December 2021 minutes
A meeting was held on Monday 13th December 2021, in the Jubilee Hall, High Street, Heighington and commenced at 19:30 to receive a presentation from Lee Fawkes regarding his proposal to re-open Heighington Railway Station. There were seventeen members of the public present including Parish Councillors from Washingborough and Branston & Mere. Mr Fawkes’ presentation was very informative. Councillor Buckley-Jones informed Councillors and members of the public that any questions should be emailed either through the Parish Office or to Mr Fawkes directly and thanked him for attending.
Nine members of the public left the meeting.
Public Participation
There were 8 members of the public present.
Present: Councillor Buckley-Jones (Chairman)
Councillor Sockell
Councillor Trafford
Councillor George
Councillor Pattle
District & County Councillor Carrington
District Councillor Tinsley
Clerk E. Salter
Responsible Finance Officer N. Briscoe
136/M/21 Chairman’s welcome.
The Chairman welcomed those present and thanked them for coming.
137/M/21 To receive Apologies for Absence, Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensations.
Apologies for absence: Apologies were received from Councillor Dziadkiewicz, Councillor Hemlin, Councillor Goodwin, Councillor Grimshaw, Councillor Nicklin and Councillor Rushby who has informed the Clerk that she will be late.
Declarations of Interest: There were no Declarations of Interest.
Requests for Dispensations: There were no Requests for Dispensations.
138/M/21 To approve Clerk’s Notes.
The draft notes from the meeting of the Parish Council on Monday 8th November 2021 were taken as read and approved as minutes.
Planning Matters and Tree Works.
Planning applications received from NKDC.
139/M/21 21/1790/HOUS & 21/1791/LBC The Hermitage, Mill Lane, Heighington, Lincoln. Formation of a new vehicle access and the installation of 1 no pair of timber gates within the existing vehicle access. (A revised application letter has been received regarding the colour to gates) Members considered this application and had no comment to make.
140/M/21 Clerk’s report (for information only).
- To note the Definitive Map Modification Order made by Lincolnshire County Council to footpath no 2. Notices have been placed on the notice board and at the site location. Any representation or objection relating to the order must be sent in writing to Legal Services at Lincolnshire County Council no later than 31st December.
- To note an email from Reflections Glass Group thanking the Parish Council for the donation towards the glass work in the telephone box on the High Street.
- Heighington Parish Council would like to thank Blakemore Foundation for their kind donation of £40.00 towards the festive tea and cake afternoon, which will take place on 15th December in the Jubilee Hall.
- To note that following the Property and Finance Committee meeting held on 6th December that a small working party has been formed to oversee the kitchen refurbishment at Potterhanworth Road pavilion.
- To note that following a review of the Civic Calendar, no meetings will take place in January 2022.
- To note an email from Mr Edwards on behalf of the Royal British Legion thanking Heighington Parish Council for their work on the giant poppy.
- To note that the Clerk has received the relevant paperwork from North Kesteven District Council for the co-option of a new Councillor.
141/M/21 Correspondence (Read file for Members’ perusal).
- Environmental Warden’s report
- Anglian Water Priority Services Register
- Neighbourhood Policing Team contact details
- Neighbourhood Policing Team Newsletter
142/M/21 To consider the Civic Calendar for 2022/2023
The Civic Calendar had been distributed prior to the meeting; Councillors resolved to agree the Civic Calendar for 2022/2023.
143/M/21 To consider purchasing the 12 edition of Charles Arnold Baker
Members resolved to purchase the Charles Arnold Baker at a cost of £119.99 plus £7.00 Postage.
Financial Matters.
144/M/21 To approve the monthly accounts for November 2021.
The monthly accounting statements for November 2021 were approved by Councillor Pattle before the meeting.
145/M/21 To consider the Property and Finance Committee’s recommendation for the precept for the financial year 2022/2023.
Following the meeting of the Property and Finance Committee on 6th December, where the budget for the coming year was discussed. The Responsible Finance Officer informed members that the Committee recommends an increase of 2.5% for next year’s precept. Members resolved to agree the 2.5% increase.
146/M/21 To discuss the Ricoh contract.
The Clerk informed members that the Ricoh contact is due for renewal in February 2022. Members had received information relating to the contract prior to the meeting and it was resolved to extend the contract until 28 February 2024.
147/M/21 To receive reports from County and District Councillors (for information only).
District Councillors' Report December 2021
Heighington, Washingborough & Canwick
Covid
The Omicron variant looks as though it will fast become the dominant variant in the country. The variant is already present in Lincolnshire (Boston Council Area). England entered Plan B restrictions on Wed 8 Dec 21.
In the week ending 6 Dec 21, England saw a rise of 11% in confirmed cases; Lincolnshire’s cases rose by 23.7%.
Data as at date shown:
- England 501 positive tests per 100,000 (11 Dec)
- North Kesteven 594 (7 Dec)
- Heighington area 594 (7 Dec)
- Washingborough & Canwick area 607 (7 Dec)
- 89% of adult population (12 and over) have had 1st dose
- 81% have had 2nd dose
- 40% have had the Booster jab.
NKDC’s Plan B response:
- Workforce encouraged to work from home
- Sleaford offices occupancy expected to drop to 20% from 13 Dec.
- All services remain operational
- Requirement for formal meetings, boards etc remain in place
- LGA working with Government to reintroduce the option of remote meetings for councils.
- Key message – get vaccinated and boosted!
Holdingham Roundabout
Much needed improvements to the Holdingham roundabout have now completed at a cost of £8.25m. Funding came from Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, NKDC, LCC and developer contributions.
Lincs NHS Services
In Lincs, the NHS is planning to implement Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) to ease pressure and effect quicker patient diagnosis. The aim is to provide a broad range of elective diagnostic services away from acute hospitals, providing easier and quicker access to tests at greater convenience to patients.
NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group has invited public comment through a survey at nhslincolnshire.qualtrics.com.
Your District Councillors wish you all an enjoyable, healthy and safe Festive period!
Cllr. Ian Carrington – December 2021 LCC briefing note.
Bringing festive cheer to local children
The government has asked councils to support the delivery of a fun free local Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme over the Christmas holidays, for families with school-aged children receiving benefits related free school meals.
The programme provides engaging and enriching activities, along with opportunities to learn about and enjoy new healthy foods and enjoy a meal. LCC is now working with schools, sports providers, leisure centres, early years settings and kids’ clubs to organise fun and exciting holiday clubs across the county.
Each club is unique and offers lots of different enriching activities, depending upon the venue. Examples of the activities on offer include DJ skills, gaming, archery, fencing, boxercise, golf, music, drama, arts and crafts and much more. There are lots of places available, but they are limited and offered on a first come first-served basis.
See our website for more details, including a list of participating venues - the nearest centres to our villages are mostly in Lincoln.
Health Service Future
A reminder that the NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group has a formal consultation exercise open now which ends on 23 December 2021, on the future of four NHS services: • Orthopaedic surgery across Lincolnshire
• Urgent and emergency care at Grantham and District Hospital
• Acute medical beds at Grantham and District Hospital
• Stroke services across Lincolnshire
The Health Scrutiny Committee wants to see improved services rather than any reduction in support across the county and it will be giving a full response after considering all the elements. All interested people, families and groups in the county (including parish councils) are being encouraged to share their views using the consultation questionnaire. Over the coming weeks public meetings, virtual meetings, marketplace meet-ups and website events will also be taking place. Full details are available at www.lincolnshireccg.nhs.uk/
Active Travel Fund - views needed on additional walking and cycling schemes
Residents, businesses and organisations are being asked to take part in a consultation on plans to make walking and cycling easier in the county, which is now open until Friday 17 December.
The Department for Transport (DfT) awarded Lincolnshire £799,900 to be used to give people more opportunities to choose walking and cycling for their day-to-day journeys, to boost active travel and reduce traffic congestion. Views and opinions can be shared via our online survey at www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk.
Lincoln Castle
A major embankment stabilisation project has been completed thanks to a £1.28m grant from Historic England.
During a period of prolonged wet weather in early 2020, the grassy embankment beneath the wall on the west side of the castle began to slip. Surveys revealed that the ground was becoming unstable, and work was needed to reinforce the bank to stop it from deteriorating.
Work started in November 2020 to install ground anchors and a reinforced mesh along the embankment and repair all the retaining walls behind the properties on Union Road. This was completed earlier this year.
With these issues now resolved, we’re looking ahead to a year of events that continue to welcome locals and visitors alike to our historic castle.
Fire and Rescue promote the use of what3words
Local people are being encouraged to download an app which could be a vital tool in assisting emergency services to get to the right location as quicky as possible.
Ahead of the winter, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is reminding people of the what3words app which gives your exact location in remote, rural or unknown settings. It’s also a huge help to LCC and NKDC if you are reporting a problem with the highway or an incidence of fly-tipping.
Strategic Roadworks
After 10 months of hard work the improved Holdingham Roundabout north of Sleaford is due to reopen on 7th December – on time and on budget. The £8.25m A17/A153 Rugby Club Junction / A17 Holdingham Roundabout scheme is being funded by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, North Kesteven District Council, Lincolnshire County Council and developer contributions. For more information about this and other major highways projects,
visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/majorprojects.
Hospitality Businesses
In March 2021 the County Council allocated £11.5m to assist small businesses during the Covid-19 period, especially those who had not been able to receive government support. Nearly 900 businesses have been assisted, 358 businesses have received essential finance to keep them going through the toughest times that our economy has experienced, 65 have received support to adapt their premises and operations for a post pandemic future, 398 have been helped to invest in the vital digital technology for the future, and 46 have been helped to grow quickly.
Future4Me gain national recognition
The Future4Me team have had their extraordinary efforts highlighted at the Children and Young People Now Awards 2021 with the coveted Mental Health and Wellbeing Award. A collaboration between Lincolnshire County Council (Children Services) and Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Future4Me was nationally recognised for its exceptional contribution to transforming and improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in Lincolnshire. The team actively support young people through early intervention and treatment for those who may require help due to experiences of trauma, support with homelessness, engagement in criminal behaviour or potentially being exposed to exploitation.
Points Of View
We encourage town and parish councils to promote their communities joining the County Views panel so that all voices and views, including those seldom heard, are represented. People can join County Views when they register on the Let’s Talk Lincolnshire engagement platform.
Zero Carbon Parishes Project
As you may have seen in LCC’s Town & Parish Council Newsletter, the COP26 Climate Summit has demonstrated that, worldwide, communities need to work together on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to keep the impacts of climate change under control. The county council has made significant progress in reducing its own carbon emissions – with a cut of over 60% compared with 1990 levels. However, the Council only directly controls 0.5% of the total carbon emissions in Lincolnshire. Therefore, we want to work with businesses and local communities on carbon reduction projects.
The first stage in this process is the new Zero Carbon Parishes project (ZCP). We are looking to work with a small number of parish councils on local projects that reduce their carbon emissions such as installing solar panels on village halls, energy efficiency projects for community centres, adding a wildlife area to a village green and providing nesting boxes.
A group, led by the University of Exeter, has developed a methodology to calculate the carbon footprint of every parish area in England.
The ZCP team will use the Carbon Impact tool to assess suitable projects for a parish and then work with the local community to develop and implement these. The project is being funded initially from the council’s Green Masterplan budget and the team will be looking for additional grant funding to expand and develop the project. Any parish councils interested in taking part in the project can contact the Sustainability Team: sustainability@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Season’s Greetings
Finally, may I wish all parish councillors and clerks and their families a very happy Christmas, and a peaceful, prosperous and above all a healthy New Year!
There being no further business the meeting closed at 20:05 hours.
Signed: Date