2023 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Notes of the Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 13 September 2023 at the Methodist Church, Main Street, Scothern at 7:30pm

Present:    Cllrs Mrs C J Nicoll [Chair] (CJN), J Johnson (JJ), D Canton (DC), N Reyner     (NR), R Creaser (RC), B Patchett (BP), J Atkins ([Notes/Minutes] JA) 

In attendance:    District Councillor Baptiste Velan
    2 members of the public

130/23    Housekeeping - given by Chair

131/23    External Reports
a)    District Councillor – Neighbourhood Plan has been voted in. Scampton Stop Notice has been submitted.  Cllr Trevor Young is fighting on against the plans for Scampton. 

b)    County Councillor - not present but report submitted via Chair.  
    Scampton Asylum Seekers Site proposals.  A meeting took place recently with the Home Office and invited residents of Scampton and the neighbouring villages.  Reports from C/Cllr Richard Butroid (Scampton) - residents were critical of the assurances offered by the Home Office representatives.  Cllr. Butroid has requested through WLDC a further residents meeting with the Home Office be held in Welton to address the concerns of the people of Welton in view of the proximity of the village via Cliff Road. 
    Heating Rural Homes (re The Energy Bill).  Questions to Full Council on 15 September.  C/Cllr S Rawlins to ask a question regarding the issue of the prevalence of off-grid/oil fired and other boiler properties in rural Lincolnshire.  There is an apparent lack of understanding of the very significant problems that the proposal to ban the fitting of new oil-fired and other boilers after September 2026 in favour of possible heat pump solutions will involve, putting severe financial strain on those rural residents who will have to cope in such a short timescale with grant funding being limited and the replacement costs involving no only the appliances themselves but substantial related plumbing and insulation costs. 
    RAAC concrete:  LCC have undertaken a review of all LA maintained schools and can confirm that is no RAAC.  The DfE will be undertaking their own surveys and review of academies to ensure no RAAC in those properties either.  None have been identified to date. 

132/23    Public Session 
Jan Kenworthy and Jane Burgess present to advise Parish Council about the Parish Magazine's future. See 136/23.
Order called:    19.45

133/23    To receive apologies and consider reasons for absence
All councillors present.  No apologies received.

134/23    To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and consider any requests for dispensation  
None declared

135/23    Notes of Council Meeting held 12 July 2023 – to receive, approve and         sign as minutes.
Proposed: NR Seconded: DC.  Resolved notes be signed as minutes by Chair.

136/23    To receive report from Scothern Parish Magazine relating to the future of         the magazine and discuss possible options (CJN)
Noted Subscriptions are down and printing costs have increased rendering magazine potentially unviable.  All agreed it is a valuable resource for the village.  Proposed CJN: a working group be formed of three councillors (CJN, NR, DC) and PCC representatives to discuss options to keep magazine going (maybe online, email newsletter - however must meet GDPR guidelines).  Seconded: NR.          All Agreed.

137/23    Update Reports                                 

a)    To receive any updates regarding the Community Speed Initiative - SID (DC/RC)
i.    Data downloading - two months of data received. 
    Noted complaint received - camera on Sudbrooke Road reacts to drivers quite a way from the 30 mph sign.  RC to call Elancity to confirm parameters
ii.    No speedwatch sessions held.  When first launched Speedwatch had 16 volunteers, currently down to 7.  Discussion whether need for the initiative to continue given that the cameras are working well. DC/RC to ascertain if volunteers are still willing to carry on prior to decision being made.

b)    To receive an update on the maintenance and relocation of the war memorial 
Risk Assessment/Method Statement received from contractor and passed to Secretary of Parochial Church Council (PCC) to apply for faculty to enable work to be carried out.

c)    To receive updates and discuss play equipment repairs/replacements arising from Playdays report/quotation and discussions with Recreation Centre. 
i.    Bird repellent spikes on swings - Cllr JA reported that play equipment at Nettleham Park has wire ties as bird repellent "spikes" which seem to be effective.  
Action:  CJN to source appropriate wire/cable ties
ii.    Noted annual report received from Playsafe Ltd (RoSPA) Need to establish who is prepared to do what/responsible for maintenance - PC or Recreation Centre.  Some equipment has been highlighted as needing repairs although nothing highlighted as high-risk level.  
JA pointed out that Scothern play area has no equipment for less abled users.
Action:  JA to contact Playdays to arrange visit to ascertain costs of identified works/scheme of replacement.  
Action:  JA to source funding options.  Proposed:  JA, Seconded:  JJ  Agreed

d)    To receive report and discuss any Police matters 
Noted an email from Lincs Police had been sent to an invalid Council email address. DC requested this be forwarded to him. Noted Superintendent to hold six monthly online meetings with Chairs of Parish Councils. Community Inspector will also hold meetings with local Parish Councils.

e)    To receive updates about the Neighbourhood Plan Review
Nev Brown, Senior Neighbourhood Planning Policy Officer, WLDC advises that the responses documents following Regulation 16 inspection will be available for viewing on the WLDC website and he will shortly be contacting for help in appointing examiner.

f)    To review, discuss and take necessary action in relation to bus services through village.  
i.    Noted new bus service from PC Coaches seems to have been well received with no issues raised.
ii.    Information received from LCC in relation to Call Connect and displayed.
iii.    No date yet arranged from meeting with LCC in relation to bus services.
iv.    Agreed that the Lincolnshire University feasibility study not now viable.

g)    To receive update - Best Garden Competition (2023).
i.    Prizes awarded at the village produce show. 
ii.    Sponsorship was received from Mark Harris - £100; from Scothern Nurseries - £25; Oakwell Joinery- £20.00; Parish Council - £40 making prize money of £185.00.
Action: Acting Clerk to formally thank sponsors
iii.    JJ suggested new format for 2024.  A January to March competition (winter/spring gardens) and a July to September competition (summer gardens).  

h)    To update and discuss parking in Orchard Close. 
CJN spoken to complainant. School has been contacted to request parents be reminded to park considerately in Orchard Close and to slow down in Craypool Lane. No further action necessary.

138/23      Christmas events

a)    Christmas tree lighting events.  .  
    Suggested dates for lighting of tree - 8 or 15 December 2023  
    Action:     CJN to speak to Headteacher at Ellison Boulters School to confirm date and         arrangements. 
    BP to arrange for PAT testing of lights and to confirm arrangements with Straw family.

b)    Live Advent Calendar 
JJ suggesting new format - competition for Advent Windows and Christmas Gardens to be voted on by villagers and small award made to winners.
Proposed:  JJ/Seconded:  JA.     Agreed
    4045
139/23      Council Functions

a)    To hear update relating to arranging CPR refresher course.  
Action:  JA to contact LIVES to ascertain whether a course could be arranged and obtain details of costs involved.       

b)    To discuss and agree attendance at training courses.  
JJ has recorded courses attended by councillors and pointed out that refresher courses should be undertaken every three years to comply with the training policy. CJN suggested courses available through LALC which councillors may find beneficial.

c)    Receive report following attendance at LALC Summer Conference at Bentley Hotel on 19 July 2023.
120 delegates, 10 stands.  Event reasonably well organised with useful workshops.

d)    To receive Licence and Safeguarding Policy renewal from Scothern Methodist Church and to agree to sign Licence.
Agreed Chair and Clerk, when in post sign the new Licence. 

e)    District Councillor attendance at Parish Council meetings and support received. 
Thanks extended to Cllr Baptiste Velan for attendance.  A date to be arranged for a walk through the village.  

a)    To note updates in relation to the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR).  
Noted external audit completed, no issues raised. Notices to be displayed. 

b)    To receive update in relation to Bank Mandate and Signatories.  
Change to bank mandate completed - removing John Fotheringham and adding Robert Creaser.

c)    To discuss the use of LALC for internal audit 2023/24 and agree cost. 
Agreed LALC be engaged to complete internal audit 2023/24, costs similar to 2022/23.

d)    To agree purchase of Remembrance Wreath from Royal British Legion (S.137).  
Agreed wreath be purchased.

e)    Current financial statement.
Financial statement distributed prior to meeting and accepted. Bank statements signed as correct with bank reconciliation.

e)    Payments to be agreed:
Proposed:  RC/Seconded:  NR   Resolved payments be made.

141/23    Village maintenance: 
To discuss and take any necessary action regarding village maintenance - nothing to report

142/23    Highways:

a)    Update report
    To discuss email received from Lincs CC Executive Councillor, Highways and Transport in relation to local highways knowledge - Noted CJN completed survey on behalf of the Parish Council indicating generally not satisfied with support received from LCC Highways. 
    3rd Witham Internal Drainage Board contacted to request clearance of bed and banks of beck.

b)    To hear any updates regarding a request to clear offsets and gulleys on Main Street and Dunholme Road and jet drains following resurfacing works.
    Noted "Fix my Street" indicates this work will be carried out early October. 
    No legislation for farmers to clear straw from roads - WLDC advise road sweeping three times a year.  CJN requested sweeping as soon as possible but no guarantee can be given.

c)    To receive updates from LCC and consider actions with regard to flooding issues on Craypool Lane.   Nothing to report

d)    To receive any updates relating to the cycle path (eastern side) of Sudbrooke Road.  Nothing to report

e)    To receive any updates relating to the footpath (western side) of Sudbrooke Road. Nothing to report.

f)    To receive any updates regarding the expansion of the speed limit on Heath Road - ongoing.

g)    To request LCC improve the grass verge at end of Elmdene adjacent to St Luke’s Nursing Home to improve parking in the vicinity - C/Councillor Sue Rawlins to raise with LCC Highways.

143/23    Planning matters 

a)    146509 - Land Adjacent to, Stonefield House, 10 Main Street, Scothern, Lincolnshire, LN2 2UF application for 1no. detached dwelling with new vehicular access.  
Approved with conditions. Issues around SPC being advised that application being considered at WLDC planning committee on 6 September 2023 raised with WLDC. Notifcation sent to incorrect email address and received too late for council to attend/respond.

b)    Application by Thorpe Trees for Ms Louise Mumford to create an area of new native woodland on 4.7 hectares of land adjoining Grove Farm off Langworth Road, Scothern. 
Detail of application circulated councillors prior to meeting.  Application fully supported by Council; Thorpe Trees to be advised.

144/23    Field paths update
To discuss any maintenance due to the village field paths.  

a)    To note complaint received in relation to FP156 and discuss action.  

b)    To note compliant received in relation to FP154 and discuss action. 
Response made to both complainants, signposted to LCC Rights of Way website.  No further action needed. 

145/23     Reports – to receive update reports                    

a)    Grange Park Working Group
i.    To receive an update regarding work to the damaged fence Grange Park/Barber’s Farm - fence not repaired, still pursuing for work to be completed.
ii.    To receive an update from the Working Group. 
    Report circulated to councillors prior to meeting.  
    Most trees in good condition.  
    Looking at planting wild primroses 
    Some grass cutting "shoddily undertaken".
    Small notice board damaged.
    Four new trees to be planted. 
b)    To receive any updates from meetings of Scothern Recreation Centre and Spirit of Scothern. 
    Refurbishment in 2 phases 
o    B1 - plumbing and decorating - £20,000 (estimated). 
o    B2 - ongoing/waiting for approval. 
o    £82,000 total fund.  

146/23    (Correspondence (for information only)
-    WLDC - community funding event
-    LALC newsletters (21 July 2023, 4/18 August 2023, 1 September 2023)
-    LALC Training Bulletin (August 2023)

147/23    Date of next meeting – 11 October 2023

Meeting closed:    21:40
Cllr Baptist Velan left the meeting.

148/23    Resolved to move into closed session to discuss arrangements for the appointment of Clerk/RFO to Council.

149/23    Noted new Clerk/RFO (Lisa Brooks-Sleight) appointed to commence on 1 October 2023.
    Salary, commencement date and arrangements for induction were agreed.

Meeting closed:    22:15

    Chair
11 October 2023