October 23 Minutes
HELPRINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Approved Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 11th October 2023
There were no members of the public present for Public Speaking time.
PRESENT
Parish Councillors
Geoff Hotchkin Chair
Julie Frizzell Vice Chair
George Frizzell Cemetery Officer
Robert Spencer
Mark Robinson (from Item 8)
William Watts
Councillor Russell Jackson District Councillor NKDC
1.0 WELCOME REMARKS BY THE CHAIR
The Chair opened the meeting and thanked everyone for their attendance. Considering the apologies received from our Clerk, it was agreed that the Vice Chair would draft the Clerk Notes.
2.0 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
The PC accepted the following apologies which had been tendered:
Clerk Julie Dixon
Cllr Chris Taylor
3.0 SIGNING OF THE MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting on 13th September 2023 were accepted as a true record and signed.
4.0 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES
There were no matter arising.
5.0 DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & DISPENSATIONS
There were no declarations of interest.
6.0 REPORT FROM DISTRICT COUNCILLORS
The report is attached to the minutes. The Chair thanks Cllr Jackson for his detailed report.
7.0 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
There was one matter to be considered:
7.1 Notification of Receipt of Planning Application
Planning Application Reference: 23/1063/HOUS
Proposal: Alterations to dwelling to include insertion of patio doors to replace windows in rear elevation, change to window on first floor, addition of skylight and erection of pergola and greenhouse together with associated landscaping
Location: The Old Manor House 3 George Street Helpringham Sleaford Lincolnshire
7.1.1 The PC discussed the application, the alterations and the supporting documentation. The PC supports the application. Cllr G Frizzell would add the supportive comment to the NKDC website.
7.2 Support to PCs from the NKDC Planning Department was discussed with Cllr Jackson. There remains concern about the management of the planning application on George Street and acknowledgement of the PC, and other residents’, comments and observations. Cllr Jackson kindly offered to liaise directly with a Planning Officer to again highlight the strength of the PC’s view.
8.0 FINANCE
8.1 To accept the financial report and bank reconciliation. The original bank statements were examined by the PC; each line of the statement was confirmed during the meeting against the cheque book and paying in documents. Full reconciliation would be completed post-meeting.
8.2 To approve the payments to be made at the meeting
CJP Garden Services £660.00 INV 446 & 444 No VAT
J Dixon £286.00 No VAT
NKDC Election Costs £49.70 No VAT
Cllr Spencer proposed and Cllr Watts seconded payments.
10.0 CEMETERY AND CONSERVATION AREA
10.1 There have been no interments. Memorials for plot I42 and I 44 is paid and ongoing (yet to be erected).
10.2 Conservation area is looking well as we approach autumn.
11.0 CHURCH CLOCK AND PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE
11.1 Smiths of Derby have conducted the annual service and have fixed the problem with the bell.
11.2 Website and Social Media are up to date.
12.0 HIGHWAY MATTERS
12.1 The Speed Awareness report is on the website and available to all to access directly here. Extreme speeds are still occasionally happening, with top speeds of plus 70mph recorded on two of the devices. Encouragingly, the average is reducing to 30-35mph. We are again grateful for the work and time that Mr Aaron Walker is giving to coordinate this for the PC.
12.2 There were no other Highway matters discussed.
13.0 MATTERS AFFECTING THE VILLAGE/CORRESPONDENCE
13.1 A resident had contacted the PC to express their dismay at their property being discussed at the PC meeting. The resident had expected an invitation to the PC if their property was to be discussed. The issue related to the height of a fence on the corner of George Street. It was confirmed that whilst this had been raised, it was a Highways matter and the PC had referred the issue to Highways. Notwithstanding the PC’s empathy with the resident, it is outwith the PC’s authority and we would encourage the resident to contact Highways.
13.2 The Meeting closed to the press and public to discuss the recruitment and appointment to the position of Parish Clerk.
13.2.1 Decision. Cllr G Frizzell proposed and Cllr Robinson seconded. It was unanimously agreed to confirm the appointment of Mrs J Pittock as Parish Clerk; we are delighted to welcome her to the Parish Council team. The Vice Chair will lead on HR matters.
The meeting was reopened to the press and public.
13.4 The Chair and all Councillors wished to record their gratitude and appreciation to Mrs Julie Dixon, who stands down as Parish Clerk this month and now hands over to Mrs Pittock. As Parish Clerk, Mrs Dixon has been a valued member of our team and superb clerk; we are particularly grateful to her for the pivotal role played in enabling the PC to recover post-2020 and all the challenges (both covid and financial) we faced.
14 Date and time of the next meetings:
Wednesday 8th November 2023
Thursday 14th December 2023
The Chair closed the meeting at 2025 hrs.
District Councillors Report Helpringham - Oct 2023
Sleaford’s Market Place
The Planning Application for the change to the Market Place can be viewed on line. The application number is 23/0803/FUL
Monument Gardens
There’s still time for residents to respond to a survey asking how they use Monument Gardens in Sleaford, ahead of proposals soon to refresh the space, which is next to Sleaford Museum on Southgate.
The project by North Kesteven District Council could see the existing floral beds at Monument Gardens reshaped, with the possible addition of a small herb bed and some extra benches. There is also a suggestion that the area could incorporate a new mosaic, as can be seen in so many other areas of Sleaford town centre and along the river corridor.
A survey has been undertaken asking how people rate Monument Garden’s facilities. It asks how people feel about the seating, lighting, convenience and accessibility at Monument Gardens as it is currently, and what kinds of activities they would like to see it accommodate in future.
This survey is still available online until 31 October
See how far your Magic Tenner travels
Shoppers can enjoy great deals in Sleaford while seeing how their spending ripples out across the local economy in North Kesteven through a new campaign.
The Magic Tenner event runs from Saturday 7 October until Saturday 21 October and will see a number of retailers in the town offering up £10 deals. You can spot these offers by looking for Magic Tenner posters in shop windows.
Lots of those taking part are also displaying Magic Tenner posters with the number of local businesses that supply or work with them – so you can see how your £10 spent there will directly support other local people and livelihoods.
Purple Bins
Two years after their introduction, 98.62% perfect-quality paper and cardboard was collected last year.
The RiverLight festival volunteer call out - Saturday 21 October, 2023
RiverLight festival is calling for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to help create an unforgettable celebration of Sleaford’s history, stories, and unique spaces, all centred around the beautiful river that runs through it. It’s a great chance to contribute to an event that will shine a spotlight on our town’s vibrant essence.
How to Sign Up
If you’re excited to be a part of the RiverLight Festival and want to contribute your time and energy to make it an extraordinary event, we’d love to have you on board!
Volunteer briefings will take place on Thursday 19 October (pm) online and Saturday 21 October (am) exact timings to be confirmed, you will need to be able to attend at least one of these. Details on the website.