Minutes 2019-20

SWINSTEAD PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held at:

 18.30 on Thursday 9th January 2020

Present: Chairman, Paul Cunningham, Vice Chair Cllr M Dermody, Cllr C Lunn, Cllr B Lynch, Cllr D Darling, C Hatch (Clerk). Visiting County Councillor B Adams.

1. Public Forum: The Chairman welcomed four members of the public who attended the forum and were most welcome. 

During the 15-minute forum one resident asked why the Agenda for the January meeting had not been posted on the village noticeboard. The Clerk advised, this was an oversight on his part and offered his apologies. Other residents mentioned their concerns that the Parish Council were considering the Jubilee Orchard becoming a Memorial garden/area. There was a short discussion, The Chairman assured those concerned, the Parish Council would abide by the wishes of the Swinstead residents.

The Treasurer from the Village Hall presented their accounts to the Council and explained them, they were then signed by The Chairman.

2. Apologies: None
3. Receive Declarations of Interest under the Localism Act 2011:  None
4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting: The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 14th November 2019 were agreed as an accurate record and signed.
5. Clerks Report:

The Clerk presented the Financial report which was accepted. (Copy at the end of these minutes)

The Clerk circulated the LALC training programme of 2020/21. He encouraged all Councillors to attend appropriate training days during the forthcoming year.

The Parish Litter Picker will shortly be moving from the area; therefore, we require a new Parish Litter Picker. Please see Recruitment Advertisement at the end of these minutes.

The Clerk is to request quotes for work on the Swinstead Cross. Work to the Jubilee Orchard gates and for signage for the new planters

Figures from the 30MPH Speed Sign were circulated. There was a noticeable decrease in the volume of traffic during December due to the road closure at Creeton. While the sign was in Bourne Road during November 1614 vehicles entered the village at speeds between 35 and 50mph.

Correspondence was received by the Clerk from one resident, Text below.

“I would like to congratulate the Parish Council on their first month’s activities.

It is rewarding to be informed of progress on the various issues involving the community. 

In the absence of enough volunteers to go ahead with the Speed Watch Campaign what do the Council propose if anything?

The Christmas Tree was a delight and hopefully this will now be a regular event.

The Planters, although in their first couple of months, promise to look splendid in the spring and throughout the year. Well done everyone involved.

Lastly, would the Council consider entering The Best Kept Village competition which I understand is run by SKDC”.

6. Chairman’s Report:

The Chairman advised: Highways have confirmed work planned as follows:

• Pothole repairs in Park Road, side of 6 Macham Close & Irnham Road.
• Curb work to take place at New Estate to alleviate the localised flooding.
•  Chairman thanked all those involved in providing and decorating the Village Christmas tree and looks forward to providing a much larger tree next year. He is

 also looking forward to several community events during the coming months, some of which will appear in the forthcoming Parish Newsletter.

7. Matters Arising: 

Cllr Lunn advised the grass at the Jubilee Orchard will be cut and the hedges cut back as soon as the weather permits.

Cllr Lynch asked the Clerk to contact Harry Coups regarding the blocked culvert in Creeton Road as the flooding is causing damage to the road. Also, to speak with the tenant farmer in Forstedd Hill, with a view to cutting back hedges which are overgrown.

Cllr Dermody advised he is still trying to set a meeting with the Neighbourhood Planning Officer. Cllr Adams said he would speak with the individual concerned to make sure Cllr Dermody was contacted.

Cllr Adams provided an interesting overview of the forthcoming year at Lincolnshire County Council, in terms of budgets, new Highways contractors, (Balfour Beatty), pothole repairs, blocked drains and the like. Two things Cllr Adams mentioned will be of benefit to all of the residents, broken street lights can be reported by anyone to, Caroline Baker 01476406403 or at http://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/

There is also a new app you can download from the app store called “FIX MY STREET”

The idea is, if you see a problem with the roads in our area, you take a photo via the app, it will automatically provide the GPS location and send the details direct to Highways who will record the information and deal with the problem. Marvellous!!!

•  suggested monthly Parish Council meetings commencing from the start of the new Parish Council year May 2020. This would enable the Council to ensure that swift action was being taken on issues requiring attention and give the Residents of the Village further opportunities to raise any issues or concerns that they may have. The Councillors were in general agreement and this will form part of the Agenda at the next meeting.

Date of the next meeting, 5 March 2020, 18.30 Swinstead Village Hall. (Members of the public most welcome).

Job Vacancy

Parish Litter Picker

Swinstead Parish Council require a Litter Picker, to work two hours each week collecting litter within the Parish boundary.

The position is open to applicants 18years and over

Rate of pay £8.21 per hour

If you are interested, please contact the Parish Clerk

Chris Hatch 01476552053

swinsteadparishcouncil@gmail.com