October 2022 Minutes
WHAPLODE PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE WHAPLODE PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING HELD AT SARACENS HEAD VILLAGE HALL ON WEDNESDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2022
Present; Cllrs Barlow, Merchant, Stimson, Langstaff and Stancer, two public members and the Clerk.
Apologies:
County Cllr Pepper, Cllrs Mackman, Alan & Sally Beal, and Stafford.
Public Forum:
Peter Sparkes & Paul Irving expressed their concern about speeding on the B1166 Crowland to Holbeach the deteriorating road surface and speeds of vehicles are causing concern. They are looking for support to review speed limits and the Parish Council agreed to support them. PS will send a copy of his letter to highways to the Clerk.
Election of officers for the ensuing year:
Cllr Stancer was proposed as Vice Chairman by Cllr Stimson, seconded by Cllr Langstaff. All agreed.
Minutes and Matters arising:
On the proposition of Cllr Merchant seconded by Cllr Stancer, the minutes of the June meeting had been previously circulated and was signed by the Chairman, as a true record. There were no matters arising.
Finance Report;The Clerk reported the following cheques for payment which members agreed,
G Hawkes salary £ 339.20
G Hawkes salary £ 392.60
HMRC £ 183.14
SHPCVS £ 1,139.00
MGM £ 588.00
British Legion £ 20.00
ST Catherines memorial hall £ 124.00
Whaplode playing field £ 1,500.00
Whaplode PCC £ 1,000.00
Whaplode swim pool com £ 300.00
Whaplode Drove play field £ 1,200.00
Whaplode Drove PCC £ 1,000.00
K Marlton £ 440.00
Balances:
Business Prem £ 52,390
Current a/c £ 29,320
Less cheques £ 7,786
Balance £ 73,924
Date of next meeting:
There will be a full council meeting on 9th November at Whaplode.
Planning applications,
The Clerk reported that applications had been dealt with as per annexed and circulated to members.
Allotments;
The Clerk & members reported concerns from the Whaplode Garden allotment tenants about the dry summer, members agree that they should be offered 2023 as a rent free year.
Cllr Barlow had arranged for a new FBT to be prepared for Grummitts.
Star of India footpath:
The Clerk reported that he will initially speak to Mossop & Bowser for advice then write to Mr Sampson again, this item will remain on the agenda until completed.
Whaplode cemetery report by Clerk:
The Issitt bench needs to be moved to the garden of remembrance but needs renovation first – the Clerk has contacted the family.
Members discussed the damaged headstones and whether to repair, on the proposition of Cllr Langstaff, seconded by Cllr Merchant it was agreed not to proceed with a repair from council funds.
Highway matters:
Whaplode St Catherines – no issues
Saracens Head – an Archer report had been completed for Washway Road showing average vehicle speeds of 31 mph, insufficient for further action. The Clerk will contact the LRSP.
Whaplode – Land to the rear of the Coop, Cllr Barlow will try to establish ownership.
The council are paying for the grass to be cut in Millers Rest where the residents are also being charged by Longhurst Housing Assoc, the Clerk will investigate.
Whaplode Drove – no new issues.
Whaplode Playing Field:
Cllr Merchant reported that the park was in good order and being well used.
Whaplode Drove Community centre lease agreement:
The Clerk reported that he has details of the trustees and will liaise with Mossop & Bowser.
Whaplode bridleway:
Ownership and the various rights of way had still not been established however members felt that with the numerous planning consents in place this will be clarified when there are property sales of the new builds.
Whaplode St Marys church yard:
Cllr Barlow will seek an update from the PCC.
Whaplode Drove bus shelters:
The destroyed bus shelter in Farrow road, Cllr Morris is chasing a quotation for replacement.
Parish estate and land responsibility
The Clerk and Cllr Merchant will contact LCC and SHDC for plans.
Saracens Head village hall roof repairs:
Cllr Langstaff reported that Rentokill had provided a quote of £2,102 to complete the work. On the proposition of Cllr Merchant, Seconded by Cllr Barlow all agreed that the council will fund.
Correpondence/AOB:
None
The meeting closed at 20.45