Agenda and approved minues – May 2025

THE ANNUAL MEETING OF BOZEAT PARISH COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, 19^th MAY 2025, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT 7pm.  PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD AT BOZEAT TLC, DYCHURCH LANE, BOZEAT.

*PLEASE NOTE THAT MEETINGS MAY BE RECORDED

A G E N D A

1. ELECTION of Chairman.
2. To consider accepting apologies for absence.
3. To record any new declarations of interest from members in items to be discussed.

4. Election of Vice-Chairman.

5. Roles and Responsibilities – to review and revise the list of representatives.

To approve the minutes from the meeting of Bozeat Parish Council held on 14^th April 2025.

7. Matters arising from the previous meeting/s: –
8. Circulating documents – to note the progress of any packs that are circulating.
9. Training – to agree any training courses requested by members of the council and receive reports on any attended.
10. Doctor’s surgery – update on service issues.
11. Review of Fixed Asset Register – to approve revisions to the register.
12. Local Government elections [1^st May 2025] – to note that one seat on the council remains vacant and the co-option procedure.
13. Flooding – replacement sand bags.
14. Assets of Community Value.
15. Bozeat flag – purchase of new flag.
16. Purchase of gazebo for village events – to note that this has been received.

8. Council services – to receive reports.
9. Cemetery – general report.
10. Cemetery – repairs to the surface of a section of the access lane – to consider accepting a quote of £5995 + VAT to include widening a section of the lane for turning vehicles.
11. Cemetery – tree safety assessments – to consider quotes for safety checks of trees.
12. Cemetery – report from the Green Burial Area working party.
13. Cemetery – to consider the purchase of racking for the office area of the lodge, to ensure safe and appropriate storage.
14. Cemetery – to consider replacing the outside tap with one that cannot be left open.
15. Allotments – general report.

9. Local environment – to receive the following reports.
10. Highways – including speed reduction measures near the primary school.
11. Highways – request for parking restrictions on London Road, opposite Selby Gardens.
12. Street Lights – to note any issues.
13. Parish Paths Warden/Rights of Way – responsibility for the footway running from Hewletts Close onto TA21/TA22.
14. Santa Pod – to discuss any issues with events/traffic.
15. Village Warden.
16. Village Green.

10. Planning – to receive a report.
11. Current/new planning applications.
12. Solar Farm proposals – to receive reports from recent events and formulate a response to any future planning application.

11. Representatives’ reports – to receive the following reports.
12. BEES Group.
13. Bozeat Playing Field Association.
14. Bozeat Primary School – to note that a letter has been sent to the Headteacher.
15. NNC parish and ward meetings.
16. Public transport.
17. Verge mowing.

12. Village Hall Working Party – to accept a report.

13. Leisure and Recreation equipment – to consider accepting a quote of £2950 nett of VAT for work to strengthen the supporting structure of the skate ramp and replace worn surface sheets.

14. • To accept a report from the Police Laison Representative.
    • To note any local crimes that are notified to the council.

15. Local events.
    1. 8^th May 2025 – VE80 – report from the recent event.
    2. 10^th May 2025 – Waendel Walk checkpoint – report.
    3. 13^th July 2025 – Summer Fete [to include a Meet The Village area].
    4. Open Gardens.
    5. 15^th August 2025 – VJ80 – to consider taking part in national events.
    6. Opening event for new Village Hall [to include a Thank You event for village volunteers].

16. Finance

• Payments – to receive a report and to approve fund transfers and payments to be made this month.
• Annual audit of accounts – to note that the internal audit has been completed.

17. Correspondence – to acknowledge receipt of correspondence received since the last meeting.

18. On hold – to note the following agenda items are on hold
    • Audit of local council adopted policies and procedures.
    • Cemetery – repairs to railings – to consider replacing sections with a new hedge.
    • Village Green CCTV and planters.

19. To receive any items for the next agenda.

20. Date and time of next meeting – to note that the next of Bozeat Parish Council will be held on Monday, 16^th June 2025, immediately following Public Participation at 7pm. The meeting will be held at TLC, Dychurch Lane, Bozeat.

Signed by Lyndis Payne, Clerk to Bozeat Parish Council.

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THE ANNUAL MEETING OF BOZEAT PARISH COUNCIL WAS HELD ON MONDAY, 19^th MAY 2025, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT 7pm.  THIS MEETING WAS HELD AT BOZEAT TLC, DYCHURCH LANE, BOZEAT.

PRESENT: – Cllrs Brown; Docker; Moulds; Foward; Pollard; Pritchard; Steel and Skittrall.

PUBLIC: – One member of the public was present at the meeting.

MATTERS RAISED BY THE PUBLIC: –

• Offer of assistance with media and presentation.
• Interest in joining the council.

1. ELECTION of Chairman.

Cllr Pritchard nominated Cllr Skittrall as Chairman for the coming year; this was seconded by Cllr Docker.  There being no other nominations, a vote was taken and it was unanimously agreed to elect Cllr Skittrall as Chairman.

It was resolved to accept apologies for absence received from Cllrs Cooke and Gibbins.

3. Declarations of interest.

No new declarations of interest were declared.

4. Election of Vice-Chairman.

Cllr Foward nominated Cllr Cooke as Vice-Chairman for the coming year, this was seconded by Cllr Moulds.  There being no other nominations, a vote was taken and it was unanimously agreed to elect Cllr Cooke as Vice-Chairman.

5. Roles and Responsibilities.

The list of representatives was reviewed and it was agreed that the Clerk update the list and circulate it to members of the council.

The minutes from the meeting of Bozeat Parish Council held on 14^th April 2025 were proposed as correct by Cllr Forward, this was seconded by Cllr Pritchard and a vote was taken = 7 for with 1 abstention, motion carried.

7. Matters arising: –
8. Circulating documents – the progress of circulating packs was noted.
9. Training – it was noted that information about upcoming courses is circulated to all

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members of the council and there is a training budget.  Cllr Steel providing a verbal report on training she had attended for aspiring chairs.  The Chairman reported that there may be an opportunity for whole council training on planning.

1. Doctor’s surgery – the Chairman noted that, as a result of the recent elections, Gill Mercer is no longer on the NNC executive and it was agreed that the Clerk should email North Northants Council to ask for details of executive post-holders.

• Review of Fixed Asset Register – the Chairman and Clerk to meet and discuss this.

1. Local Government elections [1^st May 2025] – it was noted that there is one vacant seat on the Parish Council which may be filled by co-option. The Clerk reported that she has followed council policy and advertised the vacancy in the June issue of Bozeat Matters magazine, this to be an agenda item for the next meeting.
2. Flooding – replacement sand bags – the Clerk to chase this up.
3. Assets of Community Value – noted that the listing for the Red Lion will expire soon.
4. Bozeat flag – the Clerk to check for original artwork produced by Cllr Pollard.
5. Purchase of gazebo for village events – noted that this has been received, agreed to remove this item from the agenda.

8. Council services.
9. Cemetery – a general report was read as received. There has been an issue with residual spoil, a letter has been prepared and the Chairman will review this.  A resident has purchased a memorial seat for the cemetery and it was suggested that the guidelines be amended to cover future donations.  Cllr Steel noted the comprehensive report received from Northants Wildlife Trust and suggested that a small working party be set up to manage any recommendations in the report.  Cllr Docker felt it important that the cemetery be kept separate from the group managing the churchyard for the benefit of wildlife and it was resolved to invite interest in helping through the Meet the Village event at the summer fete.
10. Cemetery – repairs to the surface of a section of the access lane. The Chairman noted that this work is now urgent and Cllr Steel proposed that a quote of £5995 including VAT be accepted.  This was seconded by Cllr Docker and unanimously agreed.  It was noted that the Cemetery will need to be closed for the duration of the works and agreed to publish notices on the cemetery gates, in Bozeat Matters if the work is scheduled for after the 1^st September issue is published, and on Facebook.
11. Cemetery – tree safety assessments – Cllr Steel reported that she has only received one quote to date. It was agreed that Cllr Brown obtains a template from the Arboreal Officer at North Northants Council.
12. Cemetery – report from the Green Burial Area working party – no report.
13. Cemetery – the purchase of racking for the office area of the lodge, to ensure safe and appropriate storage. Cllr Pritchard proposed that delegated powers be given to Cllrs Docker and Steel to organise the purchase of suitable racking for the cemetery lodge costing no more than £500.  This was seconded by Cllr Brown and agreed.

• Cemetery – to consider replacing the outside tap with one that cannot be left open. Cllr Steel reported that there doesn’t appear to be any suitable taps for outside use, the Chairman suggested asking the water company if they are aware of any. It was agreed to check that Wave has the council’s mobile phone number so that reports of potential leaks can be received immediately.

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1. Allotments – a general report was read as received. It was agreed to check with the Allotments Manager about an overgrown plot.

9. Local environment.
10. Highways – a report was accepted. Cllr Foward noted that potholes on the High Street have been marked up for repair.  He also reported that he had discussed the dilapidated fence along The Flat with a highways officer and contact will be made with the Diocese.  The double yellow lines requested for Harrold Road have been installed, and the posts for the VDS system.  The Clerk noted that she had submitted a report to FixMyStreet/Street Doctor as a large inspection cover on the wide verge on the A509 had been damaged and displaced by mowing contractors.  Cllr Pritchard noted that some areas of pavement in St Mary’s Road have been repaired recently.  Cllr Brown asked if Highways are only doing reactionary maintenance and Cllr Foward confirmed that this is the case.
11. Highways – request for parking restrictions on London Road, opposite Selby Gardens. The Clerk reported that this request is being progressed by North Northants Council.  A resident has reported concerns about the visibility when exiting Little Close onto London Road due to cars parked close to the junction.  It was agreed to ask for this area to be included in the next round of parking restrictions.
12. Street Lights – it was agreed that Cllr Pritchard investigate the possibility of fixing a baffle to the light in Court Lane in order to reduce disturbance to a neighbouring property.
13. Parish Paths Warden/Rights of Way – Cllr Pritchard reported no issues generally with rights of way. Cllr Steel reported that part of TA10 is becoming overgrown; this to be reported under FixMyStreet/Street Doctor.  It was agreed that the Chairman and Cllr Brown meet to discuss the history of the footway running from Hewletts Close onto TA21/TA22.
14. Santa Pod – no issues were reported.

• Village Warden – no report received.

1. Village Green – it was agreed to discuss one item with press and public excluded at the end of the meeting.

10. Planning.
11. Current/new planning applications – Cllr Skittrall proposed that a report [Appendix A] be accepted, this was seconded by Cllr Foward and agreed.
12. Solar Farm proposals – Cllr Skittrall noted there is a delay in moving to the next stage.

11. Representatives’ reports.
12. BEES Group – a report was read as received. It was noted that the newly planted areas on Town Well and Easton Lane are growing well.
13. Bozeat Playing Field Association – a report was read as received.
14. Bozeat Primary School – the Clerk reported that a letter has been sent to the school. Cllr Moulds to contact the school soon.
15. NNC parish and ward meetings – no meeting held recently due to the elections.
16. Public transport – timetables revised as requested had been received.

Verge mowing – two complaints of areas missed by the mowing contractors were noted.

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12. Village Hall Working Party.

It was noted that the group hasn’t met recently, however Cllrs Cooke and Gibbins have spoken to the builders as interior details will need to be agreed soon.

13. Leisure and Recreation equipment.

A quote for work to strengthen the supporting structure and replace worn surface of the skate ramp had been received.  Cllr Forward expressed concern at the amount of money being spent on the ramp and that could be spent in the future.  It was noted that the ramp is 10 years old and well-used, the work is needed for safety reasons.  Cllr Steel proposed that the quote of £2950 for essential maintenance works be accepted, this was seconded by Cllr Docker and agreed.  It was further agreed to set up a working party comprising of Cllrs Brown, Foward and Skittrall to formulate a plan for the future of the ramp.

14. Mobile Phone.

The Clerk reported that there have been some issues recently with the current mobile phone not accepting the access code.  It was agreed that the Chairman and Clerk should investigate options for a new mobile phone and report back to the next meeting.

15. • To accept a report from the Police Laison Representative – a report was read as received. A letter to be sent out to local groups was noted, one group has accepted the invitation.
    • Local crimes were noted.

16. Local events.
    1. 8^th May 2025 – VE80 – the Chairman reported that better advance organisation was need for future events.  Agreed to send thank you letters to those who helped on the day.
    2. 10^th May 2025 – Waendel Walk checkpoint – Cllr Pritchard reported that the first people arrived at the checkpoint around 9am even though it was not required to be open until 9:45am. The Clerk reported that she couldn’t get through on the designated contact phone number to find out if the checkpoint could be closed.  It was agreed to send feedback to the organisers.
    3. 13^th July 2025 – Summer Fete [to include a Meet the Village area]. The Clerk reported that the temporary event licence has been received and the working party is meeting regularly.
    4. 19^th July 2025 – Open Gardens – a request has been received for the allotments to again be available to view and this was agreed, subject to the same arrangements as last year.
    5. 15^th August 2025 – VJ80 – it was noted that there are no national events being organised to mark this anniversary. It was suggested that the Parish Council organises a small commemorative event possibly at Town Well.  Suggestions were invited ready for the next meeting.
    6. Opening event for new Village Hall [to include a Thank You event for village volunteers] – this delayed until the hall is handed over.

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• Payments – Cllr Skittrall proposed that a report [Appendix B] and the fund transfers and payments listed on it be approved. This was seconded by Cllr Foward and agreed.
• Annual audit of accounts – the Clerk noted that the Internal Audit of accounts has

been completed and completion of the Annual Return will be included on the agenda for the next meeting.

Correspondence received since the last meeting was noted.

• The Clerk reported that the council’s nomination of Mrs P Brannon for a Rose of Northamptonshire Award has been successful.
• A requirement to complete and submit a Quarterly Vacancy Survey has been received from the Office of National Statistics.
• Notification of maintenance works has been received from the Environment Agency.
• A local resident had been provided with advice relating to debris left as a result of work being done to a housing association property.

19. On hold – the following agenda items were noted as on hold
    • Audit of local council adopted policies and procedures – Cllr Brown offered to look at these, the Clerk to pass on the guidance received from NorthantsCALC.
    • Cemetery – repairs to railings – to consider replacing sections with a new hedge.
    • Village Green CCTV and planters.

20. Items for the next agenda.

• Audit of accounts.
• Speed signs – to be added to representatives’ reports.

21. Date and time of next meeting.

It was noted that the next of Bozeat Parish Council will be held on Monday, 16^th June 2025, immediately following Public Participation at 7pm.  The meeting will be held at TLC, Dychurch Lane, Bozeat.

The Chairman then proposed that the meeting be closed to the press and public whilst an item of a confidential nature be discussed, this was seconded by Cllr Steel and agreed.

The Chairman and Clerk provided a report about an email received and action taken.

There being no further business, the meeting was declared closed.

Signed by Brian Skittrall, Chairman, 16^th June 2025.