2024-11-19 Minutes of the Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting.

2024-11-19 Minutes of the Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting.

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 19th November 2024

Present:  Councillors Maciag, Moody, Hargrave and the Clerk.  

Two members of the public (DD/SK).

0121.24 Councillor Maciag, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.

0122.24 To receive apologies and reasons for absence

             County Cllr Gardener – another meeting

            District Cllr Alban – another meeting

Cllr Bolton – holiday

            Cllr Hodson – illness

0123.24 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda

0124.24 Two members of the public were present to express thanks to the Parish Council for prompt submission of responses to the Local Plan sites on the HuntsDC website, and posted via the village website and noticeboard.

0125.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 15th October 2024 were confirmed as a correct record, proposed by Cllrs Moody and Hargrave

0126.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.

            Clerk –

Clerk’s appraisal still outstanding.

Electoral Services Office at Hunts DC advised of the 2 x Parish Councillor vacancies, posted on the VH noticeboard and village website on 8/11/2024.

            Weeds in the Parish will be sprayed off again by CambsCC during November.

Cllr Moody is carrying out further research regarding ANPR cameras.

Cllr Maciag advised that the village surveys are now complete and the Neighbourhood Plan is being prepared for resubmission to Hunts DC.

Cllr Hargrave re. Village Hall:

Plans for the Quiz night are going well, the event is fully booked.

Having to pay out in advance – considering a debit card for the future

Sum Up machine has proved a problem and now taking payments via SQUARE.

0126.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

             a) October bank statements from Barclays Bank are attached.

            Interest rates decreasing from 1.95% to 1.9% with effect from 19 December.

  • Parish Council (everyday) Account  – balance as at 4/11/2024 £2916.33  (includes £500 bequest)
    • Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 204/11/2024  £26,483.97
    • Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/9/2024 – £250.70

b) PAYMENTS – payments were approved by all:

WhoWhat forTOTALInvoice includes this VAT amountAuthorisedAuthorised
J R  TroloveWages for September  (23.5hours)XxxNILJRT 
Bradgate Grounds MaintenanceGrass cutting for (Invoice     13th cut of the contract – total of 12Invoice not received36.00JRT 
WicksteedAnnual inspection180.0030.00  
M AllgoodHedge cutting around Recreation GroundInvoice awaited   
  • Clerk’s working hours for October – approved as a total of 32.  Payroll Services had advised that Clerk’s hourly rate had increased in April and pay will be backdated.
  • The Budget to 4th October, was made available prior to the meeting, there were no observations or adjustments

0127.24  PLANNING applications and  matters:

  1. Huntingdonshire District Council Local Plan – email receipts received in respect of each of the comments submitted in respect of the Great Gidding sites and the Sustainability exercise.  See 0124.24 above, Letter also received from residents regarding the site adjacent to Village Hall – Clerk sent emails to all concerned including comment from Local Plan website about importance of making comments at this stage rather than awaiting submission of a planning application.
  2. There are no planning applications in the Parish to date (15/11/2024) since the last meeting
  3. Hemington, Luddington, Thurning Parish Clerk copied us in on a request to Cornerstone  regarding the provision of a 5G mast in the vicinity, Galliford Try are no longer involved in the project.

   The Clerk for Hemington, Luddington, Thurning assisted our Parish Clerk by requesting     an update on the digester unit application – a further extension of time has been agreed for consultation with CambsCC Highways.

0128.24 Recreation Field – perimeter hedge was cut last week, invoice awaited.

              Wicksteed have provided their annual inspection report.  This was sent to Councillors on 8th November.  Cllr Moody recommended that works should be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the inspector – see 0129.24 in respect of trades to carry out the work.

0129.24 Village Maintenance – benches – another tradesman contacted – not his area of work.  Cllr Maciag will contact a tradesman that he knows of.  Clerk will draw up a list of maintenance jobs within the Parish, to enable a quote to be obtained.

              Chapel End dyke – requires clearance, adjacent to Milton Estate land, CambsCC Highways and WAVE/Anglian Water have looked at area and indicated that the blocked dyke is the problem – Clerk will contact Milton Estates as riparian owner of the dyke.

              Work on the Pound and the Parish Pond will require traffic management, the tree surgeon is obtaining a quote, and an overall quote was received immediately before the meeting – Clerk will forward to Cllrs for consideration.

              Email dated 1 November from CambsCC  regarding grass verge maintenance – all areas to be identified to continue the service – Clerk will liaise with Cllr Hodson to identify and confirm areas (by 8th December).

   Noticeboard – examples and prices shared            of 12 and 16 sheet external use board – Clerk requested to purchase a board, this will be sited opposite the Village Hall to enable easier access for all.  Cllr Hargrave requested use of the existing board for Village Hall use.  Cllr Moody requested Parish Council name to be included on the board.

0130.24 Allotments – hedge between allotments and Jubilee Wood has been cut.

0131.24 To adopt the Financial Regulations as revised by NALC (sent to Parish Councillors on and to accept their recommendations

            DECISION – to adopt the Financial Regulations as revised by NALC approved by those present        

0132.24 Newsletter – future issues frequency/content/format. Cllr Hargrave is seeking advice with a view to producing a newsletter in December.

0133.24 LHI bid – this Parish Council will not be submitting an application for 2025/26.

Major Capital Highways Investment, invitation from CambsCC to submit details, as follows:

            “request is for larger scale capital investment, which may include the following:

  • Major resurfacing or reconstruction of a significant length of road or footway/cycleway.
  • Installation of a new drainage system or replacement of a failed existing highway drainage system where there is severe flooding on the road.
  • Major maintenance of a Public Right of Way which may be unpassable or difficult to use.”

0134.24 Correspondence received since 15th October 2024:

              a) NALC newsletters – dated                         Chief Executives Bulletin                   NALC events,

b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition, Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads, reminder of application deadline for Local Highways 2025/26 – 10/1/2025, The Library presents – listing of events for Autumn,  grass cutting verges and maintenance – feedback required,  Highways events – Remembrance Sunday only, details of Pension Credit/Winter Fuel allowance link, details of Christmas Holiday Scheme places for children, Road Safety information for Winter 2024,

c) Huntingdonshire District Council – Town and Parish Council newsletter,  press release regarding biodiversity works in Riverside Park, St Neots, and Hill Rise Park, St Ives, Town and Parish Forum notes and documents from the meeting are shared, dates for bin collections over Christmas and New Year holidays, reminder of Garden Waste subscription renewal, CIL funding 1:1 discussion on 19th November, Press release regarding Public Spaces Protection Order for Ramsey

d) CAPALC –newsletter, future training dates, survey on re-use of graves (closed 15th November).

f) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter for October. ). Invitation to online meeting regarding community buildings that need help.

g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – poster received in respect of bus services survey,

h) https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/enabling-remote-attendance-and-proxy-voting-at-local-authority-meetings/enabling-remote-attendance-and-proxy-voting-at-local-authority-meetings

i) Police – Teams meeting on Tuesday 3rd December 1900-2000 – Clerk can provide the link.

0135.24 Items for next meeting:

   Review of grass cutting contract           

0136.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 17th December  2024

              in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.

Village Hall payments were approved.

Meeting closed at 20.50

2024-09-17 Minutes of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council Meeting

2024-09-17 Minutes of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council Meeting

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 17th September 2024

Present:  Councillors Maciag, Moody, Hargrave and the Clerk. One member of the public.

085.24 Cllr Maciag as Chairman welcomed those present to the meeting

086.24 The following apologies and reasons for absence

            Cllr Bolton – holiday

Cllr Hodson – work

Cllr D’Altilia – work

District Councillor Alban – at another meeting

087.24  There were no Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests in respect of items on the     Agenda

088.24 Member of the Public (SB) was present for 097.24 – see below

089.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 20th August 2024 were accepted and signed by Cllr Hargrave who was in the Chair for that meeting.

090.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:

            Clerk reminded that her appraisal was still awaited.

            Clerk advised that the refurbishment of benches has still not been undertaken, despite the contractor giving August as a date.

Cllr Hargrave updated on Village Hall matters:

            The flat roof over the kitchen requires attention, temporary repairs have been carried out.

Macmillan Coffee Morning has been advertised for 28th September.

Possible events for the future.

091.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

             a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account.

  • Parish Council (everyday) Account  – balance as at 4/9/2024 £9549.63  (includes £500 bequest)
    • Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/9/2024  £26,483.97 (1.85% interest applicable)
    • Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/9/2024 – £250.70

b) PAYMENTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following:

WhoWhat forTOTALInvoice includes this VAT amountAuthorisedAuthorised
J R  TroloveWages for July (24 hours)317.04NILJRT 
Bradgate Grounds MaintenanceGrass cutting for July (Invoice 2184)216.0036.00JRT 
Groundworks UKRefund of unused funding For Neighbourhood Plan2217.97NILJRT 
Transfer from PC to VHRental of Village Hall800.00NILJRT 
Chris Knott InsuranceAllotment insurance renewal92.00NILJRT 
  • to approve Clerk’s working hours for August – total of  27 – Approved.

092.24  PLANNING applications and  matters:

            No new applications, as at 13th September 2024 – Clerk advised there was an application for tree works (7 trees) at Manor Barn, but Parish Council have not been asked to comment.

            School site (at the request of Cllr Maciag) – Cllr Maciag had met with Mr Nott, agent for Milton Estates, CambsCC would appear to have done nothing on site and the portacabins are still in place (partially on Milton property).  It was agreed that development of the site is preferable to a derelict site.

            Baptist Chapel graveyard and provision of a memorial garden – a last minute notification had been received from Church Growth Trust Ltd regarding setting up a memorial garden into which the majority of the headstones will be moved, with terms for access to this area.  Work has already started.  Residents have contacted Church Growth Trust with their concerns.  One resident contacted the Parish Council regarding large ash trees on the boundary and Clerk recommended resident to contact Hunts DC Tree Officer due to the short time frame.

093.24 Recreation Field (and other sites in the Parish ) tree surgeon had met with Cllr Maciag, his quote is awaited. 

Clerk has reminded the contractor that the hedge needs cutting back.

094.24 Village Maintenance – responses to location of additional village noticeboards:

Cllr Bolton advised via email that the shop owners are willing to have a noticeboard sited in their front garden, or make use of the shop window. 

Gidding Den, tenants of the adjacent field, would consider a noticeboard being added to the fence.  No decision made.

095.24 Allotments – rent renewals had been sent out, some already paid. 

HuntsDC had been in contact that morning regarding a delivery of soil improver, Clerk has made arrangements and informed both residents and allotment holders via various methods.

096.24 Request for Section 137 funding in respect of grass cutter – Cllr Hodson had sent in a written request for funding a replacement machine to cut grass around Jubilee Wood. Discussion followed, further information to be gathered and a decision postponed until the October meeting.

097.24 Resident emailed a request for the Parish Council to install ANPR camera(s), as he had seen in Brington.  He and Cllr Moody wish to ensure that drivers travel through the village at 30MPH.  There followed discussion. Clerk had requested information from Brington and Molesworth’s Clerk, but nothing to date, also provided an update on speed camera readings, also figures from Brington ANPR camera use and further related information.  Clerk also advised that as we had been asked to notify an interest in applying for 2025/26 Local Highways Improvement bid, this would be the opportunity to get CambsCC Highways Dept involved and seek advice, guidance and funding of ANPR camera(s).   Cllr Moody offered to compile the bid for the LHI scheme.

098.24 Review of Financial Regulations – Clerk has completed the changes and will present at the October meeting for adoption.

099.24 Newsletter – Cllrs had nothing they wished to add to the October issue.

0100.24 Correspondence received since 20th August 2024:

            a) NALC newsletters – dated               Chief Executives Bulletin                   NALC events,

b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition, Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads, Local Highways 2025/26 Capital Maintenance projects – nothing for our parish or any local villages is planned, looking for volunteers for the Community Gritting Scheme,  expressions of interest requested for the 2025/26 LHI bids –

c) Huntingdonshire District Council – Wild about Huntingdonshire events – 28/29 September at Hinchingbroke, Save the date for Annual Climate Conference – Burgess Hall, St Ives on Weds 6th November, Temporary Traffic Restriction Order for Chapel End in September, information on changes to CIL funding, Waste Minimisation meeting online – September 26th at 4PM

d) CAPALC –newsletter, training dates for September,

f) Cambs Acre –  Staying in Touch newsletter, invitation to their AGM on 9th October, from 2PM via ZOOM,

g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater  Cambridge Partnership – links to online meetings, invitation to bus franchising consultation meetings (19th September – Huntingdon, 3 October – P’boro).  Also Active Travel Hierarchy consultation survey – closing date 30th September

h) Parish Online newsletter – following consultation with the Neighbourhood Plan group, the subscription has not been renewed.

i) District Cllr Alban – District wide Parish Council meeting on 10th October, 7PM start at Holme  with manager from HDC Refuse/Operations team in attendance. Clerk and Cllr Hodson will attend.

j) correspondence from a resident who lives near the proposed Leicestershire AD unit site, offering us any assistance ALSO Thriplow & Heathfield asking for information/advice on how to deal with a proposed AD unit in their Parish – Clerk will respond.

k) PKF Littlejohn, external auditors, notification of exemption for this Parish Council.

0101.24 Items for next meeting:

            Section 137 funding donation or purchase of grass cutter – decision

            Adoption of revised Financial Regulations, as advised by NALC

            Items for the November newsletter

            Cllr to present wreath at Remembrance Service

            Huntingdonshire District Council’s Local Plan – updates          

0102.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 15th October  2024

            in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.

2024-07-16 Minutes of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council Meeting

2024-07-16 Minutes of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council Meeting

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 16th July 2024

Present:  Councillors Maciag,  Hargrave, Bolton, Hodson, D’Altilia, County Councillor Gardener and the Clerk.

052.24 Councillor Maciag, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting

053.24 To receive apologies and reasons for absence

            District Councillor Alban not available

            Cllr Moody – work commitment       

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

055.24 No members of the Public & Press were present

056.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 18th June 2024 were confirmed as a correct record by         Councillors Bolton and D’Altilia

057.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk

  • The Clerk had emailed CambsCC representative regarding the Parish Council response, sent in April, regarding the School playground, and in turn it was acknowledged that the response had been received and the Parish Council do not wish to accept the terms of the County Council proposal for that site.  County Cllr Gardener offered to contact the County Council departments to find out what is proposed for the site

                        The Clerk contacted North Northants Council for an update regarding the Anaerobic Digester proposal and was advised that an extension of time has been given in respect of this application.

  • Cllr Hargrave gave an update on the Village Hall and the meeting of the Committee on 15th July:

            It was agreed that Village Hall matters can be included as part of the Parish Council agenda.

            It was agreed that £2000 could be spent before Trustees need to be consulted – proposed by Cllrs Hodson and seconded by Cllr Maciag.

            The committee are considering applying for an alcohol licence.

            The committee are considering applying for Huntingdonshire DC Food Hygiene rating scheme for the Village Hall kitchen.

            A request was made to increase the Village Hall rent to £800 (it has been £550 for some years, which was an amount set to cover the insurance premium).  Approval was proposed by Cllr Maciag and seconded by Cllr D’Altilia.

            The first event will be a McMillan Coffee Morning on 28th September.

  • Cllr Maciag advised that work on the Neighbourhood Plan is ongoing.
  • County Councillor Gardener advised that he is now on the Highways Committee, Environment committee, Communities committee and Fire Authority panel.
  •  

058.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

             a) Barclays Bank statements were shared prior to the meeting.

  • Parish Council (everyday) Account  – balance as at 4/7/2024 £10949.65  (includes £500 bequest)
    • Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/7/2024  £26,385.30 (1.85% interest applicable)
    • Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/7/2024 – £249.77
    • Councillor Hodson’s cashflow forecast had been shared prior to the meeting and there were no questions and comments.

b) PAYMENTS – the following payments were approved:

WhoWhat forTOTALInvoice includes this VAT amountAuthorisedAuthorised
J R  TroloveWages for May (33 hours)XxxNILJRT 
CANALBSAnnual internal audit99.00NONE  
BradgateGrass cutting (invoices 2108 and 2087)432.0072.00  
CatalystWebsite hosting311.85NONE  
Information Commissioners OfficeAnnual subscription40.00NONE  
  • Clerk’s working hours for June were approved as a total of  33

059.24  PLANNING applications and  matters:

            None, as at 12th July

060.24 Recreation Field – Clerk had shared the risk assessment she carried out in June, there were no questions or comments.

            She was asked to share the rota for risk assessments again.

            Cllr Bolton, preferred a spreadsheet format and will devise one and share with Councillors.

061.24 Newsletter Feedback from July issue – one response of thanks via website, also an email to offer to deliver items around the village.  Items for the August newsletter should be sent to Cllr D’Altillia or the Parish Office.

062.24 Village Maintenance – Cllr Maciag will accompany the tree surgeon to assess the works required.

            The Clerk had failed to find a comparative quote for refurbishment of the benches and so the only contractor will be asked to carry out the work.

063.24 Allotments – Cllr Hodson and Clerk will devise and carry out risk assessments for this site.

064.24 Review of Standing Orders – document shared prior to meeting, no changes were felt to be necessary.

065.24 Review of Financial Regulations – deferred to next meeting.  Clerk believes there are some changes to these but requires access to the NALC website and has contacted CAPALC, who provide the passwords to access documents.

066.24 Correspondence received since 18th June 2024:

            a) NALC newsletters – dated               Chief Executives Bulletin                   NALC events,

b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition, Road Safety Education Newsletter, TMC incident report for roads – none in this Parish, chemical weed treatment reinstated within 40MPH areas,  Proposed road closures, including Great Gidding (email dated 11/7), Community Energy action plan,

c) Huntingdonshire District Council – Shop Front Grant Scheme, Town and Parish Council newsletter, Street Cleansing Team – explanation of their service,

d) CAPALC –newsletter, training dates for July,

f) Cambs Acre –  Staying in Touch newsletter

g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater  Cambridge Partnership – links to online meetings

h) Parish Online newsletter

i) Neighbourhood Alert/ECOPS etc – News from the Courts email

j) Insurance renewal confirmation from Clear Councils Insurance

k) Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) – request to include article in a newsletter

l) Thank you to Parish Council, via village website see 061.24

m) Offer from residents to deliver newsletters etc – see 061.24

n) Ron Bailey, Parliament UK – Safety of Lithium ion Batteries and e-bikes and scooters – support for campaign requested (it had been put on hold for Parliamentary Election)

o) Church Growth Trust – email dated 8th July in respect of Great Gidding Baptist Chapel – Clerk will contact them and advise they should discuss their plans with the Conservation Officer for Huntingdonshire DC.

067.24 Items for next meeting:

             Clerk’s annual appraisal – Cllr Maciag will undertake this.

068.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 20th August 2024

            in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.

Meeting closed at 20.57

2024-June-18 Minutes of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

2024-June-18 Minutes of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 18th June 2024

Present:  Councillors Moody, Hargrave, Bolton, D’Altillia and Maciag and the Clerk.

037.24 Councillor Maciag, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.

038.24 Apologies were received from:

            Cllr Hodson – holiday

Cllr Sanders – delayed at work

            County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting

            District Councillor Alban – at another meeting

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

040.24 No members of the Public or Press attended the meeting

041.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 21st May 2024 were confirmed as a correct record by Councillors Bolton and Moody

042.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk

Clerk – amended information booklets have been delivered to 3 x new households in the Parish. 

Clerk will email Declaration of Interest Forms to Councillors for completion and return.

043.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

             a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account.

  • Parish Council (everyday) Account  – balance as at 4/6/2024 £10824.83  (includes £500 bequest)
    • Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/6/2024  £26,385.30 (1.85% interest applicable)
    • Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/6/2024 – £249.77

b) PAYMENTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following:

WhoWhat forTOTALInvoice includes this VAT amountAuthorisedAuthorised
J R  TroloveWages for April (26 hours)***NILJRT 
Milton EstatesRental of footpath to Rec Field£1.00NIL  
VikingPrint carridges£105.1617.53  

*** not received from Payroll Services, will be circulated by email for approval once available. 

  • to approve Clerk’s working hours for May – total of  33 – approved by all
  • AGAR – the Internal Auditor had an online review with the Clerk on Friday 14th June, the report had been received, Clerk read out the content and will share via email. Cllr Maciag and the Clerk signed the AGAR documents.
  • VAT reclaim submitted on 31st May and received for £615.06

044.24  PLANNING applications and  matters:

            None, as at 14th June

045.24 Recreation Field – Wicksteed will carry out inspection within 16 weeks.

            Green Flag accreditation for community spaces – Power Point slides available – not discussed.

            The internal auditor had highlighted the need to complete regular risk inspections (preferably monthly, but at least quarterly).  Survey forms will be sent to Councillors

046.24 Communication with parishioners.  Cllr D’Altillia suggested a monthly newsletter, shared via the community WhatsApp page (currently viewed by approx 70 persons).  This can then be added to the village website (also circa 70 regular viewers), and on the noticeboard at the Village Hall).  Cllr D’Altillia offered to compile the newsletter/WhatsApp post and this was accepted by all.

047.24 Village Maintenance – Clerk has been in correspondence with  tree surgeons  in respect of the Pound, the Parish Pond on Winwick Road and the around the entrance to the Recreation Field – they have requested an accompanied visit to these sites to assess what is required.  Cllr Maciag will meet with them.

            Cllrs Hargrave and Moody expressed concern at the vegetation growing over the Main Street footpath.  Clerk to research who is responsible, especially around the school site, and contact Cambs County Council via the online report webpage.

048.24 Allotments – DEFRA poultry register changes with effect from 1st October 2024 – Clerk will revise the content of the allotment holder’s tenancy agreement for approval at the June meeting.

The internal auditor had highlighted the need to complete regular risk inspections (preferably monthly, but at least quarterly).  Survey forms will be sent to Councillors

049.24 Correspondence received since 21st May 2024:

            a) NALC newsletters – dated               Chief Executives Bulletin                   NALC events,

b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition, Road Safety Education Newsletter, Remembrance Day events 2024, Highways events for June (nothing in our Parish, but Gigaclear works in Glatton on B660 – 14-18 June),  TMC incident report for roads – none in this Parish,  Revised plan on weed control – within 40mph limit area only – twice a year, Summer holiday scheme – activities and free school meals – poster (see Parish Office window),

c) Huntingdonshire District Council – poster for Active Health at One Leisure, Parliamentary Election notices and information for display (Parish Office window will be used, as AGAR documents are in the noticeboard).

d) CAPALC –newsletter, training dates, 29/5 pre-election guidance from NALC, shaping our new and improved bus routes – various events between 10-13 June,

f) Cambs Acre –  Staying in Touch newsletter, affordable rural  housing presentation – 11th July (need to book),

g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

h) Parish Online newsletter

i) Neighbourhood Alert/ECOPS etc – News from the Courts email

j) Cllr Ian Gardener – Mental Health Event at Sawtry Academy on Sunday 14th July (poster in Parish Office window)

k) Ron Bailey at parliament.uk (email 5th June) – request for support on campaign regarding the safety issues around lithium ion batteries

050.24 Items for next meeting:

             Completed Declaration of Interest forms from all Councillors

                        Review Standing Orders and amend where required

                        Review Financial Regulations and amend where required

051.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 16th July 2024

            in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.

            The July meeting will be followed by a Village Hall Trustees meeting.

Meeting closed at 20.38

2024-May-21 Minutes of the Great & Little Gidding Annual Parish Council Meeting and the Parish Council meeting

2024-May-21 Minutes of the Great & Little Gidding Annual Parish Council Meeting and the Parish Council meeting

GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL 

Minutes of the Annual Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 21st May 2024

Present:  Councillors Moody, Hargrave, Bolton, D’Altillia and Maciag and the Clerk. 

Apologies for absence:

District Councillor Alban – at another meeting

Councillor Sanders  – work commitments

Councillor Hodson – family commitments

Annual Parish Council meeting:

Chairman – Councillor Maciag proposed as Chairman by Councillors Moody and Bolton.  He has signed the Declaration of Office.

Vice Chairman – Councillor Hargrave proposed as Vice Chairman by Councillors Bolton and Moody.  She has signed the Declaration of Office.

Councillors Bolton and Hodson have advised they will remain as Councillors.  Councillors Moody and D’Altillia will remain as Councillors, but advised that work commitments may impact their attendance at meetings.  Clerk will contact Councillor Sanders.  No other persons had expressed an interest in joining the Parish Council.

022.24 There were no declarations of interest regarding items on the agenda

023.24 No members of Press or Public in attendance at this meeting

024.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 16th April 2024 were declared as a correct record – proposed by Cllrs Moody and seconded by Cllr Hargrave

025.24 this item not used

026.24 Reports from Councillors and Clerk:

Councillor Hargrave had met with residents who expressed an interest in the Village Hall, a committee has been formed.  They will hold monthly meetings, setting short term and long term objectives. A separate email address will be set up for bookings/correspondence.

Councillor Maciag advised that the Neighbourhood Plan Group aim to get the revised plan to HuntsDC in September.

027.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

             a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account.

  • Parish Council (everyday) Account  – balance as at 3/5/2024 £12614.08  (includes £500 bequest)
    • Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/3/2024 £26,286.99 (1.85% interest applicable)
    • Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/3/2023 – £248.84

b) PAYMENTS – the following payments were approved by Cllrs Maciag and D’Altillia, subject to the Clerk checking the cover applicable to CAPALC’s data protection offer:

 WhoWhat forTOTALInvoice includes this VAT amountAuthorisedAuthorised
 J R TroloveWages for March (28 hours)XxxNILJRT 
 Bradgate Ground Maintenance – 3 invoices 1966, 1945,1873Grass cutting£216 each =£648£108  
 CAPALCAnnual subscription£235.88 (+£50 for data protection)NIL  
 Monies received from Hunts District CouncilPrecept£11605   
 Village Hall payments for R S BaxterElectricians temporary work210.80   
 3 Shires ElectricalVarious electrical works and PAT testing465.00   
 A C Clark (invoice no 0713)Cleaning22.50   

c) Clerk’s working hours for April were approved as a total of 26

            d) a first draft of the AGAR was shared at the meeting.  Clerk and Cllr Hodson will meet to finalise figures for discussion and presentation at the June Meeting.          

028.24  PLANNING applications and  matters:

a)Nothing further heard from CambsCC regarding the school playground site, although we did not request a response in respect of any points made.

b) APPLICATION REF. 24/00821/HHFUL

 Single-storey Garage Extension, The Mill, Mill Road, Great Gidding Huntingdon PE28 5NT

Response required by 6th June 2024

There were no objections or observations in respect of this application.

c) the application for the mast, antennas and equipment at Longbrook Farm, Thurning has been refused – Clerk from Hemington, Luddington, Thurning Parish Council will keep us updated.

d) the application for the anaerobic digester is marked as “Decided” but no further details are known at present.  Clerk is in contact with North Northants Councillor Shacklock and Hemington, Luddington, Thurning Parish Clerk.

e) District Cllr Alban had enquired about the outcomes of the Call for Sites exercise.  Hunts DC advise that there is nothing to report at present.

029.24 Recreation Field – it was agreed to instruct Wicksteed, £132 for unaccompanied annual inspection.

030.24 Correspondence received since 16th April 2024:

            a) NALC newsletters – dated               Chief Executives Bulletin                   NALC events,

b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters, Road Safety Education Newsletter,

c) Huntingdonshire District Council –16/4 HDC launches capital grant funding for Rural Businesses, Town & Parish Council April newsletter, grants of up to £2,500 for initiatives that support their communities and the Huntingdonshire Futures Place Strategy, Huntingdonshire District Council has teamed up with Cambridgeshire Police and Cambridgeshire Fire to conduct a trial using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel, Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is celebrating the opening of the East Anglia Energy Academy in St Ives, which will bring forward new jobs, skills and investment into the district, powerpoint slides from the Parish Council information session for EV Charge points, District Council launches Online Climate Hub  ***the Clerk had passed the information from the previous meeting to Little Gidding Trust as they own the car park at Little Gidding, and were interest in the potential of this scheme

d) CAPALC –newsletter, May training dates, Martyn’s Law – protection of premises from Terorism Act

f) Cambs Acre –  Staying in Touch newsletter,

g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough – posters encouraging use of concessionary bus passes

h) Parish Online newsletter

i) Neighbourhood Alert/ECOPS etc – News from the Courts email

j) CARESCO offering to visit to explain their services for older residents

035.22 Items for next meeting:

             Approval and signing of the AGAR

036.22 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 18th June 2024

            in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.

Meeting closed at 21.02

2024-May-21 DRAFT Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting for Great and Little Gidding

2024-May-21  DRAFT Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting for Great and Little Gidding

DRAFT MINUTES of the 2024 Annual Parish Meeting of

Great and Little Gidding Parish Council

Tuesday 21st May, 7.00PM at Great Gidding Village Hall

PRESENT:  Parish Councillors Maciag, Hargrave, Moody, Bolton, Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant  Martin and 5 members of the public.

APOLOGIES received from District Councillor Alban and Parish Councillor Sanders

***Parish Councillor D’Altillia and 2 members of the public joined later in the meeting.

Councillor Maciag, as Vice Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.

Councillor Hodson was unable to attend the meeting, his annual report (copy attached) was read out at the meeting.

Councillor Maciag gave an update on the Neighbourhood Plan – it has been reviewed by Huntingdonshire District Council and changes and additions are to be implemented before it is returned to Hunts DC for approval.

Sergeant Anna Martin of the Neighbourhood Policing Team gave an overview of police involvement in our rural area, advising that our Parish has a very low crime rate.  She encouraged engagement with the Team through the Cambs Police Website (https://www.cambs.police.uk/), particularly the live chat option for crime reporting.

Questions from members of the public:

  • Anaerobic digester – concerns about traffic and transport – no decision has yet been published. As the site is in the neighbouring county, Clerk is continuing correspondence with North Northants contacts.  SB encouraged building a good relationship with the developer to enable future discussions.
  • A second speed camera has been installed recently – results are monitored in both directions and act as an advisory measure to drivers. 
  • Councillor Bolton advised that a 20MPH limit has been applied for in respect of the lane down to Little Gidding – decision has not yet been made by Cambridgeshire County Council.  SB recommended the Parish Council apply for a 20MPH limit throughout Great Gidding.
  • Call for sites – Huntingdonshire District Council have not yet published any decisions on sites.  RG had read on the Hunts DC website that results will be known in July.
  • Advertising the Parish Meeting – DU advised that Annual Parish Meeting should have been better advertised.  Clerk advised the notice had been placed on the village website and the Village Hall website, earlier than the required 2 week notice period.  It was felt that new residents were unaware of events/services/facilities in the village and means of communicating with residents should be improved.

The meeting closed at 20.06

Chairman’s report:

Thank you for attending tonight, I am sorry that, due to unforeseen circumstances, I am unable to  attend in person.

The last year has been challenging, rewarding and hugely frustrating.

I would like to thank my fellow councillors for their hard work and dedication to the Parish ( and of course where would we be without Julie, who does a fantastic job as Clerk.)

Just a few of the things we have dealt with in the last 12 months

The Parish Plan – We have a great team working extremely hard to produce a plan which reflects the wishes of our residents, we have more steps of the process to complete, but we are progressing well. A huge thank you to the team 

Call for sites – Earlier in the year the Council asked people to suggest parcels of land that might be suitable for housing, we appreciate that the submission by Milton Estates caused a lot of concern, but as of today, we have not heard back from the Council, we will of course  let you know as soon as we do. Even if a site is agreed as potential development, the owner would still have to apply for planning permission as normal.

Anaerobic Digester – After months of no news at all, the website now says “decided” but does not say, what has been decided. We did all we could and will continue to do all we can to stop this development.

The School House – Now that the school has closed, we considered using the brick school, building as a village community building, but the financial economics just didn’t work, so we have advised Milton Estates that we are not interested in leasing the building from them

School Playground – Again we were considering purchasing this from the County Council, as a village amenity, but the conditions the County Council placed on the sale made the risk too great for us to contemplate 

After several years as Chair, I have decided it’s time to stand down, I will remain on the Council for a smooth transition, but if anyone would like to join the PC please let us know.

April 2024 – Minutes of the Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

April 2024 - Minutes of the Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL 

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 16thth April 2024

Present:  Councillors Hodson, Moody, Hargrave, Bolton, and Maciag and the Clerk. 

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

002.24 Apologies for absence:

County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting

District Councillor Alban – at another meeting

Councillor D’Altilia – work commitments

003.24 There were no declarations of interest regarding items on the agenda

004.24There were no members of Press or Public in attendance

005.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 19th March 2024 were declared as a correct record – proposed by Cllr Moody and seconded by Cllr Hargrave

006.24 Reports from Councillors and Clerk:

Clerk advised that the Parish Office will be closed on Friday 27th April as she is attending a funeral.

007.24 Financial Matters

             a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account.

  • Parish Council (everyday) Account  – balance as at 4/4/2024 £1660.18 (includes £500 bequest)
    • Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/4/2024 £26,286.99 (1.85% interest applicable)
    • Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/3/2023 – £248.84

b) PAYMENTS – the following online payments were approved – Cllr Hargrave confirmed

WhoWhat forTOTALInvoice includes this VAT amountAuthorisedAuthorised
REFUND to J R Trolove for purchase of MicrosoftPurchase of Microsoft 365 annual subscription£59.99NONE  
J R TroloveWages February (30.5 hours)***   
Huntingdon District CouncilRates for Rec Field5.49NONE  
LGS ServicesPayroll services79.20NONE  
Groundworks UK (Dept of Levelling Up)Refund of unspent monies for Neighbourhood Plan2217.97NONE  

c) Clerk’s working hours for March were approved as a total of 28

d) Clerk had provided a breakdown of spending for 2023/24 to the year end of 31st March 2024 and Cllr Hodson had updated the Bank Reconciliation/Cash Flow Forecast and Reserves spreadsheets.  Discussion followed regarding various aspects.

Clerk confirmed that Section 137 budget was up to £9.93 per elector during 2023/24.

Cllr Hodson advised that allocated reserves should be equal to at least one year of precept and, in addition, this Parish Council has reserves for identified future costs within the Parish.

Cllr Moody recommended that the budget for wages be increased to £5500 for 2024/25.

008.24 Planning applications – no applications received since the last meeting.

009.24 School playground – the day after the March meeting an email was received from CambsCC, setting out their terms regarding the sale of the playground to the Parish Council, and giving 10 days to respond.  The Clerk had then received a telephone call from CambsCC  enquiring potential use by the village, and a further request for a written decision by 5PM on Friday 19th April.

            CambsCC email appeared to indicate that the cost and responsibility of removing the portacabins would fall to the Parish Council, and clearance of the site was unclear.  At present the Parish Council have not been able to view the site.  Access to the site for construction/demolition is problematic and would have to involve Milton Estates.  Also this did not reflect the indications that were given by Cambs CC representatives during meetings held regarding closure of the school. 

An email will be sent to CambsCC advising that, as the offer would appear to have changed, and with many unknown factors, the Parish Council do not wish to proceed with the acquisition of the playground – this was a unanimous decision by all Councillors present at the meeting.

010.24 A copy of the current Parish Council asset register had been shared prior to the meeting and was agreed as a correct record.

011.24 CANALBS have carried out the internal audit in the past and will be appointed for the 2023/24 review.  

012.24 Neighbourhood Plan – Cllr Maciag gave a resume of the Neighbourhood Plan.  It has been presented to Hunts DC and recommendations for changes and additions are now being implemented.  The plan will be returned to Hunts DC in the future.  Whilst the remaining grant is to be refunded to Groundworks, a further application will be made for 2024/25 funding.

013.24 Green Waste bin collection – following the March meeting, clarification of aspects of the scheme to offer 10 green bins to smaller parishes had been asked of HuntsDC.  Councillors felt this was an insufficient number (a total of 10 to be shared between Great and Little Gidding) but also the Parish Council does not own an area of land where these bins could be safely stored and collected.  

014.24 Parish Council insurance policy is due for renewal on 1st June.  The clerk will summarise the cover provided and advise Councillors at the next meeting.

015.24 Village Maintenance

  • Benches in Main Street – Cllrs Moody and Hargrave approved the existing quote but  requested Clerk will to obtain  a comparative quote by the end of April.
  • CambsCC have not yet responded about siting benches opposite the shop.
  • The owner of the property in Gaines Lane will be asked to clear the building materials from the Gaines Lane/Chapel End junction.
  • Clerk has been advised by the hedging contractor that partly due to the wet ground he will not be able to carry out work as requested.  On his advice a request has been sent to a tree surgeon to provide a quote for work on the surround of the Pound and the Parish Pond.

016.24 Correspondence received since 19th March 2024:

a) NALC –

b) Cambridgeshire County Council –

*** an email was received hours before the meeting regarding the provision of electric vehicle charging stations, a survey to be completed with a deadline of 22nd April – this will be forwarded to Councillors but the discussion indicated that the Parish Council does not have land to site these devices.

 The Library Presents events brochure, Cambridgeshire Matters – https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKCAMBSCC/bulletins/38e2858, 24th April 2024, 19:00-22:00 at Ely Maltings, Kempen Room, how the council can support communities to benefit from the transition to a clean energy system, TMC incident report for traffic in March – NONE for our parish,

c) Huntingdonshire District Council – Town and parish council newsletter, Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge 15-17 May – Wednesday 15 May 14.50-15.40 in Pathfinder House (with an option to join via Teams) – registration required, green waste project (see 013.24)

d) Cambs ACRE – March Newsletter

e) CAPALC – April news, training opportunities,

g) Parish Online – newsletter

h) Ecops/Neighbourhood Watch etc – election on 2nd May

i) Hemington, Luddington, Thurning Parish Council response to diversion of footpath around Mobile Phone Mast site.

j) North Northamptonshire Council – consultation regarding Kettering Energy Park and invitation to a public exhibition on Saturday 20th April 2024, 10.30 to 1.30 at Finedon Community Centre, NN9 5LG

188.23 The next meeting of the Parish Council:

This will be preceded by the Annual Parish Meeting at 7.00PM

Tuesday 21st May 2024 at Great Gidding Village Hall, starting at 7.30PM

The meeting will commence with the Annual Parish Council meeting, at which Officers will be appointed.

Preparation for the Annual Internal Audit and the Annual Governance and Accountability

Return – details will be shared with Councillors

2024-03-19 Minutes of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

2024-03-19 Minutes of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting

Present:  Councillors Hodson, Moody, Hargrave, D’Altilia, and Maciag and the Clerk. 

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

173.23 Apologies for absence:

County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting

Councillor Sanders – work commitments

Councillor Bolton – not available

174.23 Cllr Hodson declared an interest in agenda item 181.23

175.23 There were no members of Press or Public in attendance

176.23 Minutes of the meeting held on 20th February 2024 were declared as a correct record – proposed by Cllr Moody and seconded by Cllr Hargrave

177.23 Reports from Councillors and Clerk:

Cllr Maciag had attended a meeting with HuntsDC and other members of the Neighbourhood Plan group to discuss the draft policy.  They were advised that some re-editing was required, particularly with regard to policies and planning matters.  Once this has been completed, the Plan will be re-submitted to HuntsDC.

Also, monies left in the Neighbourhood Plan budget will have to be returned to the Department of Levelling Up after the end of the financial year on 30th March 2024, and then re-applied for in respect of the 2024-25 budget.

Clerk – PCSO Sergeant Martin has accepted the invitation to attend the Annual Parish Meeting.

Clerk has completed an online survey from CambsCC regarding the re-introduction by the Council to spray weeds with chemicals – the request was made to include our Parish in weed spraying schedules.

Clerk had forwarded to Councillors the recently received email about alternative plans for those who have not signed up to the Garden Waste Subscription Service.  Larger villages will have a monthly collection, Great & Little Gidding fall into another category where they were offered up to 10 bins to be sited/emptied from Parish Council owned property.  Lengthy discussion followed regarding locations and logistics.  District Councillor Alban joined the meeting during this discussion, having been at the Folksworth & Washingley Parish Council meeting, where similar questions and observations were made.  On the whole it was felt that the District Council was transferring many problems and issues regarding green waste disposal to Parish Councils and the Clerk was asked to compile an email of comments and observations and send to the District Council (cc to Cllr Alban).

District Cllr Alban reminded those present of the District Wide Parish Council meeting to be held on the evening of 20th March at Norman Cross Motel.

Cllr Hodson asked if anything further had been heard about HuntsDC Call for Sites report  (Clerk had checked their website and there was no mention) – he will enquire about its progress.

178.23 Financial Matters

            a a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account.

  • Parish Council (everyday) Account  – balance as at 4/3/2024 £2323.92 (includes £500 bequest)
    • Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/3/2024 £26,286.99 (1.85% interest applicable)
    • Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/3/2023 – £248.84

b) PAYMENTS – Clerks wages and Village Hall payments were approved

* see 182.23 regarding the Microsoft payment.

WhoWhat forTOTALInvoice includes this VAT amountAuthorisedAuthorised
Microsoft *Purchase of Microsoft 365 annual subscription£59.99NONE  
J R TroloveWages for January (31 hours) *** NONE  
Village Hall payments     
Inkwell PrintersFlyers for VH committee members£40.00n/a  
Allied Westminster Insurance856.00 n/a  

c) Clerk’s working hours for February were approved as a total of 30.5.

179.23 Planning applications and other planning matters

            61 Main Street – extension to form orangery.

            As this was a resubmission of a lapsed permission, the Parish Council have no objections.

180.23 School playground – proposal from Milton Estates.  Cllr Maciag had advised Milton Estates that the Parish Council would not be buying or leasing the School House from them.  Milton Estates then asked if the Parish Council would continue with the project to convert the school playground to a MUGA – Councillors agreed that Cllr Maciag should advise Milton Estates that the Parish Council are still interested in this site.

181.23 Allotments – Cllr Hodson requests approval  for installation of 8 x 6 shed, to replace an existing shed on his allotment – approved by Cllr Moody and seconded by Cllr Hargrave.

182.23 IT and online storage – Clerk has had issues with the laptop as storage capacity of 5MB was overfull and emails could no longer be sent or received.  She has deleted lots of non-essential documents and emails, stored documents on memory sticks and this has alleviated the problem for the very short term, and was grateful for advice from a resident.  Part of the problem is due to the expiry of the Microsoft package.  Discussion followed about payment for the Microsoft package, now only available online via payment by debit/credit card, which the Parish Council does not have. 

            Clerk was asked to enquire how other Parish Clerks overcome this.

            Clerk was recommended to purchase an external hard drive to increase storage capacity.

183.23 Highways, Byways and Footpaths

Hemington Lodge Road – Temporary Traffic Road Closure mid-April for repairs.  Clerk had been contacted by Clearchannel and directed them to CambsCC Highways Dept  to answer their specific enquiries.

Chapel End – Temporary Prohibition of through traffic between 12th and 18th March – this was thought to be another water leak issue between the Mill and Gains Lane, but details are not known

184.23 Recreation Ground – application to HuntsDC for bio-diversity grant was unsuccessful.  Councillors agreed not to reapply.

185.23 Village Maintenance

Benches in Main Street – one quote has been provided,  Cllr Hodson felt this was too high, various suggestions made about how to get this work done and this will be added to the April meeting agenda.

Cllr Moody requested Clerk to enquire of Highways Dept if 2 x 3 seater benches can be sited on the area of grass opposite the shop (intersection on the Luddington Road/Winwick Road).

186.23 Correspondence received since 20th February 2024:

a) NALC

b) Cambridgeshire County Council

  • Help at home – care micro enterprises
  • www.volunteercambs.org.uk – ways to volunteer and where
  • Traffic Management Centre monthly report
  • Easter Holiday Activities and Food Programme

c) Huntingdonshire District Council

  • Installation of cigarette butt bins in centre of Huntingdon
  • Community bio-diversity grant scheme
  • Police & Crime Commissioner election on 2 May 2024 – poster re identification requirement
  • Festival of Huntingdonshire – slides from the online session
  • Reminder that householders can still sign up for Green Bin collection

d) Cambs ACRE – staying in touch, Kirsten Bennett to step down as Chief Executive,

e) CAPALC – March training sessions, selling D DAY 80 Flag of Peace,

f) eCOPS etc – tackling speeding, parking and anti-social behaviour,  news from the Courts,  Police Community Engagement sessions, Action Fraud

g) Parish Online – newsletter

h) Jon Parsons – email request to metal detect on Parish Council property – Clerk will respond as Parish Council does not own land that can be detected.

i) Barclays Bank – scams and how to avoid them

j) Ian Clarke Dip Arb L4 (ABC) TechArborA, Arboricultural Consultant, S P Landscapes & Tree Contractors Ltd – offer to survey trees in the parish – Clerk will retain this information for the future survey of trees in the Parish.

187.23 Items for next Meeting (including Annual Parish Meeting):

            21st May is the date of the Annual Parish Meeting – preparation of annual review

Preparation of Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR)

Appoint an Auditor to carry out Internal review

188.23 The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on

Tuesday 16th April 2024 at Great Gidding Village Hall, starting at 7.30PM

2024-02-20 Minutes of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council

2024-02-20 Minutes of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council

Present:  Councillors Hodson, Bolton,  Moody, Hargrave, County Councillor Gardener and the Clerk. 

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

160.23 Apologies and reasons for absence:

            District Councillor Tim Alban – at other meetings

            Councillor Maciag – work commitment

            Councillor D’Altilia – work commitment                   

161.23 There were no member’s declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda

162.23 No members of the Press or Public were present

163.23 Minutes of the meeting held on 16th January  2024 were confirmed as a correct record,      proposed by Councillor Bolton and seconded by Councillor Hargrave                      

164.23 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk

            District Councillor Alban – combined Parish Meeting on 20th March at Norman Cross

            County Councillor Gardener :

            The future of Kimbolton Fire Station will be discussed at a meeting on Tuesday 19th March at Kimbolton, to which Councillors are encouraged to attend.

            Cambridgeshire County Show is back, taking place on 1 June 2024, with a new venue of Abbots Ripton Estate.

            County Council element of Council Tax will rise 4.99%

            Weeding of highways is to be re-instated as it was found that more damage was caused by not weeding, gullies blocked, safety of footpath users.

            20MPH scheme applications should be submitted by Friday 15th March

            The Combined Authorities Mayoral Tax is to increase – one of the measures is to improve local bus services, including the Ting bus

            Crime and Police Commissioner will increase Council Tax by £12.96

            Fire Authority will increase their element of the Council Tax by 3%

            Huntingdonshire District Council meet on 21st February to confirm their Council Tax increase.

            Councillor Gardener left the meeting.

            Councillor Hodson advised that he will not continue as Chairman, with effect from the 2024 Annual Parish Council Meeting.

            There were no further reports from Councillors, or the Clerk.        

165.23 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

            a) Barclays Bank statement had been forwarded to Councillors prior to the meeting.

  • Parish Council (everyday) Account  – balance as at 2/2/2024 £2905.06 (includes £500 bequest)
    • Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 2/2/2024 £26,189.05 (1.85% interest applicable)
    • Defibrillator account – balance as at 2/2/2023 – £247.91

            b) PAYMENTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following:

 WhoWhat forTOTALInvoice includes this VAT amountAuthorisedAuthorised
 J R TroloveWages for December (31.5 hours)XxxNIL  
 JRB Enterprises3 x packs of dog waste bags110.5218.42  
 Refund to Julie TroloveDisposable gloves for dog waste bin+other supplies16.27NONE  
 SLCCAnnual Subscription Due 1/4/2024    

Councillor Hodson had provided his monthly Cashflow forecast and Budget update.  He had included Neighbourhood Plan budget (in place of Contingency), and updated Village Maintenance with the purchase of the second speed awareness camera. 

  • Clerk’s working hours for January were approved as a total of 31.

166.23 PLANNING applications and other planning matters:

  1. School playground area/School House  – Mark Freer at CambsCC is overseeing this site and was asked for an update on the timeframe and process – his response is awaited.

b)Community Asset meeting – held on 6th February, all sites within the Parish were considered and discussed.   

c)Anaerobic Digester – nothing further heard on 9/2/2024.  There is currently a new building appearing at Rectory Farm, a “hotel” or accommodation block for seasonal workers – North Northants Highways raised concerns prior to planning approval, considerable traffic being generated along Hemington Lodge Road, rather than Gypsy Lane (as outlined in the application) – Application Number: NE/23/01036/PDU.

  Clerk will enquire, via HuntsDC, if we can apply for CIL in respect of this development.

167.23 Roads, footpaths and bridleways:

a) LHI bid for 20MPH scheme for Church Lane, Little Gidding has been submitted by Councillor Bolton today.  The Clerk will forward this to Parish Councillors and County Councillor Gardener.

b) speed camera installed – has been “noticed” by many

c) Flytip on the Bullock Road reported on 2/2/2024

168.23 Village Maintenance

  1. Benches – refurbishment/repaint or install replacement(s) – clerk will seek quotes for refurbishment to enable comparison of prices with replacement benches.  Councillor Moody enquired about the grass area opposite the shop (WInwick Road/Luddington Road) and whether a bench might be sited there in the future – this is County Council  owned land, this area is included in their grass cutting programme, although they are only obliged to cut once a year, therefore the Parish Council include this area in their grass cutting contract to keep the area looking tidy.
  2. Volunteer for emptying of dog waste bin (Chapel End) has changed – supplies purchased (see payments above).  Clerk has emailed thanks to those involved.
  3. Litter Pick and tidy up tasks around the Parish – due to the very wet ground conditions, and grass already growing well, this will not take place. 

(There is a day of clearing and tidying planned for Saturday 24th February in Jubilee Wood starting at 9.30AM – also cancelled due to wet ground conditions).

169.23 Correspondence received since 19th January 2024:

a) NALC newsletters –NALC events list, Legal update, Consultation to update the Model Financial Regulations, Legal Update (including fire safety for non-domestic buildings)

b) Cambridgeshire County Council

  • Cambridgeshire Matters monthly newsletter
  • Traffic Management Centre – reports for incidents in February
  • Highways report in respect of damaged sign on Hemington Lodge Road
  • Understanding children who self harm
  • Micro Asphalt road treatments – NONE locally
  • Advert for Youth Work role in St Neots
  • Hi-VIS event for Huntingdonshire Blind, 10am -12 noon on Friday 14th June at Huntingdon Library.
  • A proposed change to the Highways Operational Standards relating to weed control.
  • Public Health Campaign to Raise Awareness of cases of Measles
  • Invitation to ‘Relationships for mental wellbeing’ at a symposium event on 29th February.
  • Grant fund offering to enrich the lifelong learning and skills offer for adults who are aged 19+ and residents of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
  • Cambridge Carbon Footprint who offer community events/activities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
  • Flood Resilience Day, at the Wisbech Library, Ely Place, Wisbech, PE13 1EU on Saturday 24th February from 10am to 1pm
  • Road surface dressing program – nearest to us is Upton

c) Huntingdonshire District Council

  • invitation to Waste Minimisation event – Weds 28th Feb at Pathfinder House – vermicomposting systems
  • Shop front grant scheme for St Neots and Ramsey
  • report on One Leisure Parish Sports Summer Programme
  • Community Tree Planting Day at Sapley Playing Field – 15th February
  • Festival of Huntingdonshire – online meeting 19th February 2-3PM (Clerk will attend)
  • CAPALC several emails about the various training courses available, January bulletin forwarded to Councillors prior to meeting, some important changes in fire safety legislation recently following the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2023,

Section 137 funding for 2024/25 is £10.81 per elector

  • Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority –
  • Combined Authority Local Transport and Connectivity Plan team

f)   Greater Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnerships

g)  Neighbourhood Alert/ECOPS etc – bus stop posters warning of scams, Sarah’s Law-protecting children, monthly newsletter,

News from the Courts emails,

Thieves target vans

h) Cambridgeshire ACRE –  Staying in touch newsletter, Centenary Community Buildings Conference: Celebrating 100 years of village halls invitation to Thursday 21 March 2024, at the Gardiner Memorial Hall, High Street, Burwell, Cambridge, CB25 0HD (must sign up in advance),. 

i)  Parish Online Newsletter

j) Gigaclear – keeping in touch, no further news.

k) from County Councillor Ian Gardener – invitation to meeting on Tuesday 19th March regarding closure of Kimbolton Fire Station

l) VCSE Data and Insights National Observatory  – survey to be completed

m) 5/2 – Email of introduction from PCSO Sargeant Anna Martin, who covers this area – she will be asked to attend the Annual Parish Meeting.

n) Cambs YFC – County Show at Abbots Ripton Estate on Saturday 1st June – poster for printing

o) Portrait of the King available to Town and Parish Councils – FREE – it was decided that this was not required.

170.23 Items for next meeting:

            Annual Parish Meeting

171.23 The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on

Tuesday 19th March 2024 at Great Gidding Village Hall, starting at 7.30PM

Meeting closed at 20.50