A meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday 5th March 2025, at the Town Hall commencing at 7.00pm.
Please note that these minutes are draft until approved at a subsequent meeting of the Parish Council
Attended:
Councillor S Isaac
Councillor A Carroll
Councillor A Parris
Councillor B Walter
Councillor L Ford
Ward Councillor A Rush
Ward Councillor B Romaine
Apologies:
Councillor G Fielding
Councillor J Jones
Councillor R Houghton
Councillor S Williams
Clerk:
Sarah Quick, Parish Clerk
Public time
Flooding at the Sodbury Road end of the village was discussed where further investigative work has taken place confirming a problem with the drains running into a narrowed long drainage pipe. South Glos Council are aware and a named contact is following this up with officers.
Regarding flooding around the stank and Station Road investigative works have also taken place there revealing that a large sewer pipe runs through the culvert, leading to blockages. A report is awaited which could then be taken up with Wessex Water and the flooding group will take this forward.
An update was received about the recent first Community Hub Café that was held at the Town Hall. The event was very well attended and it was great to see so many of the community enjoying the space. Going forward the monthly hub can be used to provide other services and information for parishioners.
Several parishioners also attended to voice their objections to the planning application for a convenience store at Cotswold View as covered by minute 7.1.3.25.
AGENDA ITEMS
1.3.25 To RECEIVE apologies for absence.
Cllrs Fielding, Jones and Houghton sent their apologies. Cllr Williams attended to give updates on the cemetery and flooding but did not stay for the meeting due to illness.
2.3.25 To NOTE and RECORD Declarations of Interests relevant to this meeting.
None for this meeting.
3.3.25 To AGREE whether the minutes from the meeting of the Parish Council held on the 5th of February 2025 should be signed as an accurate record of the meeting.
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on the 5th of February 2025 should be signed as an accurate record. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
4.3.25 To RECEIVE the Clerk’s Report on matters arising from previous minutes/ not covered elsewhere on the agenda. (circulated)
None for this meeting.
5.3.25 To determine which items, if any, of the Agenda should be taken with the public excluded.
None required.
PLANNING
6.3.25 Planning – For the Council to NOTE the following planning decisions & notices
None for this meeting
7.3.25 Planning – For the Council to REVIEW and COMMENT on planning applications received before the meeting
7.1 P25/00259/F – 17 Cotswold View Wickwar. Change of use of ground floor to convenience store (Use Class E(a)) as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended). Erection of a two storey rear extension to form additional retail space to ground floor and additional living accommodation to first floor.
Resolved: As Wickwar is in need of a shop the application was supported by the majority of Councillors however there are several concerns that have been made clear to the South Glos planners, not least the lack of parking, traffic problems that already exist in the area surrounding Cotswold View and Avon Crescent and the construction of the property in question and the extra noise and disturbance for existing neighbours, particularly with the long intended opening hours of the shop.
7.2 P25/00074/F – 78 Station Road Wickwar. Partial demolition of annexe, and erection of 1no. attached dwelling with rear terrace and associated works
Resolved: Objection on the grounds of dangerous access for cars and the impact of a larger building on the neighbouring property. Additionally the design of the new building is not in keeping with the adjoining property and other properties on Station Road.
7.3 P25/00383/F – Granary Cottages, Cowship Lane, Cromhall. Conversion of 4no. holiday lets into 2no. dwellings (Class C3), including new external windows and doors
Resolved: No objection
Items for CONSIDERATON and DECISION
8.3.25 To AGREE dates of meetings for the following Council year May 2025 to April 2026 including the Annual Parish Meeting
Council meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of each month with the exception of August when there will be no meeting. The Annual Parish Meeting has been set for Wednesday the 14th of May 2025.
9.3.25 To AGREE to purchase a disabled access ramp for the Town Hall
More detailed measurements are needed before the ramp cost can be finalised. Cllr Carroll and the Clerk will work on these and bring quotations to next meeting.
10.3.25 To CONSIDER flags and hanging baskets for the Town Hall for this summer
The Union Flags will be displayed at the Town Hall to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE-Day on the 8th of May. Larger hanging baskets than last year will be used for the display over the summer months.
11.3.25 To CONSIDER a list of jobs for the South Glos Council Parish Maintenance Team
The team are likely to be visiting Wickwar sometime in April so Councillors were asked to submit any requests for areas to be given attention to the Clerk as soon as possible. The footpath and gully at the bottom of the footpath to the playing fields will be added to the list as the drains there are becoming blocked with silt and debris.
12.3.25 To AGREE to summer events at King George’s Field
It was AGREED that the Wickwar Beer and Cider Festival can be held by Wickwar Entertainment Committee on Saturday the 21st of June and also that the field can be used for an end of primary school gathering on Tuesday the 22nd of July. The Clerk to liase regarding the appropriate risk assessments.
13.3.25 To CONSIDER dates for an open afternoon at the new pavilion building
It was AGREED to hold an open afternoon at the new pavilion building on the afternoon of Sunday the 6th of April from 2 – 4pm. Hot drinks and cakes will be available for visitors.
14.3.25 To CONSIDER options for a cleaning service at the pavilion
With regular use for football matches and the Community Room being used for refreshments the pavilion is in need of a regular clean. The Clerk to search for tenders and report back to next meeting with costs.
REPORTS
15.3.25 To RECEIVE reports from Ward Councillors
The new local plan has now been agreed by South Glos Council and shows no new housing allocation for Wickwar. Plans have been announced for another 305 homes at the Northern End of the quarry by Peg Hill although the quarry will need to be filled before those works can start. Another large development has been agreed at Charfield.
The budget for the 25/26 financial year has also been agreed although with a lack of funding options were limited.
There have been some issues with the new booking system for the Sort It centres, any issues to be reported to Ward Cllr Romaine and she will follow up.
There is to be an audit of WECA’s decisions re public transport, and they will be looking at the reasons why the 84/85 service was lost. The two-year trial of WESTlink is almost finished and it is unlikely to continue as it is losing money. Funding for the service came from central government.
16.3.25 To RECEIVE verbal reports from Councillors who are Trustees or Committee members of the organisations listed below, and to take decisions as necessary:
16.1.3.25 King George’s Field
Mirrors are needed in each changing room and accessible toilets for the new pavilion building.
The gate closer on the far play area gate has broken but can be swapped for the other side which is not used. Cllr Isaac will attend to this.
16.2.3.25 Wickwar Community Centre
No further update since last meeting.
16.3.3.25 Wickwar Town Hall
As reported in public time the new drop in café was very successful and will continue on the last Friday of every month from 10am-1pm.
It was noted that the paint on the wall behind the kitchen sink is peeling where there is no splashback. The Clerk to look into options for the wall.
16.4.3.25 Wickwar Cemetery
South Glos Council have confirmed the trial trenching requirements for the cemetery extension into Park Field. Cllr Williams to obtain quotations for next meeting.
16.5.3.25 Wickwar Youth Club
Despite the use of anti-climb paint there remains persistent climbing onto the roof of the Youth Centre, the trustees are considering the purchase of another CCTV camera.
A number of members attended the South Glos Youth Awards in half term which was a great evening.
17.3.25 To receive an update from the Flooding Working Group
As discussed in public time investigations have given further insight into why the flooding is occurring however work now needs to be done to follow up the issues with the companies and individuals involved. This will be discussed at the next meeting of the flooding group.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
18.3.25 To RECEIVE the play equipment and assets inspection for February (circulated)
The inspection was duly noted.
19.3.25 To RECEIVE the register of correspondence received.
• A representative from one of the Wickwar Wanderers Youth Teams has contacted the Parish Council regarding all sections of the club being able to use the Community Room for refreshments. The PC wants all teams to have access to the room, however there is a need for the teams to work together to ensure that the room is left clean for other users. The football club’s committee is currently very small and the PC will urge parents to work with the club.
REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
20.3.25 Citizens Advice Bureau for their volunteer training programme
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to provide a grant of £350 to help Citizens Advice train further volunteers.
21.3.25 Wickwar Women’s Circle for presentation equipment
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to provide a grant of £500 to help the Women’s Circle purchase presentation equipment to attract speakers to their meetings.
22.3.25 Wickwar Entertainment Committee for the June festival
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to provide a grant of £350 to help with the costs of portaloos for the June event
23.3.25 Wickwar Exhibition to be held at the Town Hall
Councillors agreed that the exhibition can be held at the Town Hall with no hire cost with the proceeds going to the Sight Savers charity however no further grant application has been received.
BURIAL MATTERS
24.3.25 None for this meeting
FINANCE
25.3.25 To NOTE the monthly bank reconciliations for February 2025. Chairman to sign as a true record. (Circulated)
The monthly bank reconciliations for all accounts as at the 28th of February 2025 were NOTED and signed by the Chairman as a true record
26.3.25 To APPROVE accounts for payment and NOTE additional payments made between meetings in line with Financial Regulations
It was RESOLVED that the payments as listed in the following payment schedule should be made.
HMRC February PAYE 529.74
Staff salaries February salaries 1890.54
Sarah Quick February expenses to include kitchen items for the new pavilion and town hall rooms 140.46
BT Town Hall broadband 28.46
NEST Clerk pension (employer and employee contribution) 116.06
Tesco mobile Clerk mobile 7.50
Octopus Energy Town Hall January 52.16
Octopus Energy Pavilion January 56.18
Water Business Town Hall water and sewerage services July – February 96.72
Water Business Pavilion water and sewerage services July – February 81.92
Water Business Park Field water July – February 41.55
Prestige Grounds Ltd Grounds maintenance for the year 3036.00
South Gloucestershire Council Localism charges January – March 1381.97
Wickwar Women’s Circle Grant agreed at March meeting 500.00
Citizens Advice Bureau Grant agreed at March meeting 350.00
Wickwar Entertainment Committee Grant agreed at March meeting 350.00
27.3.25 To CONSIDER applying for a bank card for making Council purchases
It was AGREED to further investigate the possibility and process of applying for a charge card from Unity Bank.
28.3.25 To APPROVE the updated asset register (circulated).
The updated asset register was circulated and duly NOTED.
29.3.25 To AGREE to appoint an internal auditor and ensure their independence from the Council
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to appoint Tony Jay as the Council’s internal auditor. There are no connections between Tony and the Council or any Councillors.
ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
30.3.25 To NOTE any items for inclusion on the following meeting agenda.
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9.10pm.