Minutes & Agendas

HELPRINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Approved Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 16th March 2022

PRESENT

Councillors Geoff Hotchkin (Chairman), George Frizzell, William Watts, Malcolm Ternouth and Robert Spencer.  Parish Clerk Julie Dixon and District Councillor Stewart Ogden.

PUBLIC SPEAKING TIME

There were no members of the public present

1.0        WELCOME REMARKS BY CHAIRMAN

The Chairman welcomed the Councillors to the meeting and  thanked them for their attendance.

2.0        APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from District Councillor Sally Tarry and Councillor’s Julie Frizzell and Mark Robinson.

3.0        SIGNING OF THE MINUTES

It was resolved to adopt the minutes of the meeting of 9th February 2022 as a true and correct record.

 4.0       MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

 5.0       DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & DISPENSATIONS 

Cllr Robert Spencer declared an interest in Section 8.2

6.0        REPORT FROM DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

District Councillor Stewart Ogden reported that North Kesteven District Council has approved a 2.84% increase in Council tax for the coming year.

7.0         PLANNING APPLICATIONS 

There were no planning applications to discuss.

8.0         FINANCE

8.1 The financial report and bank reconciliation presented by the Clerk were accepted..

8.2 Grant funding applications have been received from Heckington Area Voluntary Car Service (HAVCS) for the sum of £300.00 and from Helpringham Playingfield for the sum of £1000.00. It was resolved to accept both applications subject to receiving approved accounts.

8.3 No further financial matters were discussed.

8.4 The following payments were approved at the meeting.

9.0         CEMETERY MATTERS AND CONSERVATION AREA

Councillor George Frizzell reported that there are no interments this month. There are two memorial applications ongoing and four exclusive rights of burial.

The benches for the Cemetery and the Conservation area around the pond have been received and the Parish Council are awaiting a price for the plinth and fitting from the contractor. The Clerk has attempted to contact the contractor, so far to no avail but will telephone again.

The grass cutting around the cemetery and the village in general is to an exceptional standard and the bulbs planted by Chris Pell around the pond area are beginning to flower with a lovely display.

10.0       CHURCH CLOCK AND PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE

The Church clock is running approximately 6 minutes fast.

The website is up to date running well.

11.0       HIGHWAYS.

11.1 It is disappointing that the proposed starting date for the  Station Road footpath of 14th March has passed with no work being commenced. County Councillor Andrew Key has advised that according to Rowan Smith at the Highways department the project is still scheduled to go ahead, however the Parish Council is yet to receive official notification of this.

11.2 County Councillor Andrew Key, Parish Council Chairman Geoff Hotchkin and Councillor George Frizzell met with Rowan Smith from North Kesteven County Council on Tuesday 22nd February to discuss the state of the roads, speed reduction and the possibility of the erection of village gates.

Vicarage lane was viewed and Rowan Smith advised that there would be no repairs to the road until the completion of developments taking place at this time.

Highgate is an area of concern due to the speed of vehicles pass the school. Flashing lights were discussed, however, these would carry a cost of around £2,000.00 each.

Chairman Geoff Hotchkin is not a great fan of village gates, however Rowan Smith advised that they are probably the most cost effective speed deterrent.

The Parish Council would like to express their thanks to County Councillor Andrew Key and Rowan Smith for their time and expertise given over these matters.

Please could everyone continue to report pot holes via ‘Fix my street’ and fly tipping to NKDC.

12.0       MATTERS AFFECTING THE VILLAGE / CORRESPONDENCE

12.1 Heckington Parish Council are to run a speed awareness training for any members of   the Parish of Heckington and Helpringham who would be willing to train in this area to be able to help out with speed checks within the villages. ANYONE can apply to be a volunteer and training will be given.

The Parish of Helpringham are in desperate need of volunteers. Anyone willing to volunteer, please contact the Clerk in the first instance.

12.2 The Queens Platinum Jubilee Councillor Malcolm Ternouth advised that the trees planted to commemorate the Jubilee are in danger of being destroyed by dogs being allowed to urinate on them. He has bought some protective netting, however, please could members of the public be aware when walking their dogs that these trees are still quite immature. It was resolved to buy three commemorative plaques for the trees at a cost of £30.00 each. There has been a small committee set up within the village to organise celebrations on Sunday 5th June to include a proposed picnic on the green. Anyone wishing to be involved or who could offer sponsorship should contact Malcolm Ternouth on 07791 626370. The Parish Council will be sponsoring the event with a figure to be agreed at the next meeting  

13.0       MATTERS OF URGENCY /ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There was no matters of urgency or any other business.

14.         DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday  13th April 2022 in Helpringham Village Memorial Hall at 19:30 Hours.