Minutes of the parish council meeting - 12 December
Present: Cllr J Wood (Chairman), Cllr S Lyons (Vice Chairman), Cllr D Dennis, P Knowlson, Cllr S Batley, Cllr T Earle and Cllr K Earle.
In Attendance: Mr P Gill (Clerk) Cllr C Williams
Apologies. None
78.22. Chairman announcements: The Chairman thanked everyone for the early submission of their reports to the Clerk and that this should now be adopted as standard practice as this will make meetings more effective. He thanked Cllr Karin Bell for her contributions in her time as a Cllr and wished her well for the future.
79.22 Declarations of Interest and dispensation requests. None declared.
80.22 Co-Options. Cllrs noted that Cllr Bell had resigned and that there were no requests for co-option.
81.22 Minutes of the last meeting. Having reviewed the minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 3 November 2022 Cllrs RESOLVED to accept the minutes as a true and accurate record which the Chairman then signed.
82.22. Matter arising. None.
83.22 Police Report and Policing Issues. Having considered a request from Wilts Police & Crime Commissioner to support the following options
Option 1 – an increase in police precept of a 4.1% increase. This equates to 83p a month more for a Band D property (equal to £10 a year). This presents us with the scenario where efficiencies and savings of £3.1m must be found but is more manageable while also investing in extra police officers.
Option 2 – no increase in police precept: This would be equivalent to cutting the police budget. Wiltshire Police would have to find £5.5m savings at a time when investment is needed to ensure necessary changes and improvements to the police service the county’s residents receive.Cllrs RESPOLVED to support option 1 and directed Cllr Batley to inform the Police & Crime Commissioner to this effect and to complete the survey attached to the request. Action: Cllr Batley
84.22 Wilts Councillor Report. Wilts Cllr C Williams reported the following: Thankfully, we have enjoyed some warm days in September and October, but many people are concerned as more colder temperatures are forecast. Wiltshire Council is focused on supporting residents, businesses and communities - there is detailed information online at: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/6665/Council-tax-benefits-and-financial-support Please do take a look, as there may be additional help available for our residents. Assistance has already been provided to residents through schemes such as the Household Support Fund (£2.7m to vulnerable households), the Council Tax Energy Rebate to residents in Council Tax bands A-D and the School Holidays Activity and Food programme. The discretionary Council Tax Energy Rebate scheme for households in bands E to H is now open for those in in receipt of Council Tax reduction, or if the property has been adapted to accommodate a disabled person (including severe mental disabilities). The £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme is payable to every household - the discount will be applied to monthly household electricity bills for 6 months from October 2022 - you will get £66 in October and November and £67 in December, January, February, and March. The discount is paid monthly, even if you pay for your energy quarterly or use a payment card. Prepayment meter users will get equivalent vouchers that will need to be redeemed. Alongside this, the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee – the “Energy Price Cap” ensures that a “typical” household will pay no more than £2,500 per year until April 2023 when there will be a Treasury-led review into how energy bills are supported going forwards. Of course, many households in the Tidworth Community area, and the majority of those in the rural parishes are off the gas grid, and rely on heating oil or LPG, in addition to electricity. The Government is also providing an additional payment of £200 (recently increased from £100) to compensate for the rising costs of these other fuels and I know our MPs are lobbying ministers for more detail about how this payment will be distributed.
In the meantime, Wiltshire Council is focused on supporting residents, businesses (including schools) and Wiltshire Council staff. Area Boards are being asked to work with their communities to ensure that local support is in place for the most vulnerable, including food banks. The Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub is supporting residents with financial wellbeing concerns. The 09:30hrs restriction on concessionary fare bus passes has been lifted, so that they can be used at any time and Warm and Safe Wiltshire will continue to offer free and impartial energy advice to reduce fuel poverty.
It goes without saying that these are challenging times – but I am confident that with these measures, and the fabulous community spirit in parishes across Tidworth Community Area that our more vulnerable neighbours will be properly supported over the coming months.
Cllr Williams then answered questions and the Chairman thanked him for his report.
Adjournment for public comments/questions: 7.20pm. No members of the public in attendance.
The meeting reconvened at 7.21pm
85.22 Finance Report.
The Clerk presented the Income and Expenditure report for March along with Bank Reconciliations. produced from the accounts package and the latest bank statements. Cllrs noted the report and reconciliations.
2030 P Gill (Clerk’s Sal & Exps 6 Nov 22) £430.43
2029 HMRC (Clerk’s PAYE 6 Nov 22) £95.80
2031 R Dance (RBL Wreath 25 Oct 22) £20.00 (VAT £16.67)
2032 Playsafety Ltd (RoSPA Insp 14 Nov 22) £222.60 (VAT £37.10)
2033 JRC Cleaning Svcs Ltd (Bus Shelters 21 Nov) £64.40 (VAT £ 10.74)
2034 EDF (Rec Gd Electric 10 Nov 22) £7.61 (VAT £0.36)
2035 Idverde Ltd (Gds Maint & Bins 21 Nov 22) £570.88 (VAT £95.15)
2036 Wel Medical (Defibrillator 30 Nov 22) £1500.00 (£125.00)
2037 P Gill (Clerk’s Sal & Exps Dec 2) £459.30
2038 HMRC (Clerk’s PAYE Dec 22) £101.60
2039 P Gill (Clerk’s Sal & Exps Jan 23) 459.30 – paid in advance
2040 HMRC (Clerk’s PAYE Jan 23) £101.60 – paid in advance
2041 P Gill (Clerk’s Sal & Exps Feb 23) 443.70 – paid in advance
2043 D Ahmet (Xmas Big Brunch Burger Van Food 11 Dec 22) £450.00
2044 HMRC (Clerk’s PAYE Feb 23) £101.40 – paid in advance
2045 P Gill (Stamps 6 Dec 22) £10.88
Having considered the bills and cheques presented above Cllrs RESOLVED to authorise them for payment. Action: Clerk
Grant Requests. None received.
FY 23-24. Having considered and scrutinised in detail a draft budget prepared and previously circulated by the Clerk Cllrs RESOLVED that based on the now agreed Budget for FY 23/24 that the Precept for FY 23/24 be set at £26,109.22. This is an increase in the Precept of 10.1.% (£6.19) for Band D) on FY 22/23, which is in line with the RPI for September 2022. Action: Clerk
86.22 Planning Report:
Planning Applications determined:
PL/2022/06677 - Householder Application
Address: SHERWOOD HOUSE, CADLEY ROAD, COLLINGBOURNE DUCIS, SN8 3EB
Proposal: Construction of front porch and masonry steps and retrospective application for
garden room. Decision: Approve with Condition
PL/2022/07840 - Proposed Works to Trees in a Conservation Area
Address: TUDOR HOUSE, HIGH STREET, COLLINGBOURNE DUCIS, SN8 3EQ .
Decision: No Objection
Applications Considered.
PL/2022/08295. Householder planning permission to Erect a wooden shed structure that will serve as a hobby/workroom and potting shed/garden room at LITTLE BARN COTTAGE, 92 SUNTON, COLLINGBOURNE DUCIS, SN8 3DZ.
PL/2022/08953. Notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area, T1 - Cherry - reduce canopy into garden by 1.5m. T2 - Cherry - fell but retain pole for climbing plant. T3 - Silver Birch - Reduce canopy towards garden by 2m. T4 - Apple - reduce by 3m, retaining structure of scaffold branches at THE WILLOW, LUDGERSHALL ROAD, COLLINGBOURNE DUCIS, SN8 3EJ.
PL/2022/08296. Householder planning permission. To create an additional bedroom over the garage, which would be retained, the installation of a wood burner stove flue and light tunnel to the roof of the dwelling at 1 WEST FARM CLOSE, COLLINGBOURNE DUCIS, SN8 3DU.
PL/2022/09402.Householder planning permission. To create extension to existing garage to create an additional 1 no. parking space at THE OLD RECTORY, CHURCH STREET, COLLINGBOURNE DUCIS SN8 3EL.
Having considered these application Cllrs RESOLVED not to raise any comments.
Action: Cllr Batley
87.22 Property Report.
Annual RoSPA Report. Cllr Knowlson reported that ROSPA have now inspected our play areas at the recreation ground and up the Knapp. Full reports have been produced which were circulated to Cllrs on the 14th of November. Overall review of the reports there is nothing that has really changed from previous reports apart from the state of the Wooden Shelter which has been vandalised. Action is outstanding with me to figure out the best way to take down and dispose of the shelter.
Signage, it has been suggested that the sign on the Pirate ship should contain details of the owners (Parish Council) and contact details. He will investigate this. The reports have highlighted the various benches/tables and some equipment have green growth/dirt on them and should be cleaned. He proposes to incorporate this into the Village Litter Pick / Spring Clean event.
On the Pirate ship there is a guard rail above the netting ladder area which they are suggesting should be lowered to allow smaller children to reach. He will investigate the possibility of getting this adjusted. The pirate ship although must have complied with certain standards when installed does not altogether comply with updated standards, but this can apply for any equipment. He thinks that if it is maintained and any major issues sorted there should not be an issue but maybe this is something we need to investigate in case a liability issue arises. The Knapp equipment has not really deteriorated any further than the previous report, however one area to look at sooner rather than later is the D rings on the swings as they are wearing and should maybe be replaced. Action: Cllr Knowlson
Defibrillator. Cllr Knowlson reported that had a meeting with an electrician and Cllr Wood on Friday 9th December to discuss the wiring of the defib to get a quote for this work. He asked the electrician to test the power going to the Defib safe which was OK. Moreover, Cllr Dennis volunteered to get a quote for the ground works to enable the installation of the Defibrillator. Action: Cllr Knowlson & Dennis
(Post meeting Note. An installation quote for £400.36 has been received and is under consideration.)
General Maintenance. Cllr Lyons reported that Kevan, the Steward visited the village on 28/11/22 and conducted mostly leaf clearing from all the paths and drains he also specifically cleared the path over the pedestrian bridge as requested by a few residents. We need to communicate the role of the steward and work request form onto the village website at some point. Ian from Idverde met with Cllr Knowlson to discuss the repair and replacement of the wooden fencing next to the pedestrian bridge. After providing a quote of £217.35 for the work I instructed him to proceed. He is waiting for a date when the work will be done.
Part of the budget planning for next year he was looking into 5 x planters to be in various locations around the village. We need to discuss designs, locations and what we are using them for prior to ordering in 2023. We will need to liaise with the gardening club on this.
He has updated the "Agreed parish projects for FY 23/24" with a budget for some extra equipment for the litter pick. After discussion it was agreed that the dates for the Spring and Autumn litter Picks were confirmed as Sunday 26 March & Sunday 5 November 2023, respectively.
Knapp Hill Footpath. Cllr Batley raised the issue of the narrowing of the Knapp Hill Footpath and after discussion Cllr Lyons agreed to task the Parish Steward. Cllr Action: Cllr Lyons
88.22 Speeding.
Speed Watch. Cllr Knowlson reported Mr Paul Hartley is now back and we got our turn with the speed gun and we have been out again over the last couple of weeks. He has spoken to a member of the police force who oversees the Speedwatch scheme at the recent A338 road issue meeting held at Collingbourne Kingston to ask if we could get a new gun of our own. He has taken my details and Mr Hartley’s as head of the Speedwatch team and will liaise with Mr Hartley and keep pushing for this. Mr Hartley is moving the SIDs around locations on a regular basis. Cllrs thanked Mr Hartley for his work and noted the report. Action: Cllr Knowlson
89.22 Digital, Comms, It and Engagement.
General Update. Cllr K Earle reported that residents survey is closed and informed the project plans. The latest data for the website and social media is in the reporting deck . She has identified area for improvement and In January 2023 she plans to the launch the new parish steward informative page and resident request form, which is still under development however, she Cllr Lyons will circulate test pages before Christmas for comment. She will highlight our events calendar for the calendar year, adding as many dates as possible e,g. litter picks, holiday parties and run a recruitment campaign for new Cllrs in February/March 23 for which a small budget needs to be agreed. After discussion Cllrs RESOLVED to agree a budget of £200.00 for the recruitment campaign with Cllr K Earle as lead Cllr. Action Cllr K Earle
Coronation Event. During the above item, the date for a Coronation event was discussed and having previously agreed a budget of £2K for the event Cllrs RESOLVED that the event was to be held on Saturday 6 May 2023 and that Cllr Dennis would lead on the event using this year’s Jubilee Party Template as a planning guide. Action: Cllr Dennis
(Post meeting note. Date is the same as Everleigh’s event)
Agreed Project Plan. The project plan with all cost updates can be viewed in the document and in the new year, ready for review at the March meeting, I would plan to prepare this into a slide deck that can be shared with residents. It would also include the ongoing projects such as defib and virtual footpath, these are highlighted in the project plan document but have no further information. Cllrs noted Cllr K Earle’s intent. Action Cllr K Earle
90.22 Highways & Row.
Local Highway Footway Improvement Groups (LHFIGs).
A338 / A346 Junction Alterations. Cllrs Knowlson & Dennis reported that they are still waiting for a safety audit to take place on the junction to decide what option would be best. Options: Making into a T junction or re-design of the Roundabout & bringing forward of junction lines. Cost of the survey will be approx £1000 with CDPC committed to contribute £250 towards the audit. WCC consultants have been commissioned to undertake audits of both options. These will be available for us in the January LHFIG meeting. Action: Cllrs Knowlson & Dennis
Virtual Footpath in Cadley Road. Cllr Knowlson reported that he is waiting for this to be carried out by WCC. He has however noticed that the 3 metre section of road / virtual footpath that had subsided and cracked has been repaired following it being raised at the last LHFIG meeting. Action: Cllrs Knowlson & Dennis
Church Bends. Cllr Batley raised the issue of subsidence on the side of the Church Bends opposite the Church which Cllrs Knowlson & Dennis agreed to raise at the next LHFIGs meeting.
Action: Cllrs Knowlson & Dennis
91.22. Xmas Big Brunch Sat 11 Dec 22. Sat 11 Dec 22. Karin Bell reported by email that it was a highly successful day with about 130 people attending with much positive feedback being offered. The raffle made a profit of £140.00 which is being passed to the Council to donate to a good cause. She has several thoughts and ideas to help enhance next year’s event and some thoughts on the running of events in general which she is happy to discuss with the next year’s Bruch organiser. In the meantime, she suggested that if the Council intends to hold a Coronation event it would be a good idea to book the Face Painting & Balloons people now. Moreover, she regrets that she must step away at this time as her work and other time constraints have directed this, however she is happy to help when needed for events where possible. Cllrs then discussed setting a date for the Xmas Brunch 2023 and having previously set a budget of 1K Cllrs RESOLVED to set the date as Sunday 10 December 2023 with and Cllr Lyons agreed to lead on the event with all Cllrs being expected to lend a hand with the running of the event. Action: Cllr lyons & All Cllrs
Cllrs Thanked Karin Bell for organising this year’s Brunch.
92.22 Environment, Climate and Sustainability. Cllr T Earle had noting new to report currently.
93.22. Policies Subcommittee. Cllr K Earle explained o further update at this time. She will work this before Christmas and in the new year as previously planned. Full plan can be viewed here. Action: Cllr K Earle & Policy Subcommittee
94.22 Complaints. None received.
95.22. Date Of Next Meeting: The date of the next meeting was confirmed as starting at 7.00 pm. on Monday 13 March 2023.
The meeting closed at 20.30.pm
