October 2021 Minutes (11)
Minutes of the Dunston Parish Council Meeting
Held on Monday 11 October 2021
PRESENT: P. Cllrs R. McLuckie (PM) (Chair), P. Moore (PM)(Vice Chair), G. Armstrong (GA), Bryan Lamyman (BA), C. Cllr R. Kendrick & Clerk R. Boden (RB).
1. Apologies. P. Cllr L. Phillipson and P. Duncan. P. Cllr R. Churchward did not attend.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None.
3. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: The minutes were held to be a true and accurate record for the previous meeting held on the 13 September 2021. 284/21
4. REPORTS:
COUNTY COUNCILLOR R. Kendrick
• Speed reduction. There has been some success with white lines being painted giving the impression that the road narrows, causing drivers to slow down. RK to check with highways as to whether this could be done.
• Stickers on bins in the village can remind drivers to slow down. This was discussed at the previous meeting and was turned down due to costs. The Road Safety Partnership to be contacted re stickers. Action: RB to look into it.
• Rob will keep Dunston PC informed if he hears anything regarding speed reductions, as the PC felt that Dunston would benefit from 20mph through the village.
• As there are no District Councillors at the present time Marianne Overton can be contacted, especially regarding the Central Lincolnshire plan.
• Nottingham Knockers are around at the moment and any stories on Facebook are legitimate. 285/21
Cllr Kendrick left the building
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
Elections are to be held on the 11 November for two District Councillors 286/21
5.DUNSTON PC REQUIREMENT
a. Chairman's Report
The Yarn Bomb team are finalists at the NKDC Community Awards, as is June Gwillym.
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee is the 2-5 July 2022 and a diary of events for the 4 days have been produced.
• Thursday – Lighting if Beacons
• Friday – Church Services
• Saturday – Epsom Derby type event
• Sunday – Picnic in the Park
PM has attended a meeting in Metheringham as Metheringham PC had asked if Dunston would like to join forces. There is another meeting on the 20 October.
RM suggested that the villagers are asked what they would like to do and then move on from there. 287/21
b. Clerk’s Report
RB reported that Dyson/ Beeswax have let her know that they are working with the local scouts and the Woodland Trust to plant trees and bushes on their land to the rear of properties on Willow Lane. Residents have been approached.
LCC have asked if the PC would like to order a ton bag of salt for the winter. It was discussed and the PC felt that having access to the grit bins was enough for the village, as storage would be a problem. 288/21
c. Village Keepers Report:
This had been circulated to the councillors prior and comments taken on board. 289/21
d. Purchasing of 'Tommy'
It was discussed where the figure could be sited and it was felt the the Church yard would be the most suitable place as there is a war grave in there. It is a closed churchyard and so NKDC need to be approached. Action: BL will speak with the church representatives.
BL proposed that a 4' 10'' Tommy be purchased. GA seconded this. Action: RB to purchase 290/21
6.HIGHWAYS:
a. Costing of Speed Gates
RB had carried out research on the costings of plastic speed gates/ fencing and most sizes are too large for the areas that the gates would go. Action: RC to measure up for the sizes and then the PC can move forward. from there. 291/21
b. Trees on Fen Lane
RB had approached the tree officers at NKDC and had been issued with a more detailed map showing that the trees that are obscuring the view of pedestrians using the designated footpath are not in the conservation area and can be trimmed back. Action: PD to talk to Glendale re cost and RB to forward the more detailed map to councillors. 292/21
There is a fallen tree on the playing field across the public footpath. This is part of planning below 21/1457/TPO.
7.PLANNING:
a. 21/1299/HOUS – Chestnut House, Chapel Lane, Dunston. Erection of single side and rear extension. No objections.
b. 21/1222FUL – 4.1 hectares grazing field, East of Wood Farm. Habitat and biodiversity restoration. No objections.
c.21/1457/TPO – Ash Trees on Land off Meadow Road. This has recently been confirmed that a TPO is not required and are in the process of being felled.
d. 21/1501/TCA – Old Post Office, Middle Street. Reduce the height of an apple, robinia and flowering cherry tree and fell a hawthorn. No objections 293/21
8.ENVIRONMENT ISSUES:
a. Grass Cutting – Re-tender.
PD has been closely working with Glendale over the last year and had previously sent a new proposal of how to move forward with next year with the cutting timetable. It was agreed that this was a good way forward. Action: RB to start sending out request for tender letters. 294/21
b. Payment of invoice for work carried out in July.
Action: RB to send invoice back 295/21
240 Daffodil bulbs have been purchased by the PC to plant this year and it is hoped that the parish will continue planting in 2022.
9.PLAYING FIELD:
a. Community Orchard
The community has got behind the idea of having a community orchard. PD and RB are working on plans to site the orchard on the playing field, hopefully in time for the Queen's Jubilee next year. There is also funding available from the Tree Council to purchase trees and hedging. 296/21
b. Hedging
As mentioned above there is funding available for any hedging but it needs to be remembered that there will be ongoing maintenance over the years. It was agreed that it is good to have a plan moving forward. This needs bringing back to the next meeting when PD can attend and then discuss the issues of planting, fencing and any re-organisation of the playing field. 297/21
BL has taken the ROSPA report and compared the report to the work needed. However during this inspection it has become apparent that the mound of earth that houses the tunnel has been dig out and is becoming dangerous. The bog slide and entrance to the goal is also needing building up with more soil. Action: RM and BL to sort a large trailer full of soil. 298/21
RB also suggested finding room on the playground sign showing the What 3 words for the playing field. It was felt that this would be an useful addition. Action: RB to purchase. 299/21
10. VILLAGE HALL:
a. Management Committee update.
RB and Lee (caretaker) have handed in their resignations and are due to leave at the end of October. Roger is to stand down as chair at the end of November and Jackie (secretary) will not be attending any further meetings. At the open evening a number of parishioners attended and they are willing to join the committee. PM is willing to minute any meetings but neither Sue or Pauline have the time to take up the role as Chair.
The managers and caretaker roles are being advertised on indeed and the closing date is set for the 25 October. RH, SG and PM will interview the candidates. 300/21
RM has been approached by a member of the public as the post office has been closed for the fourth week in a row due to technical issues. RB has already checked to see if the broadband installation was to blame but she did not know about the last Monday of closure as there has been no communication from the post office. Action: RB to chase. 301/21
11. Website:
a. Complaints Policy This information had already been passed to the councillors prior to the meeting. It was agreed that the wording is fine and to place it on the website. Action: RB 302/21
b. Grievance Policy. This information had already been passed to the councillors prior to the meeting. It was agreed that the wording is fine and to place it on the website. Action: RB 303/21
12. FINANCE:
a. AGAR 2019-2020 and 2020-2021.
PKF Littlejohn had not completed the external audit in time and an interim statement had been issued and placed on the website. They have now responded with a number of questions that RB has spoken to GA about. Answers have been sent. 304/21
b. Accounts
Current statements:
Treasurers Account £30,897.97
Outstanding expenses:
Glendale £692.56
Glasdon £202.72
Clerk Salary £307.20
Village Keeper £114.16
D. Pearce £140.00
Plus net broadband £32.39
Daffodil £69.60
HMRC £85.20
Total £1,643.83
Total after expenses:
Treasurers Account £29,254.14
Bus Bank Account £15,371.32
Prop PM/ Sec GA to pay outstanding cheques. The bank reconciliation for the end of September was signed by GA. 305/21
The Parish Council also curate an account holding funds allocated to preservation work on behalf of the Trout Project. The current balance is £9,300.45.
13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Monday 8 November at 7.30pm in the Lamyman Room of the Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 9.30pm