November 8th 2024 DRAFT Minutes

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SCOTTON PARISH COUNCIL NOVEMBER 2024

1)    PRESENT  -  Cllr R Walker (Chair and Acting RFO)  Cllr S Walker (Acting Clerk) Cllr Huddleston  Cllr Alexander
2)     ALSO PRESENT  -  District Cllr K Carless  Ms K Ibbeson

3)    PUBLIC SESSION  -  No public present

4)    OPENING REMARKS  -  Cllr R walker opened the meeting at 6PM

5)    REPORTS FROM COUNTY/DISTRICT CLLRS
a)    Cllr Carless stated that the former RAF Scampton was no longer being considered for the housing of asylum seekers and it was hoped that land would be released soon
b)    Cllr Carless stated that devolution and the mayoral election would be going ahead
c)    “Warm spaces” for the winter season had been created in Blyton, Scotter and Gainsborough and that winter warm packs were available to anyone needing them
d)    St Barnabas Hospice in Morton had now closed permanently, and the building was for sale.

6) APOLOGIES  -  No apologies had been received. It was noted that Cllr Johnson had retired from the parish council

7)     DECLARATION OF INTERESTS  -  Both Cllr R Walker and S Walker declared an interest in the village hall. This now stands until the end of this term of office.

8)    MINUTES OF OCTOBER MEETING  -  The minutes were accepted as a true record of the proceedings.

9)    FINANCE
a)    Following the retirement of Cllr Johnson, it was decided to add Cllr S Walker to the banking mandate to facilitate necessary payments. Cllr Huddleston voiced concern about a husband/wife combination and whether this was allowed. Cllr R Walker to investigate
b)    Following a request from a parishioner the council agreed to obtain some dog fouling notices to be displayed in areas within the village where dog fouling is prevalent. Cllr R Walker to obtain these.
c)    PAYMENTS  -  
Grass cutting                                            £200
Mr Brooks – Auditor                                 £100
ICO                                                          £  40
LALC (Website assistance)                    £90 + VAT
ALL PAYMENTS AGREED

PRECEPT AGREED FOR 2025/26                                   
£ 12,000 (No increase)
Form to WLDC foe estimate to be sent.

10)    INCOME FOR OCTOBER
a)    MARRIS allotment rent                £  480
b)    Blanchard allotment rent              £  24.50
c)    LCC payment                               £  783.35
The audit update was circulated for inspection


11)    APPROVAL OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES  -  All approved and code of conduct 
       Signed by all councillors

12)    VILLAGE HALL/ PLAYPARK 
a)    The council agreed a grant of £7,000 towards the cost of a suspended ceiling and extra heating in the main hall.
b)    The council have become aware of grants available from KOMPAN (Playground equipment). They are proposing to apply with the approval/help of the VHMC.

13)     PINFOLD/ORCHARD UPDATES
a)     The pinfold area is in good condition although two plants have died.
b)     The orchard is progressing well, and 12 assorted trees have been received for planting. Cllrs R Walker and Alexander to plant when time and weather allow

14)     DISTRICT COUNCILLOR/PARISH COUNCIL SURGERY
    Cllr Carless is hoping to set up a quarterly surgery in the village hall for face-to-face 
    meetings with parishioners. Cllr S Walker to post on Facebook to gauge interest. If 
    there is sufficient interest these sessions will commence in January 2025

15)     PROPOSED SEAT ON BECK LANE
    At the request of Cllr Huddleston LCC have been approached for permission to erect 
    a seat on Beck Lane. Unfortunately, the place chosen, according to a local farmer, is 
    boggy and may prove totally unsuitable without substantial supports for the seat. It
    was suggested that an area within the community orchard would be more suitable.

16)    PLANNING MATTERS – One application submitted for a garage extension on Crapple Lane  -  No objections from the council

17)    COUNCILLORS REPORTS  -  No reports

18)    ANY OTHER BUSINESS
     District Councillor Carless reported that she had received an email from a concerned 
     resident regarding the yew tree in the playpark. 
     This subject has already been reported to and dealt with by both the VHMC and the 
     Parish Council.
     This had also been reported to WLDC (Tree Officer Slingsby)
     Cllr Carless to reply.

NEXT MEETING 5TH DECEMBER 2024 6PM SCOTTON VILLAGE HALL