September 2024 DRAFT Minutes
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting for West Ashby Parish Council held on Wednesday 18th September 2024 in West Ashby Village Hall.
Those councillors present were Cllrs C Graves, S Summerlin Benton, N Moore and G Edwards. Also present R Atkin House (by phone link) and clerk Mrs K Elliott.
PUBLIC FORUM: There was no public forum.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm.
2024/025 Chairman’s remarks - Mr Graves welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2024/026 Apologies – from J Bunster and A Radcliffe.
2024/027 There were no declarations of interest.
2024/028 The notes of the meeting held on 17th July 2024 were proposed, seconded, voted and RESOLVED as a true and accurate record.
2024/029 Reports from District & County Councillors: None were present.
2024/030 Clerk’s report on matters outstanding and correspondence
a) CSW report – Vehicles are still speeding through our village despite the efforts of the Police and our speed devices continue to monitor.
b) Yew Hedge at Cemetery – The clerk read the 2 letters to the council which have been received from residents who have expressed concerns. Members discussed these letters and the concerns of residents. Yew is a slow growing hedge and it is monitored regularly. The clerk will write to the residents advising that the hedges will be kept under regular maintenance and not allowed to grow over 4 ft. to ensure there is no danger of undermining the headstones. It was agreed that councillors will attend a site meeting at the cemetery on 5th October to discuss the winter maintenance and future plans for the cemetery.
c) Exclusive Right of Burial Forms – these were signed for Mr L Sutton.
2024/031 Christmas Tree – The letter from the VCC has been received and circulated to all. Members discussed the contents of the letter and agreed a response to the proposals within it. The clerk will speak with the VCC about the proposed cost of this year’s tree and suggest refreshments are laid on for after the official lighting of the tree.
2024/032 Cemetery:
a) Proposal for Hard standing central path – this will be discussed and investigated after the site meeting on 5th October.
b) Orchard Proposal – for the back section of the cemetery and there is a free trees scheme which would result in a community orchard. There would be a cost for the one off clearance of this area as well as regular grass cutting going forward.
The clerk will ask the grass contractor if he is prepared to receive payments every 4 weeks.
The clerk will also enquire what the procedure is for changing to digital banking.
2024/033 Highways matters – RAH will meet with Highways again soon.
a) White Gates – they require washing and painting. Volunteers to undertake washing them.
b) Planters for winter – SSB has purchased bulbs and will plant up for winter colour. There is £92.70 available from the plant sale held earlier in the year and also £80 from our District Councillor. Lighting for these planters was discussed for Christmas but it felt likely that it would be stolen. Planting of bulbs for the white gates was also discussed as RAH has lots of bulbs and a date is to be agreed for planting.
c) The verge outside the building plot in the village has been completed by a volunteer. Thanks are given to CG for this act of kindness. Also discussed was overhanging trees.
Also for approval at the November meeting is the proposal for 3 planters in the layby.
2024/034 Planning Matters: None.
2024/035 Charity Account update – still waiting for Lloyds to resolve.
2024/036 Finance Matters, to approve payments and to note income since last meeting. All payments were approved and cheques signed.
a) Clerks Expenses £25.50
2024/037 Next Meeting
a) The next parish council meeting will be held on Wednesday 20th November 2024.
b) Proposed Christmas Meal – Blue Bell Inn Belchford Friday 20th December.
c) Items for the next newsletter – Sunday 1st December Lighting Ceremony and Tree up in preparation 23/24 November. The clerk will ask if the band are available, 4pm.
d) Items for the next agenda will include Community Orchard, Extra Planters, and Digital Banking.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.27 pm.
Chairman: Date: