May 2019 Minutes Annual Parish Meeting
SKIDBROOKE WITH SALTFLEET HAVEN PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Monday 13th May 2019 which commenced at 6.37pm in the Social Centre, Sea Lane, Saltfleet
Present: Vice-Chairman Cllr Mrs Wendy Barker
Cllr Mr Ralph Benton
Cllr Mrs Sheila Warsap
Cllr Mr Brian Bignell
Cllr Mrs Susan Bishop
Cllr Mr Peter Mace
Clerk Mrs Natalie Fenner
Members of Public Mr C Higgins
APM 01/19 Welcome to the Meeting
The Vice-Chairman opened the Annual Parish Meeting (APM) and welcomed members of the public and Councillors to the meeting.
APM 02/19 Minutes of last Annual Parish Meeting held on 21st May 2018
Copies of the minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 21st May 2018 were given to all Councillors and members of the public present. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs S Warsap, seconded by the Vice-Chairman Cllr Mrs W Barker, agreed by all attendees of the last APM and resolved that the notes were a true record of the meeting. They were duly signed and dated as Minutes by the Vice-Chairman.
APM 03/19 Neighbourhood Policing Report
Unfortunately, a representative from the local policing team could not be present at this meeting this evening. Incidents that have been reported and noted were of unwanted visitors at St. Botolph’s Church, a few burglaries, hare-coursing, issues of speeding and obstructive parking high-lighted.
APM 04/19 District & County Councillors Report
District/County Councillor – District & County Cllr Mr McNally has given his apologies due to an important group meeting that he needs to attend this evening. Cllr Mr McNally regularly attends Parish Council meetings providing updates and dealing with any matters personally if possible.
District Cllr Mr Robert Palmer has retired and following recent local District Elections, both Cllr Mr Daniel McNally and Cllr Mr Paul Rickett are the newly elected District Councillors for the Marshchapel and Somercotes Ward which includes Skidbrooke and Saltfleet.
APM 05/19 Chairman’s Annual Report 2018/19
The recent local Parish Elections were uncontested and out of seven seats available, six have been taken. Therefore, there is a current Parish Councillor vacancy. The Annual General Meeting following this Annual Parish Meeting will see the election of a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the new term and year. It was with regret that the Parish Council received the resignation of the Chairman, Mr Guy Williams a few months ago and it is with hope that both Mr Williams and from the election, Mr John Campion will reconsider joining the Parish Council soon.
The Saltfleet Social Field Committee dissolved and passed back to the Parish Council and it is unfortunate that the Gala will not be held this year.
The Parish Council have purchased new benches for the Parish with contribution from the District Cllr Community Grants which will shortly be delivered and positioned.
Dog Fouling in the Parish has been a big issue and the ELDC Dog Warden has visited the playing fields, speaking with dog walkers along with erecting signs. Residents of the Parish have also come forward that voluntarily pick up after the irresponsible dog walkers that do not.
Some of the existing benches in the Parish have been re-stained, kindly carried out by Mrs Bishop.
The Play Equipment and Playing Fields has experienced some vandalism and at present new swing seats are being replaced due to recently being mistreated. The Zip Wire seat was replaced and was damaged yet again. It was decided to not replace as still usable. Cllr Mr Bignell has recently removed one of the child swing seats that has been badly damaged and made safe. The other swing seat will need to be replaced as well due to wear and tear. The Vice-Chairman thanked Cllr Mr Bignell for erecting the new signs which leaves one old sign still erected and in an ok condition along with the work carried out on the playing fields and thanks to Cllr Mrs Bishop for staining the benches. The works to extend the carpark has not yet commenced and will be moved onto the next Parish Council meeting Agenda. Further equipment for the field was discussed and an example of a climbing rock was provided. New equipment to expand the facilities will be explored at a further date. A new noticeboard will be needed for the playing fields and the position of the noticeboard was briefly discussed including relocating the noticeboard from Skidbrooke.
Fly-Tipping at the Haven has also been an issue with a couple of dangerous tips to include a caravan out at long island and asbestos sheeting on the access to the beach.
A Highways Walkabout took place which included the inspection of the footpath outside of the Old Manor House – This is in progress but it is hoped that the tree will be removed and highways will repair the path accordingly. The bridge near to the Rectory, Skidbrooke – The parapet part was repaired however, the hard ridge, unless high-lighted by the inspections or causing major issues will not be rectified soon, Church Lane – Potholes. Some defects have been repaired but there are still outstanding defects needing attention. A footpath down to the playing fields has been investigated and rejected but will be put forward again. A Playing fields sign has been erected on Louth Rd towards the playing fields. It was noted that some potholes have recently been repaired and County Cllr Mr McNally had also been seen reporting potholes to Highways within the Parish whilst out canvassing in the local elections.
The Parish Council noticeboard has been relocated from Windmill Garage to the Bus Shelter on the corner of Louth Rd.
The gate at St.Botolph’s Church had to be mended, a new lock and set of keys issued. This was the result of someone using a grinder to obtain unauthorised access. The Parish Council are in the proceeds of creating a new byelaw for the cemetery to enforce a curfew for entry to the churchyard, thereby protecting against unwanted visitors to the Church at night and creating something that the local Policing team can use when called.
The Parish Council had a Personal Injury Claim made against them. A person was claiming to have been injured on the playing fields. The claim was dropped by the claimant. The Parish Council are going to proceed with a complaint to the Law Society.
APM 06/19 Questions from the Public
Mr Higgins pointed out that some of the hedges within the Parish need to be trimmed. It was clarified that no hedge cutting should be carried out until the end of September to protect nesting birds.
Mr Mace said that he would like to donate a bench to the Parish in memory of his late wife and the location of the bench to be at the Haven would be suitable. All present agreed and details of the benches to purchase would be sent to Mr Mace.
APM 07/19 Close of Meeting
There being no further business for the Annual Parish Meeting, the meeting closed at 7.14pm.