September 2024 Minutes
KIRTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON TUESDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER 2024
Present: Councillors: Cllr D Jarvis, Chair, Cllr P Watson Vice Chair, Cllr C. Astill, Cllr F. Baillie, Cllr M Elston, Cllr L O’Connor, Cllr Pryke, Cllr C Rylott, Cllr Sohail and Cllr S Watson.
Also Present: Clerk D. Fairweather.
Peter Head and five members of the public
PUBLIC FORUM
Resident requesting when the PC are to act on the churchyard wall and trees, as requested on numerous occasions by the PCC. They are requiring work, and it is PC’s responsibility?
Clerk advised following a meeting with PCC, agreements had been made and a maintenance programme was to be put in place for the next 5 to 7 years.
Member of the Clean Up Squad asking if the Parish Council had any intention to made good equipment in the Dame Sarah Swift Park as the group together with Wombles have worked hard on the park and it is looking neat and tidy. After painting the skate ramp, it would be disappointing if something more could not be made of the area. Advised that this was to be discussed later.
Councillors had received comments that the public were unhappy this matter was to be discussed in a closed session. The Chair explained that there is a third party involved and it would not be fair for the public to spread news of any decisions before the Charity were advised. Being confidential this cannot be spoken of outside of this room, even by Councillors.
PRESENTATION GIVEN BY HERITAGE LINCOLNSHIRE
Two representatives from Heritage Lincolnshire, a local Chairty assisting with obtaining grant funding for various projects within Boston Borough. £2.6m available. Kirton High Street project was to help businesses in village repair and update their frontages with assistance funding. Some projects have been successful but have been smaller projects than was expected and there is money to be spent in Kirton. They have investigated areas that would be eligible for funding. William Dennis monument, The War Memorial, and Willington crossroads seating area. Asking to enter into an agreement with HL for this grant funding. With tendering September/October with work commencing October as UKSP would like money to be spent by February 2025 but BBC are asking that most of money is spent by end of year.
Cllr Astill asked if Church wall could be included. Clerk had already spoken on this. It is their desire to have a workshop with PC to finalise ideas. Agreed to meet Tuesday 10th.
REPORTS FROM ELECTED BOROUGH AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS
MB - Update sent via Clerk. No further updates on speed restrictions.
Boston Road – development land not started opposite vets. Highways have visited. There are reserved matters in the planning application to deal with this but until it is sold Highways are prepared to Ramp up either side and make good area between for easier access for mobility scooters and pushchairs etc. Cllr Brookes had met with Cllr Astill and advised, if the Parish Council agreed, confirm to Cllr Brookes to proceed Highways.
AA – Update sent via Clerk. Response received from Highways regarding parking at Kings Head junction:
Unfortunately, for a Traffic Regulation Order to be consulted upon, there must be clear evidence of a problem to justify their installation. We are unable to use double yellow lines to simply act as a reminder, especially given our limited resources and high demand for schemes where problems are occurring.
Cllr Austin reiterated this is a Police matter and residents should be reminded of the Highway Code.
Barriers at Zebra crossing – there was no apparent need, and the children should be taught at school road safety. (Advised from Cllr Bowen that Primary School had just done their road safety, and the children are aware of how to cross the road)
RP – Had heard from other Councillors there are double yellow lines on other junctions in the village.
102-24 TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Cllrs Bowen, Borough Councillor Middleton, and County Cllrs Austin & Brookes. All resolved to accept reasons given.
103-24 TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST UNDER THE LOCALISM ACT 2011
Cllr Rylott -planning
104-24 TO CO-OPT NEW COUNCILLOR
One of the two previously mentioned candidates was no longer willing to stand. Cllr Pryke and Baillie asked details. These had been forwarded with the Heritage Lincolnshire document prior to the meeting.
Proposed Cllr Elston seconded Cllr Astill. Peter Head accepted and duly signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
105-24 TO APPROVE NOTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING ON 6TH AUGUST 2024.
Proposed Cllr P Watson seconded Cllr S Watson that these be accepted as a true copy to be called minutes. Six for two abstentions.
106-24 TO RECEIVE UPDATES FROM CLERK AND MATTERS ARISING
PCC – The ruling on closed churchyards if the church is still in use that the Parish Council are responsible for the maintenance of the grassed areas and trees but other works, such as pathway should be agreed to be a joint venture at the time of closure. This obviously had not been agreed at Kirton and the PCC representative advised that it was, in fact, the Council that had laid the slabbed pathway.
Clerk and Cllr Pryke had met with representatives of PCC to discuss works required at churchyard. Only two slabs broken, one of which could be used to replace the other. Cllr Pryke believed if the weed suppressing compound used between the slabs it would be solve the trip hazards. Although tarmac could be used the PCC would not get a faculty for this material.
The wall had areas that required attention, but Clerk had been in touch with Heritage Lincolnshire as there may be more funding to repair this within the UKSP pot, as there were interesting points of heritage with horse mounting points.
Significant tree works but there are restrictions on work now the East Lindsey tree Officer looks at all Boston applications, and the Parish Council does not have the finances to do all in one go.
It was agreed that a plan of works be agreed for future works to be done over the next 5 to 7 years in order that the PCC were aware that action was being taken.
CSW – seven members had attended training and were now awaiting areas to monitor. These are agreed with the Lincs Road Safety Partnership/Police, but new ones can be added if it is felt there is a persistent speeding problem. Clerk advised speed gun had been checked.
Dame Sarah Swift Park – following last months’ concerns over Councillors working in the area, Clerk had received confirmation that if they were working with the knowledge of the PC and not using equipment that they are not trained to use, the insurance does cover Councillors to do works of a voluntary nature. Notices to be placed to show equipment not safe and a photograph taken to prove, and the PC are covered.
UKSP – Following Cllr Rylott’s notification that there is to another round of funding, Clerk had checked the grant being obtained through HL did not affect the PC from applying and Cllr Elston and Clerk had put together details of play equipment, which could be used anywhere in the village, before the deadline of 1st September.
Cllr Pryke – requesting if any further progress has been made regarding receiving a refund for the park inspections. Clerk has asked for a meeting with officer. Cllr Elston asked if old records are available. Previous Councillor had asked for these on numerous occasions to no avail. Previously the Councillors checked the park on a regular basis on a rota.
Last paragraph of 96-24 states we are responsible for three parks, and we are not.
Cllr Astill asked if minutes can be issued sooner in order that matters are still fresh. Cllr P Watson advised that we had previously agreed that draft minutes be sent within 10 days of the meeting.
Clerk to adhere to this.
Cllr P Watson asked if previously we had investigated CCTV in the village to protect the War Memorial, had anything more been done. There had been an accident in the village, does the BBC CCTV cover that area.
Cllr S Watson – asked for updates on contractor that PC has a CCJ against. Nothing to report.
107-24 TO RECEIVE EVENT UPDATES
Picnic in The Park – Cllr Sohail confirmed it had been a success and feedback was everyone was hoping for it to be an annual event, improving each year. Displayed a tabletop inscription of children’s comments during the day. Over 250 people attended. Katie Edwards helped and is willing to assist again with funding opportunities. Cllr Jarvis advised there was a sponsor for next year’s Party in The Park. Cllr S Watson asked if there were to be any fund raising for these events as we are spending money for which has not been budgeted. Cllr Elston advised no fund raising had been attempted as there was to be a sponsor this year. Cllr Head advised these events should be self-funding. There are plenty of businesses and opportunities out there to raise funds.
Art Trail – The date for the Art rail has been set for February. Suggested a separate Art Trail Social Media page be set up just for this Art Trail. The Art Trail will effectively not be at a cost to the PC.
Senior Citizens Christmas Meal
Cllr Baillie concerned that no fund raising had been arranged for this. Cllr Jarvis advised money had been raised late last year.
Cllr Head asked the cost of last year’s event. Party cost PC £71 nett last year.
Tickets are priced lower this year so cost will be more to PC. Cllr Elston advised there was £1000 in budget if funds were not raised.
108-24 FINANCE
a) To Approve Payment of Accounts as per schedule
Proposed Cllr P Watson seconded Cllr S Watson
b) To Approve Broadband for The Town Hall. After discussion on the three options given, it was agreed to accept Lightspeed at £45 per month. Proposed Cllr P Watson seconded Cllr Baillie. Cllr Pryke asked what usage broadband had in Town Hall? Cllr Sohail would try and investigate this from Town Hall. Speed on all options is significantly increased. PC now paying £60, which Town Hall Management Committee used to pay.
c) To Discuss Town Hall Finance – originally on agenda as PC are being invoiced for 4 hours on a Friday for coffee mornings and Digi Hub but we are only there for 2½. Clerk had written and received the response that although the invoice was incorrect, they would have to investigate charging for electricity for broadband and CCTV cameras.
Cllr Sohail advised briefly that the Town Hall is experiencing financial difficulty, as they have lost some regular bookings. Electricity bills coming through are showing day and night usage but most of night usage is PC equipment.
At a previous joint meeting, Cllr Pryke had advised that as they are not receiving any grant payments from PC each month now should they feel the need for assistance in the future, they should approach PC.
Cllr Elston felt it was not right to be asking for financial assistance when they have a significant amount of savings. The savings had been reduced and there may be some required for solar panels. Suggestions that the three Councillors involved with the Town Hall Management Committee meet with Town Hall with ideas to go forward.
Cllr Rylott commented that if we support the Town Hall coffee mornings should we be supporting the Kirton Holme coffee mornings?
Cllr Elston also reminded members that we had turned down an application for assistance last meeting.
d) To Choose Football Net at Town Hall – This came from Cllr Bowen speaking with youths, just wanting to play football. Cllr Head had asked if there were any contacts that might donate a goal. Cllr Elston reminded PC that a grant application had been lodged which included football multi equipment, it was agreed to await result of grant, as football net at Town Hall may not be required.
It was suggested one goal be purchased any way.
109-24 PLANNING – To Discuss Applications Received Since Last Meeting
7 more TPO’s
Clerk disappointed that no response had been received regarding the Walpole to Grimsby Pylons. Although there will now not be a Scrutiny meeting, it is important to advise planning the PC objections.
110-24 MEMBERS REPORTS
ME – After success with the Reggae event in Boston and the Christmas festivities upcoming, has been approached by residents to ask why there cannot be transport for residents. Clerk to write to BBC to ask if they could investigate this. Residents would pay, but BBC to arrange. Cllr Sohail advised Katie Edwards had mentioned funding for transport, to be pursued.
RP – residents in Drainside South are unhappy the standard of their road is not to that of Bungley Lane following works in the village and diversions.
Church Lane/Willington Road, street sign has been moved to leave a gap in their hedge to allow an entrance to their property. Had reported to Highways.
Top two planters outside of the Church are not being watered due to difficulty. The other planter is similar and would be simply solved by removing the two top planters.
Complaints against state of Peacock, with invasive plants growing into neighbouring homes.
CR – As EOM had been cancelled how do PC envisage moving forward with Streetlight discussions. They are costing a significant amount each year which could be reduced, and nothing further had been planned. Had asked for it to be on Agenda. The problem being whatever is spent they are still the BBC’s asset. Figures have already been brought to the table showing savings.
Cllr Head felt it was simple accounting, if we had the money, why not use it.
Cllr P Watson advised that there must be an amount of reserve at the end of each fiscal year. To be discussed at the EOM on 11th September
In answer to Cllr Pryke’s comment on Scrutiny meeting on pylons, this will not be happening as National Grid will not appease a meeting. Similarly disappointed at the response to the planning application.
111-24 TO RECEIVE CORRESPONDENCE
Complaints of a trader on Highways property – do they have permission? Clerk aware they hold licence but does not know ownership of land. Cllr Sohail advised was a Trading Standards issue. Generator is on pathway and people are having to walk on road.
Looking into building site at Penny Gardens which is very overgrown and requires cutting back from footpath.
112-24 TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF DAME SARAH SWIFT in closed session Agreed to hold EOM on 11th September as too many matters to discuss.
Meeting closed at 9.35.
Date of next meeting 1st October 2024