March 2018 minutes

SOUTH WITHAM PARISH COUNCIL - Minutes of the Meeting held on the 6th Mar 2018 at 7.30pm

Present 18-28 Cllr K Jolley (Chair), Cllr C Ashton, Cllr Hodgkin, Cllr J Oldfield, Cllr A Smith, Cllr C v Straubenzee, Cllr S Lansdowne, Cllr F Parish, Cllr A White, Cllr P Golding, Mrs H Sandon (parish clerk) LCCllr/ SKDCllr R Adams, SKDCllr A Webster, 2 residents

Apologies for Absence 18-29, Cllr White

Receive Declaration of Interests 18-30 none

Public Forum 18-31

A resident came along to complain about the proposed alterations being made to the Public footpath , rear of the Blue Cow. She has been told by a LCC Public Right of Way Rep.that the steps, in need of repair are being removed due to H & S and handrails installed either side of the remaining slope. Several residents are not happy with this and feel it will become more dangerous. The Parish Council has not been made aware of this work, clerk to find out details ,LCCllr Adams agreed to look into this also. Cllr van Straubenzee also advised that she has been made aware that the Public Right of Way over her land is be reinstated to the original pathway.This she has no objections to, nor to the original two signs being reinstated, just one objection to a new third sign being placed on private property. LCCllr Adams to look into this also.

Mike Kelly, the VHMC Chairman attended the meeting and updated the PC on VH matters. The VHMC has installed a new till and is looking into cheaper suppliers. The recent family night was enjoyed by many and they have a range of other events planned; 19/5/18 village fete (on Royal Wedding day), 9/6/18 Summer Ball, 7/7/18 Music Festival, 10/11/18 Family night featuring Spellbound. PC asked Mike to put a piece in the WWord and on the SW website to advise residents of the new VHMC and to outline upcoming events.

Report from LCCllr Bob Adams 18-32 Mr Adams advised that the following Council tax rises had been agreed; SKDC £5 / LCC £70 a year to band D properties, Police 4.3% increase. He has been looking into the Great Close historical flooding issue but has no feedback as yet.

Notes of the PC monthly meeting held on the 6th Feb 2018 18-33
The notes of the meeting were approved by the Council and signed by the Chair in acceptance as minutes.

Resident letter re. various village concerns (circ. to Cllrs prior to meeting) 18-34 Discussion took place on the various issues raised; dog fouling, fly tipping, litter, speeding motorists, unauthorised HGVs through the village and work required to Public Rights of Way. Clerk to reply on behalf of SWPC.

Councillor Duties/ responsibilities list - agree duties 18-35 The following was agreed by SWPC; Finance Group- Cliff (lead) , Fran, Cathy, Paul

Road Safety Working Group- Fran (lead), Sandra, Andrea, Maria, Gemma School Liaison – Fran,

Playground Safety and Future Improvements- Cliff, Jim Cemetery and Allotments – Claire,

War Memorial – Claire

Police, including attendance at NPT meetings – Keith, Cliff

Data Protection Oficer- tba, once more info received from LALC

SWPC agreed that a Grant Funding group is no longer required, to set up for purpose as needed.

Financial Matters 18-36

  1. Monthly Accounts SWPC total bank balance £28755.73, BMM £28482.94, Play project £272.79. EOY forecast balance excluding reserves / fitness grant £10600.

Income received; 1) Whites (contribution to new speed sign £2000, 2) VHMC, keys cut refund to SWPC £69.00 Payments; 1) Helen Sandon Feb pay/exps £482.95, 2) Janine Costello Feb litter picking £105.00, 3) British Locksmiths Ltd (new keys x 7 sets) £96.60, 4) Finding Fitness inv 2 £172.80, 5) Unipart Dorman ( speed sign / brackets purchase) £2941.20 , 6) LALC annual subs 2018/19 £422.56, 7) Chris Cunningham ( bus shelter clean Feb 18) £20.00, 8) Keith Jolley ( refund for tarmac) £20.86.

Clerk’s and Councillors’ reports on ; 18-37 a)Village Hall, Cllr Jolley

  1. Repairs showers VH shower work completed, invoice to follow £603.64 plus vat, clerk to then invoice VHMC for £400 as agreed.

  2. External lights Cllr Jolley to arrange repairs to VH floodlights.