March 2025 Minutes
SWINDERBY PARISH COUNCIL
DRAFT MINUTES OF
SWINDERBY PARISH COUNCIL
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
held on 10th March 2025
Held at Swinderby Village Hall
Present: Cllr G Lloyd (Chair), L Carter (Vice Chair), Cllrs. R Hodgson, S Longson, N Marris, J Gagg and A Haig.
Clerk: S Aikman
Also in attendance: Cllr M Elliot (NKDC) and 2 members of the public
Public Forum
Cllr A Briggs (LCC) and Cllr P Overton (NKDC) had sent their apologies.
Cllr Elliot reported on an online briefing for plans for new structures in Lincolnshire following the elections. There would possibly be a new 3 tier system with a mayor and 3 districts.
A public protest on solar farm proposals was being held at the Cornhill, Lincoln
1. To receive any apologies for absence.
No apologies.
2. To receive any declarations of interest
In accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and consider any requests for dispensation in relation to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests or any other interests as outlined in the Council’s Code of Conduct.
None
3. To receive and approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting 10th February 2025, previously circulated to members and published in draft to the website as required under the Transparency Code for Smaller Authorities.
Following a vote it was resolved unanimously that the minutes from 10th February 2025 were an accurate record of the meeting.
Progress reported on matters discussed:
- The signal box was ongoing.
- Research had been undertaken on matting to provide a walkway at the Playing Field. Work could not be undertaken until the pond had been completed by the developer. Further research would be undertaken on suitable matting that was affordable and effective.
4. Finance
a. To formally note Items of Income
Income Total
None
b. To formally approve items of expenditure
|
Payee |
Details |
Net |
VAT |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
G Lloyd |
VE Day flags |
£ 44.80 |
|
|
|
Unity |
Bank charges |
£ 6.00 |
|
|
|
Swinderby V Hall |
Meeting room |
£ 63.00 |
|
|
|
G Lloyd |
Printer ink |
£ 22.91 |
£ 4.58 |
£ 27.49 |
|
TSC Events |
Printing – Neighbourhood Plan |
£ 40.46 |
£ 8.08 |
£ 48.55 |
|
Westcotec |
Solar Panel |
£ 4,539.00 |
£ 907.80 |
£ 5,446.80 |
All expenditure including Clerk’s salary, PAYE and pension was presented by the Clerk and examined, verified and certified by the Council and approved unanimously.
c. Bank reconciliation for the year to date was approved unanimously.
d. To review spend against budget.
Reviewed.
5. Planning and Tree works
a. Applications Received
None
b. Applications Decided
None
A variation had been received for conversion of existing (retained) building to shop and offices at the new development. The possibility of including of solar panels was discussed and would be raised with NKDC Planning. ACTION: Cllr Lloyd
6. To report any updates regarding the Signal Box.
Ongoing.
7. To consider the Insurance Pre-Renewal Questionnaire.
Ponds, zip wire and speed indicator devices to be added. ACTION: Clerk
Councillors to consider the need for life-saving equipment near the planned pond.
8. To report on updates on repairs to the play equipment, including the future of the zip wire and installation of the goal posts.
The installation of the removable goal posts had not been undertaken following manufacturer’s instructions. It was unanimously resolved that the installer would be given the opportunity to re-install correctly. Payment for this section of the invoice was to be held back until satisfactory completion of the work. A detailed email, giving the reasons, would be sent to the contractor. ACTION: Clerk
9. To consider quotes for tree works and bramble clearing.
It was resolved to accept a quote of £650.
10. To consider the LCC Grass Cutting Parish Agreement 2025.
It was unanimously resolved to continue with the Grass Cutting Agreement. Copies had been sent to the contractor.
11. To receive an update on Betts Corner.
Swinderby Trust were the trustees for this land, with the Parish Council as custodians. The fruit trees had been planted and NKDC were visiting to take photos.
12. To receive an update on the Neighbourhood Plan.
The Neighbourhood Plan was still out for consultation. It was hoped this would be complete by the end of March. It would then be signed by the Parish Council and NKDC would undertake a vote.
13. To report on the current reporting, planned banking and committee for the Village Hall, including Parish Council responsibilities.
The Parish Council held a 99 year lease from the 1930’s. The Village Hall was then signed over to the Parish Council in the 1950’s. The Parish Council is the holding trustee. There are currently 2 members of the Village Hall committee. It was resolved to try and increase the number of trustees by advertising the need to residents. ACTION: Cllr Lloyd
A copy of the Village Hall Insurance should be held by the Parish Council. ACTION: Cllr Hodgson
14. To update on the application for funding for the proposed new play equipment.
A response was expected by the end of the month.
15. To report on the new speed indicator device.
The new speed indicator device had been installed and was proving to be effective.
16. To consider accessibility requirements for the nature reserve.
Already discussed.
17. To consider options and costs for the provision of WiFi at the Village Hall.
Cllr Haig had obtained 3 quotes. Matters such as security of the system and the possibility of a portable system were still to be explored. ACTION: Councillors
The Clerk would contact Claypole Parish Council for feedback following their installation of WiFi. ACTION: Clerk
18. Clerk and Councillors Reports (for information only), including a review of actions from minutes and matters that Councillors wish to be brought to the next or subsequent meetings.
No decisions may be made under this section, but councillors may wish to use this to flag up issues.
Cllr Gagg asked if the Play Area grass needed rolling. Cllr Lloyd would ask the grass contractors. ACTION: Cllr Lloyd.
Cllr Marris had been asked about a retrospective application for a traveller site towards Eagle, but this was outside of the remit of the Parish Council.
Cllr Lloyd confirmed that a litter pick would take place on 23rd March. Some residents were undertaking regular litter picks and had been lent equipment. Kisimul school had also offered to undertake a litter pick that they would arrange.
19. Correspondence
To note correspondence received.
|
Date |
Received From |
Description |
|
18.02.2025 |
Public request |
Scattering of ashes |
|
24.02.2025 |
NKDC |
Commemorative trees available |
|
25.02.2025 |
NKDC |
Invitation to North Kesteven Parish and Town Council Forum |
|
03.03.2025 |
LCC |
Views wanted at A1 safety event in Grantham |
20. Date of next meeting
Parish Council meeting 7.30pm Monday 14th April 2025
Meeting closed at 9.15 pm
Signed………………………………………… Date……………………………..