This meeting will take place on Tuesday 20th April 2021
Starting at 7.30PM via ZOOM
This is not a formal Parish Council meeting. It is an opportunity for residents of Great and Little Gidding to find out more about the work that the Parish Council are doing, to raise any issues they wish regarding the village and comment on plans for the coming year.
Due to Government restrictions regarding meetings held in person an Annual Parish Meeting was not held in 2020.
The Chairman’s Annual Report from the Parish Council
Update on current tasks within the Parish and plans for 2021-22.
For members of the public to present, discuss and resolve any other matters related to Great and Little Gidding Parish. Please submit any questions to the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting on ggparishcouncil@outlook.com or through the Parish Office letterbox by Friday 16th April.
Minutes of the online meeting held, via Zoom, on Tuesday 19th January 2021
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Hill, Cotton, Maciag and Pudney and the Clerk
147.20 Cllr Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present at the meeting. Cllr Dear has resigned from the Parish Council as she is soon to move out of the village, Cllr Hodson wished to express his thanks to her for all that she has done for the village and villagers, both prior to and during her time as a Councillor – Clerk will send her a letter of thanks.
148.20 Apologies were received from:
County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting, plans to join later
District Councillor Alban – at other meetings
149.20 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
150.20 No members of Public & Press were present.
151.20 Minutes of the meeting held on 15th December 2020 were confirmed by Cllr Hill and seconded by Cllr Pudney
152.20 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item –
there were none.
153.20 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS:
Cllr Hill – has heard nothing further on works related to the LHI bid
Cllr Hodson – allotments were under water/extremely wet.
Asked that “Roles and Responsibilities” be added to the next agenda
Cllr Pudney – whilst the village itself suffered no flooding incidents during recent heavy rainfall, he had found most roads leading to the village were impassable or heavily flooded and this was a matter of concern for access to the village. Clerk advised that District Councillor Alban was compiling details of the recent flooding incidents and there was to be a meeting with District Councillor Simon Bywater and Sawtry Parish Councillors to collate information, discuss options and actions.
There were no further Councillor reports.
154.20 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements
b) to note the Budget control statement and the cash flow forecast – Cllr Hodson advised that the grass cutting expenditure was much less than anticipated, the contract is due for renewal and this will be discussed at the next meeting.
c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following:
Who
What for
Amount
VAT
Authorised
Authorised
50
J R Trolove
Wages for November – 27 hours
£xxx
NONE
JRT
PH
VH
Fenland Fire Appliance LLP
Annual inspection
118.02
N/A
JRT
PH
Payments were agreed by Cllr Hill and seconded by Cllr Pudney.
d) to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 31st December ( 23 hours)
155.20 Planning matters:
a)Ref: 20/00243/ENTRÉE 65 Main Street – removal of hedgerow (Andrea Dollard, Enforcement Officer at HuntsDC) – nothing further heard
b)Report no 34428 (Zaria Bettles) Blocked public footpath (No 6) between Chapel End and Mill Road reported online – Parish Clerk has given details of field owners to Footpath Officer to enable her to pursue this matter. Clerk will contact Zaria Bettles for an update ready for February meeting.
c) 2 Gains Lane – aerial removed, conservatory still in situ
d) land adjacent to 21 Mill Road – Andrea Dollard, to follow up with Hunts DC colleague – nothing further heard from HuntsDC, Clerk will request an update.
e) Neighbourhood Plan – a letter of “approval” has been received from HuntsDC, which enables the process to commence. Clerk advised that the next step was to seek volunteers to form a research group. Cllr Maciag recommended that this be delayed until after lockdown and better weather, to allow for volunteers to meet together.
f) Cllr Macaig has completed the planning application form in respect of the MUGA for the Recreation Ground, a couple of queries required clarification. Cllr Pudney suggested that, if the storage container were moved to the other side of the toilet unit, this would enable the MUGA to be sited closer to the hedgerow. Cllr Hodson confirmed that the container could be easily moved to enable this and Cllr Maciag will rework the site plan and share with Councillors before submission to HuntsDC.
156.20 Recreation Ground – Wicksteed are still to carry out the annual inspection of play equipment – weather conditions/lockdown may have caused a delay
157.20 Bins – litter and dog waste bins/bag dispensers
With Councillor Dear leaving the village, one of her roles was to empty and maintain all bins within the parish, this was discussed and the following decisions made:
The dog waste bin at Little Gidding will be removed within the next couple of days (Clerk had asked for a volunteer amongst Little Gidding residents but, as they are not permitted to keep dogs, therefore no volunteer was found).
The litter bin opposite the shop is constantly full, mainly alcohol bottles, and is heavy and cumbersome – this will be removed as soon as possible.
Dog waste bins at the end of The Jitty between Main Street and Gains Lane, the Jubilee Wood, and Chapel End Pond – notices will be attached, seeking volunteers to take on responsibility of each bin, 10 days given for volunteers to contact Parish Clerk, after that date bins will be removed. Situation will be monitored and reported back at February meeting.
Clerk will request a further waste bin from HuntsDC to be sited close to the shop (there is already one bin opposite the Fox and Hounds PH, any waste can be deposited in this bin, and it is regularly emptied by HuntsDC)
Cllr Hodson asked that parishioners are encouraged to continue reporting fly tipping incidents to HuntsDC.
158.20 Gidding News – an issue will be compiled, ready for the February meeting, particularly to promote completion of Census forms, share details about the proposed MUGA, CARESCO activities that may benefit residents. Cllr Hill offered to compile the final copy and Clerk will forward content to him.
159.20 Parish Pond opposite Recreation Field. Possibility of creating bio diversity habitat and applicable grant application –Lucy Jenkins from FWAG had visited the site at the end of December, her response is awaited.
160.20 Correspondence received since 15th December 2020 (other than that discussed in agenda items above). Due to COVID 19 restrictions emails have been shared almost immediately.
CENSUS 21
Post Office Van – village visiting times (to include this in the Gidding News)
Cambs County Council – flood risk reporting flowchart
161.20 Items for decisions at next meeting:
Roles and responsibilities for Parish Councillors
Grass cutting contract
Bins – update on volunteers and/or removal of bins
Annual parish meeting – start preparation
162.20 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 16th February 2021,
Minutes of the online meeting held, via Zoom, on Tuesday 15th December 2020
Present: District Councillor Alban, Cllrs Hodson, Hill, Cotton, and Pudney and the Clerk
132.20 Cllr Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present at the meeting
133.20 Apologies were received from:
County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting
Cllr Dear – Clerk was unable to contact via telephone
Cllr Macaig
134.20 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
135.20 Public & Press participation session:
Cllr Alban – he had contacted the enforcement officer in Hunts DC Planning Department, requesting an update regarding the potential “dwelling” adjacent to 21 Mill Road. He had received advice that this matter was still ongoing. He advised that all Departments of the Council are working to the best of the ability, given the circumstances that COVID presents. Cllr Hodson enquired about Sawtry Leisure Centre re-opening but Cllr Alban advised that, as the property/business is no longer owned by the District Council, he was unable to answer this, Cllr Pudney advised that through his children’s attendance at Sawtry College, he was aware that it was the intention to re-open the Leisure Centre as soon as virus restrictions and compliance allow. Cllr Alban gave his best wishes to all for Christmas and New Year.
Cllr Alban left our meeting to rejoin Folksworth Parish Council meeting at 19.38.
136.20 Minutes of the meeting held on 17th November 2020 were confirmed by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Cotton
137.20 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
Cllr Hodson thanked those who submitted items and compiled the newsletter, all copies have been distributed to residents of the parish.
138.20 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS:
Clerk advised the following:
a) the annual CIL tax return has been submitted to Hunts DC
b) the annual Precept request has been submitted to Hunts DC
c) a VAT return was submitted to HMRC – a total of £356.04, and this amount was paid into the bank account on 15 December 2020.
d) AGAR report has been received from external auditor, PKF Littlejohn. There were no comments regarding the report, and this will be published on the village website.
Clerk had attended an online Society of Local Council Clerks meeting and advised that there is the possibility that Parish Councils could become involved with the rollout of the COVID vaccination programme, details not yet known. Also Parish Councils will be asked to assist with the 2021 census returns – details to follow, and see 144.20 – Correspondence received.
Cllr Hodson – Due to avian flu outbreaks, all poultry on the allotments is now housed indoors and undercover. The allotments and Jubilee Wood are very wet underfoot due to excessive rain but there are many people walking around the wood and making use of the facility. Michael Trolove continues to remove blackthorn when time and weather conditions allow.
Cllr Hill – had met with Jo Challis to confirm the siting of the post at the Glatton end of Main Street, but it had been difficult to find a suitable site for a second post at the Winwick end of Main Street due to the proximity of housing to the road, required sight lines etc. Cllr Hill had requested that the project go ahead with just one post for the camera for now, to ensure that the installation project was not delayed, and further thought and investigation will be given to a second post in the future. The Clerk had consulted Holme Parish Clerk, as their parish has had speed cameras for a few years and recently installed another post, it was confirmed that moving the camera from time to time was beneficial and reflected in the results obtained from their camera.
There were no further Councillor reports.
139.20 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements
b) to note the Budget control statement and the cash flow forecast – Cllr Hodson explained that, whilst the forecast shows an overspend on website provision, this was an essential expense to bring the website into line with current legislation.
c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following:
Who
What for
Amount
VAT
Authorised
Authorised
50
J R Trolove
Wages for October – 29 hours
£xxx
NONE
JRT
PH
51
Bradgate Fencing
Grass cutting Invoice no 8550
99.66
16.61
JRT
PH
48
Viking Stationers
Paper and print cartridge
59.95
9.99
JRT
PH
49
Cambs ACRE
Annual subscription
57.00
NONE
JRT
PH
52
PKF Littlejohn
External Auditor
240.00
40.00
JRT
PH
CH
J R Trolove – refunded for National Tool Hire
Hire of heavy duty wood chipper
192.95
N/A
JRT
PH
53
Inkwell Printing
Printing of newletter
23.00
NONE
JRT
PH
Payments were agreed by Cllr Pudney and seconded by Cllr Cotton.
d) to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 30th November ( 27 hours)
Pay scales for Parish Clerks have increased, this Clerk is on SCP14 of the pay scale, which has increased to £12.00 per hour
Cllr Pudney proposed the increase in hourly rate and this was agreed by Cllr Cotton.
140.20 Planning matters:
a)Ref: 20/00243/ENTRÉE 65 Main Street – removal of hedgerow (Andrea Dollard, Enforcement Officer at HuntsDC) – nothing further heard
b)Report no 34428 (Zaria Bettles) Blocked public footpath (No 6) between Chapel End and Mill Road reported online – Parish Clerk has given details of field owners to Footpath Officer to enable her to pursue this matter. Nothing further heard but Cllr Hodson has walked the footpath and, once again, the gate was tied with string, although no further dumping of vegetation.
c) 2 Gains Lane – aerial removed, conservatory still in situ
d) land adjacent to 21 Mill Road – Andrea Dollard, to follow up with Hunts DC colleague – see District Cllr Alban’s report at 135.20
e) Neighbourhood Plan update – it was agreed by all that the letter and accompanying map should be sent to Hunts DC to start the process.
f) proposed telecommunications mast – application to site at Luddington in the Brook, although objection refers to sites “offered” around Great Gidding parish – East Northants DC Planning Dept have advised that planning permission is not required as this application falls under Permitted Development . No further action or information.
g) Cllr Macaig has completed the planning application form in respect of the MUGA for the Recreation Ground, once this has been shared with other Councillors, it can be forwarded to Hunts District Council Planning Department. It was agreed by Councillors that it would be courteous to inform residents adjacent to the proposed site and then inform all villagers of the plans through an issue of the Gidding News in Spring 2021 or, if permitted at an event in the Village Hall.
*** Clerk phoned Cllr Dear, no response
141.20 Recreation Ground Update:
Safety report – Cllr Hodson had checked the field (report to follow) – the replacement bench slats still to be addressed.
Wicksteed will be asked to carry out the annual safety inspection.
Funding of MUGA – to be discussed at a future meeting
142.20 Public Footpaths –
a) Clerk has obtained National Farmers Union signs to be used on Public Footpaths, which includes a reminder to dog owners to clear up after their dog.
b) following a resident’s request for the Parish Council to address the increased incidents of dog fouling on grass verges and public property, an article was added to Gidding News (distributed early December) to remind dog owners.
c) Dog waste bins – as Cllr Dear was not present at the meeting, we did not have any information or update.
143.20 Parish Pond opposite Recreation Field. Possibility of creating bio diversity habitat and applicable grant application – the Clerk was aware of a flood prevention scheme associated with the Alconbury Brook which is adjacent to the pond, this scheme is linked with the Environment Agency and the first point of contact is Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group. Clerk has contacted the representative sending initial information and a site map and, during the course of the meeting, received advice that a visit will be made to site in the next few days by Lucy Jenkins from FWAG.
144.20 Correspondence received since 20th November 2020 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).
Due to COVID 19 restrictions emails have been shared almost immediately.
CENSUS 21 – advice – it was agreed that the next issue of Gidding News, in February 2021 would promote this exercise.
145.20 Items for decisions at next meeting:
146.20 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 19th January 2021,
Minutes of the online meeting held, via Zoom, on Tuesday 17th November 2020
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Hill, Cotton, Maciag and Pudney and the Clerk, Cllr Dear joined via phone link
115.20 Cllr Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting
116.20 Apologies were received from County Councillor Gardener and District Councillor Alban, both were attending other Parish Council meetings.
117.20 There were no member’s declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
118.20 There was no Public & Press participation.
119.20 Minutes of the meeting held on 20th October 2020 were accepted as correct by all present.
120.20 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
Cllr Hodson thanked Cllr Cotton for offering to present the wreath at the Remembrance Service. The service did not take place due to lockdown restrictions and the wreath will be stored for 2021 event.
Cllr Hodson advised that the work on the website has been completed and its content is now accessible to all.
Cllr Pudney – requested that articles for the next issue of Gidding News are submitted to him that are “ready to go” to enable him to compile the content. Cllr Hill will write a piece on the Village Hall and Clerk will submit further items to Cllr Hill for wording/layout.
121.20 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS:
Cllr Hill – had corresponded with Jo Challis of CambsCC Highways Dept, she has been seconded to another team during lockdown and therefore there would be a delay on starting the works.
Cllr Hodson – allotments are very wet, the new allotment holder has started preparing his allotment, a sculpture has been donated and installed on the orchard site. In the Jubilee Wood the blackthorn undergrowth is being cut back by Michael Trolove, the thinnings will be chipped and used as mulch on the orchard site.
Cllrs Cotton, Maciag, Pudney and Dear – nothing to report.
122.20 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements
b) to note the Budget control statement and cashflow forecast
c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following:
Who
What for
Amount
VAT
Authorised
Authorised
44
J R Trolove
Wages for September – 32 hours
£xxx
NONE
JRT
PH
43
Bradgate Fencing
Grass cutting Invoice no 8465
99.66
16.61
JRT
PH
45
Royal British Legion
Remembrance wreath
38.50
NONE
JRT
PH
46
Catalyst Design Partnership
Making village website accessible to all
480.00
80.00
JRT
PH
d) Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 30th October (29 hours) were approved.
123.20 Precept – the precept amount of £11,052 was approved and will be forwarded to Huntingdonshire District Council. The proposed future budget shows overspends in years to come, some of this funding will be met by general reserves and additional funding from outside organisations.
Cllr Pudney proposed acceptance of the 3 year budget, as discussed at the October meeting, this was seconded by Cllr Cotton.
124.20 Planning matters:
a) 65 Main Street – removal of hedgerow (Andrea Dollard, Enforcement Officer at HuntsDC) – a request has been made to re-instate a mixed woodland hedge on the site. Ms Dollard will update the Parish Council in 4 weeks time.
b) Report no 34428 (Zaria Bettles) Blocked public footpath (No 6) between Chapel End and Mill Road reported online – Parish Clerk has given details of field owners to Footpath Officer to enable her to pursue this matter.
c) London and Luton Airport Authority – proposed holding area for aircraft. Documents regarding this matter had been forwarded to Councillors by email. Cllr Hill had carried out further research and advised that there would appear to be no noise impact implications for our parish, due to a flying height of 8000ft being imposed in the nearest zone to Great & Little Gidding. Cllr Hodson agreed that information regarding the flying height appeared to imply negligible effect on this parish. County Councillor Gardener had requested our comments on this proposal and the Clerk will forward details to him.
d) 2 Gains Lane – Chorus Homes had responded and advised that both aerial and conservatory issues would be addressed. Cllr Hodson advised that the aerial has been taken down.
e) adjacent to 21 Mill Road – Clerk has received no response and suggested that District Cllr Alban should be contacted for advice. This was agreed.
f) Neighbourhood Plan requirements – Clerk has checked the District Council website and advised that few parishes have started this process, so far it is mainly the towns and larger villages, and/or villages where large scale development is proposed, that currently appear on the list. The process requires a Parish to register their interest in setting up a Neighbourhood Plan via the District Council. Funding is available to assist and support the Parish in this project which appears to have a 4/5 year timeframe. Clerk has been in conversation with Sawtry Parish Clerks, who have recently started on a Neighbourhood Plan for their Parish, this is led by a sub committee made up of Parish Councillors and interested residents, who report back to their Parish Council as the project progresses. Cllr Maciag advised that the current Government White Paper which proposes changes for planning practice, whereby there will be greater local level involvement in planning consultations, would indicate that it is better to have a planning policy in place rather than being forced into a “situation” in the future. Cllr Maciag recommended registering an interest with the District Council.
Cllr Hodson proposed that the Parish Council register an interest in devising a Neighbourhood Plan with Huntingdonshire District Council, this was seconded by Cllr Maciag. Clerk will complete the paperwork
125.20 Recreation Ground Update:
Cllr Maciag advised that the development of a Multi Use Games Area would cover an area of 30m2. A planning application to Huntingdonshire District Council is required and the cost, where a Charity is involved, would be £462.00. The application with Great Gidding Village Hall and Recreation Ground Trustees as the applicant. Clerk will liaise with Cllr Maciag to provide required information and maps. The start date for this project is likely to be spring of 2021.
126.20 Vice Chairman – Cllr Hodson proposed Cllr Pudney as Vice Chairman. There were no further nominations, this was accepted by all and Cllr Pudney accepted the role.
127.20 Correspondence received since 20th October 2020 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).
Clerk: NO letters have been received since the last meeting. Due to COVID 19 restrictions emails have been shared almost immediately.
128.20 Items for decisions at next meeting:
Dog fouling within the Parish
Planning matters – update on all outstanding issues.
131.20 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 15th December 2020,
Minutes of the online meeting held, via Zoom, on Tuesday 20th October 2020
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Hill, Cotton, Maciag and Pudney and the Clerk
098.20 Councillor Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed all to the meeting
099.20 Apologies and reasons for absence:
County Councillor Gardener
District Councillor Alban – another meeting
Councillor Dear – unable to access internet
100.20 There were no Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests in respect of items on the Agenda
101.20 No member of the Public or Press has requested to join the meeting
102.20 To confirm and accept minutes of the meeting held on 22nd September 2020
Councillor Hill proposed acceptance, seconded by Councillor Cotton
103.20 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item:
There were none
104.20 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS:
Councillor Hill advised that nothing further has been received from the County Council regarding the LHI bid or speed camera
Councillor Pudney had nothing to report
Councillor Maciag had nothing to report
Councillor Cotton had nothing to report
Councillor Hodson – all allotment rent renewals have been paid. There is a new allotment holder – the boundaries of his allotment had been brought back into alignment with other allotments. There is one person/family on the waiting list for an allotment.
Cllr Hodson also advised that Michael Trolove has been undertaking work in the Jubilee Wood to cut back blackthorn and, in the near future, a chipper will be hired in to deal with the trimmings, the resulting mulch will be used for the orchard site.
Clerk advised that a Remembrance Service on Sunday 8th November would be held, subject to COVID restrictions, and Cllr Cotton offered to lay the wreath on behalf of the Parish Council (exact details of the service to follow). Following a request from a parishioner, large poppies have been obtained and these will be displayed on the tree guards on the green, opposite the shop.
105.20 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements
b) to note the details of the Cash Control forecast
c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following:
Who
What for
Amount
VAT
Authorised
Authorised
38
J R Trolove
Wages for August – 34 hours
£xxx
NONE
JRT
PH
39
Bradgate Fencing
Grass cutting Invoice no 8375
99.66
16.61
JRT
PH
40
Catalyst Design
Website update and accessibility requirement
288.00
48.00
JRT
PH
Chris Knott Insurance Brokers
CHARITY – Insurance for allotments
85.00
NONE
JRT + PH PAID prior to meeting
J R TROLOVE paid by credit card
CHARITY -Buckingham Nurseries – infill plants for Jubilee Wood
199.99
NONE
Plants ordered 15/10/2020, to be delivered when lifted
d) to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 30th September (32 hours)
106.20 Precept – discussion of the annual budget to allow precept application to be sent to Huntingdonshire District Council
A copy of the budget had been sent to Councillors and was available to view during the meeting – discussion followed as to spending requirements for the coming year and the updated budget forecast is attached.
As regards the precept, it was agreed by all Councillors that this should remain at £11052 for the 2021-22 financial year.
107.20 Planning matters:
65 Main Street – removal of hedgerow – report from Andrea Dollard, Enforcement Officer at Huntingdonshire District Council. She will request the householder to replace the hedge.
7 Mill Road – removal of 2 x oak trees – Parish Council had made comment on this application and, as requested, only one tree has been felled.
Blocked public footpath between Chapel End and Mill Road reported online – The Footpath officer has requested further information and details to be added to a map to enable her to pursue this matter. Cllr Hodson has recently walked along Footpath 6 and cut back vegetation and advised that, as before, there was a rope securing the gate.
NALC document on Planning Policy reform – Cllr Maciag had written a resume of the documentation which will be forwarded to Councillors. He suggested that a Neighbourhood Plan and Design Guide might assist future planning considerations within the Parish.
Cllr Pudney enquired if anything further had been heard regarding the proposed mast and base station site in Luddington in the Brook – Clerk advised that as this was outside our parish boundary we would be unlikely to receive further correspondence. District Councillor Alban has offered to liaise with East Northants District Councillor if required.
108.20 NALC website accessibility statement requirements. Catalyst Design have sent an outline of options for the website and, in the mean time, have updated the Parish Council website pages and added a statement in respect of accessibility updates. The preferred option for updating the website, agreed by all Councillors, was option 2 – to make necessary amendments to all pages on the website. Cllr Maciag suggested that a new website could be budgeted for in say 3 years’ time.
109.20 Recreation Ground Update:
Multi Use Games Area – Cllr Pudney advised that the next step was to submit a planning application to Huntingdonshire District Council and Cllr Macaig will complete the necessary paperwork to be viewed at the November meeting.
110.20 Charity update – Cllr Hodson advised that the Charity was now a standalone entity, the Charity Commission website has been updated, showing Cllrs Hodson and Hill, and the Parish Clerk as Trustees of the Charity. The next step will be to obtain insurance cover and devise a constitution and financial regulations, together with all other necessary administration. In the future members, and more Trustees, will be sought to join the Charity
111.20 The Clerk and Cllr Pudney had made a start on the next issue of the Gidding News, which will include suggested tasks for volunteers, information regarding bonfires, general updates of Parish Council activities. A draft will be circulated to Councillors for amendment/approval by email as soon as it is available. This will be sent to Inkwell Printers of Barnwell.
112.20 Correspondence received since 22nd September 2020 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).
Clerk: NO letters have been received since the last meeting. Due to COVID 19 restrictions emails have been shared almost immediately.
113.20 Items for decisions at next meeting:
Vice Chairman’s role
Update on all planning matters, including adjacent to 21 Mill Road and 2 Gains Lane
114..20 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 17th November 2020,
starting at 1930 hours. It is likely that this meeting will take place online due to virus restrictions, details will be confirmed on the agenda.
Minutes of the online meeting held, via Zoom, on Tuesday 22nd September 2020
Present: Cllrs Hodson and Pudney and the Clerk at the Village Hall, Great Gidding and Cllr Hill joined the meeting via Zoom. There were two members of the public present at the Village Hall.
081.20 Cllr Hodson, Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting
082.20 To receive apologies and reasons for absence
Cllr Dear – unable to attend
District Cllr Alban – attendance at another meeting
County Cllr Gardener – hoped to join the meeting via ZOOM
083.20 Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
There were none
084.20 Public & Press participation session with respect to items on the Agenda
Members of the public were in attendance for 089.20
085.20 To confirm and accept minutes of the meeting held on 18th August 2020
Cllr Pudney proposed acceptance, and this was confirmed by Cllr Hodson.
086.20 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
There were none
087.20 To receive reports from Councillors:
Cllr Hill – to confirm that the 2021-22 Local Highways Initiative bid has already been submitted to Cambridgeshire County Council. At present more details of the 2020-21 project are awaited.
Cllr Pudney – confirmed that the broken limb has been removed from the tree in Chapel End. He also confirmed that fly tipping online reports have resulted in the rubbish being removed but he has noticed a general increase in litter, both in the parish and the wider landscape and suggested a litter picking event (see 095.20(b)).
Cllr Hodson – acknowledged that renewal date for allotments is not due until 1st October and that one plot has “changed hands” thereby reducing the waiting list to one name/family, but suggested that where a tenant holds 2 plots, those tenants should be given 12 month’s notice to vacate the plot, to allow the second name on the waiting list to become an allotment holder. Clerk will update Councillors, once it is known if all tenants are to renew their rental of their plot, Clerk will check with the remaining name/family on the waiting list to ensure they are still interested and then further steps will be considered.
Cllr Hodson has removed lower branches from the walnut tree that is growing close to the entrance to the allotments/Jubilee Wood to enable ease of access and allow more light into the surrounding area.
088.20 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements
b) to note the Budget control statement – a copy will be sent out with the Minutes together with cash flow forecast and budget reserves details.
c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – the following payments were agreed.
Who
What for
Amount
VAT
Authorised
Authorised
34
J R Trolove
Wages for July–32 hours
£xxx
NONE
JRT
PH
35
Bradgate Fencing
Grass cutting on 14 /8 Invoice no 8293
99.66
16.61
JRT
PH
36
CANALBS
Internal Audit report
127.50
NONE
JRT
PH
d) to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 31st August (34 hours) – approved by Cllrs Hodson and Pudney.
089.20 Co-option of Parish Councillors – Ms Anne Cotton and Mr Jan Maciag were welcomed to the meeting. They both signed an “Acceptance of office” as co-opted members of the Parish Council and will complete and return the Register of Interest forms.
090.20 Planning matters:
65 Main Street – removal of hedgerow – the Planning Enforcement Officer, Huntingdonshire District Council had emailed to advise that she has still to establish owners of the hedge and properties either side. The Clerk has emailed details to the Planning Enforcement Officer
7 Mill Road – removal of 2 x oak trees, (no facility to make comment on this application, therefore email sent to Conservation Officer). Clerk has checked the application online and Parish Council comments are linked to the application but there is no indication if the application is approved or otherwise.
Blocked public footpath between Chapel End and Mill Road reported online – to date no response received from CambsCC.
Reform of Planning matters – NALC document on Planning Policy reform and completion of questionnaire – Cllr Maciag will read through the documents and make recommendations to Councillors at the October meeting.
091.20 NALC website accessibility statement requirements. Catalyst Design will commence the work and report. *** an email was received during the meeting and forwarded to Councillors immediately following the meeting. This outlined actions that are required and how corrections could be put in place.
092.20 Recreation Ground Update:
Multi Use Games Area – Cllr Pudney presented proposed site plans for the area, two of which were at the Winwick end of the Rec. Ground and another which was close to the entrance off Winwick Road. Whilst the site close to the entrance may necessitate the storage container being moved (overall area is approximately the size of a tennis court with access around), it was agreed by those present that this would be the preferred site. A planning application will be prepared by Cllr Maciag for submission to Huntingdonshire District Council. Once planning requirements have been met, this will enable grant applications to be completed.
093.20 Parochial Church Council for St Michaels – it was agreed that any discussion/arrangements in respect of “Operation London Bridge” should be shared with the PCC. Clerk will liaise with the PCC.
094.20 The list of opportunities for volunteers to engage with tasks within the Parish (discussed at the August meeting) will be shared with Parishioners via a flyer. Other items to be included in the flyer:
Welcome of new Parish Councillors, and request for one more.
Village Hall update re. repairs and request for committee members
Litter pick event around Great and Little Gidding (obtain information pack from HuntsDC)
Proposal for MUGA on Recreation Ground
Update on the proposed telecommunications mast and base
Reminder of any COVID related contact details – include Face/Hands/Distance/6 if space allows
Orchard structure photograph
Invite interest for members of Gidding Charity (see Gidding Charities meeting 021.20)
Clerk and Cllr Pudney will liaise regarding content and layout before sending to Councillors for amendments and approval.
095.20 Correspondence received since 18th August 2020 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).
Clerk: NO letters have been received since the last meeting. Due to COVID 19 restrictions emails have been shared almost immediately.
a) Email from Cambs ACRE – invitation to join their ZOOM AGM on Weds 30th September, must register at least one week before.
b) Hunts DC email – community litter picking events – information pack online.
096.20 Items for decisions at next meeting:
Precept – discussion of annual budget to enable the precept to be applied for.
97.20 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 20th October 2020,
starting at 1930 hours. It is likely that this meeting will take place online due to virus restrictions, details will be confirmed on the agenda.
Minutes of the online meeting held, via Zoom, on Tuesday 18th August 2020
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Pudney and Dear at the Village Hall, Great Gidding and District Councillor Alban joined the meeting via Zoom.
064.20 Cllr Hodson as Chairman welcomed those present
065.20 To receive apologies and reasons for absence:
Cllr Hill – holiday
066.20 Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda – there were none
067.20 Public & Press participation session with respect to items on the Agenda
There was none
068.20 Minutes of the meeting held on 21st July 2020 were confirmed and accepted by Cllr Pudney, seconded by Cllr Dear
069.20 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
Highways Department of CambsCC have displayed a Public Notice throughout the village, notifying residents of the extension of the speed limit area with a 40MPH “buffer” zone. This is part of the LHI Bid project.
The Internal Auditor’s report has been received, following a telephone consultation held with the Clerk. The required audit papers will now be forwarded to the External Audidtor.
070.20 COUNCIL ISSUES TO NOTE:
To receive reports from Councillors:
District Councillor Alban advised that the Small Business Grant is available until midnight on Sunday 23rd August and, if any small businesses were known to require extra funding due to COVID 19, they should be encouraged to apply.
He advised that the Eat out to Help Out scheme was operational during August.
Huntingdon District Council will be revisiting their budget in the near future – difficult decisions will have to be made to reduce spending and he will keep us informed.
Cllr Pudney asked about fly tipping as there had been a spate of incidents recently and was advised by Cllr Alban that, since District Council refuse tips re-opened to the public, the Environmental Enforcement Team had been pro-active and, where information was found regarding the person(s) who tipped the waste, fixed penalty notices and prosecutions were being made.
Cllr Pudney has reported 3 incidents of fly tipping to the District Council in recent weeks.
Cllr Dear reported a limb of an ash tree was damaged in the storm at the weekend. Clerk will contact the field owner to ask them to resolve this as the branch is hanging very close to the road.
Cllr Pudney advised that a tree on the corner of Back Lane has also lost a limb – Clerk will advise the landowner.
Cllr Hodson reminded the Clerk about the parishioner’s request regarding a display of large poppies for Remembrance Sunday.
He advised that, having cleared vegetation from the blocked footpath that runs between Chapel End and Mill Road, the vegetation has again been used to block the footpath and the gate had been tied with string. Clerk has completed another online report to Cambridgeshire County Council (via their website online reporting form) –
Reference: 00344828 Date reported: 12/08/2020 Fault type: Obstruction on path Address: GREAT GIDDING FOOTPATH 6, GREAT GIDDING Location: Report no 335958 is the same location – between Chapel End and Mill ,, Description of fault: This has been reported on 335958, Parish Council has removed the vegetation and untied the rope restricting access on 2 occasions, but it had been replaced. Parish Council has received several reports/comments regarding this blockage of the Public Right of Way
071.20 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements
b) to note the Budget control statement
c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following:
Who
What for
Amount
VAT
Authorised
Authorised
23
J R Trolove
Wages for June–34 hours
£xxx
NONE
JRT
PH
24
Bradgate Fencing
Grass cutting Invoice no 8204
99.66
16.61
JRT
PH
25
JRB Enterprises
Dog poo bags
102.60
17.20
JRT
PH
26
N & C Hill
Refund for safety matting for slide
32.50
5.42
JRT
PH
27
T M Trolove
Refund for phone call associated with June Parish Council meeting
21.08
NONE
JRT
PH
28
Information Commissioners Office
Annual Subscription – Data Protection
40.00
None
JRT
PH
d) to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 30th July ( 32 hours)
072.20 Planning matters:
65 Main Street – removal of hedgerow. The Enforcement Officer for the Planning Department of Huntingdonshire District Council has been out to the site, she is to consult other District Council colleagues, make contact with the land owners and will report back to the Parish Council on 15th September
7 Mill Road – erection of fence, boundary satisfactorily re-instated following a meeting between Cllr Hodson and Mr Craven of Milton Estates but, more recently a planning application has been made to have 2 trees removed that are growing along this boundary. The Parish Council have not been consulted and asked to comment on this application, but it is known that there is a delay within the Planning Department due to lockdown, therefore Councillors discussed and agreed that an email should be sent to Planning Department, advising that the Parish Council is in agreement with removing the smaller of the 2 trees but would request that the larger of the two, an oak, be retained.
Reform of Planning matters – a NALC document had been shared with Councillors regarding the revised legislation that is proposed to streamline the process and make planning matters simpler. The Clerk will forward any updates and revisions and this matter will be discussed at the September meeting, and the questionnaire completed.
073.20 NALC website accessibility statement requirements. Catalyst Design have been consulted and requested to quote for the work, initially devising a template to advise that steps are being taken to ensure the Parish Council website pages are compliant.
Cllr Hodson – it would be an advantage to be able to update the website ourselves, to ensure that Minutes are shown in date order and to remove and update policies. Clerk had contacted Catalyst (prior to lockdown) to request a training session.
Clerk has asked the Internal Auditor’s advice regarding the amount of information that should be retained on the website. Auditor felt that documents dating back to the last election would be sufficient.
074.20 Recreation Ground Update:
Cllr Dear has been approached by the tenant of a field adjacent to the Rec Ground who was concerned about children throwing rubbish and vegetation from the Rec Ground into the field she was renting. She had been trying to block access between the tenanted field and the Rec Ground – it was agreed that she should contact Milton Estates to secure the field she was renting.
Replacement safety mat has been installed by Cllr Hill at the top of the slide.
Wooden steps to slide were found damaged, Cllr Hodson carried out temporary repair – new steps needed
Wobble board fixed by parishioner
Springy play equipment – algae and mould scrubbed off by Clerk
Multi Use Games Area – there was nothing further to report at this meeting.
Jubilee Wood /Orchard updates:
The seating area is now complete and in use by parishioners/visitors to the Wood
A parishioner has offered to replace the gate posts at the entrance with metal posts during the coming months.
Cllr Hodson has made a Grant application to the Earl Fitzwilliam Charity for a donation towards the orchard project – copy of the application is attached.
075.20 Resolution to register the Great Gidding Charity as a separate body with the Charity Commissioners with individuals as Trustees.
The Clerk outlined the thinking behind removing the Great Gidding Charity from the “umbrella” of the Parish Council – report is attached. Cllr Hodson proposed the Parish Council are removed as sole trustee of the Charity. Cllr Pudney seconded and Cllr Dear agreed. The Charity Commissioner will be advised to enable the process to be actioned.
076.20 Co-option of Parish Councillors – there have been no applications received. The Clerk had drafted a letter to be sent to individuals, inviting them to become a Parish Councillor, she had also drawn up a list of parishioners (with input from Parish Councillors) who could be asked to join the Parish Council. It is hoped that this form of direct request may yield results. Councillors agreed that this was the next course of action and letters will begin to be delivered this week.
077.20 Volunteering Policy and opportunities for volunteers within the Parish:
The Clerk has written a volunteer policy and, in addition, has drafted a handout to go to each household within the parish, a copy is attached. This handout takes the form of a list of one-off and occasional tasks that need to be carried out around the parish. It is hoped that, if residents do not wish to commit to becoming a Parish Councillor or a member of the Village Hall committee, that they might willing to volunteer to take on a lesser commitment within the villages.
078.20 Correspondence received since 21st July 2020 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).
Clerk: NO letters have been received since the last meeting. Due to COVID 19 restrictions emails have been shared almost immediately.
079.20 Items for decisions at next meeting:
Website accessibility and update
Planning Policy reform and completion of questionnaire
Huntingdonshire District Council updates on planning matters and footpath report
Prepare for Co-option of Parish Councillor
080.20 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 15th September 2020,
starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding, unless we are still restricted to holding online meetings.
Minutes of the online meeting held, via Zoom, on Tuesday 21st July 2020
Present: Cllrs Hill, Hodson, Pudney and Dear at the Village Hall, Great Gidding and County Councillor Gardner joined the meeting later via Zoom.
048.20 Chairman’s Welcome
049.20 To receive apologies and reasons for absence:
District Councillor Alban
050.20 Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda – there were none
051.20 Public & Press participation session with respect to items on the Agenda
No members of the Press or Public joined the meeting
052.20 To confirm and accept minutes of the meeting held on 16th June 2020 – these were confirmed by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Pudney
053.20 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item – there were none
054.20 COUNCIL ISSUES TO NOTE:
To receive reports from Councillors:
Cllr Hill – Local Highways Initiative Bid meeting – Cllr Hill met with Jo Challis, CambsCC Highways engineer with responsibility for the project, they walked around the village and identified sites for signage, road markings and the speed awareness unit (see printed emails on file that explain further). Due to the narrow grass verges, the “access gates” will be installed at the point of the of the 30MPH signs. CambsCC had offered to order the speed awareness sign (EVOLIS) as they were making a bulk purchase and this would result in a small saving on purchase costs. Further emails discuss the type of post required for the sign, these are additional cost and it was felt that a stronger post (than those used for street signs) would be required due to the addition of a solar powered battery unit. Jo Challis has subsequently enquired if a second post was required and, following discussion at the meeting, it was agreed that this would be preferred but would be dependent on the cost to the Parish Council (Cllr Hill will make enquiries of Jo Challis).
Initially the overall cost of the project was to be in the region of £7700, with the Parish Council to contribute approximately £1000.
Cllr Pudney offered that, if a second post is installed, he would be willing to move the unit between posts.
The 2021-22 bid has been submitted by Cllr Hill and its receipt acknowledged by CambsCC.
Cllrs Dear and Hodson had no further reports.
Cllr Pudney enquired when the grass triangle was cut (junction of Chapel End and Gains Lane), Cllr Dear advised that it has been cut twice so far this (calendar) year. Clerk advised that the County Council were contracted to cut this area once a year.
County Councillor Gardener joined the meeting via ZOOM at this point. He gave his report and then left our meeting to enable him to join Hail Weston Parish Council meeting. His report is attached.
055.20 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements
b) to note the Budget control statement
c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – Cllr Hill approved and Cllr Pudney seconded online payments in respect of the following:
Who
What for
Amount
VAT
Authorised
Authorised
21
J R Trolove
Wages for May – 27 hours
£xxx
NONE
JRT
PH
22
Bradgate Fencing
Grass cutting on 3/7 Invoice no 8124
99.66
16.61
JRT
PH
d) to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 30th June ( 34 hours) – signed by NH
056.20 Planning matters:
65 Main Street – removal of hedgerow. Clerk advised that, following notification of the hedge removal, she had contacted Mr Craven of Milton Estates, the owners of the “dry yard” next to No 65, who visited the site on the same day. Clerk also completed an online submission to Huntingdon District Council Planning Department as the site concerned falls within the Conservation Area of the village.
Milton Estates have responded to the Parish Council, but an update from the Conservation Office is awaited (copies of all correspondence can be seen on file).
It was agreed that the Parish Council would take no further action and await the report and advice of the Conservation Officer at Huntingdonshire District Council.
5 Mill Road (this should be No 7) – Copies of emails and photographs can be seen on file – the contractors had dug post holes for a new fence approx. 18 inches adrift from the original and onto land owned by Gidding Charity Trustees. Cllr Hodson met with Mr Craven of Milton Estates, the owner of the cottage, and the fence line was re-instated as the fence was erected, bringing this matter to a satisfactory conclusion.
Planning Applications – there are 2 applications for the Parish on Hunts DC planning portal, (as at 15/7/20) requests to comment have not been received, although from the website it is noted that there is a delay in processing applications.
057.20 Recreation Ground Update:
The play equipment – notices have been updated and attached to enable use of equipment with guidelines in respect of coronavirus precautions and restrictions. Cllr Hodson requested that a notice be installed in the Noticeboard at the entrance to the Recreation Ground – Clerk will install
Risk assessment by Cllr Hodson on 3/7/2020 identified the following (photographs on file):
Safety matting at the top of the slide had been damaged by the grass cutter. Cllr Hill will arrange to purchase a mat which will be installed over the existing matting.
Some play equipment needs scrubbing clean – Cllr Dear offered to clean this.
Multi Use Games Area– Cllr Pudney’s advised that some initial sketches had been produced. The preferred site (approx. the area of a tennis court and its surround) is just inside the entrance to the Recreation Ground to the right hand side, slightly away from the trees, but this may necessitate the storage container being moved to another area of the field. It was felt that the Winwick end of the field was too wet and overhung with trees. Potentially a mound could be created from soil excavated to create the hard play surface, thereby creating another play option.
Cllr Pudney advised that the pedals on the multi-gym were not operating correctly and he will try to fix this.
058.20 Remembrance Day wreath – reserved, awaiting information regarding service.
Display of large poppies – a resident had enquired last year about displaying large poppies on lampposts through the village. Due to licences required to install/add anything to lampposts this was not to be pursued. Poppies are available for a suggested donation of £1.50 each, Clerk suggested that one poppy be displayed for each villager who had died during the World Wars, possibly displaying them in the Church yard/entrance. Cllr Hodson suggested attaching the poppies to the tree guards on the triangle of grass opposite the village shop, where they could be seen by all.
059.20 Cllr Hill had advised the Clerk of his intention to resign his position as Chairman at this meeting. He also advised that he would remain as a Parish Councillor and would continue with the projects that he was currently involved with. Cllr Pudney expressed thanks to Cllr Hill.
It was agreed by all present that requests to encourage parishioners to join the Parish Council has been made several times through the Clarion/Gidding News/village website over the past year and this has failed to attract any enquiries. Clerk asked Councillors to compile a list of residents who could be sent an “invitation” to join the Parish Council.
Cllr Hodson, as Vice Chairman, took the role of Chairman for the remainder of the meeting.
060.20 Co-option of Parish Councillors – as stated in 059.20 there has been no interest.
061.20 Correspondence received since 16th June 2020 (other than that discussed in agenda items above) – copies can be seen on file.
Due to COVID 19 restrictions emails have been shared almost immediately.
Consultation regarding Huntingdon District Council Licensing Act – Cllr Hill will review this document and share thoughts with Councillors via email.
Extinction Rebellion – Utilising road verges to reverse biodiversity loss – Clerk advised that she had attended talks/workshops on this subject and suggested that, should a parishioner come forward with the interest of sowing a wildflower area/verge, this could be accommodated and grass contractors informed of the areas not to be cut.
Future Road closures and repairs/resurfacing – details and maps shared. The County Council will install road signs/warnings prior to work commencing, therefore parishioners would be made aware at the appropriate time.
Hunts DC – COVID 19 outbreak management – this document can be seen on file.
e) Huntingdonshire District Council – notification of refund of Council Tax payment in respect of Recreation Ground
f) a visitor to the village had highlighted an error on the newt trail directions as they appeared on the village website, and also advised that a tree was blocking the route. Cllr Hodson has requested that the village website be amended to rectify the error and had sawn through the tree that was blocking the route (this has been reported previously on the CambsCC online reporting page). Cllr Hodson had responded to the visitor’s email, thanking him for taking the trouble to inform about the errors/issues.
g) Request for assistance from Parishioner in how to get overhanging trees/vegetation in the area of Gains Lane/Dells Close/ The Jitty removed, to enable BT overhead cables to be replaced/renewed– online report and request made to Cambs CC Highways Department
h) British Horse Society – request for a researcher of ancient routes and footpaths – Cllr Dear offered to carry out the research.
062.20 Items for decisions at next meeting:
Prepare for Co-option of Parish Councillor
Nominations and voting for the position of Vice Chairman
Planning matters – No 65 Main Street (if report received from Planning Dept).
063.20 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 18th August 2020,
starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding, unless we are still restricted to holding online meetings.
Minutes of the online meeting held, via Zoom, on Tuesday 16th June 2020
Present: Cllrs Hill, Hodson, Pudney and District Cllr Alban via Zoom and Cllr Dear via telephone link.
031.20 Chairman’s Welcome
032.20 To receive apologies and reasons for absence
County Cllr Gardener
033.20 Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
There were none
034.20 Public & Press participation session with respect to items on the Agenda
There were none
035.20 To confirm and accept minutes of the meeting held on 19th May 2020
Cllr Pudney proposes acceptance, seconded by Cllr Hodson
District Cllr Alban joined at this point.
036.20 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
There was nothing that will not arise later in the meeting.
037.20 COUNCIL ISSUES TO NOTE:
To receive reports from Councillors:
District Cllr Alban advised that:
around 3000 people had applied for Council Tax deferral
at the start of lockdown there were 26 homeless people, who have all, if they wished, been found temporary accommodation.
£28million had been paid out in the form of grants from Huntingdonshire District Council – Cllr Hill thanked Cllr Alban for highlighting the availability of the grant, which had been applied for in respect of the Village Hall and paid within 48 hours. Clerk requested that there be some information made available regarding the “terms and conditions” of this grant, if there will be a reporting phase on how the monies were spent or some follow up action – Cllr Alban will research this aspect.
Bonfires – there had been some reports of nuisance bonfires in local villages, the Fire Service have advised that no bonfires should be lit to aid coronavirus and those suffering with breathing problems.
Cllr Alban reminded that the “My Huntingdonshire” webpage has useful information and reporting links for many District Council matters – https://my.huntingdonshire.gov.uk
038.20 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
Clerk advised that, where possible in the future, payments would be made by BACS. The bank accounts have been altered to enable this to happen. The signatories remain as Clerk and Cllrs Hodson and Hill. The procedure would evolve over the coming months, but all paperwork associated with the financial matters listed below had been forwarded to Councillors via email prior to the meeting
a) Barclays Bank statements
b) Budget control statement and cashflow spreadsheet
c) PAYMENTS to be authorised – scans of invoices provided:
Payment reference
Who
What for
Amount
VAT
Authorised
Authorised
1
16
Bradgate Fencing
Grass cutting
£99.66
£16.61
JRT
PH
2
17
Milton Estates
Footpath Rental
£1.00
NONE
JRT
PH
3
18
J R Trolove
Wages for April – 35 hours
£xxx
NONE
JRT
PH
4
19
Inkwell printing
Parish News
£23.00
NONE
JRT
PH
5) to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 30th May (27 hours)
*** Payments made since the last meeting:
BHIB – annual insurance for Parish Council £485.11 – no VAT
PH&JRT signed the cheque
Cllr Hodson reminded Clerk that funds in respect of the purchase of defibrillator pads should be transferred to the Village Hall account.
039.20 To view the AGAR documents prepared for the Internal Auditor’s visit.
Proposal to agree and sign the AGAR for the year 2019/20.
To review the Annual Governance Statement for 2019/20.
Proposal to agree and sign the Annual Governance Statement.
Cllr Hodson proposed that the AGAR and the Annual Governance Statement be signed for 2019/20, this was seconded by Cllr Pudney. Cllr Hill will sign to enable the Period of Public Rights to view the unaudited accounts to commence.
Whilst lockdown continues and it is not possible for a member of the public to visit and view documents in the Parish Office, a copy of the accounts would be made available on request to the Parish Clerk.
040.20 Website Accessibility Statement – to discuss NALC document detailing the requirement to review and set up an accessibility statement in connection with Parish Council and its website use. Clerk explained that the requirement was to have a review in place by September. As this Parish Council does not have a dedicated website, but posts information via the village website, it was suggested Catalyst Design, who set up and manage the website, should be consulted regarding the accessibility statement and its implementation. In the meantime, as before, should a member of the public require information they are able to contact the Parish Clerk.
041.20 Recreation Ground Update:
The play equipment remains off limits, signage will be updated/removed as Government advice changes.
Risk assessment undertaken by Cllr Hodson on 12/6/2020 identified that the grass was in need of a cut (Clerk had contacted the contractors and the grass was cut on 16 June). Two sections of the recently installed safety matting had been pulled up and fixing pegs broken – Cllr Hodson relaid this and Cllr Hill will add further fixing pegs.
Cllr Pudney has been in discussion with Huntingdonshire District Council regarding the provision of a Multi Use Games Area, to be sited on the Recreation Ground. He has also spoken to a local builder, and an architect who lives in the village has offered to draw up sketches. The process being that planning permission is sought before grants can be applied for. Any grant application would need to show village support and fund raising activities. Cllr Pudney will continue with the process and update at a future meeting.
Jubilee Wood update:
A style of bench has been chosen to be sited in the open area at the centre of the wood.
Diseased ash trees are still being removed and repurposed where possible.
Orchard Update:
The shelter/seating area is in construction by Cllr Hodson. Clerk has purchased items for this construction and a BACS payment to refund for this purchase has been set up on the Great Gidding Charity Trustees account – invoice scanned and shared via email prior to the meeting.
Payment Reference
Who
What for
Amount
VAT
Authorised
Authorised
5C
J R Trolove
Construction materials purchased from Wickes
£ 252.77
N/A
JRT
PH
042.20 Insurance for Parish Council – renewal due 1st June 2020 –
Approval of Asset Register – this was sent to Councillors by email prior to the Meeting.
Cllr Hill proposed approval of the Asset Register.
043.20 Local Highways Initiative Bid – 2021-22
Luddington Road and Mill Road extension of 30MPH
Cllr Hill had shared his proposal via email with Councillors prior to the meeting. County Cllr Gardener had agreed to support the submission. Cllr Pudney suggested that Milking Slade Lane should also have 30MPH signs installed so that all approaches to the village were covered by the same speed limit. Cllr Hill had estimated the full cost of the project would be £4000 with the Parish Council to contribute approx. 20% of the final cost (when the County Council view the “site” they then estimate the costs involved before agreeing/approving the submission). There was some discussion regarding the benefit, or not, of including “gates” at the entrance to villages – these will be included in the submission. Clerk advised that there was still a box of 30MPH stickers available in the Parish Office and, when the work is underway for the 2019/20 project, this may be a good time to distribute stickers to householders. Cllr Hill will rework the bid and make the submission to the County Council.
044.20 Co-option of Parish Councillors – On the May issue of the Gidding News (distributed to all Parishioners) there was a request for interested persons to make contact, the Clerk advised that there had been no enquiries/offers.
The newsletter had been professionally printed, in colour and on “glossy” paper at a very reasonable cost. On the whole, there had been a favourable response from Parishioners to the new style of newsletter. Councillors agreed that they would use a professional printer in the future, but would prefer it to be printed on recyclable paper.
045.20 Correspondence received since 19th May 2020 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).
Clerk: NO written correspondence has been received since the last meeting. There has been considerable email correspondence throughout the lockdown period which, where appropriate and informative, has been forwarded by the Clerk to Councillors, printed where necessary, and despatched immediately due to the constantly changing advice/content/requirements.
046.20 Items for decisions at next meeting.
Prepare for Election or Co-option of Parish Councillor
030.20 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 21st July 2020,
starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding, unless we are still restricted to holding online meetings.