2024 Minutes

BISHOP NORTON & ATTERBY PARISH COUNCIL

Record of the Parish Council meeting held in the village hall on Monday 8th January 2024 at 7.30pm. 

PRESENT: Councillors: Cllr Suggit (Chairman,) Cllr Thody, Cllr Freeman, Cllr Dean, Cllr Widdop, Cllr Guy, Cllr Townsend and Mrs J Moore, Clerk.
 
Public Question Time: Mr and Mrs Lee and Mr Flear were in attendance.
 
1. Apologies for absence: None received.  

2a. Record of last meeting (13 November 2023): All agreed and duly signed as a true record. 
2b. Record of 9 October 2023 Extraordinary meeting:  All agreed and duly signed as a true record. 

3.  Matters arising: None that would not be discussed later.

4. County & District Councillor Reports: 

County & District: 

Cllr Stephen Bunney (representing Lincolnshire County and West Lindsey District Councils) gave updates on Scampton, Devolution/County Mayor proposal, Flooding Resilience efforts, Policing and Highways. Most developments had been largely covered in the National/Regional News, but he was able to expand on some component factors. A Countywide review on Road Safety issues (including that for the A15 - and the high accident frequency stretch between Caenby Corner northwards to the County boundary) had still to be promulgated. 

Policing – The model has changed. Recorded crime levels are statistically currently fairly low in our area. 

Devolution – Under the levelling up agreement the Government have indicated that they would like to see a devolution of funding and powers from national level to local level. County was investigating joining with North East Lincs and North Lincs to create a greater force. The plan would be an elected mayor - who would have authority to work with different authorities and departments towards Housing growth, adult education, industrial growth etc. The principal of local needs to make decision seems good, but whether the structure is correct to deliver needed validating. Funding expectations were (county-wide) £28 million for first year, £24 million/annum thereafter. Biggest strength - other than money – was seen as a common, influential focussed voice. Mayors would be able to levy local money – WLDC might resist. The £28 million and subsequent tranches would include all capitation costs.

There was no new information on the A15 safety review. County priorities were on reducing fatal accidents first and appeared to remain so. Statistics on A15 speeding and accident cases could be sought from the Police under Freedom of Information arrangements, but would not be publicly promulgated otherwise, although Cllr Bunney will look into it for us. 

Cllr Bunney will continue to pursue the public footpath improvement between the Atterby Beck and Atterby. 

5. Declarations of interest; to receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011: 
Cllr Widdop and Cllr Freeman declared an interest in item 9; Cllr Townsend, Cllr Suggit, Cllr Thody declared an interest in item 13.

6.  Planning Applications: The Application 147434 has been passed now. 

7/8.  Community Resilience and Flooding: 

The frequent flooding at the junction of Norton Lane and Glentham Road, together with effects for the residents of the adjacent property, were discussed at considerable length. Cllr Bunney, Cllr Suggit and Mr David Lee had previously met on site and Cllr Bunney had since ensured the problem was on 'the radar' of Highways and had requested a specialist assessment to inform a viable solution (12.12.2023 – Joe Phillips Highways Officer - Regional). Mr Lee briefed Council on a history of the problem, his personal efforts over the years to mitigate threats and his perspective of contributory factors. Two of the culverts had evident blockages and the flooding was largely due to controlled water escapement along one ditch being inadequate for the quantities being channelled into the junction by the three stretches of road and three ditches involved, two of the latter being poorly maintained. County resources were limited, but would be applied within their prioritization if a local solution could not fix - the Parish Council would keep County updated and press accordingly. Mr Lee provided the Council with his brief for reference as necessary. Cllr Bunney advised any requests for a road closure would need to be instigated by the Police. 
Any local rainfall statistics would be very useful when seeking higher authority involvement.

Regarding getting the culvert cleared as soon as possible. Cllr Bunney said that it leads to the question of who pays for it. The road is owned by LCC, but the bit underneath may not be owned, per se. Cllr Bunney brought the first of three Flood Warning signs for contingencies and the PC would procure four more - part of a problem was traffic wash due to driver speed. Mr Lee would formally ask a local farmer to improve riperian ditch drainage and advise the PC accordingly. The PC would duly restock a sandbag sand reserve for contingencies and look to procure nearby storage means. WLDC would be advised that the flooding risk was the Village’s primary Resilience risk.

Heavy rain effects on street drainage in Well Street/Stonepit Lane were also discussed, principally when excess foul water etc poured out of the drains onto the road surface. This was not a new matter, but would now be elevated to West Lindsey Environmental Health as sewage debris reportedly involved.

Ady Selby at WLDC to be contacted about sand for the sandbags. 

Cllr Bunney was thanked for his attendance and left at 20:58.

Following discussion, it was determined that the PC source 3 additional flood warning signs aimed at slowing traffic at a cost of up to £200.00. Proposed by Cll Freeman and seconded by Cllr Townsend. All voted and approved; Clerk to co-ordinate payment. 

9. Playing Field improvements and Grant Application: Clerk circulated options for a wooden structure facility for new playing area. A Clamber Tower 3 unit was favoured. Councillors agreed that funding should be applied for based on the quotes received. It was asked if the adult gym equipment would be left and due to likely grant expectations, it would probably have to be staged. Cllr Widdop agreed to revise the grant application for consideration at the next meeting.

10. Finance update: (See RFO finance report): No queries raised.  

11. Government service pay agreement: 3.88% agreed and noted. 

12. Grass cutting estimate: It was agreed to get more prices for comparison and additionally get a quote for picking up the grass, rather than leaving it in situ. 

13. Allotment fees 2024/2025: It was agreed that the price would remain the same at £5 for a half and £10 for a full allotment.

14. Final precept 2024/2025: Final precept agreed at £6,750 and form completed and countersigned.

15. Grass strip in front of playing field: The Parish Council can create a bylaw, this can be completed once play equipment installed. 
Signs to be purchased – 4 would be suitable as a deterrent with one to say you can park in the Village Hall. 

16. Dog Fouling: A public information piece had been published in the Triangle to encourage reduced dog fouling; as of yet it doesn’t seem to have improved the situation and a follow-up notice would be repeated.  
 
17. Village flower /boxes: Highway permission needs to be sought, a design and specification needs to be sent to obtain permission. Cllr Freeman distributed prices and options. All agreed that wooden planters were most suitable. Clerk to send to Highways for permission in 5 locations as a precursor to next actions.   

18. Defibrillator at Atterby: Chairman is asking a Parishioner regarding the possibility of siting. 

19. Correspondence: 
- Devolution proposal: Cllr Bunney covered in his report. 
- Unsolicited land offer in Bishop Norton: WLDC had been informed, as a matter of propriety. No further action for the time being.
- Community Speed Watch: Information had been received offering participation possibilities.

20. Items for next meeting: Flooding Risk update, Playing field improvements, Flower Beds, Community speed watch

21. Date of next meeting: Monday 11th March 2024 at 7:30pm – (Confirmed)

 
Chairman thanked all in attendance and meeting closed at 10.15pm.
 
 
Chairman signed………………………………………. Date: ……………………….