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ALBURGH PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Alburgh parish council meeting held on Thursday, 5th January, 2023 at 7.30pm in Alburgh Village Hall.
Parish councillors present:
Cllr Thompson; Chairman, Cllr Swanston, Cllr Hair
Also attending: Mrs. Loveday; Clerk, 11 members of the public; Chris Brown; District Councillor
- Apologies were received from: Cllr Legon
- No declarations of interest from any members were received.
- The minutes of the meeting held on 10th November, 2022 were approved and signed by Cllr Thompson as a correct record.
- Open Forum for public participation (maximum 10 minutes): an opportunity to hear from members of the public
Mr. Crosby asked if we could report the following to Highways:
He lives on Station Road (up Dove Hill, ditch on left hand side). This ditch was badly flooded, when they dug the ditch they collapsed the bank and this now needs sorting as is dangerous. Clerk will report.
Tunbeck Road has pot holes on both sides which need repairing. Clerk will report.
- To discuss matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting which are not on the agenda
The speed signs in Tunbeck and the other signs which were reported to Highways from the last meeting have been attended to.
- To receive reports from District and County Councillors
Chris Brown; District Councillor reported:
- He still has funding available in his Member Ward Fund
- South Norfolk House in Long Stratton is now closed and all staff are now at Thorpe Lodge until the new Horizon office at Broadland Business Park is ready. Work is underway on this.
- South Norfolk Council is now in its budget setting process for next year.
- Progress is being made with various decarbonisation projects, including plans for solar PV and energy efficiency improvements at our leisure centres and getting more EV charging points in car parks.
- There has been a significant increase in demand for temporary housing accommodation. The council has now agreed funding to purchase properties to provide additional accommodation.
- Correspondence Received – None
- Playing Field – To receive inspection report and update on Homersfield Picnic Site following site meeting with River Waveney Trust
Cllr Hall did inspection – As he was not in attendance tonight we did not have report.
Homersfield Picnic Site – Ange Lamb; Volunteer and Events Coordinator for the River Waveney Trust has been in touch and we have had a site meeting to hold a litter pick and discuss purchasing litter bins and dog poo bins. All were in agreement that this would be a good idea and it was agreed that we would apply for funding from the Adnams charity for the bins. The clerk will liase with Ange over this and discuss the emptying of the bins also.
- Village Items
Update on Film Nights
The Railway Children and The Grinch for the Christmas film were well attended. Films will start again in February, there will be no film showing in January because of the roof being repaired.
Village Questionnaire
Cllr Thompson has arranged that this will go out on the 14th January, 2023.
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Update on Speeding
Cllr Legon was not here tonight to give an update.
Pond Dredging – We have received a quote for pond dredging from Fran Cousins – recommended by survey team. To clear the pond will cost £780 plus VAT, plus it may be necessary to spray to reduce growth which would be at a further cost of £350 plus VAT. The clerk will try to obtain a second quote.
To discuss Village Hall Notice Boards
At present there are 3 notice boards; these are for the PCC, the Village Hall and the parish council. These all need repairing or replacing. It was felt that it would be a good idea to combine all 3 notice boards and have one larger village notice board. Cllr Thompson will speak to the PCC and Village Hall about this.
To discuss Grit Bins and supply of salt
In our recent bad weather the car park was very icy, it was agreed that the clerk will enquire from the Council about a supply of grit bins and salt.
To discuss letter received from the Alburgh Ladies Tuesday Group
We have received a letter from the above about their recent experience in hiring the village hall. A representative from the group read their letter out and to summarise they felt that the new 14 page hire agreement was unacceptable and the hire costs have doubled. As residents they felt excluded from the village hall and that changes have been imposed without any consultation and all trust and respect has been discarded. Discussions followed on this.
It was agreed to discuss this further at the village hall meeting next week and to maybe have a further meeting at another date.
Other Parish Council Items
Use of Allotments
We have had no reply from the gentleman about his use for the allotments.
Discussion on the fruit orchard to carry forward to next meeting.
Budget and Precept Setting
All councillors received a copy of the budget/precept document. After discussion it was agreed to set the precept for 2023/24 at £6,500. No increase from last year.
Update on Village Hall Lease
Cllr Thompson has sorted this and is going to the Solicitors this week and come back with a document to go through and sign.
To discuss Clerks new pay scales to be implemented from 1 April 2022
To go on next agenda
Parish Councillor Vacancy
We have had 2 resignations from Cllr Davis and Cllr Gladden-Fenn. Cllr Thompson thanked them for all their support over the years. The two vacancies will be advertised.
- To report on planning decisions, applications commented on since last meeting – None
- Finance: To approve payments to be made
Mrs J Loveday clerk salary £397.80 for 2 months, expenses £56.60
Moviola, Film Nights £104.68 Railway Children, £141.00 The Grinch
Waveney Valley Ices £36.00 and £45.00
Norfolk Parish Training & Support £280.00
Garden Trends for Picnic Tables for Homersfield Picnic Site £477.09
Receipts
UK Power Networks Wayleave payment £47.56
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- To receive items for the next meeting, Thursday, 2nd February 2023
Increase in Clerk Salary
Communication within the parish council
Use of Allotment as a flower area
Cllr Thompson thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting at 8.35pm.