Opening Our Doors
Please come along for welcome drinks and nibbles on Thursday 14th or Friday 15th October between 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sue Shepherd and Mary Read are delighted to announce that last Sunday’s Gidding Garden Party raised the marvellous amount of £400 to give directly to The Green Backyard allotment project in Peterborough.
Sue Shepherd adds “As members of the PCC we were very aware of the Church’s ongoing need to raise money. Despite this we all felt that perhaps this time the Church could reach out and give rather than take and that just maybe we the PCC as representatives of the Church could do something that would be of benefit to our community and at the same time help those much less fortunate that us i.e. the Green backyard.
We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our Great Gidding friends and neighbours. It would be good if future events could continue in this vein of giving and sharing.
Many thanks to everyone who helped by coming along to the event and by contributing cakes, plants, donations, time and effort”.
Come along to the Harvest Festival
Sunday 5th September 2021
Service of hymns and readings from 11.30am
St Michael’s Church, Great Gidding
Everyone welcome!
Come and join our Gidding Community to enjoy a buffet lunch and drinks.
All are welcome at Crown Cottage Gt Gidding on 5th September at 12.45 pm. There will be market stalls selling locally grown plants, produce and homemade cakes.
Donations welcome
We really need your help. Donations of plants, produce or cakes will all be gratefully received.
If you can help please contact:
Sue on shepnsue@btinternet.com
Mary only fmaryread@gmail.com
We will use the proceeds to enable us to put on a really special lunch. Any surplus funds will be donated to The Green Backyard, a community allotment project in Peterborough.
Harvest Service
For those who wish to attend, there will be a Harvest Festival service at St Michael’s Church at 11.30am.
You are warmly invited by the PCC of St Michael’s Church: Fiona, John, Michael, Mary and Sue.
GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall on Tuesday 18th May 2021
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Hill, Cotton, Maciag and Pudney, District Councillor Alban and the Clerk
001.21 Apologies for absence were received from County Councillor Gardener who was in attendance at another meeting
002.21 Election of Chairman and signing of Declaration of Acceptance of office.
There were no nominations for the position of Chairman. Cllr Hodson agreed to continue as Chairman.
Proposed by Cllr Hill and seconded by Cllr Cotton
003.21 Election of Vice Chairman and signing of Declaration of Acceptance of office.
There were no nominations for the position of Vice Chairman. Cllr Pudney agreed to continue as Vice Chairman.
Proposed by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Hill
004.21 Adoption of Standing Orders – there were no changes made to the Standing Orders.
Cllr Hill proposed and Cllr Hodson seconded
005.21 Adoption of Financial Regulations – the following amendment has been made Financial Regulations
At the meeting held on 21st April 2020 (see item 008.20)
Cllr Pudney proposed the use of internet banking rather than cheques to make payments during lockdown period (and thereafter). This was seconded by Cllr Hodson.
Cllr Pudney proposed adoption of the Financial Regulations and Cllr Hodson seconded.
006.21 Declaration of Interests – annual review. There have been no changes to the Interests of Councillors in the last year.
007.21 There were no member of the Public and Press in attendance
008.21 Items raised at the Annual Parish Meeting – this was the Council Tax enquiry (see 011.21 District Councillor Alban’s comments). A letter of response has been sent to the resident who enquired about the increase in the parish percentage and no further correspondence has been received regarding this matter. An item will be added to the next issue of the Clarion (to be distributed in June).
009.21 To approve the Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 20th April 2021
Cllr Pudney approved and Cllr Maciag seconded.
010.21 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed later in the meeting
Clerk was asked about the replacement bin at the crossroads opposite the shop. Clerk advised that the charge for a bin to be emptied weekly would be £252.64 and there is a recommended bin, price of £164.00 +VAT (£196.80)
Cllr Hodson proposed the purchase of the bin, Cllr Hill seconded.
011.21 Reports from Councillors:
District Councillor Alban – following the decision to recommence in person meetings, rather than online meetings, a request has been made to the Democratic Service Officer to request that County and District Councillors are permitted to attend meetings online as this enabled County and District Councillors to attend several meetings within a day/evening rather than being restricted to being present at one meeting.
The Annual meeting of the District Council will be held at the Burgess Hall in St Ives on 19th May, the venue allows for the require COVID distancing for Councillors and this is likely to remain the venue for the foreseeable future.
Pot holes along Milking Slade Lane and the Bullock Road have been reported and markings have appeared on these roads to identify areas to be repaired/resurfaced.
The Enforcement Officer has updated Councillor Alban regarding the land adjacent to 21 Mill Road and the Clerk confirmed that the Enforcement Officer has emailed the current position.
Following the Annual Parish Meeting, Councillor Alban had enquired of the Council Tax Team Leader if the District Council element of Council Tax was similarly affected (see attached document). It was agreed that an item will appear in the next issue of the Clarion to address the question around Council Tax that was posed at the Annual Parish Meeting as it was felt this the best way to inform all parishioners.
Huntingdon District Council leisure centres are now open again. There is no indication of when Sawtry Leisure Centre, now independent of Huntingdon Leisure Centre, will re-open as they are carrying out a refit and refurbishment programme.
*** District Councillor Alban left the meeting.
Cllr Maciaig advised that the Planning Application in respect of the MUGA was not yet registered on Huntingdon District Council’s planning list that appears on their website.
Cllr Hill – there have been no further developments regarding the LHI bid
Cllr Cotton and Cllr Hodson – nothing to report
Cllr Pudney – advised that there was another fly tipping incident in Back Lane, consisting of bags of grass clippings, which he has removed.
012.21 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements
b) to note the Budget control statement and the cash flow forecast
c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – to approve BACS online payments in respect of the following:
| Who | What for | Amount | VAT | Authorised | Authorised | |
| 6 | J R Trolove | Wages for March – 28 hours | £xxx | NONE | JRT | PH |
| 7 | CAPALC | Annual subscription | £208.87 or £258.87 | NONE | JRT | PH |
| 8 | Bradgate Fencing | Grass cutting | £199.32 | JRT | PH | |
| 9 | BHIB Insurance | Insurance for Parish Council | £490.33 | NONE | JRT | PH |
No 7 The Data Protection Officer option was discussed. Cllr Pudney offered to take on the role of Data Protection Officer for the Parish Council. Cllr Cotton forwarded the following link https://www.ukauthority.com/articles/relief-for-parish-councils-in-new-data-protection-law/ regarding Parish Council requirements. An amount of £208.87 will be paid to CAPALC.
No 8 incorrect amount shown on Agenda – £99.66 should be £199.32 for 2 cuts of grass.
No 9 It was proposed by Cllr Hodson to accept the renewal premium, seconded by Cllr Pudney
Cllr Hill advised that the Vodaphone contract was due for renewal (through his personalaccount). Vodaphone offered 18 months or 24 months contract
Cllr Hodson proposed renewal for 24 months and this was agreed by all.
Receipts:
PRECEPT for 2021-22 – £11052.00
VAT to end of 2020-21 financial year – £121.58
d) to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 30th April (36 hours) – these were agreed.
e) End of year accounts for 2019-20 – preparation for the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) – there were no additional comments or observations regarding the end of year accounts. A draft of the AGAR and Variances Report had also been forwarded to Councillors. Clerk and Cllr Hodson will meet to complete the required paperwork in readiness for approval and signature at the June meeting.
013.21 Planning matters:
Cllr Hodson observed that, in the light of the variety of planning matters that the Parish Council was receiving, some training on how a Parish Council can respond to planning applications and other planning issues was required to gain further understanding of the process and to ensure consistency in the future. (Clerk advised there were currently no training sessions arranged in respect of Planning – CAPALC/SLCC). He requested the Clerk to contact Councillor Dick Tuplin (Sawtry Parish Council), who had formerly served on the Planning Committee of the District Council, to ask him to deliver a training session to our Parish Council.
a) 65 Main Street:
Ref: 20/00243/ENTRÉE – removal of hedge – nothing new to report. This is being dealt with by the Planning Enforcement Officer and will no longer appear on the agenda.
Further Planning Application at this address for a 2 storey extension to provide a garden room and bedroom (Reference: 20/02564/HHFUL) *** Clerk has asked the Planning Department to extend the period in which the Parish Council may submit their comments on the application, the Planning Officer has agreed.
Following discussion regarding this application and the outstanding enforcement matter, it was proposed that an objection be made to the Planning Application, on the grounds that the hedge has not yet been replaced and the construction of the extension is of a size that precludes the re-instatement of the hedge.
Councillors voted on this proposal:
2 were against the motion and 3 were in favour.
Cllr Hill requested that it be recorded in the minutes that he did not support this refusal.
Huntingdonshire District Council will be advised of this refusal and the reasons.
b) Report no 34428 – Blocked public footpath (No 6) between Chapel End and Mill Road. Cllr Hodson advised that he has removed the rope from the gate again in recent weeks.
Clerk will contact the Footpath Officer to enquire what actions the Parish Council can take to ensure access along the length of a footpath.
c) land adjacent to 21 Mill Road – Update received from Enforcement Officer, due to the ongoing enforcement investigation, no details can be shared
014.21 Recreation Ground Update:
Cllr Hodson has removed 2 of the waste bins (stored in the container) and emptied 1 other bin.
An estimate to refurbish the “Huntingdon” bench from Wicksteed (Materials @ £935, labour @ £360 = £1295+VAT) was not accepted. Cllrs Pudney and Maciag will price up materials and assess the work required.
MUGA (see 011.21)
015.21 Request from parishioner for Clerk to act as “hub” for village WhatsApp groups.
The Clerk has sought advice and should not act as a hub for sharing such information.
Details of the WhatsApp groups and contact details will be included in the next issue of the Clarion.
016.21 Request to Parish Council from the Great Gidding Charity Trustees in respect of rental of village Allotments on an annual basis – this will be added to a future agenda.
017.21 Vacancies for Parish Councillors – notice to be displayed.
018.21 Parish Pound – resident’s proposal for the upkeep of this Parish asset.
Cllr Hodson confirmed that the Pound is an area in the ownership of the Parish Council, but not registered with the Land Registry. All present agreed that resident is welcome to maintain this area.
019.21 Review of Parish Council Asset Register – preparation for the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR). Items on the Asset Register were agreed by all.
020.21 Correspondence received since 20th April 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above). Due to COVID 19 restrictions emails have been shared almost immediately.
a) East Anglian Childrens Hospice – newsletter – this Parish Council does not make donations to charity.
021.21 Items for decisions at next meeting:
Completion of the Annual Governance Statement and Certificate for Audit
Councillor Training
Allotment agreement
Co-option of Parish Councillor, should no one come forward in response to the vacancy.
022.21 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 15th June 2021, starting at 1930 hours
At Great Gidding Village Hall (unless we return to ZOOM meetings).
The meeting closed at 9.27PM
GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL
NOTICE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS AND PUBLICATION OF UNAUDITED ANNUAL GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 Sections 26 and 27
The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/234)
NOTICE
1. Date of announcement – Wednesday 30th June 2021
2. Each year the smaller authority’s Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) needs to be reviewed by an external auditor appointed by Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments Ltd. The unaudited AGAR has been published with this notice. As it has yet to be reviewed by the appointed auditor, it is subject to change as a result of that review.
Any person interested has the right to inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records must be made available for inspection by any person interested. For the year ended 31 March 2021, these documents will be available on reasonable notice by application to:
The Parish Clerk,
Great & Little Gidding Parish Council,
The Parish Office at the Village Hall,
Main Street,
Great Gidding,
Huntingdon, PE28 5NU
TEL: 01832 293068 and leave a message
Email: ggparishcouncil@outlook.com
commencing on Thursday 1 July 2021
and ending on Wednesday 11 August 2021
3. Local government electors and their representatives also have:
The opportunity to question the appointed auditor about the accounting records; and
The right to make an objection which concerns a matter in respect of which the appointed auditor could either make a public interest report or apply to the court for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful. Written notice of an objection must first be given to the auditor and a copy sent to the smaller authority.
The appointed auditor can be contacted at the address in paragraph 4 below for this purpose between the above dates only.
4. The smaller authority’s AGAR is subject to review by the appointed auditor under the provisions of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and the NAO’s Code of Audit Practice 2015. The appointed auditor is:
PKF Littlejohn LLP (Ref: SBA Team)
1 Westferry Circus
Canary Wharf
London E14 4HD
5. This announcement is made by Mrs Julie Trolove, Parish Clerk to Great & Little Gidding Parish Council
We had a fleeting visitor to Great Gidding on Tuesday, a cormorant, which was first reported outside the end bungalow in Mill Road and then walked and flew down Main Street. Late morning today there were again a number of sightings in Main Street. Eventually, the bird was standing in the road outside the Village Hall whereupon it was later captured and taken into care for its own safety.
Photo: Laura 
Photo: Laura 
Photo: Lesley
A few cormorant facts!
Cormorants originally used to be a seabird frequenting the cliffs around the British Isles and Northern Europe; although in recent years they have moved inland, possibly because of declining fish stocks around our coasts. They nest in colonies in trees, locally there are colonies at Little Paxton Nature Reserve with currently about 50 nests. They also nest on the Ouse & Nene Washes, Holme and other places in Cambridgeshire, birds often fly out from the colonies to feed in lakes, particularly those that hold good quantities of fish.
Cormorants are difficult to love, seen up close they are quite reptilian in features having a very sharp hooked beak as Graham, from The Waterfowl Sanctuary, and myself can testify. Cormorants have been persecuted by man in the past because of the adverse effects they are thought to have on fish stocks. They are a protected species under the Wildlife & Countryside Act, but they can be shot under licence to ‘prevent serious damage’ but only after other methods have been, ‘tried and failed’. Cormorants normally feed entirely on fish, obtained during the day by diving from the surface, using their feet to propel themselves under water their wings are held close to their bodies; they stay underwater from 15 – 60 seconds down to depths of up to 9 metres. Most prey is brought to the surface often shaken and thrown in the air before swallowing. After fishing, cormorants have a very unusual habit of sitting on posts with their wings stretched out to dry their feathers.
Baby Conrad
How did Conrad (or Cormorant Strike as he has also been called) finish up in Main Street? It is difficult to know if it is a he or she, but it is definitely a juvenile bird, (light coloured breast feathers) it will not get its all dark feathers for a year. So my theory is that it is “a baby bird” (or at least a teenager) newly away from its parents; taking those first few tentative steps (or flights in this case) away from home. We have had some bad spells of weather recently and it may have downed the bird and it has not been able to feed as there is no suitable habitat nearby, any local goldfish or Koi may have had a narrow escape.
The Waterfowl Sanctuary
Graham is currently feeding our Gidding cormorant some recently thawed roach that he has obtained from a fishing bait shop in Huntingdon; he will keep up us updated as to progress. Graham came out very quickly although strictly speaking he deals with waterfowl, ducks geese, swans etc. His website is here https://www.thewaterfowlsanctuary.co.uk/ and he is very deserving of donations towards his work.
Cormorants have been recorded living up to 20 years old, so let’s hope Graham can get the bird’s strength up and can return it to the wild at a suitable location.
Terry Murfitt
GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the online meeting held, via Zoom, on Tuesday 20th April 2021
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Hill, Cotton, Maciag and Pudney, District Councillor Alban and the Clerk
198.20 Cllr Hodson welcomed those present to the meeting.
199.20 No apologies for absence were received.
200.20 Cllr Hodson declared an interest in matters on the agenda regarding allotments.
201.20 No members of the press or public attended the meeting
202.20 The minutes of the meeting held on 16th March 2021 were confirmed as a correct record by Councillors Pudney and Hill.
203.20 There were no matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
204.20 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS:
District Councillor Alban advised that there has been no progress regarding the
Land adjacent to 21 Mill Road. He explained that the District Council had 4 officers dealing with approx. 1000 cases, coupled with COVID issues and therefore additional time is required. He will continue to monitor the case.
Cllr Maciag asked a general question of Cllr Alban regarding planning matters, namely regarding extensive delays to planning applications/site visits and the planning process. Cllr Alban advised that COVID restrictions have had a major impact on the Planning Department and staff and the recommendation was to continue with contact/questions/etc.
Cllr Maciag advised that the submitted planning application for the MUGA has not yet appeared on the District Council Planning List.
Cllr Hill has spoken to Jo Challis of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Highways – the works to our village roads are not imminent.
Cllr Hodson advised that the School are making a member of staff redundant due to low number of children on the school roll and funding issues.
205.20 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements
b) to note the Budget control statement and the cash flow forecast
c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following:
| Who | What for | Amount | VAT | Authorised | Authorised | |
| 1 | J R Trolove | Wages for January – 28 hours | £xxx | NONE | ||
| 2 | SLCC | Annual subscription | £36.00 | NONE | ||
| 3 | Bradgate Fencing | Grass cutting | £99.66 | 16.61 | ||
| 4 | J R Trolove | Purchase of Microsoft Office and anti virus package | 74.98 | tba | ||
| 5 | AWA | Rec Field water rates | 30.83 | Direct debit |
d) to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 31st March ( 28 hours)
Approved by Cllr Maciag and seconded by Cllr Pudney
206.20 Planning matters – Clerk to obtain updates on all matters prior to meeting:
a) Ref: 20/00243/ENTRÉE 65 Main Street – the hedge is unlikely to be replaced in the near future, partly due to COVID restrictions and now the dry weather – this item will be removed from future agendas.
b) Report no 34428 – Blocked public footpath (No 6) between Chapel End and Mill Road. Other Rights of Way outstanding matters
c) 2 Gains Lane – the conservatory remains on Chorus Homes property, we have been advised that COVID has restricted access to the property. This item will be removed from the agenda as now in the hands of the landlord.
d) land adjacent to 21 Mill Road – ongoing case for Enforcement Officer (as discussed above).
207.20 Recreation Ground Update:
Planning application for a MUGA to be sited on the Recreation Ground has been submitted to HuntsDC – Cllr Maciag has submitted a Supporting statement and a revised location plan on 26/3/2021 (see 007.21 above).
Cllr Pudney advised that there had been an offer of help with the project.
Outside funding will be required, and potential fund raising events in the village too.
208.20 Social Media comment/statement – Cllr Hodson advised that his preference would be for the Parish Council to use a standard response to any posts made on social media, rather than enter into discussion. Therefore the Clerk has circulated to Parish Councillors a proposed wording to be posted in response to comments made regarding the Parish Council on Social Media (Facebook). The wording was unanimously approved and, as the Parish Clerk does not access Facebook, Cllr Pudney will post this response (copy attached) as and when required.
209.20 Request to Parish Council from the Great Gidding Charity Trustees in respect of rental of village Allotments on an annual basis (see attached report) – Cllr Hodson explained the requirement for a Parish Council to provide Allotments. The village allotment site is owned by the Great Gidding Charity. The proposal would be for the Parish Council to rent the Allotments from Great Gidding Charity for a sum of £400 per annum. In return the Parish Council would receive income from annual rents. The Charity would continue to pay water rates for the site. The Clerk will check with Parish Council insurers if they would cover the allotments, making the insurers aware that the land was owned by another organisation, and report back to the May meeting – this will then clarify who should pay for insurance.
The next Gidding Charity Trustees meeting will be held on Tuesday 4th May, at which a document will be drawn up to reflect the changes.
Cllr Pudney proposed acceptance of the Proposal and this was seconded by Cllr Cotton.
210.20Appointment of an Independent Internal Auditor for 2020-2021 – Clerk requested that CANALBS be requested to carry out the annual audit
Cllr Hodson proposed that CANALBS be instructed, Cllr Pudney seconded
211.20 Parish Clerk’s annual appraisal – Cllr Hodson offered to carry out the appraisal and if, as a result an appeals panel is required, this should be made up of other Parish Councillors. Cllr Cotton agreed.
1:1 meeting, therefore delayed until COVID restrictions permit
212.20 Correspondence received since 16th March 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above). Due to COVID 19 restrictions emails have been shared almost immediately.
a) email from Elections Public, Hunts DC – re. 6th May 2021 – this will be discussed in the Village Hall meeting following this meeting
b) email from TradeWasteTeam – re bin at crossroads – this falls within the remit of the Street Cleansing Team at Huntingdonshire District Council. Clerk has contacted them asking for details of size/capacity type of bin and price for emptying (price given as £252.64, this would be a once weekly collection.)
c) email from PFK Littlejohn regarding external auditor instructions
d) email from County Councillor Gardener re. Highways Initiative Bid
e) email from District Councillor Alban – report on various matters (this has been added to the village website)
f) email from Wicksteed – follow up regarding work identified in annual report – Cllr Macaig had assessed the bench and felt that all slats should be replaced, the fixings are corroded and bench securely fixed in the ground. Clerk will obtain a quote from Wicksteed to replace all the slats on the bench.
g) email from BHIB Insurance brokers – renewal of insurance policy for 1/6/2021
212.20 Items for decisions at next meeting:
Renewal of Parish Council insurance
Parish Pound
213.20 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 18th May 2021, starting at 1930 hours
It is to be confirmed if this is ONLINE via ZOOM or in the Village Hall
Minutes of the online meeting held, via Zoom, on Tuesday 16th March 2021
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Hill, Cotton, Maciag and Pudney, District Councillor Alban and the Clerk
181.20 Cllr Hodson welcomed those present to the meeting.
182.20 County Councillor Gardener gave his apologies as he was attending another meeting.
183.20 Declarations of interest were given by Councillors Hodson, Hill and the Clerk in respect of 193.30 relating to the Great Gidding Charity
184.20 No members of the Public & Press were present.
185.20 Minutes of the meeting held on 16th February 2021 were confirmed as a true and correct record. Cllr Pudney proposed, Cllr Cotton seconded
186.20 Matters arising from the Minutes of the February Meeting:
Cllr Hodson queried the amounts that were mentioned in County Councillor Gardener’s report – Clerk confirmed that £20 million was the figure stated to be spent on footpaths and £2.73M to be spent on flood prevention.
The waste bin opposite the shop is not being emptied by the volunteer. It was agreed to remove this as soon as possible – Councillor Pudney will undertake this action.
*** District Councillor Alban joined the meeting
187.20 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS:
District Councillor Alban advised the District Council budget meeting voted there would be a 0% in respect of the District Council element of Council Tax.
Fly tipping continues to be a problem along the B660 corridor, particularly alcohol bottles. The Enforcement Team are following up where addresses have been found.
Land adjacent to 21 Mill Road – the allocated Enforcement Officer has emailed Cllr Alban and the Parish Clerk and it is hoped that progress will be made. Cllr Hodson thanked District Cllr Alban for his ongoing support with this matter.
District Council will become responsible for civil parking enforcement as regards double yellow lines – this is likely to start in 2 years time.
Cllr Alban and Cllr Beuttell are proposing that, when restrictions allow, a meeting for Councillors and Clerks within his District Council ward can be held to enable views, ideas and experiences to be shared.
*** District Councillor Alban left the meeting.
Councillor Hill – he has presented the LHI bid in respect of Mill Road and Luddington Road, online. We will learn the outcome in June 2021.
Councillor Hodson – allotments were still very wet.
There were no further reports from Councillors
188.20 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements
b) to note the Budget control statement and the cash flow forecast – it was noted that the speed awareness camera will not be purchased until 2021-22 and therefore a surplus will be shown in the overall budget at the end of the financial year.
Grass cutting budget – the current contract has cost much less than anticipated.
Contingency fund – this has not been spent this year.
Website maintenance – there has been an overspend on this budget due to the requirement to bring the website content in line with current required legislation.
c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following:
| Who | What for | Amount | VAT | Authorised | Authorised | |
| 64 | J R Trolove | Wages for December – 27 hours | £xxx | NONE | JRT | PH |
| 63 | Inkwell printing – paid prior to the meeting | Gidding News – distributed early March | 25.00 | NONE | JRT | PH |
| 65 | L J Nicholson, Ivy Cottage Flowers | Funeral wreath – R P Hayden | 40.00 | NONE | JRT | PH |
d) to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 28th February ( 28 hours)
Payments and clerk’s hours agreed by Cllr Hill and Cllr Cotton.
189.20 Planning matters:
a) Ref: 20/00243/ENTRÉE 65 Main Street (Andrea Dollard, Enforcement Officer at HuntsDC) – removal of hedgerow – Clerk has emailed to enquire which party has been requested to replace the hedge, response awaited.
b) Report no 34428 (Zaria Bettles, Footpath Officer) Blocked public footpath (No 6) between Chapel End and Mill Road reported online – she has responded to advise that Jury Duty had delayed her work and she was asking the various landowners to work together – Clerk has queried the comment about working together as only one landowner/property is related to the blockage.
Cllr Hodson enquired of the Clerk if Parish Council could legally remove the obstruction – Clerk to research. Cllr Pudney read out the wording relating to the Rights of Way Section 137 of the Highways Act – Clerk will ask a direct question of the Footpath Officer regarding the requirements to enable this to be resolved. Cllr Pudney suggested a direct request be sent to the Footpath Officer regarding action that the Parish Council can legally take to remove the obstacle.
c) 2 Gains Lane – aerial removed, conservatory still in situ – Chorus Homes ( SARAH CINCIUS, NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICES MANAGER, also referred to Neighbourhood Officer, Cameron Keysell) had emailed a response to the Clerk to advise that this was ongoing and delayed by access issues due to COVID.
d) land adjacent to 21 Mill Road (REF: 18/00246/ENURES) – Acting Planning Enforcement Officer Sally Granshaw has made telephone contact with the occupier, and plans to phone him again on 17th March 2021 to discuss further, and will then advise the Parish Council and District Councillor Alban of the outcome.
190.20 Recreation Ground Update:
Planning application for the MUGA – payment has been made, Clerk advised that the Planning Application is not yet showing on the Huntingdonshire District Council planning list (as at 10.3.2021)
As a result of the latest issue of the Gidding News, a resident has offered to get involved with the MUGA project.
Cllr Hodson advised that Bradgate had cut the grass and, as the prices, terms and conditions of the contract with Bradgate remain the same as last year, he proposed that we retain them in this role. Cllr Hill agreed.
191.20 Annual Parish Meeting – with the uncertainties around COVID restrictions, particularly in person events, after much discussion it was agreed that the Annual Parish Meeting should take place at the start of the April meeting (20th April at 7.30PM), this will be online and notices will be displayed 14 days prior to the event to advise parishioners (noticeboards/website/shop). Parishioners will be invited to join via ZOOM.
192.20 Parish Council use of social media.
From time to time comments have been made about this Parish Council on social media sites that exist within the village. At present the Parish Council do not use social media. It was discussed at length, with all Councillors expressing their view how to respond, or if a response is required, or if a social media “presence” is required and if so on which platforms.
Cllr Maciag pointed out that parishioners are given the opportunity to ask questions and air their views by attending the monthly Parish Council meetings and, more recently, join the online meetings.
It was suggested that an official statement/comment should be used on occasions when it was felt that the Parish Council needed to respond. Clerk will devise a wording for approval and adoption at the April meeting.
193.20 Charity proposal had not been included in the associated documents for this meeting and this item will be deferred until April meeting.
194.20 Rights of Way and Footpaths – Cllr Pudney has offered to take on this role as one of his responsibilities. Clerk had shared with Councillors a list of rights of way and footpaths within the Parish, with associated landowners where known, together with details of outstanding issues within the Parish and will keep Cllr Pudney informed about current and future matters.
195.20 Correspondence received since 16th February 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above). Due to COVID 19 restrictions emails have been shared almost immediately.
a) a letter from Freshwater Habitats Trust to request to sample water at Townsend Pond – this was agreed.
196.20 Items for decisions at next meeting:
Request to Parish Council from the Great Gidding Charity Trustees in respect of rental of village Allotments on an annual basis
Social Media – official statement to be adopted
197.20 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 20th April 2021,
starting at 1930 hours ONLINE via ZOOM
Meeting closed at 20.45
Minutes of the online meeting held, via Zoom, on Tuesday 16th February 2021
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Hill, Cotton, Maciag and Pudney, County Councillor Gardener and District Councillor Alban and the Clerk
162.20 Cllr Hodson welcomed those present to the meeting.
163.20 To receive apologies and reasons for absence – there were no absences.
164.20 There were no Declarations of Interest.
165.20 No members of the Public & Press were present.
166.20 Minutes of the meeting held on 19th January 2021 were confirmed as a true and correct record. Cllr Hill proposed, Cllr Cotton seconded
167.20 There were no matters arising in respect of the minutes of the January meeting.
168.20 TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS:
District Councillor Alban advised the District Council budget meeting would be held next week and a 0% increase was to be proposed in respect of Council Tax.
He was working alongside District Councillor Simon Bywater to address flooding concerns and pot hole issues.
He has emailed the Planning Enforcement officer regarding the enquiry for land adjacent to 21 Mill Road, particularly the sewage issue. Cllr Hodson thanked District Cllr Alban for his ongoing support with this matter.
County Councillor Gardener advised that the Council Council budget meeting had agreed an increase of 1.99% for Council Tax.
There would be an increased in funding for Transformation and £20 million has been set aside for Highways footpaths, in addition £2.3 million has been allocated to flood prevention. Cllr Gardener is now part of the HuntsDC flooding group.
There is a project being undertaken in respect of a Responsive Transport Scheme for West Hunts area.
Local Highways Initiative bid – as a member of the Committee, Cllr Gardener is unable to vote on our Parish submission, but he offered to present the application should Cllr Hill be unable to join the meeting via ZOOM (this meeting to take place on 24February).
*** County Councillor Gardener left the meeting.
There were no further reports from Councillors
169.20 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements
b) to note the Budget control statement and the cash flow forecast – it was noted that the planned works associated with the LHI bid are unlikely to take place until April, therefore the purchase of the speed awareness camera is likely to be part of 2021-22 budget.
Cllr Maciag enquired about the Planning Application fee for the Recreation Ground project – this will be funded by the Village Hall account.
c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following:
| Who | What for | Amount | VAT | Authorised | Authorised | |
| 59 | J R Trolove | Wages for December – 23 hours | £xxx | NONE | ||
| 60 | J R B Enterprises | Dog waste bags x 4 | 133.80 | 22.30 | ||
| 61 | Wicksteed Leisure (this invoice received after agenda sent out and prior to meeting) | Inspection of playground equipment | 72.00 | 12.00 |
d) to approve Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 31st January ( 27 hours)
Agreed by Cllr Hill and Cllr Cotton.
170.20 Planning matters:
a) Ref: 20/00243/ENTRÉE 65 Main Street – removal of hedgerow (Andrea Dollard, Enforcement Officer at HuntsDC) – replacement hedging still to be planted, weather and COVID are causing delay (Jan 2021). Clerk asked to check who is being asked to replace the hedge.
b) Report no 34428 (Zaria Bettles) Blocked public footpath (No 6) between Chapel End and Mill Road reported online – Parish Clerk has given details of field owners to Footpath Officer to enable her to pursue this matter. Footpath Officer on Jury Duty, returns 15th February 2021.
c) 2 Gains Lane – aerial removed, conservatory still in situ – remains the same at the date of the meeting.
d) land adjacent to 21 Mill Road – ongoing case Enforcement Office has been unable to contact resident (Jan 2021). Photographs or the entrance gateway, with name and address of resident applied to the postbox – sent to Enforcement Officer
e) planning application for a MUGA to be sited on the Recreation Ground – Cllr Maciag enquired if there is a preferred size, according to the sport to be played – it was agreed that the application should be submitted based on a tennis court size. Cllr Maciag will now forward the application to HuntsDC
171.20 Recreation Ground Update:
Safety report and maintenance requirements – Wicksteed annual report has been received, items were discussed. Cllr Hodson advised that he felt the slats on the bench could be replaced – Cllr Maciag will take a look at the requirements of refurbishing the seat.
*** District Cllr Alban left the meeting.
172.20 Bins – litter and dog waste bins/bag stores update – Notices had been attached adjacent to all bins asking for volunteers to contact Parish Clerk
Clerk advised that a volunteer has taken on the maintenance of the bin near Chapel End Pond, and another resident has offered to act as backup.
Dog waste bins at the Main Street End of the Jitty and on Jubilee Wood have been removed as no volunteers came forward to offer help. Bag dispenser will remain at Jubilee Wood. Cllr Hodson advised that there were Hunts DC bins opposite the Fox and Hounds Pub and outside the School, these were regularly emptied by the District Council, and could be used for all types of waste/rubbish.
Cllr Hodson asked Clerk if the cost of a further bin was known. Clerk advised that there is an online application form, this sets out the needs/requirements of a waste bin and, no cost/prices appear on the website, but it would appear to be assessed on the need.
*** Member of the public joined the meeting.
173.20 Gidding News – Clerk thanked Cllr Hill for his work on the layout and edit of the various articles for the next newsletter. Cllr Maciag recommended that, in view of the decision about size of MUGA, this item should be reworded. Cllr Hill will make the final change and the Clerk will then forward to the printers.
174.20 Pond – opposite Recreation Field. FWAG had advised that as the surrounding vegetation is mature, this provides an important wildlife habitat and therefore the pond would not be considered for the scheme.
175.20 Local Highways Initiative Bid:
a) to discuss and approve changes to the proposal – the dragons teeth at the entry to the 40 MPH zones would not be part of the 2020-21 scheme as the available budget had been exceeded. Cllr Hill had advised Highways Dept of Cambs CC to proceed on this basis. It is hoped this work will be implemented in Spring 2021.
b) to discuss and approve the Parish contribution to the 2021-22 LHI scheme. In order to reduce the cost of the Mill Road, and Luddington Road works it had been decided to remove the high viz white gates from the scheme.
176.20 Roles and Responsibilities of Parish Councillors – the list had been shared with Councillors prior to the meeting, many of the categories are not applicable to our Parish
Cllr Hodson – Allotments and Recreation Ground.
Cllr Maciag – Planning
Cllr Cotton – Community buildings (the Village Hall)
Cllr Hill – Highways and Traffic calming
177.20 Grass cutting contract – request has been sent to existing contractor regarding terms of contract and pricing for 2021/22, nothing heard at time of meeting and this was not discussed – hold for March meeting.
178.20 Correspondence received since 19th January 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above). Due to COVID 19 restrictions emails have been shared almost immediately.
There was none.
179.20 Items for decisions at next meeting:
Request to Parish Council from the Great Gidding Charity Trustees in respect of rental of village Allotments on an annual basis
Grass cutting contract
Annual Parish Meeting – ideas for event (subject to COVID restrictions) or online meeting
Social Media (regarding road closure)
180.20 Date of next meeting – Tuesday 16th March 2021,
starting at 1930 hours ONLINE via ZOOM
Meeting closed at 20.39