January 2025 minutes
MEETING MINUTES
Minutes of the Meeting of Rippingale Parish Council, held in the Village Hall on Monday 13th January 2025
Present: Cllr B Ross (Chair), A Creek (vice-chair), Cllr J Jones, Cllr A Lumb, Cllr C Catt and L Davies (Clerk).
In Attendance: Cllr R Dixon-Warren, S Creek, R Shuttleworth, D Knibbs, P, Rob & Sarah Earl, A Cliffe and W Grey. There were no Press in attendance.
Public Forum
- Chairman’s Opening remarks
1914. The Chairman wished all a Happy New Year and welcomed everyone to the first RPC meeting of 2025 and thanked them for attending in increasing numbers.
- Comments, Questions & Queries from Press & Public
1915. None
Formal Meeting Agenda
1.0 To receive Apologies for Absence and approve Reasons Given. 1916. None
2.0 To receive any new Declarations of Interest. 1917. None
3.0 To approve the Minutes of the last Parish Council Meeting held on 24th October 2024 and Extraordinary Meetings on the 11th of November 2024
1918. The previously circulated minutes were found to be a true reflection of the meeting. Approved.
4.0 Parish Clerk’s Report (excluding matters raised later in the Agenda)
4.1 Handyman – Mr Simms
1919. Mr Simms to be sent a letter setting out the terms of his employment on an “as & when” basis.
Action Clerk to send letter
4.2 Village notice Board repairs
1920. Handy Man to advise cost to repair. Action. BWR/Simms
4.3 JPF Septic tank cleaning – ongoing
1921. Work in progress
4.4 Contracts
4.4.1 Dog waste bin emptying
1922. Dog waste bin emptying contract placed with D Knibbs. Clerk to check end date of contract with SKDC for emptying purple bin so that it can be included in the contract with D Knibbs.
Action – Clerk to establish end date of the trade waste bin.
4.4.2 Allotment land maintenance
1921. Draft contract has been created, there are a few amendments to be made.
Action – Clerk to make amendments
4.4.3 “Pavillion” Keys – set passed to Cllr Catt
1922. Keys have been forwarded to Cllr Catt. Resolved
4.4.4 To discuss plot holder placing up a fence around plot 46
1923. There were no objections to the plot holder placing fencing up as it meets the requirements as set out in the tenancy agreement. Action – Clerk to confirm Council approval to Plot holder.
5.0 External & Community Group Updates :
5.1 County & District Council Reports –
1924. Cllr R Dixon-Warren wished all a Happy New Year from all at SKDC and hoped all had a wonderful time celebrating with loved ones and can look forward to a happy and prosperous New Year.
The surface water flooding incidents on Monday 6 January were an unwelcome start to the New Year and thanks to those who so selflessly responded in atrocious conditions. The need to act on lessons previously identified is clear. Contact SKDC via -
• Website: https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/contact-us-office-details
• Email: customerservices@southkesteven.gov.uk
• Telephone: 01476 40 60 80
• Out of hours/emergency number: 01476 40 60 40
Report issues, concerns or problems to the Council online – it's quick, easy and available 24 hours a day at - https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/report-it
Waste Bins: Find your bin collection day Online at https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/binday. Click on the calendar options or enter your address or postcode to check when your bins will be emptied or your bags collected.
Devolution
English Devolution White Paper was published on 16 December 2024. ‘Devolution by default’ is to create new era of local power and ‘unleash power from Whitehall back into local communities that know their areas best’ in a ‘Devolution Revolution’. The government’s proposals to empower local leaders and communities to drive growth and raise living standards across the country are at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/english-devolution-white-paper power-and-partnership-foundations-for-growth
6.0 Flooding
6.1 To receive an update on the manhole cover repair report to “FixMyStreet”
1925. This was reported on ‘fix my street’ on the 27/11/24 and no further action was proposed. Change heading to Anglian Water Surface Water Infiltration for the next agenda. Action. Clerk
6.2 To receive an update on issue raised to LCC about Station Street flooding and other issues:
1926. This was part of the walk about that happened in September, still chasing SKDC and this is very frustrated at the time it was taking, considering that area has had a flood again. Cllr Creek to escalate with Cllr Warren-Dixon. It was raised at the meeting about the manholes outside the village hall. These need to be reported via ‘fix my street’ Action – VHMC to Report via FMS. Cllr Creek to liase with Cllr Warren-Dixon
6.3 Sand boxes
6.3.1 Sand delivery
1927. Clerk has emailed to arrange sand delivery from SKDC but has not had a response
Action – Clerk to chase SKDC
6.3.2 Volunteers to move sand and fill bags
1928. Once we have a delivery date, the requirement for volunteers to shovel the sand into the storage containers, a request will be placed out via FB and village contacts. The village hall has agreed that the sand can be placed in the car park as near to the storage as possible.
6.4 “Road Closed” signs –
6.4.1 To discuss the delivery from LCC
1929. Email sent to LCC chasing delivery. There maybe similar signs in the JPF storage unit
Action – Cllr Catt to check in storage unit
6.4.2 To discuss the Storage of signs.
1930. The village hall has agreed to an outside location for storage of the road closed signs.
1931. The Flood warden, councillors and volunteers have cleared the various dykes and road gullies when required and has been successful at avoiding/reducing the volumes of water flooding onto the roadway and into homes. The Parish Council gives thanks to all those who helped.
We ask all residents to be vigilant and to report issues to the appropriate bodies by using www.fixmystreet.com. Also, if you see a drain or grille or gully that is obstructed with mud or leaves etc close to your property, and you are able to do so, then please help us all by sweeping or scraping it clear. If we are all vigilant, we will give ourselves the best chance of avoiding issues through the winter.
It was discussed to liaise with other parishes and learn from their experiences. It was agreed that a Community WhatsApp group be set up to enable a fast-reacting village response.
Action Cllr Creek & Cllr Ross to liaise with RDW and other parishes
Action Setup Community and Emergency Team WhatsApp groups.
7.0 Community Groups & Organisations –
7.1 Village Hall Management Committee - Village Hall Trustee policy
1932. Currently the VHMC has 3 trustees and can have up to 21. There is interest from 3 or 4 other people who wish to join. The Chairman reminded VH committee members that trustees need to be from diverse and varied backgrounds. The committee has 2 meetings and an AGM each year. The next meeting is scheduled for the 18th January 2025. WG advised that it was difficult to get volunteers and welcomed support from the PC Action. Cllr Jones to be invited to next meeting.
Action Information regarding recruitment for trustees to be added in the newsletter, FB & PC Website.
The Chairman requested that the VHMC advertise the opportunity for villagers to become trustees of the VH to support the existing small team.
7.2 Hospital Car Scheme
1933. Slow period and still require drivers as down to 2 and half (local trips only)
7.3 RGAG –
7.3.1 Allotment gates being left open – Clerk to message tenants
1934. Clerk has messaged tenants who have e-mail addresses on this issue. RGAG to ask all members to send e-mail addresses to the Parish Clerk to assist in proper & full distribution of correspondence ACTION – RGAG
7.3.2 To discuss and approve the request to install a Steel Storage unit.
1935. As previously discussed and site visit of Cllrs it was agreed that this was a positive action. This was agreed and approved. Resolved.
7.3.3 To discuss and approve the request to install fenced bays to hold Chippings, Soil & Waste
1936. As previously discussed, as the burn pile and composite are being used for all sorts of waste, there should be a clear designated area for plastic, compost and general waste. There was a site visit of Cllrs and it was agreed that this was a positive action. This was agreed and approved. Resolved.
It was also agreed that the tenancy agreement needs to have a clause regarding waste management. Action Clerk to create an amendment.
1937. The allotments site is looking excellent at this time and the RGAG would like to thank the support and actions of I Middleton, P Hudson & D Knibbs.
7.3.4 P.C.C.
1938. Cllr Lumb to report back following meeting due on 23rd January 2025 ACTION - AL
7.3.5 Police Update
1939. Cllr Creek, there has been no further incidents of vandalism at the JPF. There is a rise in cars being parked on the pavement, which is making it difficult for people to pass. This is not illegal but it is better that there should be space for prams/wheelchairs to pass safely. If it continues a letter can be sent from the PC Action. Clerk to place on FB and in Newsletter.
8.0 Parish Matters:
8.1 Newsletter
8.1.1 To discuss and review the Editor role
1940. Iain Middleton is the new Editor. The Clerk has, for the last 2 months, created an interim Newsletter. I Middleton will be creating future editions. Resolved.
8.1.2 To discuss and review printing quotations
1941. A quotation has been received from Cllr Lumb and Cllr Ross has asked for that a quote is obtained from Graytones Printers, Unit 17, King St Ind. Park, Bourne. Action. Clerk to get quote
8.2 JPF
8.2.1 To review and discuss the Goal post installation
1942. Cllr Catt has one quotation and is awaiting prices from specialist contractors for the installation of the existing goal posts. Action CC to chase quotations
8.2.2 To discuss the Tennis net & post repairs
1943. Cllr Catt has been liaising with various contractors and awaiting prices, and awaiting quotations
Action CC to chase quotations
8.2.3 To discuss and review progress on the removal of old Store.
1944. Work in progress Action CC
8.2.4 To review the SKDC Prosperity Fund grant update
1944. Work in progress Action BWR
8.3 Flooding – 1945. See 1925 – 1931 above
8.4 Allotments. (additionally, see 7.3 above)
8.4.1 Allotment water supply
1946. To receive an update of the Deed of Easement – ongoing Action BWR
1947. To discuss and review the alternative quotes for on-site pipework – ongoing Action BWR
1948. To request an Anglian Water updated quote for Hydrant connection only - ongoing
Action BWR
8.5 Neighbourhood Plan
1949. Correction of drafting error in Policy HD2 – SKDC to respond to latest rejection of its rejection of the request to change the “or” to “and” – awaiting SKDC Action BWR
8.6 Overgrown Hedges
8.6.1 To receive an update on the 84 Station St to footpath
1950. Ivy hedge (causing damage to private fencing) – Clerk to ask Gary’s Gardens for advice and costings. Action Clerk
8.7 Dykes
8.7.1 Grinder’s Lane/Dovecote –
1951. Cllr Lumb to chase and update and Clerk to resend letters via recorded delivery Action AL/Clerk
8.7.2 Dyke to rear of Linnet
1952. Cllr Lumb to contact persons responsible to ask that they properly maintain the dyke
Action AL
8.7.3 Station St East to Station
1953. Cllr Creek has contacted SKDC to clear the dyke and remove “fly tipped” rubbish along the full length of this Dyke. Cllr Dixon-Warren to be copied in so that he can take additional action. ACTION TC/RDW
8.7.4 Station St West from Allotments to A15
1954. Cllr Lumb to contact persons responsible to ask that they properly maintain the dyke ACTION – AL
8.7.5 Additional Dyke clearing quotation.
1955. Black Sluice quote for second clearance – Clerk to follow up ACTION – LD
8.8 Community Liaison
8.8.1 To receive an update on the Youth Engagement Initiative
1956. Cllr Jones to continue liaison with Richard Shuttleworth to establish the demographics of the youngsters in the village and how to get their input. The WARD wide group may also be able to assist in this. ACTION JJ/BWR/TC/RDW
8.8.2 To receive an update on the “Street Champions”
1957. Cllr Jones to continue liaison with Richard Shuttleworth and other Cllrs to identify willing volunteers ACTION – ALL
8.8.3 To receive an update on the Welcome Pack
1958. Revised version published and distributed to known new residents. Copy to be sent to LD for inclusion on Web-Site and Facebook pages – ACTION – BWR/LD
8.8.4 To discuss methods to assess residents’ views on use of playing field
1959. This interlinks with the social media, newsletter redesign. Looking to engage the community.
1.1.1 To discuss and review SKDC & LCC actions from walkabout
1960. Cllr Ross awaiting recent request for update from LCC ACTION – BWR
8.9 Planning: To receive and consider planning applications:-
1961. 13 East Street – Monitoring, but contractor may be contravening H&SE regulations
1962. Willow Development – monitoring
1963. S24/1278 - Land to The Rear of The Old Surgery 155 Station Street – awaiting decision but Cllr Dixon-Warren to ask if there is a reason for the unusual delay ACTION - RDW
1964. S24/1862 – Two detached dwellings behind 83 Station Street – PC objection submitted. Awaiting decision
1965. S24/ 1654 Replace roof tiles to natural slate, reposition door to front elevation – approved
9.0 Financial Matters:
9.1 Bank Accounts access
1966. RPC – LD still trying to add new Cllrs to signatory list ACTION - LD
1967. JPFT - LD still trying to add new Cllrs to signatory list ACTION - LD
9.2 Financial Reports:
9.2.1 To review FY 2024/25 Accounts to date & Approval of Expenditure
1968. The below payments were passed for payment,
Date Cheque No Description Supplier VAT Type Net
09/01/2025 Clerk Salary The Clerk 530.30 530.30
09/01/2025 Clerk Salary The Clerk 27.19 27.19
09/01/2025 Annual Costs Village Hall 18.75 18.75
09/01/2025 Annual Costs E. C. Charlton & Son 50.00 50.00
09/01/2025 Annual Costs Feast Expenses 29.68 5.94 35.62
09/01/2025 Annual Costs Chair 39.00 39.00
09/01/2025 Annual Costs Chair 16.55 16.55
09/01/2025 Annual Costs Warners Group 82.00 82.00
Total 5.94 799.41
9.3 To discuss and review the budget for 2025/2026
1969. Cllr Creek advised that, as a rule of thumb, the Parish Council should hold a contingency to the value of circa one year’s precept. Rippingale Parish Council’s contingency is considerably less than this figure. The precept has not been increased for several years meaning that the PC has been running at a deficit over that period.
The PC has committed to supplying water to the allotments, and to replace the storage unit on the JPF. We have estimated amounts of £8,000 and £4,000 respectively for these projects and included them in the forecast spend in the coming year. As with all expenditure we will do this the most cost-effective way. If we have further pressures on the budget during the year, we may have to consider a hold on replacing the storage unit on the JPF.
The forecast budget shows an income of circa £26,254 in the coming year, the majority of which is the precept. The PC is proposing to increase the precept in the coming year by an average of about £5 per year, based on a band D household. This will increase the average household contribution from £55 to £60 per year. The PC feels that this is reasonable and appropriate, given that we currently spend more than we receive, and that the precept has not been increased in several years. This has been carefully considered but not without risk, as we are balancing what we receive against what we are being asked to do by the community. We are hopeful that the community will also assist by holding fundraising activities through the year, such as the Feast.
To illustrate the precept spend, the average household contributes £60 per year, and can be allocated as follows:-
- £24 - Administration, which covers the Clerks salary, insurance, subscriptions and memberships etc, which are mandatory.
- £15 - Grounds Maintenance, including hedge and grass cutting, casual labour tasks on land or for the village.
- £10 - Jubilee Playing Field equipment and tennis court maintenance, dog waste removal, vandalism etc.
- £7 - Village activities, such as the War memorial, tree works, flooding measures etc
- £3 - Newsletter compilation, printing and distribution.
- £1 - Everything else
- £0 - Your Parish Councillors, who are all volunteers, and give their time freely.
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It was proposed that Rippingale Parish Council increase the precept by 10% as recommended by the finance subcommittee and that the PC fully explain the rise to residents in all available platforms. Approved
2.0 Urgent reports or any other issues.
3.0 Close meeting
2nd Public Forum.
Next meeting: 10th February 2025 at 7.00pm in Rippingale Village Hall
Laura Davies - Parish Clerk