“Being a District Councillor is rarely dull and since my last report, there has been plenty to keep me busy on behalf of local residents and the wider district; these are just some of the issues I have been working on.
FLY TIPPING
Incidents seem to have lessened but I continue to check on local hotspots and make report problems to Huntingdonshire District Council
I attended the meeting in the village hall regarding the application for an anaerobic digester just over the border in Northamptonshire and was interested to listen to the listen to the views expressed. I have commented on the application on the North Northants Council website, including raising my concerns about the possible increase in traffic movements, should this application be passed.
GREAT GIDDING SCHOOL CLOSURE
Although this wasn’t a District Council decision, I was consulted and made my objections to the closure known in writing and along with my County Councillor colleagues, Ian Gardener and Simon Bywater, I spoke at the County Council meeting where the decision to close the school was taken.
Along with my fellow ward District Councillor Marge Beuttell, I attended the meeting in the school; I also attended the subsequent meeting held in the village hall. Thank you to the residents who emailed me or spoke to me in person about the closure, most of whom were against.
GREEN BIN CHARGE
As a member of the District Council Panel, which is scrutinising the plans to introduce a separate charge for collecting garden waste bins, I will continue to monitor the implentation and results of this policy.
For anyone who wants to continue to have their garden bins emptied after 1st April 2024, a charge will be payable – which will be in addition to council tax bills. I didn’t vote to implement this scheme and remain unconvinced it will bring the financial benefits predicted and concerned about possible negative environmental implications.
Initial details about the scheme should be included in the bin hanger, which gives details of the Christmas Refuse Collection date changes.
WORKING TOGETHER
A few weeks ago, Councillor Marge Beuttell and I arranged a liaison meeting for the Chairs and Clerks of the various Parish Councils and Parish Meetings in our district council ward.
The meeting took place at the recently re-opened hotel at Norman Cross; it was well attended and included representatives from Great & Little Gidding and other villages in the ward, which stretches right up to this side of the river at Wandsford.
As well as a chance to share best practice and issues the villages have in common, there was an opportunity to discuss the revision of the Huntingdonshire Local Plan and the implementation of Neighbourhood Plans, with the District Council’s Chief Planning Officer. I am particularly pleased that Great & Little Gidding are one of the Parish Councils in my ward which are working towards a Neighbourhood Plan.
COURTS 4 KIDS @ CHRISTMAS
The District Council’s One Leisure Centres are again set to operate “Courts 4 Kids” during the Christmas school holiday. Details of scheme, which offers discounted rates on hire of courts for and 3G pitches for Under 18s are available via https://www.oneleisure.net/
EMERGENCY HELP OVER CHRISTMAS
Huntingdonshire District Council offices will be closed over Christmas but the Out Of Hours team will still be working and can be contacted on 01480 434167.
With best wishes for a Happy Christmas & New Year.
Tim Alban
District Councillor for Stilton, Folksworth & Washingley Ward
Present: Councillors Hodson, Maciag, Sanders, Moody, Hargrave and Bolton, and the Clerk.
064.23 Councillor Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present
065.23 Apologies and reasons for absence
County Councillor Gardener – holiday
Councillor D’Altilia – work commitment
066.23 Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests – Councillor Hodson for 075.23
067.23 No members of the public or press were present.
068.23 Minutes of the meeting held on 18th July 2023 were confirmed as a true and correct record by Councillors Bolton and Hargrave
069.23 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
County Councillor Gardener has forwarded his report following the July meeting and followed up the repairs to Main Street footpath, it has been confirmed by Highways Dept that is awaiting a date for commencement of work.
070.23 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:
Clerk’s appraisal completed with Councillor Hodson and a copy had been shared prior to the meeting – there were no comments.
Councillor Maciag advised that an application has been submitted to the Department for Levelling Up for funding in respect of the Neighbourhood Plan, a total sum of £6000.
Information Commissioners Office have confirmed continuing cover.
071.23 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account.
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 4/8/2023 £15699.35
Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/8/2023 £16,061.85
Defibrillator account – £246.39
b) PAYMENTS – the following online payments were approved by Councillors Hargrave and Sanders:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for June ( 38 hours )
Xxx
NIL
JRT
Bradgate Ground Maintenance Ltd (no xxxx)
Grass cutting of Recreation Field
Clerk reminded them and invoices awaited
Wicksteed Leisure Ltd
Annual inspection of Rec Field
158.40
26.40
JRT
Viking
Office supplies
143.77
23.96
JRT
Parish Online
Subscription – for use with Neighbourhood Plan
48.00
8.00
JRT
CAPALC
Councillor training for JB
75.00
–
JRT
to approve Clerk’s working hours for July – total of 27
PKF Littlejohn, External Auditor, have confirmed and accepted that this Parish Council is exempt from further audit requirements until 2023/24.
072.23 PLANNING applications and other planning matters:
There are no new planning applications as at 9th August 2023
Enforcement/Conservation Officer has responded re. 65 Main Street – Councillors Moody and Hodson advised that the Officer had focused on the position of the gate and it was the lack of re-instatement of the wall in accordance with the Planning Permission that was the concern, given that this property lies within the Conservation Area of the village – Clerk will contact the Officer.
Registering properties in the Parish for Listing or as Assets of Community Value (and areas of land for this latter option) – details had been shared prior to the meeting and, after discussion, the Clerk will complete an application for an Asset of Community Value in respect of the school playground, this will be shared with Councillors prior to the next meeting.
School – assessment of site for future community use, CambsCC advise site is not currently available to view/assess. Councillor Moody felt the response inferred that the site would be completely cleared, including play equipment, and this was not the preferred action for the Parish Council as the hope was to retain the play equipment, and the playground surface for community use. Clerk will contact CambsCC for clarification and to make them aware of this proposal. Cllr Maciag asked that a request again be made to view the site as, it is not understood why it was safe for children and staff to access the site, but not for Parish Councillors. A request will also be made to access the school house to assess if that has value as a community building (the building is owned by Milton Estates Peterborough and leased to CambsCC until May 2024). Councillor Sanders pointed out that, if they intend to erect further “safety” fencing, as the site is in the village Conservation Area, this will require planning approval.
073.23 Policy Documents
Freedom of Information Policy – the template from Information Commissioners Office had been shared prior to the meeting, partially completed by the Clerk. Councillor Hodson requested that a minimum charge of £5.00 be applied to this document, also that the preferred method of payment should be made by BACS as there are no Petty Cash arrangements in place, and this was agreed by all Councillors.
Risk Management Policy – the Clerk had compiled and shared a suggested layout and wording prior to the meeting, this included the Village Hall and Recreation Field. Councillor Moody suggested that Village Hall and Recreation Ground should be included in the title to reflect this. Some additions are required, such as limits of indemnity, parish trees, dates when policy documents are reviewed. Clerk will make the revisions and submit to the September meeting for final approval.
074.23 Recreation Field – Clerk met with Bradgate representative – removal of wooden play equipment will take place in the autumn.
075.23 Allotment renewal notices – Councillor Hodson declared an interest – Clerk advised there is now a waiting list of 3 residents. Various options were discussed regarding changes to the allotments themselves and/or the terms of the tenancy agreement (copy of the tenancy agreement had been sent to Councillors prior to the meeting). Clerk suggested that a covering letter should be sent with the invoices for the annual rent, advising of the waiting list and asking if tenants wish to share their plot or may be considering relinquishing their plot in the next 12 months – this was agreed
076.23 Anglian Water – there have been a series of burst and leaking pipes in both Main Street and Chapel End recently. Clerk had compiled and shared a list of known dates prior to the meeting and will send this to Anglian Water with a letter (copied to District and County Councillors and MP), asking when the pipes around the village will be replaced.
077.23 Correspondence received since 18th July 2023:
a) NALC newsletters – Chief Executives Bulletin, NALC events list,
b) Cambridgeshire County Council – Cambridgeshire Matters monthly newsletter, request for volunteers for winter gritting programme, Traffic Management Centre incident reports for July 2023 (2 in Huntingdonshire), DEADLINE for Priorities Capital fund is 24th September *** Councillor Hargrave had been unable to access the related information.
c) Huntingdonshire District Council – press release re. St Neots town centre, Michelle Sacks appointed as permanent Chief Executive, consultation on the Council Tax Support Scheme, press release – green flag for Huntingdonshire Parks, press release – posters for recycling advice, press release – inviting residents to have their say on a Public Space Protection Order: Dog Control proposal, possible industrial action by Hunts DC staff, Electric vehicle charging points availability – deadline extended to 18th September,after much discussion it was agreed that the village itself, and the Village Hall as a venue, were unlikely to be favourable sites for a charging point
Sports Facilities Strategy – both indoor and outdoor sporting facilities (Gidding is noted as having NONE)https://www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/news/district-council-announces-new-sports-facility-strategy/ – Clerk has read through the outdoor facilities report (see page 153 (of a total of 170) for MUGA information).
d) CAPALC –,
e) Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority – Armed Forces drop in sessions,
f) Neighbourhood Alert/ECOPS etc – News from the Courts emails, scam alert re. one time passwords, Herbert Protocol for carers of dementia sufferers, Police & Crime Commissioners latest report, WhatsAPP scammers target community groups, QUISHING – scamming via QR codes,
h) Cambs Acre – Cambridgeshire Home Energy Support Service – poster, Staying In Touch newsletter, EVENT – conserving nature and boosting diversity by greening your community spaces – ZOOM, 12th September at 5PM (clerk will attend)
i) HedgehogsRUs – Hedgehog Highways Project
j) NHS Peterborough and Cambridgeshire – posters for the importance of hydration
k) Parish Online newsletter – Clerk advised that the website links on the Parish Online site were not working, resulting in her submitted a Freedom of Information request in an attempt to gain access to the maps and information..
078.23 Items for next meeting:
079.23 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 19th September 2023 at Great Gidding Village Hall
If you were not able to visit the School before it closed, and wish to see the vast collection of records and photos, Huntingdon Archives (in Huntingdon Library) advise that this collection is now available to view.
You need to book an appointment with them, and quote the reference SR/75 (Great Gidding Church of England School 1873-2023
to a service of Thanksgiving for Great Gidding Church of England Primary School, and its place in the village since 1846
on Sunday 16th July at 11.00 am in St Michael’s Church with Rt Rev Stephen Conway, Bishop of Ely
to be followed by a light buffet in church – RSVPby 8th July if you can join the lunch to Rev Fiona Brampton revfiona@norleigh.org.uk; 29 Church Road, Great Stukeley, Huntingdon PE28 4AL
Present: Councillors Hodson, Hargrave, Moody, Maciag and D’Altilia, County Councillor Gardener and the Clerk.
001.23 Cllr Hodson, as Chairman welcomed those present to the meeting.
002.23 To receive apologies and reasons for absence
Cllr Bolton – holiday
District Councillor Alban – another meeting
003.23 Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
Cllr Hargrave for 009.23B – Planning
004.23 There were no members of the public or press present.
005.23 Minutes of the meeting held on 21st March 2023 were confirmed as a correct record –
Cllrs Hargrave proposed and Cllr Maciag responded.
006.23 There were no matters arising from those Minutes that would not be discussed as an agenda item.
007.23 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:
County Councillor Gardener advised that the next meeting of Children and Young People’s committee would take place on Tuesday 25th April. At that meeting there will be a recommendation for Great Gidding school to close at the end of the academic year. He will attend the meeting and express dismay at the closure. Parents of children living in the school catchment area will be offered support for home to school transport (this may be bus/taxi or financial), and there is a grant (amount dependent on chosen school) towards the cost of school uniform. He will report back immediately after the CYP meeting.
Cllr Moody asks that he reinforce the need for support, as described above, for parents.
Cllr Gardener advised that the TING bus has a new operator and will visit Great Gidding on Friday 2nd June as part of a roadshow, to promote the service.
He reminded us that the 20MPH Scheme applications should be submitted by 30th April.
Cambs County Council are suggesting an extension to the guided busway around Madingley, also the referendum, for introduction of a congestion charge to enter Cambridge, was turned down.
Cllr Hargrave enquired about a HuntsDC directive on dogs on leads – Clerk will research.
Clerk asked Councillors who would maintain and download statistics from the speed awareness sign, this information would be of use to the Neighbourhood Plan Group – Cllrs D’Altilia and Maciag will take a look at this.
There were no other reports from Councillors
008.23 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account had been shared prior to the meeting.
b) PAYMENTS – the following payments were approved:
After discussion, Councillors decided that Data Protection cover was not required and £225.49 will be paid for CAPALC’s annual affiliation fee only
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for February ( 40 hours )
Xxx
NIL
JRT
Firetext (April)
Messaging Service
14.40
2.40
JRT
CAPALC
Annual affiliation fee
225.49 or 275.49 with Data Protection Scheme
Inkwell Printers (Paid prior to meeting)
Spring newsletter
40.00
NIL
SLCC
Annual membership
36.00
NIL
BHIB insurance – hire of Coronation equipment
Additional premium
No charge
NIL
Julie Trolove (re-imbursement) for the Big Game Hunter
Purchase of games for Coronation event
247.92
To be confirmed
VILLAGE HALL A C Clark
Village hall cleaning
16.75
NIL
to approve Clerk’s working hours for March – total of 36
AGAR – Clerk distributed the end of year finance sheet for the Parish Council, this was accompanied by Cllr Hodson’s balance sheet, these figures will be used to complete the AGAR paperwork. Clerk asked for confirmation of the amounts of reserves held, this was discussed and will be reported accordingly.
It was agreed by all that CANALBS will be appointed as the internal auditor.
009.23 PLANNING applications and other planning matters:
There are no new planning applications as at 14th April 2023
62 Main Street – there is an amendment to the approved plan on health and safety grounds, do the close proximity of overhead electrical cables – NO OBJECTIONS
APPLICATION REF. 23/00557/FUL
Erection of a single dwelling
Adjacent to Church Farm 41 Main Street Great Gidding Huntingdon PE28 5NU
Comments by 6th May
Councillors had studied the revised plans and wish to submit a refusal. Clerk was asked to resubmit the original refusal, pointing out that the proposed property driveway is still too close to No 45, also exit from the property will be too steep at a point on Main Street where it would be dangerous, with insufficient sight lines to pull out onto the road, exacerbated by the curve in the road combined with vehicles having to cross the public footpath. Also, should the property be built as proposed, it would leave Church Farm house with very little surrounding garden which would be detrimental to this property. RECOMMEND REFUSAL
65 Main Street – email from resident (dated 11/4) regarding size of window and damage to wall contrary to Planning permission – the resident has written to HuntsDC Planning Department and the Clerk was requested to do the same – the window is much larger than given permission for, and the wall has been cut and is compromised by the building extension.
d) Sawtry Neighbourhood Plan (email 12/4) – the document had been shared with Councillors prior to the meeting, they do not wish to submit a response.
010.23 20MPH scheme for Little Gidding – Cllr Bolton’s had advised prior to the meeting that he was in the process of compiling the paperwork. Cllr Gardener has confirmed his support of the proposed scheme.
011.23 Great Gidding CofE (VC) Controlled School – once the decision is known, should it be for closure of the school, the Parish Council will request a visit to the school to view the premises.
Cllr Hodson made the following addition to the Minutes:
We agreed that we would look to get support from our County and District councillors and our MP to lobby for the playground to become a village amenity. We then agreed that as a separate matter (which is really a VH committee decision) is that we would ask to visit the school building at some point, but being mindful of the teachers personal situations, that this could be delayed for a while.
012.23 GWH Neighbourhood Plan update – initial consultation period ended 21st March 2023
Minutes from the meeting held on 22nd March were shared prior to the meeting. There is a delay in the release of funding being allocated by the Government’s Levelling Up Department, via HuntsDC, and Cllr Maciag requested that the Parish Council fund the printing of documents so that the project could continue without delay – this will be an item for decision on the May agenda.
013.23 Annual Parish Meeting, starting at 7PM on 16th May
The notice has been displayed on the noticeboard and will be added to the website.
Speaker from Neighbourhood Plan Group will address the meeting
014.23 Preparation for the Coronation of King Charles III
Clerk advised that there is slow progress on residents signing up for events, but there is progress. Councilors made offers of assistance for the weekend.
Cllr D’Altilia’s draft of the information booklet had been shared prior to the meeting, it is hoped that this will be printed and distributed prior to the Coronation weekend.
015.23 Recreation Ground – damage to wooden play equipment had been reported by a resident. Cllr Hodson had made safe the item of equipment and recommends that, as items are deteriorating, quotes are sought for removal. In addition the slide steps require some work, seek quotes for replacement of these.
016.23 Correspondence received since 21st March 2023:
b) Cambridgeshire County Council – 28/3 Cambridgeshire Matters, 30/3 Temporary Road Closure of Milking Slade Lane between May and August (but for short periods of time), 3/4 Traffic management Centre report and invite to training, 13/4 Highways list of roads for resurfacing (nearest is Stilton),
c) Huntingdonshire District Council – 27/3 call for sites consultation for the Local Plan, 29/3 Draft Settlement Hierarchy Methodology Consultation (ends 10 May), Consultation for Call for Sites Spring 2023 for Local Plan (ends 7 June)- also poster for display 12/4, Draft Land Availability Assessment Methodology, , 31/3 funding for Health & Wellbeing sessions, 30/3 Huntingdonshire Futures Place Strategy announcement, 3/4 Polling Station Questionnaire, 13/4 request for information about Coronation events,
d) CAPALC – March newsletter
e) Economic Development Huntingdonshire DC invest@huntingdonshire.gov.uk – weekly Business News – 23/3+30/3+6/4+13/4
g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough –
h) Parish Online newsletter
i) Neighbourhood Alert/ECOPS etc – News from the Courts email 22/3+27/3+3/4+11/4, 27/3 WhatsApp scam alert, 27/3 newsletter from Police & Crime Commissioner, 27/3 catalytic convertor thefts, 3/4 newsletter, also brazen thief , 5/4 how to protect your home, 10/4 Emergency Alerts information
j) North Northamptonshire Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan Consultation
k) cpft NHS – 11/4 Dementia Support Worker with the Dementia Carers Support Service.
l) 11/4 Emails from Cllr Bryony Goodliffe, Shailesh Vara, Tim Alban, Ian Gardener re. the future of Great Gidding School
223.22 Items for next meeting:
Annual Parish Meeting – to start at 7.00PM
Annual Parish Council meeting, to follow on from Annual Parish Meeting
Parish Council meeting:
Neighbourhood Plan funding requirements
Further information regarding Great Gidding School, following CambsCC decision
Recreation Ground equipment
224.22 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 16th May 2023
The Annual Parish Meeting will commence at 7.00PM, to which residents are invited to attend, followed by the Parish Council meeting. Both take place in the Village Hall, Great Gidding.
Present: Councillors Hargrave, Moody, Hodson, Maciag, D’Altilia and Bolton, and the Clerk.
208.22 Cllr Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting
209.22 Apologies and reasons for absence:
County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting
District Councillor Alban – at another meeting. He has sent a report for distribution to Parishioners
Councillor D’Altilia – work commitment.
210.22 Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
211.22 Mr Iain Nott and his colleague from Milton Estates (Peterborough) joined the meeting, together with Paul Hargrave representing the Neighbourhood Plan group.
212.22 Minutes of the meeting held on 21st February 2023 were confirmed as a correct record by Councillor Hargrave, seconded by Cllr Bolton
213.22 There were no matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
214.22 There were no reports from Councillors and Clerk.
215.22 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account were shared prior to the meeting and Cllr Hodson had shared his balance sheet too
The Precept Notice has been received and shared prior to the meeting.
b) PAYMENTS – the following online payments were approved:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for December (29.5 hours
Xxx
NIL
JRT
Firetext
Messaging Service
14.40
2.40
JRT
Great Gidding Village Hall
Hire of hall and Parish Office
£550.00
NIL
JRT
Clerk’s working hours for December, a total of 40, were approved by Councillors Hargrave and Bolton
Additional storage was required for the website at a cost of £40.00 +VAT per year. A few questions arose which the Clerk will raise with Catalyst Design but it was agreed to purchase.
Toilet hire for the Coronation weekend – the LHL quote was considered to be the best option
216.22 No planning applications or other planning matters to discuss.
217.22 Mr Nott, agent for Milton Estates (Peterborough) gave an outline of the Estate involvement in the village – there are currently 3 sites being considered for development. The Estate are willing to discuss the aspirations of the village, also be willing to discuss options for the future of the school site and its environs, should the consultation outcome advise that the school is to close. It was felt that the Neighbourhood Plan will be an indication of what parishioners want in terms of change
218.22 The formal consultation document notification in respect of the future of Great Gidding School has been displayed on the Village Hall noticeboard since Tuesday 14th March. A note to the online link will be included in the next Gidding News. It has been indicated that the decision will be taken and made known on 28th April.
Should the decision be taken to close the school, a request for Parish Councillors to visit the school will be made to the governors.
Councillor Hodson advised that a number of children moved to other local schools at half term, others will be moving at Easter.
219.22 Neighbourhood Plan group will meet on 22nd March. 3 x residential questionnaires have been compiled, one for each parish, together with a questionnaire for businesses. Printing will take place in April. Online completion will be available too.
An application will be made to Locality (a central Government department) for funding. Clerk has advised that, to comply with this Parish Council’s financial regulations, where any element of cost is over £500, 3 comparative quotes should be obtained.
220.22 Communication with Parishioners:
Spring 2023 Gidding News – a draft was shared at the meeting and, after the suggested changes, this will be sent to printers next week.
221.22 A spreadsheet of the events and activities was shared at the meeting with details of Coronation Weekend. Cllr Hargrave added more information – she and the Clerk will liaise with Pub and Church regarding activities and advertise/promote events.
Cllr Bolton agreed to liaise with the company who quoted for hire of equipment to enable the viewing of the Coronation Concert on Sunday evening, and to check insurance of such equipment.
Parish Council will fund the following:
Hire of television, sound system and other equipment for the Concert (+insurance?)
Giant games for Jubilee Wood event, and stored at the village hall for future use.
Proscecco and fizzy soft drink for the toast to King Charles.
Food for the Concert evening.
Toilet hire for the Jubilee Wood event, + insurance for the weekend.
Cleaning materials for the “Help Out” session on Monday, plus tea/coffee etc
Contribution towards flowers for the Church display
The total cost is estimated at £1500 and would be funded from Section 137 – this was approved by all present.
Events are open to all parishioners, and their visiting guests. Details of the activities will be included on the Gidding News and village website.
“What goes on in Great & Little Gidding parish” –Cllr D’Altillia will continue compilation.
222.22Correspondence received since 21st February 2023:
Cambridgeshire Matters March newsletter, 20mph area applications are open, see 28/2 for forms – details will be forwarded to Councillor Bolton,
1/3 Local Highways surface treatment programme (nearest is Hamerton in May or June), 2/3 Easter holiday provision (poster on noticeboard),
7/3 Think Communities information for Huntingdonshire area – Clerk suggested that, should the school close, this group should be consulted for advice and signposting
13/3 Cambridgeshire Flood Action Programme – report a flood,
c)Huntingdonshire District Council – 23/2 press release, District Council adopts climate change, 10/3 Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding, 10/3 Grant for health activities for older residents,
I am writing this the day after Cambridgeshire County Council’s Children & Young People Committee voted to publish a statutory notice formally proposing the closure of Great Gidding School, on 31st August.
Although this isn’t a District Council decision, my fellow ward councillor, Marge Beuttell and I were consulted about the closure and both of us attended the meeting held in the school a few weeks ago.
As Great Gidding is in the south of the Stilton, Folksworth & Washingley ward, where I am the first point of contact, I also attended the Parish Council meeting in the village hall and along with County Councillors Ian Gardener and Simon Bywater and 3 local residents, I spoke at yesterday’s meeting – all us urging the committee to keep the school open.
It was interesting and reassuring that all 6 of us expressed some of the same concerns. Whilst our primary focus was the effect the closure of the school would have on the children who attend it, their families and the staff, we highlighted that there were implications for the village as a whole.
Sadly, the committee voted by 10 to 5 to move towards closure but they will have been left in no doubt as to the strength of local opinion.
In terms of District Council matters, at a Full Council meeting in February, there was a majority vote in favour of the budget which raised council tax by 3.1%. There was near uninamous support for the council’s climate change strategy, which I spoke and voted in favour of.
One area of future concern, which was raised in the local press before the meeting, is a proposal for an separate charge (on top of council tax) for emptying the green garden waste bins. I will wait to see the details in ther proposal but instinctively this seems like a retrograde step.
By the time Gidding News is published, I hope the snow and slush we are experiencing in early March will be just a memory and we will be looking forward to a warmer, sunnier Easter.
Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 21st February
Present: Councillors Hargrave, Moody, Hodson, Maciag, D’Altilia and Bolton, and the Clerk.
District Councillor Alban joined via ZOOM
190.22 Cllr Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting
191.22 To receive apologies and reasons for absence:
County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting
192.22 Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
Cllrs Hodson for School and Planning application
193.22 No members of the Public or Press were present at the meeting.
194.22 Minutes of the meeting held on 17th January 2023 were confirmed as a correct record by Councillor Maciag, seconded by Cllr Moody
Also minutes of the meetings held on 3rd February and the Extraordinary meeting held on 9th February were confirmed by Cllr Moody and Cllr Hargrave
195.22 There were no matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
196.22 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:
District Councillor Alban advised he had responded to the consultation regarding to the future of the school, with particular concern on the impact on the community and village assets. He felt that Gidding School was attractive to parents as it was a small school and particularly for those children with special needs. There would be a knock on effect to neighbouring schools, he gave Stilton as an example where housing development in the village will bring a considerable number of children into that school and capacity may be needed elsewhere in local schools.
Following the joint parishes meeting he has held a meeting with the Police to raise issues of fly tipping, speeding etc in the west and north Hunts area.
District Council meet on 22nd February to set the precept for the coming year.
Joint Neighbourhood Plan consultation – he has written in support of our local plan and offers any assistance that he can give.
Councillor Alban left our meeting to attend another meeting.
There were no further reports from Councillors.
Clerk had conversed with Councillor Pudney who was no longer living in the village therefore there is now a vacancy on the Parish Council. Co option process will commence.
Vice Chairman role is now vacant, Cllr Maciag indicated that he would be willing to take on the position, no other Councillor wished to take on the role – Cllr Hodson proposed Cllr Maciag and this was seconded by Cllr Hargrave.
Recommendations for speaker or activity for Annual Parish Meeting in April – Cllr Moody suggested Police regarding rural area crime – Clerk will make enquiries.
197.22 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account were shared prior to the meeting and Cllr Hodson had shared his balance sheet too
b) PAYMENTS – the following online payments were approved:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for December (29.5 hours
Xxx
NIL
JRT
Firetext
Messaging Service
14.40
2.40
JRT
*** It was agreed by all to continue with Firetext for a little longer. Residents would be reminded of the sign up details on the next Gidding News.
Clerk’s working hours for December, a total of 35, were approved
198.22 PLANNING applications and other planning matters:
A planning application for 14 Main Street had been received the morning of the meeting:
Proposal: Proposed demolition of existing conservatory and erection of replacement extension on similar footprint (exempt, permitted development) and front porch extension Site Address: 14 Main Street Great Gidding Huntingdon Reference: 23/00186/HHFUL
Approval was recommended on the grounds that it met various conditions of LP11
199.22 Training – none required at present.
200.22 The minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting, held on 9th February, will be forwarded to the Education Department as requested to form part of the agenda for the next Children and Young People Services meeting to be held on 8th March (the Parish Council’s formal response to the consultation had been sent to the Education Department on 12th February). Once the agenda for that meeting is published, Clerk will forward to Parish Councillors.
Cllr Hodson advised that approx 10 children relocated to other local schools at half term, with others moving on at the Easter break.
Mr Nott, agent for Milton Estates, has offered to meet with Parish Councillors to discuss the relationship between the Estate and village – Clerk will invite him to attend the March meeting.
There followed discussion about the School site – Clerk will write to the Education Department confirming that the Parish Council ask to be involved in any discussion regarding the site.
201.22 Neighbourhood Plan group met on 7th February, the questionnaire is being put together.
A budget spreadsheet was shared and funding, a total of £9715, will be requested from HuntsDC, for the year 2023/24 – this fund will be held by Great & Little Gidding Parish Council for the purpose of carrying out the Neighbourhood Plan process (a separate bank account will not be required).
Cllr Hodson proposed acceptance of this funding request, seconded by Cllr Moody.
202.22 Recreation Ground – nothing to report.
203.22 Communication with Parishioners:
Spring 2023 Gidding News – the draft shared at the previous meeting needed a re-write due to the Schoolissue. Clerk will await the outcome of the next School meeting (8th March – Children and Young Peoples Committee) and then share the revised and updated version, with a view to it going to printers in mid-March.
“What goes on in Great & Little Gidding parish” –Cllr D’Altillia shared a draft copy at the meeting, which met with universal approval. Further details to be added, with the intention that it be available for the Coronation weekend (copy to each household in the Parish).
204.22 Cllr Hargrave shared an outline of potential events for the weekend of the Coronation of King Charles III. These events will be open to all, suitable for all ages, and hopefully include Church and Pub based activities if they wish to be involved. After discussion of how/when/where, the possibility of Section 137 funding for some aspects was considered – a budget will be drawn up for the March meeting.
Details of the activities will be included on the Gidding News and village website.
205.22 Correspondence received since 17th January 2023:
a) NALC newsletters – dated 18/1, 25/1,7/2, 14/2 NALC events, 19/1 International Womens Day on 8th March,1 and 8/2 newsletter, 2/2+16/2 Standards Matter event, 3/2 and 10/2 Bulletin, 15/2 newsletter,
b) Neighbourhood Alert/ECops etc – 23/1 Neighbourhood Policing, 25/1 County lines, 30/1 20 years of eCops, 31/1 and 6/6, 14/2 latest from the Courts, 31/1 Neighbourhood Policing, 2.2 various webinars to attend, , 2/2 catalytic convertor thefts, 6/2 newsletter, 13/2 Police and Crime Commissioner letter, 13/2 Romance scams, c) 21/1 District Councillor Tim Alban – Police issues in the area – see 196.22
f) Hunts DC email – 23/1 press release re funding for CARESCO, 25/1 Warm Spaces grants, 23/1 Polling Station Questionnaire for future elections,*** ½ Statement of Community Involvement consultation available 1 Feb to 15 March 2023, 2/2 letter from Secretary of State re. Coronation, funding available, 17/2 BBC Make a Difference Award Nominations, 17/2 Benches installed at Hinchingbrooke Park
g) Economic Development Huntingdonshire DC invest@huntingdonshire.gov.uk – weekly Business News – 19/1, 26/1, 2/2, 9/2, 16/2
h) Cambs Acre – 14/3 ZOOM meeting – healthier parks/planet/people event, 17/2 Cambs Home Energy Support Scheme – fuel poverty includes HuntsDC district area
i) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough – 19/1 Local Transport & Connectivity Plan, 31/1 update, Maths roadshow – various locations/dates
j) Parish Online newsletter dated 1 Feb – mapping
k) sports and play consulting co.uk – email dated 7/2 regarding facilities
l) email dated 7/2 – speed awareness wheelie bin stickers
m) email dated 15.2 Cambs Social Enterprise – resilience, support community
*** SEE 205.22 (f) it was agreed that, due to the rising cost of electricity, the charge for use of the Village Hall as a Polling Station would be increased to £225
206.22 Items for next meeting:
Future of the School – any information available
Coronation – events planned, general update
Neighbourhood plan – events planned and update
Co-option of Parish Councillor
Mr Nott of Milton Estates and Neighbourhood Plan team invited to attend
207.22 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 21st March 2023
starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding.
