Minutes 17th October 2024
WILLOUGHBY DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 17th October 2024
Present: Cllrs Eyre; Mulhearn; White; Hale; Jenkinson
7 members of the public
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
During the public session a question was asked regarding Riparian Rights, Chairman to respond direct; thanks were given to the School for tidying up the corner which makes visibility better; a report was given regarding sewage system on Church Lane/Bonthorpe Road – Anglian Water had attended and jet washed the system which seemed to have cleared blockages. Clerk to contact Anglian Water to ask for a report of the condition of the sewers prior to and following the work.
58 APOLOGIES
Apologies and valid reasons for absence were received from Cllrs Fairfield and Havell and these were accepted.
Cllr Davie (LCC) had forwarded his apologies.
The Clerk read out letter of resignation from Cllr Hedges due to continuing health. The Council was sorry to see her go and wished her well. Clerk to contact Returning Officer.
59 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Mulhearn declared a personal interest in allotment item.
60 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 19TH SEPTEMBER 2024
It was resolved that these be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
61 UPDATES FROM THE CLERK
- Old School Lane – LCC Highways to look at potential solutions to prevent parking at the entrance and blocking the lane
- Hedge – Village Green – to be cut as soon as possible.
- Longhurst Housing – email advising they do not own properties in Willoughby – Clerk to try Platform Housing.
- Additional No Parking signs had been obtained, Chairman to look at placing in situ.
62 CO-OPTION
There were no applications to fill the vacancy caused by Cllr Cook. Clerk to re-advertise.
63 UPDATES FROM ELDC/LCC
Cllr Eyre advised that there were Community Grants available to community groups of up to £2000.
64 FLOODING ISSUES
Clerk read out e mail from LCC Highways advising that works to the drainage system Church Lane/ Bonthorpe Road should be done before the end of 2024.
It was noted that a gully was blocked on Station Road – Clerk to report
65 VILLAGE MATTERS
a) Playing Fields – nothing to report
b) Village Green – concern at damage done by cars racing across the green – Clerk had informed Police, awaiting their response. Chairman to site No Parking signs
c) Allotments:
i) Plot 17 – once the School had cleared the tyres Clerk has re-let plot to next person on waiting list – it was agreed no rent be payable for the period up to April 2025.
ii) (Cllr Mulhearn declared a personal interest in this item and did not take part in debate or voting thereon). Letter from Events Committee requesting use of unused allotments for events, including bonfire/fireworks. Clerk advised that the land was vested in the Parish Council for allotment use, and this could potentially require a formal change of use in planning terms. Concerns were also raised regarding effects of fireworks on nearby properties. After discussion it was resolved not to permit the use by the Events Committee.
iii) Entrance – Clerk read out e mail from adjoining resident, following advice that the Parish Council could not remove growth from his garden, the resident will be cutting back the growth and returning it to the allotment entrance side as he is entitled to do. This was noted.
66 FINANCE
a) Accounts for Payment:
Clerks salary & PAYE for October £172.64
Reimbursement Clerk for purchase No Parking signs £116.57
b) Income/Expenditure to 30th September
This was noted
c) Initial budget/precept request – circulated, members to consider any budget requests for the next meeting.
67 ALTERATIONS GRASS CUTTING CONTRACT
Members agreed that this did not need alteration. This will be up for tender January 2025
68 CORRESPONDENCE
Woodland Trust – Free Trees – Clerk to enquire if this has to be on public land/land with public access and the number of trees.
Future 4 Me – supports young people in community work – members to consider any areas which may benefit.
69 PLANNING
There were no applications or decisions to note.
70 ANY OTHER MATTERS/ITEMS NEXT AGENDA
Clerk to check if lime tree corner of Village Hall car park has a Preservation Order.
Chairman thanked local resident who repaired and replaced the Home of Captain John Smith bar on the village entrance sign.
71 NEXT MEETING
21st November 2024
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8:30pm