Annual Parish Meetings

UNADOPTED MINUTES of the Annual Parish Meeting, Monday 20th March 2023, 7.00 PM at Hemswell and Harpswell Village Hall, Hemswell.

Present: Parish Councillors: Cllr. B. Mander (Chair), Cllr. J. Roberts (Vice-Chair), Cllr. C. Black, Cllr. M. Sheppard, Cllr. M. Foster. Clerk: E. Raymond.

District Cllr. Paul Howitt-Cowan, Member(s) of the Public (MoP): 3 members

01-2023. Apologies for Absence: Apologies were received from PCSO Julie McFaul.

02-2023. Chair’s Welcome and Annual Report: Cllr. Bryan Mander, Chair of Hemswell Village Parish Council read a short report on the events of the previous year and current situation for the PC. Commenting on the low number of members and difficult recruiting, the Chair welcomed a new member, Cllr Michelle Sheppard.  The Chair thanked all councillors, past and present for their support and commitment to helping the PC achieve its aims and would like to see increased numbers on the PC.

The Chair reported a sense of increased engagement within the village community and encouraged more residents to get involved with events. The Chair and a member of the Village Hall committee thanked the clerk for the noticeably increased engagement via Facebook and the PC website, and it was noted that a newsletter was soon to be issued, hoping to make them a regular feature. 

The Chair reported that the Speed Indicator Device (SID) appeared to be having some success in changing driving behaviours and slowing speeds through the village.

It was noted that the PC had a good working relationship with the grass contractor and that the new cutting season had started. The contractor had reported problems with dog fouling and the Chair stressed that the contractor cannot be expected to clear dog mess or cut areas that are fouled – which remains a persistent problem in the village. A member of the public raised the issue of lack of road sweeping and suggested it may increase the issue of failing to pick up.

Neighbourhood plan voting returned an 86% approval, and the Chair thanked the steering group and community for their support and engagement with a task that had taken so much of people’s time and effort. The Chair also acknowledged the support and input from District Cllr. P Howitt-Cowan and colleagues at the WLDC planning department.

The Chair reported that safety assessments had started in the cemetery and was keen to see development of the Pinfold area in the coming year.

03-2024. Minutes of the Previous Meeting Minutes from the last Annual Parish Meeting 21 March 2022, were be approved and signed as a correct record. Proposed and seconded. Carried unanimously. Minutes signed.

04- 2024. Representation/reports from external agencies (and sub-committees). Invitations to attend/submit reports were extended to County, District and PCSO, the Village Hall Committee and Church Wardens.

a. County Councillor – no report received.

b. District Cllr. Report – Cllr. P. Howitt-Cowan provided an update on RAF Scampton, noting there was still much to be discussed and agreed upon. The WL Churches festival was ongoing, and the Cllr. encouraged a wider field of volunteers to support local churches, including Hemswell. The meeting was updated on planning regarding The Forge, with matters ongoing and a request to WL Licensing to allow a betting shop in the planned new cinema complex. The Cllr. congratulated Hemswell on the success of the NP and its impact on the village.

c. Police – no report received.

d. Village Hall Committee. The VH report was read highlighting a successful bid for Lottery funding.  The VH committee were keen to promote the village hall as a facility to rent both for local residents and the wider community.  

e. Other External Agencies – no reports received.

05-2023. Parishioner Statements and Questions

A resident asked when Anglian Water will be contacted regarding water pipe leaks and the consequent pavement repairs that would be required. They also commented on the extensive repairs throughout the village.

A resident stated they were aware that claims for repairs of pavements/roads were being made when the works had not actually been completed – stating evidence of this was on the Anglian water website. The Chair advised that responsibility for this lay with Lincs County Council and encouraged residents to report it directly together with more regular reporting of potholes.

A resident complained about the extent of bonfires in the village causing a nuisance to neighbours. The Chair advised that garden bonfires are not prohibited but can be reported to WLDC if they are deemed to be a nuisance. The Chair offered to assist the resident in reporting it via the WLDC website if help was required.

06-2023. Date of next meeting – The next Annual Meeting of the Parish would be arranged for March/May 2024 and confirmed in due course.

07-2023. The Chair thanked the residents and council members for their attendance and contributions.

The meeting closed at 19:49 pm.