minutes 7th January 2025
WELTON LE MARSH PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 7th January 2025
Present: Cllrs Williams (Chair), Holiday, Hardcastle, Crome, Tong
4 Members of the public
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
During the public session members were advised of the successful events put on at the Village Hall over December, and the Parish Council were thanked for the Christmas trees and lights purchased and installed at the hall. Damage to verges on Beck Lane were noted.
Prior to the meeting the Chairman wished everyone a Happy New Year.
73 APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Cllrs Cladingbowl and Faulkner-Smith, via Cllr Crome, these were noted.
Cllr Eyre (ELDC) also sent his apologies.
74 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Holiday declared a personal interest in agenda item 7 (allotments)
75 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 12TH NOVEMBER 2024
It was resolved that these be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
76 UPDATES
The Clerk had contacted ELDC Enforcement for an update on Misty Meadows, but the officer was away until 9th January. Cllr Hardcastle advised that there were only 9 units occupied at present.
Tender documents have been sent out to 5 interested contractors, to be returned by 16th February 2025.
77 UPDATE ON VILLAGE HALL DRAINAGE WORKS
Ajet had arrived on site on 2nd January and the pipes now re-lined. They were unable to gain access to the septic tank but adjusted work accordingly. Village Hall requested to advise hirers not to put sanitary items down the toilets. Flat roof run off to be looked at when the weather improved.
Cllr Holiday was thanked for his work in this matter.
78 FINANCIAL
A) Accounts for payment:
It was resolved that the following be paid:
Clerks Salary& PAYE (Dec/Jan) £333.82
Caretakers Salary & PAUE (Oct/Nov/Dec) £453.00
It was resolved that the Clerk be authorised to pay the Ajet invoice when it came. It was noted that no invoice had been received yet for the banners, or Christmas trees.
B) Covid Grant Residue The Clerk advised that there was £430.23 in ear marked reserves from the Covid grants, and that if virement was to be done to move to a different budget head then the Council needed to agree its use. It was therefore resolved that this be moved to Village Hall and donated to their Warm Front costs. To be finalised at the next meeting.
C) Precept 2025/2026
After discussion it was resolved that the precept requirement remain at £5661. Clerk advised that 24/25 tax base was 87 Band D properties.
79 ALLOTMENT
a) Rents – Cllr Holiday did not take part in the voting on this subject. It was resolved that rents remain at £8.
b) Any Other Allotment issues – there were none reported.
80 SITING NO PYLONS BANNERS
It was agreed that one be sited on the Village Hall fence, facing the village, and that residents be asked to volunteer to site one on their fencing.
81 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES
The Clerk had advised that as the Village Hall Committee was a separate entity to the Parish Council, then any Trustee decisions would be covered by the Village Hall insurance.
Discussion on issue of storage of third party equipment in the Village Hall followed and the Parish Council resolved to support the Village Hall Committee in not allowing such storage for the following reasons:
The Parish Council feel that by permitting such third party storage this will compromise the future use of the hall by restricting the space available; will have an impact on the Parish Council’s insurance as owners of the building, particularly if any stored equipment has a high value, and could, although such use would be de-minimis, affect the planning status of the building which is for use as a village hall not for third party storage.
It is understood that the Village Hall insurance does not cover third party equipment storage and to do so could invalidate the current insurance should a claim be made.
Clerk to write to Village Hall committee to confirm decision.
A vote of thanks to the Village Hall Committee followed, it was felt they did an excellent job in running the Hall, obtaining grants and managing the asset for the village.
Discussion followed on the need for a comprehensive Hirer’s agreement for the Hall, and to look at the constitution.
82 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
It was agreed to hold a separate meeting this year and to invite a speaker on the subject of the pylons. To be held 8th April at 7pm.
83 CORRESPONDENCE
Lincs Wolds Guide – no changes for Welton le Marsh.
Initial information received regarding the Governments plans for the future of local councils, event in London on 23rd June.
84 PLANNING
There were no applications.
Decision – Quarry extension – conditionally approved (reinstatement of site to be as agreed, to be worked in accordance with plans; access only onto A1028; access to be kept clear of debris, no debris on road, loads to be sheeted, Environment Management plan to be approved, dust and noise mitigation measures and hours of operation conditioned.
85 ANY OTHER MATTERS
Concern raised at construction vehicles parking on pavement and blocking access for disabled buggies – Member to speak to contractors.
Next Meeting items:
Tenders
Formulising Public Meeting
86 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
This was set at 25th February 2025.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8pm