Chairman and representatives of neighbouring parishes and had discussions with Justin Brown, Assistant Director – Growth at LCC and Warren Peppard, Head of Development Management at LCC.
a. We raised concerns about the weight limit, to which they replied that restricting movement of the HGVs through the villages would be to prevent damage to the highway and infrastructure and reduce the risks to vulnerable road users. The obvious response was that this is precisely why we are asking for restrictions. There is adequate opportunity for HGVs to travel north or south along King Street to join major roads, not through our village. It is my intention to continue lobbying for gritting along King Street as part of the planning consent for the excavation site.
b. Furthermore, we raised concerns widths of road and a gritting requirement.
c. The request has been issued for us to contact the Local Highways Manager for this, but I am not happy with the response and will continue lobbying through the director and assistant director of Highways.
d. It was further advised that routinely the introduction of advisory signs is initially considered before imposing Environmental Weight Restrictions; as they can be a very successful and cost effective method of reducing usage. The introduction of HGV restrictions is a more costly process generating much street clutter in additional signage and requires regular enforcement to ensure effectiveness. The introduction of HGV restrictions normally takes 6-18 months. Apparently, they have 33 outstanding requests for weight limits.
e. New legislation is underway to introduce legislation next year; which will enable Local Authorities to carry out enforcement that the Police currently struggle to resource.
4. Suggestions on parking issues outside of the village shops have been received. One included the removal of the green space opposite the shops and a lay-by for parking put in its place; it would not appear to be a popular solution as it would encourage people to park there all day once they have caught the bus. There has also been renewed interest on signage, but I think that this is not going to work unless it is policed.
5. Gritting up to the school is now on the route plan for this coming winter. I am still trying to get this extended through to King Street, but we may have to wait for the approval of the excavation site mentioned in 4 above to give us this result.
Cllr. Steve Valentine asked if the volume of traffic had any affect and would add weight to the crossroad improvements. Cllr Dobson agreed that collating vehicle movements and statistics are important.
- Cllr. Rosemary Trollope-Bellew.
Covid-19. SKDC had moved into response mode. Lincolnshire is still at present in the first tier level. SKDC has one of the worst increases and South Holland are has lowest. The track and trace facility are opening in Grantham.
- Baston village are looking for support to join footpaths through to Thurlby.
- Gravel extraction at Greatford planning. Continuing to meet with 3 officers and chair of Greatford PC, this is proving to be very useful. More information to follow.
- Stamford Arts Centre will probably remain closed until spring. Meanwhile, long overdue work will commence on the roof repairs.
- Resident issue with car parking on the grass verge at Deer Park seems to have been resolved.
- Cllr. Kelham Cooke.
- Covid-19 Cases rising in SKDC moved to response phase and back to heading the weekly Resilience Forum.
- SKDC have amend budgets showing £3m losses, the Government are supporting.
- Considerable loss of income
- Adopted new corporation plan 5 new key actions
- Restructure completed of the Corporate Management Team for cost savings.
- Devolution has been put on hold for the foreseeable future by the Minister Luke Hall. Lincolnshire not in first tranche of reorganisation.
- LCC elections will take place next year
Financial matters
20/21-111 a) Finance and General Purposes group - Cllr. Andy Hallam reported that a meeting had not taken place.
20/21-112 b) To receive Financial Report for the period 01 April 2020 to 30 September 2020 (Clerk) This was circulated prior to the meeting showing
Balance b/f from 2019/20 25374.38
Plus total income 2020/21 14891.58
Less total payments 2020/21 -9529.27
TOTAL 30736.69
30/9/20 current account balance 2248.93
30/9/20 savings account balance 28487.80
TOTAL 30736.69
c) To Approve Payments as follows:
20/21-113 N. Bright August salary – already paid -RESOLVED
20/21-114 N Bright September salary – already paid -RESOLVED
20/21-115 N Bright expenses Jun-Sept £73.24– already paid-RESOLVED
20/21-116 S. Gresty Aug salary – already paid-RESOLVED
20/21-117 S. Gresty Sept salary – already paid-RESOLVED
20/21-118 Clerk half year expenses £114.64-RESOLVED
20/21-119 PKF Littlejohn LLP AGAR review £240.00 – already paid-RESOLVED
21/21-220 A Hallam – expenses Covid display boards etc. £51.41-RESOLVED
21/20-221 Dalpumps – goal posts and installation £2880.00-RESOLVED
21/20-222 BDG sept mowing £200-RESOLVED
To note Income received:
21/20-223 Mr & Mrs Chandler £360 – cemetery interment-RESOLVED
21/20-224 Mr Reedman £90 – cemetery interment-RESOLVED
20/21-225 £10k SKDC – received after preparation of 20/21-111 above. -RESOLVED
RESOLVED: All financial matters were Proposed as accurate and accepted by committee by Cllr. Brian Branch, Seconded Cllr. John Smith, majority accepted with one abstention.
20/21-226 Planning: To receive Planning applications:
- S20/1461 Application Proposal : Loft conversion, new front boundary wall with timber entrance gates, Park Farm cottage, Langtoft Outgang Road, PE6 9LG
RESOLVED: unanimously. Comments to be made to SKDC Planning were: Langtoft Parish Council considered this application at their meeting on 13 October and had no objections to the application and wished to be recorded as neutral.
- S20/1426 Application Proposal: Rebuilding of stone piers, erection of return section of stone walling and replacement glazed screen, Stonethwaite, East End, Langtoft PE6 9LP
RESOLVED: with a majority with 2 abstentions. Comments to be made to SKDC Planning were: Langtoft Parish Council considered this application at their meeting on 13 October and had no objections to the application. It was noted that the applications was retrospective. Please record comments as neutral.
20/21-227 Cemetery group - Cllr. Angela Brogan had no updated report. The Clerk reported that a notice of intention to clear the grave of Steven Chadwick to comply with cemetery rules had been placed on the grave giving the family until 31 December 2020 to rectify.
20/21-228 Black Bull Green. Cllr. Andy Halfhide reported that the goals are now installed and being used. A gate spring on east side needs replacing. Action: Cllr. Halfhide to research an alternative replacement.
Cllr. Yvonne McCulloch asked for the hedge to be cut. Action: Cllrs to look at this and see if this needed doing and report to clerk if action required.
20/21-229 East End Park
The Clerk had been asked to investigate if permission was needed to remove saplings from the pond area. Under TPO regulations 2012 a notice of intentions to do works would be required. The Clerk had the link to do this.
Discussion on whether to clear the pond or not took place.
Action: Cllrs. Valentine, D Hallam, McCulloch and the Clerk to meet on site and make a plan to bring to the next meeting for consideration.
- Equipment replacements. Other than the goals now installed nothing further to report.
20/21-230 Website.
a) The clerk presented quotes for transferring of website to make it fully compliant.
RESOLVED to accept Robert Arnold quote of £300 by Cllr. Andy Halfhide, Seconded Cllr Andy Hallam and unanimously agreed.
- Once transfer complete and new website approved by LCC as compliant the old website will be dissolved. RESOLVED by Cllr. Andy Halfhide, Seconded Cllr Andy Hallam and unanimously
- adoption of Accessibility Statement. Action: c/f to next meeting.
20/21-231 Communications:- eComms Cllr Steve Valentine report:
- Email overload. Please can we agree and try to be more selective when addressing/sending/forwarding our emails.
- TO is for the named people to attend to its content.
- CC this is just for information so as people know what is going on etc.
- BCC this MUST be used when sending emails to outside people and is part of the Data Protection Act
The above should enable us all to access and deal with email in a more managed manner and probably quicker.
- He felt that communication with the village could be improved as good communication pays huge dividends whether it is good or bad news as far as readers are concerned with good visibility in the village. Cllr. Valentine proposed the Parish Council to reconsider reinstating the Parish Council facebook page as there are many other local councils have their own. Action: c/f to next meeting.
Cllr. Andy Hallam chaired the meeting from this point.
20/21-232 Events Group – Cllr. Yvonne McCulloch reported everything was in hand -
Christmas card will go to Graytones early Nov
Posters and post on FB early Nov giving dates etc. when baubles and tags can be hung on the tree
We are making 9 Reindeer- they will have a bauble with their name on around their neck and lights in their antlers
We are looking to put them in place around the village on Saturday 28th Nov when the Christmas tree goes up
Action: Cllr. Debbie Hallam to send reindeer template to Cllr. Andy Hallam for organising the cut-outs.
- Remembrance wreaths. Action: Clerk to order 3 wreaths.
20/21-233 Amenities Group - There was no report.
- Dog waste bins – Agreed that these bins would be recommissioned.
Action: clerk to obtain some quotes for the next meeting.
20/21-234 Penfield update – Nothing to report.
Action: Cllr Andy Hallam asked to make contact with the volunteer committee.
20/21-235 Grapevine – It was felt that an electronic version would be beneficial especially with the extended covid-19 restriction to help residents stay in touch.
Action: meeting to be arrange with Jeannette Pearson.
20/21-236 Village Hall – Cllr. Halfhide reported results:
- Management committee. Jeannette Pearson had found out that, in 1972, the original owners of the village hall transferred it to the parish councillors for it to be put into trust with charity commission, then a dual management committee formed. All legal forms were completed but the transfer was not register with the charity commission.
As this is now some 50 years later, Cllr. Halfhide and A Hallam have arranged to meet with the Village Hall committee to see a way forward regarding the legal issues and to research the consequences.
Standing Orders were suspended at this point in the meeting due to time.
20/21-237 Covid 19 Support Line – Cllr. Angela Brogan reported that the Covid support line is still working. At present only 1 call had been received. LCC Resilience Team had sent information about the Good Neighbour Scheme but it was felt that the support line was still working well and was the best way forward for Langtoft.
Action: Cllr Brogan was to re contact all the volunteers to update availability for use immediately if matters worsen.
20/21-238 Gritting – Action: Clerk as to contact Kevin Johnson the previous contractor to see if contract was still in place and to apply for a comparable quote for elsewhere.
20/21-239 Councillors Surgeries – This was cancelled as no interest was received.
20/21-240 To note Correspondence was noted from the agenda.
20/21-241 To receive Items for Future Meetings
- Langtoft Annual Awards Ceremony
- EEP bench repairs quotes and decisions
- EEP pond
- adoption of Accessibility Statement.
- reinstating the Parish Council Facebook page
- Dog bin quotations (Biffa, SKDC environment,
20/21-242 Date of future meetings: 25 November(Wed) Venue TBC
Meeting Closed @ 21:48