November 2022 Minutes
WHAPLODE PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE WHAPLODE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT ST MARYS CHURCH WHAPLODE ON WEDNESDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2022
Present; Cllrs Langstaff (Chairman), Barlow, Merchant, Stimson, Stancer, Sally Beal, County Cllr Pepper and the Clerk.
Apologies:
Cllrs Beal, and Stafford.
Public Forum:
No public members were present
Minutes and Matters arising:
On the proposition of Cllr Merchant seconded by Cllr Stancer, the minutes of the October 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 £ 355.00
HMRC £ 84.80
E Sterma & Sons £ 1,020.00 vat £170.00
LALC £ 180.00 vat £ 30.00
Saracens Head v/hall £ 2,102.54 vat £350.42
PWLB £ 56.06
PKF Littlejohn £ 360.00 vat £ 60.00
Balances:
Business Prem £ 52,390
Current a/c £ 19,360
Less cheques £ 4,413
Balance £ 67,337
Precept 2023-2024:
The budget figures had been circulated before the meeting and it was proposed by Cllr Stancer, seconded by Cllr Langstaff to leave the precept at £14,500 for 2023-2024, this was carried by 4 votes to 2. On the proposition of Cllr Merchant, seconded by Cllr Stancer that the Clerks salary increase by 10% from April 2024.
Date of next meeting:
There will be a full council meeting on 15th February 2023 at Whaplode Drove, Finance meetings 7th December and 11th January.
Planning applications,
The Clerk reported that applications had been dealt with as per annexed and circulated to members.
Allotments;
Members reported that Whaplode garden allotment number 1 was not being cultivated, the Clerk will chase. Cllr Barlow is waiting for Mossop & Bowser to contact him regarding registration of our land.
Star of India footpath:
Whaplode cemetery report by Clerk:
The Issitt bench needs to be moved to the garden of remembrance but needs renovation first – the Clerk will contact the family again.
Members discussed the damaged headstones and these will be laid face up – Cllr Merchant will co-ordinate.
Buttercup World will need installing in the remembrance garden.
Highway matters:
Whaplode St Catherines – no issues
Saracens Head – the Clerk will copy the LRSP emails to Cllr Langstaff, who has requested 6 new 30 mph signs.
Whaplode – no new issues.
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 – all issues have been reported to Highways.
Whaplode Playing Field:
Cllr Merchant reported that the park was in good order and being well used, The local PCSO is aware of the vandalism issues.
Whaplode Drove Community centre lease agreement:
The Clerk reported that he has details of the trustees and will liaise with Mossop & Bowser.
Whaplode bridleway:
(1)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.
(2) 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.
(3) A house adjacent to the bridleway has been advertised for sale with parking spaces for two cars on our bridleway. Cllr merchant will supply the address for the Clerk to write.
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 Stancer has received a quotation for replacement, the Clerk will progress the insurance claim.
Parish estate and land responsibility
Cllr Merchant has contacted LCC and SHDC for plans, a review of contracts will be completed by the Finance committee for report to the next full council meeting.
Saracens Head village hall roof repairs:
Cllr Langstaff reported that Rentokill had completed the work.
Correpondence/AOB:
Cllr Beal reported that both bus shelters in Whaplode need roof repairs, the Clerk and Cllr Merchant will liaise with Cllr Stafford.
The meeting closed at 20.20.