November 2022 Minutes
North Somercotes Parish Council
Minutes of the Meeting of North Somercotes Parish Council held on Monday 28th November 2022 At 7pm in St Mary’s Hall
There were no members of the public present. District Cllr Paul Rickett had given his apologies. The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and opened the public session at 7.00 pm
Public Session
a. Update from County and District Councillor McNally:
Cllr McNally referred to a query which has been raised regarding provision for complex roll back of the ECP owing to plans for a realignment scheme on the English Coastal Path at North Cotes. Voter Photo ID will be required form 2023. Lincolnshire County Council have an online consultation exercise for people to comment on county council priorities for the next financial year, and East Lindsey District Council have now sold Tedder Hall.
b. Comments from members of the Public on agenda items or issues for consideration for future agenda
i. Potential Post Office Closure with sale of McColls Store – concerns have been raised by members of the public, as well as the parish council, and it was confirmed that the Clerk has had discussion with both the Post Office and the Co-op regarding future provision of Post Office services in the parish. At present the McColls store appears to be under offer, and it is not known at this stage if any sale would include continuation of the Post Office counter, which had been scheduled for closure after Christmas according to the Morrison’s original comment. If there is to be a change, then the Post Office will need to conduct a consultation exercise as it did previously, and in line with government requirements for Post Office services in rural communities.
ii. Following up on the concerns re dog-on-dog aggression, eg on playing field – proposed clinic session
The Clerk noted that she had been made aware of a further dog on dog attack in South Somercotes and that she was looking into following up the concerns raised by parishioners from earlier in the year by arranging the provision of a workshop aimed at helping people to recognise and deal with aggressive dog situations, given by a dog trainer specialising in aggression and behavioural problems. This was being discussed with the Playing Field as a potential venue, and it was thought that the parish council might wish to consider funding the hire of the Pavilion to facilitate the workshop for residents to attend.
iii. Remembrance - Thanks to Cllr Maidens for the reading and Simon Paine for the Bugle Playing at the War Memorial for Remembrance Observance. Members of the public as well as councillors had remarked on how grateful they were to have Cllr Maidens and Mr Paine mark the occasion once again this year, and the Chairman confirmed the thanks expressed.
iv. Door Knockers – the Clerk reported that there had been several Door Knockers dropped off in the village again this week, and messages had been posted on the village Facebook page to warn people about not opening their door to anyone they don’t know, and the importance of keeping doors and windows locked. A link to the information on how the Knockers operate had also been posted so people could understand the danger of becoming a target for burglary in the future, if purchasing from such doorstep sales people.
v. Dog Fouling – further reports have been received of people not picking up after their dogs on Keeling St, and elsewhere in the village. The Clerk has offered to lend a small security camera that can work with WiFi to one householder.
The Chairman closed the public session and opened the meeting.
28/11/22-1
a. Present: Cllr Stephen Brooks (Chairman), Cllr Stuart Arundel, Cllr John Kennedy, Cllr Roger Maidens, Cllr Danny McNally, Cllr Trisha Newman, Cllr Lynda Plater, Cllr Shaun Smalley, Cllr David Wallis, Sheila Pearce – Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer.
b. Apologies for Absence – it was RESOLVED to accept the absence and reasons for it for Cllr Neil Drewery (Vice Chairman) and Cllr Paul Walmsley.
28/11/22-2 To receive any declarations of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest on any item on the agenda in accordance with the Localism Act and the Council’s Code of Conduct and Standing Orders
Cllr McNally declared an interest in Planning Applications as a member of the ELDC Planning Committee.
28/11/22-3 Minutes of 24th October 2022 Meeting – it was RESOLVED to adopt and sign the notes as accurate minutes.
28/11/22-4 Clerk’s Report on matters outstanding – for information only
a. Cemetery – see 5 below
b. Communication – entry for Dec/Jan completed
c. Donations and Grants – Youth Club Zorb balls have arrived
d. councillor community grants - application submitted
e. Amenity Area – quotes chased up – may need to provide a note of what is required and request further quotes
f. Zero Carbon Parishes project – list of lighting in village hall and Pavilion being drawn up and submitted
g. Youth Club – removal of the pool table to pavilion on 27 November
h. Toilets refurbishment/CCTV – proposals for basic refurbishment of the disabled section completed, see 7 below
i. Setting up Work Email Addresses – ongoing
j. Planters and Litter bins – Coastal destination bid monies purchased two of each, waiting to be able to put them out, plus include more in 23/24 budget
k. Remembrance Observance – Thanks to Cllr Maidens for once again reading the address and to the Bugler for the Last Post
l. Good Neighbours Scheme/weekly Warm Space venue to be run by volunteers – village hall would be available at £7.50 per hour 10-4 on Mondays but yet to establish need/feasibility, availability of volunteers/cost of food and beverages etc. Explore the Good Neighbour Scheme rather than specifically Warm Space, as likely to be more useful
m. Electricity – Collective purchasing possibility - looking into with LALC, but usage very small so savings may not be possible
n. Aggressive Dog on dog incidents – as noted in the public session, the Clerk is exploring the options for holding an information/advice session in the Pavilion.
28/11/22-5– Cemetery – to discuss the proposal for changes to the Garden of Remembrance and other items and RESOLVE the Way forward as required
a. Outline of work for tender for the Garden of Remembrance – the Clerk’s details of the proposals for refurbishment were discussed and it was RESOLVED to proceed with requesting quotes for the works as outlined.
b. Consideration of the removal of trees/stump grinding along the boundary to recover potentially lost grave spaces, and replacement planting/locations – the proposals were considered, and it was RESOLVED to proceed with the suggested removals, noting that some of the free trees and hedging arriving in March could be used to replant with more suitable varieties/hedging on the boundary. Clerk to ascertain costs with/without retention of resulting lumber.
c. Hedging arriving in March 2023 – arrangements for planting of the hedging will need to be discussed at a later date, as no volunteers have emerged following the note in the Communication magazine. The Clerk will ask Alford Garden Services to quote in the meantime.
d. Progress with the Mapping and digitisation of Cemetery records – the Clerk noted that all the records had been scanned and a copy of everything provided on a USB stick. Mapping of the plots will commence shortly, and the data entry was due to start in January, once the Cemetery Database has been purchased and set up. There has been a delay with this owing to a change in ownership of the software company.
e. Cemetery front hedge lowering – this will now be done on the ½ of December. The Clerk suggested that when the new hedging goes in, it would be beneficial if it could be grown and layered in a more traditional manner if at all feasible.
28/11/22-6 To consider Planning applications/other planning matters received and RESOLVE the way forward
a. Any Planning applications for approval
N/132/02073/22 - Erection of a shed with a lean to either side. LAND OFF, COASTGUARD ROAD, DONNA NOOK. Councillors discussed the proposed application but were unable to make a decision as there were a number of queries regarding the contents of the application and the current/proposed use of the land, which include – the land appears to be agricultural and not amenity land, so a change of use application may be more appropriate. A static caravan has appeared on the land and no application for this has been seen at any time, so what is the status of this? What are the sewerage arrangements for this caravan, and is it being used as a temporary or permanent dwelling, if so on what basis has this been granted permission? The Clerk was asked to request clarification on the items discussed, prior to the Council deciding whether to support or object to the application.
b. To note planning applications approved/refused/appealed:
i. N/132/01768/22 - Construction of a menage. LAND ADJACENT THE BROOKS, CHURCH END - Approved
ii. N/132/01655/22 - Erection of a portal frame agricultural building. HOLMES FARM,HOLMES LANE - Approved
iii. N/132/02644/21 - Outline erection of 3no. dwellings with access to be included. TREE TOPS, MARSH LANE – Appeal Lodged
c. Enforcement Issues/Actions – none – but noted that application N/132/02073/22 may need to be referred to enforcement for comment/action as noted in 6a above.
d. Any other urgent planning matters/applications
28/11/22-7 To discuss and RESOLVE the way forward on the proposed works for tender for the refurbishment of the public toilets.
Following discussion of the Clerk’s document which describes the range of works required to refurbish the toilets, it was RESOLVED to proceed with requesting quotes for the options so that a decision can be made on the way forward.
28/11/22-8 Highways, Paths and Lighting – to discuss/resolve the way forward on relevant Highways issues
a. verbal update on problem log
i. Lamp 26 x 2, 17, 28 and 29a Warren Rd – the Clerk noted that a formal letter of complaint had been sent via email to ELDC, and that some of the lights were again not working despite FixMyStreet reporting that they had been fixed. This has been going on for over 12 months now.
ii. Obstructed road view/lamp column no. 53 – to note Land Registry details have been checked; no owner listed, so letter has been sent to possible owner of overgrown trees and hedge.
iii. Access to the beach from Warren Rd – research is being done with the archives on the Tithe Map/Enclosure Award and also looking for any archives from the Louth Rural District Council that may show the original footpath maps that were used to determine the Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way in the 50’s. Cllr Plater has been in discussion with the LCC Footpaths Officer but there is no obvious solution to the problem of walkers coming in to conflict with vehicles in trying to access the English Coastal Path from the village.
iv. Alleged trip hazard Bank End/Jubilee Rd corner – no immediate resolution
v. uncovered drain and overgrown hedge on Willerton Rd – these have now been resolved
b. Any other/urgent highways issues
i. Locksley Way – overgrown hedge is making walking on the pavement difficult, and the verge is very muddy and slippery; one person has fallen already – Clerk to write to property owner.
ii. Locksley Way sign – a request to replace the illegible sign with one that can be read has been made.
iii. Dog Fouling – the Clerk has asked that if the Parish Council employ their own Dog Warden, would they be able to keep any fines issued? This would then be able to contribute towards the costs of employing a Dog Warden.
28/11/22-9 To receive reports from councillors who are representatives on Village Organisations/Committees
a. Playing Fields Association - Cllr Walmsley was absent from the meeting but it was noted that a Valentines Dance is planned for February, and the Clerk has requested a list of the lights to be swapped to LEDs as part of the Zero Carbon Parishes Project.
b. Police Advisory Group – Cllr Newman – nothing to report
c. Emergency/Flood Planning – Cllr Newman/Clerk – nothing to report
d. Village Hall Committee – Clerk is waiting for the list of lights for replacement LED fittings for the Zero Carbon project monies
e. DTE Wildlife Group – Cllr Newman/Clerk – The seal season is now underway, and the traffic management arrangements are working well. Stonebridge car park has been overcrowded at times, and there has been verbal abuse and threatening behaviour towards the wardens that has had to be dealt with.
28/11/22-10 Finance
a) the bank reconciliations for November 2022 was checked and signed by the Chairman.
b) It was RESOLVED to approve the schedule of receipts of £916 and payments of £3,956.29 for November 2022
c) to deal with any urgent Financial matters:
i. following discussion it was RESOLVED to donate £200 to Meals on Wheels to support the invaluable service that is provided.
ii. the Clerk noted that it was not urgent, but she will be requesting quotes to rub down and repaint the railings at the War Memorial and will also be getting in touch with the War Graves Commission re cleaning of the War Graves at the Cemetery as they are starting to look quite green in places.
28/11/22-11 Budget Setting 23/24 – the Clerk had circulated the budget narrative and first draft proposals for the next financial year prior to the meeting and these were discussed. Some changes may be required as various items get clarified, and the impact of the large increase in electricity standing charges is taken into account. Further discussion will take place at the December meeting prior to finalising the budget at the January meeting before submission to ELDC by the January deadline.
28/11/22-12 Correspondence for November, Website Updates and Communication – these have been circulated, including the EA Humber Newsletter Special Edition Winter Communication Campaign on Flood Risk awareness and MP Victoria Atkins Pensions Credit letter, which has been placed in the shops and Public Houses for information.
28/11/22-13 Agenda items for the meeting to be held on 19th December 2022 in St Mary’s Church Hall
23/24 budget setting, confirmation of renewal request for listing of Asset of Community Value – DIO/MoD Donna Nook Jan/Feb 2023), Investment Strategy, Cemetery priorities/actions, other council priorities,
28/11/22-14 Confidential Matters – it was RESOLVED to move into closed session by reason of the confidential property/parishioner matters to be transacted – there were no members of the public/press present in the meeting at this point.
a. Potential Consultation on the future of post office services in North Somercotes – as noted in the public session the Clerk confirmed that discussion had taken place with representatives from the Post Office and the Co-op about the future of Post Office services in the village. The Parish Council will ask the Clerk to post any updates on the Post office consultation on behalf of the council, but does not intend to conduct its business on Social Media.
b. Assistance provided to parishioner – the Clerk noted the assistance she had recently provided to a parishioner and that this has now been referred to Victoria Atkins MP for assistance.
c. Cemetery Equipment – the Clerk noted the offers she had received for the no longer used shoring equipment and it was RESOLVED to accept the higher offer for the cover and panels.
Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer