September 2024 Minutes
Minutes from the Parish Council Meeting held at Allington Village Hall on 12th September 2024
Present:
Cllrs S Reynolds (Chair)
C Baron
J Plummer
A Lowes
C Storer
District Cllr R Leadenham.
In attendance; Rebecca Hilton (Clerk & RFO), one village resident.
1. Welcome
Cllr Reynolds welcomed all those in attendance.
2. Apologies for absence and reasons given
Cllr Marvin gave apologies to the council for absence at the previous meeting. Cllr M Whittington emailed apologies for absence prior to the meeting
3. To receive declarations of pecuniary interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.
No declarations were made.
4. Minutes of the last meeting held on 10th July 2023 and the Extraordinary Meeting held on 5th August 2024.
It was resolved to adopt the minutes from 10th July and 5th August as a true record of each meeting. Proposed by Cllr C Storer and seconded by Cllr J Plummer.
Cllr C Baron requested that when meeting agendas were sent to Cllrs that the minutes from the previous meeting were recirculated.
5. Clerk’s Report & Accounts
The clerk’s report was a list of correspondence received since the previous meeting held on 10th July as detailed on the agenda.
Accounts for the period 1st July to 12th September distributed to Cllrs prior to the meeting for consideration were circulated at the meeting for approval. Accounts reconciled with bank statements. Confirmation of accuracy of the accounts was proposed by Cllr C Baron and approved by Cllr J Plummer.
6. Planning
Planning consents previously distributed by email to Cllrs were read out at the meeting.
7. Village Planters
Discussion took place as to the location of the fourth planter. It was agreed that the most attractive position was for the planter to be located on the grassed area on the left hand side of the road where Bottom Street leads onto Sedgebrook Road. It was resolved that Cllr Reynolds would contact PE Hempsteads regarding mowing and strimming around the planters.
Three planters have been positioned on the Village Green and planted up. Discussion took place regarding the practicalities of watering the plants. Cllr Baron to action a request regarding the potential use of a local water supply.
8. Mary Thompson Expenditure
It was agreed that the bench in St James’ Churchyard was the only expenditure stipulated from the Mary Thompson Bequeath along with a commemorative plaque. It was reported that Cllr Marvin had been obtaining quotes for the plaque.
Discussion took place regarding the purchase of a bench in celebration of the WI. Cllr Baron to contact the WI and ask if this suggestion was of interest.
9. Village Hall
Minutes sent to the clerk by the Village Hall Committee Secretary from the meeting on 6th August with members from the Village Hall Committee, Parish Councillors and Victoria Herbert from SKDC had been circulated prior the meeting. The minutes detailed grants potentially available for the repair / replacement of the Village Hall drains but to be confirmed by Victoria Herbert. It was reported that since the circulation of the minutes, SKDC had confirmed that due to the nature of the drain works, classed as repairs and not a new job, a grant could not be used.
It was agreed that the cost of the repairs, approximately £3,500.00 would be paid from Parish Council funds. Cllrs were reminded that the Chair of the Village Hall Committee had previously submitted three quotations to the clerk which had been circulated to Cllrs at the time. Cllr Reynolds to liaise with the Chair of the Village Hall Committee regarding the quotations.
It was agreed that a meeting with the Village Hall Committee would be planned to discuss changes and updates regarding the use of the Village Hall.
10. Playing Field
The areas identified by the RoSPA report produced by the play inspection company as needing attention were discussed. Areas discussed were the swing chains, play frame and play area surface. Cllr Plummer to obtain quotes from play equipment specialists including Wicksteads. Cllr Leadenham to pass on contact details for the contractors who have provided quotes for work on the Denton play area which is being refurbished.
Discussion took place regarding the codes for the toilet block and who should have access to the codes. Discussion also took place as to when the facilities should be open. Due to vandalism the toilet block is currently unlocked for events / use of the playing field but locked afterwards. Cllr Leadenham pointed out that if the facilities be open all day, Public Health and Safety regulations for Public Facilities and liabilities need to be checked. Cllr Reynolds agreed to look into the regulations. It was agreed that further discussion was required.
Use of the toilet block led to a brief discussion regarding use of the Playing Field by Grantham Town Football Club and issues that had arisen due to the club not adhering to the terms of their contract.
Refurbishment of toilet block was raised. Cllr Plummer circulated three quotations for potential redesign, planning submission and building regulations. A decision was taken regarding the quotation Cllrs wanted to accept. Cllrs decided to award the contract for design and plans to George Machin, email George@gracemachin.com It was agreed that the once design plans were drawn up these should be presented to Cllrs.
Cllr Plummer reported that the car park posts were not secure. It was agreed that the posts needed removing, a power hole borer be hired the hole filled with post concrete and the post inserted into the concrete then backfilled to secure them. The number of posts needing work is 32. Cllr Plummer to obtain hire costs and make enquiries for the loan of one locally.
Cllr Lowes mentioned that the petanque lights were not working. Cllr Plummer to check the sensor.
11. Bus shelter maintenance
Cllr Lowes to provide an update at the next meeting.
12. Discuss vacancy for a Parish Councillor
Cllr Reynolds reported that a Vacancy for a Parish Councillor would follow procedure in the next few weeks but until then, the Council will operate with six Councillors. LALC had been contacted regarding the situation and had not raised any objections.
13. District / County Councillor Report
Cllr Leadenham reported that an email had been sent to the Clerk for circulation to Cllrs regarding the next Ward Meeting on 22nd November. RSVPs required. Venue to be disclosed 48 hours prior to the meeting. Cllr Leadenham reported that District Cllrs had met in Bottesford to discuss the road network including the A607, the A52 and the A1 and had written to MPs requesting a meet with Highways. The next speed watch day coincides with Lincolnshire Day on 1st October. Cllr Leadenham asked if there had been any development with the Emergency Plan. No development due to the summer.
14. Agenda items for the next meeting
Review replacing current speed indicator with a solar powered unit. Cllr Baron mentioned that the quotes obtained for changing the indicator were over £4,000.00.
Update on purchasing dog waste bin for Marston Lane
To discuss logo for the Parish Council
Replacement of the Village Hall Defibrillator casing. Cllr Plummer to email the clerk the website details for ordering replacement casing at a cost of approximately £500.00. Once box purchased an electrician would be required for installation.
15. Date of the next meeting
Wednesday 9th October 2024.
The meeting closed at 21.17