GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Council Offices, Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding Huntingdon PE28 5NU

Tel 01832 293068-www-thegiddings.org.uk email: giddingspc1@btinternet.com

Minutes of a Meeting of the Parish Council held in the Village Hall, Great Gidding on Tuesday 15^th October 2013 at 7.30pm.

 

Present:   Cllrs Alexander (chairman), James (vice-chairman), Hodson, Giddens, Trolove, County Cllr Bywater, District Cllr Tuplin and clerk

 

182.13 Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Hayden and Howden

183.13 Minutes of 17^th September 2013 were approved and signed

184.13 Matters arising (information only)

185.13 Members declaration of interest for agenda items – Cllr Giddens 200.13

 

186.13 Notice of completion of External Audit – clear audit returned and notice of completion of audit had been displayed.   Agreed to pay invoice of £120

187.13 Parochial Church Council request for financial contribution towards grass cutting.   This was discussed and a vote taken – 4 for and 1 against proposal to donate £200 – carried.

188.13 History Society request to fund the hire of village hall for meetings 2013/14.   This was discussed and agreed that £100 be donated to fund the use of the village hall for meetings

189.13 Quotes for replacement and new equipment for Recreation Ground – Cllr James had received 3 quotes and it was agreed to accept Fenland Leisure Products quote of £1,998.00

190.13 Risk Management Review amendments – Cllr Howden had produced amendments which the clerk would incorporate and circulate to members.

191.13 Lone working risk assessment – Cllr Alexander went through the checklist which he will write up and it was agreed that this should be checked quarterly.

192.13 Mobile Post Office service customer care reply 25^th September re dates the service had not been provided – this was noted and clerk to send a copy to Andy Hebb for information

193.13 Neighbourhood Watch – Cllr James had organised for a presentation to take place at 7pm prior to the Parish Council meeting on 19^th November.   Notification of this has been put in the Clarion.

194.13 Recreation Ground – removal of pavilion.  Cllr Trolove agreed to assist in the demolition of the structure.   Clerk had obtained cost of 8yd skip hire £160 + VAT but needs to confirm that roofing felt, glass, wood and plastic sheeting were all acceptable.

195.13 Village maintenance – it had been reported that the hedge behind the public bench at the crossroads was now overhanging the bench – it was noted that the hedge is the adjacent property holders responsibility and a letter had been sent to the owner.

196.13 Society of Local Council clerks membership renewal -£86.   The clerk attended branch meetings and local training and it was agreed to pay the annual subscription

197.13 Grass cutting contract – review for 2014.  This was the second year CGM had cut the grass and it was agreed to ask them to quote again and also for a 3 year contract.

198.13 County & District Cllrs update- County Cllr Bywater reported on the proposed seminar days for Parish Councillors by the County Council and the monthly CC email updates.   District Cllr Tuplin reported on Alconbury Weald developments.

 

199.13 Reports of Cllr Responsibilities

Rights of Way – Cllr Giddens agreed to attend the County Council Parish Paths meeting on 19^th November

Tree Warden & Jubilee Wood – Cllr Trolove agreed to consider the District Council offer of trees for the parish

Highways & Police – Cllr James had applied smartwater to Parish Council equipment and the clerk had submitted the paperwork.

Finance & Charities – Cllr Hodson had produced a 2014 draft budget plan for discussion at the November meeting.

Village Hall & Recreation Ground – Cllr Hodson reported that Sawtry Colts did not have a requirement to use the ground at present and this would therefore reflect on the income.

Allotments – Cllr Hodson reported no known problems

Community Liaison – Cllr Alexander had received enquiries about the lighting of bonfires but this had been taken up by individuals concerned

 

200 .13 Planning –

Application 1301393LBC replacement windows Thatched Cottage, 33 Chapel End. – No objections

Application 1301431FUL erection of single detached dwelling and associated car port (revised application to replace extant permission ref 1101000REP for erection of 2 dwelling houses) land at 23 Gains Lane. – No objections

Notification of allocation of address to new property adjacent to 47 Main Street – Corral Cottage, 49 Main Street – noted

201.13 Reconciliation of accounts and payment of cheques

S Dalley (clerk)                                                                  £298.68

S Dalley (clerk) back payment                                            £17.88

CGM grasscutting September                                            £180.53

PKF Littlejohn   external audit                                           £120.00

Anglian Water (Recreation Ground)                                    £82.75

Anglian Water (Allotments)                                                 £26.35 (Charity)

SLCC membership renewal                                                  £86.00

 

202.13 Correspondence received

.   Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner – launch of Neighbourhood Alert

.   Victim Support request for donation – agreed not to support at this time.

.   Luminus Grant Scheme – Cllr James agreed to look at the requirements for applying.

.   Hunts Forum of Voluntary Organisations Volunteer Awards 2013 – It was agreed to nominate Cllr Hodson for all his work as a councillor and on the Village Hall & Recreation Ground committee.

GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Council Offices, Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding Huntingdon PE28 5NU

Tel 01832 293068-www-thegiddings.org.uk email: giddingspc1@btinternet.com

Minutes of a Meeting of the Parish Council held in the Village Hall, Great Gidding on Tuesday 17^th September 2013 at 7.30pm.

Present:   Cllrs Alexander (chairman), James (vice-chairman), Hayden, Hodson, Howden, Trolove, District Cllr Tysoe and clerk

161.13 Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Giddens and County Cllr Bywater

162.13 Minutes of 20^th August 2013 were approved and signed

163.13 Matters arising (information only)

164.13 Members declaration of interest for agenda items – none

165.13 Parochial Church Council request for contribution towards churchyard grass cutting – paperwork to accompany request had not been received and therefore could not be considered.

166.13 HDC community chest fund for equipment on Recreation Ground – it was agreed to provide a static scooter and octopus seesaw plus replace the wobble board and stepping stones, Cllr James had received one quote and another two to be requested.

167.13 Risk management review – Cllr Howden to forward amendments for next meeting

168.13 Lone Working Risk Assessment – Cllr Alexander to complete assessment

169.13 Speeding traffic on Main Street – an email had been received from the school re parent complaints about speeding vehicles – clerk to advise school to refer complaints to the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

170.13 Highway maintenance update – Cllr Alexander had met with Mr Smith, Highways Dept who explained the new procedures to inspect quality of work for road repairs.

171.13 Village maintenance – path to dipping platform and clearance of ‘the pound’ by Community Pay Back Scheme.   The Offender Manager had visited both sites and agreed that the work was suitable for the scheme.   They would not be able to take away the vegetation but it was agreed that it be left on the verge by the pound and Cllr Trolove would arrange clearance.   A key to the village hall would need to be given to the Foreman on the day to access toilet facilities.

172.13 Mobile Post Office reliability of service.   An email had been received from the Post Office explaining the reason for the recent unreliability of the service.   It was agreed to forward the list of dates when the service had not been present in the village – a record had been kept by one of the parishioners and Cllr Hodson would obtain a copy for the clerk.

173.13 Smartwater – items of Parish Council Property for marking. Cllr James and the clerk to mark equipment, complete registration and produce a list of items marked

174.13 Cambridgeshire Future Transport – a copy of letter from Mark Lloyd Cambridgeshire County Council to Shailesh Vara MP copied to Rose Foster was read out.   It stated that no changes to the current bus service would be made until the community engagement process had been completed

175.13 Clarion publication – draft amendments made and Cllr James agreed to deliver copies again.   Cllr Hayden thanked her for delivering a copy to all households in the parish.

176.13 Proposed removal of pavilion from recreation ground – It was agreed that the pavilion should be dismantled and disposed of.   Cllr Trolove to ask Geoff G for a quote to demolish the pavilion and put into skip.   Costs of skip hire to be obtained by the clerk.

177.13 District Cllrs update – Cllr Tysoe mentioned the A14 consultation and the HDC cutbacks to improve service and offer value for money.

178.13 Reports of Councillor Responsibilities

Rights of Way – Cllr Giddens had emailed a report on proposed work by CCC

Tree Warden & Jubilee Wood – Cllr Trolove agreed to ask John Adams for a quote to cut back the boundary hedge between the allotments and the field.

Highways & Police – Cllr James agreed to contact the Community Safety Officer inviting them to give a presentation on Neighbourhood Watch

Finance & Charities – Cllr Hodson had added the HDC funding, recycling credits and Jubilee allocation balance together to give £2085.51for the upgrade of the Recreation Ground Equipment

Village Hall & Recreation Ground – Cllr Howden reported that the hall bookings were ticking over nicely and there were no known problems on the Recreation Ground

Allotments – There may be some spare half/whole allotments become vacant.   With one person on the waiting list it was agreed to advertise again in the Clarion.   It was agreed to remind tenants that the boundary of the allotments should be accessible to the Parish Council

Community Liaison – Cllr Alexander gave details of the School Harvest on 25^th September at 2.15pm and the Nativity on Thursday 12^th December at 6pm.

179.13 Payment of accounts

S Dalley Clerk payment September                             £295.70

CGM grass cutting x August                                        £180.53

180.13 Planning – Application 1301278FUL Proposed kitchen, utility, porch and bedroom extensions, 1 Dells Close – Recommend Approval

181.13 Correspondence received

. Connecting Cambridgeshire – Broadband update

. HDC Plans – Proposed Savings from Jason Ablewhite Exec Leader

. CCC – You choose how to spend county council budget – consultation until 30^th November

GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Council Offices, Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding Huntingdon PE28 5NU

Tel 01832 293068-www-thegiddings.org.uk email: giddingspc1@btinternet.com

Minutes of a Meeting of the Parish Council held in the Village Hall, Great Gidding on Tuesday 20^th August 2013 at 7.30pm.

Present:   Cllrs Alexander (chairman), James (vice chairman), Hodson, Howden and Giddens, County Cllr Bywater and clerk

 

140.13 Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Trolove and accepted

141.13 Minutes of 16^th July 2013 were agreed and signed

142.13 Matters arising (information only)

143.13 Members declaration of interest for agenda items – Allotments Cllrs Hodson and Howden

144.13 Charles Arnold Baker Local Council Administration – 9th edition had been published.   It was agreed not to purchase a copy (£60) as clerk had access to one at Sawtry but this would be reviewed should circumstances change

145.13 HDC community chest fund – proposal for equipment on Recreation Ground.   It was agreed to allocate £119.85 recycling credits and £114.66 Jubilee funds to the £1,851 grant towards this project.   Cllr James will now work within this budget to get quotes for suitable equipment.

146.13 Risk management review – amendments for approval at next meeting

147.13 Lone Working Risk Assessment – Cllr Alexander will undertake the risk assessment

148.13 Grievance Policy – it was agreed to look again at the policies held by the PC and report back to the next meeting

149.13 Pond maintenance – quote for path to dipping platform- two quotes had been requested but only one received from CGM for £324 + VAT.   It was agreed to ask if the community pay back scheme could undertake this work.

150.13 Village maintenance ‘the pound’ it was agreed to ask the Community Pay Back Scheme if they would undertake the clearing of this area of land.   Leaving the boundary  hedges intact and initially just clearing the  undergrowth.   The clerk has arranged a site  meeting with the offender manager on Wed 21^st August

151.13 National Salary Award 2013/14 for Local Council Clerks.   It was agreed to award the new rates of pay with effect from 1^st April 2013.

152.13 Smartwater – Cllr James had obtained this and a list is to be drawn up of items to be marked for agreement at the next meeting.   Clerk to complete statement of registration.

153.13 Cambridgeshire Future Transport – update.   No cuts in service will be made until further consultation – still waiting on a date for meeting.

154.13 Allotments – boundary and paths maintenance was discussed and it was agreed that a path should be left between plots and around the boundary. Clerk to write and remind tenants of this.   The hedge that borders the allotments from the field needs cutting back and will be discussed at the next meeting

155.13 Parish Council contribution to 2012/13 Jointly Funded Minor Improvement Scheme – Chapel End.   This was agreed as part of the application process and payment had now been requested for the Parish Council contribution of £1,100.

156.13 County and District Cllrs update   Cllr Bywater reported on his role with County Council committees, his interest in the Parish and wish to help as and when required.

157.13 Reports of Councillor Responsibilities

Rights of Way – Cllr Giddens reported that signs are still to be replaced by the CC

Tree Warden & Jubilee Wood – no report

Highways & Police – Cllr James reported on the latest information received and is looking into promoting Neighbourhood Watch as there has been some interest shown in the village.

Finance & Charities – Cllr Hodson had produced a budget update and there have been no major changes.

Village Hall & Recreation Ground Cllr Howden reported that apart from some minor jobs in the Village Hall all was in order.   The pavilion on the Recreation Ground was discussed and the management committee have recommended to the Parish Council that it is now no longer fit for purpose and a decision needs to be made as to its disposal/removal.   This will be discussed again at the next Parish Council meeting.

Allotments – Cllr Howden reported that one plot may become vacant – we have one person on the waiting list once confirmation has been received

Community Liaison – Cllr Alexander had no news to report

158.13 Payment of accounts were agreed and signed

Cambs County Council                                  £1,100.00 (Jointly Funded Scheme)

S Dalley Clerk payment July                             £295.70

Data Protection renewal fee                                 £35.00

CGM grass cutting x 3 July                                £270.81

L James (smartwater)                                           £29.50

159.13 Planning – amended plans to 76 Main Street had been received and PC recommendation for approval still agreed as before

160.13 Correspondence received

. HDC budget consultation from Cllr Jason Ablewhite – noted

. Connecting Cambridgeshire – Broadband update – noted

. East Northants Council – Validation of Planning Applications – noted

. Council for the Protection of Rural England request for support – it was agreed to advertise this for individuals to support.

GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Council Offices, Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding Huntingdon PE28 5NU

Tel 01832 293068-www-thegiddings.org.uk email: giddingspc1@btinternet.com

 

Minutes of a Meeting of the Parish Council held in the Village Hall, Great Gidding on Tuesday 16^th July 2013 at 7.30pm.

Prior to the meeting Councillors had met at the site of the village pound – this item will be on the next agenda for discussion.

 

Present: Cllrs Alexander (chairman), James (vice-chairman), Hayden, Hodson,  Howden, Trolove, Giddens, District Cllr Tysoe and clerk

 

121.13 Apologies for absence were received from County Cllr Bywater

122.13 Minutes of 18^th June 2013 were agreed and signed

123.13 Matters arising (information only)

124.13 Members declaration of interest for agenda items – none

125.13 Update from County and District Councillors – County Cllr Bywater had sent a written update on Cambridgeshire Future Transport.   District Cllr Tysoe gave an update on his response to HDC Local Plan and asked for support of ‘One Leisure’ in Sawtry

126.13 Huntingdonshire District Council Community chest fund award – Cllr James application had been successful and £1,851 had been awarded to regenerate equipment at the Recreation Ground.   Cllr James agreed to obtain quotes for the proposed work.

127.13 Risk management review – Cllr Howden recommended several changes which he will  forward for agreement at the next meeting.

128.13 Lone Working Policy and Grievance Policy – clerk had produced a draft Lone working policy and risk assessment for Cllrs to consider for agreement at the next meeting.   Clerk is working on the grievance policy and would be forwarding for consideration at next meeting.

129.13 Cambridgeshire Future Transport – the timescales for the proposed changes are behind the original schedule and there will be no withdrawal of services in September 2013.   Briefing meetings are still to take place ahead of forming working groups for each area.

130.13 Fields in Trust Land Registry paperwork completion had now been received and a copy would be kept in the office with the original placed in the archives at Huntingdon Library.

131.13 Village noticeboards – Cllr James had assessed the board outside the school and offered to treat with wood preservative before the winter.   Cllr Hayden had previously agreed to do the same to the board attached to his property.

132.13 Archives – minutes for 17^th January, 9^th May and 27^th September 2006 were missing from the Parish Council records.   Cllr Hayden was unable to provide copies so it was agreed to archive the records annotated with these omissions.

133.13 Smartwater – Proposal to purchase and mark Parish Council Property – it was agreed that Cllr James would obtain the smartwater and be reimbursed by the Parish Council (£29.50).   Items would then be identified for marking and appropriate signs put up.

134.13 Clerk’s Appraisal – Cllr Alexander gave a report of the appraisal to the meeting.

135.13 Reports of Councillor Responsibilities

Rights of Way – Cllr Giddens reported that several signs had gone missing again and she was working with the County Council to have these replaced

Tree Warden & Jubilee Wood – Cllr Trolove expressed concern that residents were removing trees from properties within the conservation area and it was agreed that an article be put in the next Clarion reminding people that they should seek approval from the District Council before carrying out any changes.   The moth evening at the wood had been very successful, there is a good habitat for such a young wood and a full environmental audit is to be carried out.

Highways & Police – the newt sign from the wood had been removed but has been reclaimed and the sink from the pavilion has been taken – both incidents should be reported to the police by those who found them missing.

Finance & Charities – Cllr Hodson had produced a budget update

Cllr Hodson informed the meeting that when the charities were merged the rules for running the hall had been changed.   The Parish Council will be required to provide 2 members to serve on the management committee in 2014 when the existing members complete their 5 year term.

Village Hall & Recreation Ground – Cllr Howden reported that the line marking carried out on behalf of the school appeared to have killed the grass.   Cllr Howden to contact the school to ask the contractor if weedkiller had been mixed with the marking paint.

Allotments –Cllr Howden reported that some allotments were suffering with lack of work and were being monitored

Community Liaison –    Several residents of Mill Road had complained to a member of the council about the smell and smoke from a recent bonfire lit in this location.   The clerk was instructed to write to the person concerned.   It had been brought to the council’s attention that the path leading to the dipping platform at the village pond in Main Street required attention as it was now covered in weeds and the bark chippings needed topping up.   Clerk to ask the grass cutting contractor to look at the work and give a quote for the maintenance

136.13 Payment of accounts

S Dalley Clerk payment June                           £295.70

Anglian Water (Recreation Ground)                   £25.56

Anglian Water (Allotments)                                  £7.59 (Charity)

CGM grass cutting June                                   £180.54

Village Hall & Recreation Ground S137           £44.10 (insurance for Gala event)

J R Trolove (Gala event) S137                   £114.33

137.13 Planning – The building control office had visited 61 Main Street and informed the owners of the potential hazards the building now posed with loose roof tiles.

138.13 Clarion – Cllr James had delivered the Clarion to all properties in Great & Little Gidding

139.13 Correspondence received

. Peterborough Cycling Club road race Sunday 25^th August – noted

. Rural Cambs Citizens Advice Bureau request for grant form – no further action agreed

. HDC Extended permitted Development rights – noted

. Cambridgeshire Community Champion Scheme – it was agreed to place information on noticeboards