July 21 - Minutes of Ordinary Meeting
HEMSWELL PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of an ordinary meeting held by Hemswell Parish Council on Monday 17th July
at 7.30 pm at Hemswell & Harpswell Village Hall.
Present:
Cllr. B. Mander (BM)(Chair); Cllr. J. Roberts (JR) (Vice-Chair); Cllr. M. Foster (MF); Cllr. C. Black (CB); Cllr. P. Watkinson (PW).
District Cllr. P. Howitt-Cowan (PHC), PCSO J McFaul (JM).
2 members of the public
1. Apologies
None received.
2. Adjournment for Cllr reports and members of the public.
a. County Councillor Report
No report provided.
b. District Councillor report
PHC submited a written report (see District Councillor Report July 21 web page) which was circulated to the council prior to the meeting. PHC offered to answer any questions on the content. No questions were forthcoming.
c. PCSO Report
JM reported that no reports of public interest relating to Hemswell had been made in the proceeding 8 weeks. A report of a paraglider circling low over Harpswell Park Homes had been received (9th June). JM advised that the police were no longer utilising the Lincs Alert application to provide their public updates and that they were now utilising the NextDoor application (free to use). It was noted that the application carries other content in addition to police reports.
MF advised that persons who reported to be scrap metal merchants had been seen entering gardens and looking around the village. JM advised that is important that owners protect their property, restrict access and utilise home security measures to deter intruders. It was also advised that scrap metal / fridges / skips etc should not be left outside the property. If suspicious persons are seen, then members of the public should contact the police via the 101 number to report the issue.
d. Members of the Public
i. A member of the public (WC) addressed the council raising a number of issues -
- The visibility of the playground sign on Church Street- Clerk to review and inform LCC highways.
- The legibility of the street sign leading to 11 - 17 Maypole Street - Clerk to inform LCC highways.
- The condition of the Neighbourhood Watch signs - CW was advised that the signs were not the responsibility of the parish council and that he should contact his local Neighbourhood Watch representative.
- The condition of the road at the Weldon Road / Church Street junction - Members of the public were reminded that highways issues should be reported directly on the LCC online tools. - Clerk to review and report.
- The overhanging trees on Dawnhill Lane - CW was advised the council were aware of the trees and this was an agenda item for this meeting.
- WC requested an update on the status of the Forge (Brook Street) - BM advised that WLDC and the parish council were monitoring the building. The owner has 6 months to lodge an appeal with the Secretary of State and during this time only preservation actions can be enforced by WLDC. We await to be informed if an appeal has been lodged. The parish council is keen to understand WLDC's plans for the preservation of this valuable historic asset, but this can only be determined once any appeal, if any, is decided.
- WC enquired whether our county councillor ever attended these meetings or provided any reports. - The clerk advised that Cllr Clio Perraton-Williams was invited to every ordinary meeting but had not attended this year or provided any reports. - The clerk to advice the county councillor that in addition to the council, members of the public would like her attendance in order to receive updates and pose questions directly to their county councillor.
ii. A member of the public (AH) addressed the council raising a number of concerns -
- The volume of speeding traffic through the village and particularly down Bunkers Hill - AH was advised this was a concern for the council and is an agenda item for this meeting. JM was asked if the police could investigate. JM advised that members of the public should report incidents to the police for investigation and with sufficient information they can visit the area during know periods when offences take place. JM also advised that she no longer had access to radar speed boards, however community speed watch programs were running with the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership. PHC advised that other parishes had purchased and installed speed indication devices (SIDS) to tackle this problem. PHC offered to request information from these councils on our behalf.
- The overhanging vegetation on the banking of Bunkers Hill restricting access to the verge and seating - Clerk to contact land owner requesting the vegetation be pruned.
Meeting Reconvened 20:10 hrs.
3. Declaration of Interests.
None declared.
4. Approval of Minutes from previous meeting.
It was unaimously resolved to approve the presented minutes as an accurate account of the council's extraordinary meeting held on the 16th June 2021.
5. Planning Matters.
a. Oil tank positioning (Limestone Houses).
It was reported to the council that a new domestic oil tank had been observed in 27 Brook street adjacent to the brook surface water and drain. Concerns were raised regarding the proximity of the tank to the surface water.
Action: Clerk to contact WLDC building control to seek advice.
6. Overhanging trees - Dawnhill lane.
MF reported that Limestone Farming had been informed that the trees on their land off Dawnhill Lane adjacent to the the junction with Brook Street were overgrown and causing an obstruction to road users. To date no action had been taken by the land owner.
Action: Clerk to contact Limestone Farming for update.
7. Speeding traffic and increased volume of traffic through village.
The issue of the increased volume of speeding traffic through the village and what measures can be taken to slow the traffic was discussed. The public are reminded that incidents of speeding should be reported to the police for investigation.
Action: Clerk to investigate options for the purchase of speed indicator signs for review by the council and contact the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership for information on the Community Speed Watch program. Clerk to contact LCC highways to request the feasability of moving the 30mph signs on Church Street down to the cemetery, due to the volume of pedestrians utilising that stretch of the road when accessing / egressing the Brook public footpath.
8. Problem of Dog Fouling.
The continued problem of dog faeces being left on the village streets and public footpaths was discussed. This appears to be a growing problem across the district. The public is reminded that fines for offenders are applicable and anyone witnessing an offence is encouraged to report the incident to WLDC who have the power issue fines up to £ 1000.00 for repeat offenders.
Action: PW to progress the installation of agreed signage.
9. Maintenance Requirements.
The maintence requirements for the following council assets were reviewed
a. Maypole.
The base of the metal support is showing signs of corrosion and the top of the pole is coated in bird droppings.
Action: Clerk to obtain quotes for the periodic cleaning of the Maypole and discuss with the painting contractor alternative support finishes.
b. Middle Street bus shelter.
No progress has been made on locating a contractor to repair the bus shelter roof. MF enquired if LCC were responsible for the bus shelter.
Action: Clerk to contact LCC to confirm who has responsibility for the bus shelter.
c. Brook Street notice board.
The Brook Street noticeboard is in a poor state of repair. Local handyman to be contacted to enquire if they can repair the noticeboard at an acceptable cost prior to investigating replacing the noticeboard.
Action PW to contact local handyman for quotation.
d. Street furniture.
The condition of the existing seating around the village and options to refurbish or purchase new assets were discussed.
Action: Clerk to obtain details of suitable replacements for review by the council.
10. Annual General Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2021.
a. Auditor's acknowledgement of receipt.
The clerk advised that the auditors (PKF Littlejohn) had acknowledged receipt of the council's AGAR submission.
b. Exercise of public rights notice period Monday 14th June - Friday 23rd July 2021.
The clerk advised that the published public rights period was due to expire on the 23rd July. No requests for information had been received so far.
11. Finance
a. Financial Status Review.
The clerk presented the council's financial position for review. No remedial actions were identified.
b. Cheques to authorise.
It was unanimously resolved to pay the following invoices-
i. Grasscutting (May & June) £320.00
c. Payments Received.
The clerk advised that the following payments had been received.
Savings Account interest £ 0.14
12. Reports
a. Village Hall.
No formal report was provided. PW advised that the work to stabalise / repair the playground wall had been completed.
b. Neighbourhood Plan (NP).
BM advised that the NP and its supporting documentation are nearing completion. There remains only a small amount of information to be assembled for designated open green spaces and non designated heritage assets, to complete the plan. It is expected that this information will be provided before the next meeting.
13. Clerk Recruitment.
The clerk reported that they have received no interest for this vacancy, and that there are a significant number of vacancies for clerks in other Lincolnshire Parish Councils advertised within LALC
Action: Clerk to readvertise the position.
14. Councillor Vacancies.
The clerk reported that two vacancies remain open. No interest has been raised with the clerk.
15. Burial Authority.
No activities were reported.
Date of next meeting 20th September 2021
Signed: B C Mander Date: 19th July 2021.