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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 S. Pepper
- Councillor D. Pringle (Broxtowe Borough Council)
- Councillor Mrs L. Ball (Broxtowe Borough Council)
Clerk
Mrs S.M. Bircumshaw
27/24 Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor D. Mason, Councillor J. McGrath (Nottinghamshire County Council) and PCSO P. Keeley (Police).
28/24 Declaration of Interest
There were no Declarations of Interest made.
29/24 Minutes of the last meeting
The Minutes of the meeting held on 20th February 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
30/24 Public participation
There were no members of the public present.
31/24 Police report
There was no Police report.
32/24 County Councillor’s report
There was no County Councillor’s report.
33/24 Borough Councillor’s report
Broxtowe Borough Council are going to look at the reporting process and hopefully we will get updates straight away in the future. Some officers are excellent at responding and others are not.
The question was raised as to whether there is any more information on an updated Tree Preservation Order map. There is nothing to report on this yet. Does an officer actually go out to look at reported issues? It seems that every time someone puts in an application to remove a tree, anywhere in Broxtowe, the application is granted by the Borough Council. This is very concerning as we have no evidence that an officer has actually been out to view the trees in question and if everything is being looked at properly. We have not seen any refusals on applications for trees to be cut down. The most recent TPO maps we have at the moment are from January 1995 and we really do need an up-to-date map. Councillor Pringle will ask, yet again, tomorrow regarding an up-to-date map and also ask the question as to why there are no refusals for applications to cut down trees.
Cllr Pringle to ask again for up-to-date TPO map and ask why no refusals for applications to cut down trees
Councillor Ms Hopkin pointed out that some of the applications have the suffix TPOW (Tree Preservation Order Withdrawn) – we would like to know why the TPO has been/is being withdrawn on applications to cut down trees. This maybe because the tree is diseased, dead or has become dangerous, however, we would like to know the reason. Councillor Mrs Ball advised that we write to Broxtowe as every tree is looked at on its merits. Maybe we should, as a Parish Council, elect a Tree Officer? This we have already done and trees do not have to be indigenous to the local area to be protected. We would like an up-to-date map to see if a few more trees could be added.
Councillor Pringle reported that Councillor McGrath has advised him that there is money available from the County Council to make bus stops more disabled friendly. We will let them know if there are any we feel should be looked at.
Avant Homes – the appeal against Condition 3 will go to Committee.
Gardeners Inn – Councillor Pringle reported that he has had a discussion with Steve Sims at Broxtowe, who was pleased that the appeal had been won to save the pub. The owner lost the appeal because there was no evidence that he had advertised the property For Sale. There is now a For Sale board up and 4 people have been to look at it so far.
7.50pm Standing Orders commenced
34/24 Items for discussion
a) Church matters
EON did not turn up today to remove the meter from the church as arranged. Councillor Mrs Gilbert waited around for over 4 hours. We have already paid for the meter to be removed (£148.32 on 5/3/24). The Clerk has been in touch with EON and we now have more dates for them to come and carry out the required work. Councillor Mrs Wheatley will be available on Thursday 11 April between 12 noon and 4pm to let the engineers into the church. The Clerk will confirm the date and time with EON.
Clerk to confirm date and time with EON
b) Footpaths and pavements
It was reported that Pipswood on Coronation Road have got a pump running to drain off water from their property when it rains. Should they be running a pump which is sending water over the pavement into the drain on the road? This is making the pavement very wet and rather hazardous for pedestrians. Councillor Keating reported that this is the only way they can get water off the property because the drains are blocked where the water should run into. This issue has been going on for over a year now. The question was raised as to where are the County Councillors? They never turn up to our meetings and it is their responsibility to report this to the County Council and pursue the matter until the problem is rectified. We should put in an official complaint to the Chief Executive. Councillor Pringle will let Councillor Mrs Gilbert know tomorrow the details of we should write to.
Cllr Pringle to give Cllr Mrs Gilbert CEO details
With regards to the seat which is set back into the hedge outside Keith and Eileen Harrison’s property – Councillor Mrs Gilbert reported that Chris Gilbert has quoted £150.00 to move the bench forward. It was proposed, seconded, show of hands and all were in favour of Chris carrying out the necessary work.
c) Roads/Traffic/Bikers
Nothing to report.
d) Neighbourhood Plan update
It was voted unanimously at Cabinet that the Neighbourhood Plan be made, so it is now official. We need to wait a few days before having the ‘do’ to celebrate this due to holidays and Easter. Dates were discussed for after Easter and Tuesday 9th or Wednesday 10th April was agreed upon. The Clerk will purchase the drinks and Councillor Mrs Gilbert will purchase some nibbles.
Clerk/Cllr Mrs Gilbert to sort out the refreshments
e) RCAN
Councillor Harrison reported that this week is Village Hall Week and that he has passed the information on to Gillian and Marilyn.
f) TPO’s (Tree Preservation Orders)
This issue was discussed in Borough Councillors Report and Councillor Pringle will ask, again, for an up-to-date map.
g) New defibrillator
Councillor Mrs Gilbert reported that Chris has got this in hand.
h) First Aid course
Councillor Mrs Gilbert reported that this has been booked for Friday 3rd May. As Councillor Mrs Gilbert will be away on this date Councillor Mrs Wheatley will take charge of the evening. Although this has been advertised in the newsletter, posters will be put on the notice boards, advertised on our Facebook page (Alyson will be asked if she would do this) and at the school in Awsworth (Marilyn will be asked for her assistance with this). Emails will also be sent out.
More advertising for the course will be organised
i) Notice boards
Chris Gilbert has got the repairs in hand. The request for a new notice board on The Glebe has been approved, the only stipulation being that it needs to be sited near the pavement. Councillors Mrs Gilbert and Ms Hopkin will speak to the owners of the house outside which the notice board will be positioned. Councillor Mrs Wheatley will order a topper for the notice board.
Cllrs Mrs Gilbert/ Ms Hopkin to speak to owners of property
Cllr Mrs Wheatley to order topper
j) CPRE Membership
The Direct Debit form was filled in and signed by Councillor Mrs Gilbert and Councillor Ms Hopkin.
k) Floral displays
Councillor Mrs Harrison reported that she has looked at other options for the ‘80’ flower display to commemorate 80 Years since D-Day. She went to Sharps on Bramcote Lane and they have quoted £45/number, following this she went to Slades at West Bridgford and the owner was very helpful and quoted £35/number. He made some very nice suggestions and asked whether we would require different coloured flowers or red/white/blue flowers. The standard size is 12 inches but the overhand of flowers will make it look larger, he also advised on fixings. Following discussion it was decided to go with Slades with a colour theme of red/white/blue. It was suggested that the display be hung on the crossbar at the top of the lych gate. Councillor Mrs Harrison will obtain the bank details for payment of £70.00 when ordering.
Cllr Mrs Harrison to order and obtain payment details
l) Spring Newsletter
Councillor Mrs Gilbert thanked Councillor Rigby for the editing of the newsletter and everyone who had helped with delivery. Also thanks to Councillor Ms Hopkin for her help with filling the seed envelopes.
m) Donation from Councillor Doddy
A request was put in to Councillor Doddy for a donation towards a water fountain for the village. Councillor Mrs Gilbert has managed to find a suitable one and will sort out the fixings. Councillor Doddy has agreed to make a donation of £1,125.00 towards this project.
Councillor McGrath may also be able to make a donation of £250.00 towards a new village sign. Councillor Mrs Gilbert has also found out that we may be able to get part funding from the County Council for a new village sign and has asked Councillor McGrath to look into this to see if the offer is still available.
Councillor Mrs Gilbert reported that she has ordered a lovely water fountain which is coming from Greece. The size is 27” x 18” so will fit very well. It is a genuine vintage item from the 1960’s and is made of cast iron. The water fountain has cost £311.69 and this price includes delivery, She has found a modernish push tap for the front and a tap for the other side so the supply can be switched off when necessary. A small amount of piping will also be needed. Maybe a drinking water test kit would be a good purchase – if the supply is coming from the mains and not a tank this is not necessary.
Councillor Mrs Wheatley will look into and order a brass plaque saying “Drinking Water” and also one for the Friendship Bench.
Cllr Mrs Wheatley to sort brass plaques
Chris Gilbert is prepared to fit the water fountain etc but may need some help with this. Also a cleaning regime – wiping/disinfecting the tap edges – needs to be put in place for, say, once a month.
n) Waterloo Citation
It was reported that when Marilyn Reed took the frame off the wall in the church it was soaking wet at the back. She has managed to dry it off and has re-typed the wording. It will hopefully be re-positioned in the Church Hall. The citation was actually presented to the Parish Council and not the Church. Councillor Mrs Wheatley will store the frame until it is hung in the hall.
35/24 Correspondence
There was no correspondence.
36/24 Planning applications
Councillor Mrs Harrison reported what had been discussed at the last joint meeting with Awsworth Parish Council and Avant Homes. Avant are going to be removing a large amount of the spoil heap over the next few weeks, so there will be an increase in lorry movement – up to 40 lorries per day.
Condition 3 is going to Committee – Avant want to build 50 homes and have them occupied before they start on the access onto the bypass. If this is allowed to happen the only access to and from the site for residents will be via Newtons Lane and this is not acceptable.
Not so many complaints from the residents at the moment but Councillor Mrs Gilbert has received a video from a resident with time evidence of the contractors starting before 8am. It was also reported that there is some sort of structure in the main inlet pipe into the canal and the water is now noticeably clearer. Roadworks on Newtons Lane are starting tomorrow for 3 weeks, with 3 way traffic lights.
37/24 Finance
The date for the next Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting will be Tuesday 16th April, commencing at 7pm, this will be followed by the Parish Council meeting. Councillor Rigby will liaise with the Clerk to formulate an Agenda for the meeting.
38/24 Accounts for payment
The following accounts were approved for payment
| Mrs S. Bircumshaw – Clerk’s Salary/Stamps/Printer Paper | £470.52 | (£452.52/£10.00/£8.00) |
| Cossall PCC – Room Hire (19/3/24) | £35.00 | |
| Mr R Heard – Website Administration | £45.00 | |
| Seal Calibration – Defibrillator Service & New Battery | £520.80 | (£166.80/£354.00) |
| Mrs M. Gilbert – Misc for Seeds/Vase/Water Fountain | £469.87 | (£137.75/£20.43/£311.69) |
| Mr C. Gilbert – Newsletter/Defib Sign/Hall Clean | £230.00 | |
| Geoxphere Ltd – Parish Online Annual Subscription | £64.80 | |
| Bank Charges and Fees (including 1 cheque) | £8.00 | |
| EON – Direct Debit – Church Floodlights | £104.91 | |
| TOTAL | £1,948.90 | |
| Income since 20/02/24 | ||
| Bank Interest | £15.64 | |
| VAT Refund | £397.98 | |
| TOTAL | £413.62 | |
| Balances @ Bank – February 2024 | ||
| Deposit A/C | £8,663.82 | |
| Current A/C | £233.60 | |
| TOTAL | £8,897.42 | |
| Balances @ Bank – March 2024 | ||
| Deposit A/C | £7,061.80 | |
| Current A/C | £136.38 | |
| TOTAL | £7,198.18 |
39/24 Date and time of Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Parish Council, will be held on Tuesday 16th April 2024, commencing at 7.30pm in the Church Hall.
A meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee will be held on the same evening, commencing at 7pm.
The meeting closed at 8.40pm.