2024 Parish Council Resolved Minutes

Minutes of the Frithville with Westville Parish Council Meeting held at Frithville Village Hall on Tuesday 16th January 2024 commencing at 7.30pm

PRESENT:    Cllr J Portess presiding as Chairman
Cllr C Roberts         Cllr J Maidens            Cllr N Portess    
Cllr A Crawford        Cllr S Smith            Cllr G Petchell
Cllr B Needs
        
LCC/ELDC Cllr T Ashton (left at 7.56pm)            
Clerk – S Knowles

PUBLIC FORUM
There were no members of the public present, to ask questions or make short statements during the time allocated. 

1.     REMARKS BY CHAIRMAN
Cllr J Portess welcomed everyone to the meeting and wish everyone a Happy New Year.

2.     APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND REASONS GIVEN
All Parish Councillors were in attendance.

3.     TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LOCALISM ACT 2011, AND TO CONSIDER ANY APPLICATIONS FOR DISPENSATIONS IN RELATION TO DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS
No declarations were received.

4.     NOTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 14th NOVEMBER 2023 TO BE APPROVED AS THE MINUTES AND TO BE SIGNED BY THE CHAIRMAN
It was proposed by Cllr Maidens, seconded by Cllr Crawford and resolved to accept these notes as a true and accurate record.

5.     REPORT FROM ANY OUTSIDE BODIES
LCC/ELDC Cllr Ashton had reported the following information:
•    LCC are looking at increasing the new budget within the cap a 5%. The Police & Crime is likely to be raising their portion by more.
•    The flooding through the county has been detrimental with 818 properties effected. Several aspects from this are being investigated.
•    The three-way junction within Frithville is still being looked into with a speed limit review in respect of lowering it to 30mph.
•    Drainage rates are looking to be increasing in the next financial year by 20%.

Cllr J Portess informed that the pothole repairs on the bridge is exceptionally poor. Cllr Ashton replied that the work conducted are only a temporary measure and should be rectified come spring.

Cllr Roberts asked if the County Councils finances were stable. Cllr Ashton replied that they are fine this year but are evaluating areas and services needs. ELDC are comfortably funded especially as currently receiving the Business Rates windfall from Triton Knoll.

Cllr N Portess reported that the dyke has recently been cleaned by Witham Fourth and have done a good job. However, rubbish has been left and needs removing as soon as possible as being blown back into the dyke.

Cllr J Portess relayed that the drain banks have not been maintained again and asked if this will be looked into later this year.

Cllr Petchell asked questions associated with the consultation relating to the Devolution.

6.     POLICE MATTERS
According to the Police.UK website:
During October 2023 four incidents were reported
1 x Violence and sexual offence was reported on or near to Canister Lane – Unable to prosecute suspect.
1 x Drugs was reported on or near to West Fen Drainside – Still under investigation
1 x Vehicle Crime reported on or near to West Fen Drainside – Investigation complete, no suspect identified.
1 x Violence and sexual offence was reported on or near to Hale Lane – Unable to prosecute suspect.

During November 2023 three incidents were reported
1 x Other theft was reported on or near to Canister Lane – Investigation complete, no suspect identified.
2 x Violence and sexual offence was reported on or near to West Fen Drainside. One is awaiting court outcome and the other formal action is not in the public interest.

7.    FINANCIAL MATTERS
a.    Financial Report
The balance before any payments is made is £6939.38 and that of the Reserve Account is £4216.45.

b.    To approve payments to be made

It was proposed by Cllr Petchell, seconded by Cllr Crawford and resolved that these payments should be made.

8.    PARISH MATTERS
a.    Playing Field – Address issues reported at last meeting
Cllr J Portess relayed that the bin has been removed from the site.

The bench and Goal post could benefit from being shot blasted and powder coated. Also, a concrete base for the bench is recommended.

The grass has not been cut prior to October in the Playing Field and is currently approximately 8 inches high. When the grass is cut the contractor without fail must remove the cuttings from site.

Cllr Needs relayed that Mr Greenfield will be doing the hedges once there is good weather.

b.    Car Park Tidy up
Cllr Crawford informed that it is too wet in this area for the road sweeper to go into.

9.     HIGHWAYS
Cllr Smith informed that she has reported large area of pothole along Frith Bank and with this area being poorly lit it can be hazardous to those travelling along this vicinity.

10.    PLANNING
a.    S/054/02415/23 - Consent to display 1no. internally illuminated fascia sign – Drayton Motors, Frith Bank, Frithville
There were no objections to this planning application.

b.    Report on any Planning application Information/Decisions
There were no information or decisions to report.

11.    CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence has been received:    
•    LALC e-news 8th December 2023 and 12th January 2024 
•    ELDC News Release re 2024/2025 Green Waste 
•    ELDC News Release re 2024/2025 Draft Budget 

12.    ANY OTHER MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION ONLY
No other matters were discussed.

13.    DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
The next scheduled Parish Council meeting is Tuesday 12th March 2024.

There being no further business the meeting finished at 8.27pm