Alburgh

October 2020 Minutes

Posted on by jackie

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ALBURGH PARISH COUNCIL

 

Minutes of the Alburgh Parish Council meeting held on Thursday, 1st October 2020 at 7.30pm by video conferencing.

 

Parish Councillors present:

Mr. Soanes: Chairman, Mrs. Gedge: Vice chair, Mr. Denny, Mrs. Swewart

Also attending:  Jackie Ellis: Clerk, Margaret Stone: County Councillor, 2 members of the public

 

  1. Welcome by the Chairman

Mr. Soanes welcomed everyone to the meeting

 

  1. To receive apologies for absence

Mr. Renaut and Mrs. Davis sent their apologies

Mr. Renaut also sent his regisnation from the parish council.  It was agreed that the vacancy will be advertised in the magazine.

 

  1. To receive declarations of interest in items on the agenda – None

 

  1. To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 10th September 2020

These were signed by Mr. Soanes as a correct record

 

  1. Open Forum for Public Participation: an opportunity to hear from members of the public

No member of the public had any comments to make

 

  1. Update on Playing Field Issues
  • The hedges have been cut in the Millennium Garden
  • Levi Farrow has tidied around the playing field
  • A piece of decking board on the zip wire needs to be replaced. Soanes will measure and purchase this.

 

  1. To discuss Millennium Garden Issues

Gill Gedge reported the following:

She and a lady in the village have planted wild flowers in the garden

The shrub border is overgrown which she will tackle

She would like to make some enquiries on how to look after the pond and will ask the Norfolk Wildlife Trust who offer advice on wildlife, etc.

 

  1. To receive and update on looking after speed monitors

Deborah Stewart offered to take on the role of looking after the speed monitors which she was kindly thanked for.  Gill and Richard Gedge will show her what has to be done.

 

  1. Update on Homersfield picnic site repairs

Mr. Denny has not heard anything more from the River Waveney Trust about the repairs. This will go on the next agenda.

 

  1. Allotments – update on matters resolved since last meeting

The gentleman who asked for an allotment has now taken one in Harleston.  It was agreed that we would advertise the vacant allotments in Wortwell in the magazine.

A working party will be arranged at a later date to clear the site of some rubbish which has been left.

 

  1. Planning applications received since last meeting

Applications received:

  • Ref: 2020/1786 1 Red House Farm Barns, Low Road, Alburgh.  Demolition of existing conservatory and storage sheds and erection of kitchen and garden room extension and new garage, store and home office.  Councillors approved.

 

 

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  1. To receive reports from District and County Councillors

Margaret Stone, County Councillor reported the following:

  • White Paper on Planning Reform in England open for Consultation; the paper proposes a radical reform and a whole new planning system. It will be one that is simpler, clearer and quicker to navigate, delivering results quicker.
  • NCC Budget; Covid 19 has worsened the financial situation facing the county council, which is predicting a £129.7 million budget gap over the next four years. They have an excellent track record of balancing the books. Adult Social Care is an area feeling the financial pressure.
  • Highways and Pathways; There have been issues regarding maintenance and work not being carried out when planned. These issues have been raised and are being investigated.
  • We have reported Footpath 16 in Alburgh which needs attention as has become very overgrown.
  • Two bridges in Earsham, forming part of Angles Way, collapsed several years ago. Councillor Stone has worked with many officers to remove and replace them and work is now underway.   Councillor Stone has been sent photos of work as it has progressed.  If anybody wishes to see these, please let the clerk know by email.

 

  1. Payments to be made since last meeting and record money received

Clerk salary £151.35, allowance £26.00

Levi Farrow, playing field cuts and strimming £612.00

S & A Garden Services £105.00

 

Money received:

SNC Precept £3,000.00

 

All councillors agreed to increase the clerk’s pay to £10.00 p.h., backdated to April, 2020.

 

  1. Next Meeting

This will be held on Thursday, 5th November, 2020 at 7.30pm via Zoom in line with Covid 19 regulations.

 

Items for next agenda:  Campaign by CPRE – Safer Country Lanes, Donations, Homersfield Picnic site repairs

 

A member of the public said that she had seen several people out looking at footpaths in Alburgh.  No one knew why this was. She asked for a copy of the Pagan Trust accounts which will be organised.

 

  1. Close of Meeting

Mr. Soanes thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting at 8.10pm.

 

 

 

Mr. Soanes, Chairman – 5th November, 2020