November 2024 DRAFT Minutes
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting for West Ashby Parish Council held on Wednesday 20th November 2024 in West Ashby Village Hall.
Those councillors present were Cllrs C Graves, S Summerlin Benton, N Moore, A Radcliffe and G Edwards. Also present R Atkin House (by phone link), D Cllr D Simpson and clerk Mrs K Elliott.
PUBLIC FORUM: There was no public forum.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm.
2024/038 Chairman’s remarks - Mr Graves welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2024/039 Apologies – from J Bunster and C Cllr Bradwell.
2024/040 There were no declarations of interest.
2024/041 The notes of the meeting held on 18th September 2024 were proposed, seconded, voted and RESOLVED as a true and accurate record.
2024/042 Reports from District & County Councillors: Cllr Simpson provided his report which included details on the proposed Theddlethorpe Nuclear Waste site, other sites are being investigated and Electricity Pylons from Grimsby to Waplode over approximately 6000 acres. The Government has allocated £50 million for Internal Drainage boards. There is also a review of Support for Town & Parish Councils – please send in our comments. Government funds are also available for mitigating flood risks. The members discussed the half built property within our parish. NPPF is being reviewed and ELDC are expected to see an increase in development of homes. C Cllr was not present.
2024/043 Clerk’s report on matters outstanding and correspondence
a) CSW report – JB is not present this evening. The results from the recent Archers survey were discussed. It is felt that if the Police varied the location for their visits they may be more successful in deterring speeders. It was noted that the CSW equipment has not been used for some time and training for more volunteers may be required.
b) Bulb Planting – It was agreed for a bulb planting session on Saturday 7th December at 10.30am.
c) Notice Board – RAH has the paint and CG agreed to paint it and reinstall.
d) ELDC Review of support – councillors were asked to send their comments to the clerk so that she could respond before the deadline.
2024/044 Cemetery:
a) Clearing bottom area – quote from current contractor is £275 plus £70 per cut for regular cuts next year. The one off cut was agreed and monthly cuts were requested for the rest of the season.
b) Site for spoil disposal – this was agreed and will be marked in the cemetery. GE will strim the thistles etc. and then CG will bring a micro digger to move the current spoil.
c) Central path – The side path will be sprayed off and cleared of grass / weeds. The central path will be put on hold for now.
d) Community Orchard – thanks to RAH for applying for the grant for these free fruit trees. A mulch will be put around the base of each tree. A community event will be organised when we know when the trees are being delivered. Weed suppressant will be purchased, stakes and guards are provided. When the area has been cleared stakes will be used to mark where the trees are to be planted.
e) Yew Hedge – plants from the second row of hedging are to be moved forward to fill in the gaps, this will be done at the same time as planting the fruit trees. Also the yew hedge will be under planted with bulbs.
f) Stakes for trees already on site – the clerk advised that she has these and will donate them.
g) Bench in Gazebo – This is a job for the spring and the bench chosen will match the bench already on site.
h) Review of charges – it was resolved no to increase the charges.
2024/045 Highways matters
a) Build out proposal from LCC, a planter to match the current ones has been requested to avoid people parking on this raised area. The clerk will advise the VCC about this proposal. Members discussed a no parking stencil for the junction of Church Lane.
b) Planters for Layby – will the planters block lines of sight for traffic and is the grass wide enough? Members discussed these concerns and resolved to plant lots of bulbs and possibly dwarf trees.
2024/046 Planning Matters:
a) S/201/01025/24 – Listed Building Consent The Coach House.
2024/047 Charity Account update – the clerk has sent in another form to Lloyds to ask for the account to be closed.
2024/048 Finance Matters, to approve payments and to note income since last meeting. All payments were approved and cheques signed.
a) Planting expenses SSB totalling £15.26 were approved.
It was agreed to discuss digital banking at the next meeting. The next meeting will also discuss and agreed the budget and precept for 2025/2026.
2024/049 Next Meeting
a) The next parish council meeting will be held on Wednesday 15th January 2025.
b) Items for the next newsletter – RAH will compile the next newsletter and the Christmas light switch on will be at 4pm on 1st December, unfortunately the Brass Bank are unavailable.
c) Items for the next agenda will include Community Orchard planting, Bulb planting in layby and Digital Banking.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9 pm.
Chairman: Date: