July 2021 Minutes
Minutes of the meeting of Grainthorpe Parish Council held in St. Clement's Church on Wednesday 14 July 2021 at 7:30 pm
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Present: Cllrs R. Drinkel, P. Hibberd, R. Beech, R Burton, M Bark, G. Lovatt and J. West.
Apologies: Cllr. P. Rickett (DC)
Clerk: Mrs P Plumridge.
Also present – 1 member of public
Councillor Drinkel welcomed everyone to St. Clement’s Church for our meeting, which is possible because St. Clement’s church is Covid safe.
Everyone was happy with the arrangements which offered sanitation, social distancing and was light and airy. A contact list was made.
9.21 Apologies
As above.
10.21 – Open Meeting
One member of the public was present who wanted to share his concerns regarding the safety of the stretch of road between the War Memorial and Biergate (A1031).
The road has bad bends and no footpath for residents to walk on. One side of the road has a bank and the other has shrubs and a grass verge which is constantly eroded and is subsiding due to large articulated lorry’s and buses cutting the corner, together with a problem with the drainage. It is not safe for pedestrians or road users.
Discussing this further it was noted that the High Street is as bad, with no footpath and a very narrow road which has a speed limit of 40 mph on it but which is constantly exceeded. This way through is currently being used as a ‘rat run’ as well.
We understand that the land owner is open to negotiations with the County Council should they be prepared to sort out this corner and put a footpath in at the same time.
With regard to the speed limit, although the whole of the village is 40 mph this is really too fast for the state of the road and the number of pedestrians likely to use it.
The Parish Council would like to see a 20mph speed limit on the High Street but realistically 30 mph for the whole of the village would be acceptable. The A1031 through our neighbouring village of Marshchapel has 30 mph on it, as well as at Eskham.
Historically the Parish Council have raised questions about this stretch of road with the County Council in the past but have not been successful in getting them to deal with it, as they seem to think that as no accidents are reported it is not a problem.
Since our County Councilllor was not present we could not take this up with him tonight, however, Clerk will follow up.
11.21 – County Councillor and District Councillor Report
Since neither Councillor was present no report was given.
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12.21 – Clerk to receive declarations of pecuniary interest on any Agenda item in accordance with Localism Act and the Council’s Code of Conduct and Standing Orders.
None.
13.21- Minutes of previous meeting
Minutes of previous meeting were moved and signed.
14.21- Matters Arising
- Eyesore in Mill Lane. The Chair reported that he had contacted ELDC and they were already aware of problem as there appears to be a business running from there not paying business rates. Planners will contact residents.
- Signage at Playing Field. This was discussed, Clerk had obtained some information and general idea is to have a signage board with walks etc on. Cllr West to draft out information required. Could be a possible contact on Pyewipe who does this type of work.
15.21 Financial
Financial report forwarded to Councillors approved. Chair signed report which reconciled with bank statement which was also signed.
Three cheques were approved and signed.
633– P. Plumridge - wages
634 – AG Smith & Co, payroll services and PAYE
635 – PCC of St Clement’s, Grainthorpe – Room hire - £24.00
No public interest in audit.
Cllr Hibberd to be made signatory on cheques, Clerk to get online access to bank statement.
16.21 – Parish Matters
- Village signs – Further discussion took place, Cllr Burton has made contact with contractor who is willing to be involved when work permits. He also has a friend who does wrought iron work which could also be useful. More discussion needs to take place on the artwork but everyone is keen for this to go ahead. It will be an Agenda item next meeting.
- Closing date for c-option of Parish Councillor is 30th July, we have one applicant. Notice is on notice board and web site.
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- TPO – approval has been sought for work on trees at Old Hall, Main Road, Councillors are happy for this to go ahead. Cllr Beech requested an up-to-date list and made of TPO’s in village. Clerk will try and obtain.
17.21 – Planning
None.
18.21 – AOB
The Village Association will put a hard standing down for the bench before it is moved to Village Hall site as it would have caused a problem with the grass cutting.
There appears to be a couple of people living at the end of Biergate, they are not making a mess but there is no water or toilets down there. It would appear to be Environmental Agency property. Situation will be monitored and reported if anything untoward happens.
Three signposts are missing their tops near the bridge at Austen Fen.
Planning permission for 14 properties off Poors End has now expired, it was confirmed and if it is to go ahead it will have to be re-submitted.
Residents are reporting disturbances in Chapel Lane. As well as vehicles parking and blocking the footpath. Clerk to write about parking on footpath, once she has been given full address.
In view of a recent incident involving the defibrillator at North Somercotes the question was asked as to who maintains the one in Grainthorpe, we were assured by Cllr Drinkel it is maintain annually.
19.21 – Date and Time of next Meeting
The next meeting is planned for Wednesday 8th September in the Chapel Schoolroom at 7.30 pm.
No further business meeting closed at 8.40pm