Minutes 2024

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Minutes of the Sutton Bridge Parish Council Meeting held 19:00hrs Tuesday, 26 March 2024, in the Curlew Centre Bridge Room, Sutton Bridge.

Present: Cllr Ann Billings, Cllr Michael Booth, Cllr Chris Brewis, Cllr Diane Cook, Cllr Sue McLaughlin, Cllr Natalie Mills, Cllr Mary Middleton (Chair), Cllr Melvyn Philpott, Cllr Michelle Pitt, Mrs. C Smith (clerk), County Cllr Jack Tyrell.

Member of the Public: Nine Press:One

Unless otherwise stated, actions are to be undertaken by the clerk.

24.044. There were no apologies received as all Councillors were present.

24.045. There were no declarations of interests received.

24.046. The following public representations were received:

i. Bus Shelters – concerns were expressed that some of them were full of rubbish and leaves, with dirty glass and signage.

ii. Dog waste signs to take bags home – more of these signs were needed.

iii. Cemetery – Cllrs and staff were thanked for a speedy response to the incident of camping in the cemetery.

iv. Bus stop lean/seat – a request to consider a seat or lean for the bus stop near the Curlew Centre.

v. Gateway to Lincolnshire – concern was expressed that there was a lot of dirt built up around the roundabout edge and near the bridge. This would be brought to the attention of LCC.

24.047. It was resolved to approve the minutes of the 27 February 2024 Parish Council meeting.

24.048. Police matters

i. The PPC election on 2nd May was noted.

24.049. Chair’s report.

i. Mr Nigel Fenton – it had been reported to the Parish Council that past Cllr Nigel Fenton had died. Parish Councillors sent their condolences to his family.

ii. Training – a useful and informative training session had been attended.

iii. APM – the annual parish meeting had been held earlier in the month. 

iv. Election – an election for the two Parish Council vacancies would be held on 2 May 2024.

24.050. Clerks Report

i. Scribe – the new accounting software was now accessible and the cost centres and codes for use in the accounts and budgeting functions have been set out. The clerk had reviewed some of the training materials and this would be ongoing for staff over the next few months. 

ii. Fireworks – White Lightning had confirmed 5 November 2024 display at the same price as last year of £2500. 

iii. The Memorial Park tree work undertaken by the church contractors would be restarted on 4 or 5 April to complete the work. Most of the work would be accessed from the other side of the hedge. The church warden had discussed the remedial works with office staff and confirmed that the contractor would be carrying this out. An email had been sent to remind the contractors to complete this work.

iv. Walsingham Pilgrimage – the walking group were staying in the Curlew Centre and would be using the showers at the Pavilion.

v. The electric vehicle had a problem with the lock and had been taken to Tears for repairs. We were waiting to hear if they can fix it or need to send for a part.

vi. The Parish Council had applied for the free portrait of King Charles III.

24.051. Cllr J Tyrell reported on the following LCC (Lincolnshire County Council) matters:

i. Slushies – these drinks contain alcohol and should not be consumed by any child under four.

ii. Vapes – these should be disposed of responsibly as they were a fire risk.

iii. Waste centre – at the moment SHDC transport waste to Boston and receive a payment to do so, SHDC were looking at the possibility of opening a local centre.

iv. Garden waste – the first collection start on Saturday and will continue monthly throughout the summer. 

24.052. Cllr Booth reported on the following SHDC (South Holland District Council) matters:

i. King Charles III walk – the Hunstanton to Sutton Bridge route was now open.

ii. SHDC would be celebrating 50 years of service on 1 April, some of the older members had been invited to speak at an event to mark this anniversary.

iii. Electric Chargers – SHDC would be taking over the running of these to encourage better usage.

iv. Oldrids – the carpark would be remaining open with one hour free.

24.053. Cllr Brewis reported on the following SHDC (South Holland District Council) matters.

i. Thanks were given to the chair for the comprehensive update on the Pavilion project.

ii. St Matthews Housing – it was hoped that further investment would be made in the area.

iii. Loan sharks – the prevalence of loan sharks was on the rise and Cllr Brewis would arrange for leaflets to be delivered to all residents giving information on how to avoid being scammed.

iv. 40mph limit at Little Sutton – Cllr Brewis would like to have seen this extended through to Sutton Bridge

v. Drainage – Cllr Brewis reported on the record rainfall and the much-needed work done by local drainage board and pumping stations to deal with the excess water.

24.054. Financial Matters 

i. It was resolved to approve the February cash book and bank reconciliation.

ii. It was resolved to approve payments to 26 March 2024 as below. Cllr Middleton and Cllr Philpott agreed to authorise bank payments.

24.055. LALC Training Scheme – it was resolved to continue to subscribe to the LALC training scheme.

24.056. Purchase of a Gazebo/Marquee for events – Cllr Cook offered to donate a 10ft gazebo for events, this was accepted. It was agreed to defer the decision about a larger gazebo until more information was available.

24.057. External Audit Instructions - Council received the 2023/24 AGAR instructions, audit would need to be submitted before 1 July. It was agreed to confirm the dates for the period for the exercise of public rights to be 3 June to Friday 12 July by appointment.

24.058. Election 2 May – Cllrs noted that the election notice had been received and advertised on the noticeboard and website.

24.059. Correspondence

i. King Charles III way – Cllrs noted the notice regarding the opening of the route. 

ii. Placemaking project – Cllrs noted the placemaking work, which had been delayed was now underway. 

24.060. Request for information on individual staff salaries and budget information – it was noted that a similar request had been made previously, Councillors declined to share details about individual staff salaries. The clerk would make a final response confirming the decision. Cllrs reiterated that the budget raises were necessary and that comparatively with other councils the raises were in line, or below other councils.

24.061. Planning Applications. 

i. H18-0208-24: 190 Proposed Garage Hospital Drove Long Sutton – It was resolved to support the application. (Cllr Brewis abstained.)

24.062. Councillors noted the Planning Decisions made by South Holland District Council

i. H18-0040-24: Gunthorpe Rd Solar Farm Scheme Investigation. Approved.

ii. H18-0034-24: The Beeches, Bridge Rd, Telecommunications mast, and cabinets. Approved

iii. H18-1034-24: Gunthorpe Rd Solar Panel Farm, installation. Approved

24.063. Committee Reports 

01. Pavilion Committee 

i. Cllr Middleton reported that the prize draw had raised £612.50 for the pavilion funds and thanked Cllr Philpott for organising the draw, unfortunately the planned party had been cancelled as not enough tickets were sold.

ii. Social media – a Facebook page to improve communications and update people was being created.

iii. The volunteer project manager was drawing up the tender documents so that all would be ready when the funding was obtained.

02. Open Spaces, Burial and Allotment Committee 

i Play areas - following safety reports some of the equipment would need to be removed or fenced off. Cllrs discussed the need for a project to develop a new play area. It was agreed that this would need to be considered at a later date when the project and full report was available. The safety of the area without a fence was discussed.

ii. Event 6 June 2024 – to mark the 80 anniversary of D Day it was resolved to hold an event to light a beacon.

iii. Event 15 June 2024 – it was resolved to hold a summer fete where trooping of the colour would be streamed in the Curlew Centre at the start of the day.

iv. Fireworks – it was previously agreed that the event would be on 5 November with the same budget as last year.

v. Christmas – it was reported that the planned Christmas event had been cancelled, it was resolved that the Parish Council would plan an event in the Curlew Centre.

03.  There were no other committee and working party reports.

24.064. There were no Outside body representative reports.

24.065. Public Representations – second session

i.   Play Equipment – concerns were expressed that all the play equipment had problems.

ii. Summer Fete – an idea to include a Dog Show was suggested.

iii. Charging Points – there were no signs to the charging points, this may be beneficial as they were a little out of the way at the back of the Curlew Centre. Cllr Booth would bring this to the attention of SHDC.

iv.   Play area – it was suggested that some of the local trade people might be approached to help with work to the play areas.

24.066. It was resolved to move into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 s.1(2).

Members of the public left the meeting. 

24.067. Quotes for work.

i. Cllrs noted the safety report identifying the fence and A-Frame as high risk, it was resolved to approve the quote of £920 and remove these as soon as possible.

24.068. Staffing & Administration Matters 

i. Cllrs received a report on staff absence and the proposed appointment of a temporary outside operative. It was resolved that this would go ahead as recommended by the Personnel committee.

The chair closed the meeting at 20:35hrs.