Minutes 17th July 2024
SWABY GROUP PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD
17TH JULY 2024
Present: Cllrs, Gilpin (Chair), Bailey, Powis, Cooper, Young and Gibson.
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
Cllr H. Marfleet (LCC)
3 members of the public
During the public session Cllr Marfleet gave an update on County Council issues covering:
Pylons – Many objections gone in, LCC objection and looking at legal proceedings against National Grid for not following the “Green Book” in respect of costings of all options; LCC stance is against on shore cabling and feel it should all be off shore. Government recently approved some 5000 acres of solar farms in the County. Other countries looking at alternative designs and off shore solutions. Regarding the nuclear waste facility at Theddlethorpe – need to look at all the pros and cons for this as it will need good strong sea defences in the area.
Mayor – LCC have elected to propose a Mayor for Great Lincolnshire, Government looking to devolve more powers to counties with Mayors.
Bio Diversity – This doesn’t seem to be as popular, Cllr Marfleet felt food security was important and needed to be put back on the Country’s agenda, currently only 60% self sufficient in the country.
Footpath 298 – Parish Council has asked for the path to be cleared and opened in its entirety, Cllr Gilpin to liaise with Cllr Marfleet. It was felt other paths and bridleways in the area were not being mowed or kept clear – Cllr Marfleet to provide a copy of the mowing schedule.
Grants – Cllr Marfleet would assist where he could on grants, eg for the Village Hall and community projects in South Thoresby.
Quarry – vehicles unable to access the sheeting bay so are leaving the site uncovered, and it seems no inspections are undertaken.
There were no other points raised by the members of the public, and the Chairman thanked Cllr Marfleet for attending. Cllr Marfleet then left the meeting.
15 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence had been received by e mail from Cllrs Start, Dransfield, Millburn, Wright and Taylor.
16 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were none
17 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 15TH MAY 2024
It was resolved that the Chairman sign these as a correct record of that meeting, with the alterations to minute 7 to read “alcohol bottles” and minute 12 to read “St Michaels”.
18 UPDATES FROM THAT MEETING
Cllr Bailey confirmed the bus shelter in South Thoresby belonged to the Parish Council, being constructed from the proceeds of a grant and the Village Fund making up the difference. It was built approx. 25 years ago.
19 VETS SCHEME
To be deferred to the next meeting as Cllr Taylor was not present to give an update. The Clerk confirmed a cheque in the sum of £320 had been received and a letter of thanks sent to Louth Masonic group.
20 FINANCE
It was resolved that the following account be paid:
Clerks salary & PAYE (June/July) £322.82
Clerk advised she had received a letter from Lloyds explaining that a “business” account was not covered by the FSCS.
21 POLICIES
It was resolved that the following additional/amended policies be approved:
Asset Register – including location of seats (with the amendment to the location description of seat 11 to read A16 close to layby north of Old School.
Financial Regulations – including amendment to cover payment by bank transfer
Dignity at Work policy
Investment policy.
22 LITTER PICKS
The recent litter pick was a success, some flytipping had been reported and removed and a sign in Swaby re-hung. It was agreed to consider another litter pick some time in September/October – to be agreed at the next meeting.
23 ADDITIONAL DOG BIN
Cllr Gibson marked on the map the location where a new bin is required, and the Clerk to complete the request to ELDC. She warned that in some cases, if ELDC agreed to empty then the Parish Council may have to purchase the bin. The preferred location is at the end of Pinfold Lane, near the seat and footpath sign. Another bin at the top of Church Lane has dropped on its pole, Clerk to ask if it can be tightened.
24 VILLAGE HALL
In the absence of any members also on the Village Hall committee who could explain in more detail the proposal, the Council considered the emails received and resolved to support in principle the improvements to the Hall and the erection of the direction sign, however it did not commit to any funding from the Parish Council for these works.
25 CORRESPONDENCE
PK Litlejohn confirmed acceptance of Exemption from full audit.
ELDC – Letter asking if Village Hall wished to become a parcel pick up point – letter to be sent to Village Hall Committee.
26 PLANNING
No formal applications received.
Decision notice 464/24 – Planning & Listed Building Consent for alterations to St Michaels – conditionally approved (to be in accordance with details approved).
Cllr Bailey advised there was an Environmental Impact Assessment application submitted for change of use of Vine Inn from B & B to dwelling. Agreed to await formal planning application and if necessary call an extra ordinary meeting to discuss.
27 ANY OTHER MATTERS
The bench outside Sth Thoresby church was felt to be in a poor condition and needed replacement. To be on next agenda.
28 NEXT MEETING
This is scheduled for 11th September – 7pm at the Village Hall.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.05pm