September 5th 2024 Minutes
MEETING OF SCOTTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2024 – 6PM SCOTTON VILLAGE HALL
MINUTES
1.PRESENT
Cllr. Walker R, Cllr Walker S, Cllr Huddleston, Cllr Alexander & Cllr Johnson
2.ALSO PRESENT
Mr C Parker
3.OPENING REMARKS
Cllr Walker opened the meeting at 6pm by welcoming those present
4.PUBLIC SESSION
Mr Parker thanked the council for their prompt action regarding the grass verge at the front of his house. He had approached LCC but they were unwilling to help.
He also requested that the tree at the front of his house be inspected as there appears to be dead wood within its structure. Cllr Walker to request WLDC carry out an inspection as the tree carried a preservation order.
5.COUNTY/DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
Not present
6.DECLARATION OF INTEREST/S
It was agreed that Cllr Walker S would not speak/vote on any matters regarding the village hall
7.MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON THE 1ST AUGUST 2024
It was agreed that the minutes gave an accurate account of the proceedings
8.FINANCIAL MATTERS
Bank statements were circulated for approval
Cllr Walker R is in the process of re-arranging the accounts into a month-by-month format
The parish council needs a new auditor as the previous one has stopped doing this work. It may be possible to engage with LALC to find one or Mr Brooks (Hibaldstow) is available. Cllr Walker to continue to source a suitable candidate.
9.PAYMENTS
Payments for July/August to Mr Williams were agreed July£240/Aug£120
Payment sheets for July/Aug/Sept have been re-vamped by Cllr Walker and were presented for re-signing.
10.PINFOLD/ORCHARD
Cllr Alexander to consider plants suitable for autumn/winter for the containers at the pinfold.
Orchard has been more self-sufficient regarding watering during the summer. To consider whether to plant more fruit trees for next year.
11.SEAT AND SCRAP TANK
Cllr Huddleston has approached Andy Ramsay, and he has agreed to remove and dispose of the scrap tank currently on the orchard approach.
Cllr Huddleston has requested the purchase and placement of a seat on Green lane where the two tracks meet. Permission would have to be granted by LCC for such a placement and Cllr Walker will make enquiries about this. Concerns were raised about any placement impeding vehicle access particularly agricultural vehicles. Measurements to be carried out and if this site is not suitable an alternative could be found within the orchard (access by first entrance)
12.POSSIBLE SURGERY BY PARISH/DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
No district councillors present so deferred till October meeting
13VILLAGE HALL REPORT
Cllr Walker S informed the council that more remedial work will be required before the MUGA can be opened for use. A site meeting with Lightmain has been arranged for Friday 6th September to discuss concerns.
14YEW TREE IN PLAYPARK
Cllr Johnson expressed concerns about the yew tree within the playpark particularly since it has been brought to his attention that St. Marks and St. Hughs schools visit throughout the summer with special needs children. He suggested that parents and children may not be aware that ingesting the leaves and/or berries of the yew can prove. fatal. Concerns were also raised that the children may not be adequately supervised during these visits. Cllr Johnson recommended a risk assessment be carried out.
The discussion ended with the majority of the council wanting the tree removing but as it is on village hall property this request will be passed to their committee for consideration
15.FINANCIAL HELP FOR VILLAGE HALL
It was discussed and agreed in principle to offer a 50/50 share of the cost of a suspended ceiling for the village hall.
16.PLANNING
1) Fishpond on Scotter Road – no updates received.
17.EMERGENCY PLANNING
Cllr Johnson stated that he has received an update in the form of a rather lengthy e-mail. He will study this and report back at next month’s meeting.
Cllr Johnson also stated that he has received notification from Steve that he will update the existing template on our behalf.
Regarding the radios supplied with the “emergency supplies” the council are considering whether to accept or decline this offer due to high maintenance costs/responsibilities.
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18.COUNCILLORS REPORTS
No response has been received from LCC regarding the poor condition of the village signposts. Cllr Walker to contact LCC.
19.AT THIS POINT THE MEETING ENTERED INTO CLOSED SESSION AND MR PARKER LEFT
1) The council discussed a problem brought to their attention by a resident.
THIS HAS NOW BEEN RESOLVED
2) The resignation of the parish clerk was discussed, and the following points were agreed.
a) To change the address of the parish council website as the existing one is locked and not open to changing
b)To try and retrieve data from the wiped laptop
c)Banking papers to be signed to remove parish clerk
Post meeting update – papers signed and taken to TSB 6/9/2024
d) Agreement was reached to carry on the council without a clerk for the moment until a final decision is made as to the future of the council.
NEXT MEETING THURSDAY 3/10/2024 SCOTTON VILLAGE HALL 6PM