Minutes November 2021
POTTERHANWORTH PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD MONDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2021
7:00PM, THE PAVILION, QUEENSWAY, POTTERHANWORTH
Present:
Cllr Nigel Sardeson – Chairman
Cllr Andy Watson -Vice Chairman
Cllr Martin Ott
Cllr Ami Clarke
Cllr Annabel Battle
Bob Spence - Responsible Financial Officer
In attendance:
Cllr Lundgren -North Kesteven District Council
PC Matt Roberts
PCSO Paul Flannigan
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1. 1.1 1.2 |
Welcome and apologies The Chair welcomed all in attendance. Apologies were received from Cllr Nick Foster. |
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2. 2.1 |
Declarations of pecuniary interest None |
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Reports received from representatives of outside bodies NKDC Matters: Cllr Lundgren: Began by thanking the police force for their response to the recent antisocial behaviour, this was echoed by Parish Councillors present. The District Council budget is being finalised; it is hoped that no cuts will need to be made. The new purple bins roll out is going well and the level of recycling is high. The green bins are not currently going as well, with less being collected due to being filled incorrectly. Two surveys are currently taking place: one for the Lincolnshire Police and Crime commissioner and the other for NHS diagnostic centres. The public are being encouraged to participate in both. Cllr Cucksey. Please see attached Appendix 1. LCC Matters: Cllr Carrington. Please see attached Appendix 2. Police crime report: September 2021: 6 crimes reported, 2 of which were burglaries, 1 on or near Fosters Gardens and the other on Main road, no suspects have been identified. 2 crimes on or near Cross street; 1 of violence and sexual offences and 1 other crime, both are under investigation. 2 crimes on or near Queensway; 1 of violence or sexual offences and 1 report of anti-social behaviour. October 2021: No crimes reported Community Beat Manager, PC Matt Roberts was in attendance and spoke about how crimes are reported and allocated to officers. The recent vehicle theft was discussed along with the damage to the bus shelter, it was highlighted that the crimes are not connected, and the vehicle was specifically targeted. PC Roberts has been able to attend recent incidents but explained that this is dependant on how the crime has been allocated. Potterhanworth is currently covered by North Hykeham police station but the majority of police are based at the central police station now located on South Park in Lincoln. The recent issues with youths were discussed and PC Roberts has spoken to the three involved in the damage to the bus shelter, along with their parents. It is unclear at present which one threw the stone that smashed the skylight on the bus shelter. Over the weekend a burglary has taken place in the village, again unrelated to the other incidents, two people have been arrested and another is pending. |
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4. 4.1 |
Public Open Forum None received |
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5. 5.1
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To resolve, notes of the meeting held on 25 October 2021 are approved as the Minutes It was resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 25 October 2021 be approved as a correct record and will be signed by the Chairman. |
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Clerk and Councillor’s report on matters outstanding The annual Parish walk took place on 13th November. Damage to footpaths has been reported to Fix my street and Cllr Foster is looking into paint coverings for benches. Cllr Clarke has spoken to the Chairman of the Pavilion committee regarding the possibility of adding Wi-Fi to the Pavilion. The prohibitive costs have been the reason that this has not been done to date. The potential costs and benefits were discussed further. It may be possible to get assistance with covering costs, Cllr Clarke will investigate this. Thanks were given to Cllr Sardeson, Cllr Foster, Bob Spence, Stuart Watt & George Holmes for the Christmas tree. Thanks were given to Cllr Battle, Dave Elkington and FG Battles for the work being done to repair the damage to the bus shelter. George Holmes has been in contact with Radial Joinery regarding the village sign. We are currently waiting for a quote for both the replacement of the wooden edging and repainting of the illustration, but due to their current workload this could take a few months to complete. Cllr Clarke has emailed the school with a survey for parents regarding the play park and potential ideas for the future. |
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7. 7.1
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Correspondence received Email received regarding state of the footpath between Potterhanworth and Nocton. This may be due to the removal of powerlines and digging underground. They have been referred on to the Rights of Way department within LCC. A company have been in contact regarding the possibility of providing free trees. Cllr Sardeson will investigate this further. |
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8. 8.1
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Antisocial behaviour Following the work being done to repair the damaged bus shelter, the possibility of requesting payments from parents of those involved was discussed. Those involved should be asked to contribute to the costs, but the names have not been given to the Parish Council and involved families may not be able to afford payment. Volunteering for the next village litter pick may be an alternative to payment. Cllr Clarke suggested that this is a wider issue with youths in the village and other issues they may have. It would be helpful for a youth representative to attend a meeting with Councillors to discuss things further. The youth club is back up and running. |
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9. 9.1
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Platinum Jubilee update An informal meeting was held to see if a group could be formed to take Jubilee celebration proposals forward. It is hoped that regular meetings will take place at The Chequers at 7.30pm on Thursdays to discuss this further. Cllr Watson suggested that the Jubilee would be a good opportunity to leave a positive legacy for the village. Funding towards the parish information boards may be an option. Cllr Ott is still looking to obtain funding from other organisations. |
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10. 10.1
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Community orchard Cllr Clarke has emailed the school regarding families who may be interested in helping to plant the trees when they arrive. Trees should arrive in January and a day will be arranged sometime between January and February. It may also be possible to plant bulbs at the same time. |
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12. 12.1
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Planning Applications received since last meeting 21/1606/VARCON Plot 5 Red House Farm, Main Road -Application to vary condition 2 (materials) & 8 (approved plans) (to allow for solar panels on the southern roof slope) 20/1136/FUL - Erection of one dwelling. This was discussed by the Parish councillors and no objections were made. Decision notice 21/1331/HOUS Southcote, Barff Road -2 storey extension -APPROVED |
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13. 13.1 |
Monthly Risk Assessment None |
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14. 14.1
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Finance November 2021 All Payments total = £1,901.15 Balance total = £29,504.85 NS & I balance = £13,161.13 The Pavilion accounts for 2020/21 have been reviewed, audited, and summarised. It may be beneficial to arrange a meeting with the Pavilion committee to discuss things further. |
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Any Other Business Cllr Clarke thanked the Beer festival and Hanworth Park for donations for the pumpkin trail. |
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19. |
Date and time of next meeting Monday 31 January 2022, 7:00pm |
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Appendix 1. Cllr. Ray Cucksey – November 2021 NKDC District Report
Household Support Scheme
The scheme was discussed recently at a meeting when it was announced that Lincolnshire has been awarded £5,464.685 under the Household Support Scheme covering a period from 6th October 2021 to 31st March 2022. The scheme goes live shortly and is to help assist households most in need. The expectation is that it should be primarily used to support households in the most need with food, energy, and water bills. It can also be used to support households with wider essential costs. At least 50% of the funding must be spent on families with children. Lincolnshire County Council will work closely with District Councils to issue an element of the funding to those requiring this kind of assistance Our Revenues and Benefits shared service will deliver the Household Support Fund payments for Lincoln and North Kesteven.
This year, the Revenue and Benefits Shared Service reached its tenth anniversary of formation, having been in operation since 1st June 2011. Levels of performance have largely been maintained and improved whilst continuing to provide value for money. Continual improvement and success is being achieved in terms of statistical and financial performance, as well as positive outcomes for customers of the partner local authorities. However, the Covid-19 global pandemic has understandably impacted some areas of performance, these impacts are likely to continue for many more months. Despite the significant demands on the Benefits Team, officers continue to turn around claims and report changes of circumstances promptly, and accurately. As of the end of September 2021 new claims were taking 15.93 days compared with the same period last year of 21.59 days. Change of circumstances were taking 3.26 days compared with the same period last year of 5.22 days. The national average for processing new claims is 20 days and for changes in circumstances is 7 days.
Appendix 2. Cllr. Ian Carrington – November 2021 LCC briefing note:
Supporting investment in our county
Our economic development team have been developing a series of 'Sector Propositions' to entice new inward investment into the region, grow the economy and create and safeguard jobs.
These propositions showcase the region's offer – comparing us with the UK and neighbouring regions, telling investors about our skilled workforce and our outstanding R&D capabilities, the competitive land prices and enviable quality of life.
Four propositions have been published to date in Agrifood, Low Carbon Energy & Industry, Logistics and Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing sectors. Also in development are propositions for Visitor Economy, Defence, Health & Life Sciences and Digital Technology and these will be ready in the coming months.
We all know how fantastic our County is so let's tell everyone else - please share these propositions widely and refer any investors or companies wanting to locate here to the Place and Investment Team at investment@lincolnshire.gov.uk .
Consultation launches on new Local Transport Plan
Lincolnshire County Council has started consulting on a new Local Transport Plan that sets out a vision for travelling around the county for the next 10 years.
Our current Local Transport Plan covers 2013/14 to 2022/23, and includes the Lincoln Eastern Bypass and the East West Link Road, Grantham Southern Relief Road, and Spalding Western Relief Road amongst its ambitions.
The new Local Transport Plan addresses six themes:
• Supporting economic growth – connecting people to employment, and businesses to customers
• Future-ready green transport – reducing emissions
• Promoting thriving environments – making sure transport enhances, not spoils, local areas
• Ensuring health and safety – making sure transport is safe and responsibly managed
• Promoting high aspirations – providing access to education, training and support services
• Improving quality of life
We're asking residents for their opinions on these themes, and the potential projects outlined in the plan. These include developing mobility hubs at larger towns and at the coast, making Grantham and Boston 'electric bus towns', developing an electric vehicle charging network, and supporting improvements on the A1 and the Lincoln to Nottingham railway line.
You can find the Local Transport Plan draft document, and complete the consultation online at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/engagement. The survey will close at midnight on Wednesday 1 December 2021.
Lincoln Eastern Bypass 1 Year On
A year on from the opening of the LEB we are now assessing the impact it has had on all the roads in the City area including outlying villages.
As part of our evaluation, we will be running an online survey asking people whether the new bypass has improved their journeys in and around Lincoln and if the new road has met their expectations.
The questionnaire will launch on Monday 1 November at www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk and will close on Sunday 28 November.
As I reported last month, survey cables and cameras are in place to capture the number of vehicles traveling key routes and will help us paint a picture of how the bypass has affected traffic patterns at various times of the day. The results of our findings will be sent to the Department for Transport as part of the funding agreement we have with them.
Geological Disposal Facility working group update
The council's executive this month took the decision to join Radioactive Waste Management's working group to find out more about a possible Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) at Theddlethorpe. The nominated representative to this group is Cllr Martin Hill. Following the recommendation from the Environment and Economy Scrutiny committee, Theddlethorpe Parish Council were invited and have agreed to join the working group too. East Lindsey District Council have also taken the decision to be part of the group.
The group has now had its first meeting, independently chaired by Jon Collins – the former leader of Nottingham City Council.
The working group is an information gathering exercise. Participating in the group does not mean the council wants the GDF at the Theddlethorpe site and it will be a community decision as to whether a GDF should be built. The council's involvement is therefore to make sure that residents and businesses have access to information they need, and to help reflect their views.
A series of community engagement events are now being held in local communities and the details of those can be found at https://theddlethorpe.workinginpartnership.org.uk .
Health Service Future
Health Scrutiny urges strong response to consultation on Lincolnshire NHS services
Lincolnshire's Health Scrutiny Committee has confirmed that a working group will be looking at a detailed response to the consultation exercise on the future of four NHS services.
NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group has begun a formal consultation exercise which ends on 23 December 2021, on the future of four NHS services:
• Orthopaedic surgery across Lincolnshire
• Urgent and emergency care at Grantham and District Hospital
• Acute medical beds at Grantham and District Hospital
• Stroke services across Lincolnshire
The Health Scrutiny Committee wants to see improved services rather than any reduction in support across the county and it will be giving a full response after considering all the elements.
All interested people, families and groups in the county are being encouraged to share their views using the consultation questionnaire. Over the coming weeks public meetings, virtual meetings, marketplace meet-ups and website events will also be taking place. Full details are available at www.lincolnshireccg.nhs.uk/ .
New pumps for improved response to flooding
Two new trailer-mounted flood pumps have been bought by the county council as the lead local flood authority to support the emergency services more effectively when they respond to flooding.
They are purpose-built to deal with flood water and debris and can pump water out twice as fast as a fire appliance. They are towed by 4x4 vehicles and after initial set-up, only need two firefighters to operate them, freeing up fire appliances and other staff to respond to other emergencies.
The new equipment and two existing pumps used for flooded roads and properties, will be strategically located at Gainsborough, Wragby, Alford and Holbeach offering a better countywide response to surface water and other flooding. The county's existing flood pumps have been used multiple times in the last few years, including to keep key infrastructure running during flooding at Boston Hospital and Wainfleet.
Bumper British summer next year in Lincoln Castle
A brand new event celebrating the very best food, drink and beer in the county will be coming to Lincoln Castle during next year's summer holidays.
The event will showcase the wealth of fantastic food, drink and beer producers we have across Greater Lincolnshire, including an array of food from around the county and a craft beer tent featuring local brews from our incredible artisan producers and our biggest names alike.
The celebration will be part of a huge summer of events at the Castle throughout June, July and August.
The festival season will launch with the Great British Outdoor picnic, a chance for people to come together over the Queen's Jubilee bank holiday weekend in June and culminate with the return of the Steampunk Festival to its spiritual home at the castle over the August bank holiday weekend.
There is a call for Greater Lincolnshire businesses to apply to be part of the event, and interested businesses can register their interest.
Wellbeing Lincs Service Report
The Wellbeing Lincs Service Report for 2019 to 2021 is out now and available via the LCC website. The report covers two years of performance data for the service and coverage of the vital work provided by Wellbeing Lincs during the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020.
Our wellbeing service is designed to help people live independently with a little added support. This might mean support around the home such as equipment and adaptations or access to Telecare. Or it might mean some financial or mental health support – all geared to keep people safe and healthy in their own homes.
Biscathorpe Oil Drilling
You may have followed in the press the case of the application to drill for oil at a site near Biscathorpe. The LCC Planning & Regulatory Committee visited the site on 1st November (in truly biblical weather conditions). The Committee then held a planning meeting in a hotel near Louth to allow local people to attend in greater numbers than would be possible in the Council Chamber and after lengthy and very thorough debate the Committee refused the application.