February 2021 Minutes
A meeting of the Parish Council was held on Monday 8th February 2021 by video conferencing and commenced at 19:30.
Public Participation There were 5 members of the public present.
Present: Councillor Buckley-Jones (Chairman)
Councillor Sockell
Councillor George
Councillor Rushby
Councillor Nicklin
Councillor Cann
Councillor Dziadkiewicz
District Councillor Carrington
District Councillor Tinsley
District Councillor Goodwin
Co-Clerk Operations: E. Salter
Co-Clerk Finance: J. James
166/M/20 Chairman’s welcome.
The Chairman welcomed those present and thanked them for coming.
167/M/20 To receive Apologies for Absence, Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensations.
Apologies for Absence: Apologies were received from Councillor Goodwin, to inform the Clerk that she would be 15 minutes late and County Councillor Oxby.
Declarations of Interest: There were no Declarations of Interest.
Requests for Dispensations: There were no Requests for Dispensations.
168/M/20 To approve the Clerk’s notes as minutes from the meeting of the Parish Council on 11th January 2021.
The notes having been circulated before the meeting were taken as read and were approved.
169/M/20 To consider the Co-option of a new Councillor.
There has been one candidate who put themselves forward for the position. It was resolved to Co-opt Mrs Hemlin as a Councillor.
Planning Matters
Tree works received from NKDC.
170/M/20 21/0078/TCA Hall Barn, 33 Back Lane, Heighington, Lincoln. T1 Sycamore – Fell.
It was resolved to leave this decision to the Tree Officer’s discretion.
171/M/20 21/0086/TCA Walnut Cottage, Potterhanworth Road, Heighington, Lincoln. T1 Walnut – reduce height 2.5m, crown thin 25%, remove 1 x lateral back to main union to north-east and 1 x lateral at the union 2.5m from main stem broadly in line with photographic evidence provided. Reduce lateral spread to south-west by 1.5, leaving finished length of 6m.
It was resolved to leave this decision to the Tree Officer’s discretion.
Tree works decision notices received from NKDC.
There were no tree works decision notices received from NKDC.
Planning applications received from NKDC.
172/M/20 20/1806/HOUS 10 Park Lane, Heighington, Lincoln. Erection of a 2 storey and 1st floor side extension (Resubmission of 20/1158/HOUS) in addition to widening of access.
Heighington Parish Council considered this application, it was resolved to submit an objection to the planning authority for the removal of the mature Acacia tree.
173/M/20 21/0027/HOUS 2 Hilltop Cottages, Potterhanworth Road, Heighington, Lincoln. Proposed domestic two storey side extension and associated works.
Heighington Parish Council considered this application and had no comment to make.
174/M.20 21/0111/HOUS 20 Daniel Crescent, Heighington, Lincoln. Erection of a single storey rear extension.
Heighington Parish Council considered this application and had no comment to make.
Planning application decision notices received from NKDC.
There were no planning application decision notices received from NKDC.
175/M/20 Clerk’s Report (for information only).
• To note an email sent by the newly formed Safer Together Team that has recently been established by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
• To note an email from Neighbourhood Alert regarding a competition to design and win a tree house for the local community in conjunction with the Co-op insurance.
• The hand dryers have now been removed at all three sites and the toilets decorated at Jubilee Hall. The Parish Council would like to thank the handyman for his work.
• The Chairman and Co-Clerk (Operations) attended a virtual information evening regarding Census 2021. Census day is on Sunday 21st March 2021. This is the first digital census, residents are required to fill in the form online, however for those that do not have access to the internet can request a paper copy.
• The Electrical Installation Condition Reports have been carried out at Potterhanworth Road pavilion and partially at Station Road pavilion.
• To note an email from Lincs Alert, informing the Parish Council that they are permanently closing the account at the end of March 2021. Residents that have signed up for this service will still be able to see the latest news by visiting the ‘Nextdoor’ app.
• The Parish Council has received notification from the Planning Officer at NKDC that planning application 20/1654/FUL 45 Washingborough Road has been withdrawn.
• The Parish Council has been informed that the planning application appeal 20/0187/FUL 16 Washingborough Road has been dismissed.
175/M/20 Correspondence (Read file for Members’ perusal).
• Environmental Operative reports for January 2021.
• Bracebridge Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team Newsletters
Financial Matters:
176/M/20 To approve the monthly accounts for January 2021.
The monthly statements were approved by Councillor Rushby. It was resolved to approve the monthly accounts for January 2021.
To Note that a refund of VAT for £1183.31 was received on 13th January 2021.
To Note that the precept documents have been completed and returned via email on 18th January 2021.
Payment to Came & Co Insurance was scheduled for payment on 29th January 2021.
Payment of £50.00 to LALC for P. Langford’s donation to his chosen charity in lieu of a fee for his website consultancy work has been sent.
To note the receipt of £14940.00 from Lindum Homes relating to the Garrett Rise development. The irrigation system is due to be installed at the bowling green on the 1st March 2021. The Property Services Committee will be looking at replacing new play equipment during 2021. We are still awaiting a start date from Lindum Homes to repair the track on Potterhanworth Road sports field.
177/M/20 To consider quotations for trimming back the hedge along the footpath at the bowling green.
Further to minute number 33/F/20 from the Property Services Committee meeting held on Monday 16th November 2020 two quotations have been obtained to trim back the hedge that runs alongside the bowling green. This work has been requested by the bowls club so that the footpath is not obstructed. It was resolved to use the quotation from Paul Bavin Tree Care of £380.00 plus VAT.
178/M/20 To Consider the quotation for treatment of chafer grubs at Potterhanworth Road sports field and Station Road recreation ground.
Further to minute number 32/F/20 from the Property Services Committee meeting held on Monday 16th November 2020 a quotation has been obtained for the treatment of chafer grubs. The Co-Clerk (Operations) has been in contact with several grass maintenance specialists to discuss the infestation. It is clear from the previous treatment that the Nematodes do not work. The Parish Council has received a quotation for another method of treatment. It was agreed that the Co-Clerk would make further enquiries regarding the treatment and inform all Councillors once the information has been received.
179/M/20 To receive an update on the issues of Pitts Road/Sheepwash Lane from County Council. An email has been received from Councillor Oxby informing the Parish Council that there is no project planned for the junction of Pitts Road & Sheepwash Lane. A site meeting will be scheduled with the Highways Manager once lockdown is eased. The Parish Council have received an up-to-date accident report from The Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, which shows how many accidents have occurred at this junction. The Co-Clerk (operations) has spoken with the Clerk at Washingborough Parish Council regarding this matter and was informed that County Councillor Cawrey is keen to get this issue resolved as soon as possible. It was agreed that the accident data should be sent to Washingborough Parish Council for them to share at their next meeting. It was noted that the streetlight at the junction has still not been replaced.
180/M.20 To receive an update on flooding issues in the village and to consider quotations for purchasing sand. Following the letter sent from Heighington Parish Council to the head of environment at Lincolnshire County Council a response has been received informing the Council that there are no immediate solutions to the issues, however LCC are working closely with Anglian Water and other organisations to look at how groundwater can be better manged. It has been noted that tankers are pumping out on Park Lane daily and last week a member of the Clerking team had been informed that new pumps were being installed at Park Lane. District Councillor Carrington is keen to get all parties together to discuss a long-term solution to the issues. The Parish Council have been issued with sandbags from NKDC. Two quotations have been received for sand. It was resolved to use the quotation of £ 57.60. It was agreed that the Emergency Plan should be raised so that it can be registered with Lincolnshire Resilience Forum. The Parish Council can then apply to this body for funding to cover a weatherproof container for the sand plus other specialist equipment.
181/M/20 To consider the Grant Application from Garrett’s Charity. A Grant application has been received from Garrett’s Charity to help with funding for a professional feasibility study. This study is essential to attract funding from larger funders for the main project of a significant refurbishment of the Thomas Garrett Heritage Rooms. It was resolved to provide a grant of £1,000 to the charity.
182/M/20 To receive reports from County and District Councillors (for information only).
February 2012 County report.
Extra funding for Business support, Flooding and our single lane roads:
At the Executive on 2nd February we've agreed revised budget proposals to include millions of pounds of additional funding to support businesses, respond to flooding and repair roads for 2021/22 - https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/news/article/545/extra-funding-for-businesses-flooding-and-roads Later we are unveiling a £12m package of support for our local economy that has been ravaged by the pandemic. Local businesses could benefit from up to £10,000 of funding through a new grant scheme being planned by the County Council. I'm sure you will have been as concerned as I have about the impact on smaller businesses who might not have been able to benefit from the Government's Covid support schemes. The Council has decided the time is right to draw on some of our reserves to provide this support to smaller businesses. https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/news/article/546/council-unveils-12m-package-of-support-for-local-economy
Our Green Masterplan:
This is part of our global effort to help tackle climate change and the county council's commitment to be 'net carbon zero' by 2050. My fellow executive colleagues will be talking about the initiatives in their areas to help us reduce carbon emissions so look out for them on our social media channels. Lincolnshire's Green Masterplan
Latest performance against LCC's Corporate Plan has been published on our website. We have followed the 'One Council' approach, providing transparency on how the Council is performing against the ambitions set out in the Corporate Plan.
Covid update:
Lincolnshire’s overall infection rate is now significantly below the national average and has not reflected the rapid transmission seen in other parts of the country. Schools in England will not be reopening to all pupils until the 8 March 2021. The final decision will depend on meeting vaccination targets and schools would be given two weeks’ notice.
Care homes update:
Working with Lincolnshire’s NHS and partners, all care home residents over the age of 65 and care home staff have now been given the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. It means Lincolnshire meets the first of the national target dates in the vaccination programme and has protected the highest percentage of its care home residents across the Midlands Region. There are those staff and residents who couldn’t have the vaccine due to illness or outbreak, but they are being re-visited when it is safe to do so.
Vaccination Roll-out:
More good news on the vaccination front with a second large vaccination site in the county going live on the 2nd February at the Lincolnshire Showground in addition to the main site in Boston. With 13 other general practice hubs and the two hospital hubs in the County the vaccination programme continues to gather pace.
For the latest information about the vaccination programme visit lincolnshireccg.nhs.uk
Transport issues:
There has been a lot of queries regarding transport to vaccination sites, as well as some general misunderstandings. Just to reiterate the Transport Helpline is NOT a booking service for transport. The Lincolnshire Transport Helpline provides information and advice on a wide range of transport options including community car schemes and CallConnect. The helpline can be contacted on: 0345 456 4474 or by https://lincsbus.info/accessing-lincolnshire-transport/transport-helpline/ . The helpline operates from 9am-6pm Mon-Fri and 9.30am-4pm on Saturday.
Our CallConnect on-demand bus service is paid for by the customer. If someone has a concessionary bus pass due to age or disability, then they can access CallConnect free of charge. For the purposes of the COVID – 19 vaccination programme only, Transport Services have agreed to extend this free to anyone aged 67 and over, regardless of whether they have a bus pass or not. For further details go to our website.
Looking after your mental health
A comprehensive range of support is available. A good place to start for self-help information and mental wellbeing guidance is Public Health England's Better Health – Every Mind Matters NHS website which has just launched its “When things aren’t so good out there, make inside feel better” campaign. This encourages people experiencing difficulties to create a free NHS-approved ’Mind Plan’.
Locally Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation Trust (LPFT), the county's mental health and learning disability NHS trust, is offering a variety of wellbeing support, this includes a confidential emotional and mental health support line 0800 001 4331 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This enables callers to speak to an experienced support worker who will provide you with emotional support, advice, and guidance.
LPFT also provides a talking therapies service steps2change. This service provides National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended, evidence-based interventions for people experiencing depression and a range of anxiety disorders. You can self-refer through the steps2change website or by phoning 0303 123 4000. To get a good idea of all of the support available please see our Coronavirus Health and Wellbeing section
Arts funding for Lincoln's heritage sites to help digital learning:
The Collection Museum has scooped £35,000 from the Respond and Reimagine Art Fund grant to help develop more online learning resources to help museums, galleries and cultural organisations respond to immediate challenges connected to the Covid-19 crisis and offers support to adapt and reimagine ways of working for the future.
For more information on the Collection Museum or to find out about the live streamed sessions, please visit www.thecollectionmuseum.com or follow The Collection Lincoln and Usher Gallery on Facebook.
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS TO PARISH COUNCILS
Heighington, Washingborough & Canwick Ward
Cllr Ian CARRINGTON, Cllr Carola GOODWIN, Cllr Glenn TINSLEY
February 2021
Issue : COVID-19 19
Commentary : Stats:
Washingborough, Canwick, Branston area – 217 per 100K residents tested positive to 2 Feb 21.
Heighington, Potterhanworth area – 81 per 100K residents tested positive to 2 Feb 21.
North Kesteven – 190 per 100K to 7 Feb 21. Action : All
National (England) rate – 218 per 100K to 7 Feb 21.
Vaccinations:
Now 17 main vaccination centres in Lincs plus local ‘pop up’ facilities and home visits. +90% over 80’s vaccinated, +80% 75-79s. Over half 70 - 75s covered and invites to next groups will go out shortly. Action: NHS
Issue : Garden Waste
Commentary : The Council’s excellent Garden Waste Collection Service costs the equivalent of less than £3 per month and prices have been frozen so they remain the same as last year. Residents can join the scheme or re-subscribe online from 1 Feb 21 at. www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/gardenwaste.
Action : All
Issue : Waste Collection Review
Commentary: It has been six years since the collection routes were last reviewed during which time many new houses have been built which means that the process may not be as efficient as it could be.
The Council is in the early stages of route optimisation work to be carried out in the year ahead, which will review the resources needed to undertake the service and future-proof it for the next few years.
Whilst this is a big job, the Council is conscious that change is the last thing customers want and will endeavour to minimise the impact on them in terms of any changes to collection days. It is expected that new routes will come effect from September 2021.
Action : All
Issue: Washingborough – Speed
Commentary : An archer road survey has been carried out on key routes throughout Washingborough as a result of changing traffic patterns since the opening of the Eastern Bypass. Results are expected very shortly.
Church Hill is a particular concern from a speeding perspective and temporary 30mph signs have been erected to make drivers aware of the recent change in speed limit and to hopefully slow drivers down.
Action : Washingborough PC
Issue : Flood Prevention Measures
Commentary : NKDC have provided 150 sandbags to Heighington PC. The purchase of sand, sand-shovels and other flood relief items need to be resolved including exploring if funding is available from the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum.
Action : Heighington PC
Issue: Community Groups
Commentary: NKDC has consistently supported community groups which have helped in the pandemic. Now there is a new £40,000 grant facility to help those accredited groups who have helped us all. Details at https://lincolnshirecf.co.uk/grants
Action: ALL
Issue: NKDC Budget
Commentary: NK in final stages of preparing next year’s budget. COVID has had an impact, but prudent management in the past means NK is well placed to maintain services and, crucially, its capital investment programme. Final budget likely to come before NK’s March Council meeting.
Action: NKDC
Issue: Environment and Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan
Commentary: Work continues in a number of areas including the environmental standards of new build properties and retrofitting existing housing. As part of the Central Lincs Local Plan group, NK is pushing hard for a significant strengthening of environmental measures as part of the 5 Year Review of the Local Plan.
Action: NKDC
183/M/20 Closed Session.
The chairman moved that the remainder of the business be held in ‘committee’ and that the public and press be excluded there from for reason that the business to be transacted or advice tendered is of a confidential nature, which could be prejudicial to the public interest to publicise. Members resolved to proceed on that basis, ‘in committee’.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 21:06 hours.
Signed: Date: