February 2025 Minutes
Minutes of
Great Gonerby Parish Council Meeting
on 3 February 2025
at the Memorial Hall
Meeting commenced 7.15pm
Public Forum -12 parishioners present
Topics raised:
A parishioner and school parent explained that St Sebastian’s school would like the school bell reinstated as a heritage initiative, which would support the Heritage theme of the Neighbourhood Plan.
It was suggested that the teachers and children could have a talk about the Neighbourhood Plan project, especially on the Environment theme. The head teacher has said she would be happy for the proposed Neighbourhood Plan promotional flyer to go home in the book bags.
Parish meeting commenced 7.30pm.
Present: Councillors T Bridle, G Beckett, K Davey, M Neal, K White,
D Jacobs, M Beckett, E Austen
AGENDA
1. Apologies and Absences - none received.
2. Declarations of interest or dispensations - none notified
3. Co-Option of Parish Councillors - four applications had been received for the three Parish Councillor vacancies. Applicants were given an opportunity to say a few words. One applicant was delayed and a statement was read by the Clerk on his behalf. A voting slip ballot then took place by the eight Councillors present. The result was 8/8/5/3 - three applicants achieved the required majority vote and were duly elected. All applicants were thanked for their interest. Cllr A Davey, Cllr T Davis and Cllr M Davis were welcomed by the Chairman and invited to join the councillors at the table.
4. Staffing Committee - Cllr Neal introduced Caroline Marion, the successful applicant for the position of Clerk with a start date of 5 February. Proposed Cllr Austen, seconded Cllr K Davey.
Cllr Neal also advised that a vacancy had arisen for a councillor to join the staffing committee and asked for interested councillors to contact her to discuss.
The departing clerk Mrs Bennett is to receive a signed card and gift voucher as a token of councillors’ appreciation. Cllr Neal to present. A vote of thanks to the Clerk was made by the Chairman.
5. The Minutes of the meeting on 6 January 2025 - approved and signed.
6. Matters arising -
Defibrillator responsibility now taken on by Cllr Jacobs and Cllr Austen. Updates to Complaints Policy had been circulated by Cllr Austen - approved, proposer Cllr Jacobs, seconder Cllr Neil.
An update of the Communications Protocol is to be moved to March meeting agenda.
7. Highways update - by Cllr Maughan of LCC.
He clarified that Allison Homes had paid £400,000 towards improvements of the Belton Lane/Newark Hill junction. A feasibility study has taken place by LCC to consider options and costings for junction improvements. A summary of findings will be shared with the Parish Council in due course.
The Belton Lane railway bridge weight restriction liability is under consideration.
The proposed road link with bridge via Pennine Way with Barrowby Lodge estate is unlikely to happen.
It was confirmed the existing 30mph signs close to the new decorative village signs will not be removed.
The bank of trees and brambles overgrowth on the road between the village and Hill Foot was discussed and was unlikely to be resolved by LCC direct. It was suggested this be reported on Fix My Street in the first instance - the Clerk to action this.
Proposed road-painted 30mph roundels and zig zag lines on the village approach up Newark Hill before Belton Lane junction have been ordered with LCC by Cllr Maughan.
Belton Lane potholes were discussed - it is not a main road so does not take priority. LCC have 90 days limit to repair reported potholes on side roads. It was suggested to report issues on Fix My Street.
Cllr Maughan mentioned that he would not be standing again at the 2 May LCC elections.
8. Policy updates:
a). A Memorial Management Policy draft had been circulated by Cllr G Beckett for adoption to ensure our cemeteries’ gravestones are regularly monitored for stability, with appropriate safety measures taken and recorded. Approved - proposer Cllr White, seconder Cllr Neal.
b). Standing Orders update proposed by Cllr K Davey to enable continued parish email access for a departing councillor for handover of projects. Clerk access would be the default, with councillor approval. Approved - prosper Cllr G Beckett, seconder Cllr White.
c). Financial Regulations update proposed by Cllr Bridle to allow for 4 signatories in future to avoid situation of a single signatory remaining after any resignations. Chair, Vice, Clerk and one other councillor as signatories proposed. Approved - proposer Cllr M Beckett, seconder Cllr White.
9. Official Correspondence & Planning
Cllr Bridle reported - LALC e-news received (Cllr K Davey declared an interest) - training course opportunities to be circulated to the new councillors and Clerk.
An email received from a parishioner with a vote of thanks for Cllr White for helping at the scene of a recent accident and transporting a casualty to hospital.
One planning application had been received for residential extension on Pond Street.
10. Project Updates:
a). Website - Cllr G Beckett reported that the current greatgonerbyonline website has not been fit for purpose and is out of date. A replacement website has been actioned through LALC and is live but currently being populated with updated information. As soon as this is nearing completion, the old website will be pointed to the new website and this will then be publicised on the village Facebook.
b). Orchards Project - Cllr White reported no further progress as yet on planting the grant funded fruits trees. The deadline is the end of March for planting, and photographic evidence to enable the grant balance to be paid.
c). Neighbourhood Plan - Cllr Bridle reported that the project consultant is now onboard. The next NP meeting was suggested for the end of February and date to be announced. A brainstorm by NP leads and supporters is underway to produce a leaflet for mass letterbox circulation around the village, to publicise the next NP meetings.
d). Environment - Cllr G Beckett reported that the grass verge cutting contract is in place for 2025. Quotes are imminent for tree surgery on the Millennium Wood road overhanging trees, to be actioned before April. The Great British Spring Clean 2025 takes place from 21March to 6 April - scope for a village initiative was mentioned. Orange 30mph speed check signs - four have been purchased by a councillor for positioning shortly on lamposts or telegraph poles in appropriate locations to encourage speed reduction.
11. Financial Matters:
a). A financial report for January had been circulated and was clarified by Cllr Bridle. No issues raised.
b). An accounts paid report had been circulated - no issues raised. Invoices were approved and signed off.
c). Accounting System new Workbook - Cllr M Beckett explained that the new system was currently being populated with data for January to March, with a proposal to fully use the system from 1 April 2025. He explained that the system will allow for comprehensive report production for 2025/2026 as required.
12. Any Other Business
Speed Indicator Signs - Cllr K Davey explained that an SKDC grant, on 50/50 contribution basis, has become available at short notice to enable purchase and erection of three large solar/battery flashing speed indicator signs. Purchase had been approved by councillors and delivery taken of the signs. LCC will fix poles and mount the cameras, locations have been discussed and proposed in consultation with three councillors. March-May timescale proposed for erection.
Charlie statue at The Pond - Cllr Neal explained that moisture is getting into the repaired foot and a possibility was being considered of dipping the statue into a preserving metal. It was suggested that the maker of the statue Nigel Sanderson be contacted first for advice. Cllr Neal to liaise with Clerk.
VE Day on 8 May 2025 - Cllr White has offered to create a raised flowerbed on the Church Green and to supply plants to create a Union flag in celebration of VE Day. He proposed that the flower bed planting could then be funded by the Parish Council for all year round displays as a community project. To be discussed in more detail at March parish meeting.
Solar Farm, Marston - Cllr K Davey explained that the parish council is still waiting to receive our community financial benefit from the Solar Farm. This is being followed up by Cllr K Davey.
13. Motions for Next Meeting 3rd March
A proposed extension of the village conservation area is being researched by Cllr A Davey, to include The Pinfold and village green area. A site visit will take place in due course with the authorities concerned.
The meeting ended 9.10pm.