ALBURGH PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Alburgh parish council meeting held on Wednesday, 6th September 2023 at 7.30pm in Alburgh Village Hall.
1.Welcome by the chairman; Cllr Thompson welcomed Cllr Swanston, Cllr Hall, Cllr Price, Cllr Croucher, Cllr Newson, Cllr Chris Brown District Councillor
The clerk was in attendance on line due to illness.
2. To receive apologies from members unable to attend – None
3. To receive any declarations of interest from members on any item to be discussed at this meeting – None
4. To approve and sign the minutes of the last parish council meeting held on 6th July, 2023. The minutes were approved and signed by Cllr Thompson as a correct record.
5. Open Forum for public participation (maximum 10 minutes): an opportunity to hear from members of the public – None
6. To discuss matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting which are not on the agenda
- Village Hall Lease – waiting to hear back from the Solicitors.
- Village Questionnaire is in hand.
- Summer Events – this will be discussed at village hall meeting.
7. To receive reports from District and County Councillors
Chris Brown, District Councillor reported:
- A decision regarding the old offices at South Norfolk House has been delayed and a number of bids have been received for consideration, one being an application for an Asset of Community Value.
- A challenge faced by the council is regarding the neutrality in housing whereby housing developers buy credits, the government has recently decided against this scheme but a process is still needed in the meantime.
- Another challenge is temporary housing – £3m has been allocated to buy properties to house people.
- Economic recovery and growth post covid, including high streets are another area of focus.
- Two bi-elections are due to be held on 28.9.23 for Mulbarton and Wymondham.
8. To discuss any correspondence received
E mail from Wortwell pc re: Allotments at Wortwell
Ian Smith has cut the grass on our side of the allotments.
Lua Leggett, clerk to Wortwell pc has requested that we cut the hedges on our side.
Discussions on what we do with the allotments here as they are not being used. It was agreed that we need a meeting with Lua to discuss.
To organise date with Gary Overland re: grit bins and village gateway signs
A site visit has been arranged with Gary Overland from Highways for 6th October, 2023.
9. To receive inspection reports on Playing Field and Homersfield Picnic Site
The playing field is all in good order.
It was agreed that we would purchase a litter bin for Homersfield Picnic site.
The clerk will contact South Norfolk about emptying this bin, plus the playing field bins.
Clerk to confirm with the River Waveney trust volunteers about delivery/installation of the bin and also repairs of the benches that have been vandalised.
To receive update on play equipment following site visit
Councillors met on the playing field tonight prior to meeting at 6.45pm. The following was agreed; Phase 1 to spend up to £1200 to tidy up what we have got, i.e. higher hand rails on slides, new swing seats, repairing boat, new bark. Phase 2 to purchase new equipment, i.e. 2 x new set of monkey bars, shaded area, roundabout.
All agreed. Cllr Price and Cllr Newson will co ordinate the repairs and work out what we need.
10. Village Items
Update on Film Nights
Cllr Croucher has suggested Saturday film matinees in January and February. Some older residents are unable to attend evening films in winter months because they don’t feel safe to drive at night but would a matinee. We will organise a vote on the film mail group and if favourable will go ahead. We will also check with Tina Hair that she is happy to carry on doing the film nights.
To receive update on use of grass area next to allotments for a boules/pétanque pitch
We have had a favourable response for this. Cllr Thompson will arrange.
Discussion on whether we cut a hole in the hedge to link this and garden together.
11. Other Parish Council Items
Pond Dredging
The clerk has contacted Peter Matthewson and he has agreed to carry out this work on Saturday, 23rd September,
The bull rushes will need to be taken away, we will advertise this.
Discussions on fencing around pond to make more safe. This will go on next agenda.
Update on village hall notice boards
Wording for the notice board was discussed. When this is decided it can be ordered.
Grass cutting around village sign
It was agreed that we would ask Ian Smith to cut this.
12. To report on planning decisions, applications commented on since last meeting – None
13. Finance: To approve payments to be made
Mrs J Loveday clerk salary £288.27 x 2 for 2 months pay
Ian Smith for grass cutting £245.00 for June and £320.00 for July
South Norfolk Council Dog Bin Annual charge 2022/2023 £178.56
South Norfolk Council Dog Bin Annual charge 2023/2024 £200.40
ICO Data Protection Fee £35.00
Moviola Film Hire £62.65
Reimbursement to Cllr Hall for wood purchased for repairs to zip wire £355.42 and £9.99 for bin bags.
Receipts
HMRC VAT Repayment £325.50
Litter Pick payment £20.00
14. To receive items for the next Agenda, Thursday, 5th October 2023
Any other items for the next agenda please contact the clerk.
Cllr Thompson will ask the village hall care taker if he would be able to take on the checking of the defibrillator.
Fencing around pond
Alloments
Cllr Thompson thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8.32pm.