August 2021 Minutes
MINUTES OF OLD SOMERBY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD
TUESDAY 10 August 2021 7pm AT THE FOX AND HOUNDS, OLD SOMERBY. DRAFT
Present: Councillors: Lowndes (Chair), Percy (Vice-Chairman), North, Stephens and Burrows with Parish Clerk David Holmes
Also present 3 members of the public and SKDC Councillor Sarah Trotter.
Prior to the Parish Council Meeting there was held a Public Forum. 0ne resident raised 3 issues which were noted.
1 .APOLOGIES: An apology had been received from SKDC/LCC Cllr Bob Adams. Agreed to send our best wishes to Bob.
2. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNICARY INTERESTS AND DISPENSATIONS: None
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Draft Minutes of the meeting held on 25 May, 2021 were accepted as a correct record,
and signed by the Chairman.
4. CLERK AND COUNCILLORS' ACTIONS AND UPDATES/LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: a) BUS SHELTER: The Clerk reported that a
working party had redecorated the Bus Shelter and renewed the Notice Board. The total cost was £73.53 with VAT recoverable of
£7.04. This to be paid out of the donation of £250 from Mitchells and Butlers (Landlords of the Fox and Hounds). The volunteers were
to be thanked for their excellent work. ACTION: The Clerk.
b) SPEEDING: The volunteer had produced the latest data which showed the average speed of "Speeders" to be 38.15 mph which was similiar
to previous data. There was a few exceptionally high speeds. The Volunteer had agreed to check the raw data to identify the time of day of those
speeders. Whilst the data does not show the type of vehicle used it may be possible to provide some evidence with a view to the individuals being
traced. It was noted that the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership had previously indicated that other villages had higher averages.
Cllr Percy reported that recent data for the Cold Harbour area indicated that the average speed of all motorists had been shown as 48 mph in
the 60 mph area. Data had also revealed that some 6000 vehicles daily pass by Cold Harbour from both the High Dyke and the A52 - converging
on the Roundabout.
c) VILLAGE SEAT: It was AGREED to canvas local opinion on the issue in the Parish Feedback Questionnaire at item 6,
d) LITTER PICKING: After a discussion it was AGREED: i) the Clerk to purchase Hi Viz jackets and Hoops for those volunteers requiring them.
ii) To approach the LCC Highways to request permanent roadside signs discouraging litter. ACTION: Cllr Stephens/Clerk. Cllr Trotter offered to
assist. It was emphasised that safety was paramount for all Volunteers. The Clerk to call a meeting of all Volunteers and raise that point. More
Volunteers are needed.
e) ROUNDABOUT: The clerk had nothing further to add. It is expected the Roundabout will be demolished and rebuilt further to the West to
take in the 5th road. This was likely to take place later this year.
f) FLOODING: The clerk reported that earlier this year Anglian Water had been engaged in root cutting in the storm drain towards the pub area.
5. THE WELL HEAD: The clerk reported that Solicitors on behalf of the Landowners had written to the External Auditors complaining that the
Parish Council had not removed the Well Head from their Asset Register. The Clerk had informed the Auditors that the issue was still on-going
and was an agenda item at this meeting. AGREED: To remove the Well Head from the Asset Register and inform the Insurers that the Parish
Council would no longer insure it. The Parish Council now regards this issue as resolved. The Clerk to inform the External Auditors accordingly.
6. PARISH FEEDBACK QUESTIONNAIRE: The Chairman proposed that the parish be circulated with a questionnaire to ascertain local views on a
number of issues and seek any other suggestions residents might have. A number of topics were suggested.
ACTION: The Chairman and Cllr Stephens who would circulate members for approval and then arrange distribution.
7. PLANNING APPLICATIONS: a) S21/0718 Application for full planning permission for 6 single storey dwellings - the Old Quarry. The Planners had
approved the application conditionally. The application had been dealt with by the Officers and not the Planning Committee. They indicated that they had
had regard to the representations made by the Parish Council but nevertheless disappointedly had approved it. It was noted that one benefit from the
approval was that a footpath would be provided on that part of School Lane. This would significantly improve safety for foot passengers. The Parish
Council had long sought such a footpath. Details of the approval are available on the SKDC website quoting the above reference.
b) S18/0944. Traveller Site Cold Harbour. Cllr Trotter informed the meeting that the Appeal would be heard in Grantham in December - date not
yet known. Cllr Percy and the Clerk had already asked the Inspector for permission to address him at the Appeal as they had done before the
Planning Committee which had refused applications for the same area on two separate occasions.
8. SAFER TOGETHER TEAM: The Clerk had invited the local co-ordinator to address the meeting but he had not had a response.
COUNCILLOR SARAH TROTTER addressed the meeting and gave a summary of issues affecting the SKDC generally. Sarah is now Chair of the
Employment Committee ; a member of the Police and Crime Commissioner Panel and Vice-Chair of the Rural Community Crime Committee.
Sarah mentioned that Lincolnshire had passed the 1 million milestone for vaccinations. She was thanked for the update.
9 OLD SOMERBY NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN: The Clerk had been informed that the SKDC had formally "made" (or adopted) the Neighbourhood
Plan on the 29 June 2021. Copies of the Neighbourhood Plan with the new Front Page would shortly be available for inspection by residents.A
Copy will be available on the SKDC website.
10.FINANCE::
a) Payments over £100 - 31/5/21 £373.35 annual insurance premium
b) Finance update; The clerk produced copies of the Update showing income, expenditure and the balance in hand. The Update had been approved
by Cllr Burrows as Lead Councillor. The Update was accepted and a copy to be attached to these minutes and published. The Internal Auditor was
present. He will inspect the accounts twice per year and also undertake a review of the financial practices and report to thereon to the Parish Council.
c) Asset Register - Referred to in 5 above.
d) Annual Audit for the year to 31 March 2021: The Clerk reported he had published the Public Rights Notice as required by regulations.
One Resident had requested an inspection of the accounts for the year to 31 March 2021. That resident had then contacted the External Auditor
and the issue is currently on-going. Solicitors for local landowners had also made contact with the External Auditors as referred to in 5 above. Also on-going.
e) Parish Council Website: The clerk reported on an offer from LALC for website assistance. AGREED: To accept the offer of Basic Assistance at £5 pm
ACTION: The Clerk.
f) DAFFODIL PLANTING: AGREED for additional bulbs to be planted where needed up to a total of £40. ACTION: The clerk.
11.CORRESPONDENCE:
a) Reply from Ropsley PC regarding repairs to Risewood Lane. Noted
b) Both the Woodland Trust and the LCC had made Tree offers.
The Clerk had contacted The Arboricultural Officer from LCC which had resulted in him visiting the Parish. He had forwarded a plan showing possible sites
for the LCC to plant trees on the B1176 coming into Old Somerby and also possible sites on School Lane. He asked the Parish Council to consult the
residents concerned and ascertain their views. AGREED: To be added to the items to be considered for consultation in the Parish Questionnaire above. The Clerk
to approach the residents.
The Clerk was asked to pursue the invitation to the LCC Area Manager to visit to for a Parish Walk as previously. ACTION: The Clerk.
c) Broadband Connectivity: The LCC had circulated Parish Councils concerning a new initiative to achieve better gigabit capability. Funding is available
eg eligible residential premises can claim £1500 and small businesses £5000 towards a full fibre connection. AGREED: to add to the items in the Parish Questionnaire.
ACTION: Cllrs Lowndes and Stephens. Cllr Stephens had emailed the Lincolnshire Connectivity Team with the suggestion they could attend our next PC Meeting.
d) Email from a resident regarding possible wildlife/re-wilding areas on grass verges. AGREED: to be added to the Parish Questionnaire.
e) Email from a resident regarding the effect on the parish from the proposed development on the Prince William of Gloucester grounds.
It was noted that all residents had had the opportunity to respond to the Home England consultation questionnaire. We are awaiting the outcome.
f) The National Pageant Master had circulated parish councils with a view to having a Beacon to be lit to celebrate HM The Queen's 70 year on the
throne next June. There was an invitation from Ropsley Parish Council to join with them. AGREED: to be added to the above questionnaire.
g) Email from resident regarding noise emanating from the Pumping Station. The Clerk reported it had now been resolved.
12 REVIEW: Determination made on 5 August 2019 concerning a resident relating to the Parish Council's Abusive, Persistent or Vexatious Complaints Policy.
To consider continuance. A proposal was put by the Chairman that "There had been several lengthy emails on similar subjects sent direct to Councillors
in breach of the Determination and that the Determination should continue in the same terms". The Proposal was Seconded by Cllr Burrows and agreed
unanimously. ACTION: the Clerk.
13 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING: It had not been possible during the lockdown to hold a Parish Meeting. AGREED: To defer to a date to be fixed..
14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: AGREED: Tuesday 16 November, 2022 at 7pm for 7.15pm
The Meeting closed at 20.45.
OLD SOMERBY PARISH COUNCIL
FIXED ASSETS REGISTER
VALUE AMENDED
1. 4 X lamp-posts situated on the footpath in the Well Field £1230 4,000
2. 1 x Bus Shelter situated on School Lane £2480 5,000
3. 2 x notice boards donated to the Parish Council and
situated at the Old Post Office and on School Lane £220 500
4. 1 x Millennium seat donated to the village on School Lane £125 500
5. 2 x troughs donated to the village 2007/08 situated on the
Main Road at either entrance to the village £250 2,000
6. The Well Head donated to the parishioners and situate on the
Well Field £3300 10,000
7. 1 x Active Speed Sign purchased by the Parish Council £2200 3,000
8. 1 x Defibrillator provided to the village by a charitable
donation £2500 2,500
9. Durhams’ bench seat (added Aug. 2019) Donated. £750 850
Total £13055 28,350
Amended valuation 10 August 2021 £ 18,350
i) Re-valued for at the Parish Council Meeting held on 1 December 2020 - to £28,350.
ii) Further re-valued at the Parish Council Meeting held on 10 August 2021 so as to remove the Well Head from the Asset Register - £18,350.
David J Holmes
Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer – 12 August 2021
OLD SOMERBY PARISH COUNCIL
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 10 AUGUST 2021
Financial Statement 31 March 2021 balance 9363.33
INCOME 1 April 2021 to 31 July 2021
Precept 3500.00
SKDC Community Grant 231.66
HMRC VAT recovered 108.67
3840.33
EXPENDITURE 1 April 2021 to 31 July 2021
Grass contract 215.00
Printing 38.90
Insurance 372.35
Defibrilator 88.80
715.05
Balance 12488.61*
Bank statement 482 12488.61
(No outstanding cheques)
*The balance includes £250 ring fenced donation from
Mitchells and Butlers to be used towards Bus Shelter Renovation -
recently completed.
David J Holmes
Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer
August 2021
Approved Cllr Peter Burrows, Lead Councillor
August 2021