2022-02- Minutes of the Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

2022-02- Minutes of the Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

Present:  Cllrs Hodson, Bolton and Pudney, County Councillor Gardener and the Clerk.   

154.21 Cllr Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.

155.21 There were no apologies for absence

156.21 There were no Member’s declarations of Disclosable Interests

157.21 No members of the Public or Press attended the meeting

158.21 Minutes of the meeting, held on 18th January 2022, were confirmed as a true and correct record.     Acceptance proposed by Cllr Bolton and seconded by Cllr Pudney.                    

159.21 There were no matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.

160.21 Reports from Councillors and Clerk:

Clerk enquired of County Councillor Gardener details of the proposed change of Parliamentary Constituency boundaries, whereby our Parish may become part of South Peterborough (currently North West Cambridgeshire).  This is a process that takes place from time to time as area populations increase to level up the constituency areas – consultation period has now closed and decisions are awaited.

County Councillor Gardener

Councillor Steven Ferguson is now Chairman of the County Council.

The County Council element of Council Tax will increase by 1.99%, and Adult Social Care to increase by 3%.  The income generated is anticipated to be £6.9m and this will be allotted to Council Reserves.

There will be an increase of £20 to those persons receiving Universal Credit.

Cllr Gardener left the meeting after advising on item 163.21a

161.21 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

            a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account

b) Annual Finance review – a list of spending to date, together with a budget spreadsheet were shared at the meeting.  Cllr Hodson explained about precept/income and expenditure/assets and budgets to Parish Councillors.

c) PAYMENTS of the following items was approved by Cllrs Bolton and Pudney

 WhoWhat forTOTALVATAuthorisedAuthorised
 Catalyst DesignSetting up Noticeboard page on website and training of Clerk336.0056.00JRTPH
 CAPALCAnnual subscription57.00~JRTPH
 J R TroloveWages for December (18 hours)Xxx~JRTPH
       
 WAVE/AWAFinal invoice for Rec Ground toilet unit5.06~Direct debitPH
 Paul HodsonCapping off Toilet unit supply  15.92~JRTJP

d)  Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 31st January (29   hours) approved by Cllr Bolton and Pudney.   

162.21 Planning Applications and Planning matters: NONE received as at 11/2/2022

163.21 Highways and Footpaths:

a) LHI bid for 2022-23 – Nick Hill had submitted a presentation to Parish Council and Cambridgeshire County Council.  A response from CambsCC indicated that there would be minimal improvement to traffic calming/road safety if the proposed measures were implemented.   County Cllr Gardener advised that the proposal could still be submitted, but would be unlikely to gain sufficient support to be successful based on the County Council comments.  Cllr Gardener has had considerable experience of the Local Highways Bid Scheme and suggested an approach for a future bid for the Little Gidding junction.  He offered to arrange an on-site meeting with a Highways officer to consider the options.

Based on these comments, Cllr Hodson proposed that the current application be withdrawn, with a revised proposal to be submitted for 2023/24 bid.  This proposal was seconded by Cllr Bolton.

            b) Parishioner requested discussion of condition of various public footpaths + another enquiry.  Emails have been received with concerns regarding aspects of various footpaths in the Parish.  CambsCC have contacted the Clerk regarding one of the enquiries and the Clerk has requested a meeting or discussion with a CambsCC representative to address other issues regarding public footpaths.

164.21 Training opportunities for Councillors and Clerk       

                February              16th – Councillor Training, split session – 6.30 to 9PM

                                                   23rd – Councillor training, split session – 6.30 to 9PM

             More online training options are now being offered by CAPALC and details are shared on their monthly newssheet, a copy of which is forwarded to Councillors. 

165.21 Recreation Ground:

            Mole problem will be addressed by Arrestapest

            Toilet unit has been disconnected from the Main Sewer and final invoice received from WAVE/AWA.  The toilet will be removed when ground conditions allow.  The concrete base that the toilet stood on will remain in situ.

166.21 Correspondence received since 18th January 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).

See attached list, discussion on the following items:

j) Cllr Hodson and the Clerk will attend a meeting to share thoughts and ideas with District Councillor Alban and other local Parish Council Chairmen and Clerks on Wednesday 9th March.

l) CambsCC response dated 7/2/2022 to request for a further grit bin on Chapel End.  A price has been quoted and CambsCC would need to identify a site where road visibility was not impaired.  Councillors discussed and agreed that this bin would not completely solve the problem of ice on the roads and footpaths in this area.  A request has been made on the most recent parish newsletter for volunteer footpath gritters and, at this stage, a grit bin will not be ordered.

p)  following a request for the provision of equipment for litter picking around the parish, the Clerk will research prices and submit to the  March meeting.

167.21 Items for decisions at next meeting: 

            Prepare for Co-option of Parish Councillor

168.21 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 15  March  2022

starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding.

2022-01-18 Minutes of the Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

2022-01-18 Minutes of the Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall on Tuesday 18th January 2022

Present:  Cllrs Pudney, Bolton and Macaig, and the Clerk.   District Councillor Alban joined later in the meeting.

139.21 Cllr Pudney, Vice Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.

140.21 To receive apologies and reasons for absence

            Cllr Hodson – ill health

141.21 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda

142.21 No members of the Public & Press were present

143.21 Minutes of the meeting held on 21st December 2021   were confirmed as a true and correct record by Cllr Pudney and seconded by Cllr Macaig                   

144.21 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.

145.21 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:

Clerk – Gidding Parochial Church Council plan to hold a service to commemorate the Queens Jubilee and had offered to attend a meeting to discuss plans for other events.

Cllr Macaig proposed a Queen’s Jubilee event based on 1952, he suggested involving the Pub in plans too.

Clerk – an email had been received from the Enforcement Officer from HuntsDC Planning Department regarding 65 Main Street, Councillors expressed their disappointment at this decision and asked that this be fed back to Planning Department.  This was mentioned to District Councillor Alban when he joined the meeting, he requested sight of all correspondence on this matter.

Clerk – volunteer gritters required for footpaths – an item will be added to Gidding News. 

Cllr Pudney advised, in recent days a Parishioner has slipped on ice in Chapel End, resulting in a badly broken leg, another Parishioner had broken her arm last year as a result of slipping nearby.  Cllr Pudney suggested a further salt bin, to be sited near the crossroads or on the green to enable residents to grit this area, the existing salt bin is on the bend, necessitating a climb up the icy road – Clerk will make enquiries.  There is a constant water leak/spring leak that makes an area of Chapel End wet and icy, Anglian Water have dug up the road to investigate and/or repair, but the problem remains.  Clerk was requested to report to Anglian Water.

Cllr Pudney added details of the forthcoming closure of Luddington Road (between 15 – 17 February) to Facebook.

No further Councillor reports.

146.21 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

            a) Bank statements for Parish Council account were viewed – no comments

b) to note the Cashflow spreadsheet and Budget Forecast – Councillors requested an item on the February agenda to discuss Finance.

c) the following payments were approved for payment by Cllrs Pudney and Macaig:

 WhoWhat forTOTALVATAuthorisedAuthorised
48VikingStationery and office supplies153.7325.62JRT 
47J R TroloveWages for November (24.5 hours)Xxx~JRT 

d)  Clerk’s working hours between 1st and 31st December (18  hours) – approved by Cllrs Pudney and Macaig

*** District Councillor Alban joined the meeting at this point and gave his report.  He advised that District Council will set the annual budget in February.

            The District Council are likely to introduce Civil Parking Enforcement to alleviate problems with parking on yellow lines in urban areas and around schools etc.

            Proposed plans for another distribution park at Junction 17 (Haddon Services) off the A1/A605 and a solar park at Morborne are causes for concern for many parishes in the vicinity.

            District Councillor Alban will follow up the enforcement issue for Mill Road, in addition to enquiring about 65 Main Street (See 145.21)

            District Councillor Alban left the meeting.

147.21 Planning Applications and Planning matters:

a) Proposal: Ash T1 – Crown lift to 5.4m above ground level. crown reduce to be in line with pavement and give a minimum 50cm gap to adjacent lamppost.
Site Address: 6 Dells Close Great Gidding Huntingdon
Reference: 21/02777/TREE

There were no observations for or against this application.

b) CambsCC email dated 12/1/2022 outlining 40 MPH limits around village, connected with LHI bid – it was felt that as this Parish Council proposed the changes, we could not comment.

148.21 Recreation Field Update

            Grass cutting contract – Councillors agreed to continue with Bradgate as the contractor, for 12 cuts a year, with additional cuts as and when requested.

            Cllr Macaig requested Planning Department of HuntsDC  to update him on the MUGA planning application and was advised that further contact would be made by the end of January.

            Cllr Macaig will collect oak to make replacement bench slats.

149.21 Training opportunities for Councillors and Clerk

            January                 29th Councillor training 9AM to 3.30PM

                February              16th – Councillor Training, split session – 6.30 to 9PM

                                                   23rd – Councillor training, split session – 6.30 to 9PM

             More online training options are now being offered by CAPALC and details are shared on their monthly newssheet, a copy of which is forwarded to Councillors. 

150.21 Gidding News – Cllr Bolton had made some amendments to the draft and offered to resolve the layout on “Publisher”. 

Clerk is awaiting prices for a 4 page issue

Cllr Macaig requested further detail be added to the Neighbourhood Plan item, with an indication that this process will start in Summer 2022.

151.21 Correspondence received since 21st December 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).  There were no comments or observations on the following items.

a) email dated 4/1/2022 from CAPALC – introducing Nimble e-learning

b) email dated 5/1/2022 from CambsCC – flood risk information – 15 page document, please ask Clerk if you wish to see a copy

c) email dated 6/1/2022 from Police & Crime Commissioner – increase precept to cover policing costs also email from CambsCC dated 13/1/2022

d) email dated 6/1/2022 – ACRE briefing on COVID requirements for community buildings

e) email dated 6/1/2022 from Economic Development Huntingdonshire.gov.uk weekly briefing

f) email dated 11/1/2022 from Road Victims Trust – outline of their charity and support available – 15 pages of articles and photographs, please ask Clerk if you wish to see a copy

g) email dated 12/1/2022 from NALC – update

h) email dated 13/1/2022 from North Northamptonshire Council  re.Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) – seeking sites for development

i) email dated 12/1/2022 from Think Communities Huntingdonshire – latest news, 12 page document, please ask Clerk if you wish to see a copy

152.21 Items for decisions at next meeting: 

                        Finance review

            Prepare for Co-option of Parish Councillor

Queens Jubilee 2022 – discussion of ideas

153.21 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 15 February 2022

starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding.

The meeting closed at 20.40

2021-12-21 Minutes of the meeting of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council

2021-12-21 Minutes of the meeting of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council

Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall on Tuesday 21st December 2021

Present:  Cllrs Hodson, Hill, and Pudney, and the Clerk.   1 Member of the public present

124.21 The Chairman welcomed those present to the meeting

125.21  Apologies were received from:

            County Councillor Gardener and District Councillor Alban – ill health

            Parish Councillor Bolton – health grounds

126.21 Member’s declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda:

The Parish Clerk declared a financial interest for 132.21 (see below) and will leave the meeting for this discussion, a Parish Councillor will minute this item.

All Parish Councillors declared an interest in item 132.21 as they know the applicants but as there is no personal financial gain, and no other means of hearing the planning application, they continued.

127.21 There were no members of the Press present.  Andrew Middleditch of Messrs Bletsoes attended for item 132.21

128.21 Minutes of the meeting held on 16th November 2021 were confirmed as a true and       correct record – agreed by Councillor Hill and seconded by Councillor Pudney                    

129.21 There were no matters arising from those Minutes. 

130.21 Reports from Councillors and Clerk:

Councillor Pudney has recently reported the bags of rubbish that have been deposited in Back Lane and advised that the sewage/slurry that was dumped some weeks ago has still not been cleared (the incident was reported to HuntsDC (?) by a member of the public on Saturday 20th November, the day that it occurred), Clerk will follow this report (* this was reported to DEFRA, Clerk completed online HuntsDC report on 22/12/2021)

Councillor Hill – nothing to report

Councillor Hodson advised that the bell has been replaced on the School roof today.

As this was to be Councillor Hill’s last Parish Council meeting, he thanked him for his time, input and support over the last few years.

131.21 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

            a) to note Barclays Bank statements

b) to note the Cashflow spreadsheet and Budget Forecast – Cllr Hodson explained that the entries in respect of the Allotment rental had been assigned to the Contingency Budget, and will be included as a separate Allotment budget in the next financial year.

Cllr Pudney confirmed that he has been approved as a signatory on the bank accounts for the Parish Council, Village Hall & Recreation Ground but also The Gidding Charity – this latter item was an error by Barclays, but it was agreed that he should remain as a signatory on the Charity account.

c) The following online payment was approved:

 WhoWhat forTOTALVATAuthorisedAuthorised
 J R TroloveWages for October (27.5 hours)Xxx~JRTPH

d)  Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 30th November (24.5 hours) were approved by Cllrs Hill and Pudney

132.21 Planning Applications and Planning matters:

            The Parish Clerk left the meeting at this point …

            Andrew Middleditch of Messrs Bletsoes shared information regarding the application and answered questions from Parish Councillors.

                        Reference: 21/02188/OUT

Proposal: Residential Development of up to 9 dwellings.
Site Address: 91 Main Street Great Gidding Huntingdon

*** Parish Clerk returned to the meeting.

There were no objections heard or received in respect of the proposed development.

Parish Councillors wished to submit approval of the application, with the following comments:

The proposed development retains the character of the village.

The type of housing proposed, and the families that live in those properties, will bring benefit to village amenities, such as the school.

Clerk will submit the response to Huntingdonshire District Council.

133.21 Recreation Field Update:

            a) Anglian Water have acknowledged the instruction to terminate the water supply to the toilet unit and advised that this will be carried out within 90 working days (Customer Ref: 230118301)

            b) annual safety inspection – nothing heard from Wicksteed

134.21 Training opportunities for Councillors and Clerk

            January                 29th Councillor training 9AM to 3.30PM

                February              16th – Councillor Training, split session – 6.30 to 9PM

                                                   23rd – Councillor training, split session – 6.30 to 9PM

135.21 Gidding News – draft copy was made available prior to the meeting.  Clerk requested that any additional items/information be sent to her ASAP to enable this issue to be approved and then printed immediately after the January meeting.  As there are now 3 vacancies for Parish Councillors this will be a focus of the newsletter.

136.21 Correspondence received since 16th November 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).

a) Email dated 17/11/2021 – Highways Dept confirmation of Mill Road/Luddington Road scheme – Cllr Hill will continue his involvement with Local Highways Initiative bids and the speed sign.

b) email dated 17/11/2021 – via CambsACRE, details of Fenland Rural Touring Scheme – live performance, cinema screenings, arts events

c) from HuntsDC – COVID-19: Weekly Bulletin 18/11, 25/11, 2/12 and  9/12/2021

d) email dated 19/11/2021 – NALC legal update (copy available on request), weekly updates, NALC Events, (forwarded to Councillors),

e) email dated 19/11/2021 – Neighbourhood Watch regarding hacking, online shopping scams, lottery scams, New Police and Crime Plan For Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Keep Burglars Away this Christmas , December newsletter (copies available on request) and other emails throughout the month

f) email dated 19/11/2021 – Hunts DC One Leisure active lifestyle PSI classes – information

g) email dated 22/11/2021 – Hunts DC confirmation of receipt of CIL return and notification of publication

h) email dated 22/11/2021 – Hunts DC regarding 2022 elections, Council Tax and more

i) email dated 23/11/2021 – Hunts DC dates for bin collections altered by bank holidays

j) email dated 23/11/2021 – via Cambs ACRE, forwarding details on Charity Commission guidance on safeguarding

k) email dated 23/11/2021 – Huntingdonshire Communities newsletter

l) email dated 26/11/2021 – Greater Peterborough Partnership Making Connections: have your say on greener travel in Greater Cambridge – consultation process ended 20th December

m) email dated 29/11/2021-Hunts DC “Huntingdonshire District Council launch Growth Grant Scheme” – copy available on request

n) email dated 30/11/2021 – East Anglian Childrens Hospice request for donation

o) email dated 30/11/2021 –  Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority update issue 8 – copy available on request

p) email dated 1/12/2021 – CambsCC Highways Dept inn response to report of surface erosion of Milking Slade Lane

q) email dated 1/12/2021 – Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority – “Have YOUR Say on our budget and our new way of working” – deadline 31/12/2021

r) email dated 3/12/2021 – commemorative ware for Queens Jubilee

s) email dated 8/12/2021 – Cambs CC – free places for children at Christmas holiday schemes.

t)email dated 10/12/2021 – CambsCC details of Cambs Local Councils Conference on 14/1/2021 – Parish Clerk will attend (virtually).

u) email dated 10/12/2021 – via CAPALC, detail of Household Support Fund, open until 31st March 2022

v) email dated 29 November from Hunts DC re. Christmas tree collections for this postcode area

w) email dated 15 December from CambsCC – Cambridgeshire Matters newsletter

x) email dated 24 November from Hunts DC re list of Parish Councillors to appear on their website

y) email dated 16/12/2021 – from CambsACRE – updated COVID requirements for Community buildings.

z) email dated 17/12/21 – Police and Crime Commissioners Christmas card.

137.21 Items for decisions at next meeting: 

            Prepare for Co-option of Parish Councillor

Queens Jubilee 2022 – tree planting, village event, other ideas.

Gidding News

138.21 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 18 January 2022

starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding.

Meeting closed at 21.00

2021-11-16 Minutes of the Great & Little Parish Council meeting

2021-11-16 Minutes of the Great & Little Parish Council meeting

Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall on Tuesday 16th November 2021

Present:  Cllrs Hodson, Maciag, Hill, and Bolton

109.21 Chairman’s Welcome

110.21 To receive apologies and reasons for absence:  

            County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting

            District Councillor Alban – at another meeting

            Councillor Cotton – has resigned due to personal commitments

            Councillor Pudney – excessively delayed by accident traffic

111.21 There were no Member’s declaring a Disclosable Interest for items on the Agenda

112.21  No members of the Public or Press were present

113.21 Minutes of the meeting held on 19th October 2021 were confirmed and accepted by Cllrs Hill and Macaig                        

114.21 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item:

            Cllr Bolton – following on the from climate change discussion (0103.21) at the October meeting, he had contacted a provider of electric charging points and was advised that, at present, they were installing on major roads and urban areas.

            Cllr Macaig – has ordered the wood for the Recreation Ground bench, he presented the invoice, and will advise when delivery received.               

115.21 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:

            Cllr Hill – the proposed plan for the 2021-22 Local Highways Improvement Bid has been received (extension to the speed limit areas on Mill Road and Luddington Road and to include Milking Slade Lane and Chapel End).  The second post for the Speed Awareness Device has also been included in this scheme.  Those present unanimously approved the scheme.  Cllr Hill will confirm to Highways Department and request costings for the scheme.  The 2022-23 for Little Gidding will be presented in spring 2022. 

            Cllr Hodson – a parishioner has advised him that the field gate on the Public footpath adjacent to Chapel End Pond has a lock on it (new owner of the field is presently unknown).  Clerk will report the restriction to CambsCC.

            Cllr Hodson encouraged Councillors to identify new Parish Councillors.

116.21 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

            a) Barclays Bank statements noted

b) Cashflow spreadsheet and Budget Forecast were presented by Cllr Hodson, also VAT return had been submitted to HMRC by Clerk

c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS

 WhoWhat forTOTALVATAuthorisedAuthorised
41Bradgate Fencing (No  340     )Grass Cutting195.1232.52JRT + 
42J R TroloveWages for September (30 hours)Xxx~JRT 

d)  to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 30th October (27.5 hours)  Payments and Clerk’s hours approved by Cllrs Hill and Maciag

e)  Community Infrastructure Levy Statement for 2020-2021 (deadline for submission 31/12/2021) – approved by Cllrs Hodson and Hill

117.21 Planning Applications and Planning matters:

 21/02299 TREE – 8 Dells Close – crown reduction to ash tree

There were no observations, either for or against.

118.21 Recreation Field Update:

            a) monthly inspection – Cllr Hodson will forward his written report

            b) water supply to toilet – Clerk will complete the paperwork provided by Anglian Water

            c) grass cutting contract – Clerk has reminded the contractors that they had completed the number of cuts as set out in the contract.

119.21 Training opportunities for Councillors and Clerk – there were no requests for training this month.

120.21 Gidding News – it was agreed that the next edition would be sent out in Spring 2022 – suggested items to include a report on the results from the Speed Awareness device, update on the Local Highways Scheme, final call for ideas for events etc for the Queens Platinum Jubilee and/or tree planting, request for residents to join the Neighbourhood Plan group, MUGA fundraising

121.21 Correspondence received since 19th October 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).

a) Email dated 22/10/2021 – email re The Queens Platinum Jubilee

b) Email dated 25/10/2021 – Neighbourhood Watch “say no to ASB”

c) Email dated 25/10/2021 – Balfour Beatty street light survey – Clerk has responded – Cllr Macaig remarked on the brightness of street lights and enquired if they were LED, the survey was regarding repairs and service provision

d) Email dated 27/10/2021 – Cambs ACRE re. Queens Green Canopy – – Cllr Bolton was interested in a tree planting exercise.   Clerk advised that there will be a working group in Jubilee Wood in early December, this will identify spaces for trees.  Clerk will research what species of trees are available.

e) email dated 29/10/2021 – Neighbourhood alert cyber crime survey 2021

f) email dated 1/11/2021 – Cambs & P’boro combined authority update no. 7

g) email dated 3/11/2021 – Mayors office(combined authority) regional transport

h) email dated 5/11/2021 – Chairman of Winwick Parish (Council) re traffic

i) email dated 8/11/2021 – The Library Presents – arts events

j) email dated 8/11/2021 – The Pensions Regulator – re-enrolment – Clerk enquired whether there was a need to re-enrol. This Parish Clerk has declined the offer of a Pension and/or was not eligible, re-enrolment will not be necessary

k) email dated 8/11/2021 – CambsCC – Childrens Christmas Holiday Scheme

l) email dated 11/11/2021 – Neighbourhood alert – webinar on ASB

122.21 Items for decisions at next meeting: 

            Prepare for Co-option of Parish Councillor

Queens Jubilee 2022 – tree planting, village event, other ideas.

123.21 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 21 December 2021

starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding

Meeting closed at 20.12

2021-10-19 Minutes of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

2021-10-19 Minutes of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall  on Tuesday 19th October 2021

Present:  Cllrs Hodson, Maciag, Hill, Pudney, Bolton, County Councillor Gardener and the Clerk. 

093.21 Cllr Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.

094.21 Apologies and reasons for absence:

District Councillor Alban – attending other meetings

Councillor Cotton – family commitment

095.21 There were no Member’s declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the       Agenda

096.21 No members of Public or Press were present at the meeting.

097.21 Minutes of the meeting held on 21st September 2021  were accepted.

            Cllr Bolton proposed and Cllr Hill seconded.                        

098.21 There were no matters arising from those Minutes. 

099.21 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:

            County Councillor Gardener:

Councillor Gardener updated on the ting bus service, an “on demand” service for West Hunts villages, which will commence on 25th October.  A roadshow will be sited at the Village Hall on the afternoon of Friday 22nd October to promote the bus and how it operates (handouts to be distributed around the Parish).

CambsCC are arranging a Webinar around the subject of Climate Change for November.  The County Council aim for the County and its residents to be carbon neutral by 2050.

A new Chief executive is being sought for Cambridge only (no longer a combined role with Peterborough).

Sharon Middleton is now CambsCC Highways Engineer for our area.

Shire Hall at Alconbury Weald is now open for business.

He encouraged us to complete the National Highways Survey regarding improvements to the A14 between Brampton and Thrapston (he will forward a link).

Government have announced £500m support for vulnerable households over winter.

Free school meals will be available to children over the half term holiday.

Cllr Gardener left for another meeting.

Cllr Hill had contacted Cambs CC to enquire when the 2nd post for the Speed Awareness sign might be installed – response awaited.

Clerk – Remembrance Service at St. Michael’s Church, Great Gidding on Sunday November 14th starting at 10.45 am.  We have a wreath that was not used in 2020 (attendee at service required please), together with big plastic poppies.  Requests received to repeat poppy display on Top End Corner.

Clerk – CambsACRE AGM report

0100.21 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

                        Cllr Hodson advised that Cllr Pudney has been added to the Bank Mandate and can  co-authorise payments once he receives bank card and PIN gadget.

            a) Barclays Bank statements

b) Cashflow spreadsheet and Budget Forecast – the budget forecast has been updated to show the funds that are allocated to the various LHI bids

c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS

 WhoWhat forTOTALVATAuthorisedAuthorised
33Bradgate Fencing (No 255       )Grass Cutting199.3233.22JRT 
34Online PlaygroundsRepair to Rec Ground Rocker1,097.57182.93  
35Chris Knott InsuranceAllotment Insurance Policy75.09~JRT 
36J R TroloveWages for August (34 hours)Xxx~JRT 
 Village Hall payments     
34VHP Hodson2 x replacement toilet seats48.90~JRT 
35VHTally Ho cleaningVillage Hall cleaning26.00~JRT 

d)  to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 30th September (30 hours)

Payments and Clerk’s hours were approved by Cllr Pudney and Cllr Bolton

e)  Precept for 2022/23

Cllr Hodson explained the precept and the implications for increasing the amount. Cllr Hill proposed the precept remain at its present amount of £11,052

Cllr Bolton seconded.

0101.21 Planning Applications and Planning matters:

   No Planning applications have been received as at 13/10/2021

   District Cllr Alban had emailed to advise he will follow up the outstanding Planning Enforcement issues for our Parish and the Clerk has requested that he gain some idea of how planning applications were being dealt with as the MUGA application is still “in process”.

0102.21 Recreation Field Update:

            a) MUGA – see 0101.21

b) bench repair – Cllr Maciag had priced up replacement slats – around £400, and will place an order

            Cllr Hodson regarding the Rec. Field, advised that the spring rocker has been replaced, following the recent vandalism.  The contractor had emailed a quote as they felt the ground anchor was loose, it is believed that a spell of wet weather will resolve this.  The wobble board is now at ground level, but is safe – other items of wooden play equipment are in good order.  Grass has been cut again, contractors have made an excellent job of keeping the Rec. Field grass in order this year. 

Clerk was reminded to get AWA to disconnect the water supply.

0103.21 Climate Change – as a Parish Council (this includes Village Hall and Recreation Ground and Gidding Charity), we have little impact on climate change but will continue to be mindful of all aspects and, where appropriate, take advantage of schemes that we can join, grants that are offered and implement changes.  We will stay engaged with the County and District Council’s initiatives to achieve Net Zero by 2050.  Also raising awareness, encouraging and, if possible, supporting parishioners to achieve this too. 0104.21 Training opportunities for Parish Councillors and Clerk.  November Allotment Training – Session 1
1st – 7pm – 8:30pm
Planning Training 
4th – 6pm – 9pm Allotment Training – Session 2
8th – 7pm – 8:30pm Councillor Training – Split Session – Session 1
10th – 6:30pm – 9pm Allotment Training – Session 3
15th – 7pm – 8:30pm CAPALC Ltd – Drop In Session
18th  – 10am – 11am Councillor Training – Split Session – Session 2
18th – 6:30pm – 9pm

0105.21 Quote and detail of making changes to village website re. notices – all Councillors agreed that the Clerk should undertake training on all matters pertaining to the Village website.

0106.21 Correspondence received since 21st September 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).

a) Email dated 22/9/2021 – CambsCC request to display banners/posters for Foster Carers

            b) Email dated 22/9/2021 – Cambs Acre – “Winter planning for COVID-19”

c) Email dated 23/9/2021 – CCC Flood and Water Team delivering sessions with Communities Prepared as part of CCC’s Community Flood Action Programme.  ALSO 24/9/2021 – letter from Huntingdonshire District Council – Flooding Review Letter.  Cllr Bolton enquired about flooding in the Parish, Clerk advised that there had been few incidents, usually as a result of blocked drain/culvert or heavy rain incident.

d) Email dated 23/9/2021 from Highways & Transport Directorate, Cambridgeshire County Council – acknowledgement of Local Highways Initiative bid

e) Email dated 24/9/2021 – Libraries – Cambridgeshire County Council – details of events in libraries.

f) Email dated 24/9/2019 – Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority – invitation to launch event of TING (local transport) event on 6/10/2021   ALSO other correspondence regarding TING incl County Cllr Ian Gardener – see 099.21 above

g)  Email dated 29/9/2021 – Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority – regarding OxCam Arc spatial framework response query

h) Email dated 1/10/2021 – Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority – Update Issue 6 (shared with Parish Councillors prior to the meeting).

i) Email dated 4/10/2021 – CambsCC – introductory email from Clair Slade

Think Communities Community Connector, Huntingdonshire

j) Email dated 5/10/2021 – regarding Neighbourhood Plan advice, provision and support – Clerk advised this was one of several companies offering services to support Parish Councils with provision of a Neighbourhood Plan.  Cllr Macaig suggested that spring 2022 would be a good time to start this project.

k) Email dated 6/10/2021 – Keep Britain Tidy – dog fouling campaign – Cllr Hodson proposed purchasing some smaller signs (1 for each bin @ £6 + VAT), preferably a different design – Clerk will research.

l) Email dated 7/10/2021 – CAPALC – Hate Crime Week event in P’boro Cathedral on 12 October

m) Email dated 7/10/2021 – County Cllr Gardener advising of change of Local Highways Officer – see 099.21 above

n) Email dated 8/10/2021 – invitation from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Commission on Climate: addressing climate change in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’ in a live online event on 18 October 2021.

o) Email dated 13/10/2021 – Cambs ACRE – Invitation to our Promoter’s Meeting for the Fenland Rural Touring Scheme  Join us on Wednesday 20 October from 10am – 12.30pm.

p) Email dated 5/10/2021 – regarding STOP OxCamArc (see (g) above)

q) Email dated 14/10/2021 – invitation to Road Victims Trust Remembrance Service, Sunday 21st November 2021

r) Email dated 15/10/2021 – regarding Network Rail Great crested newt eDNA surveys 2021 of Townsend Pond – it is confirmed there are still newts in the pond

0107.21 Items for decisions at next meeting:           

            Prepare for Co-option of Parish Councillor

Queens Jubilee 2022 – tree planting, village event, other ideas.

0108.21 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 16th  November 2021

starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding

MEETING CLOSED AT 21.02

2021-09-21 Minutes of the Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

2021-09-21 Minutes of the Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall  on Tuesday 21st September 2021

Present:  Cllrs Hodson, Hill, Pudney and Bolton and the Clerk.  1 member of the public in attendance (SB)

076.21 Cllr Hodson, Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.

077.21 To receive apologies and reasons for absence

            Cllr Macaig – work commitment

            Cllr Cotton – family commitment

County Councillor Gardener

District Councillor Alban – at other meetings

078.21 There were no Disclosable Interests declared

079.21 No members of the Press were present.  The member of the Public had sent details of a Speed Watch Camera prior to the meeting.  This device, in addition to the Speed Awareness Sign, is intended to reduce still further those drivers exceeding the speed limit through the village as it “identifies the highest, persistent and illegal speeding vehicles”, with the intention of the details being forwarded to the Police for further action. 

Cllr Hill outlined the measures that have been installed recently, including the Speed Awareness Sign, and those that have been agreed by CambsCC Highways Department for implementation in the near future on other roads in the Parish.  He had forwarded the details of the Speed Watch Camera to Highways Department for advice.  Highways Dept response -“No. It is an illegal form of data capture that would more than likely be in breach of GDPR. We wouldn’t consider the installation of any such device unless it was related to enforcement, and in particular on behalf of enforcement agencies who have the legal power to hold, process, and use this data as part of their role.” 

nor do they permit signs being attached to existing posts or street furniture on Highways Dept land.

            Cllr Hodson suggested that a community group, independent of the Parish Council, be formed to raise funds to purchase the required equipment and install such a system.

            Cllr Hill advised that any unit and associated signage would have to be installed on private land.  Data gathered from the Speed Awareness Sign, which has only been in situ for 2 months, is encouraging as the majority of drivers do abide by the speed limit, the Parish Council will continue to gather data and, should it show that there is a problem, may consider referring to the Police for further action.

080.21 The Minutes of the meeting held on 16th August 2021 were confirmed as a true and     correct record.  Proposed by Cllr Pudney and seconded by Cllr Hill.                   

081.21 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.

            Cllr Hodson advised that the bin, recently installed on the crossroads opposite the shop, is being emptied regularly.

082.21 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:

Clerk advised that renewal details of the Allotment Insurance Policy has been received and will require payment prior to the next meeting (now that Parish Council has taken on the management of the Allotments).  Cllr Hodson declared an interest at this point but he had read the terms and conditions of the current policy and there was no provision for poultry (3 x allotment holders have poultry) – Clerk will check out if an additional clause can be added and a price.

Clerk has completed online reports to Highways Dept at CambsCC for damage to the road surface in Back Lane and overhanging/dropping vegetation in The Jitty between Gaines Lane and Main Street.

Cllr Pudney mentioned a recent communication had been distributed throughout the Parish for a website linking neighbours/trades etc – this is a countrywide scheme/website and is not linked to the Parish Council.

083.21 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

            a) Barclays Bank statements + Mandate alteration + changes to terms and conditions of service from Barclays – copies had been forwarded to Councillors prior to the meeting.

b) Cashflow spreadsheet and Budget Forecast had been prepared by Cllr Hodson and shared prior to the meeting.

c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS

 WhoWhat forTOTALVATAuthorisedAuthorised
 Bradgate Fencing (No        )Grass Cutting (invoice awaited)    
 J R TroloveWages for July (34)XxxNONEJRT 

The payment was authorised (Bradgate invoice still not available for the meeting)

d)  Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 31st August ( 27  hours) were approved by all present

084.21 Planning Applications and Planning matters:

            No Planning applications have been received as at 15/9/2021

085.21 Recreation Field Update:

            a) MUGA – Cllr Macaig was not able to attend the meeting but had advised that there has been no further correspondence with Huntingdonshire District Council regarding the Planning Application.

            b) The insurers AVIVA have made a payment in respect of the insurance claim for a like for like replacement spring toy.  Clerk will instruct Online Playgrounds to carry out the work.

            c) bench repair – replacement slats.  Clerk will ask Cllr Macaig to confirm that he has the wood ready to repair the bench.

086.21 Local Highways Improvement grant 2022-23 – review of submission

            Review of data from Speed awareness sign – the most recent download of information, with the sign taking readings from traffic travelling out towards Glatton, had been shared prior to the meeting.  Results were encouraging as 82% of traffic had been within the speed limit.

            Cllr Hill has prepared the application form and associated documents for the 2022-23 Local Highways Improvement bid – the junction to Little Gidding being the focus for this project.  The Parish Council will offer £1000 towards the cost of this project.

            Cllr Hodson proposed adding a post to enable the speed awareness sign to be located at this junction on occasions, which was met with approval.  Cllr Hill will update the application before submitting to CambsCC.

087.21 Training opportunities for Parish Councillors and Clerk – dates were shared and Clerk encouraged Councillors to book their training. 

Defibrillator training had been offered to parishioners via the most recent Gidding News – 6 people had expressed an interest and Cllr Pudney will deliver the training.

088.21 Noticeboards (or other method) for Parish Council use – how to share information about Parish/District/County/Government support/groups/information.

  • Cllr Hodson had considered the observation that the existing Parish Council notices on the board at the Village Hall were difficult to access for disabled/less able people and will look at alternative sites for this board.
  • Information sharing – Clerk will contact website hosts to enquire if there is a way to set up a Noticeboard/Information page for links that may be useful to residents, with a message encouraging friends and neighbours to share details with non-internet users, or contact the Clerk.  Once set up this will be mentioned on the next issue of Gidding News so that all parishioners are aware.

089.21 Queens Jubilee 2022 – on the recent Gidding News, Parishioners were asked to submit ideas of how to mark or celebrate this event and that some funding is available.  Clerk requested Councillors to consider areas of Parish owned land where a tree(s) might be planted.  A deadline of 31st December had been proposed to enable funding/consultation/ideas to be put in place.

090.21 Correspondence received since 16 August 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).  The following items have been shared with Councillors prior to the meeting:

                a) Email dated 17/8/2021 from NALC – Level up the environment through biodiversity

b) email dated 17/8/2021 from Neighbourhood Watch – Neighbourhood Watch Impact Report 2020/21

c) email dated 18/8/2021 from NALC (and other dates) – Making Rural Housing more affordable

d) email dated 23/8/2021 from NALC – Future Communities

e) email dated 23/8/2021 from CambsACRE – introducing How Are You (HAY)

f) email dated 25/8/2021 from Citizens Advice Rural Cambs – Announcing the launch of updated website  

g) email dated 26/8/2021 from Shona Barton at CambsCC – information about how to close roads for events

h) email dated 27/8/2021 from Cambs & Pboro Combined Authority – newsletter issue 5

i) email dated 2/9/2021 from traffic technology.co.uk – re. Speedwatch device – this was mentioned during the discussion 079.21, a copy was supplied to member of the Public as an alternative provider of a similar/same type of unit.

j) Cambs ACRE AGM – 29th September 2021 – Clerk will attend this online event.

091.21 Items for decisions at next meeting: 

            Prepare for Co-option of Parish Councillor

Climate Change – how this Parish is addressing and considering the issues

092.21 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 19th October 2021

starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding

Meeting closed at 20.35.

2021-08-17 Minutes of the Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

2021-08-17 Minutes of the Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall  on Tuesday 17th August 2021

Present:  Cllrs Hodson, Cotton, Hill, Pudney, Maciag and Bolton, County Councillor Gardener, District Councillor Alban and the Clerk. 

059.21 Cllr Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting

060.21 There were no apologies for absence

061.21 There were no Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests

062.21 No members of the public or press attended this meeting

063.21 The Minutes of the meeting held on 20th July  2021 were agreed

            Proposed by Cllr Hill and seconded by Cllr Pudney                        

064.21 There were no matters arising from those Minutes that would not be discussed later as an agenda item.   

065.21 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:

            County Councillor Gardener:

County Council meetings are to be held every quarter, rather than monthly, which has resulted in much longer meetings, often discussion of the matters on the agenda is not completed, which is leaving members of the public disgruntled.

The new Mayor of the Combined Authority is continuing with the proposed Demand Response Transport Scheme, as proposed by the former Mayor Palmer.  This is designed to meet the needs of inhabitants of West Hunts villages wishing to make journeys to various locations in and around Huntingdon.  “Customers” will be able to book journeys by App or phone.  Existing bus services will continue during the 6 month trial period.

County Council will fund a Flood Action Programme to assist those areas that were affected by flooding in December 2020.

Cllr Gardener is working with our local MP to present a series of safety improvements for the A14 between Ellington and Keyston.  A meeting will be held in September to discuss and highlight issues.

Gillian Beasley, Chief Executive of the County Council is to retire, and the decision has been made not to replace her in the combined role for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, but to revert to individual (two) roles.

A428 is in its “examination period”, refer to the website for the route and further details. A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements – About the scheme – Highways England

In the 7 days to 11th August, 17 people tested positive in Sawtry and the Giddings.

Cllr Gardener left the meeting, to attend the Hail Weston Parish Council meeting.

District Councillor Tim Alban:

Cllr Alban shared photos that he had just received of furniture dumped on the Bullock Road (not in our Parish), for which he would complete online reports immediately – he advised that it is hoped there will be co-operation between villages in the area and the Police to enable a picture of “hotspots” and other issues such as vandalism, to be targeted.  The preferred means of reporting matters to the Police is via the website. Report a crime or incident | Police.uk (www.police.uk)

Planning Department of Huntingdonshire District Council are struggling to maintain staffing levels, resulting in delays and backlogs.

District Council have set aside £3m to address climate change issues, including works to Pathfinder House and Ramsey Leisure Centre, and improving the carbon footprint of the District Council in the process.

District Council Alban left the meeting at this point, to attend the Folksworth Parish Council meeting.

Cllr Cotton advised that the water leak on Luddington Road had been assessed by Anglian Water, who had confirmed it was their responsibility to repair the damage and it is anticipated that the works will be carried out in the next couple of weeks.

Cllr Bolton had checked out vegetation along The Jitty and advised that it was trees/shrubs along the field boundary that were dropping debris.  The Jitty is a County Council owned footpath, bordered by fields on one side owned by Milton Estate (Peterborough) – Clerk will remind the Highways Department and Milton Estates

Clerk has complied with the request from the Internal Auditor to advise the Monitoring Officer at Huntingdonshire District Council (through the Code of Conduct link) of the current position regarding Parish Councillors potential conflict of interest as they also hold the position of Village Hall Trustees and Gidding Charity Trustees – response awaited from the Monitoring Officer.

066.21 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

            a) Barclays Bank statements – shared and noted

b) Cashflow spreadsheet and budget forecast – shared and noted

     Cllr Bolton enquired about the budget for emptying the “new” waste bin at the                   crossroads.      

c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS –online payments in respect of the following were approved by :

 WhoWhat forTOTALVATAuthorisedAuthoriseded
25Bradgate Fencing (No 145)Grass Cutting199.3233.22JRT +PH
26Information Commissioners OfficeData Protection subscription 40.00NONEJRTPH
27BroxapWaste bin at bottom crossroads274.7445.79JRTPH
28J R TroloveWages for MayXxxNONEJRTPH
29Inkwell PrintingGidding News26.00NoneJRTPH

d)  Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 31st July  ( 34  hours) – agreed by those present

067.21 Planning Applications

Reference: 21/01777/LBC       Proposal: Demolition of 9″ thick garden wall and reinstatement to match existing with amended capping detail to part wall length.
Site Address: 80 Main Street Great Gidding PE28 5NU (rear of Fox and Hounds)

This was a revised application for the same site where originally a wooden fence was proposed as a replacement for the wall.  As the applicant is now complying with the request for the wall to be rebuilt, approval was recommended.

068.21 Recreation Field Update:

            a) discussion to retain or remove the toilet unit on the Recreation Field  – the unit has been vandalised and requires ongoing maintenance to keep in good order and is little used.  Cllr Hill proposed removal of the existing toilet unit and to hire in a toilet unit for future events, seconded by Cllr Hodson.  Ways and means of removal and disposal were discussed, Clerk to request a skip company to quote for removal.  AWA will then be requested to cap off water supply at stopcock in Chapel End (at the end of the entrance footpath).

            b) MUGA – environmental statement has been carried out and a revised drawing sent to the Planning Department showing the wildflower bank (created from the topsoil removal).

            c) insurance claim for replacement spring toy – a second quote is awaited and, on receipt, will be sent to the Insurers.

069.21 Local Highways Improvement grant 2022-23 – deadline for submission 30/9/2021

            Cllr Hill updated on the current scheme along Main Street and the next approved scheme on Mill Road and Luddington Road.  He offered to compile the 2022-23 submission, which was gratefully accepted.  Suggestions were for a second speed camera, an extension to the footpath along Main Street to Hemington Lodge Road, and improved signage and road markings around the Little Gidding junction – the latter was the preferred option.

            Speed awareness sign – Cllr Hill and Hodson had installed the sign and the information gathered by the unit(21st July to 9th August) has been shared prior to the meeting.  The figures were showing that, over the 19 days between installation and readings taken, some 6700 had travelled into the village and a similar number travelled out, 98% at or around the speed limit coming into the village, 85% were travelling at or below 31mph, the excessive speeds were mainly late at night.

070.21 NALC revisions to Code of Conduct – proposal to accept without alteration or amendment was made by Councillor Hodson and seconded by Cllr HillGuidance on Local Government Association Model Councillor Code of Conduct | Local Government Association

071.21 Training opportunities for Parish Councillors and Clerk – Clerk will send out dates again to Councillors

072.21 Clerk’s annual appraisal review had been carried out by Cllr Hodson, details were read out – this document will be signed

073.21 Correspondence received since 20th July 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).  Emails have been shared immediately with Parish Councillors

  1. Email dated 22/7/2021 – consultation from Hunts DC on Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Principles
  2. Email from Steph Webb, Youth coordinator for CambsCC
  3. Via email from CambsACRE – Cambs Home Energy Support Services (CHESS)
  4. Email from Cambs & Pboro Combined Authority – Demand Responsive Transport
  5. Email from Road Safety Officer at Cambs CC, with summer newsletter

There were no observations regarding specific items of correspondence but observations and ideas on how this information is shared with all Parishioners, ideas discussed with no firm conclusions, but a request for Councillors to give this further consideration.

074.21 Items for decisions at next meeting: 

            Prepare for Co-option of Parish Councillor

LHI bid for 2022 – 23

Method(s) of sharing correspondence with Parishioners

075.21 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 21st September 2021

starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding

2021-07-20 Minutes of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

2021-07-20 Minutes of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall  on Tuesday 20th July 2021

Present:  Cllrs Hodson, Hill, Maciag, Bolton and Pudney, and the Clerk. 

042.21 Cllr Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting

043.21 Apologies were received from:

County Councillor Gardener – attending another meeting

District Councillor Alban – attending other meetings

Councillor Cotton – holiday

044.21 There were no Declarations of Interest.

045.21 No Press or Public were present.

046.21 Minutes of the meeting held on 15th June  2021  were accepted. 

Proposed by Cllr Hill and seconded by Cllr Pudney.                       

047.21 Matters arising that will not be discussed later in the meeting:

Cllr Hill – Signage associated with the LHI bid has been erected at either end of Main Street, the speed awareness sign is ready to be installed and the batteries charged – the sign will be in operation in the near future.   

Cllr Bolton enquired about the 40MPH sign that was facing the wrong way on entering the village from Glatton.  Cllr Hill advised that this had been “caught” by farm machinery, Jo Challis of Highways Dept has been informed and advised that the sign may be too close to the road – she has responded that this will be addressed.

It was noted that the white gate adjacent to Townsend Pond now necessitates walkers to step out into the road, as the grass verge is now “blocked”, and a suggestion was made to make a footpath inside the post and rail fence (see 056.21a).

Cllr Pudney thanked Cllr Hill for all his work on the LHI projects.

048.21 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:

Clerk advised that CambsACRE have a new website and will share the new password via email.

Cllr Hodson advised that another allotment may become available.  Cllr Pudney enquired about allotments that were tenanted by people from outside the village – Cllr Hodson advised that this dates back several years when no one came forward to take on vacant allotments and, when someone from another village enquired, they were offered an allotment and later took on a second, it was at this time that the Orchard project was proposed too.  It is only in very recent times that a waiting list (currently 2 households) has been necessary.

049.21 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

            a) to note Barclays Bank statements

b) to note the Cashflow spreadsheet

c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – the following payments were approved for payment

 WhoWhat forTOTALVATAuthorisedAuthoriseded
20Bradgate Fencing (No 100)Grass Cutting199.3233.22JRTPH
21J R TrolovePostage stamps13.02NONEJRTPH
22WAVE/Anglian WaterWater rates for Rec. Field26.68NONEDirect Debit 
23J R TroloveWages for MayXxxNONEJRTPH

d)  Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 30th June  ( 33  hours) – approved.

050.21 Litter Picking in the Parish – District Councillor Alban had forwarded an offer from Sawtry Litter Pickers offering to attend a future meeting to discuss setting up a litter picking programme in the Parish – it was felt that the occasional and individual efforts to remove litter from the Parish were adequate.  Cllr Hodson remarked that even after the removal of waste bins (due to no volunteers coming forward to empty them) there had been few incidents of litter being found around the Parish.

051.21 Planning Applications

a) Planning application to be considered : 21/00393/FUL – MUGA installation at Great Gidding Recreation Field. – HuntsDC granted extension for response.  Approval was recommended as all Councillors were in favour feeling that this would be an asset for the village, improving sporting and recreation activities for all ages which is greatly needed in a rural village.

b) CambsCC – provision of signage for a disabled parking space – 30 Main Street – there were no observations or objections made.

052.21 Training for Parish Councillors and Clerk – no suitable training available at present.

053.21 Recreation Ground Update:

            MUGA planning application – Planning Department of HuntsDC had asked for more detail regarding materials to be used in the construction – after discussion it was agreed that it would be a green playing surface of asphalt/concrete with green netting, the door being in the corner nearest the entrance to the Rec. Field entrance.  There would be no encroachment on current football pitch areas and no lighting would be installed.  The storage container would be moved further along the Field boundary   

A biodiversity report will be obtained and, to mitigate any loss of habitat, the spoil from the MUGA will be used to form an earth bank which will be planted with wild flowers.

On the evening of 11 July between 8PM and 11PM, the Octopus seesaw spring toy (purchased in January 2014 for £520) was set alight and destroyed, other than the metal framework, graffiti was added to the roundabout, storage container and toilet unit.  This took place during the football cup final and, whilst young people were heard on the Rec Field, nothing was seen by local residents.  The matter was reported to Police the following evening by the Clerk (Incident  reference number is: INT/35/VHTP/1272021).  Clerk will obtain and complete a claim form to replace the item.  Cllr Hodson had purchased graffiti removing liquid and was spending time in removing this.  The question was raised whether a toilet was needed on the site now that there were no regular activities on the Rec. Field and only very occasional use by the School, as this was not the first time that it had been vandalised, although it could be used more frequently when the MUGA is installed – this will be added to the agenda for further discussion at the August meeting.

054.21 Discussion of renewable/clean/green energy projects for the Parish – Cllr Hill had been advised that, through the website www.energyhub.org.uk, funding is available for residents/businesses/individuals through the Combined Peterborough and Cambridgeshire Authority.  This information will be added to Gidding News.

055.21 Gidding News – add an item with link regarding energy initiative.

056.21 Correspondence received since 15th June 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).  Emails have been shared immediately with Parish Councillors

            a) Email – Cambs CC – Local Highways Improvement applications for 2022/23 – this will be discussed at the August meeting.

            b) email – Hunts DC – consultation on licencing for Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Policy – no observations were made

            c) Information Commissioners Office – Data Protection Fee – this will be paid at the     August meeting

            d) Milton Estates Ltd – Forestry works in Chapel End Spinney – noted

            e) Broxap Ltd – order for replacement bin – due 9th August.

            g) SBA – pfk Littlejohn – AGAR – acknowledgement of exemption

057.21 Items for decisions at next meeting: 

            Recreation Ground toilet unit – to keep or to remove

Local Highways Improvement Bid – ideas for submissions – deadline 30th September 2021

Prepare for Co-option of Parish Councillor

058.21 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 17th August 2021

starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding

2021-06-15 Minutes of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall  on Tuesday 15th June 2021

Present:  Cllrs Hodson, Hill, Cotton, Maciag and Pudney, District Councillor Tuplin, County Councillor Gardener and the Clerk.  1 member of the Public

023.21 Cllr Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting

024.21 District Councillor Alban sent his apologies as he was attending another Parish Council meeting

025.21 Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda

            Cllr Cotton in respect of 031.21 a)

            Cllr Maciag in respect of 031.21 b)

026.21 There was no Public or Press participation session

                                    Member of the public was given a copy of the minutes of the May meeting.           

027.21 To confirm and accept minutes of the meeting held on 18th May  2021

            Cllr Pudney proposed and Cllr Hill seconded                        

028.21 There were no matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as agenda item.     

029.21 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:

            District Councillor Gardener:

He advised that in the County Council elections held on 6 May, he had been returned as the County Councillor for our area.  43% of the local population voted on that day.  As there was no overall control of the County Council a pact has been formed by Labour/Liberal Democrats and Independent Councillors, this arrangement will be reviewed every 6 months and Council meetings will be held quarterly.  One of the first decisions taken was to abolish the Health Committee and this now forms part of the Adults Committee (looks after the interests of those aged 18+, includes Social Care and has the largest spend).

His Councillor remit is to cover Planning Committee, Pensions Committee, Environment Committee and Fire Authority.

He advised that Jo Hudson, the Highways Officer covering our area, is currently covering the St Ives area too and this may create delays regarding Local Highways initiative bids.

***Cllr Hill has been in correspondence with Jo Challis and Calvin Mugemuzi regarding the LHI bids for this Parish, whilst a start has been made on the projects, both a lack of sign availability and sub contractors (SKANSKA) lack of labour are likely to add to the delays.

County Councillor Gardener left the meeting at this point to attend another Parish Council meeting.

District Councillor Tuplin had been invited to the meeting to share his knowledge of Planning matters, to assist Councillors to assess and give valid planning reasons for acceptance or objection to Planning Applications. 

Councillor Hodson thanked District Councillor Tuplin for attending and providing useful information and insight into the Planning process.

Councillor Tuplin left the meeting.

Councillor Pudney – asked the Clerk about landowner responsibilities for trees adjacent to The Jitty (Main Street to Gains Lane) – Clerk advised that there were several landowners, including Milton Estates and, as it was felt that the trees on Milton Estates land were needing attention – Clerk will request an on-site meeting with the Land Agent to assess what can be done.  Cllr Hodson advised that a tree survey has been carried out by Ayres Tree Services (approx. 2 years ago) of all trees in the Parish.

Parents of children attending the village school have expressed concern about the speed of vehicles driven by USAF Molesworth staff – they pass by the school at the end of the school day, not complying with the 30MPH restrictions and, due to their uniforms and vehicles, it is obvious where they have travelled from – the Clerk will write to the Base Commander and bring it to their attention.

Councillor Hill – emails have been received from Jo Challis (CambsCC Highways Dept) regarding the siting of the speed activation device – it should be in situ for 4 weeks and then removed or moved to another post every 4 weeks, this would appear to be a legal requirement.  Cllr Hill enquired in the Parish wished to proceed with a device and the decision to continue was agreed by all present. 

Cllr Hill was requested to respond to the Highways Department to enquire:

  1. As the Parish will only have one post for the device initially, could it by turned through 180 degrees, thereby taking readings from a different positon.
  2. It is difficult to find a suitable site for a second post near to the bottom crossroads, could a site be found between the School and Church Farm.

Cllr Hodson enquired if the device would continue to take speed readings when it was not “flashing”?

Councillors Cotton, Maciag and Hodson had nothing to report.

030.21 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

            a) Barclays Bank statements shared prior to the meeting.

b) Cashflow spreadsheet shared prior to the meeting

c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS –

 WhoWhat forTOTAL AmountVATAuthorisedAuthoriseded
15Bradgate FencingGrass cutting199.3233.22JRT+PH 
16Milton EstatesFootpath Rental£1.00NONEJRT+PH 
17J R TroloveWages for April – 36 hours£xxxNONEJRT+PH 
18Catalyst DesignWebsite hosting + domain name renewal132.7722.13JRT+PH 
       

Payments were approved by Cllrs Pudney and Cotton.

d) Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 31st  May ( 31  hours) – approved by Cllrs Hill and Maciag

e)  Update of signatories on Barclays Bank accounts – Cllr Pudney will become a signatory in place of Cllr Hill – forms signed and will be sent to Barclays.  Approved by Cllr Maciag.

031.21 To view the AGAR documents prepared for the Internal Auditor’s visit.

            Proposal to agree and sign the AGAR for the year 2020/21.

            To view the Annual Governance Statement for 2020/21.

All Councillors had been sent copies of the AGAR and associated documents prior to the meeting and approved the content.  Cllr Hodson and Clerk signed the documents.

032.21 Planning workshop with District Councillor Dick Tuplin – see 029.21

033.21 a) Planning application to be considered – : 21/00790/HHFUL

     6 Luddington Road – deadline 23 June 2021 (Cllr Cotton declared an interest)

    No observations in favour or against.

              b) Planning application to be considered –    21/01169/HHFUL

     The Old Chapel, Main Street – deadline 2 July 2021 (Cllr Maciag declared an interest)

    No observations in favour or against

034.21 Training for Parish Councillors and Clerk – Clerk had forwarded dates of future training dates and encouraged Councillors to attend.  Cllrs Maciag and Pudney will attend when work commitments permit.

035.21 Recreation Ground Update:

            Refurbishment of the seat – Cllrs Pudney and Macaig to order parts and commence required work.

            Monthly safety checks – Cllr Hodson has removed waste bins (stored in the container).

            He found the door handle and lock on the toilet unit had been vandalised again, and the window broken with additional minor damage.  He will purchase and replace the door handle, replace the glass in the window with Perspex too.

            Clerk will request an update regarding the MUGA planning application.

037.21 Allotment Lease Agreement was signed by Cllr Pudney  for the Parish Council and Cllr Hodson for the Charity Trustees.

038.21 Co-option of Parish Councillor – member of the public expressed an interest in joining the Parish Council and signed a Co-option form at the meeting.  Cllr Hodson welcomed him to the Parish Council.        

039.21 Correspondence received since 18th May 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).  Emails have been shared immediately with Parish Councillors

            a) email from Dr Nick Johnson – Combined authority proposal for St Ives

            b) email from Huntingdonshire DC, Healthy Lifestyles – various activities available

            c) email from Cambridgeshire CC – street lighting attachments

            d) email from Neighbourhood Alert regarding suspicious emails/scams

040.21 Items for decisions at next meeting: 

            Prepare for Co-option of Parish Councillor

            Approval of the content of the issue of Gidding News before sending to printers – include use of the Defibrillator (YouTube or other online link) or in person workshop.

            Renewable Energy potential in the parish

Queens Jubilee in 2022 – event in the Jubilee Wood, tree planting areas, other suggestions.

041.21 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 20th July

starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding

2021-05-18 Minutes of the Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall  on Tuesday 18th May 2021

Present:  Cllrs Hodson, Hill, Cotton, Maciag and Pudney, District Councillor Alban and the Clerk

001.21 Apologies for absence were received from County Councillor Gardener who was in attendance at another meeting

002.21 Election of Chairman and signing of Declaration of Acceptance of office.

There were no nominations for the position of Chairman.  Cllr Hodson agreed to continue as Chairman.

Proposed by Cllr Hill and seconded by Cllr Cotton

003.21 Election of Vice Chairman and signing of Declaration of Acceptance of office.

There were no nominations for the position of Vice Chairman.  Cllr Pudney agreed to continue as Vice Chairman.

Proposed by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Hill

004.21 Adoption of Standing Orders – there were no changes made to the Standing Orders.

            Cllr Hill proposed and Cllr Hodson seconded          

005.21 Adoption of Financial Regulations – the following amendment has been made Financial Regulations

At the meeting held on 21st April 2020 (see item 008.20)

Cllr Pudney proposed the use of internet banking rather than cheques to make payments during lockdown period (and thereafter).  This was seconded by Cllr Hodson.

Cllr Pudney proposed adoption of the Financial Regulations and Cllr Hodson seconded.                 

006.21 Declaration of Interests – annual review. There have been no changes to the Interests of Councillors in the last year.           

007.21 There were no member of the Public and Press in attendance

008.21 Items raised at the Annual Parish Meeting – this was the Council Tax enquiry (see 011.21 District Councillor Alban’s comments).  A letter of response has been sent to the resident who enquired about the increase in the parish percentage and no further correspondence has been received regarding this matter.  An item will be added to the next issue of the Clarion (to be distributed in June).

009.21 To approve the Minutes of the Parish Council  meeting held on 20th April 2021

            Cllr Pudney approved and Cllr Maciag seconded.

010.21 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed later in the meeting

Clerk was asked about the replacement bin at the crossroads opposite the shop.  Clerk advised that the charge for a bin to be emptied weekly would be £252.64 and there is a recommended bin, price of £164.00 +VAT (£196.80)

Cllr Hodson proposed the purchase of the bin, Cllr Hill seconded.

011.21 Reports from Councillors:

District Councillor Alban – following the decision to recommence in person meetings, rather than online meetings, a request has been made to the Democratic Service Officer to request that County and District Councillors are permitted to attend meetings online as this enabled County and District Councillors to attend several meetings within a day/evening rather than being restricted to being present at one meeting.

The Annual meeting of the District Council will be held at the Burgess Hall in St Ives on 19th May, the venue allows for the require COVID distancing for Councillors and this is likely to remain the venue for the foreseeable future.

Pot holes along Milking Slade Lane and the Bullock Road have been reported and markings have appeared on these roads to identify areas to be repaired/resurfaced.

The Enforcement Officer has updated Councillor Alban regarding the land adjacent to 21 Mill Road and the Clerk confirmed that the Enforcement Officer has emailed the current position.

Following the Annual Parish Meeting, Councillor Alban had enquired of the Council Tax Team Leader if the District Council element of Council Tax was similarly affected (see attached document).  It was agreed that an item will appear in the next issue of the Clarion to address the question around Council Tax that was posed at the Annual Parish Meeting as it was felt this the best way to inform all parishioners.

Huntingdon District Council leisure centres are now open again.  There is no indication of when Sawtry Leisure Centre, now independent of Huntingdon Leisure Centre, will re-open as they are carrying out a refit and refurbishment programme.

*** District Councillor Alban left the meeting.

Cllr Maciaig advised that the Planning Application in respect of the MUGA was not yet registered on Huntingdon District Council’s planning list that appears on their website.

Cllr Hill – there have been no further developments regarding the LHI bid

Cllr Cotton and Cllr Hodson – nothing to report

Cllr Pudney – advised that there was another fly tipping incident in Back Lane, consisting of bags of grass clippings, which he has removed.

012.21 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

a) to note Barclays Bank statements

b) to note the Budget control statement and the cash flow forecast

c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – to approve BACS online payments in respect of the following:

 WhoWhat forAmountVATAuthorisedAuthorised
6J R TroloveWages for March –  28 hours£xxxNONEJRTPH
7CAPALCAnnual subscription£208.87 or £258.87NONEJRTPH
8Bradgate FencingGrass cutting£199.32 JRTPH
9BHIB InsuranceInsurance for Parish Council£490.33NONEJRTPH
       

No 7 The Data Protection Officer option was discussed.  Cllr Pudney offered to take on the role of Data Protection Officer for the Parish Council.  Cllr Cotton forwarded the following  link https://www.ukauthority.com/articles/relief-for-parish-councils-in-new-data-protection-law/   regarding Parish Council requirements.  An amount of £208.87 will be paid to CAPALC.

No 8 incorrect amount shown on Agenda – £99.66 should be £199.32 for 2 cuts of grass.

No 9 It was proposed by Cllr Hodson to accept the renewal premium, seconded by Cllr Pudney

Cllr Hill advised that the Vodaphone contract was due for renewal (through his personalaccount).  Vodaphone offered 18 months or 24 months contract

Cllr Hodson proposed renewal for 24 months and this was agreed by all.

Receipts:

PRECEPT for 2021-22 – £11052.00

VAT to end of 2020-21 financial year – £121.58

d)  to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 30th April (36   hours) – these   were agreed.

e) End of year accounts for 2019-20 – preparation for the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) – there were no additional comments or observations regarding the end of year accounts.  A draft of the AGAR and Variances Report had also been forwarded to Councillors.  Clerk and Cllr Hodson will meet to complete the required paperwork in readiness for approval and signature at the June meeting.

013.21 Planning matters:

Cllr Hodson observed that, in the light of the variety of planning matters that the Parish Council was receiving, some training on how a Parish Council can respond to planning applications and other planning issues was required to gain further understanding of the process and to ensure consistency in the future. (Clerk advised there were currently no training sessions arranged in respect of Planning – CAPALC/SLCC).  He requested the Clerk to contact Councillor Dick Tuplin (Sawtry Parish Council), who had formerly served on the Planning Committee of the District Council, to ask him to deliver a training session to our Parish Council.

a) 65 Main Street:

Ref: 20/00243/ENTRÉE – removal of hedge – nothing new to report.  This is being dealt with by the Planning Enforcement Officer and will no longer appear on the agenda.

Further Planning Application at this address for a 2 storey extension to provide a garden room and bedroom (Reference: 20/02564/HHFUL)   *** Clerk has asked the Planning Department to extend the period in which the Parish Council may submit their comments on the application, the Planning Officer has agreed.

Following discussion regarding this application and the outstanding enforcement matter, it was proposed that an objection be made to the Planning Application, on the grounds that the hedge has not yet been replaced and the construction of the extension is of a size that precludes the re-instatement of the hedge.

Councillors voted on this proposal:

2 were against the motion and 3 were in favour.

Cllr Hill requested that it be recorded in the minutes that he did not support this refusal.

Huntingdonshire District Council will be advised of this refusal and the reasons.

b) Report no 34428 – Blocked public footpath (No 6) between Chapel End and Mill Road.  Cllr Hodson advised that he has removed the rope from the gate again in recent weeks.

Clerk will contact the Footpath Officer to enquire what actions the Parish Council can take to ensure access along the length of a footpath.

c) land adjacent to 21 Mill Road – Update received from Enforcement Officer, due to the ongoing enforcement investigation, no details can be shared

014.21 Recreation Ground Update:

Cllr Hodson has removed 2 of the waste bins (stored in the container) and emptied 1 other bin.

An estimate to refurbish the “Huntingdon” bench from Wicksteed (Materials @ £935, labour @ £360 = £1295+VAT) was not accepted.  Cllrs Pudney and Maciag will price up materials and assess the work required.

MUGA (see 011.21)

015.21 Request from parishioner for Clerk to act as “hub” for village WhatsApp groups.

            The Clerk has sought advice and should not act as a hub for sharing such information.

            Details of the WhatsApp groups and contact details will be included in the next issue of the Clarion.

016.21 Request to Parish Council from the Great Gidding Charity Trustees in respect of rental of village Allotments on an annual basis – this will be added to a future agenda.

017.21 Vacancies for Parish Councillors – notice to be displayed.

018.21 Parish Pound – resident’s proposal for the upkeep of this Parish asset.

            Cllr Hodson confirmed that the Pound is an area in the ownership of the Parish Council, but not registered with the Land Registry.  All present agreed that resident is welcome to maintain this area.

019.21 Review of Parish Council Asset Register – preparation for the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR).  Items on the Asset Register were agreed by all.

020.21 Correspondence received since 20th April 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).  Due to COVID 19 restrictions emails have been shared almost immediately.

a) East Anglian Childrens Hospice – newsletter – this Parish Council does not make donations to charity.

021.21  Items for decisions at next meeting:

               Completion of the Annual Governance Statement and Certificate for Audit

              Councillor Training

              Allotment agreement

              Co-option of Parish Councillor, should no one come forward in response to the vacancy.

022.21 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 15th June 2021, starting at 1930 hours

            At Great Gidding Village Hall (unless we return to ZOOM meetings).

The meeting closed at 9.27PM