Great Gidding

PRESENT:  Cllrs Maciag, Bolton, Downer, Nankivell, Hargrave and Hodson, County Councillor Gardener and 1 member of the public

0028.25 Cllr Maciag, as Chairperson, welcomed those present to the meeting

0029.25 To receive apologies and reasons for absence:

   District Councillor Alban – at another meeting, he has sent a report                     

0030.25  Declarations of Disclosable Interests received from Cllr Nankivell for 0037.25

0031.25  Member of the public present in respect of 0037.25

0032.25  Minutes of the meeting held on 17^th June 2025 were confirmed as a correct record by all Cllrs.

0033.25 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.

County Councillor Gardener advised that the Combined Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor will take on extra responsibilities, possibly from March 2026.

Community Right to Buy, in respect of Community Assets, will be implemented at the time of the Council re-organisation – further details to follow.

County Council voted for an 11% increase in Councillor allowances at a recent meeting.

Cllr Downer thanked County Cllr Gardener and his colleague Dan Wiggs for attending and advising on footpath issues in the Parish.

County Cllr Gardener left the meeting at 20.09 and will next attend in October.

Clerk read out District Councillor Alban’s report re Anaerobic Digester planning application, Hunts DC parking enforcement, Local Government re-organisation, proposed date of 10^th September for Districtwide Parish Council meeting with a Highways Officer in attendance.

Cllr Nankivell had reported (via telephone) damage to Black Bridge leading to the Gallops – it has not been repaired yet.  Clerk advised that the reporting page on the CambsCC website has recently been completely changed – she intends to check that all outstanding issues are still recorded correctly and will add a report for the bridge if this is not listed.

Cllr Bolton asked if an Adobe Acrobat subscription could be purchased as agenda and documents are not appearing in the correct order, when sent on by the Clerk – Clerk will try and find another means of sending the agenda and documents prior to a meeting.

Cllr Hargrave gave a report of recent Village Hall Committee events and actions –

a recent pop-up café was very successful. 

The front door of the Village Hall was difficult to close in very hot weather – will be checked out. 

25 people have booked for the upcoming Games Night. 

Investigating a hearing loop or similar system, and the working of the PA system

Cllr Hodson thanked the Village Hall committee for their activities.

Cllr Hodson  declared an interest as an allotment holder  – he advised that Gidding Charity, as owner of the allotment site, had been in dispute with Anglian Water/WAVE regarding invoices for water usage.  A formal complaint has been raised, but the outcome is awaited.  If it is proved that the invoices are correct due to a considerable increase in water use, it may be that rental fee of the allotments to the Parish Council will increase. 

Cllr Maciag – Neighbourhood Plan interim report was ready to share with residents, prior to its next submission to the District Council, and it was agreed that this should be shared via the village website and 3 copies printed.  A printed copy will be available to view in Great Gidding, Winwick and Hamerton and arrangements made to view it.

0034.25 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

             a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank

a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank  (not received as at 11/7/2025 – website check)

• Parish Council (everyday) Account  – balance as at 11/7/2025 £9838.83 (includes £500 bequest)
  • Parish Council Deposit Account (Business Premium Account interest rate reduced to 1.2% from 12/8/2025)  – balance as at 20/6/2025  £21755.36
  • Defibrillator account – balance as at 2/6/2025  – £102.96

b) PAYMENTS – approved by Cllrs Hodson and Maciag

Who	What for	TOTAL	Invoice includes this VAT amount	Authorised	Authorised
Staff costs	Wages for MAY(36 hours)	Xxx	NIL	JRT
Catalyst	Website hosting	322.11	NIL
Bradgate Maintenance	Invoice no 3018	210.86	42.17
Milton Estates (Peterborough)	Invoice for access route to Rec. Field	1.00	NIL
Section 137 request	Payment at a future meeting

• Clerk’s working hours for JUNE  – a total of  32, approved by Cllrs Hargrave and Hodson.
• Review of Financial Regulations – it was agreed that no further amendments were required.
• Review of Standing Orders – it was agreed that no amendments were required.

0036.25  PLANNING applications and  matters:

              There are no new applications (as at 11/7/2025)

0037.25  Section 137 funding request in respect of softball team.

Member of the public confirmed that insurance was in place for the group, a            constitution was being devised and a bank account applied for. 25 regular attendees, most of those from the village.

   Cllr Hodson requested the constitution include a clause to state that all equipment and assets will be transferred to the Village Hall should the venture discontinue.  Also some of the items listed in the budget are day to day expenses and will not be included as part of the Section 137 grant. 

              Cllr Hargrave proposed that the group be supported in principle and seconded Cllr Hodson’s proposal to donate £800 to enable the group to set up.

   DECISION to grant £800 to softball team – proposed by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Hargrave

0038.25 Village Maintenance –  Clerk and Councillor Downer met with Dan Wiggs, Footpath Officer for CambsCC and Cllr Ian Gardener – discussion of Footpath No 6 (Mill Road to Chapel End) and The Jitty.  The surface of the Jitty has since been swept since that meeting.  Mr Weekes is to supply a definitive border of what is Highways responsibility and neighbouring landowner responsibility in respect of the Jitty.  Clerk will write to landowners regarding specific issues and copy in Mr Weekes and Cllr Gardener.

              Cllr Downer submitted the following amendment to this agenda item, to be approved at the meeting held on 19^th August 2025:

            I believe that in respect of minute 0038.25 the following should be recorded:

• The CCC Fotpath Oficer has undertaken to contact the Landowner regarding the fallen tree blocking the pedestrian gate on Footpath 6.
• The CC Footpath Officer has undertaken to contact the Landowner regarding replacing the gate, at the Chapel End of Footpath 6,  with a more accessible one.
• Councilor Gardener has recommended that GGPC write to the Landowner of the small gate, at the Mill Road End of Footpath 6, and ask the they replace the rope used to secure the gate with a removable chain.
• Councilor Gardener has recommended that GGPC write to the Landowners of land on Footpath 6 seeking their permission for the overgrown vegetation impeding access, to be cut back.

Noticeboard – quotes are being sought for the board + installation.  Hunts DC have paid       the grant monies and have supplied a logo for inclusion on the board.

0039.25 A recent email from CAPALC outlined the requirement for changes to Parish Council IT provision – dedicated email addresses (.gov.uk) for Clerk, councillors, use of gov.uk website etc.  The email had been shared with Councillors prior to the meeting and, it was agreed that, until more is known about the reorganisation of Councils, it would be preferable to wait to see what requirements came from that exercise that may impact on parish councils, their IT requirements and not to incur additional expense etc.

0040.25  Hunts DC survey on reorganisation proposals – Cllr Hodson had completed the survey and felt that the questions were tailored for responses from individuals.  The Clerk has completed the form.

0041.25 Correspondence received since 17^th June 2025 :

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

b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition for May, Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads (5 in Huntingdonshire during last month), Highways events planned – none locally, various emails about Public Rights of Way hierarchy survey,

   Food Waste volunteer required for each Parish in advance of introduction of weekly food collection.

   Summer Holiday activities and food for children.

  c)Huntingdonshire District Council – offer their Pest Control Maintenance services, Town and Parish Council newsletter for June, Road Closures in July – various in Huntingdon, nothing locally, Water system management event on 10^th July,

PRESS RELEASES:

 Civil Parking enforcement starts 28^th July

Digital screens in local towns

Great Ouse valley Trust – study to explore landscape designation benefits

            Waste Education newsletter – includes information about workshops and visits

Redevelopment of Hinchingbrooke Park – plans approved

Update on Net Zero Villages – Great Staughton Village Hall project

d) CAPALC – nothing received, their website is still inactive

e) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter for June, invitation to Rural Housing event

f) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – new TIGER bus routes announced – around Cambridge and Newmarket

g) Huntingdonshire Community Policing meetings – invitations to join online meetings on 24/9 and 15/12, both at 7pm.

h) Parish Online monthly newsletter

0042.25  Items for next meeting:

Neighbourhood Plan revised document – feedback and comments          

 The next meeting will commence at 7.30pm on 19^th August 2025  in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding. 

Village Hall payments for co-authorisation were approved by all:

Who	What for	TOTAL	Authorised	Authorised
British Gas Lite To 23 May  2025	Electricity (paid by Direct Debit)	63.12	Direct Debit
A C Cleaning Services	Invoice no 1073 to 10th July	45.00
A B Hargrave	21.00 (TEN) 33.91 (flyers)	54.91
P Jarvis	repair stage flats/ boards	99.33
PPL/PRS	Annual licence	170.32

PRESENT:  Cllrs Maciag, Hargrave, Hodson, Bolton and the Clerk.  Also 2 members of the Public

0014.25 Cllr Maciag, as Chairperson, welcomed those present to the meeting

0015.25 To receive apologies and reasons for absence:

   District Councillor Alban – at another meeting

   County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting                         

0016.25 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda

0017.25 There was no Public & Press participation – members of the public were present to be considered for co-option as Parish Councillors

0018.25  Minutes of the meeting held on 20^th May 2025 were confirmed as a correct record by Cllrs Bolton and Hargrave.

0019.25  Completed Co-option forms had been received and accepted.  Cllr Hodson and Cllr Hargrave proposed and seconded Richard Downer and Melanie Nankivel as Parish Councillors.  Acceptance of Office forms were completed.

0020.25 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.

Clerk – email from HuntsDC outlining options for local Council reorganisation, 3 schemes are being considered, further details will be shared with Councillors over the coming weeks.

Clerk- our insurers no longer offer Data Protection cover, Clerk had confirmation from CAPALC on the day of the meeting that they could add DP cover to the annual subscription at a cost of £50 – it was agreed that this amount could be included with this month’s batch of payments.

There were no reports from Councillors                       

0021.25 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

             a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank

• Parish Council (everyday) Account  – balance as at 2/6/2025 £11045.30 (includes £500 bequest)
  • Parish Council Deposit Account (Business Premium Account interest rate reduced to 1.2% from 12/8/2025)  – balance as at 2/6/2025  £21755.36
  • Defibrillator account – balance as at 2/6/2025  – £102.96

b) PAYMENTS – approved by Cllrs Hodson and Maciag

Who	What for	TOTAL	Invoice includes this VAT amount	Authorised	Authorised
Staff costs	Wages for April (27 hours)	xxx	NIL	JRT
JRB Enterprises	Dog waste bags	110.52	18.42
Bradgate Grounds Maintenance	Invoice no 2852 + 2934	253.03 + 253.03 (506.06)	42.17 + 42.17 (84.34)
Milton Estates (Peterborough)	Invoice for access route to Rec. Field	1.00	NIL
LGS services	Internal Auditor report	126.00	21.00
CAPALC	Data Protection cover (added 17/6/2025)	50.00	NIL

• Clerk’s working hours for May, approved by Cllrs Hodson and Maciag as a total of  36. 
• Budget for 2025/26 – Cllr Hodson had shared a document prior to the meeting and explained the budget headings, proposed budget spending and allocated reserves.  All present agreed to the budget.
• Our Internal Auditor has been taken ill and LGS Services have been appointed to undertake this year’s internal audit.
• The AGAR was published on the village website and noticeboard at the Village Hall on  30^th May, in accordance with the requirement for Public Rights,  which extends to 14th July
• The Internal Auditor’s report and recommendations had been received.  There was an error on the AGAR paperwork due to oversight on a spreadsheet formula, this has been corrected and a revised Form 2 (page 3 of 6) had been completed and authorised at the meeting.  Other changes to procedure were recommended and will be implemented.

0022.25  PLANNING applications and  matters:

              Purpose built agricultural building installed at Gidding Grove Farm – Planning Dept have not consulted for comment.

CIL funding – Huntingdonshire District Council are inviting applications for funding.       Clerk has requested advice from “Implementation Team” at Hunts DC regarding CIL funds that might be due to our Parish in respect of recent developments.  The response from Hunts DC was shared at the meeting and at present there is no CIL due to the Parish.

0023.25  Review of Parish Council Asset Register – the document was shared at the meeting and            no changes were required.

0024.25 Village Maintenance –  Clerk to meet with Dan Wiggs, Footpath Officer for CambsCC and Cllr Ian Gardener and discuss and view the issues regarding footpaths in the parish.

              Cllr Downer asked to be present as he has concerns about Footpath No 6.  Cllr Hargrave mentioned The Jitty (Footpath No 5) surface – both have been reported.

              Noticeboard – quotes are being sought for the board + installation

 0025.25 Donations to Charities –  Clerk had researched the possibilities within Section 137.  Cllr Hargrave proposed that any grant should be restricted to any group or activity within the Parish of Great and Little Gidding, this was seconded by Cllr Hodson

              DECISION  – future applications for a Grant or Loan will be restricted to any group or activity based within the parish of Great and Little Gidding, and will be subject to completion of an application form to be presented to the Parish Council.

0026.25  Review of information sharing options, particularly social media.

              Currently information is shared by the Parish Council via the noticeboard at the Village Hall, thegiddings.org website and occasional newsletters (also available via website and noticeboard and on request from the Parish Office).  There are independently organised WhatsApp and Facebook platforms for the village.  The administrator of the WhatsApp page will be asked to post events and notices for the Parish Council and Village Hall and/or to direct people to the website and noticeboard.  Facebook will not be used.

0027.25 Correspondence received since 20 th May 2025 :

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

b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition for May, Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads (5 in Huntingdonshire during last month), Highways events planned – none locally, various emails about Public Rights of Way hierarchy survey,

  c)Huntingdonshire District Council – offer their Pest Control Maintenance service, Press release – St Neots Whist Club, Town and Parish Council newsletter, Road Closures in July – Time Trial for cyclists around Upton area,

d) CAPALC – nothing received, their website is still inactive

e) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter for June

f) CPRE spring newsletter available

g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – new TIGER bus routes announced – around Cambridge and Newmarket

h) Huntingdonshire Community Policing meetings – invitations to join online meetings on 24/9 and 15/12, both at 7pm.

i) Slow Ways – charity, seeking volunteers for connecting walking routes.

j) Upton and Coppingford Parish Council are looking for a Parish Clerk, as are Northstowe.

k) Barclays Bank – we are offered the opportunity to have a Select Cashback credit card.  Village Hall committee will be informed and make their own arrangement if required.

l) Parish Online monthly newsletter

m) email from Sarah Marsh of Connecting Cambridge, + response from resident (SB) – Clerk has sent an email of thanks and await developments.

0028.25  Items for next meeting:

Requirement to implement IT Policy

Review of Standing Orders

Review of Financial Regulations

Review of Risk Assessment    

 The next meeting will commence at 7.30pm on 15^th July 2025  in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding. 

Village Hall payments  were approved by Cllrs Bolton and Maciag

Meeting closed at 21.03

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

One member of the Public joined the meeting (CB)

0164.24 Cllr Maciag, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting

0165.24 Apologies received:

  County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting

  District Councillor Alban – family commitment     

0166.24 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests relating to items on the Agenda

0167.24 One member of the public was present (CB) to enquire about an update on the broadband provision for the village, which he presented to the January meeting. Cllr Moody had carried out very comprehensive research and presented copies of her findings to those present and explained the content.  It was confirmed that we have superfast broadband in the village, if the “service” is to be improved, the following options will be followed:

              a) Parish Council to contact Gigaclear for an up to date position regarding supply to our village, and clarify if any surrounding villages are being considered, and request a statement for our village newsletter.  Also to write to the head of Connecting Cambridgeshire, also requesting a statement for the newsletter.

              b) via the village newsletter, provide contact details and request villagers to register with Project Gigabit/Gigaclear/City Fibre (all have an involvement with this project), to show there is a need.

              c) Parish Council and villagers to write to Sam Carling, MP for our area, asking for support with this request.

              Parishioner thanked the Parish Council and left the meeting.       

0168.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 21^st January 2025 were confirmed by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Bolton.

0169.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.

Cllr Hodson requested that a note of thanks be sent to Milton Estates, following clearance of debris from the ditch alongside Chapel End, it would appear to have alleviated the problem.

Cllr Hargrave regarding Village Hall:

Fees are to be increased and simplified (re. electricity)

Vibrant Communities grant of £772.60 has been received, this in respect of recent coffee mornings and photographic competition and forthcoming wine tasting event.

Net Zero Villages grant has been applied for and are now obtaining quotes for insulation of the roof etc (deadline 28^th February).

Future events are Wine Tasting (Village Hall committee to organise) and Treasures in the Attic and Open Studios (organised by others).

Cllr Maciag advised that he is working on maps to accompany the Neighbourhood Plan and it is hoped that this can be resubmitted to HuntsDC at the end of March.

Clerk: 

1. the village website has been amended, Parish Council is now a standalone drop

     down list

• Clerk attended the online Hunts DC meeting regarding changes to planning policy.  A link to the meeting and slides has been sent to Parish Councillors.
• As requested by Cllr Maciag, an email has been sent to County Cllr Gardener regarding the school site.  Clerk was requested to remind him for a response.

0170.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

             a) December bank statements from Barclays Bank are attached.

            Interest rates decreasing from 1.4% to 1.35% with effect from 11 March 2025

• Parish Council (everyday) Account  – balance as at 4/02/2025 £380.29  (includes £500 bequest)
  • Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/2/2025  £26,583.01
  • Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/2/2025  – £251.64

b) PAYMENTS – the following payment was approved:

Who	What for	TOTAL	Invoice includes this VAT amount	Authorised	Authorised
J R  Trolove	Wages for December (21 hours)	Xxx	NIL	JRT

• Clerk’s working hours for January – a total of 26, were approved.
• Cllr Hodson’s balance sheet and budget spreadsheet shared with Councillors prior to the meeting – there were no questions.
• Clerk will transfer fund from Interest account to current account to cover expenses to the end of the financial year.
• Confirmation of Precept from Huntingdonshire District Council has been received.

0171.24  PLANNING applications and  matters:

              There were none as at 14^th February

0172.24  Recreation Ground – 

a)           Clerk will seek quotes for grass cutting contract for 2025.

              Perimeter hedge behind swings has been cut back by hand –by Cllr Hodson, the Clerk and M Trolove.

0173.24 Village Maintenance –

a) dog fouling around village, both on footpath and grass verges was highlighted on village newsletter (February 2025) and it is hoped has been noted by dog owners.

b) list of outstanding jobs (Clerk) – no change

c) LED street lamp replacement – Gidding Main Street is scheduled for May 2025           

d) 3 quotes for tree work at Pound, Recreation Field and Village Pond shared with Parish Councillors prior to meeting.  After discussion, it was agreed that the 3 dead elms should be removed from the Pound, together with any branches that are encroaching on overhead cables (but not those originating from surrounding land) but, if the use of traffic lights was still required, then contractor must confirm price.  All other proposed works will be postponed.

DECISION – to appoint ……………… as contractor for this project. NO DECISION as work required revised and requires further discussion with contractors.

e) Road surface gritting treatment – Main Street is top of the list for 2025.

0174.24 Correspondence received since 21^st January 2025 :

              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 the 20MPH funding scheme, the Library Presents spring programme for March to July 2025, Highways events planned for March – there are none in this area, micro surfacing programme by Highways Department – none for this area.

County Planning, Minerals and Waste – an email dated 27^th January, with 32 pages of notes and guidance on revision of the Local Validation List for planning applications

c) Huntingdonshire District Council – Town and Parish Council newsletter, press release about tree planting in Priory Park, St Neots,  Launch of Public Engagement on Active Travel – invitation to visit venues for presentation and online survey to be completed,

https://www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/news/council-launches-public-engagement-on-active-travel/

d) CAPALC –newsletter, future training dates, Railway 200 events during 2025

e) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter for January/February, presentation on Rural Housing Needs,

f) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – bus franchising introduced in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area by the Mayor.

g) email from Ron Bailey, Parliamentary Safety advisor to the charity Electrical Safety First, about the safety of lithium batteries.

h) Keep Britain Tidy – the 10th Great British Spring Clean will take place from 21 March – 6 April

i) request to share the letter from Teversham Parish Council to Matthew Pennycook MP – regarding surveys and lengthy documents that Parish Councils are now asked to consider.

j) CARESCO – letter requesting funding/donation.  After some discussion, it was agreed to bring this to the next meeting.  Clerk will note in Minutes when a donation has been made to Charity – to date in 2024/25 donations have been made to Village Hall for the purchase of pickleball equipment and Gidding Charity towards the grass cutter.

0162.24 Items for next meeting:

              Donations to Charities

              Annual Parish Meeting – speaker and content

0163.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 18^th March  starting at 7.30pm

              in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.

Village Hall payments were approved.

The meeting closed at 21.19

Present:  Councillors Maciag, Moody, Hargrave, Bolton and Hodson, County Councillor Gardener and the Clerk.  One member of the Public joined the meeting (CB)

0150.24 Cllr Maciag, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting

0151.24 Apologies and reasons for absence:

              District Councillor Alban – attending another Parish Council meeting        

0152.24 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda

0153.24 1 member of the public was in attendance regarding his communications with Gigaclear (see 161.24(i)).  He is unhappy with the internet signal to his home and requested the Parish Council to insist that CambsCC implement their programme for the village, as defined in Connecting Cambridgeshire.  Cllr Moody will research the subject and report back at the February meeting.  Resident left the meeting.

0154.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 17^th December 2024 were accepted by Cllr Bolton and seconded by Cllr Maciag.

0155.24 Reports  from Councillors and Clerk:

            County Councillor Gardener

            It is likely that the current structure of local government will be replaced.  Cambridgeshire will include Peterborough area, but there is the possibility of 2 unitary authorities.  Further details to follow, with a decision to be taken in Autumn 2025.

            Highways Dept are revising their online reporting page and follow up systems.

            Applications for 20MPH LHI bids are being accepted between 27^th January and 25^th March.

            TING community bus is now known as TIGER, operating Monday to Friday between 6.30AM and 7.00PM – bookings can be made on 01480 595440.

            Consultation is ongoing regarding remote access to meetings.

            Cambs County Council portion of Council Tax will increase by 4.99%

            Fire authority will increase their Council Tax apportionment by £4.95.

            Kimbolton Fire station – the whole service is still being considered but more people have volunteered for the role of fire fighter.

            He will be asking questions of CambsCC regarding the new school at Sawtry as, it was assured that when Great Gidding School closed in July 2023, the displaced children could transfer to this new school – building has not yet commenced.

            Cllr Gardener left the meeting to attend another Parish Council meeting.

            Cllr Hodson:

            A working day, and ongoing works, in Jubilee Wood has resulted in groundcover being cut back extensively.

            Parishioners will be asked, via village social media, for donations of money to make up the shortfall in funding for the replacement grass cutter and for donations of time and work to keep areas of the Wood tidy.

Cllr Hargrave:

Village Hall are holding a coffee morning (25^th January) to complete the Photographic Competition (70+ entries).

Small Hall will be decorated on weekend of 1^st-2^nd February (postponed).

Application for grant to improve insulation in the Main Hall is to be submitted to Cambs Net Zero project.

Also considering submission of a Vibrant Village Hall grant.

A newsletter requires content, for publication in early February.

Dog fouling is increasing around the Parish – how can this be improved/resolved.

Cllr Maciag:

Compilation of the Neighbourhood Plan design guide is progressing.

Mr Nott of Milton Estates (Peterborough) has advised that no progress is being made in respect of the school house site, due to lack of engagement from CambsCC (the previous contact no longer employed) and only a consultant who has no authority to discuss/decide matters.  He has requested Parish Council to try to move this forward.  After discussion, it was agreed to request Cllr Gardener to intervene, obtain contact details and an update.  If this fails, a formal complaint will be raised with CambsCC as this site is perceived as deteriorating and vulnerable.

0156.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:

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

            Interest rates decreasing from 1.4% to 1.35% with effect from 11 March 2025

• Parish Council (everyday) Account  – balance as at 4/01/2025 £1196.74  (includes £500 bequest)
  • Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/1/2025  £26,583.01
  • Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/1/2025  – £251.64

Cllr Hodson had provided his monthly summary of the accounts and pointed out that, as the unspent Neighbourhood Plan grant monies had been refunded to Govt, there was currently no budget in respect of the Plan until Govt release further funding.

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

***Clerk’s wage slip was not available, therefore payment up to the sum of £300 was approved.

Who	What for	TOTAL	Invoice includes this VAT amount	Authorised	Authorised
J R  Trolove	Wages for November (26 hours)  ***	Xxx	NIL	JRT
J R TROLOVE	REPLACEMENT MOUSE	5.99	NIL
Cambs ACRE	Annual subscription	65.00	Invoice awaited
Wicksteed	Rec Field Inspection	180	30.00

• to approve Clerk’s working hours for December – total of 21
• Precept information from Huntingdonshire District Council was viewed

0157.24  PLANNING applications and  matters:

1. Application ref: 25/00018/FUL – installation of solar panels to 24 – 34 Main Street.  Response required by 29^th January.  Councillors agreed this was a great idea and unanimously approved.
2. It was noted that the plot between 65 and 67 Main Street will be known as Grain Dryer Barn, 65A Main Street.

0158.24  Allotments:

              a) renewal of short term lease between The Gidding Charity and Great & Little Gidding Parish Council – renewal with the payment to remain at £400 per annum was approved by Cllrs Moody, Hargrave and Maciag

              b) advisory note – one tenant of a joint tenancy has died and the tenancy has changed to a sole tenant.

0159.24 Village Maintenance –

a) list of outstanding jobs (Clerk) – ongoing

              b) Chapel End dyke – Milton Estates to carry out some work

c) Winwick Road – Clerk has reported vegetation overhanging onto the highway – Highways reporting via online report.           

d) Quote for tree work at Pound and Village Pond from Manor Farm Tree Services, comparative quotes sought.  Clarify areas for cutting with Councillor Maciag.  Further quotes have been requested

e) Clerk had a conversation with representative of DEFRA/Flood Management group re. Parish Pond on Winwick Road – his report is awaited.

f) Road surface gritting treatment – Main Street is top of the list for 2025.

0160.24 Section 137 Funding request

Councillor Hargrave – request for funding for the Village Hall to purchase equipment for Pickleball  (https://www.pickleballengland.org/) – approved by all.

0161.24 Correspondence received since 17^th December 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, Stay Well this Winter information packs available, Traffic Management events – 11^th January – Straw bear festival,

c) Huntingdonshire District Council – Town and Parish Council newsletter (forwarded to Parish Councillors),  details of Band D Council Tax will not be confirmed until after Friday 17^th January (our precept return has already been submitted, but there may be some slight changes),

d) Cambs ACRE – Rural Affordable Housing letter and document, Staying in Touch newsletter,

e) CAPALC –newsletter, future training dates, Railway 200 events during 2025

f) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter for November.

g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – nothing

h) Parish Online newsletter for December and January.

i) letter from parishioner regarding broadband connection in the parish (Cllrs IG and TA have been sent copies). 

0162.24 Items for next meeting:

              Cllr Moody to report on Connecting Cambridgeshire research.

0163.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 18^th February starting at 7.30pm

              in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.