February 2024 Minutes
MINUTES OF WHAPLODE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT
WHAPLODE ST CATHERINES MEMORIAL HALL
ON WEDNESDAY 14TH FEBRUARY 2024
Present;
Cllrs Morris Stancer, Richard Barlow, Allan Beal, Bob Merchant, Pam Langstaff, Allan Beal, County Cllr Coupland and the Clerk.
Apologies:
Cllr Coleman.
Public Forum:
Fourteen public members present.
- Local residents expressed concern at the proposed National Grid project to install pylons close to the village, this is on the parish council agenda.
- Residents of Saracens head expressed concern about the increased levels of traffic using Roman Bank which was being damaged by large vehicles and County Cllr Coupland agreed to do a site visit
Minutes and Matters arising:
On the proposition of Cllr Merchant seconded by Cllr Stancer, the minutes of the full council meeting in November and Finance meetings in December and January, having been previously circulated were signed by the Chairman, as a true record.
Police matters:
No report.
Finance Report;
The Clerk reported the following cheques for payment which members agreed,
G Hawkes salary £ 481.00
HMRC £ 120.40
GPR Surveys £ 1,794.00 vat £299.00
Whaplode PCC £ 605.00
Balances: Business Prem £ 52,918
Current a/c £ 22,245
Less cheques £ 2,395
Balance £ 72,768
Date of next meeting:
There will be a Finance meeting on 3rd April, and a full council meeting on 8th May at Saracens Head village hall.
Planning applications,
The Clerk reported that applications had been dealt with as per annexed and circulated to members.
Allotments;
The Clerk confirmed that Hix & Son had been instructed to prepare a new Farm Business Tenancy for Grummitts in respect of the three additional parcels of land they were taking on.
Whaplode cemetery:
Three quotes had been reviewed to remove trees at the Finance Committee, on the proposition of Cllr Barlow seconded by Cllr Merchant, it was agreed by all for E Sterma & Son be instructed by the Clerk.
Following the completion of the GPS survey the Clerk will arrange a site meeting with the Whaplode Councillors and the grave digger.
St Marys cemetery budget:
A revised budget had been received requesting £605.00 for 2023 and £1,055 for 2024 which members agreed.
Highway matters:
Whaplode St Catherines – no report
Saracens Head – Cllr Langstaff reported that Washway Road will now be serviced with a SID
Whaplode – As traffic levels increase in High Road the need for a bye pass was discussed and the Council support County Cllr Coupland in pushing for a feasibility study to be undertaken.
Whaplode Drove – no new issues Cllr Mackman reported no progress on a number of old issues although some pot holes had been repaired. Chapelgate remains an issue and County Cllr Pepper will be asked to review again.
Whaplode Playing Field:
Cllr Merchant reported that it was being well managed, some tree work has been done. The Committee are looking for new members.
Whaplode Drove Community centre lease agreement:
Mossop & Bowser are preparing the new lease, the Clerk will liaise with Whaplode Drove members to ensure the plan is accurate
Parish estate and land responsibility:
The Clerk will prepare a spreadsheet and liaise with Cllr Merchant.
Star of India footpath encroachment:
The Clerk is monitoring the situation.
Whaplode grass cutting:
The Clerk advised that he had received only one quote from MGM, it was proposed by Cllr Beal, seconded by Cllr merchant and agreed by all that this be accepted.
The National grid pylon proposals:
These proposals were discussed in the public forum with local residents and in line with many other parish councils Whaplode agreed to oppose them.
Correspondence/AOB:
The Clerk reported that he was now the Whaplode representative on the SHPVCS.
Members agreed to the revised quote from SHDC for the 2024 grass cutting contract.
The meeting closed at 20.45pm