June 2024 Minutes
MINUTES OF WHAPLODE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT WHAPLODE ST MARYS CHURCH ON WEDNESDAY 5TH JUNE 2024
Present;
Cllrs Morris Stancer, Richard Barlow, Bob Merchant, Pam Langstaff, Stephen Mackman, Kevin Prince, County Cllr Pepper and the Clerk.
Apologies:
Cllr Beal.
Public Forum:
Two public members present, and LCC Highways x 2 (Dan & Carly), no
matters raised but see below.
Lincs County Council Highways:
Dan gave a synopsis of the feasibility study for the proposed footway in Shepeau Stow, the three options were not financially viable so other funding (Section106) would need to be explored. Members of the Community speed watch team explained that speeding was an ongoing issue on the B1166 and requested access to the SID. Members asked that a formal request comes forward for consideration.
Highway matters:
Whaplode St Catherines – lorries are causing issues on Cranesgate North
Saracens Head – Cllr Langstaff reported two large potholes in Broad Lane, and will liaise with Cllr Barlow re the fixing bracket for the SID.
Whaplode – no new issues.
Whaplode Drove – Chapelgate resurfacing scheduled for 2025. Back Bank overhanging trees to be reported on fix my street.
Minutes and Matters arising:
On the proposition of Cllr Langstaff seconded by Cllr Stancer, the minutes of the full council meeting in May having been previously circulated were signed by the Chairman, as a true record.
Date & venue of the next meeting:
Finance meeting 7th August and full council 11th September at Whaplode Drove.
Planning applications,
The Clerk reported that applications had been dealt with as per annexed and circulated to members. He also mentioned the Meridian Solar consultation which Whaplode Drove members know about.
Finance Report;
The Clerk reported the following cheques for payment which members agreed,
G Hawkes salary £ 498.32
HMRC £ 132.78
LALC £ 108.00
Evolution groundcare £ 1,167.60 vat £194.60
Balances:
Business Prem £ 53,315
Current a/c £ 33,593
Less cheques £ 1,907
Balance £ 85,001
2023-2024 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. Cllr Stancer proposed and Cllr Mackman seconded (agreed by all) that 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.
Allotments;
The Clerk confirmed that he had written to the Millers Rest garden allotment holders to confirm their ongoing commitment to use and reported their responses. There had been some confusion regarding Plots 2 & 4 with which the Clerk was investigating. The Clerk was asked to obtain an update from Hix & Co about the revised Grummitt FBT.
Whaplode cemetery:
The Clerk will now meet the grave digger tomorrow to free up some more plots and review the burial fees.
Buttercup world is due to be installed shortly.
The Clerk has chased E Sterma regarding the tree removal contract.
The Chairman recommended that Cllr Beal organize a specification to complete the maintenance works for the cemetery to go out for tender.
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.
Elizabethan Centre:
Mossops have emailed seeking clarification that the Council is agreeable for the centre to revert back to the Council on expiry of the lease which members agreed.
Whaplode St CathrinesPlaying Field:
Cllr Prince reported that it was being well managed, the mole problem has been sorted out but the nettles need strimming and the Clerk will liaise with Chris Rouse.
The National grid pylon proposals:
Whaplode Parish Council continue to oppose this issue.
Correspondence/AOB:
Cllr Mackman mentioned that he is looking at options to fund a village sign and sort out the red telephone box.
The Clerk advised that he had received details of ongoing problems with anti social behaviour in Hagbeachgate.
The meeting closed at 21.02pm
Chairman