September 2025 DRAFT Minutes
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 2025 AT 6PM SCOTTON VILLAGE HALL
1) PRESENT - Cllr H Alexander, Cllr S Walker(Acting Clerk & RFO), Cllr R Walker(Chair), Cllr K Ibbeson
ALSO PRESENT - District Cllr K Carless, County Cllr C Reeve, Sally Siddall
2) CHAIRS OPENING REMARKS - Cllr R Walker opened the meeting at 6pm
3) PUBLIC SESSION - No public present
4) APOLOGIES - Cllr Y Huddleston
5) COUNTY/DISTRICT COUNCILLORS -
a) Cllr Carless stated that she had attended a flag raising ceremony (Royal Navy) at the Guildhall. She will ask that notifications of future ceremonies be forwarded to the Parish Clerk.
b) A new war memorial is planned at the Blyton racetrack (Former RAF Blyton). The launch will take place at the Victoria Club in Blyton on the 2nd of
c) October and will include input from both Ingham and Laughton communities.
d) A Facebook page will be commenced for interested parties.
e) Cllr Carless stated that all WLDC meetings are available on Webcast for a period of 6 months.
f) County Cllr Reeve stated that rumours were circulating that, when and if LCC and WLDC are reorganised, there will be a merging of Parish Councils. This rumour is unfounded and, as far as he is aware, no such plans exist.
g) County Cllr Reeve stated that numerous complaints have been received regarding work done on roads particularly resurfacing with chippings. LCC have no plans to change their methods of working.
6) DECLARATION OF INTERESTS - Remains unchanged.
7) MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON THE 8TH OF AUGUST - It was agreed that the minutes represent a true record of the proceedings.
8) FINANCE -
a) Mr Williams – Grass cutting £180 - Agreed
b) Himalayan Balsam on Beck Lane. Cllr Alexander had become aware of two sites where this is prevalent. Messrs A and R Ramsay have been contacted about possible clearance, but the pathway is no longer suitable for tractor access.
Mr Williams has been approached for possible help, but the job is too big for him. Cllr Alexander has contact with a gardener who may be able to help and a budget of £1000 was agreed if this is possible.
c) The new defibrillator is now installed at the village hall and invoices have been paid. This is now operational, and ownership/maintenance have been passed to WLDC. Cost of £664.16
d) Cllr Alexander has replaced the plants in the containers at the pinfold and has produced receipts for the cost. Payment was agreed at £32.94 The conifers will be replanted in October/November.
9) VILLAGE HALL UPDATE - Cllr S Walker stated that a grant application has been submitted to WLDC for the sum of £16,000 for playground equipment. If successful a further £4,000 would be required to cover the full cost (£2000 from PC and £2000 from VH)
10) PINFOLD UPDATES - See 8d
11) ORCHARD UPDATES - Ragwort needs trimming. To be allocated to Mr Williams
12) REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY - Cllr R Walker suggested that placards be bought from the Royal British Legion, 4 in total (one at each entrance to the village). An aluminium soldier memorial is also available. Decision deferred till October meeting.
13) EMERGENCY PLAN - A “champion” is required to complete the necessary paperwork for this to go ahead. It was suggested that an appeal is put out for volunteer/s. The alternative is to decline the plan. Deferred till October meeting.
14) PLANNING UPDATES
a) WESTGATE - Approved with condition that the entrance is to the original drawing (3 Metres). Cllr R Walker to contact planning enforcement to check this.
b) EASTGATE - Approved with the condition that it is used as a holiday let only and not for family accommodation.
15) POLICY UPDATES - Asset Register, Electronic Payment, Management Risk Policy, Risk Assessment(All Confirmed). Delegate Responsibilty to be confirmed in October
16) COUNCILLORS REPORT - Cllr Alexander stated that the road signs previously reported had not been attended to. To put on Fix My Street again.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING - THURSDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2025 6PM SCOTTON VILLAGE HALL