November 2024 Minutes
MINUTES OF WHAPLODE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT WHAPLODE ST CATHERINE VILLAGE HALL ON THURSDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2024
Present;
Cllrs Morris Stancer, Richard Barlow, Stephen Mackman, Kevin Prince, Allan Beal, Bob Merchant Dist Cllr Peter Coupland and the Clerk.
Apologies:
Cllr Langstaff.
Public Forum:
No members of the public attended.
Minutes and Matters arising:
On the proposition of Cllr Beal seconded by Cllr Merchant, the minutes of the full council meeting in September and Finance meeting in October having been previously circulated were signed by the Chairman, as a true record.
Date & venue of the next meeting:
Finance meeting 4th December. The Clerk will circulate the 2025 meeting schedule to members.
Planning applications,
The Clerk reported that applications had been dealt with as per annexed and circulated to members.
Finance Report;
The Clerk reported the following cheques for payment which members agreed,
G Hawkes salary £ 406.00
HMRC £ 93.40
Evolution groundcare £ 1,167.60 vat £194.00
Anglian Water £ 98.91
Holbeach P C £ 50.00
British Legion £ 30.00
B Hooper £ 400.00
Whaplode Playfing Field Cmm £ 1,500.00
Whaplode Swim Pool Comm £ 300.00
Elizabethan Centre £ 1,200.00
Whaplode Drove PCC £ 1,000.00
Balances:
Business Prem £ 53,314
Current a/c £ 27,853
Less cheques £ 7,245
Balance £ 74,122
2025-2026 Precept
The Clerk had circulated the figures and they had been circulated prior to the meeting. After discussion it was proposed by Cllr Stancer, seconded by Cllr Prince that the precept be set at £16,000.
Allotments;
The Clerk confirmed that rent demands for the garden allotment in Whaplode and Whaplode Drove had been sent and will be fully reviewed at the next finance meeting. Cllr Beal will put a piece in the Village Voice advertising the vacant plots.
Highways:
Whaplode village – The anti social behaviour situation has been progressed and two arrests made. Peter Coupland is investigating the option of two safe crossings on High Road. An archer report has been requested for the High Road from Whaplode to Holbeach on the 50 mph stretch. Members will research ownership of the village green where there is a tree that needs attention.
Whaplode St Caths – Cllr Prince reported ongoing speeding issues, Cllr Coupland has initiated an archer report.
Saracens Head – no report
Whaplode Drove – the Clerk has requested an Archer report in Broadgate due to ongoing speeding.
Whaplode Playing Field:
Members reported that it was being well managed by an active committee.
Whaplode St Cathrines Playing Field:
Cllr Prince reported that it was being well managed, but that he had only one response to try to set up a playing field committee
Whaplode cemetery:
Members agreed to pay the invoice to Sterma for the tree removal. The Clerk will ask Mick Burns to visit so he can quote for carving three of the tree stumps into seats. Burial fees will be reviewed at the December finance meeting.
Land registration:
Mossops had made some progress, further work was needed relating to the deeds and the Chairman and the Clerk have a meeting with the Mark Hill in December. (Will also chase progress on the Elizabethan Centre lease renewal).
Correspondence/AOB:
The Clerk reported receipt of the consultation regarding the Fen Reservoir project.
The Clerk will arrange a meeting with the Acorn play group in response to their letter.
The Clerk will contact the Tudor Lodge school.
The Clerk will enquire if SHDC will empty a new dog bin in Whaplode St Catherine.
The meeting closed at 20.55pm
Chairman