Minutes
WILDMORE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of Wildmore Parish Council held on Monday 8th July 2024 in New York Lecture Hall.
Present: Chairman Cllr A Everard
Cllr M A Jones Cllr J Lawes
Cllr A Harrison
County Councillor Cllr T Ashton
District Councillor Cllr Knowles
Clerk Mrs S Phillips
Members of public 1 member present
Apologies Cllr P Bargh
The churchwarden wished to speak about the church and stated that the church is there for Wildmore Parish, no money is received to look after the church, or the churchyard and costs are covered from money raised. It is historical that the parish council help look after the churchyard, and when a churchyard is closed it becomes the parish council responsibility. The churchyard receives many people visiting their loved ones' grave(s) or leaving flowers at special times in the year. New burials average one a year.
06/24-29 Chairman’s remarks
The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting.
06/24-30 Apologies for absence and acceptance of any reason given
Apologies of absence were noted from Cllr Bargh and reasons accepted.
06/24-31 To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations
None.
06/24-32 Notes of the last meeting held on 28th June 2024 to be approved as the minutes
Minutes of the meeting held on 28th June 2024 were circulated prior to the meeting. It was RESOLVED that the minutes be accepted as a true and accurate record. Cllr Everard signed the minutes.
06/24-33 Clerks report on matters outstanding
An email has been received about the possibility of a parcel pick up point within New York. It was agreed that this be passed to the Village Hall Committee.
06/24-34 Reports from Outside Bodies:
County Councillor
Cllr Ashton reported that the breech at River Bain in Coningsby has been plugged but there are still no plans to repair. Concerns shared that if not restored there would be implications for Wharf Lane.
Cllr Ashton has visited Greatford and was explained that the Environment Agency does not have sufficient funds and the flooding was not the fault of local operatives. There will be recommendations being released.
Further assurance has been received that work on Sandy Bank will start happening in the next couple of months.
Correspondence has been received from the owners of Tenby Lodge, but it was felt that they need to seek legal advice. The area of concern could be kept tidied but would be unable to plant anything.
The Councillor gave a verbal update on enforcement matters at the meeting regarding the frontage and other areas at Chapelry Farm.
There are planned speed limit reductions to neighbouring villages which will protect Dogdyke and Coningsby.
District Councillor
Cllr Knowles confirmed that everything has been very quiet due to the elections.
Cllr Knowles has received an email re Tenby Lodge and the issues with the skip and advised that photo evidence would be required if available.
06/24-35 Financial matters
Financial update
The updated financial records were provided to councillors.
Payments to be approved for payment:
The following payments were approved:
Staffing cost 12/06/24 – 11/07/24 £176.82
Marmax Recycled Products Witton Bench £555.60
To consider printing of parish newsletter and reimbursement of cost
It was RESOLVED that a total spend of £80, and councillors would deliver the newsletter. It was agreed that the aim was for the newsletter to be distributed by the end of July. The churchwarden has agreed to send information to the clerk to go into the newsletter.
To consider a £500 grant to the village hall
It was RESOLVED to grant the sum of £500 as was agreed when the precept was set.
To consider the internal audit
The internal auditor's report was expected shortly. It would be circulated. This item is deferred to be considered at the next meeting.
Proposal to merge the two bank accounts
It was RESOLVED that once signatories are set up that the main account and allotment account would be merged.
06/24-36 To receive, consider and approve quotations for the dangerous tree at the churchyard
The churchwarden provided accounts for the last two years.
It was put to a vote to if the parish council should fund the cost of the removal of the dead tree of which the results were 3 in favour and 1 against. As the majority were in favour its was RESOLVED that the dead tree would be dealt with and the quote of £480 from Ark Arborists Ltd would be the chosen contractor.
06/24-37 To review and consider maintenance of the churchyard
It was noted that the parish council spent £1762 in the last financial year on grass-cutting in the Wildmore churchyard with a contribution of £300 from Thornton le Fen Parish Council. Grass-cutting arrangements have not been reviewed for some time. Many deceased parishioners with local connections are buried there. There is also the War Memorial and a War Grave located there. However, it was raised during the debate that less than 50% of the population in the 2021 Census are now Church of England believers and the Church is wealthy with £10billion in funds so could afford to maintain their own churchyard. Taxpayers should be made aware how much of the local council tax is going towards this.
It was RESOLVED that grass cutting in the churchyard will continue this year, but a consultation process will take place ready for next year. '
06/24-38 To receive an update on Tenby Lodge issues and agree any further steps
The clerk has received correspondence from the residence of Tenby Lodge who have requested that a parish council arrange a visit to discuss further. The Parish Council confirmed they were powerless to do anything further to help but Cllr Everard agreed to meet with the owners.
06/24-39 Planning matters:
EC/207/00495/21 Chapelry Farm, Langrick Road, New York, LN4 4XH
06/24-40 Highway matters
To receive feedback on the current speed indicator device and to consider options for a second in New York
It was noted that the current speed indicator is working too far ahead and does not seem to be slowing traffic down. Cllr Jones and Cllr Harrison have agreed to change the angle of the device.
06/24-41 Future Meetings and Items for Consideration
The next meeting has been agreed to take place on 9th September 2024.
06/24-42 To resolve on whether the Council will move into closed session in accordance with the Public
Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960.
Should this resolution be passed the public and press will be required to leave the meeting at this stage
It was RESOLVED to go into closed session and all members of the public were asked to leave.
06/24-43 To receive feedback from the working party for the clerk’s appraisal
Feedback was given.
The meeting was declared closed at 8.51pm.
Signed:
Date: