Wickwar Parish Council
Meeting of the Parish Council – Minutes
A meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday 1st February at the Town Hall commencing at 7.00pm.
Attended:
Councillor S Isaac (Chairman)
Councillor G Fielding
Councillor P Trull
Councillor A Carroll
Councillor R Houghton
Councillor J Jones
Councillor A Parris
Apologies:
None
Clerk:
Sarah Quick, Parish Clerk
Public time
A representative from the Wickwar Playing Fields Association attended to update the Council about a joint event being planned with the Wickwar Entertainment Committee to bring back the village produce show, running it at the playing fields to coincide with the village games and fun run plus an evening event. The committees will approach the Parish Council to request some funding assistance and the Council confirmed that they would be receptive to such a request.
WPFA were also concerned to see, as were the Council, evidence that a horse had been ridden up at the fields, there being evidence of hoof marks on the paths and football pitches. Following a Facebook post from Cllr Carroll the owner apologised and explained that they were involved in a search for an escaped dog and that the occurrence won’t happen again.
An update was also given on the plans for a new BMX pump track on the WPFA field. Work is continuing and designs have been commissioned from several companies. Next steps are for the designs to be put to the community to decide on the preferred layout.
Many parishioners attended to put forward their views on the proposed changes to the Wickwar Traffic Management Scheme and ward Councillors Pat Trull and Adrian Rush attended to answer questions. South Gloucestershire Council have not reopened the consultation process however resident’s comments have been listened to and the revised plans do not include the 3 proposed speed humps along the high street. There will be a crossing point on the Sodbury Road and also 3 speed humps along Station Road, although as these are to be installed by SGC rather than the developers they are likely to be smoother.
A representative from the village hall committee attended to update the Council that the committee meets this week and is likely to respond favourably to the Parish Council’s request to site a defibrillator at the village hall. The committee will need to refer to the estate for final approval.
The signed minutes from the Parish Council meeting in November 2022 relating to the trustees of the Wickwar Combined Charities were requested and the clerk will copy and forward.
The footpath at Pound Barn was also raised, where alternative footpath signs and a new fence have been erected. South Gloucestershire Rights of Way department are aware of the signage and fencing. The right of way has not changed, and parishioners may continue to walk the existing footpath.
The drainage and flooding at West End and Rag Lane was also raised by a resident. Now that the flooding has subsided the roads have been left in a terrible state with large potholes. These concerns had previously been raised with Council and a flooding report was raised with South Gloucestershire Council. As this a highways issue residents are encouraged to contact SGC however the clerk will also contact them again.
AGENDA ITEMS
1.2.23 To RECEIVE apologies for absence.
None
2.2.23 To NOTE and RECORD Declarations of Interests relevant to this meeting.
None
3.2.23 To AGREE whether the minutes from the ordinary meeting held on 7th December 2022 should be signed as an accurate record of the meeting.
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 11th January 2023 should be signed as an accurate record. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
4.2.23 To RECEIVE the Clerk’s Report on matters arising from previous minutes/ not covered elsewhere on the agenda.
South Gloucestershire Council have advised that the scheduled work to drop kerbs to provide a disabled access route from the new developments to Alexander Hosea school will commence on w/c 20th February 2023.
5.2.23 To determine which items, if any, of the Agenda should be taken with the public excluded.
Item 23 relating to the clerk’s salary
PLANNING
6.2.23 Planning – For the Council to NOTE the following planning decisions
6.1 P22/06700/HH – Pound Barn West End Wickwar. Erection of 1 no. detached garden outbuilding. Decision: Refusal
Decision noted
7.2.23 Planning – For the Council to REVIEW and COMMENT on planning applications received before the meeting
7.1 P23/00105/HH – 28 Tanner Way Wickwar. Erection of single storey extensions to form bootroom and kitchen/living area.
Resolved: no objection
7.2 P23/00202/PNA – Land at Barbers Court Farm, West End Wickwar. Formation of trackway with associated hard standing
Resolved: no objection
ITEMS FOR DECISION
8.2.23 To CONSIDER the purchase of an honours board for the new Town Hall meeting room
The majority of Councillors felt that an honours board would be a good addition to the Town Hall, either for the upstairs room or the new downstairs meeting room. More detailed pricing to be researched.
9.2.23 To CONSIDER the outcome of the stank tree survey and DECIDE next steps
The tree survey has recommended that pollarding of the lime trees should take place, although not until the trees are in full leaf. Cllr Carroll to approach relevant companies to obtain quotations for the work.
10.2.23 To CONSIDER the hiring of a heat camera and how to promote its availability within the village
Cllr Trull has confirmed access to a heat camera, which can be hired free of charge. The camera will be acquired for a week and parishioners will be able to book a slot to view their properties. This can be promoted via the website and village Facebook page.
11.2.23 To NOTE the proposed changes to the Wickwar Traffic Management Scheme
See discussion in public time
12.2.23 To CONSIDER a response to Dan Norris regarding WECAs proposals for local bus routes
WECA has put forward proposals to cut many rural bus routes, including the 84 and 85 which serve Wickwar, to replace them with a dial and ride type service. The Parish Council strongly objects to this decision and the clerk will write to Dan Norris to express this and to insist that a replacement service must be fit for purpose otherwise many residents will be left stranded.
13.2.23 To CONSIDER renumeration for the clock winder’s holiday cover
The usual clock winder was on holiday for a period of three and a half weeks after Christmas and the clock was would daily and kept to time. The Parish Council would like to express their thanks for the individual who covered and a shopping voucher will be purchased to be sent with a letter of thanks. For approval at next meeting.
REPORTS
13.2.23 To RECEIVE a report from the Ward Councillor.
Ward Councillors Trull and Rush reported Highways England’s request that further development in Charfield should not be considered for a period of 6 months whilst the impact of current traffic on Junction 14 of the M5 is assessed.
There are also plans for South Gloucestershire Council to take over from the police certain traffic management cameras and the issuing of fixed penalty fines. Cllr Houghton raised concerns about a particular box junction near Aztec West where it will be difficult to see around to the exit and the fairness of motorists being charged a fixed penalty fine for this. Cllr Trull to take back the comment.
14.2.23 To RECEIVE verbal reports from Councillors who are Trustees or Committee members of the organisations listed below, and to take decisions as necessary.
14.1.2.23 King George’s Field
The new benches have been delivered and will be fitted this week, clerk to update the grass cutting contractor as they will need to be strimmed around.
The new wheelie bins have been put in place by Wickwar Wanderers football club and are now in use.
Further to a lack of volunteers coming forward to help the clerk and other Councillors have met with two local companies to discuss costs and options for the pavilion redevelopment project. No costings have yet been provided.
14.2.2.23 Wickwar Community Centre
Cllr Jones is still following up with South Glos Council regarding the need for a disabled access toilet.
There has also been a change of secretary on the Community Centre committee.
14.3.2.23 Wickwar Town Hall
The builder due to start work at the Town Hall has advised the Council that their quote will need to be increased due to costs of materials also increasing, revised quotation awaited. The works are now acheduled to start in May following approval of the revised quote.
The clerk has met with Rev Russell who will be retiring in September this year. His last service will be Sunday 17th of September and a representative from the Parish Council will attend.
It is also likely that the vicarage on the high street will be sold, and a smaller property acquired for the replacement vicar, meaning that the administrator who currently works at the vicarage won’t have a base. Rev Russell requested whether the town hall might be an option. Councillors have no objection in principle to some space at the town hall being used however an agreement will need to be drawn up concerning the utility costs and other considerations.
14.4.2.23 Wickwar Cemetery
A response from the Environment Agency regarding the groundwater report is still awaited.
Cutting back of vegetation around the old cemetery has been included in the list of jobs for the SGC maintenance team attending this month.
14.5.2.23 Wickwar Youth Club
Cllr Parris thanked Ward Councillor Trull for her kind donation.
South Glos Council are recommissioning their youth offering and a meeting is scheduled for the 23rd of February which Cllr Parris will attend and report back.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
15.2.23 To RECEIVE the play equipment inspection for January (circulated)
The inspection was noted
16.2.23 To RECEIVE the register of correspondence received
• Wickwar Allotment Committee have written to the Parish Council to thank them for including the allotment hedge in the hedge trimming at KGV.
• Clarke Telecom responded to the Parish Council’s concerns about the siting of a mobile phone mast on the Sodbury Road verge. Next steps are to go through the planning process where there will be further opportunity to comment.
REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
17.2.23. 1st Wickwar Brownies and Guides
The Brownie Group requests to purchase some equipment to enable them to make badges to sell in order to help with their fundraising efforts. it was proposed, seconded and AGREED to provide 1st Wickwar Brownies with £492.50 to purchase the badge making equipment.
18.2.23. Wickwar Environmental Action Group for the 2023 Good Front Garden Awards
The Good Front Garden Awards in 2022 were a huge success with many villagers taking part and plenty of certificates awarded. WEAG wishes to run the awards again in 2023 and it was proposed, seconded and AGREED to award WEAG £250 to help with the costs of leaflets and posters and also to purchase wildflower seeds to give out to help people with their planting.
19.2.23. The Keepers Community Hub for a village survey and leaflet drop
The Keepers is a community hub currently based in Wotton-Under-Edge with a branch soon to open in Kingswood. The hub is open to residents of Wickwar and a survey is planned to include all of the surrounding villages to assess usage and need. It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to provide £300 to assist with the production of the survey.
BURIAL MATTERS
20.2.23
Nothing to note at this meeting
FINANCE
21.2.23. To APPROVE accounts for payment and NOTE additional payments made in line with Financial Regulations
It was RESOLVED that the payments as listed in the following payment schedule should be made
HMRC January PAYE 703.15
Sarah Quick January expenses (HP Instant Ink) 9.99
Staff salaries January 1390.85
Octopus Energy Pavilion January 100.35
Octopus Energy Town Hall January 37.24
PlusNet January broadband 21.60
Glasdon Recycled plastic benches 2418.18
Marmax Recycled plastic benches 3278.40
22.2.23. To CONSIDER the purchase of an end of year package from EDGE IT relating to the end of financial year procedures
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to purchase the basic end of year package from EDGE IT with a cost of £35
23.2.23 To CONSIDER a recommendation from the staffing committee meeting to review the clerk’s salary
Further to a review of the NALC salary scales and the NALC agreement on salaries and conditions of service it was proposed, seconded and AGREED to increase the clerk’s salary to point 29.
24.2.23 . Following the approval of the Council’s budget for 2023/24 to again CONSIDER options for a savings account with a different institution
Following research presented by the clerk it was agreed to look further into opening a savings account with the CCLA who provide a Public Sector Deposit Bond with a good rate of interest and instant access to monies.
ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
25.2.23. To NOTE any items for inclusion on the following meeting agenda.
There being no further business or items for the next agenda the meeting was closed at 9:15pm