June 2020 Minutes
Minutes of Langtoft Parish Council (LPC) conducted via a Zoom link to enable safe practice during the Coronavirus Pandemic on Tuesday 30 June 2020 at 7pm
Present: Cllr. Andy Halfhide (Chair), Cllr. Andy Hallam (Vice Chair) and Cllrs. Debbie Hallam, Angela Brogan, Yvonne McCulloch, Steve Valentine and Brian Branch
County Councillor Barry Dobson, District Councillors Rosemary Trollope-Bellew and Kelham Cooke, Sarah Gresty (Parish Clerk) and 4 members of the public.
Public Forum:
- A member of the public raised the growing problem of speeding traffic on West End and asked LPC what more could be done.
Reply: This is a nationwide problem at present and the Police had been informed. The Parish Council would reinstate the interactive speed signs which gather data now that lockdown restrictions have lessened.
Cllr Steve Valentine reported the data for Stowe Road Incoming traffic speed and volumes recently collected was: - Total vehicles 1400
425 vehicles between 27-33 mph 424 vehicles between 33-37 mph 181 vehicles between 37-43 mph
44 vehicles between 43-47 mph 9 vehicles between 47-53 mph 1 vehicles between 53-57 mph
Action: The Clerk was asked to contact the PCSO to see if any speed cameras could visit the village.
- John Swift formally put his name forward for co-option to the LPC. See item 20/21-66 below.
- 2 Members of the public spoke regarding the appeal for 22 East End (20/21-58). Very concerned about this development going to appeal. Asked what more the LPC could do to support the SKDC’s refusal. It would have a major negative effect on East End. One of the members of public had attended the hearing in Grantham and submitted objections and will be submitting a further objection to the Planning Inspectorate. The link in the Appeals letter received did not work.
Reply: LPC will be submitting an addition statement, pointing out its inaccuracies, and using traffic safety data already compiled. It was noted that LPC had not requested or agreed to additional services such as enlarging the cemetery. Also noted that residents did not get the start date letter.
Cllr. Kelham Cooke stated he would circulate the briefing notes when received. He confirmed that this application was refused by SKDC and that SKDC would be doing everything necessary to uphold and defend their decision. Asked that LPC and residents copy any additional submissions made to him so he could raise with the appropriate Planning Officer.
Action: Clerk to send Cllr. Cooke’s email address to members of the public who dialled in regarding this issue.
Public Forum closed at 19:32 closed
Agenda
20/21-34 Chairman’s welcome and remarks. Cllr. Andy Halfhide opened the meeting, welcomed and thanked everyone for dialling in.
20/21-3 5 Apologies: None received.
20/21-36 Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests: Cllrs. Debbie and Andy Hallam noted that although item 20/21-58 was not a pecuniary interest the decision does affect them as they live nearby.
Cllr. Andy Halfhide noted that although item 20/21-60 was not a pecuniary interest he does live near Black Bull Green park.
Minutes: To approve the minutes of:
20/21-37 Parish Council meeting held on 19 May 2020 – RESOLVED proposed Cllr. Debbie Hallam seconded Cllr Steve Valentine and unanimously voted.
20/21-38 To receive reports from County and District Councillors and Police
- Report submitted by Cllr Barry Dobson: Coronavirus update In Lincolnshire, there are 1,141 cases, and in June up until Monday, there have been no more deaths. If you are going out to enjoy the hot weather, please be safe in the sun as well as maintaining social distancing.
As the social distancing and other measures are relaxed, my advice is still to follow the rules as they were as much as possible. It's great news though that the pubs and restaurants will be opening again, but we must still be socially responsible in our regained freedom.
Markets and Other Businesses Markets have been opened again and this is great for the economy. We have seen tremendous interest in both those wanting to take a stall and those wanting to visit. There are lots of efforts that we County and District are working on together.
Virtual Business Meeting I announced at the last and first virtual ISK Breakfast Meeting that I would be introducing shorter, monthly sessions of 45-minute Business Tea Break. These will take place on the first Thursday of each month, starting at 09:30. The first of these Tea Break Meetings will be on 2nd July at 09:30. Jon Hinde at Invest SK is available on 07816 598163 if you or anyone in business would like to participate in our first event. The guest speaker will be Councillor Colin Davie, LCC Executive Member for Economy and Place.
Highways Our scheduled teams will arrive in Langtoft during the last week of August or first week in September. I don't believe we have put in requests for work to be done. So, please let me know as soon as possible.
Send reminder to councillors to do a list
Internet Working from home has introduced an upsurge of broadband use throughout the county and country. In fact, we have seen a 15-fold increase in usage throughout the county. Some internet providers have opted to remove data caps during the pandemic.
Hoarding and the Hot Weather Hoarding of goods at home, especially combustible items, has led to several fires in homes across the country with some fatal outcomes. The hot weather can cause flammable liquids as simple as a bottle of alcohol based hand gel to spark a fire. This is particularly important and fairly common with bottles of hand cleanser in cars; 25 degrees outside can produce 55 degrees inside the vehicle.
The Lincolnshire Show This took place online this year with several options to visit the various attractions and stalls through virtual connections.
Tip/Recycling Centres We are currently about half-way through a stable period of operating the sites. There are still the occasional problems with bookings, people turning up late or with no appointment and even some with the wrong type of material for disposal.
From Monday 6th July the HWRCs will accept all the previously accepted waste streams but the two main streams, household non-recyclables and green waste, will be on different days. This allows the compactors to be separated and emptied while keeping everything safe.
There is a 1.8m height restriction. All sites are open 5 days a week closed on Wednesday and Thursdays.
Bulky items such as sofas will be accepted only on Tuesdays.
Small trailers (6ft x 4ft x 1.5ft deep) and without 'greedy boards', will be allowed on sites on Tuesdays and Fridays only.
Garden (green) waste, wood, soil, hard-core, scrap metals, waste electrical equipment, batteries, household chemicals, mineral and cooking oils, gas cylinders and textiles Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Do remember that SKDC runs the best garden waste scheme in the county should you prefer not to go to the tip. Still need to book a slot.
- Report submitted by Cllr. Rosemary Trollope-Bellew
- Nothing to report on the planning application for the BP Petrol station at the Market Deeping Roundabout which has gone to appeal.
- The application which was refused by SKDC for demolition of existing building and erection of 37 dwelling at 22 East End has also gone to appeal.
- Officers have contacted The British Heart Foundation HQ and they will arrange for a member of the local BHF to empty the bin and remove the bags. If this does not happen within a week please contact me via email and I will arrange for disposal by Street Scene Crews.
- We have just seconded from Lincolnshire County Council Mary Powell, who has a wealth of experience such as Lincoln Castle and St Wilframs church at Grantham, to name just two. She will be helping to push forward our visitor economy which also incorporates growth of the district.
- On the cultural side we are still providing online events such as sketching classes, jazz, story telling for younger members, poetry video’s and also held an on-line ‘lock down’ photo competition and received over 100 entries, we had two winners, one decided by most ‘likes’ the other by the cabinet member for culture. The winners came from Stamford and Cambridge. It is hoped to make this an annual event.
- We have decided not to give a date to open the arts centres as we need to make sure that all our staff and customers would be safe and happy to attend any events when we do open and also PPE.
- Cllr. Kelham Cooke reported:
- Covid-19 continues to dominate now in recovery stage.
- 500 employees all working remotely.
- Government funding of 126k received to support high streets re opening
- SKDC Cabinet have been leading regular catch ups sessions supporting business community.
- SKDC have continue to work well through the epidemic period.
- Guidance for play grounds is to keep play equipment shut at present and to ensure adequate signage.
- Car Parking charges continue to be suspended
- Estimate costs of Corona virus pandemic to SKDC is 3.5k
Financial matters
20/21-39 To receive Financial Report for the period 01 April 2020 to 22 June 2020. - RESOLVED proposed Cllr. Andy Halfhide, seconded Cllr. Andy Hallam and unanimously agreed.
20/21-40 Unity Bank Signatories update. Noted that Cllr. Steve Valentine had not yet received his login details.
Action: Clerk to check with bank and also update Cllr Yvonne McCullen telephone number.
20/21-41 Consideration of back up data storage for LPC files
The Clerk presented researched data storage facilities and prices
Options: 1. External hard drive prices range from £79-£101
2. USB sticks with 32 GB approx. £12-£15
3. Microsoft 365 additional 1TB £3.80 per week on top of monthly payment
RESOLVED to purchase 2 x WD external hard drive with password protection £90. Proposed Cllr. Andy Hallam seconded Cllrs. Andy Halfhide and unanimously agreed.
Action: Clerk to purchase
20/21-42 RESOLVED purchase of Charles Arnold-Baker Local Council Administration latest edition due in December 2020. Approx. £140. Proposed Cllr. Andy Halfhide, seconded Cllr Angela Brogan and unanimously agreed.
Action: Clerk to purchase
To Approve Payments as follows:
20/21-43 Savills Allotment rent to 5.4.20 £85.00 – already paid -RESOLVED
20/21-44 N. Bright May salary – already paid-RESOLVED
20/21-45 S. Gresty May salary – already paid-RESOLVED
20/21-46 BDG Mowing – May £200.00 -RESOLVED
20/21-47 Welland & Deeping Internal Drainage Board £11.82 -RESOLVED
20/21-48 N Bright – June salary -RESOLVED
20/21-49 S Gresty – Jun salary -RESOLVED
20/21-50 HMRC Qtr 1 Tax and NIC - £575.20 -RESOLVED
20/21-51 ICO – data protection renewal fee £40.00 (paid by direct debit) -RESOLVED
20/21-52 DT Window Cleaning Ltd – Bus Shelter cleaning - £50.00 -RESOLVED
To note Income received:
20/21-53 LCC Grant fund for Covid-19 - £1000 - NOTED
20/21-54 HMRC VAT reclaimed £532.61 - NOTED
20/21-55 SKDC grant for provision of community cleaners £453.44 - NOTED
Planning: To receive Planning applications:
20/21-56 S18/2263 BP Fuel Station - Appeal Ref: APP/E2530/W/20/3249826
Cllr Andy Halfhide reported managing to speak to the Director of the Commercial arm of BP and has sent her all the document that LPC have submitted against the application. She expressed concerns as BP are a risk adverse company. She will be considering this with the BP Asset Manager who have been assigned the case.
Cllr. Kelham Cooke added that SKDC had appointed a Barrister to uphold their original refusal decision.
Action: forward LPC submissions to Cllr Kelham Cooke.
20/21-57 LCC Ref: PL/0062/20 – Development: To vary conditions 4 (APPROVED PLANS), 9 (HGV Routing) and 12 (scheme of working) of Planning permission S11/0123/CM, to amend the approved internal haul route from PHASES 3, 4 AND 5 to the on-site processing plant site, which requires the construction of a bailey bridge over gravel drain. LOCATION: Baston NO.2 Quarry, Langtoft, Outgang Road, Langtoft, Market Deeping, Peterborough, PE6 9QA GRID REFERENCE: 514042 313005. LPC noted this.
20/21-58 APP/E2530/W/20/3251992 22 East End, Langtoft Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 37 dwellings including details of access. Appeal.
Having taken on board the comments in the open forum LPC are compiling a further response to be submitted against this appeal including the new traffic data obtained.
Action: Cllrs. Andy Halfhide and Andy Hallam to formulate a further submission.
20/21-59 Covid-19 Support update. Very quiet, only 3 calls over the past 3 weeks. Noted that volunteers are still active and ready to help when required.
20/21-60 Goal Posts – Black Bull Green. Goal posts had been offered to replace the ones already installed from the Langtoft Football Club. However, it was felt that net free goals were more appropriate.
Due to current legislation the existing goal post are not safe and need to be removed.
Action: Clerk to reply thanking the club for the offer. However, the goals were not required.
To remove the goal posts as soon as possible and to research their replacement.
To review park equipment at the next meeting.
20/21-61 Penfield – update Cllr. Andy Halfhide and Brian Branch have signed the contracts and returned them to the Solicitors now awaiting Heidleberg to sign.
20/21-62 Grapevine – no update a meeting moving forward to be arranged.
20/21-63 Village Hall update – Report submitted by Jeannette Pearson, Chair LVHMC. The LVH decided to close to all Hirers March 23rd due to the GOV Guidance given regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Hall has remained closed to this date and the re-opening will form part of the Committees discussions when they meet on the 6th July via Zoom.
We have been approached by Hirers already regarding the re-opening, however, we have been very cautious and depending upon their “Use of the Hall” Will require a risk assessment to assure the Committee that their activities will not put people at risk.
We as a Committee will also discuss the implementation of Hand Sanitisers at various stations and the practicality of “Cleaning the Hall” after every hirer has used it. This will bring additional cost and will need to be factored into the Hire Charge. The logistics of getting someone Clean the Hall - after every Hire will also be challenging.
Sarah Castley has resigned as Cleaner / Caretaker as of 1st July and we will need to look at her replacement. This is on our Agenda.
During the Hall closure we have taken the opportunity to bring forward maintenance, painting and cleaning that was scheduled for August (a 2 week hall shut-down). This will enable us to open as soon as we feel it is safe to do so.
Our financial position is sound, however our rentable income of just under £11,000 Pa will be significantly impacted because of our inability to rent the hall out.
The Village Hall received a £10k Grant at the beginning of the COVID-19 shut-down therefore in essence this has replaced our rentable income for 2020.
The Hall is looking very smart. It has had a deep clean as recent as 22nd June.
The new decoration and clean lines will hopefully encourage the community to rent the Hall for Weddings, Christenings, Birthday Parties, Family Gatherings etc.
Before shut-down we purchased a 10 foot Projector screen and projector, this could be used for business meetings etc.
The Hall can be Hired “EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK” including Sundays!
We will soon launch our new Website which will enable people to book on-line.
We will update the PC after our meeting on the 6th July regarding the Hall officially opening to the public.
Contact Jeannette if anyone wants to book hall.
20/21-64 Langtoft Annual Awards Ceremony c/f to next agenda.
20/21-65 Condolence letter for Frieda Ellis Action: Cllr. Andy Halfhide to send
Standing orders were suspended at this point to enable an interview with Jim Swift by the LPC
20/21-66 Co-options of Parish Councillors.
Interview of John Swift took place.
Action: Clerk to send Application form to John to enable co-option at next meeting.
20/21-67 To note Correspondence received from last meeting – see attached page
Action: Clerk to circulate a weekly list of correspondence received by LPC.
Action: Cllrs Andy Halfhide and Andy Hallam to compose a support letter to Charles Whattoff regarding the water issues from LPC.
20/21-68 To receive Items for Future Meetings
Black Bull Green play equipment review
Cemetery
Penfield update
Playing fields update for re-opening
20/21-69 Date of future meetings: 1 Sept, 13 October, 25 Nov(Wed) Venue TBC
Meeting closed: 21.51