2014 10 Minutes of October 21st Parish Council Meeting

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 21st October 2014 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

Present
Chair: Andrew Alexander
Councillors: Paul Hodson, Rachel Giddens, Robin Hayden, Chris Howden
Clerk: Caroline Bradley
C Councillor: Simon Bywater
D Councillor: Dick Tuplin
Members of the public: 1

426.14 Chair’s Welcome
427.14 Apologies and reasons for absence
Cllr James sent apologies and reason for her absence and these were accepted by the Parish Council (PC).
428.14 Member’s declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
None.
429.14 Public and press participation session with respect to items on the agenda
Member of the public, who is also a member of the Village Hall and Recreation Ground Charity Committee, requested the PC address the trees on the recreation ground due to them having reached their 40yr lifespan.
430.14 To confirm and accept minutes of 16th September 2014
The PC unanimously agreed these to be a true record of events.  The Chair signed each page.
431.14 Matters arising from minutes (information only)
None.
432.14 Communication from District and County Cllrs
The PC asked advice from the Cllrs regarding tree maintenance and liability.  Their advice was to follow guidelines regarding commissioning aboricultural surveys every 5yrs and have a, working, tree log.  They suggested a couple of contacts which the clerk logged.
The Clerk asked for advice regarding the Winter Maintenance Volunteering Scheme with regards to gritting public footpaths.  Whilst this was seen as a productive task, the PC were still cautious of liability and the Clerk reminded the group that she was unable to locate a document negating the PC of liability if an accident occurred after a volunteer had attempted to grit a footpath, adequately.
C Cllr Bywater then informed the PC of savings of 32m needed to be made by Cambridgeshire County Council, which might see street lighting turned off at certain times.
D Cllr Tuplin followed with an update on developments at Sawtry Community College.
433.14 Communication from Parish Cllrs
Cllr responsible for Rights of Way reported that she had cleared brambles making accesses safer.  The bridleway off Winwick Road was reported as clear of concrete, however, it was still very wet.
Cllr responsible for Highways/Police/Public Transport was not in attendance.
The Trustee responsible for Farm Business Tenancy/Grazing Land had nothing to report.
434.14 Communication from Village Hall and Recreation Ground Charity Committee (VHRGCC)
The PC thanked the committee for their minutes which the Clerk had already circulated.
There were no issues raised.
435.14 Clerk’s Report
Walk of the village with Tony King – the PC discussed and agreed that the Chair should speak to an ex Cllr to ascertain whether he is still keen to aid the PC with tree matters.  Clerk to address all matters raised in her report and feedback to the PC.
Clerk informed the PC that she had received notification that the ash tree opposite 19 Chapel End is due to be felled on 9th December.
Clerk advised that the junction signpost near the Hemington Lodge T junction has some corrosion.  She added that Tony King (CCC) had advised that he was aware and waiting for it to fall over.
Clerk informed that she had had a reply from Anglian Water re a fault report at 87 Main Street, standing water beside the road – Anglian Water advised that it was not mains water.
The Clerk informed that she had agreed to two more cuts of the rec ground grass, for the remaining year.  CGM to advise the Clerk when this will be actioned.
Lastly, Clerk advised that she had information regarding the Winter Maintenance Volunteer scheme if any Cllrs wanted to read.
436.14 Purchase of a wheeled strimmer
A discussion was had regarding useful applications and storage.  The PC unanimously agreed to purchase at a cost of £480.00 excl. VAT.
437.14 Finance inc:- bank reconciliation and payment of accounts
Expenditure
£298.57 – Salaries (BACS)
£617.31 – CGM grass cutting of rec ground (CHQ)
£300.00 – VHRGCC contribution towards a new sound system (CHQ)
£204.00 – History Group, use of Village Hall (CHQ)
£41.77 – Anglian Water, rec ground (DD)
All payments were unanimously agreed by the PC and two Cllrs signed the cheques and the accompanying paperwork.
A Cllr advised that the second half of the precept had been deposited and suggested the budget for the new financial year be deliberated in the November PC meeting.
438.14 Review of grass cutting contract
Clerk advised that she had seen this on the schedule of duties for September, however, it did not need to be reviewed until Dec 2016.
439.14 Correspondence received inc:-
The Clerk apologised that she had not detailed the correspondence on the agenda and advised that if there was anything contentious, she would make the public aware before a decision was reached by the PC.
Adult Social Care (CCC) – an online survey was agreed to be added to the website.  Clerk to action.
Cambs Home Improvement Agency – request for financial assistant.  Clerk to inform that the PC are unable to contribute, at this time.
440.14 Planning
None.
441.14 Health and Safety matters
Clerk advised that she had had no communication from Aragon Homes following the letter she sent re excess water spilling onto the pavement.  Chair also informed that he had called them and had had no response.  The PC agreed to leave the matter for the moment and discuss again as winter begins.
Cllr Giddens reported that dog mess on the new part of the bridleway leading down to the brook is still an issue.  Cllr Giddens to add a piece to the website and a notice in the shop window, for public information.
The discussion of horse signage was agreed to be differed to the next meeting.
442.14 PC Policies review – Financial Regulations
The Clerk informed that she had previously circulated the new model financial regulations.  A Cllr raised some points and these were agreed by the PC.  Clerk to amend the model regulations and recirculate.  Financial Regulations to be adopted at the November PC meet.
443.14 Village Hall notice board replacement
Chair advised that he hopes to get the current notice board at the Village Hall repaired.
Chair to price cost of materials and report back to the PC for agreement.
444.14 Resignation of Cllr Trolove/Parish Council Vacancy
Chair to prose a letter thanking Mr Trolove on behalf of the PC.  PC agreed to postpone advertising the vacancy until the election in May.
445.14 Feedback from meeting with School Head
Clerk and Chair fedback regarding the meeting.  It was agreed that Cllr Giddens be the liaison between the school and the PC and to meet with the Head every term at an agreed time.  Clerk to supply Cllr Giddens with the relevant info from the initial meeting.
446.14 Discussion of a Facebook page for the Parish Council
Clerk advised that she had produced a page for another Parish Council which seemed to have received a positive reaction.  PC agreed to discuss again in the spring and would take advice from the Clerk’s experience.
447.14 Remembrance Sunday
Cllr Hayden offered to attend the service at the Church and to lay the poppy wreath on behalf of the PC.  The PC thanked him.
448.14 Office management inc:-
Revision of office filing systems – Clerk reported that she had been unable to achieve the 2hrs filing that she had been requested to do, however, she did feel that she was slowly becoming more productive and hoped to achieve this task by the next meeting.
Purchase of shredder for sensitive material – it was agreed for the Chair to purchase a mid-range option and he supplied 3 quotes.
449.14 Staffing matters inc:-ILCA training – Clerk reported her concerns over time to action this training whilst also completing the tasks expected of her.  It was agreed to continue this discussion.
Pension scheme – Clerk advised that she had not achieved any work towards this, as yet.
450.14 Items for the CLARION
None.
451.14 Items for discussion on next agenda
No new items.  Continuing discussions of those already indicated.

 

Great Gidding Charity Trustee meeting

3.14 Reports from Trustees inc:-
Allotments – unworked plots
A Trustee apologised for not producing the letter sooner.  He offered to email this to the Clerk tomorrow.  Clerk to send to allotment holders of those plots that appear to be unworked.
Clerk reported a DD payment of £23.05, Anglian Water, for the allotments.
Jubilee Wood – winter maintenance and pond risk assessment.
It was reported that some maintenance work had taken place.
Chapel End Pond – winter maintenance and padlock possibility
It was agreed for a Trustee to buy a coded padlock and apply to the gate.
Dipping Pond – Gate possibility.
Clerk to correctly rename this as Horse Pond.  A Trustee was requested to speak to the person maintaining the ponds to ascertain maintenance and resources needed.

 

Village Hall and Recreation Ground Charity Committee

Member of the VHRGCC committee, attending as a member of the public, requested the PC appoint one representative for the committee to communicate with.  The PC explained that this was not possible as no, one, Trustee could speak on behalf of the body of Trustees.  The PC expressed that they understood the committee member’s point of view and offered to ensure the communication process was as easy as possible.

 1.14 Reports from Trustees inc:-

48 Main Street boundary
This was discussed in detail.  It was reported that a Trustee spoke to some representatives from Carter Johnas last week and was informed that they had a written, signed document, indicating an historical right of way to the property, across the Village Hall land.  A VHRGCC member, present at the meeting, expressed the committee’s wish to send the letter, written by the Chair of the committee, on behalf of the Trustees.  It was agreed for the Clerk to send this, at her earliest opportunity.  It was also agreed for a Trustee to pay £40.00 to register the land with ‘The Land Registry’ from the possessory title to absolute title.  He informed that the original title deeds had been located and held in archive.
Lastly, the Trustees discussed and unanimously agreed to put in a suitable fence to mark the boundary and access.  A trustee offered to cost a wire and poled fence and report back.  It was agreed that the cost for the fence should be taken from the Great Gidding Charity account for an amount of up to £300.00, on the basis that this contributed to protecting a village asset.
Siting of benches on recreation ground
Clerk to contact the committee and request that this be addressed under their agenda.

Meeting closed at 9.30pm

The following wording changes were made to these minutes at the Parish Council meeting on 18th November 2014, as, unanimously, agreed by the council.

The Parish Council (PC) discussed and agreed the following amendments:
Item 429.14, “…due to them having reached their 40yr lifespan”, wording was removed.
Item 432.14, second sentence should read, “They advised that there were no guidelines supplied by Cambridgeshire County Council and that the PC should follow advice from insurance companies regarding commissioning aboricultural surveys…”  At this point D Cllr Tysoe arrived.
Item 432.14, the second to last paragraph should have the following sentence added at the end, “…turned off at certain times and some roads not gritted where they have been in the past”.
Item 435.14, second to last paragraph regarding extra cuts of the recreation ground, it was believed that this was not discussed at the meeting and so the wording was removed.  Chair added that the agreement for extra cuts was in accordance with the CGM contract.
Item 443.14, the word “repaired” was removed and the word “replaced” was entered in its place.
All amendments were initialled by the Chair and the PC then, unanimously, agreed these to be a true record of events.  The Chair signed each page.

End of minutes.

 

Latest from eCops

Latest from eCops

A male was assaulted on Main Street in Yaxley following an argument between a group of males walking and a group in a car. This happened between 23:45 and 00:15 on Sunday 23rd November 2014. If you think you may have witnessed anything to do with this or any other crime, then please contact us.

You can e-mail us at HuntsCops@cambs.pnn.police.uk or call police on 101. You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

And good news regarding dwelling burglary:

A police operation yesterday Monday 24th November 2014 resulted in five males being arrested in relation to dwelling burglaries in Huntingdonshire. All have been interviewed and bailed while the investigation is on-going.

2014 09 Minutes of September 16th Parish Council Meeting

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 16th September 2014 at 7.30pm

in the Village Hall

Present

Chair:             Andrew Alexander

Councillors:   Lydia James, Paul Hodson, Michael Trolove

Clerk:              Caroline Bradley

Members of the public:     0

403.14         Chair’s Welcome

404.14         Apologies and reasons for absence

Cllr Giddens, Cllr Hayden and Cllr Howden sent apologies and reasons for their absence and these were accepted by the Parish Council (PC).

405.14         Member’s declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

None

406.14         Public and press participation session with respect to items on the agenda

None

407.14         To confirm and accept minutes of 19th August 2014

The PC unanimously agreed these to be a true record of events. The Chair signed each page.

408.14         Matters arising from minutes (information only)

Cllr Hodson raised three issues. Clerk to minute that the PC “recommended” APPROVAL on planning applications, in future.  Clerk to minute the details of the financial movement as well as address this in the agenda.  For distinction, Clerk to separate the Great Gidding Charity Trustee meeting section of the minutes, into the two charities, Great Gidding and the Village Hall and Recreation Ground.  Clerk to action on the next agenda.

409.14         Communication from District and County Cllrs

None present.

410.14         Communication from Parish Cllrs

Cllr responsible for Trees reported that he understood that insurers recommend that an aboricultural report is actioned every 5yrs. Clerk was requested to speak to Tony King regarding the level of detail expected from a tree log and to investigate whether Yaxley Parish Council had any information that would be helpful to the PC.  Clerk to action.  Chair suggested C Cllr Bywater and D Cllr Tuplin be asked for advice on this matter at the next meeting.

Cllr responsible for Rights of Way was not in attendance.

Cllr responsible for Highways/Police/Public Transport reported that Neighbourhood Watch signs had been put up and an article placed on the website. She passed a receipt for payment to the Clerk for filing.  She also reported water issues in Gains Lane and the drainage arrangement in the ditch.  Clerk to discuss with Tony King and report back.

The Trustee responsible for Farm Business Tenancy/Grazing Land was not in attendance.

411.14         Communication from Village Hall and Recreation Ground Charity Committee (VHRGCC)

It was reported that a VHRGCC meeting had taken place and minutes would be sent to the Clerk to forward to PC.  The Village Show and the Cycle Show had also taken place.  The bank account had been set up and training with CATALYST had been booked.  An oven had been donated.  Lastly, he reported that the New Year’s Eve party had been cancelled as it clashed with another event.

412.14         Clerk’s Report

Clerk advised that she was meeting with CATALYST on Monday morning for training on the website.

Clerk informed that the deadline for applications to the Local Highways Initiative had passed.

Clerk informed that she had not managed to get a full reply regarding advertising, for revenue, on The Giddings website. A discussion was had and the PC agreed that they preferred not to allow advertising on the website.

Clerk reported that the Facebook page for Great Gidding Parish Council had been placed by Wikipedia. The PC agreed to discuss having an official Facebook page, at the next meeting.

Clerk asked the PC if they intended to place a Poppy Wreath at the church on Remembrance Sunday. Clerk requested to contact Rev Mary Jepp to ascertain the plans for this occasion.  Clerk to report back.

Clerk advised that she had made arrangements to do a walk of the village with Tony King, CCC Highways representative, on Thursday 18th.

413.14         Completion of the annual audit

Clerk reported that the annual audit had been returned and that the external auditors had reported nothing of significance that had not already been raised by the internal auditor. Clerk to advertise the close of the audit on the noticeboard.

414.14         Finance inc:- bank reconciliation and payment of accounts

Expenditure

£298.57 – Salaries (BACS)

£75.00 – Village Show contribution (CHQ)

£120.00 – PKF Littlejohn, audit (CHQ)

£87.00 – Renewal of SLCC membership for Clerk (CHQ)

All payments were unanimously agreed by the PC and two Cllrs signed the cheques and the accompanying paperwork.

Cllr Hodson advised that he was in the process of arranging an on-line login for the Clerk.

 415.14         Correspondence received inc:-

Request from the History Society to fund the hire of the Village Hall – email.  PC agreed in principle.  Clerk to request actual costs and report back to PC.

Request of funding for new sound system for the village hall – email. After a discussion, a Cllr proposed and another seconded to offer the VHRGCC £300.00 towards the cost of the system.  Total cost, £500.00.  The motion was passed with 3 in favour and 1 against.  Clerk to contact the VHRGCC to advise.

Request for donation, Rural Cambs – email. PC agreed not to progress with this.

Cambridgeshire Community Services AGM – email. PC agreed not to progress with this.

Huntingdonshire District Council – Adult sports courses – leaflet. Clerk to ask permission to place some leaflets in local shop and pub.

Fields in Trust – Have a Field Day – email. PC agreed not to progress with this.

Deptford, defibrillators – email. PC agreed not to progress with this.

BOC Healthcare, defibrillators – email. PC agreed not to progress with this.

Parish Path Meeting – email. No-one to attend, on this occasion.

Flood forum – email. PC agreed not to progress with this.

ACRE Community Oil Buying Scheme – email. PC agreed not to progress with this.

Journal of Local Planning – email. PC agreed not to progress with this.

416.14         Planning inc:-

Application no. 1401573 TREE 23 Chapel End

Crown lifting and crown thinning of an elm.

Clerk advised that the planning application had arrived after the agenda had been communicated, however, with the deadline of 1st October, it could not wait to be discussed at the next PC meeting.  She suggested the matter be discussed and decided now and she would add a note to all noticeboards asking the public to contact the office if they wished to discuss the application.  The notice would be up for at least 3 clear days. If no contact was made regarding the matter, the Clerk would advise Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) of the PC’s decision.  If a member of the public did wish for another discussion to be had, the Clerk would call an extraordinary planning meeting.

In principle, the PC unanimously decided to recommend APPROVAL based on the expert guidance given in the report.

417.14         Health and Safety matters                                                         

The issue of the drainage soak away at Top Farm, Main Street, was discussed. There were concerns that heavy rain would wash water onto the pavement and cause safety issues come the cold weather.  Clerk requested to write to the builders regarding the PC’s concerns and report back.

It was agreed to delay discussions regarding dog fouling and horse, use of road, signage to the next meeting.

418.14         PC Policies review

It was discussed and agreed that the PC would review one policy at every meeting until all had been reviewed. Clerk to email new, model, Financial Regulations round to Cllrs ahead of the next meeting.  Clerk to administrate recording of agreed policies and agreed review dates and to investigate whether the PC had all the policies in place, that it was recommended to.

419.14         Village Hall notice board replacement

It was discussed and agreed that a wall mounted notice board option be priced. Chair and Clerk to communicate regarding size in order to fit minutes in.  It was also decided that this notice board, only, would house the minutes and the other two notice boards would have a notice referring the public to this notice board.  Chair to price and report back to the PC.

420.14         Skip on recreation ground

It was communicated that the VHRGCC had formed a working party to

remove items on the recreation ground. It was decided that a skip was not necessary.

421.14         Request for Cllr attendance at school governing body meetings

Clerk communicated to the PC, a letter on behalf of the school governing body. The request was not granted as, “whilst it was understood that this request was a gesture of communication between both bodies, it was agreed that this (was) not an appropriate step”.  The letter ended with an invitation to attend, if it was felt by the governing body, that a topic was of particular relevance to the PC and it was suggested that the PC communicate with the governing body, vice-versa.  The Clerk also communicated that the school administrator would no longer be emailing the school newsletter to the Clerk to add school information to The Giddings website.  PC to discuss a response at the next meeting.

422.14         Office management inc:-

Revision of office filing systems – Chair communicated a need to archive/

dispose of, old information in the filing draws. Clerk reported that, whilst she was managing to achieve the day to day tasks, she felt that she did not have the time to complete this task as well.  It was agreed that the Clerk should work for a ‘one-off’ 2hrs, in addition to her 6.5 hrs, on this filing task to gauge an idea of how long the revision would take in total.  Clerk to action and report back to the PC.

Continued shared drive discussion –          Clerk communicated that she had been advised that this was not a sensible option as it leaves Cllrs exposed.  It was agreed for the system to remain as is.

Purchase of shredder for sensitive material – It was agreed for the Chair to cost 3 medium efficiency models and report back.

423.14         Staffing matters inc:-

ILCA training – Clerk reported her concerns over time to action this training whilst also completing the tasks expected of her. It was agreed to continue this discussion.

Pension scheme – Clerk advised that she had not achieved any work towards this, as yet.

424.14         Items for the CLARION

None.

425.14         Items for discussion on next agenda

No new items. Continuing discussion of those already indicated.

 

Great Gidding Charity Trustee meeting

 2.14             Reports from Trustees inc:-

48 Main Street boundary

A Trustee communicated that he was in possession of the Village Hall deeds which indicate measurements of the access for both the Village Hall and the Bungalow. The group discussed erecting fencing on the Village Hall boundary to prompt traffic to the Bungalow to use their own access.  A Trustee suggested fencing be erected 15ft from No. 50, as per the registered land and an adjacent fence be laid at a right angle, meeting the Village Hall side wall.  Parking would, temporarily, be available only on the old tennis court.

A full discussion was had and it was decided that this option was not appropriate at this time, however, a boundary marking should take place. It was noted that there were no personal motives from any of the Trustees, but rather, an effort to protect the village assets.

Trustee James made her apologies and requested she leave due to the late hour.

Allotments – unworked plots

Trustee not in attendance. Item to be discussed at the next meeting.

Siting of benches on recreation ground

Item to be discussed at the next Trustee meeting, following a discussion regarding this matter due to take place at the next VHRGCC meeting.

Jubilee Wood – winter maintenance

Item to be discussed at the next meeting.

Chapel End Pond – winter maintenance

Trustee reported his intentions to remove reeds etc., in an environmentally friendly way. He added that he would also be doing the same work at Towns End Pond.

New sound system for the village hall

As per PC agenda item 415.14, Clerk to officially communicate decision with the VHRGCC.

Licensing for events

It was agreed for Cllr Howden to purchase a license at £21.00.

         

Meeting closed at 9.35pm

 

         

2014 08 Minutes of August 19th Parish Council Meeting

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 19th August 2014 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

Present

Chair:              Andrew Alexander

Councillors:   Rachel Giddens, Robin Hayden, Chris Howden, Lydia James,

Clerk:              Caroline Bradley

C Councillor: Simon Bywater

Members of the public:     1

379.14         Chair’s Welcome

380.14         Apologies and reasons for absence

Cllr Trolove and Cllr Hodson sent apologies and reasons for their absence and these were accepted by the Parish Council (PC).

381.14         Member’s declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

Ref: 388.14 Continued discussion of Planning Application 1401099FUL, 48 Main Street. The PC recognised and discussed the fact that they all had an interest in this item because they were all Trustees of the village hall.  As discussed and unanimously agreed, previously, in agenda item 368.14, given the nature of a small PC, all Cllrs would remain and discuss the planning application.

Ref: 388.14 Planning Application 1401066FUL, 87 Main Street. It was recognised that all Cllrs were, ‘friendly’, with Cllr Trolove, however, given the nature of a small PC, it was agreed that all Cllrs would remain to discuss this planning application and verbally declared that they would not personally gain from the decision made by the PC regarding the planning application.

382.14         Public and press participation session with respect to items on the agenda

Member of the public addressed the PC with concerns regarding street lighting in Chapel End, between house numbers 3 and 5, agenda item 389.14. Communications between both parties had already begun before the meeting.  The PC decided to address this item at that moment, for the convenience of the member of the public.  There was a brief discussion and the member of the public was advised to contact Balfour Beatty as a concerned resident and it was requested that the Clerk and C Cllr Simon Bywater be copied in and kept abreast of future discussions.  C Cllr Bywater provided the member of the public with his details.  The member of the public was satisfied and at this point left the room.

383.14         To confirm and accept minutes of 15th July 2014

Darren Tysoe was referred to, incorrectly, as County (“C”) Councillor and not District (“D”) Councillor and his name was spelt as “Tyscoe”, incorrectly.  The Clerk had also reported in agenda item 371.14, that the Rights of Way Cllr had been corresponding with, “Simon Bywater”, when it should have read, “Simeon Carroll”.

Agenda items were amended and initialled by the Chair and the PC unanimously agreed these to be a true record of events.

384.14         Matters arising from minutes (information only)

None, other than those already on the agenda to be addressed.

385.14         Clerk’s Report

CAPALC training report to follow by next meet.

Meet with CATALYST delayed. New meet to be arranged and Chair requested Chair of Village Hall and Rec. Ground be included.  Clerk to action.

New paper supplier, cheaper (-£0.50), however, still satisfactory product.

List of governing powers now filed in office for reference.

School ‘parking’, letter of thanks, sent.

School governing body meetings attendee – Clerk to request permission of attendance of Cllr Howden.

ILCA training – Clerk informed that she was out of time to apply for bursary (April 2014). PC unanimously agreed to pay £99 plus VAT for Clerk to attend.  Clerk to action.

Outlook- Clerk informed that she had lost a day’s work to problems with Outlook, now resolved. She added that she now had a password to allow access via other ports should the office laptop become out of action.

Clerk informed that she had previously had a discussion with the Chair regarding shared drives to allow Cllrs access to files. Clerk requested to gather information from other PCs for advice and report back.

It was requested by a Cllr that C Cllr Bywater be allowed to communicate his information at this point.

He advised that Children’s Services were recently reviewed by Ofsted and were awarded the grading of, ‘Good’. He added that he was now a Champion for Child Poverty forming strategies for helping under privileged children.  Lastly, he communicated that the 4 million cost to build Cambridgeshire Fire Station had recently been offset by the sale of the flats situated above the station.  It was reported that a profit had actually been made.

The PC thanked C Cllr Bywater for his hard work and at this point he left the room.

386.14         Implications of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests following Internal Audit

Clerk confirmed that the PC were acting correctly with regards to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, as per information gained from the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC).

387.14         Correspondence received inc:-

Safe+Well – PC agreed for poster to go onto noticeboards

Glasdon brochure – to be filed

Hallmark Green Power re wind turbine – no action

Give as you Live – Clerk requested to look into the allowance of advertising for profit on PC websites and report back

Streetlife community website – no action

Planning for Climate Change Conference – no action

Fixing the price of oil – no action

Anglia in Bloom Awards invitation – no takers, clerk to advise

eCops Distraction Theft and Scam calls – Clerk advised that she had put on noticeboards, website and shop window and would continue to do this, ongoing

Connecting Cambridgeshire – advice only, no action

The Directory of Grant Making Trusts – no action

Improving Older People’s Healthcare – no action

388.14         Planning inc:-

Continuing discussion of Application 1401099FUL 48 Main Street –

Chair read aloud letter from David Hartley (Architect) and advised that the original planning application had not been approved by Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC), due to lack of information. He suggested he check the PCs archived documents for information relating to the boundary and advised that he would forward a letter to the PC from an interested neighbour.

Application 1401066FUL 87 Main Street, now including aboricultural report – APPROVED

Application 1401050FUL 59 Main Street – APPROVED

Clerk to communicate decisions and reasoning back to HDC. Reasoning attached.

389.14         Health and Safety matters

Response to Street Lighting in Chapel End detailed above, 382.14.

Drainage soak away matter deferred to the next meeting.

390.14         Communication from District and County Cllrs

Apologies from DC Tuplin. Communication from C Cllr Bywater, 385.14.

391.14         Communication from Parish Councillors

Cllr responsible for Trees was not in attendance.

Cllr responsible for Rights of Way reported that she believed that the bridleway off Winwick Road had finally been cleared. She added that the surface was still poor, as it always had been.  She reported that she had noticed that the new surface of Ludington Road to the brook was covered in dog mess and suggested the PC put up a dog fouling notice to prevent this.  Clerk to investigate styles and costings and report back.  Lastly, she reported that there was a need to clear styles.

Cllr responsible for Highways/Police/Public Transport reported that she had seen the draft report regarding Cambridgeshire Future Transport (CFT). Although, not official, she understood that there might be a Mon-Fri service picking up at Great Gidding at 9.45am, arriving at Huntingdon at 10.30am.  She added that she expected the once a month Peterborough service to be stopped.  The PC thanked Cllr James for her contribution to a successful outcome.

The Trustee responsible for Farm Business Tenancy/Grazing Land had nothing new to report.

392.14         Communication from Village Hall and Recreation Ground Charity Committee

Clerk reported that, ongoing, she intended to email round minutes of the charity meets ahead of the PC meeting. Chair, (PC representative at committee meetings), communicated that a member of the committee had had to resign.  Clerk reported that she had been unable to locate the Financial Regulations for the committee and Chair offered to take this task on.

393.14         Village Hall notice board replacement

Chair advised that the Clerk had investigated various options, however, the budgeted £200.00 was not enough to purchase a big enough board. Chair to continue to investigate and report back.  Clerk suggested the PC create a Facebook page to improve communication within the village.  A Cllr advised that there was one already created.  Clerk to investigate and report back.

394.14         Anglian Water, continued discussion regarding water pressure issues

Clerk read aloud a response from Anglian Water regarding how leaks are reported. The PC appeared deflated by the response and unanimously decided to be mindful of future leaks and to review again if it was felt necessary.

395.14         Gains Lane resurfacing

Clerk informed the PC that Tony King at Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) had advised that it was just the bottom of Gains Lane that would be, ‘made good’, not the whole road. She added that she would be doing a walk of the village with Tony in September.

396.14         Siting of benches on recreation ground

To be discussed once informed by the Village Hall and Recreation Ground Committee had made their recommendations. Ongoing, item to be moved to the Great Gidding Charity Trustee meeting.

397.14         Skip on the recreation ground and quotations for review

The PC discussed and it was decided that there was not enough waste to warrant the rental of a skip. Chair to investigate and report back.    

398.14         PC Policies review

PC discussed and Clerk was requested to email all Cllrs all of the current policies for discussion at the next meet. Cllr Trolove to investigate the creation of a Tree log.

399.14         Finance inc.:- bank reconciliation and payment of accounts

Expenditure was agreed and cheques were written and signed by two Cllrs.

Clerk was requested to investigate CGM outstanding payments from June.

Cllr to action setting up a login so that the Clerk may view the accounts, on-line.

400.14         Staffing matters

Clerk reported that she had not managed to produce a report regarding Pension schemes. She added that she would continue to work towards this.

401.14         Items for the CLARION

Feedback from Cambridgeshire Future Transport, dog fouling, Village Hall and Recreation Ground new committee, eCops information, Neighbourhood Watch. Clerk to log items.

402.14         Items for discussion on next agenda

A Cllr suggested the discussion of signs to be placed at junctions reminding vehicle users that horses were also using the highways. This was unanimously agreed.

 

Meeting closed at 9.25pm

 

Great Gidding Charity Trustee meeting

 1.14             Reports from Trustees inc:-

Annual return submission

Actioned.

48 Main Street boundary

A Cllr reported that he had received quotations to put up fencing along the boundary costing between £1,000.00 and £1,200.00. It was requested for the Clerk to investigate the Trustees’ legal position should the fencing be removed/damaged by another party.  Cllr stated that he was reviewing past minutes to define what is registered as belonging to the Trustees.

Allotments – unworked plots

Clerk produced the tenancy agreement between Trustees and plot users. A Cllr responsible for the allotments offered to prose a letter to those who were not satisfactorily taking care of their plots and to pass back to the Clerk to send out.

Jubilee Wood – winter maintenance

Cllr responsible not in attendance, decision to review at the next meet.

Chapel End Pond – winter maintenance

Cllr responsible not in attendance, decision to review at the next meet.

Siting of benches on recreation ground

As above 396.14

         

 

                  

 

         

Information and advice survey

Cambridgeshire County Council is working with its colleagues and partners in health and the voluntary and community sector to improve how it provides information and advice for local people and would like to understand more about your concerns or worries about the future and staying independent, safe and well – what information you might need to help you to plan for yourself and those you care for, and where you would turn for advice.

Please take a few minutes to complete this survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LSKLNY2

Prevention of rogue trading and doorstep crime

Prevention of rogue trading and doorstep crime

Our Supporting Businesses and Communities Service is actively involved in the prevention rogue trading and doorstep crime.

We’re just starting to gear up for National Consumer Week, which is led by the Trading Standards Institute, Citizens Advice and the National Trading Standards Board. It will take place between 3-7 November and is designed to highlight and prevent this type of crime. The ‘Good neighbours stop rogue traders’ campaign focuses on preventing doorstep crime by encouraging neighbours, family, friends and carers to look out for those most at risk in their communities. More can be seen here online:
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/events/events-ncw.cfm

We would like to ask for your help in promoting this initiative within the local community. If you have any queries regarding the initiative or National Consumer Week, please do not hesitate to get in touch with myself or Andrew Fayers mailto:andrew.fayers@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Becky Smoothy, Community and Business Officer, Tel: 01954 284653, Email: rebecca.smoothy@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
SBC Cambridgeshire County Council, PO Box 450, Great Cambourne, CB23 6ZR

GoodNeighboursPoster

Minutes of the 15th July 2014

Great & Little Gidding Parish Council

Parish Council Office, Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding,

Huntingdon PE28 5NU Tel 01832 293068  email giddingspc1@btinternet.com

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 15th July 2014 at 7.30pm

in the Village Hall

Present

Chair: Andrew Alexander

Councillors: Rachel Giddens, Robin Hayden, Paul Hodson, Chris Howden,

Lydia James, Michael Trolove,

Clerk:  Caroline Bradley

C Councillor: Darren Tyscoe (late arrival)

Members of the public: 2

360.14 Chair’s Welcome

361.14 Apologies and reasons for absence

None.

362.14 Member’s declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

Ref: 368.14 Planning Application 1401066FUL, 87 Main Street.

Cllr Trolove declared his interest, given that this was his property.  Chair requested Cllr Trolove leave the room when this item was discussed.  It was also recognised that all Cllrs were friendly with Cllr Trolove, however, given the nature of a small PC, it was agreed that all other Cllrs would remain to discuss this planning application and verbally declared that they would not personally gain from the decision made by the PC regarding the planning application.

Ref: 368.14 Planning Application 1401099FUL, 48 Main Street.  The PC recognised and discussed the fact that they all had an interest in this item because they were all Trustees of the village hall.  A Cllr proposed and another seconded that, again, given the nature of a small PC, all Cllrs would remain and discuss the planning application.  This decision was unanimously agreed.

363.14 Public and press participation session with respect to items on the agenda

None.

364.14 To confirm and accept minutes of 17th June 2014

Agenda item 347.14 (also 326.14, 20/5/14) –Cllr Howden should replace Cllr Hodson’s name as seconder.

Agenda item 349.14 – Aaron Murphy is a Police Sergeant at Cambridgeshire and Paul Richardson is a Police Constable at Northamptonshire.

Agenda item 359.14 – “Clerk to write letter advising the owner of the bungalow…”, should read, “A discussion was had suggesting the Clerk write a letter advising the owner of the bungalow…  It was unanimously agreed not to go ahead with this, at present.  To be reviewed.”

Agenda items were amended and initialled by the Chair.

365.14 Matters arising from minutes (information only)

None that were not already on the agenda to be addressed.

366.14 Clerk’s Report

Clerk informed that she had attended CAPALC training on Friday 11th July which she found informative.  She suggested she put together a report and forward to the PC.

Clerk advised that she had arranged a meeting with CATALYST for the coming Thursday to obtain administration rights to the Community Pages of the website, therefore, encouraging more effective communication within the village.  She added that she had communicated with the school and was now in receipt of the school newsletters from which she would edit information for use on the website.  A discussion then came about regarding whether a member of the Parish Council could sit in on school governance meetings to additionally improve communication between the Parish Council and the school and the Clerk followed that she would investigate this.  It was also suggested that the Clerk write and thank the school for parents using the village hall car park and to ask the school to remind parents of the additional parking on the other side of the village hall.  Clerk to action.

Following a conversation with one of the Cllrs, the Clerk suggested she contact CGM, the maintainers of the field grass, to obtain a grass cutting schedule to avoid clashes with school use, however, it was decided that the recent clash of use would not be expected to happen again.

Clerk requested clarification regarding communication from the National Grid regarding a field and was advised that the communication was correct.  Clerk to respond.

 

367.14 Correspondence received inc:-

Notification from CCLA (investment management) – Clerk to request Parish Council’s details be removed from their mailing list.

Solar Panels advertisement from Beechdale Energy – Cllr took ownership to pass to the Village Hall and Recreation Ground Charity Committee.

Empowering Parish Councils to sell electricity from Steve Shaw – Clerk to respond that the Parish Council have nothing that creates electricity.

Questionnaire regarding parish views on rural housing – previously emailed to Cllrs, no action to be taken at this time.

Request for donations from EACH charity – Clerk to respond that, the Parish Council would only be donating to their nominated charities, this year.

Local Highway Improvement Scheme – the Parish Council discussed, however, no action was to be taken at this time.

368.14 Planning inc:-

Application 1401099FUL 48 Main Street – NOT APPROVED by either Parish Council or Trustees of the Village Hall and Recreation Ground Charity

Application 1401066FUL 87 Main Street – APPROVED

Application 1401103FUL 83 Chapel End – APPROVED

Clerk to communicate decisions and reasoning back to Huntingdonshire District Council.  Reasoning attached.

369.14 Health and Safety matters

None

370.14 Communication from District and County Cllrs

No Cllrs present

371.14 Communication from Parish Councillors and Great Gidding Charity Trustees 

Cllr responsible for Trees had nothing new to report.

Cllr responsible for Rights of Way reported that she was continuing correspondence with Simon Bywater re Cambridgeshire County Council bridleway off Winwick Road, who were in the process of levelling it.

Cllr responsible for Highways/Police/Public Transport reported that she had attended the recent Cambridgeshire Future Transport(CFT) meeting, where she was pleased to feedback that comments made in previous meetings had been taken on board and several options were being investigated.  A decision was still to be made and Cllr to keep PC informed. 

Trustee responsible for the Jubilee Wood reported a need to review the winter maintenance for the Jubilee Wood and Chapel End Pond.  Clerk to add this to the next agenda.

Trustee responsible for Allotments reported a concern with tenants not working the plots and causing nuisance seed spreading.  Cllr to provide Clerk with details of concerning plots and Clerk to send a polite letter to allotment holders.  Agenda item for next meet.

The Trustee responsible for Farm Business Tenancy/Grazing Land had nothing new to report.

372.14 Anglian Water, continued discussion regarding water pressure issues

Clerk reported that following the last meeting, she had emailed Anglian Water on two occasions requesting more specific data regarding this issue.  She advised that she had had no communication to date and would continue to chase.

373.14 Gains Lane resurfacing

Clerk informed that she had been communicating with Tony King re this issue and had been reassured that Gains Lane had been scheduled to be ‘made good’ once the build had been completed, however, the PC were keen to know whether this meant the whole of Gains Lane.  Clerk to enquire and report back.

At this point District Councillor, Darren Tyscoe, joined the meeting

374.14 Internal Audit report and discussion of action points – report attached

The Chair read through the action points and the PC discussed each, in turn.

Clerk to keep aware of action points as the PC progresses through the year.

PC decided to review the Risk Assessment document and requested Clerk to investigate Declarations of Interest with regards to discussing planning where a Cllr is the property owner and discussing the Village Hall where all Cllrs are also Trustees.  Clerk to address and add this to the next agenda.

375.14 Siting of benches on recreation ground

To be reviewed once a discussion with the Village Hall and Recreation Ground Charity Committee had been had.  Agenda item for next meet.

376.14 Bank reconciliation and payment of accounts

PC requested the Clerk to identify in the accounts, the income of £79.35, (Recycling – HDC), to be used for the benefit of the village.

Expenditure was agreed and cheques were written and signed by two Cllrs.

Cllr to action setting up a login so that the Clerk may view the accounts, on-line.

PC requested Clerk to provide them with the Financial Regulations for the Village Hall and Recreation Ground Charity Committee.  Clerk to action.

377.14 Staffing matters

As requested, the Clerk put together a letter of confirmation which included her date of starting in the position.  This was signed by the Chair.

Clerk informed the PC that she had some information regarding pension schemes, however, she suggested she put a report together ready for the next meeting.  This was approved.

378.14 Items for the CLARION

SPEEDWATCH and volunteers, feedback from Cambridgeshire Future Transport, Village Show, Connecting Cambridgeshire.  Clerk to log items. 

(370.14) Due to his late arrival, the PC invited Darren Tyscoe to update them on any relevant issues.  Darren offered to send Cllr Trolove a copy of a relevant Tree Policy, to be returned to Darren when finished with.  Darren informed that there was a potential new development on Gidding Road, Sawtry, wind turbine consultations re-opened at Hammerton Zoo, Sawtry College had gone into ‘Special Measures’ following an Ofsted Report.  The PC asked Darren for help with the Hammerton Road where there is substandard road work – the top layer, ‘peels up’, in hot weather.  Darren to investigate.

Meeting closed at 9.35pm

 

The following items were amended at the Parish Council meeting, 19th August 2014:

Darren Tysoe was referred to, incorrectly, as County (“C”) Councillor and not District 

(“D”) Councillor and his name was spelt as “Tyscoe”, incorrectly.  The Clerk had also 

reported in agenda item 371.14, that the Rights of Way Cllr had been corresponding

 with, “Simon Bywater”, when it should have read, “Simeon Carroll”.

Agenda items were amended by hand and initialled by the Chair and the PC unanimously

agreed these to be a true record of events.

Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 19th August 2014 at 7.30pm

TO MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL:

You are hereby summoned to attend the Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 19th August 2014 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, for the purpose of transacting the following business.
Members of the Press and Public are invited to attend and participate. If you wish to address the council, please inform the Clerk or Chair ahead of the meeting. Thank you.

AGENDA

379.14 Chair’s welcome
380.14 Apologies and reasons for absence
381.14 Member’s declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
382.14 Public and press participation session with respect to items on the agenda
383.14 To confirm and accept minutes of 15th July 2014
384.14 Matters arising from minutes (information only)
385.14 Clerk’s report
386.14 Implications of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests following Internal Audit
387.14 Correspondence received inc:-
Safe+Well, (purchase of daily living aids) – letter and poster
Glasdon – brochure of bins etc
Hallmark Green Power re wind turbine on Hemington Lodge Farm – letter
Give as you Live (website) – email
Streetlife re strengthening community – email
Planning for Climate Change Conference – email
Fixing the price of oil – email
Anglia in Bloom Awards invitation – email
eCops Distraction Theft – email
eCops Telephone Scam – email
Connecting Cambridgeshire – email
The Directory of Grant Making Trusts – email
Improving Older People’s Healthcare- email
388.14 Planning inc:-
Application 1401099FUL Continuing discussion, 48 Main Street
Application 1401066FUL Erection of replacement dwelling (ABORICULTURAL REPORT RECEIVED) 87 Main Street
Application 1401050FUL Change of use of barn to separate residential unit to include subdivision of rear garden and access, 59 Main Street
389.14 Health and safety matters inc:-
Street lighting in Chapel End
Drainage soak away, Top Farm development, Main Street

390.14 Communication from District and County Cllrs
391.14 Communication from Parish Cllrs
392.14 Communication from Village Hall and Recreation Ground Charity
Committee – minutes communicated ahead of meeting
393.14 Village Hall notice board replacement
394.14 Anglian Water, continued discussion regarding water pressure issues
395.14 Gains Lane resurfacing
396.14 Siting of benches on recreation ground
397.14 Skip on the recreation ground and quotations for review inc:-
Rose Plant Hire 6yd £160.00 plus VAT
Mick George 6yd £155.00 plus VAT
The Skip Company 6yd £160.00 plus VAT
398.14 PC Policies review inc:-
Risk Assessment, Financial Regulations (also Village Hall and Recreation Ground Committee Financial Regulations), Complaints Policy, Tree Policy, Standing Orders
399.14 Finance inc: – bank reconciliation and payment of accounts
Expenditure
£298.57 – Salaries (Paid by BACS)
£308.66 – CGM Landscapes (Paid by CHQ)
£1,000.00 – Grant paid to History Society (ref agenda item 336.14, 20/5/14) (Paid by CHQ 28/7/14, out of meeting)
£28.91 (14/3/14-10/6/14) – Anglian Water (Paid by DD)
£35.00 Data Protection registration (Paid by CHQ)
£8.34 CAPALC Clerk Training (£25.00 % 3 to inc. Old Weston and Conington PCs) (Paid by CHQ)
Progress for on-line login for Clerk to access accounts
400.14 Staffing matters
Pension Scheme
401.14 Items for the CLARION
402.14 Items for discussion on next agenda

To be followed by:

Great Gidding Charity Trustee Meeting

1.14 Reports from Trustees inc:-
Annual return submission
48 Main Street boundary
Allotments – unworked plots
Jubilee Wood – winter maintenance
Chapel End Pond – winter maintenance

Great & Little Gidding Parish Council Parish Council office, Village Hall, Main Street,
Great Gidding, Huntingdon PE28 5NU
Tel 01832 293068 email giddingspc1@btinternet.com

………………………………………… C Bradley, Clerk – 14 Aug 2014

Minutes of a Meeting of the Parish Council held in the Village Hall, Great Gidding June 2014

Minutes of a Meeting of the Parish Council held in the Village Hall, Great Gidding on Tuesday 17th June 2014 at 7.30pm

Present: Cllrs Alexander (Chair), James (Vice-Chair), Hayden, Hodson, Giddens, Trolove, County Cllr Bywater, District Cllr Tuplin and Clerk

343.14 Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Howden. These were accepted.

344.14 Chair 2014/15 signed Declaration of Acceptance of Office, as per item, 326.14.

345.14 Cllrs provided with Declaration of Pecuniary Interests forms, as per item, 351.14. To be returned to Clerk.

346.14 Minutes of 20th May 2014 were approved and signed.

347.14 Matters arising (information only) – Cllr Hodson requested his name be struck from item 326.14, because he was not in attendance at the meeting.

348.14 Introduction of new Clerk.

349.14 Annual update from the Police and Community Support Officer (PCSO). Approximately 30 members of the public attended. Aaron Murphy (PCSO – Cambridgeshire) and Paul Richardson (PCSO – Northamptonshire) addressed the public. Two useful addresses were provided, as below.

www.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk (public awareness of crime in the area)
ctu@northamptonshire.gov.uk (Countrywide Traveller Unit to report crime and nuisance) – leaflets in Parish Council offices (village hall).

Public were reminded to also call 101 if non-emergency and 999 if emergency. PCSO advice was to report all crime, no matter how minor, as it is numbers that make the difference.

350.14 District and County Councillors updated the Parish Council and public.

351.14 The Parish Council adopted the amended Code of Conduct.

352.14 Anglian Water discussion regarding water pressure issues. Parish Council requested that Clerk investigate how data for leaks is recorded and report back. Parish Council raised concern for the future of the village given plans for increase in population.

353.14 Planning – none. Parish Council requested Clerk to investigate if Gains Lane will be resurfaced once works are complete. Clerk to report back.

354.14 Internal Audit to be circulated to all Cllrs, to be discussed at the next meet. Parish Council agreed to pay Internal Auditor, £184.50, as per invoice.

355.14 Reconciliation of Accounts and payment of cheques were agreed and signed by two Cllrs. One Cllr raised that there may be a discrepancy with the Recreation Ground fund. Clerk to investigate and report back.
Cambridgeshire Neighbourhood Watch – £72.00
CGM Grass Cutting – £205.77
Salaries – £116.60
Salaries – £159.00

356.14 Adoption of Parish Cllr responsibilities, as below.
Cllr Giddens – Rights of Way
Cllr Trolove – Tree Warden
Cllr James – Highways/Police/Public Transport
Cllr Alexander – Community Liaison

357.14 Adoption of Great Gidding Charity Trustees responsibilities, as below.
Cllr Howden – Allotments
Cllr Trolove – Jubilee Wood
Cllr Hayden – Farm Business Tenancy/Grazing Land

358.14 Village Hall & Recreation Ground Charity. New members and responsibilities announced.
Steve Smith – Finance
Lesley Alexander – Social Secretary
Richard Downer – Maintenance
Clerk to add information to the Parish Website.
Boundary of village hall discussed. Clerk to write letter advising the owner of the bungalow that access must be gained via their land. Parish Council to mark out boundary with fencing. Options to be costed and discussed at the next meet.

359.14 Members of the public were asked to leave and staffing of the new Clerk was discussed. A contract between the Parish Council and the Clerk was signed and it was agreed that the Clerk will draft a letter of confirmation to include the start date of 9th June 2014, to be signed by the Chair at the next meet. It was agreed that the Clerk should investigate pension scheme options and report back. The Parish Council also agreed for the Clerk to enrol on the ILCA training course at a cost of £99.00 plus VAT. Clerk to investigate a bursary option and report back.
Meeting closed at 9pm

Date of next meeting 15th July 2014, 7.30pm

NB.

Agenda item 347.14 – Cllr Howden should replace Cllr Hodson’s name.

Agenda item 349.14 – Aaron Murphy is a Police Sergeant at Cambridgeshire and Paul Richardson is a Police Constable at Northamptonshire.

Agenda item 359.14 – “Clerk to write letter advising the owner of the bungalow…”, should read, “A discussion was had suggesting the Clerk write a letter advising the owner of the bungalow… It was unanimously agreed not to go ahead with this, at present. To be reviewed.”

Minutes of Annual General Meeting of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council May 2014

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council on Tuesday 20th May 2014 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

Present: Cllrs James (vice chair), Hayden, Howden, Giddens, Trolove, District Cllr Tuplin, Tysoe, clerk and one member of the public

325.14 Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Alexander, Hodson and County Cllr Byawater

326.14 Election of Chairman 2014/15 It was proposed by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Hayden that Cllr Alexander be re-elected – all agreed

327.14 Election of Vice Chairman 2014/15 It was proposed by cllr Trolove and seconded by cllr Giddens that Cllr James be re-elected – all agreed

328.14 Member’s declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests – notice had been received from the District Council of an amendment to the Code of Conduct and updated Register of Members’ Interest forms. These will be brought to the next meeting.

329.14 Minutes of 22nd April 2014 were agreed and signed

330.14 Matters arising from minutes (information only)

331.14 Review of Standing Orders – it was agreed to ask the new clerk to review these as it would be a good way to see how the council works.

332.14 Review of Financial Regulations – it was agreed to ask Cllr Hodson if there were any changes to be recommended

333.14 Audit Commission Annual return to complete Section 2 – Chairman and Clerk to sign section 1 and 2. Cllr James read out the annual governance statement, completed the form. Cllr James and clerk signed section 1 and 2.

334.14 It was agreed to continue to pay the councils Direct Debit Payments to BT and Anglian Water

335.14 Review Risk Management – this had been reviewed in October 2013

336.14 Procedure for handling £1,000 grant from Milton Estates on behalf of History Society. Notification had been received that the History Society are opening a bank account. It was therefore agreed that the grant given by The Earl Fitzwilliam Charitable Trust could be accepted and transferred to the History Society to administer for recording the history of Great Gidding

337.14 Village Hall and Recreation Ground AGM 12thMay 2014 – With a new management committee elected it was agreed that Parish Councillors would take it in turns to attend meetings. Once dates of meetings are known, parish councillors can then indicate which meetings they can attend – making sure that PC is always represented.

338.14 Neighbourhood Watch street signs – request for funding at £12 each. It was agreed to fund the purchase of 6 signs to be placed at the entrances to the village. Clerk to contact Kim Wells, Neighbourhood Watch to organise.

339.14 Reconciliation of accounts and payment of cheques were agreed with the addition of the annual rental of the room in the village hall for the Parish Council office of £550

S Dalley (clerk) – £298.68
CGM( grass cutting) – £205.77
Aon UK Limited (insurance renewal) – £492.58
Village Hall and Recreation Ground – £550.00

340.14 Planning –
It was noted that HDC had written to the Fox and Hounds with reference to the yellow sign that had been attached to the gable end of the building.
The vegetation at 48 Main Street had been cleared from the front of the property and a large tree taken down. Access to the property would need to be monitored as this is on the boundary of the village hall land.

341.14 Correspondence received – notification of Bromswold Bike Fest 14th June

342.14 Staffing matters – the applicant who had been offered and accepted the post has since declined. The position has been advertised again on the noticeboards for 2 weeks – closing date 22nd May with interview 29th or 30th May.

NB. Agenda item 326.14. Cllr Hodson was not in attendance at the meeting. This should read Cllr Howden.