March 2022 Minutes
THEDDLETHORPE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the monthly meeting held on Thursday, 24th March 2022, 7.30pm
Theddlethorpe Village Hall, Silver Street, Theddlethorpe All Saints.
Chairman: Cllr C Richardson, Vice-Chairman: Not present
Parish Councillors: Cllr G Foister, Cllr D Sear, Cllr C Lister
Also, present: Parish Clerk: Mrs S Bristow
County Councillor: Cllr N Sear, Cllr D McNally
District Councillor: Cllr S Harrison
Item 03/22-01 Chairman’s Welcome
The Chairman welcomed the nine (9) members of the public (MOPs) to the Village Hall, all recognised as Theddlethorpe residents.
Item 03/22-02 Public Forum
The Chairman opened the Public Forum at 19:36 hrs.
A question was raised about the Councillor Co-option not being present on the agenda, which the Chairman reassured was included within an agenda point.
The Chairman closed the public forum at 19:38 hrs.
Item 03/22-03 Apologies & acceptance of absence
Cllr B Lister, via the Chairman
Cllr J Shepperd, absent without notice
Item 03/22-04 Police Matters
No representatives from the Local Neighbourhood Policing Team were present. Chairman mentioned receiving a link to a new ‘major incident’ notification system on the “Next Door” website, but had not seen or heard of it elsewhere, its purpose was unclear in the notification.
Item 03/22-05 Declarations of Pecuniary Interest from members in accordance with Localism Act 2011
None.
Item 03/22-06 Approval of Minutes from the Meeting held on 27th January 2022.
Tabled for approval and signature at April meeting as a final copy was not present for signature.
Item 03/22-07 District & County Councillor Reports
County Cllr N Sear informed the PC of the following: Met with highways executive, Richard Davey, to express concerns about Speed limits and parking around the school. Cllr Sear has asked for 20mph limits to be considered, but it hasn’t happened yet. She also discussed with him the best way forward with regards to the poor visibility on the junction of Stain Lane & Kent Avenue and the footpaths outside of both Parish churches, but he’s primarily concerned with the school issues. He remarked that roads in our village are very good. He’s asked to return and meet the Chairman so a date will be proposed. Visibility along the A1104 from Theddlethorpe to Alford Road is being improved.
District Cllr S Harrison informed the PC of the following: Council tax bills have been sent, part of the ELDC portion is for the drainage board to pay for land drainage. Their costs rose as they needed to change their way of working. The county is working with agencies to support the Ukrainians who may come to our area.
County Cllr D McNally informed the PC of the following: Holiday food and activity programmes have been announced from the 1st through 19th April. There are half day activities, inclusive of food, at Smarty Pants in Mablethorpe and another place in Sutton. Places muse be pre-booked online. Cllr McNally will send a weblink for this programme so it can be posted by the Clerk. There is a pub history event at Saltfleetby Social Centre on 12th April from 16:30 until 19:30 hrs, this is free excluding certain activities. The Fire Service is running “Have a Go” days where interested residents can try out the profession. Cllr McNally will send a weblink for this programme so it can be posted by the Clerk. An illegal cigarettes scheme with a very sophisticated concealment mechanism was shut down in Boston. Lincoln’s Household Waste centre is trialling a pilot scheme for people to return their NHS loaned equipment; if successful it will be rolled out to other locations in the county.
Chairman asked if the returned equipment was not hospital worthy, was there a mechanism in place to give it for community use? Cllr Harrison remarked that so much tax money is wasted on equipment not being returned. Cllr Sear said she had been made aware of a local couple using food support but did not know who they were, she asked that if anyone knew who they were to please let her know. Chairman reminded all present to be good neighbours and let us know if support is needed as many people don’t like to ask for help.
Item 03/22-08 Chairman’s Report
Received a copy of the GOTEC questionnaire results and he distributed them to councillors and posted the document on the Parish Website. He attended a recent Lincolnshire BID presentation in Mablethorpe of their proposed 5-year plan should business’ wish them to continue & pay part of their business rates to them. The main focus of their Visit Lincs booklet states previous successes & their future wishes which are focussed on Skegness and a small part for Mablethorpe, but their remit runs all the way along the coast. Cllr Foister asked who was paying for the BID activities, which Chairman confirmed was via a levy on business rates. Chairman added businesses and other organisations can input additional funds if desired and, noting the BID operates at a loss, businesses need to decide if BID is worth the levy. It was noted only one business turned up at this specific event.
LCC Environmental and Economic scrutiny committee reported on 22nd February that the steps RWM/NWS have taken towards the GDF and confirms others are interested in the Gas Terminal site. The committee stated that if the community funding is ringfenced to the search area only, then it may prove difficult to use the fund to tackle some of the issues in the area. The next Working Group meeting is in the coming week and will look at Community Partnership proposals, size of the groups needed, and so on. The final draft of Community Partnership proposals, inclusive of all sub-clauses, has been asked for by the Chairman so that the Parish Council can review and feedback on it.
Contacted Neptune Energy about their interest in the Terminal site, they replied that their interest was at such an early stage and that it would be a number of years before they’d have pertinent information to share with residents. However, when that day arrives, they’ll be happy to engage in a meeting of the parish.
Cllr Harrison asked how members of the Community Partnership would be recruited. Chairman replied that process was being discussed at next week’s meeting and the thought is that people would need to apply, be interviewed, and would need to be qualified or have experience in the category that they applied for.
Item 03/22-09 Clerks Report
Awaiting contact from new Councillor regarding forms needed to take up office. Also awaiting updated Declarations of Office and Interest forms from Cllr Sheppard.
Environment Agency update received regarding Saltfleet to Gibraltar Point Beach Management Works, copy printed for inspection.
Renewed invitation to Mablethorpe Mayor’s Civic Service on 3rd April received, copy printed for inspection. Chairman indicated he will attend, Clerk to advise MASTC accordingly and enquire about Chains of Office in dress code.
Various newsletters received from NALC, LALC, Rural News, Lincs BID, etc. These have been forwarded to Councillors and publicised online as appropriate.
A Facebook page for the Parish Council has been created and content is largely being shared to the privately run “Theddlethorpe” group.
Theddlethorpe Working Group published two confirmed search areas: Withern & Theddlethorpe and Mablethorpe. Ten drop-in information sessions are being held across the area between now and 9th April.
Request from Theddlethorpe Academy received for £300 to support their community Jubilee celebrations. Invoice just received from ELDC for Uncontested Election fees (£48.50).
Extraordinary Parish Meeting held on 17th March, now working with A Spink to finalise GDF questionnaire, opening of replies to take place on 13th May. Will coordinate printing with Cllr Richardson and then will organise PO Box once funding approved (in section 12)
Training undertaken by Clerk in March on GDPR, FOI Requests, and Website Upkeep; still waiting for website log in to be sent. Training booked in April: Year-end accounts & auditing, Internal audits
Councillor Co-option took place at the conclusion of the meeting but is reported here in its original space. Nigel Barker was voted for co-option unanimously and signed his declaration of office in the presence of the Clerk. He was given the Pecuniary Interests form to fill in and return to the Clerk to finalise his appointment.
Item 03/22-10 Parish Councillor Matters to be Raised
Cllr C Lister raised the issue that conifers had been cut down on the A1031 and had been left at the roadside for quite some time and were a risk to passing traffic. Chairman to investigate.
Cllr C Lister raised the issue that the nature reserve warden had informed her that members of the public are removing and binning signage.
Cllr Harrison raised the “Around Britain” coastal footpath initiative, work of which is now being undertaken from Mablethorpe moving northwards. It was concerning that there was little information available, how it might affect landowners (whom may have responsibility for the paths) and information seen suggests that no provision for parking has been made. Cllr McNally remarked it’s a legal obligation to build the paths and Natural England are involved; there may be consultation and compulsory purchase and some areas will have to go inland, locals will have to maintain it once built. The Chairman noted that it was a vision of the Coastal Communities Team (CCT) to also link up the coastal area from a Tourism and economical perspective including walks & footpaths. He hoped that the 2 groups were talking to each other and have a joined-up plan.
Chairman raised the topic that a vision requires to be developed for the Parish and asked the Parish Councillors to speak with residents about what they want to see in the village. Think about improvements large & small so we can review in future meetings.
Chairman informed Councillors that new Standing Orders, need voting on at May’s Annual General Meeting.
Chairman raised the topic of Grass Cutting: current supplier has been in place several years but, with rising costs, we need to have an updated tender process and document, ensuring the document is comprehensive including areas to be cut and possibly new areas like the access points to the village link footpaths and bridges . Please send information on areas you feel important to the Clerk by 31st March so we can build a tender document accordingly.
Cllr Harrison mentioned ELDC’s “Grot Spot” initiative and encouraged the council to think of areas that qualify, excluding public rights of way, and revert to her in case we can get funding support. An MOP asked if this included fly tipping areas, which Cllr Harrison said perhaps but more information was forthcoming. An MOP remarked that Rotten Row, the area around the Gas Terminal and the A1031 were lined with litter. Chairman remarked the Kent Avenue crossroads was always bad for litter.
Item 03/22-11 Financial Matters
AGAR will be ready for next month’s meeting and we may need to employ a new internal auditor as our previous auditor may not be available. Recent training also highlighted that the common practice of clerk-to-clerk type audits are no longer welcome. Cllr Harrison suggested Jenny Cooper be contacted for support if needed. Chairman added two additional expenditures for approval so all 21/22 financial year payments are made before month-end.
Expenditure for approval according to Spreadsheet distributed.
Approved Cllr C Lister, Seconded Cllr G Foister
Additional expenditures of £48.50 for ELDC Election Costs and £300 for Theddlethorpe Academy’s Jubilee Celebrations
Approved Cllr G Foister, Seconded Cllr C Lister
Item 03/22-12 Parish Meeting
Meeting held on 17th March. Chairman reviewed decisions made regarding the GDF questionnaire, its circulation and return. The opening team consists of 5 MOPs and the Clerk. We may need to purchase more stationary.
Cost approved by Cllr C Lister, Seconded by Cllr G Foister
Chairman raised the parishioner’s request that the GDF be added as a standing agenda point, adding should it be limited to the GDF or something more inclusive as there are other proposals. Cllr D Sear stated that if there are other projects, the item should be about the site. Cllr G Foister agreed it should be wider than just the GDF and Cllr D Sear wanted to ensure it would be used for discussion of new items, not rehashing previously discussed items.
Approved by Chairman Cllr C Richardson, Seconded by Cllr D Sear
Item 03/22-13 COVID Community Recovery
The chairman stated that the Charity of Mrs Elizabeth Rook had provided the Theddlethorpe Jubilee Committee an initial £1000 in support with a maximum £2000 of support for public events.
The Chairman stated that Theddlethorpe Academy were also holding their own Jubilee Celebrations, (PC donation approved earlier in this meeting), and that the Jubilee Committee had asked the children to produce work for a writing competition as part of the celebrations with judging taking place on the Saturday at the Village Hall which was a nice touch.
Item 03/22-14 Planning Matters:
Approval
N/180/02195/21 – The Gables, Theddlethorpe St Helens, LN12 1NS – Extensions & alterations to provide additional living accommodation (works already commenced).
Chairman stated that approval had been given but the approved plans had been greatly scaled back from the and original plans. It was also noted that since approval had been given, all building work seems to have stopped. It would be a shame if the building wasn’t finished as the original plans looked great.
Refusal
N/179/00039/22 – The Hall, Theddlethorpe All Saints, LN12 1PE - Erection of a building to provide a vintage car centre with 2 no. residential units on the first floor.
Commenting on the refusal, the chairman stated that it was disappointing that it had been turned down as it had gone through the pre-consultation review process and a few people were looking forward to having a motor museum built.
Item 03/22-15 Highways / Footpaths / Lighting Matters
Already addressed by Cllr N Sear. Chairman reminded all to use “Fix My Street” or the county council’s new system.
Cllr S Harrison asked about lighting concerns and reminded all that footpath lighting is ELDC’s concern.
Item 03/22-16 Road Safety
Speed camera data reviewed:
Location 3 is in a 40mph zone on Mill Road after the bend near the bungalows. The camera recorded 300 cars per day less than usual (circa 600) but there was still 15% of drivers exceeding the speed limit. Although this is less than in previous recordings, its likely due to the prominent camera location and the bend which naturally slows down the vehicles.
Location 4 is in a 40mph zone on Rotten Row saw the same proportion of speeding at 15%, albeit with the daily average of cars back up to circa 900 vehicles a day. A MOP was allowed to remark as their front garden was made low maintenance due to safety concerns of speeding traffic at this location, they remarked further that the problem worsened once Satfleetby went to 40mph village-wide. Chairman also noted that busses were using Station Road as a loop and the road was blocked last week due to a removal van. We need to continue monitoring and keep the pressure up on the council to support our road safety plans. Cllr N Sear said Chairman should be certain to give her this information as she is meeting with a contact on 5th April.
Item 03/22-17 Parish on-going issues & general maintenance
o Millennium Stone – no update
o Information Boards – currently have two but they are likely needing replacement shortly as they are very difficult to use.
o Litter Club – planning to re-start from 2nd Sunday in May, with public volunteering, suggest 2 hours per month at different locations. Village has 6 sets of kit on hand. Cllr D McNally suggested the LAC Library has hi vis and pickers to borrow and a risk assessment; Cllr C Lister will follow up on that suggestion. Cllr N Sear remarked she had mentioned this library option last year.
Item 03/22-18 Reports from Outside Bodies
AGGP Rural Health & Care Report (February 2022) received and distributed to Councillors via email. MOPs should enquire with the Clerk for an electronic copy.
Item 03/22-19 Parish Correspondence (Parish Post / Website / other correspondences)
Website will be taken over by the Clerk going forward and hopefully it can be further developed to include a business directory for the Parish. Chairman will put the school endeavours into the parish post.
Item 03/22-20 Next Parish Council Meeting
The next meeting will be held in the Village Hall, Silver Street on 28th April at 7:30pm.
The annual Parish Meeting will be held on 19th May 2022 in the Village Hall, Silver Street at a time to be determined. (Suggested by Cllr S Harrison that perhaps Citizens Advice Bureau could be invited to speak, Chairman stated he was trying to get other speakers as well.)
The Parish Council AGM will be combined with the May Council meeting on Thursday 26th May Village Hall, Silver Street at 7:30pm.
As an aside, Chairman discussed with Cllr S Harrison about the possibility of holding updated new councillor training in conjunction with Saltfleetby. Clerk to liaise accordingly with a view to a session in May or June in person. Costs are believed to be included in our membership fees outside of lunch, which will be confirmed.
Following the co-option proceedings; the meeting closed at 21:35hrs.