2023 Meeting Minutes

Gedney Hill Parish Council

Minutes of the Gedney Hill Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 16th January 2023.

Present

Councillors

Neil Watson (Chairman)
K. James (Vice Chairman)
J. Venters
D. Mann
P. Redgate         

Minutes

K. Sharp (Parish Clerk)

There were 10 members of the public in attendance, plus attendance by Councillor Seymour.

Public Forum

It was raised by a member of the public that the 2 chevrons on the corner of Lincoln’s Avenue and Mill Lane need restoring, as they are in poor condition and not fit for purpose.

Also, it was reported that, with regards to street cleaning, Lincoln’s Avenue and Highstock Lane have been cleaned but not to a great standard.

1. Apologies for absence and acceptance

No apologies were received.

2. Declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 and consideration of any requests for dispensation

There were no issues declared by the councillors.

3. To approve the draft notes of the meeting held on 21st November, 2022

The Councillors confirmed that the minutes were an accurate record of the Parish Council meeting and the minutes were duly signed.

4. Highways

a.  Footpaths

The van, which had been reported to the Parish Council as regularly parking on the pavement along Highstock Lane was obscuring visibility, and was reported by the Clerk to both the Police (safety issue) and highways.  The police stated there was no van when they drove by and, during this meeting, it was commented that the van hadn’t been there for a while.

5.  Litter Bins/Dog Waste Bins

It was questioned as to who’s responsibility it was for the emptying of the litter/waste bins in the village, as it was questioned as to whether the Parish Council should be emptying them or not.   Clerk to contact the District Council for clarification.  There was also a mention that the bin outside the shop should be emptied by the District Council and not the Parish Council, again, Clerk to obtain clarification.

Clerk to also obtain black bin liners for the waste bins in the village, to prevent residents needing to provide these themselves.

6. Cemetery - Trees

With regards to the overhanging trees from the Cemetery, SHDC have now responded permitting the Church to cut the trees back, where applicable. The PCC will now need to arrange a suitable tree surgeon to trim these branches.

7. Shed/Memorial Bench

The old shed has now been removed and disposed of with thanks to Councillors Venters, Mann and James.                           

8. Morrison’s Daily

There have been issues in respect of the local shop with regards to freezers not working and poor communication towards the local Managers from McColls.  This has resulted in poor and limited service to the public.  Other internal shop issues included no hot water and drainage problems.  Shop staff attended the meeting to state what the current position was and the reasons why. 

It was suggested that the Clerk write to McColls to identify what the current and future situation of the shop is and will be, as there are rumours that the shop may close.

Post meeting, however, a response was received from Annette Wheatley, the Group Operations Manager responsible for the village shop, who has given assurance that she knows of no plans for closure of the store.

The chiller problem is one of many across the whole estate and is, simply, in a queue for rectification.

The in-store bakery has been out of action because of another problem with the cess-pit which would make baking a health and safety issue but the immediate problem should now be resolved; although more work is needed on the cess-pit installation in the future.

At this moment, it has been suggested we have to accept her explanation and look forward to things getting back to normal.

10.  Clerk’s Report

The Clerk has been looking at the precept work and starting the AGAR report.

11. Clerk’s Laptop

The Clerk is yet to purchase a new laptop due to the age and performance of the existing one.

12. The Coronation

It was suggested that mugs may be a good momento for the children in the village, in respect of the forthcoming Coronation.  However, costing for these needs to be considered.

It was mentioned that the Village Hall Committee may be recreating the American Supper over the Coronation weekend.

13.   Financial Matters

a.   To update on accounts

Account balances (account balances as of 16 January 2023)

TO COVER PERIOD FROM 22 NOVEMBER 2022 – 16 JANUARY 23

b.   Precept

The precept was discussed and agreed for the 2023/24 financial period.  This was agreed at a figure of £11,877.00

14.   To advise of any items to be added to the next meeting agenda

The Coronation.

15.  Date Of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held in the Memorial Hall at 6:30 on March 20th , 2023.

The meeting was closed at 19:20.

Kim Sharp

Clerk/RFO Gedney Hill Parish Council