May 2023 Minutes Annual Parish Council Meeting
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL WHAPLODE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT WHAPLODE ST CATHERINE MEMORIAL HALL ON WEDNESDAY 10TH MAY 2023
Present; Cllrs Stancer (Chairman), Richard Barlow, Pam Lanstaff, Alan Beal, Sally Beal, County Cllr Pepper and the Clerk.
John Dickie of JD Associates and his client Victor
Apologies:
Cllrs Merchant and Stimson.
Public Forum:
Mr Dickie of JD Associates gave a brief presentation relating to the proposed development by his client of Blue Raye farm. The plan is to build twenty self sufficient holiday lets, drawings of the site were presented and publicity in the community will soon start.
Election of Chairman, election of officers and declarations of office:
On the proposition of Cllr Barlow, seconded by Cllr Langstaff, and agreed by all Cllr Stancer was elected Chairman. On the proposition of Cllr S Beal, seconded by Cllr Langstaff, and agreed by all, Cllr Barlow was elected vice Chairman.
On the proposition of Cllr Barlow, seconded by Cllr Langstaff, agreed by all Cllr S Beal will becomes the cemetery overseer. Members also agreed that Cllr Stancer will continue as the Wind Farm representative.
A general discussion on the loss of a three further Councillors following the May elections agreed that members would invite local members of the public in an effort to coopt new members. Currently we have seven members and five vacancies.
Minutes and Matters arising:
On the proposition of Cllr Stancer seconded by Cllr Langstaff, the minutes of the full council and April finance meetings had been previously circulated and were signed by the Chairman, as a true record. There were no matters arising.
Police matters:
Members expressed concern that we are to lose Jane Gardener our PCSO who is being redeployed and not replaced.
Finance Report;
The Clerk reported the following cheques for payment which members agreed,
G Hawkes salary £ 386.40
HMRC £ 93.20
PWLB £ 56.06
Whap St Cath memorial hall £ 61.35
Balances:
Business Prem £ 52,485
Current a/c £ 38,222
Less cheques £ 596
Balance £ 90,111
2022-2023 Audit,
The Clerk reported that the audit had been completed their review of the accounts and members proposed and agreed to approve the internal audit report. Members proposed and approved the Annual Governance Statement Section 1. Members then proposed and approved the Statement of Accounts section 2. Members then proposed and agreed that the Chairman sign the annual return.
Date of next meeting:
There will be a full council meeting on 7th June 2023 at Saracens Head.
Planning applications,
The Clerk reported that applications had been dealt with as per annexed and circulated to members.
Allotments;
The Clerk reported that Whaplode garden allotment number 1 had been relet, Cllr S Beal suggested and members agreed that the existing allotments, which are quite large, could be split into two to make them more attractive. Once the renewal rents have been sent we will have a better picture of what ones are being cultivated at both Whaplode and Whaplode Drove.
Whaplode cemetery:
Buttercup world will be installed on a plinth, members agreed for Cllr Stafford to design a metal panel to be installed as well – the Clerk will contact Mr Stafford for an update now that he is no longer a member.
Members discussed ongoing maintenance work to follow up the huge efforts made in the last twelve months, Cllr S Beal will provide reports to the council so that we can organize volunteers to keep the grounds in good order.
Highway matters:
Whaplode St Catherines – no report
Saracens Head – LRSP are looking at a new site for the SID, the Clerk will chase them for an update.
Whaplode – no new issues, speeding remains a problem.
Whaplode Drove – all issues have been reported to Highways, the SID shared with St Catherines may have a battery problem and Cllr Stancer will liaise with the Clerk.
Whaplode Playing Field:
Cllr Merchant reported via email that the park was in good order and being well used,
Whaplode Drove Community centre lease agreement:
The Clerk will liaise with Mossop & Bowser to establish progress.
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) 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:
The existing volunteers who maintain it are getting older and members agreed that the Council should meet with the church fabric committee to agree a way forward.
Whaplode Drove bus shelters:
The Clerk is progressing the insurance claim.
The damaged shelters in Whaplode are being repaired.
Parish estate and land responsibility
Cllr Merchant has contacted LCC and SHDC for plans, a review of contracts has been completed, the Clerk and Cllr Merchant will review in detail.
Correpondence/AOB:
Members agreed that a letter of thanks be sent to ex Cllr Stafford and Cllr Stimson who is unwell at present.
The meeting closed at 21.05.