Extraordinary Meeting of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council regarding the possible closure of Great Gidding C of E (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School
At Cambridgeshire County Council’s Children and Young People’s Committee Meeting held on 17th January 2023 a decision was made to commence a 30-day consultation on the proposed closure of the Primary School in Great Gidding.
Meeting to include Education Department representatives
As part of this consultation process, the Local Authority have committed to consult with the Parish Council and we as members of the Parish Council wish to ensure we are representing the views of our community. To facilitate this process and provide opportunity for members of the community to engage, Great & Little Gidding Parish Council will be hosting a meeting on Thursday 9thFebruary in Great Gidding Village Hall at 7.45pm. In attendance will be representatives from Cambridgeshire County Council’s Education Department as well as members of Great and Little Gidding Parish Council. In addition, our local MP, County and District Councillors have been invited to attend, as have representatives of each of the Parish Councils/Parish Meetings in the school’s catchment area.
We are keen to ensure that all interested parties have the opportunity to present their viewpoint.
Date of the meeting: Thursday 9th February 2023
Time: To commence at 7.45pm
Venue: Great Gidding Village Hall
(PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE EARLIER than 7.30PM as there is a prior booking in the Village Hall).
Questions, comments and observations
Questions, comments and observations should be submitted to the Parish Clerk by 5.00pm on Friday 3rd February, these will be given priority at the meeting (we cannot guarantee that any questions/comments/observations received after that deadline will be heard at the meeting)
AGENDA:
A presentation from representatives of the Education Department of Cambridgeshire County Council
Questions from Great & Little Gidding Parish Council to the Education Department representatives
Questions, comments and observations submitted by members of the community. (Any questions remaining at the end of the meeting will be forwarded to the Local Authority)
Reminder of timeline
9.00pm. Close of meeting.
Chairman: Paul Hodson
Clerk: Julie Trolove, Great and Little Gidding Parish Council, The Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding, Huntingdon, Cambs PE28 5NU
The latest edition of Gidding News, PLUS a description of the designs for the Coats of Arms – which would do you choose (EMAIL ggparishcouncil@outlook.com or post your vote through the Parish Office letterbox
Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall on Tuesday 17th August 2022
Present: Cllrs Hodson, D’Altilia, Moody, Hargrave and Maciag, and the Clerk. 2 members of the public were present.
076.22 Councillor Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.
077.22 To receive apologies and reasons for absence:
County Councillor Gardener – another meeting
District Councillor Alban – another meeting
Councillor Bolton – family commitment
078.22 There were no Member’s declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
079.22 2 members of the Public were attending to discuss item 085.22 – see details below.
080.22 Minutes of the meeting held on 21st July 2022 were confirmed as a true and correct record – proposed by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Maciag
081.22 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
Clerk – confirmation received of submission of AGAR and of exempt status.
082.22 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:
Cllr Macaig has compiled a document and spreadsheet to assist with making Planning Application decisions. In future this will enable Councillors to assess the grounds on which Planning Applications can be considered and then respond in a manner that is in line with Planning Department criteria. This was unanimously approved of as a “tool” to assist in making such decisions.
083.22 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Up to date Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account was shared at the meeting
b) PAYMENTS – the following online payments were approved for payment:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for June (28 hours)
Xxx
~
JRT
Bradgate Ground Maintenance (788)
Grass cutting of Rec Field
199.32
33.22
JRT
CAPALC Invoice no 3415
Training session for JM
75.00
NIL
JRT
CAPALC Invoice no 3509
Training session doe FD
75.00
NIL
JRT
Income Received HMRC
VAT refund
383.75
Village Hall payment PRS/PPL
Annual submission payment
139.20
23.20
JRT
Clerk’s working hours for July, a total of 30, was approved by all.
084.22 Neighbourhood Plan – The Clerk had shared a draft email to be sent to neighbouring parishes, inviting them to join the process – some additions and amendments were suggested. Clerk will send a revised email to Councillors. Dependent on responses from other parishes, interested residents would meet up to discuss the potential collaborative project.
085.22 Planning Applications and Planning matters –
a) Received by email on 20 July 2022
Proposal: Erection of new warehouse with associated drainage, landscaping and groundworks Site Address: The Central Depot 1 Hemington Lodge Road Great Gidding Reference: 22/01403/FUL
Decision required by 10th August 2022 – extension requested, no response from HDC
Messrs Rory and Matt Halligan, owners of the site, were present at the meeting to answer any questions from Councillors. They advised that Adshell/Clear Channel, manufacturer and supplier of street furniture, have been their tenants since 2001 and they are now supporting the company remaining on site by enabling the provision of a warehouse for additional secure storage, under cover, which will also act as a showroom for prospective buyers. They hope to have the facility completed before this winter.
Questions were raised by Councillors about future development at the site (none required at present), the height of the proposed building (lower than the existing building on site with a shallow pitch roof), drainage (feature pond would also act as drainage facility), use of container units (the proposed warehouse would replace these and they will be removed, the site to be tidied up overall), increase in traffic both during construction and when operational (during construction excavators would remain on site as they are utilising what materials/soil they have rather than bringing in more, the building materials would be brought in and construction takes place on site, there would be no additional vehicle movements once the building is complete), landscaping/planting (as this is to be the “showroom”, there will be extensive planting around the new building).
Cllrs had no further questions and felt that they could support the application as it provides rural employment and adds to the local economy (see planning reasons)
086.22 Training opportunities for Councillors and Clerk:
Councillor Training (online via ZOOM)
Saturday 3rd September
Tuesdays – 11/18/25 October
Saturday 8th October has been added as a training date today and Cllr Hargrave will attend this session
087.22 Cllr D’Altilia’s attended the Councillor training session via ZOOM – he commented were that he felt a “workbook”, setting out terms and processes would be a useful addition to support the information given during the training. Clerk will obtain updated copies of the Good Councillor Guide from NALC, and send a link to the NALC website where it can be read online.
088.22 Recreation Ground:
MUGA – the next step is to research ways of funding the project, either through grants, donations, fund raising or a combination. Also contact School to ask for their support. Clerk will support Cllrs Hargrave and Moody to compile information.
It may be necessary to set up a separate bank account, under the Parish Council umbrella, to accommodate the finances for this project. Residents will be updated on progress of the project via the next issue of Gidding News.
089.22 Cllr D’Altilia had researched the potential for a bulk short messaging service (SMS) for Parish Council to use to inform residents of urgent/important/necessary notifications. It was felt by Cllrs that this would reach more residents than social media platforms or website. Using this system, a message would be sent via phone by the Clerk or a Councillor, responses from recipients would not be possible/available. Parishioners would opt into the system by providing their mobile number only, names would not be shown, and the system would be fully GDPR compliant. The cost would be approx. 3p per message (one charge for one message to all participating residents) and invoiced monthly.
It was felt by Councillors that there should be a “sender” name attached to each message, ie Great & Little Gidding Parish Council, so that recipients could identify genuine messages.
Clerk enquired whether Vodaphone provide such a service, to link to our existing telephone and internet supply.
Cllr D’Altilia will obtain further details and prices.
Details of this service will be announced on the next issue of Gidding News.
091.22 Cllr D’Altilia had proposed a logo/coat of arms for use by the Parish Council and had drawn up some ideas, based on history/locality and activities in the Parish. Ideas will be shared on the next issue of Gidding News, asking residents to vote for their preferred option.
092.22 Correspondence received since 19th July:
a) NALC newsletters – dated 22/7 and 29/7 and 5/8 and 12/8 Chief Executives bulletin, 26/7 and 2/8 and 8/8 NALC events, 27/7 and 3/8 and 10/8 newsletter, 11/8 Star Council awards – list of nominees,
b) Neighbourhood Alert – email dated 25/7 and 1/8 and 8/8 Latest from the Courts, 26/7 Burglary in Huntingdonshire, 27/7 and 1/8 newsletter, 1/8 catalytic converter marking sessions, 2/8 means to contact the organisation, 9/8 – share your concerns, 10/8 keep your windows shut to stop burglars,
c) Cambridgeshire ACRE – email dated 20/7 re Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Improvements Grant, dated 29/7 re. high density heat pump installation, 29/7 funding for village halls and community buildings, 8/8 Charities Act 2022 – information about the changes being introduced, 12/8Notice of Cambridgeshire ACRE’s AGM Date: Wednesday 28 September 2022 Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm To be held by: Zoom Video Conference
e) Cambs CC email dated 22/7 – THINK Communities newsletter, 26/7 – Micro Asphalt programme (nothing listed for Gidding or surrounding villages) and updated 10/8, 28/7 Cambridgeshire Matters monthly newsletter, 29/7 – invite to Cambridgeshire Flood Groups Conference. This free event will take place on Thursday 22nd September 2022 at The Club in Alconbury Enterprise Campus, 11/8Cambridgeshire Local Authorities have established the Action on Energy Cambridgeshire scheme, various road closures within the County between 1/8/2022 and 1/1/2024 – includes Main Street, Great Gidding – signs will be erected prior to closures.
f) Hunts DC email dated 21/7 – two new honorary alderman (includes Dick Tuplin), 22/7 – THINK Communities newsletter, 4/8 Update of Operation London Bridge
27/7 Green flag awarded to St Neots miniature railway, 8/8 Town and Parish Council update on Huntingdonshire Futures
g) Economic Development Huntingdonshire DC invest@huntingdonshire.gov.uk – weekly Business News – email dated 21/7, 28/7, 4/8, 11/8
h) Information Commissioners Office – We confirm receipt of your payment and new expiry date of 23/08/2023.
i) Keep Britain tidy email dated 29/7 – Love Parks Week, dog mess and free resources
j) Cambs and Pboro Combined Authorities update, received 1/8
If you wish to see items of correspondence or obtain the links to online surveys, please contact the Parish Clerk.
093.22 Items for next meeting:
Clerk’s annual appraisal
Planning spreadsheet and associated paperwork
Gidding News – draft issue for amendment and additions.
Neighbourhood Plan – joining with neighbouring parish(s)
094.22 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 20th September 2022 o
starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding.
Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall on Tuesday 19 July 2022
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Bolton, Moody, Hargrave and Maciag, and the Clerk. 1 member of the public was present.
054.22 Councillor Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present.
055.22 To receive apologies and reasons for absence:
County Councillor Gardener – another meeting
District Councillor Alban – holiday
Councillor D’Altilia – work commitment
Councillor Pudney – work commitment
056.22 There were no Member’s declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda, but the Clerk declared a financial interest in the 063.22c) and would leave the room for discussion of this item.
057.22 Member of the public present to discuss 062.22.
058.22 Minutes of the meeting held on 21st June 2022 were confirmed as a true and correct record – acceptance proposed by Cllr Maciag and seconded by Cllr Hodson.
059.22 There were no matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
060.22 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:
Cllr Hodson had met with the Head of the village School, who is about to move to another post. He had been advised that there will be 3 children entering Reception class in September.
061.22 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) the up to date Finance Spreadsheet will be shared with these Minutes.
b) PAYMENTS – the following payments were unanimously approved:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for May (30 hours)
Xxx
~
JRT
Bradgate Ground Maintenance (733)
Grass cutting of Rec Field
199.32
33.22
JRT
Catalyst Design
Website hosting and domain name
179.04
29.84
JRT
Transfer to Gidding Charity Account – Jubilee BBQ
S137
127.00
~
JRT
Information Commissioners Office (DUE 23/8/2022)
Renewal of data protection fee
40
~
J P Macaig – reimbursement agreed at previous meeting
Slats for bench on Rec. Ground
188.28
Julie Trolove – reimbursement
Dog waste bags
10.00
~
to approve Clerk’s working hours for June – total of 28 – approved by all
Budget review – Cllr Hodson explained the current Budget and the various headings used and reasons behind the various budgets. He answered various questions from Councillors regarding the Budget . Cllr Moody suggested that a budget may need to be created for the Neighbourhood Plan in the future.
062.22 Neighbourhood Plan – Cllr Maciag had attended a meeting organised by Grafham Parish Council, with others from the Parish, and others from local Parish Councils. He outlines the stages that a Neighbourhood Plan must go through, in consultation with Huntingdonshire District Council at various stages and, above all, including and involving the community in the process. Grafham had combined with Ellington to complete their plan and suggested that this Parish Council could combine with a neighbouring Parish. A team of up to 10 (dependent on being 1 or more Parishes) would be required to devise the Plan with regular meetings, taking minutes and evidencing work carried out. The Clerk was asked to contact Hunts DC to enquire if they would support the joining with another Parish, before an approach was made to neighbouring parishes.
063.22 Planning Applications and Planning matters –
a) Received by email on 1 July 2022
Proposal: Partial removal of garden room and replacement front glazing and roof. Site Address: 2 Dells Close Great Gidding Huntingdon Reference: 22/01358/HHFUL
Decision required by 22 July 2022
No observations either for or against this proposal
b) Received by email on 6 July 2022
Proposal: Proposed 2 storey, and single storey rear extension. Site Address: 6 Winwick Road Great Gidding Huntingdon Reference: 22/01360/HHFUL
Decision required by 27 July 2022
No observations either for or against this proposal
c) received by email on 14 July 2022 (Clerk will leave the room for this item)
Proposal: Residential Development of up to 8 dwellings. Site Address: 91 Main Street Great Gidding Huntingdon Reference: 21/02188/OUT
Decision required by 27 July 2022
No observations either for or against this proposal
064.22 Review of Financial Regulations – no amendments required – Cllr Hodson proposed and Cllr Maciag seconded.
065.22 Review of Standing Orders – no amendments required – Cllr Hodson proposed and Cllr Maciag seconded.
066.22 Review of Risk Management Policy – no amendment required – Cllr Hodson proposed and Cllr Maciag seconded.
067.22 Training opportunities for Councillors and Clerk:
Councillor Training (online via ZOOM)
Saturday 23rd July – 9.30 to 3.30PM – Cllr D’Altilia to attend
Saturday 3rd September – Cllr Moody to attend
Cllr Hargrave will be advised of any full day training sessions offered in October
068.22 Cllr Maciag’s feed back on his training session – the trainer advised that a Councillor should not be a volunteer, discussion followed with no absolute conclusion other than, if acting as a volunteer, there must be insurance in place to cover such activities.
069.22 Recreation Ground:
MUGA – Cllr Maciag had obtained quotes for provision of the MUGA, both in the region of £60,000 +VAT – this could be either asphalt or Astro surface.
The next step is to consider how to fund this project, possibility of a Public Works Loan Board grant, fund raising and grants through other organisations will be investigated. Cllr Hargrave offered to assist with admin and applications.
The Parish Council is registered for VAT and could claim back this amount.
overview of proposed budget for the project and what it entails.
071.22 Cllr D’Altilia’s feedback on research for a messaging service between Parish Council and residents – this discussion will be deferred to the next meeting.
072.22 Cllr D’Altilia’s request for consideration of a logo/coat of arms for Parish Council identity – Cllr D’Altilia will be asked to create 3 logos to be shared on the next Gidding News for parishioners to vote on.
073.22 Seats in Main Street – a resident had observed that the seats opposite the Village Hall and village shop are looking shabby. A volunteer repainted the woodwork of the Village Hall seat last year but this had not weathered well. No observations were made regarding this matter.
074.22 Correspondence received since 21st June 2022 (other than that discussed in agenda items above). There were no comments or observations on the following items.
a) NALC newsletters – dated 24/6, 27/6 list of events and 5/7 and 12/7, 6/7 newsletter, 8/7 chief execs bulletin,
b) Neighbourhood Alert – email dated 22/6 Parking, speeding, drugs and weapons priorities for Huntingdonshire
email dated 23/6 Appeal after attempted distraction burglary
Latest from the courts 27/06/2022 and 4/7 and 11/7
Email dated 29/6 Strategy to end violence against women and girls taking shape
Email dated 1/7 – Car wash visits combat modern slavery
Email dated 4/7 – historical murder on TV
4/7 – July newsletter
6/7 – Warning following rise in motorbike thefts
11/7 – COMMUNITY SAFETY CHARTER launched to tackle crimes in public spaces
12/7 – Over 12 million suspicious emails reported by the public
12/7 – Warning following thefts from vehicles
c) Cambridgeshire ACRE – email dated 23/6 re footpaths and rights of way, email dated 29/6 Power to Change survey, dated 4/7 – how to make your premises GREEN, accessible and energy efficient,
email dated 5/7 re Little Thetford MUGA rental contract (future contact)
d) CAPALC email dated – June bulletin forwarded on
e) Cambs CC email dated 29/6 – Cambridgeshire Matters June newsletter, shared with Parish Councillors, email dated 12/7 re. Flood Resilience Day which will take place in Hilton, at the Hilton Village Hall Car Park, Grove End, Hilton, Huntingdon, PE28 9PF on Saturday 23rd July from 10am to 4pm.
Email dated 14/7 – Road Safety Education team newsletter
f) Hunts DC email dated 27/6, new play area at Hinchingbrooke Country Park, 27/6 new round of CIL funding applications and 1/7 CIL funding application form
email dated 29/6 – Sustainable Communities Business Pledge award.
Email dated 1/7 – volunteers required for Countryside services.
Email dated 14/7 – don’t lose your right to vote
g) Economic Development Huntingdonshire DC invest@huntingdonshire.gov.uk – weekly Business News – email dated 22/6, newsletter dated 30/6 and 7/7 and 12/7
Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall on Tuesday 21 June 2022
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Moody, D’Altilia and Maciag, and the Clerk.
036.22 Councillor Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present.
037.22 To receive apologies and reasons for absence:
County Councillor Gardener – holiday
District Councillor Alban – another meeting
Councillor Bolton – holiday
Councillor Pudney – work commitment
038.22 There were no Member’s declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda.
039.22 No member of the press or public attended the meeting.
040.22 Minutes of the meeting held on 17th May 2022 were confirmed as a true and correct record – acceptance proposed by Cllr Macaig and seconded by Cllr Hodson.
041.22 There were no matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
042.22 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:
The Clerk reminded those present about the Neighbourhood Plan meeting to be held at Grafham Village Hall on 23rd June – Cllr Macaig will attend, accompanied by 3 parishioners.
Cllr Hodson had attended a lunch at the School and advised that the Headteacher will be leaving at the end of term in July.
043.22 An application for Co-option to the Parish Council has been received from Mrs Andrea Hargrave – Cllr Hodson proposed acceptance and this was seconded by Cllr D’Altilia.
044.22 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account
b) PAYMENTS – the following payments were unanimously approved:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for April (36 hours)
Xxx
~
JRT
Bradgate Ground Maintenance (675)
Grass cutting of Rec Field
199.32
33.22
JRT
CANALBS
Internal Audit
167.33
~
Huntingdonshire District Council
Election cost
132.58
~
Huntingdonshire District Council
Rates for Rec Field
11.26
~
to approve Clerk’s working hours for May – total of 30 – approved by all
The internal auditor’s report had been received and is attached. The Clerk shared matters that were discussed with the auditor.
AGAR and associated paperwork were signed and will be sent to the External Auditor.
045.22 Planning Applications and Planning matters:
Proposal: Retrospective planning consent for a Garden Storage and Hobby Room Site Address: 19 Chapel End Great Gidding
Reference: 21/01589/HHFUL – details emailed to Parish Councillors on 27/5/2022 – no responses received, therefore Clerk emailed Planning Dept stating no observations either for or against.
There are no further planning applications.
046.22 Review of Financial Regulations – held over until July meeting
047.22 Review of Standing Orders – held over until July meeting
048.22 Review of Risk Management Policy – held over until July meeting
049.22 Training opportunities for Councillors and Clerk:
Councillor Training (online via ZOOM)
Saturday 23rd July – 9.30 to 3.30PM – (FD) fully booked
Additional dates added:
Saturday 9th July – JM
Saturday 3rd September – KM
Tuesdays – 11/18/15 October
050.22 Recreation Ground:
a) Wicksteed inspection made on 9th June – report shared with Councillors at the meeting, the report will be forwarded with these Minutes.
b) MUGA planning approval received – Cllr Macaig will seek quotes to establish a budget for this project and it will then be discussed how funding should be obtained.
051.22 Section 137:
A parishioner has proposed the revival of the pre-COVID midweek coffee mornings, to be based in the Village Hall (rather than in individual’s homes). Funding was requested to support this activity, potentially to cover the cost of hire of the Village Hall. As Councillors are also Trustees of the Village Hall, it was proposed by Cllr Hodson that Village Hall hire fees would be waived for the first six months of coffee mornings, this was unanimously agreed by those present.
Events had been held over the Jubilee weekend. A donation of £17.00 has been paid to the Gidding Charity from the Petanque and Picnic event – the Parish Council had allocated £300 to this event, £144.00 = the total costs, with donations requested towards food and drink, there was an excess of donations over costs, hence £17.00. In addition, the Parish Council will transfer £127.00 to the Gidding Charity. Also, donations for refreshments at the Jubilee Display in the Village Hall raised £14.10 for Gidding Charity.
052.22 Correspondence received since 17th May 2022 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).
a) NALC newsletters – dated 17 May – booking for Neighbourhood planning event on 29 June/18 May/7 June/14/6 – various events and surveys/20/5 – Levelling Up/23/5 report of meeting regarding Levelling Up/25 May – hybrid conference/27/5 – star council awards/31/5 – local council awards scheme/1/6 – newsletter/1/6 -chief execs bulletin and 10/6/ 15/6 – various/
b) Neighbourhood Alert – 18/5 email Paedophile Online Investigation Team /Neighbourhood Watch Week (with John Bishop) 5th June/email 20/5-scam emails/23/5, 30/5, 6/6, 14/6 – news from the Courts/30/5 – setting up Huntingdonshire Neighbourhood Watch – volunteers needed/31/5 – volunteers thank you/7/6 -meet the team/8/6 = join a lottery, only £1 per week/9/6 – survey about their service (Clerk responded)/13/6 – newsletter/
c) Cambridgeshire ACRE – email dated 25/5 – invite to webinar re. affordable housing Weds 6th July at 2PM/27/5 – rural touring promoters/30/5 – grant scheme for improving Village Halls/6/6 – Insurance also Everyday Premises Management training session/10/6 – Charity Commission consultation/
d) CAPALC email dated – June bulletin forwarded on 10/6/8/6 – carbon literacy test/13/3 – sector finance survey/13/6 – changes to drop in sessions/
e) Cambs CC email dated 31/5 – CAMBRIDGESHIRE Matters newsletter/
f) Hunts DC email dated 18/5 – new leader, cabinet members and Annual Meeting/24/5 – CIL funding round 1/31/5 – shared service CCTV/8/6 – summer holiday activities/10/6 – press release re. river frontage at Godmanchester/13/6 – press release re. new boat shed at St Ives/15/6 – invitation to Parish Council forum at Burgess Hall, St Ives on Weds 20 July/17/6 – Think Communities newsletter
g) Economic Development Huntingdonshire DC invest@huntingdonshire.gov.uk – weekly Business News – email dated 19/5/26 May/9 June/
h)email dated 17 May –Hunts ForumVolunteer Awards, which this year will be held at Hinchinbrook Park on Thursday 14th July between 5.30 pm–7 pm. )
g) Greater Cambridge Partnership – email dated 16/5, Environmental Impact Assessment Public Consultation 16 May to 11 July – Cambourne to Cambridge public transport route/ email 23/5 – a new road classification for Cambridge (city roads)/25/5 – invite to join Community Forums/Combined Authority – transport survey
h)BHIB (insurance) – renewal confirmation
i) Milton (Peterborough)Estates – an email has been received advising of the proposed development of Main Street site.
j) Cambs CC Highways Dept – TRRO application has been received which covers many roads within Cambridgeshire, including Great Gidding, and is in respect of resurfacing works over the next 2 years.
If you wish to see items of correspondence or obtain the links to online surveys, please contact the Parish Clerk.
053.22 Items for next meeting:
Risk Management Policy and Risk Assessments
Annual Parish Council Budget
Review of Financial Regulations
Review of Standing Orders
053.22 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 19th JULY 2022
starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding.
Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall on Tuesday 17th May 2022
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Pudney, Bolton,D’Altilia and Maciag, and the Clerk.
2 members of the public were present
Annual Parish Council Meeting
Parish Council Chairman – Councillors Bolton and Pudney proposed Cllr Hodson as Chairman, who accepted the office
Parish Council Vice Chairman – Councillors Bolton and Hodson proposed Cllr Pudney as Vice Chairman, who accepted the office
Acceptance of Office forms – were completed. In addition Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest forms and Election Expenses forms were completed
018.22 Cllr Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.
019.22 Apologies were received from County Councillor Gardener and District Councillor Alban, who were both attending other meetings.
020.22 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
021.22 There was no participation from members of the public.
022.22 Minutes of the meeting held on 19th April 2022 were confirmed as a correct record by Cllrs Pudney and Hodson
023.22 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item:
Cllr Hodson wished to thank Nick Hill for his help and support with the Speed Activation Sign. A solar battery has been installed on the post outside Church Farm and the sign located at that position.
Clerk advised that, following the Annual Parish Meeting, the resident who highlighted the danger of leaving the Village Hall car park had forwarded examples of proposed signage and a copy of his request to Highways Department. A response from Highways Department is awaited.
024.22 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:
There were no reports from Councillors.
025.22 An application for Co-option to the Parish Council has been received from Ms Karen Moody. Cllr Hodson proposed acceptance of the application and this was seconded by Cllr Bolton.
026.22 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Barclays Bank statements was shared
b) PAYMENTS – the following online payments were approved:
Who
What for
TOTAL
VAT
Authorised
Authorised
Elan City Paid outside of meeting
Purchase of additional solar panel for MVAS
469.12
~
JRT
BHIB
Insurance renewal
566.80
~
JRT
Village Hall (&Recreation Ground Committee
Hire of Parish Office and Village Hall
550.00
~
JRT
J R Trolove
Wages for March (29 hours)
Xxx
~
JRT
Bradgate Ground Maintenance
Grass cutting of Rec Field (623)
199.32
33.22
JRT
Jan Maciag *** (UK Timber Ltd)
Refund of payment in respect of oak for Rec Ground bench
188.28
31.38
JRT
Jubilee events S Jarvis *** A Underwood ***
Posters for Village Hall display Funding for BBQ and drinks
45.72 Up to £300
~ TBA
*** BACS details required to enable payments to be made
( discussion followed regarding the Jubilee events – up to £300 for food and drink for the BBQ and Boules event, no charge to those attending but any donations (and any remaining funds) received will be forwarded to the Great Gidding Charity).
Clerk’s working hours for April, a total of 36, were approved by Cllrs Bolton and Hodson
The Annual Governance Statement and Certificate for Audit were reviewed and completed. A Certificate of Exemption will be requested from the External Auditor
CANALBS will carry out annual internal audit (arranged for Tuesday 7th June)
The Parish precept payment has been received into the bank account
027.22 Planning Applications and Planning matters – there are currently no applications
In response to the Planning Application for a MUGA, Tim Alban has advised :
I have just received the following from the Senior Planning Officer covering the north of the district, which looks like good news.
“I’ve liaised with Debra on this. The application is on target be issued by 27th May and can confirm that it will not have to go to DMC for determination.”
Cllr Maciag advised that (as an architect) he has several planning applications that are outstanding for long periods of time with the District Council.
028.22 Huntingdonshire District Council’s revised Code of Conduct – this had been shared prior to the meeting and was unanimously approved by Parish Councillors.
029.22 Asset Register – this had been shared prior to the meeting and was agreed as a correct record by Parish Councillors.
030.22 to discuss whether the Parish Council should engage with social media and, if so, with which providers, and types of information that could and would be shared:
Cllr Hodson explained that the village website was available to other organisations and individuals to post items, including businesses and local activities – the hosting fee is paid by the Parish Council. The “village” Facebook page was set up and by a resident, as is the WhatsApp group. Gidding News is published and circulated to all residents 3 or 4 times each year.
Cllr Pudney has offered to post Parish Council/items affecting residents that are deemed urgent or needing to be shared (ie road closure).
Cllr D’Altilia proposed a text message system, sent out to those that sign up to the service, that contains information only – he will research further and establish GDPR requirements.
031.22 Training opportunities for Councillors and Clerk:
Councillor Training (online via ZOOM)
Saturday 21st May
Wednesday 8/15/22nd June – 3 sessions
Saturday 23rd June –
032.22 Recreation Ground:
a) Trespass by motorbike users – there have been no further reports of noise or nuisance and it was agreed that the best course of action was to report future incidents to the Police.
b) Cllrs will arrange a date to refurbish the slatted seat.
033.22 Correspondence received since 16th April 2022 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).
f) Hunts DC email dated 29/4 – press release regarding £150 refund on Council Tax
g) Economic Development Huntingdonshire DC invest@huntingdonshire.gov.uk – weekly Business News – email dated 5/5, 12/5, 28/4, 21/4
h) The Combined Authority Local Transport and Connectivity Plan team – email dated 12/5 – consultation on a development plan for better transport
i) Zurich Insurance – organising a safe event (in relation to the Jubilee Celebrations)
j) email dated 10/5 – confirmation of auto enrolment with the Pensions Regulator for G&LG PC
k) North Northamptonshire – email dated 9/5 regarding Strategic Planning Scope – online – Clerk regularly checks planning applications due to being on the County Boundary and the increased activity of businesses along Hemington Lodge Road
l) Cambs and Pboro Fostering Service, email dated 6/5– raising awareness of service during Fostering Fortnight, start date 9/5
m) email with attached posters promoting Shakespeare at The George (in Huntingdon)
n) invitation dated 29/4 to join Henry Morris Centenery Conference – education through village colleges and community support and engagement – Thursday 30th June at Bottisham Village College
o) Grantway – email advising of new grant application portal
p) email from Edward Groome regarding Jubilee events – including message from HM The Queen regarding tree planting
If you wish to see items of correspondence or obtain the links to online surveys, please contact the Parish Clerk.
034.22 Items for next meeting:
Co-option of Parish Councillor
Review of Standing Orders
Review of Financial Regulations
Review of Budgets
035.22 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 21st June 2022
starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding.
Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall on Tuesday 19th April 2022
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Pudney and Maciag, County Councillor Gardener, and the Clerk.
2 members of the public were present
001.22 Cllr Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting
002.22 Apologies for absence were received:
Cllr Bolton – holiday
District Councillor Alban – ill health
003.22 There were no Member’s declarations of Disclosable Interests.
004.22 No members of the Press were present. Members of the Public were in attendance to observe the meeting.
005.22 Minutes of the meeting held on 15th March 2022 were confirmed as a true and correct record by Councillors Pudney and Maciag
005.22 There were no matters arising from those Minutes.
006.22 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:
County Councillor Gardener
The County Council are considering implementing 20MPH zones throughout the county – details regarding funding and how to apply are not yet available.
A reduced £1 rate has been introduced for under 19s using the TING bus.
A Ukraine Response Group has been formed by the County Council, which includes welcome, welfare and education support for refugees. 25 households in the Hunts DC area have offered accommodation to refugees.
Cllr Gardener left this meeting to attend another.
Clerk – update on plans for Jubilee Weekend events in the Parish, which will include a boules tournament with “bring along” picnic in the Community Orchard, in addition there will be a display in the Village Hall of events/groups/clubs over the last 70 years – details will be distributed during May to parishioners.
Clerk – update on Milking Slade Lane, LHI signage etc. Highways Dept have responded to residents concerns and will take action to alleviate the issues.
Cllr Pudney – asked if the Parish Council had been made aware of the intended closure of Main Street by Anglian Water, as this had caused concerns on local social media. Clerk advised that the Parish Council have not received correspondence from any organisation regarding road closure in the Parish but, several weeks ago, she had reported the sinking of the road surface between Church Farm and the Village Hall to CambsCC Highways Dept and Anglian Water, and assumes this closure was to enable this to be repaired.
Cllr Pudney requested that use of social media be added to the agenda of the next meeting.
Cllr Pudney advised that a 40MPH sign has been damaged along Winwick Road, Clerk has already reported this (and the sign indicating a right turn into Hemington Lodge Road) to CambsCC Highways Department who, in turn, have responded that this will be addressed within the next 12 weeks.
007.22 An Application has been received from Fabio D’Altilia to join as a Parish Councillor
Cllr Hodson proposed acceptance of the application and seconded by Cllrs Pudney and Maciag
008.22 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account was shared prior to the meeting.
b) The following payments were approved:
Who
What for
TOTAL
VAT
Authorised
Authorised
SLCC
Annual subscription
36.00
~
JRT
Canalbs (paid outside of meeting)
Internal audit 2020/21
136.50
~
JRT
PH
Cambridgeshire County Council
MVAS sign ( incl. £628.92 from CIL tax) LHI contribution for B660 scheme
2247.92 1000.00 TOTAL £3247.92
~
JRT
Huntingdonshire District Council
Annual Rates for Rec. Field
11.26
~
Direct debit
McAfee NOT PAID – free package from AVG subscribed to
Renewal of anti virus for 1 year
44.99
~
NOT PAID
Microsoft 365 – payment made by J R Trolove
Renewal of device package
59.99
~
JRT
J R Trolove
Wages for February (29 hours)
Xxx
~
JRT
Bradgate Ground Maintenance
Grass cutting of Rec Field (573)
83.05
16.61
JRT
VH
Tally Ho Cleaning
Village Hall cleaning
32.50
~
JRT
d) Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 31st March (29 hours) – approved by Cllr Pudney
e) Proposal to purchase an additional solar unit for the second MVAS post was made by Cllr Hodson, a price of £469.12 was quoted by ELAN City quote, this was seconded by Cllr Pudney
f) Proposal to accept pay increase for Clerk’s hours in line with NALC guidelines (an increase of 21p per hour) was made by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Pudney.
009.22 Planning Applications and Planning matters:
A) Great Gidding C of E School – retention of existing canopy and covered play area until 31 August 2027 (Ref: CCC/22/024/VCR3)
b) Great Gidding C of E School – retention of the 1 x 8 bay and 1 x 2 bay mobile classrooms until 31 August 2027 (Ref: CCC/22/026/VCR3)
No observations, either for or against, were made on both applications.
010.22 Huntingdonshire District Council’s revised Code of Conduct
Proposal to adopt this Code of Conduct – Clerk will send out the Huntingdonshire District Council Code and the Parish Council’s current Code of Conduct to enable a decision to be made at the next meeting.
Completion of revised Disclosable Pecuniary Interests form by Parish Councillors – these will be brought back at the next meeting.
011.22 Asset Register – to view the current register – this matter held over until the May meeting.
012.22 Request (verbal) from St Michaels Parochial Church Council to support them with funding works to trees within then Churchyard. Discussion followed and the request to fund works to trees within the Churchyard was declined. Clerk will advise the PCC.
013.22 Training opportunities for Councillors and Clerk:
Saturday 21st May – 9.00 to 15.30 – Councillor Training (online via ZOOM)
014.22 Recreation Ground:
a) Trespass by motorbike users – a parishioner had reported that small motorbikes had been seen on the Recreation Ground, on one occasion resulting in a family leaving the area. PH suggested a kissing gate at the Winwick Road entrance but this would also make it difficult to gain access with a pram/pushchair/bike etc., ground barriers would also cause access issues. It was felt that signs would not be effective. Advice will be sought from the Police.
b) Cllr Hodson proposed that Wicksteed Leisure be instructed to carry out annual inspection of play equipment – Cllr Pudney seconded.
c) Planning application for MUGA – it has been indicated by Hunts DC planning Department that this will be discussed at their May meeting.
d) Cllr Maciag has the oak for renovation of the bench, a working party to be organised in the near future.
015.22 Correspondence received since 15th March 2022 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).
a) Updated version of Operation London Bridge from SLCC – Clerk gave an outline and from the discussion Cllr Pudney suggested a flagpole be sited at the Village Hall – this will be added to the next agenda of the Village Hall & Recreation Ground committee.
Support for Ukrainian refugees – The role of village halls Newsletter including use of Bouncy Castles and insurance risk Email dated 24/3 – Charity purposes and rules Email dated 25/3 – Food, farming and Countryside commission online event Email dated 29/3 – funding a project Email dated 8/4 – managing finances for Trustees
d) CAPALC email dated – available training sessions, 1/4 monthly bulletin and more
email dated 21/3 with Cambridgeshire Matters newsletter
email dated 7/4 – transport strategy plan – Parish Council comment – Await further information.
Email dated 14/4 – Local Highways 2022 Micro Asphalt / Gripfibre Carriageway Surface Treatment Program – no planned work in Great & Little Gidding
f) Hunts DC email dated 26/3/2022 – Press release regarding St Neots Riverside Park
Email dated 18/3 – Funding approved for Hinchingbrooke Hospital improvements
Email dated 18/3 – Huntingdonshire District Council following a successful bid to the Together for Our Planet funding programme
Email dated 18/3 – Hunts DC press release on the approval of new CIL funding bids
Email dated 22/3 – distribution of Business Support grant
Email dated 23/3 – Think Communities newsletter
Email dated 25/3 – Changing Places Fund Announcement
Email dated 28/3 – Development Plan to 2036 with link
Email dated 29/3 – link to Landscape and Townscape Supplementary Planning Document
Email dated 6/4 – Election Nominations Closed – Great & Little Gidding has been notified that it is an uncontested Election for this Parish.
g) Economic Development Huntingdonshire DC invest@huntingdonshire.gov.uk – weekly Business News – 17/3, 24/3, 31/3, 7/4, 14/4
h) Chesterton Parish Meeting chairman – email dated 20/3 regarding warehousing development on A1/A605 junction in Chesterton/Alwalton parish
g) County Councillor Simon Bywater – email dated 21/3 re bridge over footpath in Steeple Gidding Parish – await further updates as it is not in our Parish
i) Grantway email dated 22/3 regarding grant search portal
j) Parish and Town Council survey completed by Clerk – dated 22/3 regarding playing pitch strategy
k) FWAG email dated 23/3 – funding for wildlife ponds – Clerk advised FWAG that our ponds had been assessed, newts present, funding not available for our ponds
l) SLCC email dated 23/3 – early day motion re Standards in Public Life
m) PKF Littlejohn – email dated 24/3 – external auditor requirements and paperwork
n) District Councillor Marge Beuttell – email dated 28/3 – minutes of the Combined Parishes meeting
o) North Northamptonshire planning policy with link dated 28/3
If you wish to see items of correspondence, please contact the Parish Clerk.
016.22 Items for next meeting:
Annual Parish Council Meeting – appointment of Chairman, Vice Chairman and completion of Acceptance of Office forms and Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest forms. Also Election Expenses forms
Adoption of the Huntingdon District Council Code of Conduct
Review of Parish Council Asset Register
Review of the Parish Council budget to 31 March 2022
Completion of the Annual Governance Statement and Certificate for Audit
Approval of proposed Internal Auditor
Parish Council use of social media
Flag pole at the Village Hall (this will be discussed at the Village Hall & Recreation Ground Meeting).
017.22 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 17th May 2022
starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding.
Smaller authority name: Great & Little Gidding Parish Council
NOTICE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS AND PUBLICATION OF ANNUAL GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN (EXEMPT AUTHORITY)
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022
Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 Sections 25, 26 and 27
The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/234)
NOTICE
NOTES
1. Date of announcement – 8th June 2022
2. Each year the smaller authority prepares an Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR). The AGAR has been published with this notice. It will not be reviewed by the appointed auditor, since the smaller authority has certified itself as exempt from the appointed auditor’s review.Any person interested has the right to inspect and make copies of the AGAR, the accounting records for the financial year to which it relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records must be made available for inspection by any person interested. For the year ended 31 March 2022, these documents will be available on reasonable notice by application to: The Parish Clerk in the Parish Office, Main Street, Great Gidding, PE28 5NU Email : ggparishcouncil@outlook.com Telephone – 01832 293068 – please leave a message with dates when you would like to inspect the accounts. commencing on Monday 13 June 2022 and ending on Friday 22 July 2022
3. Local government electors and their representatives also have: The opportunity to question the appointed auditor about the accounting records; and The right to make an objection which concerns a matter in respect of which the appointed auditor could either make a public interest report or apply to the court for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful. Written notice of an objection must first be given to the auditor and a copy sent to the smaller authority. The appointed auditor can be contacted at the address in paragraph 4 below for this purpose between the above dates only.
4. The smaller authority’s AGAR is only subject to review by the appointed auditor if questions or objections raised under the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 lead to the involvement of the auditor. The appointed auditor is:PKF Littlejohn LLP (Ref: SBA Team)15 Westferry CircusCanary WharfLondon E14 4HD (sba@pkf-l.com)
5. This announcement is made by Julie Trolove, Parish Clerk
The Parish Council has received notification today of the closure of the B660, between the crossroads junction with the Bullock Road, through the village to just beyond the crossroads (Luddington Road and Chapel End). This is for resurfacing of the road and will take place at some time after 1st August 2022 (no specific dates and time are given). A map of the diversion route can be found on the Village Hall noticeboard.
Advisory signs will be erected by Cambridgeshire County Council nearer the date of the works taking place. If any further information is received by the Parish Council, further updates will be posted on this website.
