Agenda and approved minutes – August 2024

A MEETING OF BOZEAT PARISH COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, 19^th AUGUST 2024, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT 7pm.  THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT TLC, DYCHURCH LANE, BOZEAT.

*PLEASE NOTE THAT MEETINGS MAY BE RECORDED

A G E N D A

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

3. To approve the minutes from the meeting of Bozeat Parish Council held on 15^th July 2024.

4. Matters arising from the previous meeting/s: –
5. Circulating documents – to note the progress of any packs that are circulating.
6. Training – to agree any training courses requested by members of the council and receive reports on any attended. To note that the Clerk has booked a confidential items course, costing £10.
7. Doctor’s surgery – to note that a letter has been emailed to Sarah Bool MP.
8. Santa Pod traffic issues – to receive any further survey forms, note any issues with recent events and consider a way forward.
9. IT and Website – to report any issues.
10. Emergency Plan review – to note that work has begun on a new plan.
11. Commemorative nameplates – to note that these have been ordered and to arrange the installation of both nameplates.
12. Casual vacancy – to consider applications for co-option to the council.
13. Bleed kit – installation of a kit at the Playing Field.
14. Provision of a lockable bollard for Court Lane – to note that this has been installed.
15. Pensions Regulations – to note the required procedures.

5. Council services – to receive reports.
6. Cemetery – general report.
7. Cemetery – to receive an update on any outstanding maintenance works [extension to the Garden of Remembrance].
8. Cemetery – to consider repairs to the surface of the access lane.
9. Cemetery – to consider installing swift and bat boxes on the cemetery lodge.
10. Cemetery – to consider purchasing a new burial register, costing £268.
11. Allotments – general report.
12. Allotments – to receive an update on maintenance works [replacement plan for noticeboard].
13. Allotments – to note that the annual tenant’s meeting will take place on 16^th November 2024 at 10am.

6. Local environment – to receive the following reports.
7. Highways – including parking restrictions and speed reduction near the primary school and on Mile Street.
8. Street Lights – to report/note any lights that are not working.
9. Parish Paths Warden/Rights of Way – request for 40mph speed limit for the A509 Bozeat Bypass in order to improve safety when crossing the road.
10. Village Warden.
11. St Mary’s Road – to note that the dog fouling notices have been installed.
12. Village Green – to consider replacing a tree that has failed.
13. Speed Monitoring Equipment – purchase of replacement equipment and training in setting it up and data collection.

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

8. Representatives’ reports – to receive the following reports.
9. Bozeat Playing Field Association.
10. Bozeat Primary School.
11. Police Liaison.
12. Public transport – report from the launch of the new Village Hopper service.
13. NNC parish and ward meetings.
14. BEES Group.
15. LAP meetings.
16. NorthantsCALC Annual Conference [5^th October] – to appoint two delegates.

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

10. Police – to note any local crimes that are notified to the council.

11. Local events.
    • 17^th August 2024 – Annual Produce Show.
    • 21^st November 2024 – NNC Town and Parishes Forum.
    • 30^th November 2024 – Switching on of Christmas Tree lights.
    • 16^th December 2024 – 80^th anniversary of the death of Lt John Ahern – commemorative event.
    • Maintenance of chairs – to consider agreeing a budget for the repainting of 35 chairs used for village events and stored in the cemetery lodge.

12. Finance
13. Payments – to receive a report and to approve payments to be made this month.
14. Audit of 2023-2024 accounts – to note that the period of public rights has finished.
15. To consider adopting a Debit Card Policy.
16. To consider adding Cllrs Duckles and Steel as signatories on the council’s bank accounts.

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

14. On hold – to note the following agenda items are on hold
    • Audit of local council adopted policies and procedures.
    • Thank You event for village volunteers.
    • Cemetery – tree safety assessments.
    • Cemetery – repairs to railings – to consider replacing sections with a new hedge.
    • Village Green CCTV and planters.

15. To receive any items for the next agenda.

16. Date and time of next meeting – to note that the next meeting of Bozeat Parish Council will be held on Monday, 16^th September 2024. The meeting will be held at TLC, Dychurch Lane, Bozeat and immediately following Public Participation.

Signed by Lyndis Payne, Clerk to Bozeat Parish Council.

A MEETING OF BOZEAT PARISH COUNCIL WAS HELD ON MONDAY, 19^thAUGUST 2024, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT 7pm.  THE MEETING WAS HELD AT TLC, DYCHURCH LANE, BOZEAT.

Page 2204

PRESENT: – Cllrs Skittrall [Chairman]; Docker; Duckles; Foward; Gibbins; Pollard and Pritchard.

PUBLIC: – One member of the public and PCSO Donna Fenner with a Police Officer were present at the meeting.

MATTERS RAISED BY THE PUBLIC: –

• Casual vacancy on the council.

It was resolved to accept apologies for absence received from Cllrs Brown; Cooke and Steel.

2. Declarations of interest.

No new declarations of interest were recorded.

The minutes from the meeting of Bozeat Parish Council held on 15^thJuly 2024 were proposed as correct by Cllr Docker, this was seconded by Cllr Gibbins and a vote was taken = 5 for with 2 abstentions, motion carried.  They were then signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

It was resolved to take agenda item 10. Police next as officers were present.

10. Police.

PCSO Fenner reported that she had been on leave during July but was now back on duty, although the number of crimes recorded for Bozeat from January to July was 35, the majority didn’t affect the community.  Youth problems were dealt with through warnings being issued to parents and boundaries of behaviour being set.  Some parking issues have been addressed and the report of a near-miss on Mile Street investigated.  Police forces attending the recent national riots were supported by officers from Northamptonshire reducing numbers locally.  Cllr Duckles asked about what level of crime requires Police attendance?  PCSO Fenner reported that a burglary or theft of or from a vehicle should trigger the attendance of a PCSO as a minimum, the majority of low-level offences can be reported by telephone or online.  The hit-and-run damage in Church Lane a few weeks ago was discussed and PCSO noted that reporting via social media can have a negative effect on the investigations of crimes and urged residents to report directly to the Police.

Page 2205 – 19^th August 2024.

4. Matters arising: –
5. Circulating documents – progress of packs was noted.

• Training – it was agreed that the Clerk should attend a Lunchtime Lowdown course on confidential items, costing £10.

1. Doctor’s surgery – it was noted that a letter has been emailed to Sarah Bool MP. The Chairman reported that a letter had also been sent to Cllr Gill Mercer, Health and Wellbeing cabinet member for North Northants, and she had raised the issue with CCG.
2. Santa Pod traffic issues – no further survey forms or complaints received. It was noted that Neale Saunders had not responded to emails requesting he attend a meeting, the Chairman to contact him direct.
3. IT and Website – no issues reported.
4. Emergency Plan review – noted that work has begun on a new plan.
5. Commemorative nameplates –the Clerk reported that Rutherford’s are waiting for a delivery of sheet aluminium.
6. Casual vacancy – Cllr Pritchard proposed that Sian Moulds be co-opted onto Bozeat Parish Council, this was seconded by Cllr Skittrall and unanimously agreed.
7. Bleed kit – installation of a kit at the Playing Field – it was agreed that an inventory of the items included in the kit is needed. It was further agreed that the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Clerk be given delegated powers to immediately replace any items used or removed from either bleed kit.  Cllr Gibbins then proposed that a bleed kit, including contents costing £405 be ordered from the Defib Shop, this was seconded by Cllr Docker and agreed.
8. Provision of a lockable bollard for Court Lane – it was noted that this has been installed at a cost of £584. Cllr Duckles had obtained a padlock and keys, one set kept by the Clerk, another kept in the Parish key safe and another held by Cllr Duckles.  A notice has been placed nearby giving contact details for keyholders so it can be removed in an emergency.  A letter of thanks was received from St Mary’s PCC.
9. Pensions Regulations – the required procedures were noted.

5. Council services.
6. Cemetery – it was resolved to accept a general report. It was agreed to paint the edges of raised areas of path to highlight them.
7. Cemetery – update on any outstanding maintenance works [extension to the Garden of Remembrance] – noted that work to trim back the underside of overhanging trees will be done during the winter months.
8. Cemetery – to consider repairs to the surface of the access lane – Cllr Gibbins to ask R & G for a quote.
9. Cemetery – installation of swift and bat boxes on the cemetery lodge. Cllr Pritchard proposed that the boxes be installed, costing no more than £100, this was seconded by Cllr Docker and agreed. However, concerns were raised about potential issues regarding bats and further enquiries will be made before purchasing bat boxes.

Cemetery – purchase of a new burial register – a report was received.  After discussion, it was suggested that a potential discount for a book from Shaw & Sons be investigated prior to purchase.  Cllr Docker then proposed that a new burial register, costing £268 be purchased from Shaw & Sons, less any discount available.

Page 2206 – 19^th August 2024.

this was seconded by Cllr Duckles and agreed.

• Allotments – a report was received and discussed. Concerns about several gates

from properties in Bull Close leading into the allotments were raised, letters have been sent to two residents reminding them that they have no right of access and asking them to close up the gates.  Cllr Pritchard reported that she had no issue with gates being left in situ as long as there is no right of access to the allotments.

A Bozeat resident has offered a large composting system to the council and it was agreed not to purchase this but to advertise it to allotment tenants.

1. Allotments – to receive an update on maintenance works [replacement plan for noticeboard] – no update.
2. Allotments – noted that that the annual tenant’s meeting will take place on 16^th November 2024 at 10am. Cllr Duckles will produce notices for both noticeboards at the allotments.  Agreed to let the Manager know.

6. Local environment.
7. Highways – a report was received. Cllr Foward reported that the requested double yellow lines at the junction of Harrold Road and Dychurch Lane have been installed.  The VAS system for Harrold Road is scheduled for installation on 29^th  A faded sign on Olney Road has been reported, the pavements on Abbey Close have been repaired, Fullwell Road has been inspected with some potholes repaired.  Concern was raised about potential drainage issues from the property in Camden Square currently being converted to flats.
8. Street lights – no issues reported.
9. Parish Paths Warden/Rights of Way – a village resident has raised concerns that a section of TA22 is impassable, Cllr Pritchard reported that she had walked along the path today and it was not impassable although there are some self-set elders on it. It was agreed that members should check the path again for accessibility.
10. Village Warden – no report received.
11. St Mary’s Road –it was noted that the dog fouling notices have now been installed with thanks recorded to Cllr Duckles. Cllr Foward reported issues with overflowing dog bins and suggested that these should be emptied more frequently during summer months.  The Chairman reported that this was caused by the responsible officer being away on leave and lack of communication within the department.  The issue has now been identified and the bins emptied.

• Village Green – failed tree. It was agreed to replace the tree that has failed with another of the same species at the appropriate time of year. Concern was raised that the area of ground may need some preparation work prior to the tree being planted in order to ensure the tree thrives.  It was agreed to ask the Odd Job man to remove the tree and investigate the area beneath it to see if remedial work is required.  It was resolved to discuss a further item relating to the village green at the end of the meeting confidentially.

1. Speed Monitoring Equipment – it was noted that the equipment has been ordered. The existing monitor has been moved to Harrold Road, between the playing field and school.  Cllr Duckles asked about whether the relevant permissions to place the monitor on posts had been obtained and Cllr Gibbins reported that officers from the relevant local authority had identified and approved the locations used for the equipment.

Page 2207 – 19^th August 2024.

8. Current/new planning applications – Cllr Skittrall proposed that a report [Appendix A] be accepted, this was seconded by Cllr Duckles and agreed. It was resolved to express concerns about the safety of access for a new dwelling in London Road and to emphasise that there would be no possibility of on-road parking in this location.
9. Solar Farm proposals – the Chairman reported that the scoping document is now available and he is working down the document. He has identified potential view-points that might be most affected, all parishes will have the opportunity to comment on the document.  A statement of community involvement has also been received.  It was suggested that the size of the solar farm would be significantly reduced if all farm buildings were required to host solar panels.

8. Representatives’ reports.
9. Bozeat Playing Field Association – report received. It was noted that the skate ramp requires repairs to the frame and surface, this to be an agenda item next time.  It was resolved to investigate using an alternative to wood for the supporting structure that is in touch with the ground in order to avoid future rot.
10. Bozeat Primary School – noted that the school is closed for the summer break.
11. Police Liaison – nothing to report this month.
12. Public transport – it was noted that no representative attended the launch event for the new Village Hopper service. Cllr Pollard reported that he is currently undertaking a survey of the services.  The Clerk reported that a resident was recently refused access to a bus because they were using a disability scooter.  The Chairman reported that he had been in discussion with the relevant cabinet member at North Northants Council about disability access.   It was noted that the Stagecoach bus still offers the W8 service twice a day and disability scooters are accepted on that.  Another alternative would be for disabled residents to use the Wellibus service.  Cllr Skittrall highlighted his declared non-pecuniary interest in Shire Community Services.

• NNC parish and ward meetings – no recent meetings held.

68. BEES Group – a report was received. It was agreed to add occasional cuts to the wide area in Mile Street to the Odd Jobs list and to approve the purchase of wildflower seeds and plug plants, costing £68.24.  A narrow strip of wildflowers is to be created on the wide area of verge in Easton Lane, a quote to be requested for ground preparation.
69. LAP meetings – no meeting held in August, and the group is being restructured.
70. NorthantsCALC Annual Conference [5^th October] – it was resolved to ask Cllr Steel if she would be available to attend with the Clerk.

9. Village Hall Working Party.

Cllr Foward reported that he is yet to receive the drawings requested, the Chairman noted that he had sent them and Cllr Duckles said that he would pass them on.  The alignment of the hall on the site was discussed and the layout of the site was noted.  The working party met recently and is to visit the Harrold Centre on Wednesday to gather more information about the setting up and management of a village hall.

10. Police – this item discussed earlier in the meeting.

Page 2208 – 19^th August 2024.

11. Local events.
    1. 17^thAugust 2024 – Annual Produce Show – Cllr Duckles reported that more entries were received this year and the auction raised a good amount, local charities are invited to apply for a grant. The Chairman attended and presented the Parish Council cup.
    2. 21^st November 2024 – NNC Town and Parishes Forum – delegates will be required for this event.
    3. 30^th November 2024 –switching on of Christmas Tree lights. It was agreed to switch the lights on at 4.30pm and to ask the bellringers to peal the bells at the same time.
    4. 16^thDecember 2024 – 80^th anniversary of the death of Lt John Ahern – the Clerk reported that preparation for this event is well on the way.
    5. Maintenance of chairs – almost 40 chairs used at village events are being stored in the cemetery lodge and the metalwork on them now requires repainting. Cllr Pritchard proposed that no more than £500 be spent on preparation and painting the chairs, this was seconded by Cllr Docker and agreed.

The Clerk presented an income and expenditure account for the Village Fete held in July.

12. Finance
13. Payments – Cllr Foward proposed that a report [Appendix B] be accepted and the fund transfers and payments listed on it be approved. This was seconded by Cllr Docker and agreed.
14. Audit of 2023-2024 accounts – Cllr Skittrall proposed that the External Auditor’s report and Conclusion of Audit notice be accepted, this was seconded by Cllr Duckles and agreed.
15. To consider adopting a Debit Card Policy – Cllr Skittrall proposed that a debit card policy be adopted, this was seconded by Cllr Pritchard and agreed.
16. To consider adding signatories on the council’s bank accounts. Cllr Docker proposed that Cllrs Duckles and Steel be added to the list of authorised signatories on the council’s bank account.  This was seconded by Cllr Pritchard and agreed.

It was resolved to acknowledge receipt of correspondence received since the last meeting.

14. On hold – noted that the following agenda items are on hold: –
    • Audit of local council adopted policies and procedures.
    • Thank You event for village volunteers.
    • Cemetery – tree safety assessments.
    • Cemetery – repairs to railings – to consider replacing sections with a new hedge.
    • Village Green CCTV and planters.

15. Items for the next agenda: –

• Calendar of meetings for 2025
• Review of Fixed Asset Register
• Village Risk Assessments
• Skate ramp repairs.

Page 2209 – 19^th August 2024.

• Christmas tree/lights

16. Date and time of next meeting – it was noted that the next meeting of Bozeat Parish Council will be held on Monday, 16^thSeptember 2024. The meeting will be held at TLC, Dychurch Lane, Bozeat and immediately following Public Participation.

Cllr Skittrall proposed that the press and public be excluded whilst a confidential item is discussed, this was seconded by Cllr Docker and agreed.

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

Signed by Brian Skittrall, Chairman, 16^th September 2024.