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- Councillor Mrs M. Gilbert (Chair)
- Councillor Ms L. Hopkin
- Councillor Mrs S. Wheatley
- Councillor J. Wilton
- Councillor K. Harrison
- Councillor Mrs E. Harrison
- Councillor D. Keating
- Councillor Mrs S. Keating
- Councillor K. Rigby
- Councillor Mrs L. Ball (Broxtowe Borough Council)
Clerk
Mrs S.M. Bircumshaw
Before the meeting commenced, Councillor Ms Hopkin said a few words to Councillor Mrs Gilbert, expressing the deep sorrow of everyone on the Parish Council following the passing of her husband, Chris Gilbert, at the end of December. He will be sorely missed by everyone in the community.
Councillor Mrs Gilbert thanked everyone who has supported her and kept her going through this very sad and difficult time – everyone has been amazing.
Councillor Ms Hopkin also said a few words regarding the passing of Eric Bradley, who was a loyal member of the Parish Council for many years, standing as Chairman for a few years. Eric also served as a School Governor, representing the Parish Council, at Awsworth Primary School for many years.
Unfortunately we were not informed of his passing until the day of his funeral at St Catherine’s Church last week; therefore no-one from the Parish Council was in attendance.
01/25 Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor S. Pepper, Councillor J. Keirnan, Councillor D. Pringle (Broxtowe Borough Council), Councillor J. McGrath (Nottinghamshire County Council) and PCSO Anthony Davies (Police).
02/25 Declaration of Interest
There were no Declarations of Interest.
03/25 Minutes of the last meeting
The Minutes of the meeting held on 19th November 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
04/25 Public participation
There were no members of the public in attendance.
05/25 Police report
No report.
06/25 County Councillor’s report
No report.
07/25 Borough Councillor’s report
Councillor Mrs Ball started by wishing everyone a Happy New Year.
Councillor Mrs Ball reported that she had been approached, just before Christmas, by residents from Newtons Lane who are very unhappy regarding the lorries from the Avant site. The lorries are being parked on the roadside, sometimes blocking driveways and the mud deposited from the lorries is horrendous.
Councillor Mrs Ball went to see the Site Manager, who was very amiable. She explained how unhappy the residents are – some have lived there for over 50 years on what was, up until recently, a country lane. There is mud everywhere, what happened to the wheel-wash which was promised? The Site Manager told her that there never was and never will be a wheel-wash as there is no room to site one.
Councillor Mrs Ball told him that the biggest concern is the access off Shilo Way and she was informed that this has already started to be constructed and should be finished by the end of April.
A ford system may be put in place for the lorries to drive through, to clean their wheels.
If the residents are not happy, Councillor Mrs Ball will take them to meet the Site Manager for him to explain what is happening.
The question was raised as to what is happening with the regular meetings, as we have asked for dates for another meeting a couple of times and been ignored and, also, Awsworth have asked recently and been ignored. Councillor Mrs Ball will try to get hold of Jason to see what is happening.
Cllr Mrs Ball to contact Jason
It was also mentioned that rumours have been heard that the owner of the ski-slope site has recently passed away so if this is the case, it is probably why there has been no movement on the site for a while. Councillor Mrs Ball will look into this and ask at Broxtowe if they know anything.
Cllr Mrs Ball to ask if Broxtowe know anything
The question was raised as to whether Broxtowe could take over this site? Councillor Mrs Ball replied that due to finances she did not think this would be possible. It was reported that the only thing Broxtowe can hold them to is the design as passed when the application was approved. Once work has started, which is the case here, the application can only be challenged if the original plan has been veered away from. If the work started is as stated in the application, then the permission is there forever.
Standing Orders commenced at 7.45pm
08/25 Items for Discussion
a) 2025 Commemoration of sale of properties in Cossall by the Willoughby Family
Councillor Mrs Wheatley reported that she has got the address of Lord Middleton and will be sending him an invitation to the event. The plan is to do a leaflet drop at the end of January and another one at the end of February. It was mentioned not to forget the outlying farms.
It was suggested that a photo be included – maybe a photo of Councillor Mrs Wheatley’s house, which is one of the original houses put up for auction, or a photo of the view down Church Lane. Councillor Mrs Gilbert offered to help with advertising the event on the wearecossall Facebook page and in local newspapers by sending off a Press Release, to local papers and local radio.
At the moment it is being decided what to put on the display boards.
It was suggested that the book on the local history, written by Joe Holland, could be used for information. Councillor Ms Hopkin typed up the book for Joe and still has the content.
It was also suggested that it would be an idea to contact the County Council’s archaeologist, who will be able to give information on who was found buried underneath the church floor, some of the Willoughby family were buried there.
Councillor Mrs Wheatley also reported that she has got a possible lead on getting some drone footage but needs to look into the legality of this. If this is possible, the plan is to show it on the tv screen in the church hall.
Cllr Wheatley to bring more information of what she would like regarding advertising, etc., to the next meeting
b) Church matters
Councillor Mrs Wheatley reported that John Wheatley has been in touch with wholesalers but cannot get the light fitting we require for the church floodlights. No one has got any stock. He has also contacted the manufacturer but they have got no stock and are not planning on making any more. Councillor Keirnan will be asked if he might look for a different make similar to the one he had found.
Cllr Keirnan to be asked if he could find a different make.
Councillor Mrs Gilbert will ask Marilyn Reed for up-to-date figures for the Standing Charge rate and the Unit rate, as we need to start paying our third of the electricity charges for the church.
Peter Thornhill has re-furbished the bench outside the church in memory of his mother, Gillian Thornhill, and it looks lovely. A letter of thanks will be sent to Peter, maybe via Marilyn? This could also be mentioned in a newsletter.
Letter of thanks to be sent to Peter Thornhill
c) Footpaths and pavements
Councillor Mrs Gilbert reported that, when out walking her dogs, she has noticed that there are a lot of old church notices still displayed on the notice boards. She has removed the ones she has seen and feels that we should keep the notice boards tidy and up-to-date. Any commercial notices need to be removed but charity and church notices are acceptable to be displayed.
Councillor Ms Hopkin reported that the pavement on Coronation Road is completely broken up – near the steps? This will be reported to the County Councillors and Councillor Ms Hopkin will obtain a photo to send to them.
Broken pavement to be reported and County Cllrs will be informed
d) Roads/Traffic/Bikers
The pot holes on Church Lane, just up from Sam Patchitt’s have got bigger. There is also a bad pot hole in front of Sue Connor’s house on Robinettes Lane and another one in the middle of the road at the other end of Church Lane – what3words “gentle.played.once”.
The pot holes on Church Lane, just up from Sam Patchitt’s have got bigger. There is also a bad pot hole in front of Sue Connor’s house on Robinettes Lane and another one in the middle of the road at the other end of Church Lane – what3words “gentle.played.once”.
Water is again running down Church Lane and the drains seem very full.
The National Speed Limit sign on Dead Lane (at the corner of Robinettes Lane) has been flattened by a car, which skidded on the ice caused by water running down the Patchitt’s drive and freezing on the road
Pot holes and knocked over sign to be reported.
e) RCAN
Councillor Harrison reported that Marilyn Reed has now got a dialogue going regarding possible funding for the church hall car park.
Funding could also be applied for to install secondary double glazing on the church hall windows.
Notts. Community Voluntary Service (CVS) are running a Safe-guarding Course for Adults.
f) CPRE
Councillor Ms Hopkin reported that the CPRE are holding a training course on planning on Thursday 23 January 6-8pm. Unfortunately we have missed the preferential booking date but there are still places available at £5/person. Councillor Ms Hopkin will inform the Clerk if she can attend.
Membership is due for renewal at £60.00 for the year, although we could pay more if we want to. It was proposed that we pay £60.00, this proposal was seconded and all were in favour.
g) Trees and The Woodland Trust
Councillor Mrs Wheatley reported that, due to the weather, she had been unable to do anything more about gathering the information about noteworthy trees to be passed to The Woodland Trust. Once the weather is better, hopefully next month, she and Councillor Ms Hopkin will acquire the necessary information.
Cllrs Mrs Wheatley and Ms Hopkin to gather information when weather allows
h) Floral displays
It is nice to have a floral display in the planters during the winter; thanks were given to everyone concerned in the upkeep of the planters.
Thanks were also given to Councillor Rigby and John Wheatley for sorting out the lights on the Christmas tree and getting rid of the tree once Christmas was over.
i) Annual service of defibrillators
Councillor Mrs Gilbert informed the meeting that this will take place on 14th February at 10.30am.
It was reported that the light in the telephone box is flashing on and off. It needs a new bulb – Councillor Mrs Wheatley will ask John Wheatley to put a new bulb in.
It was reported that the street light opposite the church hall is not working.
Cllr Mrs Wheatley will ask John Wheatley to replace the bulb
j) Commemoration for the end of WW2
The County Councillors (Doddy and McGrath) have offered a donation of £500.00 towards costs for this event but before we can have it we need to send a breakdown of costs.
A reply will be sent to the County Councillors, saying that it is anticipated that more than £500.00 will be spent for these events (VE Day and VJ Day) and the additional costs will be covered by the Parish Council. Costs will include floral displays, printing, advertising, hall hire, refreshments and caretaking/cleaning etc.
With regards to the floral arrangements, it was suggested that we have two – one for VE Day in May and another for VJ Day in August. It was suggested that we try and get larger letters made, maybe 18 inches in height. Councillors Mrs Harrison and Mrs Gilbert will approach some local florists for quotes, including the florist who made the floral arrangement for DD Day 80 year celebrations last year.
Cllrs Mrs Harrison and Mrs Gilbert to approach local florists for quotes
It was suggested that we produce some A3 size posters advertising these events. These will be done at Moorleys, who can laminate them as well. Councillor Mrs Gilbert has got a couple of staple guns for attaching the posters to the notice boards.
It was reported that the oldest surviving soldier from WW2 is now the oldest person in the UK at the age of 110 years and is living at a care home in Ilkeston.
It was also suggested that we contact the church to see if they are holding a special service and if so we might help with publicising this and arrange light refreshments for afterwards
Cllr Mrs Gilbert to ask the church if they have any plans
09/25 Correspondence
There was no correspondence.
10/25 Planning applications
There were no planning applications for discussion.
11/25 Finance
Chris Gilbert used to pay Tracy, who cleans the church hall, and she has already been given the list of dates when the hall will require cleaning this year. Councillor Mrs Gilbert suggested that she contact Marilyn Reed and ask if Tracy could be issued with a key for her to gain access to the church hall when necessary.
Tracy has confirmed that she is quite happy to receive her payment of £20.00 via BACS. If Marilyn is happy for Tracy to have a key to the church hall, Councillor Mrs Gilbert will get Tracy’s bank details ready for future payments to be sent each month via BACS.
Cllr Mrs Gilbert to contact Marilyn
12/25 Accounts for payment
| The following accounts were approved for payment | ||
| Mrs S. Bircumshaw – Clerk’s Salary | £479.67 | |
| Cossall PCC – Room Hire – 14/1/25 | £35.00 | |
| Mr R Heard – Website Administration | £70.00 | |
| Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal – Donation | £214.00 | |
| Mrs M. Gilbert – Christmas Tree/pick-up & installation | £370.00 | (£270.00/£100.00) |
| Mr/Mrs Henson – Donation to Memories Fund, Cheque dated 18/12/24 | £200.00 | |
| Bank Charges and Fees | £8.00 | |
| TOTAL | £1,376.67 | |
| Income since 19/11/24 | ||
| Bank Interest | £39.80 | |
| TOTAL | £39.80 | |
| Deposit Account | ||
| Reserve | £7,000.00 | |
| MTFS | £750.00 | |
| TOTAL | £7,750.00 | |
| Balances @ Bank – November 2024 | ||
| Deposit A/C | £4,749.01 | (-Res/MTFS) |
| Current A/C | £324.58 | |
| TOTAL | £5,073.59 | (Available) |
| Balances @ Bank – January 2025 | ||
| Deposit A/C | £3,288.81 | (Reserve/MTFS deducted) |
| Current A/C | £455.91 | |
| TOTAL | £3,744.72 | (Available to spend) |
13/25 Date and time of next meeting
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Tuesday 18th February 2025, commencing at 7.30pm in the Church Hall.
The meeting closed at 8.35pm.