PARISH COUNCIL Village Hall, High Street Heckington
28th January 2008
Present:
The Chairman of the Council (Councillor R C Higgs), in the Chair.
Councillors T M Atkinson, P Banister, A H Israel, P J Little, Mrs L Mastenbroek-Andrew,
Jan Palmer and D Scholefield.
Mr T S Page, Clerk to the Council.
County Councillor B Young and District Councillor D Roberts.
Five members of the public.
151. WELCOME BY CHAIRMAN.
The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed the members of the public.
152. PUBLIC AND POLICE MATTERS.
(1) Oakway.
The Clerk submitted a letter from a resident of Oak Way drawing attention to the overgrown area of land adjoining 1 Oak Way.
RESOLVED that the Clerk be requested to try to ascertain who is responsible for the maintenance of the land.
(2) Footways.
The Clerk reported on requests for the construction of footways in the Village and that the programme maintained by Lincolnshire County Council for such requests for the construction of footways only indicated one outstanding request for Heckington - being at Hale Road.
RESOLVED that the consideration of the matter be deferred until the next meeting in order that Members might report on locations where there is a need for the construction of a new footway.
(3) Overgrown bushes, Church Street.
A member of the public drew attention to the overgrown bushes at 83 Church Street from which there is obstruction into the highway and an excessive deposit if leaves which not only caused surface water to remain on the highway but caused drivers of vehicles to travel in the middle of the highway and create a dangerous situation at the nearby corner.
RESOLVED that the Clerk be requested to write to the agents dealing with the sale of the property to request that the bushes be cut back appropriately.
(4) Parking of vehicles.
A member of the public drew attention to the dangerous situation caused by the parking of vehicles at the junction of Cameron Street and Church Street resulting in a danger for drivers of passing vehicles.
RESOLVED that the Clerk be requested to draw the matter to the attention of the police.
(5) Howell Road.
(a) A member of the public drew attention to the encroachment into the highway of Howell Road of the highway grass verge and the need for the clearing of the dyke on the west side of the highway.
RESOLVED that the Clerk be requested to draw the condition of the highway grass verge to the highways authority and the need for the clearing of the dyke to the adjoining owner.
(b) In reply to a matter raised by a member of the public in respect of litter at the highway turning area in Howell Road, the Clerk was asked to arrange for the Village Caretakers to deal with the litter.
(6) Highway surface water gulleys.
A member of the public drew attention to an incidence of a highways surface water gulley vehicle attending to clear a highways surface water gulley fronting his premises and within the period of one a second vehicle attended to carry out the same work whereas other gulleys were in need of clearing.
(7) PinfoldGarden.
A member of the public referred to the need for the removal of some flowering bulbs at the PinfoldGarden prior to the provision of gravel chippings.
(8) Public Footpath No. 6, Howell Road.
Councillor Banister drew attention to the erection of a field fence adjoining the stile at the public footpath No. 6 near the Howell Road underpass.
RESOLVED that the Clerk be requested to write to Lincolnshire County Council to draw attention to any obstruction which might exist at the public footpath.
153. LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE AUTHORITY.
CountyCouncillor Young reported on the arrangements for the expected reduced funding for Lincolnshire Police Authority for the coming year and the likely affect on the requirements for an increased Council Tax.
154. SALE OF LAND – LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL.
The Clerk submitted a letter dated the 3rd January 2008 from Lincolnshire County Council giving an assurance that there were no CountyFarms sites in the Parish of Heckington or the immediately adjoining area which are being considered as possible sites for sale for residential development.
155. HIGHWAY SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE.
The Clerk submitted a letter dated the 7th January 2008 from Anglian Water Services Limited referring to the recent unprecedented weather experienced during the summer and the storm water conditions experienced up to full capacity of highway water in dealing adequately with the conditions but pointing out that the maintenance of highway gulleys was the responsibility of Lincolnshire County Council.
156. TREE 12 VICARAGE ROAD.
The Clerk submitted a letter dated the 18th January 2008 from Mr L O Rudkin stating that the roots of a tree in the highways grass verge fronting his premises at 12 Vicarage Road had caused damage to his drains and frontage wall and enquiring what action the Council propose.
The Clerk reported that he had forwarded the letter to the highways authority for their observations.
157. LICENSING OF LIMOUSINE VEHICLES.
District Councillor Roberts reported on Regulations which recently had been introduced requiring the licensing of Limousine vehicles and their drivers and for the display of vehicle plates accordingly.
158. HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES - HIGH STREET.
Consideration was given to the construction works at the A17 bypass bridge which would result in the clearance height of the bridge being raised to provide for the bridge height clearance to conform to the standard height in the place of the previous lower height which previously had required the highways in the centre of the Village to be used as an alternative route by high-sided, heavy goods vehicles.
RESOLVED that application be made to Lincolnshire County Council for the making of a Traffic Order to exclude heavy goods vehicles from using High Street from its junction with Burton Road to its junction with Station Road.
159. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
Apologies for absence were received from CouncillorsP K Collins and M West and District Councillor D S Ogden.
160. MINUTES.
The minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the 26th November 2007 were signed by the Chairman.
161. GRANTS AND DONATIONS.
(1) Acknowledgements.
The Clerk submitted letters from the following organisations expressing their appreciation for recent grants or donations made to them by the Council:-
(1)HeckingtonChurch Roof Appeal.
(2)HeckingtonVillage Trust.
(3) Heckington Senior Citizens Christmas Day luncheon.
(2) Christmas Day Luncheon.
The Clerk submitted a statement of receipts and payments in respect of the Senior Citizens Christmas Day luncheon held on the 25th December 2007.
RESOLVED that the Clerk be requested to write to the organisers to express the Council’s appreciation for their having arranged the past luncheon and to inform them that the Council will make a similar financial contribution towards a luncheon on the 25th December 2008 (including payment for the hire of the Village Hall).
162. REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY.
The Clerk submitted a letter dated the 11th December 2007 from the Heckington Group of Parishes conveying their appreciation to the Council and the local police in organising the Service of Remembrance and the traffic control at the War Memorial at the last Remembrance Sunday.
163. ANNUAL HECKINGTON SHOW.
The Chairman submitted a report on a meeting which he had had on the 12th December 2007 with the Chief Executive of North Kesteven District Council and representatives of Heckington Estates and Heckington Show Committee when consideration was given to the proposed future of the Showgrounds and the planning gain resultant from development of land adjoining the Showgrounds..
164. HECKINGTON AREA VOLUNTARY CAR SERVICE.
Councillor Banister submitted a report on the Annual General Meeting of the Heckington Area Voluntary Car Service held on the 5th December 2007.
RESOLVED that the appreciation of the Council be recorded to Councillor Banister for his attendance at, and report on, the meeting.
165. HECKINGTON COMMUNITY PANEL.
Councillor Israel submitted a report on a meeting of the Community Panel held on the 9th January 2008, when a presentation had been given by Trading Standards dealing with cold calling, bogus tradesmen and unwanted telephone calls.
RESOLVED that the appreciation of the Council be recorded to Councillor Israel for his attendance at, and report on, the meeting.
166. PARISHES CLUSTER GROUP.
The Chairman reported on a recent meeting of the Parishes Cluster Group for Heckington area and on the decision to purchase a portable speed indicator (which would be operated by the police) to check on vehicle speeds and numbers. The other main problem which was raised at the meeting was dog fouling.
RESOLVED that a priority list be made of locations where dog waste bins were required in Heckington and that three dog waste bins be purchased each year.
167. PARISH BOUNDARIES.
The Clerk submitted a letter dated the 14th January 2008 from Great Hale Parish Council stating that in connection with any possible boundary changes for Great Hale and East Heckington they had appointed Councillors Mrs V Kemmett and M Prior to discuss the matter.
RESOLVED that the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman be appointed to meet the representatives accordingly.
168. TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES.
The Clerk submitted notice by Lincolnshire County Council of the temporary road closures:-
Of the following temporary road closures –
(1) Eastgate, Monday, 28th January to Friday, 1st February.
(2)Level crossing, Station Road (Times and dates circulated).
(3)A153, Anwick – End of February for fourteen weeks.
169. MOBILE POLICE OFFICE.
The Clerk submitted notice of a proposed visit of the mobile police office on Thursday, the 7th February 2008, from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm.
170. CODE OF CONDUCT.
(1) DVD.
The Clerk submitted a letter dated the 12th December 2007 from North Kesteven District Council stating that a Standards Board Training DVD relating to the new Code of Conduct issues and procedures is available, on request, for loan to Parish Councils.
(2) Orders and Regulations re Conduct of Local Authority Members.
The Clerk submitted a letter dated the 3rd January 2008 from the Department for Communities and Local Government enclosing a consultation paper which seeks views of the detailed arrangements for putting into effect Orders and Regulations to provide a more locally-based ethical regime for the conduct of local Councillors (
consultation/index.asp#codeofpractice
(3) Standards Committee.
Councillor Jan Palmer reported that she was no longer able to attend as the Parish Council’s representative on the Standards Committee of North Kesteven District Council.
171. NEWSLETTERS.
The Clerk submitted the autumn/Winter Newsletter of Lincolnshire Fieldpaths Association.
172. PLANNING.
(1) Planning Committee.
The Clerk submitted the minutes of a meeting of the Planning Committee held on the 14th January 2008.
(2) Planning application.
The Clerk submitted the following planning application:-
Plan No. and ApplicantDetails of proposals.
N/31/1330/07 Elm Grange Studios, Boston Road, East Heckington
Mr and Coun Mrs M A Andrew To join two existing buildings together to provide an enclosed
entrance lobby and foyer.
RESOLVED that no objection be made to the proposals.
(3) Application approvals.
The Clerk submitted the following planning application decisions:-
Plan No. and ApplicantDetails of proposals
(i) N/31/1395/0712 Burton Road. Rear extension to form family room.
Mr and Mrs R Mountain
(ii) N/31/1180/07St Andrew’s church of England Primary School, Howell Road.
Lincolnshire County Council Retain relocatable nursery unit.
(4) Third North Kesteven Annual Monitoring Report.
The Clerk submitted a letter dated the 11th January 2008 from North Kesteven District Council enclosing the Third North Kesteven Annual Monitoring Report (available on .gov.uk)
(5) Draft East Midlands Regional Plan Panel Report.
The Clerk submitted a letter dated the 19th December 2008 from the Government Office for the East Midlands referring to the draft East Midlands Regional Plan Panel Report which recently has been published and is available on
(Councillor Lyndy Mastenbroek-Andrew declared and interest in that part of
Minute 172(2) which relates to N/31/1330/07 and retired from the meeting during
the consideration of the matter – her interest being as part owner of the premises involved. )
173. BIODIVERSITY.
The Clerk submitted a letter dated the 14th January 2008 from Natural England inviting attendance at a Biodiversity Forum to be held at Nottingham on the 7th February 2008.
RESOLVED that no action be taken in the matter.
174. DATES OF MEETINGS.
(1) Next meeting.
RESOLVED that the next ordinary meeting of the Council be held on the 25th February 2008.
(2) 2009 Meetings.
RESOLVED that meetings of the Council during 2009 be held on the following dates:-
26th January29th June 26th October
23rd February 27th July 10th November (Precept)
30th March28th September 30th November
27th April
20th May Annual Parish Meeting and Annual Council Meeting
175. FUTURE SPORTS AND PLAY DEVELOPMENT.
The Clerk referred to the open public meeting which had been arranged to be held at the Sports Club, Howell Road Playing Fields, at 7 pm on Friday, the 8th February 2008, when consideration would be given to the wishes of the public and sports organisations as to possible development for further sports and play facilities in the Parish.
176. EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC.
RESOLVED that the public be excluded from the meeting for the purpose of considering the following confidential items of business.
177. ACCOUNTS.
RESOLVED that the following accounts be approved for payment:-
DDJan / Powergen / Crt Plot elect / 222.00 / 211.43 / 10.5743.28.1 / Appleyard / Crt Plot spt tnk / 70.00 / 70.00
44.28.1 / PHS / CP Hand driers / 101.66 / 86.52 / 15.14
45.28.1 / R Nicholson / Kiosk clnr / 33.33 / 33.33
46.28.1 / Euromec / Sw brushes / 75.08 / 63.90 / 11.18
47.28.1 / Village Hall / Meetings 07 / 60.00 / 60.00
48.28.1 / Burdens / Grs cut parts / 161.27 / 137.25 / 24.02
49.28.1 / R Nicholson / Kiosk clnr / 33.33 / 33.33
50.28.1 / A Ward / Travel/Jan / 55.71 / 39.12 / 16.59
51.28.1 / M Lowth / Travel/Jan / 33.97 / 23.85 / 10.12
52.28.1 / T S Page / Clerk / 871.94 / 812.50
Postage / 8.16
Travel 91.9m / 36.23 / 15.05
53.28.1 / Viking / Stationery / 93.49 / 79.57 / 13.92
54.28.1 / H Gorman / Asstnt Clerk / 208.33 / 208.33
55.28.1 / Scouts / Donation / 200.00 / 200.00
178. ASSISTANT CLERK TO THE COUNCIL.
The Chairman reported that the Mrs Hayley Gorman of Sleaford had been appointed to the post of Assistant Clerk to the Council as from the 21st January 2008.
RESOLVED that the appointment be confirmed a salary of £5000 in respect of the working hours from 9 am to 12 noon on Mondays to Fridays.
179. ANNUAL COUNCIL DINNER.
RESOLVED that arrangements be made for the Annual Council Dinner to be held at the Abbey Parks Restaurant on Friday, the 28th March 2008.
180. CO-OPTION OF COUNCILLOR.
RESOLVED that consideration to the co-option of a Councillor in the place of Councillor Mrs T Belcher be deferred until the next meeting of the Council.
181. VILLAGE CARETAKER.
The Clerk reported on the exchange of his car by one of the Village Caretakers which had resulted in the absence on that car of a towing facility and the necessary re-allocation of duties to the other caretaker to cover the greater use of his trailer.
RESOLVED that payment of the increased mileage allowance now indicated be approved in respect of trailer usage.
182. COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS 2007-08.
The Clerk submitted a letter dated the 21st January 2008 from North Kesteven District Council inviting nominations for suitable persons for consideration for the Community Service Awards for 2007-08.
RESOLVED that consideration of the matter be deferred until the next meeting of the Council.
183. EQUIPMENT.
RESOLVED that the purchase of a further hedge cutting machine and a grass strimmer be approved.
184. MR JOHN PYGOTT, DECEASED.
The Vice-Chairman reported on the recent death of Mr John Pygott, of Messrs Pygott and Crone, who had over a period of many years been involved with the Council in numerous matters and particularly in representing Dr Michael Elliott and the Heckington Estates.
RESOLVED that the Clerk be requested to write to Mr Pygott’s family to express the sincere sympathy of the Council in respect of Mr Pygott’s death.
PARISH COUNCIL Village Hall, High StreetHeckington
30th July 2007
Present:
The Chairman of the Council (Councillor R C Higgs), in the Chair.
CouncillorsT M Atkinson and P K Collins, A H Israel, P J Little,
Mrs L Mastenbroek-Andrew, Jan Palmer, D Scholefield and M R West.
Mr T S Page, Clerk to the Council.
County Councillor B Young and District Councillor D Roberts.
Eight members of the public.
55. WELCOME BY CHAIRMAN.
The Chairman welcomed members of the public.
56. AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
Mr Bob Keech, the Affordable Housing Rural Housing Enabler of North Kesteven District Council, attended the meeting and gave a presentation on the results of the analysis of the questionnaireswhich had been circulated in the Parish to obtain the views on the need for affordable housing to be provided in the Parish, by new housing for rent or for shared ownership, which showed the degree of need for the provision of affordable housing in the Parish and requesting the views of the Parish Council on their support in the matter and recommendation as to any suitable sites.
RESOLVED
(1) That consideration of the response by the Parish Council be deferred until a meeting of the Planning Committee if arranged to be held prior to the next meeting of the Council; and
(2) That the District Council be requested to include the analysis on the Internet for viewing by the public.
57. PUBLIC AND POLICE MATTERS.
(1)Sports and Social Club.
Miss Cheryl Cowlan, Acting Secretary to the Playing Fields Sports and Social Club, read out a prepared statement referring to the last meeting of the Council and requesting an explanation of statements alleged to have been made in the meeting concerning the name of a Motor Cycle Rally which had been held at the Playing Fields on the 22nd June 2007 and which had been the subject of complaints by the public and reports to the Environment Department of North Kesteven District Council in view of the alleged noise nuisance which had been created in the evenings and continued into the early hours of the mornings of the Rally.
(2) Planning application.
Mr R Handford submitted a copy of a letter to North Kesteven District Council referring to the issues relating to a planning application for 25 High Street and addressed the meeting in respect of the objections which he and neighbours held in opposing the application on the grounds of the potential noise nuisance and disturbance and the unsuitability of the site for commercial-type activities.
(3) Royal Oak Public House, Boston Road.