March 2022 Minutes
Minutes of the general meeting of Sutton St Edmund Parish Council held on 15th March 2022 at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall.
Present: Cllrs G. Masters (Chairman), C. Hunns, C. Allen, M O’Kane, County Cllr Pepper, 1 member of the public and Miss D Leedham (Parish Clerk).
1. Chairman’s welcome to the Annual Parish Meeting.
a. Looking back - This time last year we were still holding PC meetings via Teams, as lockdown was very much a part of our everyday lives, so it was very reassuring to be able to resume face-to-face meetings from May.
During May, Councillor Coleman resigned as Chairman and I was delighted to receive the support of my fellow Parish Councillors and was duly elected as Chairman. I was also very happy to hear that Councillor Hunns would continue in her capacity as Vice-Chairman.
It’s been a busy 12 months, with the usual day-to-day issues of the parish being identified and addressed by everyone on the council. Whether, its fly-tipping, dog bins or planning applications, there’s not much that happens that isn’t discussed and resolved pretty quickly, which is a testament to the engagement and dedication of everyone involved.
A couple of significant events have happened this year, the first being the party to celebrate the end of lockdown, which was primarily led by Councillor Savage, who mobilised the whole parish and created a really memorable event. We were also successful in our application for a grant for new play equipment, and I look forward to seeing what will be installed in the coming months.
The Community Speed Watch programme continues to be a deterrent, with nearly 1200 cars being checked in the last 12 months and nearly 110 found to be exceeding 46mph. I am particularly pleased with the plans the PC are discussing regarding other initiatives to support the Speed Watch programme and hope to see some or all of these come to fruition.
We’ve had a few changes in personnel, with Chris Hatch, Tracy Patience and Chris Allen all joining the PC in recent months. As always, we have also said goodbye to some, with Jason Wardill, Angela Savage and indeed Tracy Patience all leaving. We thank them for everything they did for the parish and wish them the very best for the future.
Looking ahead - Plans are already underway to hold another party in June, to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Once again, we hope everyone in the parish will support, both in the organisation and attending on the day.
Personally, I would like to see the PC continue its close connection to the Village Hall and ensure we work together for the best interests of everyone in the village. I also hope we can engage LCC and the Highways Authority more effectively in the coming 12 months to address some of the issues raised by local residents, as progress has been slow.
Lastly, plans are afoot for a litter picking event and I once gain hope everyone will be able to support.
On a personal level, I would like to thank all of the Parish Council, both past and present, for everything they have done over the last 12 months, many giving their time and energy to various topics and projects for the benefit of the parish. I look forward to the coming year, with more improvements and events to be planned and completed.
7.06pm Cllr Seymour and 1 member of the public arrived.
General meeting of Sutton St Edmund parish Council
Public Forum
A resident raised concerns with the collapsed drain and gully opposite Cross Road, after discussion the Council requested the Clerk raise with LCC Highways for an update.
- Apologies for absence and reasons given.
Apologies received from Cllr Hatch, reasons given and accepted by all.
2. To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations in respect of DPI’s.
None.
2. Notes of the general meeting held on 18th January 2022 to be approved as the new minutes.
Council resolved to accept the notes as a true copy of the minutes, the Chairman duly signed.
4. To receive an update on the Councillor vacancies.
The Clerk advised no applications for the two vacancies had been recieved, after discussion, Council agreed for the vacancies to continue to be advertised on Facebook and Notices to be added to the notice boards. It was also agreed for additional keys to be cut for the notice boards.
5. To receive updates from the local Police or report any incidents.
The Clerk advised no report had been received from the Police. Cllr Hunns advise glass along South Eau Bank had been reported to Police, ref: 350-140322. The Council discussed an email received from the Police regarding ongoing concerns, it was agreed for the Clerk to advise concerns with Speeding, Hare coursing and fly tipping.
6. CSW.
a. To receive an update from the CSW team.
The Chairman updated the meeting, noting that out of 114 vehicles, 4 were speeding which is an average of 3.5%. The Clerk advised the additional 40mph signs had been ordered.
b. To review and resolve accordingly on the traffic calming measures.
The Council discussed traffic calming measures including village welcome gates, speed signs and bollards. The Council agreed to purchase two speed signs and apply for a grant to assist with the traffic calming measures.
7. Financial matters.
a. The Financial report had been circulated and it was resolved to accept the figures.
8. Village Hall.
a. Cllr O’Kane updated the meeting on Village Hall matters, noting the new blinds were now in place. Cllr O’Kane noted upcoming events include a Quiz night, Games Day and Easter Art competition.
9. Playing Field.
a. Cllr Allen updated the meeting on playing field matters, it was agreed that the Trim Trail would remain in place and be reviewed regularly. The Clerk advised she had chased the hedge cutting.
10. Highways
a. The Council discussed a number of Highways concerns, including the pavement along Broadgate, Street light and Chapelgate. It was agreed for the Clerk to continue to collate concerns and request a gully cleaner.
11. Planning
a. Planning applications had been circulated and any comments made were listed on the SHDC portal.
12. Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
a. Cllr Allen updated the meeting, noting the committee have had their first meeting and a similar event to the previous year’s Village Party was in planning. The Council thanked Cllr Seymour for his donation.
13. Litter Pick
a. Cllr Hunns updated the meeting, noting the next scheduled litter pick would be held on Saturday 9th April 2022, 10am and the risk assessment would be updated and circulated on the day.
14. Allotments
a. The Clerk advised a rent review had not been carried out recently, it was agreed for Cllr Allen and the Clerk to look into in more detail.
15. To consider any correspondence not included within the agenda.
16. To confirm the date of the Annual Parish Council meeting – Tuesday 17th May 2022, 7pm at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall.
Date of the Annual Parish Council meeting, Tuesday 17th May 2022, 7pm at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall.
17. Councillors reports & items for inclusion at the next meeting. Councillors are requested to use this opportunity to report minor matters of information not included elsewhere on the agenda and to raise items for future agendas.
The Council discussed and resolved to accept the LALC subscription and Annual Training Scheme.
18. To resolve whether to move into closed session and exclude public, Police and press (who will be required to leave the meeting at this stage, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972), due to the confidential nature of business to be discussed. Should this resolution be passed, members of the public, Police and press will be required to leave the meeting at this stage.
None.
Meeting closed – 8.49pm.