Wickwar Parish Council
Meeting of the Parish Council – Minutes
A meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday 8th October 2025, at the Town Hall commencing at 7.00pm.
Attended:
Councillor S Isaac
Councillor G Fielding
Councillor A Carroll
Councillor A Parris
Councillor B Walter
Councillor S Williams
Ward Councillor A Rush
Ward Councillor B Romaine
Apologies:
Councillor R Houghton
Councillor L Ford
Councillor J Jones
Clerk:
Sarah Quick, Parish Clerk
Public time
Representatives of the social club and coffee shop attended to discuss the future of the telephone box which has now been taken out of service by BT. The Clerk confirmed that the box is listed and the Parish Council have confirmed that BT will be responsible for its maintenance. It is thought that it could become a feature to which Councillors would be supportive. The contact details for the BT team will be passed on along with details of other interested parishioners.
Our local PCSO and new Beat Manger attended the meeting and were pleased to report zero crime statistics for Wickwar. However this only represents crimes which are reported. A speed camera has been in operation and more than 80% of vehicles were found to be exceeding the new 20mph speed limit through the village. This means that the village will be added to the list for regular spot checks which will also include checks on overweight lorries.
The number of overweight lorries passing through has continued to increase with September being one of the worst months on record. Ward Cllr Romaine will help to continue the pressure on South Glos Council to install an ANPR camera to issue pentalties, unfortunately the Police have stated that they would not support a fixed camera.
A representative from the PCC of Wickwar attended and passed on thanks for the grant towards the upcoming fireworks display. Over half of the tickets have been sold already with several weeks to go. An update was also given regarding the benefice administrator (see minute 9.10.25). The committee were also disappointed to see a post on the village’s Facebook page regarding the state of the church porch following September’s heavy rain. This has now been discussed with the Priest in Charge and an update provided.
AGENDA ITEMS
1.10.25 To RECEIVE apologies for absence.
Cllrs Houghton, Ford and Jones sent their apologies which were accepted.
2.10.25 To NOTE and RECORD Declarations of Interests relevant to this meeting.
None for this meeting.
3.10.25 To AGREE whether the minutes from the meeting of the Parish Council held on the 3rd of September 2025 should be signed as an accurate record of the meeting.
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on the 3rd of September 2025 should be signed as an accurate record. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
4.10.25 To RECEIVE the Clerk’s Report on matters arising from previous minutes/ not covered elsewhere on the agenda. (circulated)
Nothing for this meeting.
5.10.25 To determine which items, if any, of the Agenda should be taken with the public excluded.
None required.
PLANNING
6.10.25 Planning – For the Council to NOTE the following planning decisions & notices
The following planning decisions were noted:
6.1 P25/01921/PNA – South Farm 56 Sodbury Road Wickwar. Prior notification of the intention to erect 1 no. agricultural building for housing of livestock and machinery. Decision: Prior Approval Granted
6.2 P25/01821/HH – Saddleback Barn, The Piggeries, Bristol Road Cromhall. Erection of a two-storey front extension and conversion of existing garage to facilitate an annexe ancillary to the main dwelling. Decision: Refusal
6.3 P25/01768/F – Millstream Works, Station Road, Wickwar. Change of use of existing building from Class B2 (general industry) to Class B8 (self storage). As defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended). Erection of 1no storage building (Use Class B8). Retrospective. Decision: Approve with conditions
6.4 P25/01577/RVC – Newlands Farm, Rag Lane, Wickwar. Variation of condition 7 (ecological approach) attached to planning consent P20/24180/F – Installation of a 49.99mw solar farm and associated infrastructure including substation, transformer stations, internal access road, perimeter security fence and access gates and internal access tracks. Decision: Approve with conditions
7.10.25 Planning – For the Council to REVIEW and COMMENT on planning applications received before the meeting
A planning application from Cotswold Homes (reference P25/02141/PIP) was briefly discussed. The Clerk will request an extension to the expiry date to enable a full discussion at November’s meeting.
Items for CONSIDERATON and DECISION
8.10.25 To AGREE to book a place on upcoming AGAR assertion 10 training for the Clerk
With a cost of £15 it was proposed, seconded and AGREED for the Clerk to attend the AGAR assertion 10 training session.
9.10.25 To DISCUSS an update from Wickwar Benefice regarding Town Hall working
The Benefice administrator has been working from the Town Hall since the High Street Rectory ceased to be occupied. There is now an opportunity for the administrator to move to the St Mary’s Church office in Chipping Sodbury which is warmer and manned. The Parish Council were thanked for providing the Town Hall as a temporary solution. The energy used from February to the move out date will be calculated and agreed at next meeting.
10.10.25 To DISCUSS any feedback regarding the new Y8 bus service
There has been good feedback about the service so far with parishioners pleased to have a service that can take and pick up students from KLB and also with earlier and later trips. Ward Cllr Rush reminded everyone that the service is only funded until March so it is important to use it to demonstrate demand.
11.10.25 To AGREE the purchase of a poppy wreath for the Remembrance service
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to purchase a poppy wreath from the Royal British Legion at a cost of £20.99 plus delivery of £3.99.
12.10.25 To DISCUSS attendance at the new South Glos Council “Your Voice” area committee meeting
Cllr Isaac agreed to attend on behalf of the Parish Council.
13.10.25 To RECEIVE an update regarding the government consultation about remote meetings and proxy voting
The Clerk reported that the consultation responses were positive so a change in legislation to allow remote meetings and proxy voting is likely. The Council will need to consider it’s own restrictions to this and also the technology that might be required for hybrid meetings to take place.
REPORTS
14.10.25 To RECEIVE reports from Ward Councillors
Ward Councillor Romaine updated the Parish Council that there will be a full South Glos Council meeting next week and also highlighted the Your Voice meeting in Chipping Sodbury next week.
New bin collection days were discussed which seem to be working well in Wickwar and feedback was also given that the system for booking slots at the Sort It centre is also working well. There has been no increase in fly tipping as a result of the introduction of the booking system.
Bin collection day alterts are available via the new South Glos app as is the booking system and other Report It functions.
15.10.25 To RECEIVE verbal reports from Councillors who are Trustees or Committee members of the organisations listed below, and to take decisions as necessary:
15.1.10.25 King George’s Field
The Clerk is in discussions with the WPFA team about holding an opening event for the new pump track at the pavilion. The pump track project is now complete.
15.2.10.25 Wickwar Community Centre
The bookings secretary has announced her intention to leave the committee at the end of the year although there are two new treasurers and Cllrs Fielding and Ford are now committee members. Cllr Fielding will discuss with the school the possibility of them taking over the bookings etc.
The Parish Council has, as requested, taken over the maintenance and responsibility for the Community Centre defibrillator.
15.3.10.24 Wickwar Town Hall
Bookings for the jigsaw puzzle club and community café continue along with occasional meetings. The Clerk is also liaising with the Rag Lane Solar Farm regarding holding their next community liaison meeting in Wickwar.
15.4.10.25 Wickwar Village Hall
The new committee has settled in and all is running well.
15.4.10.25 Wickwar Cemetery
The archaeological survey has now been completed and the full report was available for Councillors to review. One of the trenches showed some activity which could possibly be dated to the Iron Age and therefore could be locally significant. The report has been referred to the planning officer at South Glos Council who may request further investigation.
15.5.10.25 Wickwar Youth Club
Staff sickness has led to cover being required from the trustees. New trustees are needed from a younger dynamic, ideally parents of young people that are involved in the club, and this message will be circulated.
16.10.25 To receive an update from the Flooding Working Group
South Glos Council have carried out some drain cleaning work. A further meeting is needed regarding the investigation work that has taken place at the stank and needs to include Wessex Water as their pipe is partly blocking the culvert. Ward Cllr Romaine will follow this up and try to attend the meeting.
11 willow trees have been planted in the lowest lying field as they are typically good at absorbing water.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
17.10.25 To RECEIVE the play equipment and assets inspection for September (circulated)
The inspections were noted.
18.10.25 To RECEIVE the register of correspondence received.
• Swift Performance Coaching have written regarding providing sports sessions for young people however Councillors feel that those opportunities are already provided in the village by the football club and school and nothing more is needed.
• Correspondence from the Leader of South Glos Council regarding the Your Voice meetings was noted.
• A letter of thanks was received from the Brightwell Centre for the Parish Council’s donation.
• An update regarding the pump track including photographs was shown.
• WEAG have been in touch regarding an outside tap at the Youth Club to assist with watering the Sodbury Road trough. As a Youth Club trustee Cllr Parris is happy to follow this up.
REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
19.10.25 Great Western Air Ambulance for running costs
It was proposed, seconded and APPROVED to give a grant of £500 to the Great Western Air Ambulance to assist with their running costs.
20.10.25 Read With Me to retain and train volunteers
As a school governor Cllr Fielding will check the reading volunteer situation with Alexander Hosea School and the grant application will be deferred to next meeting.
BURIAL MATTERS
21.10.25 Nothing for this meeting
FINANCE
22.10.25 To NOTE the monthly bank reconciliations for August 2025. Chairman to sign as a true record. (Circulated)
The monthly bank reconciliations for all accounts as of 31st of August 2025 were NOTED and signed by the Chairman as a true record
23.10.25 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 September PAYE 588.95
Staff salaries September salaries 1879.44
Sarah Quick September expenses – printer ink, mugs and soap for Town Hall 21.84
BT Town Hall broadband 31.37
NEST Clerk pension (employer and employee contribution) 114.42
Tesco mobile Clerk mobile 7.50
Octopus Energy Pavilion September 44.18
Octopus Energy Town Hall September 52.14
Miss F Quick Watering of Town Hall hanging baskets 15th May to 15th September 250.00
BDO LLP External Audit 2025 1008.00
Hathaway Gardenscapes Ltd September grass cutting at play area and cemetery 586.50
Information Commissioner’s Office Data Protection regulation fee 52.00
ALCA Assertion 10 training for the Clerk 15.00
PATA Payroll Payroll service July – September 96.51
ICCM Memorial management training course for the Clerk 210.00
Bristol Fire Service fire extinguishers at the Town Hall 81.60
Bristol Fire Service fire extinguishers at the Pavilion 69.60
SK Cleaning and Housekeeping Pavilion clean 51.00
Churchill Archaeology Archaeological survey and evaluation report for Park Field 6700.00
The Brightwell Centre Grant agreed at September meeting 300.00
The PCC of Wickwar Grant agreed at September meeting 500.00
24.10.25 To NOTE the final report from the external auditor including the invoice from BDO
The report was circulated and the contents noted. Due to the receipt of s106 monies and spending on the pavilion project the invoice from BDO is higher as it is calculated on income and expenditure levels.
25.10.25 To COMPLETE internal controls
Cllr Parris completed a random check of the bank account and bank reconciliation, reviewing the corresponding supplier invoices.
ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
26.10.25 To NOTE any items for inclusion on the following meeting agenda.
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9pm.