November 2021 Minutes

Morton and Hanthorpe Parish Council
5, The Paddock, Morton, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 0NY
Telephone: 01778 571249      Email: mhpc.clerk@btinternet.com

24th November 2021

Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 23rd November 2021                                                                               

7.15pm PUBLIC FORUM

6 members of the public attended. A number of which were from the Morton & Hanthorpe Village Events Committee who had submitted a letter to the Council. This was circulated to the Councillors prior to the meeting. A statement from Pastor Andy McManus was read out to the meeting supporting the efforts to hold a village event on the playing field off Station Rd. next July. Discussion took place regarding initial views and concerns but was further discussion under Item 4 of the agenda.

7.30pm PARISH COUNCIL MEETING – Chairman: Cllr. R. Wells.

1.    TO CONSIDER APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

Apologies for County Cllr. M. Hill

2.    TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ANY ITEMS ON THE AGENDA.

None

3.    TO CONSIDER CLERK’S NOTES OF MEETING HELD ON 12th OCTOBER 2021 FOR APPROVAL AS MINUTES. 

Following a proposal by Cllr. B. Hyde, seconded by Cllr. W. Lawrance, the Clerk’s Notes of the meeting held on 12th October 2021 were approved as Minutes and were duly signed by the Chairman, Cllr. R. Wells.

4.    CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE:

Report:

New MS Office software purchased as original contract period (3 years) has ended.
Dyke issue, downstream of parish playing field section: Problem discussed with home owner concerned.
Overgrowth on fence at western end of playing field, respective householders requested to address.
Chairman, Cllr. Wells, laid a Remembrance Day wreath on behalf of the Parish Council.
Condolence card sent on behalf of the Parish Council re: the passing of Mr. John Richardson, for many years a Parish Councillor and highly respected member of this community.
Hanthorpe Pond: Previous records have now confirmed that the pond is the responsibility of the Parish Council. Black Sluice Drainage Board & Anglian Water have confirmed that they do not hold an interest in the pond. The Environment Agency however wish to review & advise.
                                                                                         
Correspondence:

Letter from Morton & Hanthorpe Events Team re: use of playing field. Circulated to councillors for consideration: 

Further discussion took place on the concerns and positives of holding the proposed July event on the Playing Field, off Station Rd. Aspects included: parking, Public Right of Way, duration, assurance of no night time music or beverages, litter collection and disposal etc. Clerk to respond to the Events Committee noting the points raised and seeking detail from the organizers.

Invitation from Highways to take part in the amenity verge cutting scheme / grant for 2022/3.
Clerk directed to accept the offer.

Invitation to take part in the ‘Green Canopy’ project i.r.t. The Queen’s 70th year of reign. Tree planting proposed with possible assistance from the Forestry Commission. Clerk to investigate what is on offer.

5.    TO CONSIDER PLANNING MATTERS:

Applications:

S21/2150   M. J. Lewis    2 storey side ext’n. & single rear ext’n.   78 Station Rd.  Morton

S21/2191   Mr. M. Wallis    Conversion & ext’n. of outbuilding to dwelling & extension to cart shed structure.  17 High St., Morton.  PE10 0NR

No objections from the Council on either application. Clerk to provide comments re: S21/2191 that the Council have concerns over the shallow (near surface) utilities including the rundle under the verge in front of the main house. They request that the Planning Authority caveats that no builders lorries or heavy equipment park on this verge during construction of the development.

Decisions: 

S21/1871    Mr. A.  McManus     Dangerous tree removal and limb reduction.
New Day, St.  John the Baptist Church, Morton.                             Work Allowed. 
                             
6.    PAYMENTS & RECEIPTS:

Payments:
Mr. N. Walker                        Clerk’s salary for Oct.                               £    461.77
Village Hall            Oct. 12th PC Meeting.                £      10.00        
Mr. N. Wilkie         Litter picking 1/10 to 9/10            £      48.00
Firths Landscapes         Sept. grass cutting                                      £    642.00
Firths Landscapes                 Oct. grass cutting                £    642.00
Mr. N. Walker                          Reimbursement for MS Office        £      59.85

Total in period=                    £ 1,863.62

Following a proposal by Cllr. B.  Hyde, seconded by Cllr. M. Harris, the Council approved the payments.
 
Receipts:

None in period.    

7.    TO CONSIDER THE PARISH BUDGET PROPOSAL FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2022/3

The Councillors were provided with the proposed budget for 2022/3 prior to the meeting. The precept to be requested is a reduction of £2,500 compared to financial year 2021/2 

Following a proposal by Cllr. B.  Hyde, seconded by Cllr. W. Lawrance, the Council approved the  budget proposal. Clerk to request precept accordingly.

8.    TO CONSIDER THE SELECTION OF COUNCILLOR THROUGH CO-OPTION TO THE PARISH COUNCIL – 1 VACANCY.  1 nomination received: Mr. Steve Hardy (details as circulated) 

Following a proposal by Cllr. M. Harris, seconded by Cllr. A. Morris, the Council approved the Co-option. Clerk to inform Mr. Hardy and obtain respective signed forms and lodge with the SKDC Democracy & Elections Team.

9.     TO CONFIRM THE DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING:  – Tuesday 11th January 2022

10.     TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES:

County & District Councillor Sue Woolley:

Supported and attended a meeting with Highways to provide pathing around the hut/facility on the 5 Acre Field off Haconby Lane; for the Scouts Association.

Water leak addressed on the High St. Traffic control and signage noted in prospect of the High St. resurfacing works due late December.

The Crescent: temporary repairs have been made to the pavements in a number of places. A full ‘recover’ plan is in progress.

Other Matters:

It was noted that consideration is being given to the creation of a new South Lincolnshire Reservoir. One of the proposed locations borders on this parish. Outline can be found on the web under: South Lincolnshire Reservoir.

No litter bin in Hanthorpe. Clerk to investigate means of address.

Number of HGVs accessing the South Fen Centre of concern.

There being no further business the meeting ended at 8.35 pm.


For Information:     Parish Council Meeting Dates: 2022:

Tuesday 11th January
Tuesday 22nd February
Tuesday 29th March
Tuesday 3rd May
Tuesday 14th June
Tuesday 26th July
Tuesday 6th September
Tuesday 18th October
Tuesday 29th November