Notes from the Parish Council October Meeting
Mr John Covill chaired the meeting with 5 Parish Councillors and 3 members of the public.
CCC Report: Councillor Williams reported to the meeting.
ECDC Report: Councillor Alderson reported to the meeting.
Correspondence Received: This was reported to the meeting.
Matters Arising - for information only
- Coopers Lane Ðbarrier: The work had finally started on the barrier.
- Sale of "Dencora" Field: The Clerk received an email informing the Parish Council that Dencora Homes had instructed Bidwells to seek offers for the freehold interest in the site.
- Budget Summary: This was presented to the meeting.
Pollarding of Lime Trees on Village Hall Driveway: A meeting was held on site with the ECDC Tree Officer, Cathy White. It was agreed to wait for the leaf fall and then take a photograph and submit with application form to Cathy White to confirm the work needed.
Removal of Tree on Allotments: Three estimates were invited for this work, 2 were received - the best estimate was £370 plus VAT. It was felt that this was excessive for the removal of one tree. Also in light of the unforeseen expenditure of recent legal costs, etc., to evict the travellers from the Recreation Ground, it was agreed that no further unbudgeted expenditure could be approved.
Play Area Climbing Frame Damage: The Clerk had contacted the suppliers of the new climbing frame asking them to inspect the damage climbing net. Following this inspection, it was confirmed that the net had been vandalised and that the cost for a replacement would be £265-00 + VAT. The Parish Council Insurers confirmed that a claim could be made for this item under the "malicious damage peril" clause.
Improvement Works at Church - use of Cemetery Water Supply: The Churches Conservation Trust had written asking the PC the cost of using the cemetery water supply during the works on St Cyriacs. It was agreed that this would be decided when the next Anglian Water account is received.
Recreation Ground - update: Following the relinquishing of the lease by the Parish Council, BTFC had met with Mr Hurrell and a new lease between BTFC & Mr Hurrell was being drafted and approved. A draft copy of the new lease was available for the meeting's information. It was noted that clauses had been included to ensure the availability of the area to village residents.
Date of Precept/Budget Meeting: This was agreed.
Planning Application:
- 47 Lower End ÐInternal alterations and insertion of three small rooflights.
- 70 High Street ÐInstallation of solar water heating collectors on frame on side roof.
There were no objections to the above.
Planning Council Procedure for the Consideration of Planning Applications: It was agreed that when planning applications are received between meetings and the date for comment is before the next meeting, an extraordinary meeting will be called.
Accounts for Payment: These were agreed. The Clerk confirmed that the External Auditors had approved the Annual Return for 2005 and that a "Closure of Audit" notice had been displayed.
Any Other Business:
Maintenance to Village Sign: When it came to dismantling the sign, it was found that the plinth holding the sign had rotted through. A new plinth will be made and the sign restored over the next few weeks.
Open Question Time:
Discussion about speeding through the village and the possibility of reducing the speed limit to 20mph in villages. The ongoing problem of lorries in the villages and fens was discussed. CCC has appointed an Officer to monitor this traffic in the County. It was suggested that the PC contact him to discuss this problem.
The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Thursday, 10th November 2005 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.