2025 Minutes

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting for West Ashby Parish Council held on Wednesday 19th March 2025 in West Ashby Village Hall.

 

Those councillors present were Cllrs C Graves, A Radcliffe, and G Edwards.  Present C Cllr P Bradwell, D Cllr D Simpson and clerk Mrs K Elliott.  

 

The meeting commenced with the public forum at 7.30 pm.

 

PUBLIC FORUM: During the public forum Mr Graves read out a letter to the parish council from Mr J Bunster, it contained his resignation from the parish council. Those present expressed sadness and disappointment at this decision and the clerk was requested to send a scanned copy of Mr Bunsters letter to all parish council members and also to draft a letter of thanks to Mr Bunster.  The clerk will also advise ELDC of this resignation and vacancy.  The vacancy will be advertised in the next parish council newsletter.  Thanks were offered to all those who turned out from the village and Wolds Yard to help clear the dyke and plant the fruit trees in the new community orchard.

 

2025/065 Chairman’s remarks - Mr Graves welcomed everyone to the meeting.

 

2025/066 Apologies – Mrs Moore and Mr Atkin House.

 

2025/067 Declarations of interest – There were none.

 

2025/068 The notes of the meeting held on 15th January 2025 were proposed, seconded, voted and RESOLVED as a true and accurate record, subject to one amendment.

 

2025/069 To co-opt a new parish councillor – there were no applications.  It would be good to recruit someone who is prepared to get involved.

 

2025/070 Reports from District & County Councillors:  C Cllr Bradwell arrived and spoke about the footpath widening that had occurred and that it could now do with resurfacing.  She is standing for re-election at the County Council elections in May. The discussion with Cllr Simpson was concerning the large amount of litter beyond the layby towards the Belchford cross Roads.  A request is to be submitted for collection via ELDC Street Scene.  The report, especially fly tipping, as this can be actioned swiftly and potentially result in prosecution.  Cllr Simpson advised that grants could be available from Lincolnshire Community Foundation, Lincolnshire Countryside Agency and after the start of the new financial year he will also have more District Councillor Community funds available.  Each home will also be getting a new food waste bin.  The Local Plan is also in limbo as ELDC have challenged the housing numbers with Government.  Members also discussed pylons, mayoral elections and devolution.

 

2025/071 Clerk’s report on matters outstanding and correspondence

a) CSW report – Mr Bunster will return the equipment to Mr Graves at his earliest opportunity.

b) Summer Event – Mr Atkin House is not now able to be present on the arranged date of 26th July and it was agreed that Mr Atkin House would be contacted to see if a sooner date of 21st June would be more convenient.  This may be a more suitable date for the plant sale too.

 

2024/072 Cemetery:

a) Extra Trees – are to be delivered direct to Mrs Radcliffe and planted as soon as possible.  Do they need watering?  The water container at the cemetery is full.  Bark chips are to be put around the bases of all the fruit trees and Mr Graves agreed to source this and a team will help to install in due course.

b) Information Board and grant funding – we have received a District Councillors grant of £250 and another grant has been applied for with ELIF.

c) Form of Assent (Transfer of ER of B) The clerk has done the paperwork for one of these transfers and the burial charges document has been amended.

d) To consider Cemetery Regulations – simple documents are required to deal with grave diggers, spoil and other such matters.

 

C Cllr Bradwell arrived at 8.10pm and D Cllr Simpson at 8.20pm.

 

2025/073 Litter Picking – a date was agreed for Saturday 12th April at 10am with refreshments after.  The clerk will check if the village hall is available.  This will be included in the next newsletter.

 

2025/074 Highways matters – A broken drain has been reported near The Grove.  Also there is a blocked drain at the T Junction with Church Lane.  Drains and gullies have been cleared out near the cemetery and are blocked on both left and right sides.  A site meeting will be organised with the clerk, Highways and Cllr Bradwell.  [Cllr Bradwell left at 8.40pm]

 

2025/075 Planning Matters: More information has been requested regarding the Wolds Yard application.  Members discussed the local plan.

 

2025/076 Policies – The policies listed are to be drafted and brought to the May meeting for consideration and adoption.

 

2025/077 Finance Matters, to approve payments and to note income since last meeting.  All payments were approved and cheques signed.

a) CCLA Forms – In light of Mr Bunsters resignation the forms will be amended and signed at a later date.

b) Bank account update – the bank account will now be subject to a monthly fee.

c) RAH expenses £36.37

 

2025/078 Next Meeting

a) The next parish council meeting will be held on Wednesday 21st May 2025.

b) Items for the next newsletter – RAH will compile the next newsletter, including thanks to Mr Bunster for time served on the parish council and Wolds Yard for planting assistance.  Litter pick date. 

c) Items for the next agenda will include moving parts of the Yew Hedge, when is the best time; painting of the gazebo at the cemetery; 

 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.15 pm.

 

Chairman: Date: