January 2024 DRAFT Minutes
West Ashby Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting for West Ashby Parish Council held on Wednesday 17th January 2024 in West Ashby Village Hall.
Those councillors present were Cllrs C Graves, J Bunster, A Radcliffe, R Atkin House and G Edwards. Also present C Cllr P Bradwell, one member of the public and clerk Mrs K Elliott.
PUBLIC FORUM: There was no public forum.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm.
2024/057 Chairman’s remarks - Mr Bunster welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2024/058 Apologies – S Summerlin Benton.
2024/059 There were no declarations of interest.
2024/060 The notes of the meeting held on 15th November2023 were proposed, seconded, voted and RESOLVED as a true and accurate record.
2024/061 Vacancies – we have one vacancy, it was proposed, seconded, voted and resolved to co-opt with immediate effect Mrs N Moore. DPI forms completed.
2024/062 Reports from District & County Councillors and Police: C Cllr Bradwell agreed to take actions points raised from items 7 & 8 on the agenda.
2024/063 Water run-off at Louth Road Cemetery: It was requested that the landowner is written to and requested to clean out the ditch. More grips are required between the junction of Midthorpe Lane and the cemetery. A new drain was also discussed ahead of the under road pipe which crosses the road. C Cllr Bradwell agreed to investigate.
2024/064 Flooding / Drainage issue on Docking Lane: Members discussed the issue as the two drains on Ings Lane junction and the one at the top of Docking Lane are all blocked. This has been reported on Fixmystreet several times without success. C Cllr Bradwell agreed to investigate. {C Cllr Bradwell left the meeting at 7.40pm}
2024/065 Rooted Christmas Tree for churchyard: A proposal for a Nordman Fir is suggested. The prospective tree now stands at 8 feet and will be topped out at 14 ft., it has been growing in Scamblesby for approximately 11 years. The current location and alternative locations were suggested, also the root ball size. The clerk advised that there is a VCC meeting at the end of the month, a formal proposal will be submitted to the VCC for discussion at the meeting.
2024/066 Clerk’s report on matters outstanding and correspondence
a) Telephone Box – JB confirmed he needs more information on where to get a replacement glass door panel from.
b) CSW report – JB has circulated the latest data.
2024/067 Programme of Events: RAH is calling for ideas, a fun day, and other social event suggestions. Revisit the lane letting and maybe offer a free event at the village hall. Litter picking dates are to be agreed.
2024/068 Verge Degradation: This has been rectified to a degree and further discussion will take place with the owner of the farm yard/sugar beet pad opposite.
2024/069 Cadwell Park Sponsorship ideas: RAH will keep up the communication link with Cadwell Park and the clerk will submit the forms to LCC for permission. Suggestions discussed included boulders to be placed in the layby and getting the grass cut regularly.
2024/070 Highways – RAH is keeping up the communications with R Fenwick at LCC regarding the road speed and white lines to slow vehicles down.
2024/071 Renewal of Grass Cutting Contract for 2024: We are to use the same contractor as for 2023. Invoices will be sent directly to JB for prompt payment. Cost will be as in 2023. JB and GE will sort the mole situation.
2024/072 Parking outside Church: It is illegal to park on a pavement near a junction. According to Rule 243 of the Highway Code, you must not park or stop your vehicle: Opposite or within 10 meters (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorized parking space. Notices are required at Church and signs could also help with this situation.
2024/073 Planning Matters: There are none.
2024/074 Finance Matters, to approve payments and to note income since last meeting. All payments were approved and cheques signed.
a) Moving council funds to deposit account – JB & clerk to resolve.
b) Budget and precept for 24/25 – as per the circulated document, members discussed the proposal. This budget and precept were proposed, seconded, voted and resolved.
c) Clerks Salary & expenses: Approved £950
d) Donations were proposed, seconded, voted and resolved.
a. WA Village Hall £50
b. WA VCC £50
c. Horncastle Matters Magazine £100
The clerk will ask the webmaster to link our website to the WA residents chatterbox Facebook page. More information is also needed on the website and recent newsletters which will also be addressed. Members discussed recent burglaries in the village.
2024/075 Next Meeting
a) The next parish council meeting will be held on Wednesday 20th March 2024.
b) Items for the next newsletter – Burglaries, RAH will action. KME to also send content.
c) Items for the next agenda will include a request for more poppies, date for litter pick and ideas for village social event/s.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.30 pm.