Wickwar Parish Council
Meeting of the Parish Council – Minutes
A meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday 5th April 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
Apologies:
Councillor J Jones
Councillor A Parris
Clerk:
Sarah Quick, Parish Clerk
Public time
A member of the public attended to complain about the potholes and road surface at Rag Lane. South Glos Council have been made aware by the Parish Council however Cllr Trull will follow this up. Ditches at the side of the road are also being blocked which results in more water on the road however it is the responsibility of the land owner to keep ditches clear and hedges trimmed.
A resident of Turnpike Gate attended to bring to the Council’s attention a large silver birch tree who’s roots are beginning to encroach on their property. Cllr Trull to follow up with the tree team at South Glos Council.
It was noted that the bus times for the 84 and 85 routes have been changed but information about this is lacking. The clerk and Cllr Trull explained about the new West Link on-demand service and more information about the new service will be circulated to residents.
A discussion took place regarding pavement parking which seems to be becoming more prevalent. It was thought that this is a police issue and Cllr Trull will take it up with the local beat officer.
A local building company attended to talk about the pavilion refurbishment project. At this early stage the Parish Council needs to produce a brief, detailing wishes and requirements to include the FA guidelines. A building survey will then be required and then an outline design can be produced. This design will enable the planning process to begin whilst working drawings are produced which will include full costings. The clerk to contact the section 106 officer at South Glos Council regarding next steps with the funding and a working party will meet to produce a brief.
AGENDA ITEMS
1.4.23 To RECEIVE apologies for absence.
Apologies received from Councillor Jones and Councillor Parris
2.4.23 To NOTE and RECORD Declarations of Interests relevant to this meeting.
None relevant to this meeting
3.4.23 To AGREE whether the minutes from the ordinary meeting held on 1st February 2023 should be signed as an accurate record of the meeting.
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 1st March 2023 should be signed as an accurate record. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
4.4.23 To RECEIVE the Clerk’s Report on matters arising from previous minutes/ not covered elsewhere on the agenda.
Photographs from the Royal visit are expected to arrive within the next couple of days. The clerk will be on leave next week so requested that one or two Councillors view the photographs and send a selection to the Princess’ team for their approval to avoid any further delay. Councillors Fielding and Carroll agreed to this.
5.4.23 To determine which items, if any, of the Agenda should be taken with the public excluded.
None
PLANNING
6.4.23 Planning – For the Council to NOTE the following planning decisions
6.1 P23/00410/PN1– Land Off High Street Wickwar. Installation of 1 no. 18m monopole supporting 6 no. antennas with a wraparound equipment cabinet at the base of the column, the installation of 3 no. additional equipment cabinets and ancillary development thereto. Decision: Refusal prior approval
Decision noted
7.4.23 Planning – For the Council to REVIEW and COMMENT on planning applications received before the meeting
7.1 P23/00857/RVC– Vine Cottage North Street Wickwar. Variation of condition 3 (list of plans) attached to planning permission P21/06836/F to replace approved plans with drawing no’s 122- P01 Rev A, 122-P02 Rev A and 122-P07 – Erection of single storey front extension to form additional living accommodation. Erection of detached garage with storage over
Resolved: no objection
7.2 P23/00943/F and P23/00942/LB – Yate Court Farm Limekiln Road Yate. Part amendment to previously approved scheme PK18/3443/F to modify barn (F) to install solar panels to the roof, remove barn (J) and erect a replacement shed, erection of a greenhouse.
Resolved: no objection
ITEMS FOR DECISION
8.4.23 To DISCUSS an agreement for the church administrator to work from the Town Hall
The Parish Council remains supportive to the administrator working from the Town Hall however the finer details of which space to use will need to be finalised following the completion of the downstairs room refurbishment. The clerk will liase with David Russell regarding utilities costs and how much to contribute. Currently energy costs for the Town Hall are low as the building is mostly unoccupied. The Parish News takes many hours to print plus the administrator would be working in the building for a minimum of 10 hours each week.
9.4.23 To CONSIDER the use of King George’s Field for a boot camp
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to allow a boot camp to operate on the KGV field. The group is being set up to support several villagers training for a marathon in October but will be open to all.
10.4.23 To NOTE the training log for the past year
The training records were duly noted.
11.4.23 To further DISCUSS cost estimates of an honours board for the town hall
Further details are still needed before costs can be finalised to compare. One company comes highly recommended but needs the final number of names before a full quote can be given. The clerk to continue work on the full list of names from the Councillor declarations book.
12.4.23 To CONSIDER quotations for two further defibrillators within the village
Following a review of several quotations it was proposed, seconded and AGREED to accept the quote from South West Ambulance Service to provide the units. Purchasing the units from SWAST includes annual training plus the benefit that should the units be stolen or broken they will be replaced.
13.4.23 To CONSIDER the purchase of cups/shields for the Wickwar Games and Produce Show
Cllr Carroll is to meet with members of WEC and the Wickwar Games team and will present requirements and costings to a future meeting for decision
14.4.23 To RECEIVE a report from the Ward Councillor.
Ward Councillor Trull reported that although there has been no official confirmation that Wickwar now has 9 Councillors she was present when the motion was carried at South Gloucestershire Council. To be followed up with electoral services, particularly the process for co-option as only the 7 Councillors have stood for re-election.
15.4.23 To RECEIVE verbal reports from Councillors who are Trustees or Committee members of the organisations listed below, and to take decisions as necessary.
15.1.4.23 King George’s Field
The grates around the play area gates have still not been tidied up. The clerk will chase up the contractor.
15.2.4.23 Wickwar Community Centre
A recent fire inspection concluded that the doors within the centre are no longer up to standard. This is also true for the school building. It was thought that South Glos property services should be involved as they own the building.
There are ongoing issues with the outdoor classroom building however the final payment has not yet been made to the contractor. The Council would like a full report as to the issues.
15.3.4.23 Wickwar Town Hall
The visit to the Town Hall by Princess Anne was a great event for the village, with hundreds turning out to see her. Invited guests to the Town Hall were also very grateful for the opportunity to attend and meet the Princess.
The Parish Council will send letters of thanks to Popplecote Flowers for the flowers and Amanda Isaac for the catering.
Thanks also go to Cllr Carroll for the preparation of the display boards with articles and photographs and for the research on the clock itself. Thanks to the clerk for the behind-the-scenes organisation and also to Cllr Fielding for organising the event and liasing with HRH’s team. It was agreed that the clerk can put in an overtime claim for 15 hours to be approved at next meeting.
15.4.4.23 Wickwar Cemetery
A response from the Environment Agency regarding the groundwater report is still awaited.
The clerk recently attended a Cemetery Management training course with the ICCM where they mentioned that they are looking for venues to run their Memorial Safety training. The clerk would like to attend this training and if the training took place at Wickwar then the clerk’s place would be free. In principle Councillors would be in agreement with this so the clerk will investigate further.
15.5.4.23 Wickwar Youth Club
See requests for financial assistance
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
16.4.23 To RECEIVE the play equipment inspection for March (circulated)
The inspection was noted and the clerk advised that the annual inspection by ROSPA is booked for April
17.4.23 To RECEIVE the register of correspondence received
• Correspondence from Bristol Rapid Response Team was noted. It was also acknowledged that there has been a great community response within the village to the Ukraine situation with many items and supplies being donated and sent.
• Green Community Transport are looking for information as to which journeys people are having difficulties with. This information would be difficult to find out but may become more apparent once the 84 and 85 bus service ceases.
REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
18.4.23. The Fox and Maple for King’s Coronation celebrations
The Fox and Maple wish to put on a family day on the Sunday of the Coronation weekend and requested assistance with things such as a bouncy castle/entertainers/face painters. It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to give a grant of £500 to support the provision of free activities for children on that day.
19.4.23 Wickwar Youth Centre
The Youth Centre provided information about their finances for the coming financial year. The Parish Council has budgeted for the same level of assistance as in previous years so it was proposed, seconded and AGREED to give a grant of £3,000 towards the running costs of the centre.
BURIAL MATTERS
20.4.23
Nothing to note at this meeting.
FINANCE
21.4.23. To NOTE the monthly bank reconciliation for February 2023. Chairman to sign as a true record. (Circulated)
The monthly bank reconciliations for all accounts as at 28th February 2023 were NOTED and signed by the Chairman as a true record
22.4.23. 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 March PAYE 535.38
Sarah Quick March expenses 259.47
Angie Carroll March expenses 14.40
Staff salaries March 1600.97
Octopus Energy Town Hall March 40.47
Octopus Energy Pavilion March 61.97
PlusNet March broadband 21.60
South Gloucestershire Council Rates for KGV pavilion 51.60
EDGE IT Systems Ltd Microsoft 365 annual fee 182.16
Avon Crescent Senior Citizens Club Grant for Coronation approved at March meeting 250.00
ICCM Cemetery Management and Compliance training for the clerk 162.00
Brunel Engraving Plaques for Avon Crescent benches 114.90
Tony Gardner Property Maintenance Repairs to play area fencing 87.99
Tony Gardner Property Maintenance Removal of leaflet holders at town hall 30.00
Amanda Isaac Catering for Royal Visit 200.00
Unity Bank PLC Quarterly bank charges 27.60
ALCA Annual subscription 2023/24 550.56
Paid between meetings using clerk’s delegated powers:
Brunel Engraving Plaque for Town Hall for Princess Royal unveiling 328.74
ALCA Budgeting for clerks and finance staff training course 30.00
23.4.23. To REVIEW the year end budget monitoring report
The report was duly noted
24.4.23 To CONSIDER the purchase of an extended warranty for the clerk’s laptop purchased in 2022
It was agreed not to purchase the extended warranty as repairs can be carried out locally if required and data from the laptop is regularly backed up.
25.4.23 To NOTE the increase to the National Minimum Wage for the clock winder from the 1st of April
The salary rise was duly noted.
ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
26.4.23. 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 9.15 pm