March 2023 Minutes
South Somercotes with Scupholme Fen Houses PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 13th March 2023 at St. Peter’s Church, Louth Road, South Somercotes
Present:
Chair Cllr Mr David Poulter
Vice-Chair Cllr Mrs Denise Day
Cllr Mrs Rowena Benton
Cllr Mrs Tracey Poulter
Cllr Mrs Pauline Jackson
Also Present:
Clerk Ms Natalie Daly
County & District Cllr Mr Daniel McNally (6:06pm)
Members of Public Mr B Lewis
Item 0323/17 Chairman’s Welcome
The Chairman opened the meeting at 5:57pm and welcomed everyone. The last meeting that was scheduled to be held on the 6th March 2023 had to be cancelled due to illness.
Item 0323/18 Public Forum
No matters raised under this Item. Mr Lewis was in attendance to express an interest in becoming a Parish Councillor.
Item 0323/19 Apologies & Acceptance for Absence
Apologies were received and accepted from District Cllr Mr Paul Rickett.
Item 0323/20 Police Matters
Community Beat Manager Holly Loyd had emailed to give apologies for not being able to attend the meeting. They are currently aware of concerns raised in relation to door to door traders in the area over the last few weeks. Residents are encouraged not to agree to have any works done until residents have checked the trader’s name & address, been given written notice of their right to cancel and an explicit agreement on the work to be done & how much it will cost. It is advised that reputable tradesmen will be happy to provide this information and anything to report, please call Lincolnshire Police on 101 using 999 in an emergency only. Information leaflets on frauds are available.
Item 0323/21 District & County Councillor Updates
County & District Cllr Mr McNally reported on: There will be an increase to both District and County Council Tax. The increase is estimated around £4.00 for District due to the increase for the Drainage Board and 5% increase to County, 3% on normal services and 2% for Adult Social Care.
There is some Grant Funding available, Cllr Mr McNally will forward the information to the Clerk
Highways will be carrying out works now 7 days a week.
Mr Lewis raised questions on broadband provisions for the area and any known projects that would be forthcoming. The Gigabit Scheme from the Government was discussed but thought to have been stopped due to funding being awarded and the projects not being completed.
Item 0323/22 Declarations of Pecuniary Interest in accordance with LGA 2011
None.
Item 0323/23 To Resolve as Minutes the record of the meeting held on the 6th February 2023
It was proposed by the Vice-Chair, Cllr Mrs Day, seconded by Cllr Mrs Jackson and resolved that the Minutes of the meeting held on the 6th February 2023 were a true record. The Chair duly signed and dated the Minutes as a true record.
Item 0323/24 Chairman’s Report
The Chairman reported that he had re-installed the Telephone Signs at the BT Kiosk & carried out repairs to the Noticeboard doors which are now opening & closing with ease.
Item 0323/25 Clerks Report
BT Kiosk – Awaiting connection from Northern PowerGrid. The Heated Cabinet and Defibrillator has been received and the installation was discussed. It was noted that the access code for all Defibrillators was C159X. The Chairman will look at the BT Kiosk to see if the current set up is suitable for installation and advise what work if any would be necessary to ensure the defibrillator is installed safely.
Forthcoming Local Elections – ELDC packs were distributed to Parish Councillors that will be standing in the Local Elections to be held on the 4th May 2023.
Item 0323/26 Parish Councillor Reports
Cllr Mrs Jackson will be organising the Kings Coronation event to be held on Sunday 7th May 2023, 2-4pm at St. Peters Church. There will be Tea/Coffee/Refreshments along with cakes. Leaflets will be created and ready for distribution at the next meeting.
Item 0323/27 Financial Matters
Invoice received from Tudor Ground Maintenance for the grass-cutting relating to the churchyard £120.00 inc. VAT.
It was proposed by Cllr Mr Benton, seconded by the Vice-Chair Cllr Mrs Day and Resolved to pay the above invoice.
Item 0323/28 Planning Matters
No Planning Matters.
Item 0323/29 Highway/Lighting/Footpath Matters
The Street-Light near to the gated entrance to Church Farm is permanently lit. This has already been reported. County/District Cllr Mr McNally will look into the defect.
The footpath near to Gander Patch has still not been repaired and has been reported previously. County/District Cllr Mr McNally will also investigate this matter.
Cllr Mrs Benton complimented on the patching works carried out on East Row which have made an improvement.
Marsh Lane repairs have been completed along with repairs to the Old Louth Road at Scupholme.
Ings Lane is still in a state of dis-repair.
Item 0323/30 Jubilee Field & St. Peters Church
Compliments had been received on the grass-cutting works carried out at St. Peters Church. The Parish Council were also pleased with the work. St. Peters Churchyard will continue to be cut on a monthly basis.
Item 0323/31 Reports from Outside Bodies
An update for the Kings Coronation Celebration Event will be placed in the Communication along with the date of the next meeting.
Item 0323/32 Next Meeting – Monday 3rd April 2023 6PM
The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on Monday 3rd April 2023 commencing at 6pm with the Public Forum.
With there being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 6:38pm.