Minute Number 3/18

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 9 April 2018

Attendance –

Parish Councillors :- Mrs N Steele, Mr K Harrod, Mr N Velzeboer, Mrs S Davison,
Mr M Place and Mr Wright

Apologies – Mr A Yarham

In  attendance :- Clerk, Mr R Pannell and 2 Parishioners

01  The Chair opened the meeting at 7.30 pm and welcomed all those in attendance.

02  Declarations of Interests

The Chair reminded Councillors to advise the Clerk if they should need to declare an interest.

03  A47 Crossing

The meeting was called to enable discussions to take place regarding a possible crossing for construction on a site close to the Gayton Road junction and the A47. This has been prompted by the Highways England staff who have asked for the views of the Council on having a controlled or uncontrolled crossing and where it should be located.

After discussions Council agreed by a majority to recommend a controlled crossing sited to the Burnham Mews side of the junction, which would be closer to the bus stop, subject to a suitable pathway being provided. The Chair agreed to respond on behalf of the Council and would seek to have some indication of the timescale involved.

04  Any Other Business

      Payments – Council approved the following payments

      Chq No 100226 – Westcotec (Street maintenance Feb/Mar 18)                    £35.16

      Chq No 100227 – Clerks Salary/Exp (March 2018)                                       £252.94

      Bill Payment of Clerks Tax (Jan/Feb/Mar 2018)                                            £154.20

Council approved year end finance reports to go to Internal Auditor

O5  Date of next meeting Thursday 10 May 2018  at the Village Hall commencing at 7.30pm

This meeting to be preceded by the Annual Parish Assembly which will commence at 7.00pm

There being no other business the Vice-Chair thanked all for attendance and closed the meeting at 7.55 pm   

THE PUBLIC AND PRESS ARE WARMLY INVITED TO ATTEND

Clerk to the Council

Mr R Pannell

21 Baldwin Road

King’s Lynn

01553 775724

Minute Number 2/18

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 5 March 2018

Attendance - Parish Councillors :- Mr K Harrod, Mr N Velzeboer, Mrs S Davison, Mr A Yarham

Mr M Place and Mr Wright

Apologies – All present

Absent - Mrs N Steele due to hospitalisation

In  attendance :- Cllr J Moriarty, Clerk, Mr R Pannell and 3 Parishioners

01  The Vice Chair opened the meeting at 7.37 pm and welcomed all those in attendance.

02  Declarations of Interests

The Vice Chair reminded Councillors to advise the Clerk if they should need to declare an interest.

03  Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 8 January 2018  were approved as a true record and signed by the Vice Chair.

04  Matters arising from the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 8 January 2018 

Red Telephone Kiosk –  Mr Harrod reminded the meeting of the statistics surrounding the issue of surviving a cardiac arrest. Time was of an essence and with the proximity of East Winch to the hospital if this would be a deciding factor in any decision about a defibrillator being housed in the village.

Council decided to see if the Ambulance Service would attend a meeting to discuss the issues. Clerk to try and arrange.

Merits of a defibrillator at the village hall – This obviously has one of the highest footfalls in the village and its location is well known which is a probable advantage over the kiosk.

Railing issues at A 47 and Gayton Road junction – No substantial change to the position. Keep under review

Shrubs overgrowing pathway at Wilcon – Clerk has reissue a request for action in the next Rangers visit  which is due w/c 5/3/18.

05  10 Minute Open Forum for Parishioners (Nothing reported)

06   Reports and information from County and Borough Councillors

Councillor Moriarty advised Council that due to the recent weather conditions Waste collections were running behind and a “catch up plan” was in place

07   Village Hall – Nothing to report

08   Playing Field

Grass cutting Mr Harrod to report on setting up a contract – He reported that flexible arrangement had been made with a contractor so that there would be an alternate cutting by Borough Council and Private contractor every three weeks during the season.

9  Risk Assessment Inspection – Report from Mr Harrod for January/February 2018 inspection. He advised all was well except the salt bin in Church Lane required filling. Clerk to report. Mr Wright was concerned that the salt bin in Station Road was underused and asked if it was possible to resite it nearer to the post office corner area. Clerk to discuss with the Highways Engineer.

 10  Silica Sand – General update on latest position Vice Chair – Mr Harrod reported that the next liaison meeting was scheduled for 19 March 2018 and would be followed on the 20 March 2018 with an exhibition in the Village Hall for the public (details to be published when known).

11   Planning Matters

Chair to report on outcome of second letter to the Developers of the new development at the A47 end of Station Road. This item to be covered at next meeting

       18/00328/F – Construction of timber framed carport and workshop – Lower Farm, Church Lane. After discussion Council unanimously agreed there were No Objections to this application.

Council to note

       17/01785/F – Single storey garden house – Old Station House, Gayton Road….PERMITTED

       17/02202/PACU3 – Change of use agricultural building to two homes – Magpie Farm Main Road, West Bilney…APPROVED.

       17/01860/F – Residential annex and garage – Lodge Cottage, Main Road, West Bilney.

PERMITTED

 (Note Clerk, in discussion with the Vice Chair, was concerned on the way in which these discussions were conducted. To be an agenda item for the next meeting)

12   Highway matters

Speed Signs along Common Road – There had been no progress on this issue. Clerk to ask Highways

Engineer for a time estimate as to when this work is to be done.

Regarding the condition of the area immediately outside of the Village Hall the Vice Chair advised Council that he had been informed that three new posts were on order and Highways would clean the whole area up when they arrived.

Restoration of Footpaths – Mr Wright reported that he had made contact with the Highways Footpath Officer (who had agreed to put up signs) and the Ramblers Association who were anxious to use it when this had been completed. Mr Wright to consult with the Webmaster on having details put onto the website.

New signage on the A47 Road Improvement Project – Apart from removing the incorrect signage no further work has been done. Clerk to contact Councillor Middleton requesting update.

13   Correspondence received since last meeting

       Norfolk ALC Newsletters 18/1, 25/1, 30/1, 8/2, 15/2 and 22/2

       Temporary road closure West Bilney

       Community Action Norfolk Job Newsletter

       Police Newsletter (January 2018)

       Highways Rangers Visit

       Saddlebow Bridge roadworks update

       Invite to the “In Good Company Summit”

       Norwich Western Link

       NALC Information update

       Norfolk Playing Field Association Newsletter

       Funding secure for Residents of Rural Norfolk.

       Community Action Norfolk Funding Newsletter

       Saddlebow Closures

       Community Action Norfolk Job Opportunities

       A Vision for Norfolk (Leader of NCC)

       (Clerk advised Council that it was their duty to raise any issues resulting from the correspondence should it be necessary)

14  Street lighting matters

 Clerk advised that he had been informed that electricity charges were shortly to be increased.

15   Finance

To approve accounts and payments

       Jan/Feb Cheques

       Chq No 100219 – Westcotech (Street light maintenance Dec 17 and Jan 18)               £35.16

       Chq No 100220 – Clerks Salary / Exp (January 2018)                                                  £241.30

       Chq No 100221 – Clerks Salary / Exp (February 2018)                                                £241.30

       Chq No 100222 – LC Public Advisory Serv. (Clerks Course)                                       £20.00

       Chq No 100223 – Annual Church Maintenance Grant (2017/2018)                              £1250.00

       Chq No 100224 – Village Hall Hire (2018 and planning meetings 2017)                      £150

       Chq No 100225 – BCKLWN (Dog waste collection 2017)                                            £576.58

Financial position as at 28 February 2018 was approved by Council and copy of report held with the  Minutes of this meeting.

Review Annual Maintenance Church Grant and approve payment. Council agreed that as the current amount (£1050) was last reviewed in 2014 an increase would be appropriate now. This figure was set as £1250 to take immediate effect

16   Any Other Business

Defer presentation on Free Home Fire Risk Checks and Smoke Detectors

Data Protection Officer - Clerk would report further on this at the next meeting after he had attended a training course.

17   Date of next meeting Thursday 10 May 2018 at the Village Hall commencing at 7.30pm

This meeting to be preceded by the Annual Parish Assembly which will commence at 7.00pm

There being no other business the Vice-Chair thanked all for attendance and closed the meeting at 8.43pm   

THE PUBLIC AND PRESS ARE WARMLY INVITED TO ATTEND

Minute Number 1/18    

             Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 8 January 2018

Attendance - Parish Councillors :- Mrs N Steele, Mr K Harrod, Mr N Velzeboer,

                                                        Mr M Place and Mr  Wright                                                                                                                                                                      

Apologies – Parish Councillor :- Mrs S Davison, Mr A Yarham and Mr Wilson

In  attendance :- Cllr J Moriarty, Clerk, Mr R Pannell and 3 Parishioners

01  The Chair opened the meeting at 7.32 pm and welcomed all those in attendance.

02  Declarations of Interests

      The Chair reminded Councillors to advise the Clerk if they should need to declare an interest.

03  Minutes of the Parish Council Meetings held on Monday 6 November and 27 November 2017.

      were approved as a true record and signed by the Chair.

04  Matters arising from the Parish Council Meetings held on Monday 6 November and

      27 November 2017.

      Red Telephone Kiosk –  The Clerk read Mrs Davison report which indicated that using the Kiosk for

      a book swap use was unsuitable due to its location. Council also noted the contact she had with the

      parishioner who made the suggestion and that the lady concern was interested in helping the Council

      with project work.

      Merits of a defibrillator at the village hall – Clerk reported that Pentney Council had made the decision  

      to use the Telephone Kiosk to house a Defibrillator. Discussions were now under way with a supplier

      and that they were looking for funding through the National Lottery. It was anticipated that it would be

      several months before the Lottery Grant outcome was known. After discussion Mr Harrod agreed to

      do some research to establish answers to questions raised and report back.

      Railing issues at A 47 and Gayton Road junction – Chair allowed discussion on the recent Highways

      England road improvement scheme at this item. A parishioner had written to the Council requesting that

      his letter be forwarded to Highways England requesting answers to several questions. Council agreed to

      this but stated that it would make its own comments known at the appropriate time and would simply

      pass the letter on without comment. The Chair reminded all present that Cllr Middleton had agreed to

      fund the repair to the Railings and had the work put into the County Council plans. Clerk would contact

      Cllr Middleton outlining the current position and seek a progress report from him on the railing.

      Mr Place commented that Council should wait for answers before taking any further action. Was agreed.

      Shrubs overgrowing pathway at Wilcon – Clerk has requested assistance from the Ranger Team but

      has no further information at this time.

05  10 Minute Open Forum for Parishioners (Nothing reported)

06  Reports and information from County and Borough Councillors

Cllr Moriarty updated Council on progress regarding the Boundary Review for King’s Lynn and West Norfolk and that the consultation period ends on 15 January 2018. He will keep under review.

Regarding changes to the Borough Planning Application procedures he gave his apologies for the poor manner in which this had been communicated and for the lack of consideration by the Borough.

He urged Council to have a matter “called in” to him as soon as they felt that there was a possible conflict so that there was an access to the Planning Committee.    

07  Village Hall – Nothing to report

08   Playing Field

       Grass cutting - Mr Harrod  reported that the Borough had cut the grass 6 times during 2017 and

       had established that the Council did not expect it to change during this year. He had made enquiries

       regarding having a contractor cut in between the Council cuts at a cost of £80/cut. Council agreed that

       this was a sound strategy and asked him to make the arrangements. Council asked the Clerk to make

       financial provision to do so.

09   Risk Assessment Inspection – Mr Harrod volunteered  to do the  January/February 2018 inspection

10  Silica Sand – Norfolk Minerals Site Specific Allocations decision

      Council noted that the plan had been adopted. Cllr Moriarty indicated that the Planning Application for

      the MIN40 development could be expected in the near future from discussions he had received from

      Silbelco. 

11   Planning Matters

       Chair reported that there had been no response to her letter to the Developers of the new development at   

       the A47 end of  Station Road. She agreed to write again and copy Borough Planning into the

       correspondence.

12   Highway matters

       Speed Signs along Common Road – There has been no action to date.

       The water collection at the entrance to Common Road from the A47 had been caused by blockages to

       the drainage system between the East Winch Charities allotments and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust land.

       Mr Harrod, on behalf of East Winch Charities, thanked Wilsons Farms for the extensive help they had

       given in resolving the problem and the help of Mr Yarham. Further cutting back and clearance issues   

       still need to be resolved but the immediate problem is under control

       Mr Wright suggested that restoration work be planned for certain footpaths.  Council asked that he

       provide details for a discussion to be held at the next meeting.

       During a private meeting to discuss projects which might be included in the Precept request, the issue of

       a path to the Post Office  was considered. As a result of this the Clerk was asked to arrange a meeting

       with Andrew Wallace of Highways to get a professional view on the feasibility of doing so and

       associated costs.

13   Correspondence received since last meeting

       Norfolk ALC Newsletters 7/11, 14/11, 16/11, 23/11, 29/11 and 13/12

       Norfolk ALC AGM Papers

       Community Action Newsletter

       Police Newsletter (November and December 17)

       UK Power Network – help information in the event of a Power Cut

       Tesco Bags of Help Funding

       Various updates on A47 road works

       Norfolk Voice November 17

       King’s Lynn - Hunstanton Railway Project Open Day

       External Auditor Appointment

       Came and Co Insurance Matters Christmas Greetings

       Christmas Greetings from the Mayoir of King’s Lynn

       Grants and other funding sources

       Norfolk County Council Budget Consultation

       Silica Sand Review – Notice of Adoption

14  Street lighting matters – Nothing to report

15   Finance

       Council approved payments following

       December Cheques

       Chq No 100216 – Mr Bland maintenance work to December 17                                 £  60.00                            

       Chq No 100217 – Clerks Salary / Exp (November 2017)                                            £ 251.26

       Chq No 100218 – Clerks Salary / Exp (December 2017)                                            £  231.34

       Authorisation  of Clerk’s PAYE Tax On Line Payment (Oct/Nov/Dec 17)                 £  154.20    

       Financial position 31 December 2017 Report presented to Councillors who approved and a copy kept

       with the Minute Book

       Precept  for 2018/2019 – Council discussed the draft proposals presented by the Clerk. After ensuring

       that provision had been allowed for Playing Field grass cutting, exploration costs into a path to the Post

       Office and donations provision Council agreed that the Precept request be held at last year’s figure of

       £12500. This also reflected their concerns that parishioners should not incur increases in household

       expenses.

16   Any Other Business     

       Defer presentation on Free Home Fire Risk Checks and Smoke Detectors

       Council confirmed meeting dates for 2018 as

       Monday  5 March

       Thursday 10 May

       Monday 25 June

       Monday 3 September

       Monday 5 November         

17   Date of next meeting Monday 5 March 2018  at the Village Hall commencing at 7.30pm

There being no other business the Chair thanked all for attendance and closed the meeting at 9.10pm