August 2024 Minutes
KIRTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON TUESDAY 6TH AUGUST 2024
Present: Councillors: Cllr P Watson Vice Chair, Chaired the meeting, Cllr C. Astill,
Cllr A Bowen, Cllr M Elston, Cllr L O’Connor, Cllr Pryke, Cllr C Rylott, Cllr Sohail and Cllr S Watson.
Also Present: Clerk D. Fairweather.
Borough Cllr Middleton.
County Cllrs Austin & Brookes
Following the death of previous Councillor David Smith a minute’s silence was held.
REPORTS FROM ELECTED BOROUGH AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS
Cllr Brookes
Kirton End. proposed reduction in speed limit to,30mph is now out to formal consultation.
Willington Road. Kirton End to Kirton, assessment for a reduction in speed limit from national speed limit to a lower limit is ongoing.
Willington Road. Kirton End to Kirton, request for a footpath. A forward programme brief (FPB) has been raised which is subject to capital funding becoming available, as is Station Road Kirton Holme to Hubberts Bridge.
Boston Road Kirton. Junction of West End Road/Middlegate Road. Request for a pedestrian crossing, awaiting assessment to be conducted.
Cllr Astill asked if the rough piece of ground opposite the veterinary entrance is very uneven, and the camber is quite dangerous. Cllr Brookes to speak to Cllr Astill after meeting.
Cllr Austin
Had meeting with Highways, double yellow lines were not necessary at junction of Kings Street as if cars are parking there it is a Police matter. PC disagreed and more assistance should be given here.
Crossing on Station Road – there are barriers already, and it is unlikely these will be extended. Highways to look further into changing to a Pelican crossing. It is intended that this will be changed to light controlled but there are a number required within the County requesting this.
Cllr P Watson reiterated that Cllr Austin would have the complete support of the Parish Council to push for these to be replaced.
Cllr Middleton
Resident complaining regarding continual dust, noise, and road works through Kirton for two to four years, close to Woodland Road, off London Road. Cllr Middleton to visit. Road not yet adopted so difficult to take any action. Problem will be with developer. Cllr P Watson asked if any further action had been taken regarding additional railings near Fire Station. Highways were not in favour of this.
Cllr Rylott
Last tranche of UKSP is now announced. Clerk is working on application.
Pylons are still a concern to many residents. Other Councillors in County have admitted that BBC are being quiet on the matter, National Grid are not communicating at present. Still trying for a group scrutiny meeting Sept/Oct as Cllr Rylott believes Borough Should oppose this as Lincolnshire County Council are and will continue to pursue. Still feel we should be objecting to this.
Cllr Pryke
Since last meeting another application for pylons has been lodged at BBC. Scoping application for all to respond to.
90-24 TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Cllr Jarvis had previously given apologies to Clerk, Cllr Baillie had given apologies to Cllr Pryke. All resolved to accept reasons given.
91-24 TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST UNDER THE LOCALISM ACT 2011
Cllr Rylott – Planning Committee - will take no part in discussions.
92-24 TO APPROVE NOTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 10TH JULY 2024.
Proposed Cllr Rylott seconded Cllr Astill that these be accepted as a true copy to be called minutes. Unanimous.
93-24 TO RECEIVE UPDATES FROM CLERK
Broadband – Quickline to conduct survey, costings for next meeting.
CSW – awaiting training date from Jan Whitbourn
Church Footpath – meeting with PCC did not take place due to weather. There are a couple of trip hazards which Clerk is awaiting a quotation from contractors.
Cllr Astill believed there was no need for complete replacement of flagstones. If PCC felt dangerous PC suggested closing footpath and use the back entrance which is already tarmac.
Cllr Rylott asked why the PCC feel it is the responsibility of the PC. Clerk confirmed it is the difference between a ‘closed churchyard’ and a ‘closed church.’
Cllr O’Connor understood, from a recent meeting with LALC that when a churchyard is closed, it is solely the responsibility of the PC for maintenance once a Churchyard is closed. Cllr Pryke also reiterated he had asked the question of the Diocese that agreed it was for PC to maintain.
Cllr P Watson suggested Clerk should obtain Legal Advice.
Council agreed clarification is required of responsibility.
94-24 -APPROVE BARRIERS AT TOWN HALL
Became known when path was being repaired in that it is a large area and there have been reports in other parishes that have had an increase in vehicles parking long term on restricted areas.
Would it therefore be prudent to place intermittent barriers, two of which could be removable for contractor.
Cllr S Watson asked at what cost. £2760 for thirteen bollards placed at 1.7m spacing around open spaces in Town Hall with two slide posts.
Questioned whether bollards are suitable or is a gate is required. Cllr Elston advised this would still leave room for access in other places.
Cllr Elston proposed clerk to investigate options and costs, for next meeting. Cllr S Watson concerned another project for which had not been budgeted. Finance figures show another £3k could be spent without any adverse effects on reserves.
Council feel it is important to take this preventative action.
95-24 TO ADOPT CO-OPTION POLICY
Proposed policy forwarded to Councillors prior to meeting, being a template from LALC. There had been confusion over the 28 days, ruling for the public to be able to call an election. Clerk explained the correct procedure.
Cllr Bowen questioned if there should be, included in the Co-Option policy, an initial small committee for interviews, following what he felt an unfair situation in a previous co-option situation.
Cllr Sohail felt that the everyone should take part in the process of selection, but it was how individual Councillors conduct themselves towards the candidate. Questions only and not accusations. Cllr Rylott agreed.
After discussion it was agreed to adopt the template circulated, adding that voting was with a show of hands unless two members requested a ballot vote, as per our Standing Orders. Proposed Cllr Astill, seconded Cllr Elston. 8 for, Cllr S Watson Abstained..
96-24 TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF DAME SARAH SWIFT
Following Cllr’s Elston continual work on this and reports of inspections from BBC giving false information, this was an agenda item to ascertain where the future of the Dame Sarah Swift Park lies with the Council. Looking back at parish records it has had a ‘nuisance’ value since it began.
Cllr Elston feels when a RoSPA inspection is done the whole equipment will be condemned.
Costing at present approx. £2500 per annum with a potential cost to the end of the Lease of £36k for trees works as they are all to be maintained by the PC.
The Lease signed in 2009 for 37 years does not appear to have a get out clause. Clerk has asked for legal advice on Lease, but the Middlecott Charity solicitors have looked and agreed there is not one and the only option to relinquish the PC’s responsibility would be a mutual agreement with the Trust and PC.
Two significant issues. Does the PC wish to continue with the Lease. Requesting a refund from BBC for inspections during 2021-2022.
Cllr Astill gave significant brief of problems with the area, and the amount of fencing which could be removed and used at the Town Hall instead of bollards.
Cllrs Rylott advised a sign is required to advise that people should not use equipment.
Cllr P Watson felt the skate ramp be removed with immediate effect, for safety. Cllr S Watson asked alternatively how much would repair cost? Would it be preferable to make the area a bike track, or some other facility, with little maintenance.
Cllr O’Connor did feel the need to close the park but there should be a public consultation to see what the people of Kirton would like to be there. Cllr Sohail felt by closing it off completely would only entice children to enter.
Cllr Rylott feels the Town Hall should be developed with play area, remove the equipment from Dame Sarah Swift and leave as a park to just walk in. As the Borough Council have not been doing these inspections, we should be claiming a refund from them.
Validity of the insurance. BBC putting BBC at risk.
Following discussions, it was proposed Cllr Astill to remove the skate ramp, seconded Cllr Elston. On vote eight for Cllr Pryke abstained. Cllr Pryke requested there is a fall back and consultation on replacement equipment. Cllr Sohail suggested a statement of it being removed but will be replaced with some other form of equipment.
Cllr Rylott suggested the Council could demolish the equipment to remove from site. Cllr O’Connor strongly disagreed with this as Council’s insurance would not cover any accidental damage to personnel. Clerk disputed this but would ask the question. Cllr Rylott proposed that removal is done in house.
Cllr Elston asked how many parks the PCs are responsible for in the village. Three, with others maintained by others.
97-24 TO RECEIVE UPDATES OF EVENTS
Picnic in the Park – food, face painter and bouncy castle booked. Tea and coffee to be served from Town Hall. Will continue advertising but helpers required on the day. Katie Edwards from BBC is attending with activities for the children.
Art Trail – Cllr Sohail had not spoken to school before summer break so suggest delaying until October.
Christmas Meal for senior citizens – nothing further to report, details have been sent to nursing homes and posters will be put around the village in October.
98-24 FINANCE
a) To Approve Payment of Accounts as per schedule proposed Cllr Elston seconded Cllr P Watson. Unanimous
b) To Discuss Donation to The Forget me Not Club Towards Insurance Cover.
Proposed Cllr P Watson seconded Cllr Astill to take in closed session at end of meeting.
After discussion it was proposed and seconded that the PC could not assist on this occasion. The Parish Council were looking into groups that are supported and to share donations between all groups within the Parish.
c) To Approve purchase of Community Speed Signs. Clerk has received a few requests now for Community Speed signs in Station Road and West End Road. Kirton PC is registered with Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership and can therefore purchase more signs. Minimum order £50, signs are £20 each. Cllr Bowen, having witnessed the constant speed issues on Station Road, reiterated the problem. Agreed therefore to purchase three signs to be positioned in relevant places.
99-24 PLANNING – Applications Received Since Last Meeting
5 TPO’s various trees in village.
Cllr Astill gave brief resume of planning meeting he attended for the Council on Wash Road.
100-24 TO RECEIVE MEMBERS REPORTS
PW – Kirton Leisure car parking issue - Owner of the building has now installed gates, which will be locked after hours.
AB – update on vehicles permanently parking in Town Hall has been resolved.
CA – dropped kerb, opposite vets has been discussed with Cllr Brookes. Large tree branch in churchyard reported to Clerk, has been removed by resident with assistance from Cllrs Elston and Astill. No charge to PC.
RP – Drainside South, work to remedy road surface, following roadworks in village is not to the standard of Bungley Lane. LCC have visited site.
Emergency meeting arranged for previous week cancelled. Only one and a quarter hours before the meeting. Common courtesy should be for the Clerk to call everyone at this late hour. Why was meeting cancelled anyway? Purely as it was not sure the PC would be quorate.
101-24 TO RECEIVE CORRESPONDENCE
Outer Dowsing Meeting confirmation of consultation period
Safety of Lithium Batteries - campaign to put for a Bill to Parliament.
S/L 2 Horseshore Lane been knocked down by tractor they believe. Replacement cost £350. No action unless
any complaints
Heritage Lincolnshire - details of projects suggested for Kirton
Heighington Parish Council - advising of care as they have 5 caravans parked on their sports field
Ramblers – letter to keep footpaths in Lincolnshire. No response required.
LCC - consultation period for 30 MPH speed limit at Kirton End
Complaints from resident regarding children racing through their property - spent some time with them and
taken photographs for National Grid and Highways.
Highways - dangerous footpaths around war memorial and Hardwick Estate - reported
Eastern Green Link 3 & 4 statutory consultation period
LCC - Minerals and Wast Local Plan - consultation period
Complaints of graffiti on equipment at DSS - has now been painted over it
PCC - thank you for cutting down tree and clearing away so promptly
Date of next meeting 3rd September 2024