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Sutton Bridge Parish Council
Archived Meetings News for 2013
Notes on the Sutton Bridge Parish Council Meeting held at
The Curlew Centre on 30th April, 2013
A 15 minute Open Forum commenced at 7.00 p.m. with 8 Parishioners wishing to ask questions.
- A request was made for a replacement public seat on the East Bank (opposite the Port).
- A comment was made regarding the extra traffic movements if the PREL ‘Incinerator’ building application went ahead. No-one has mentioned doing a census of the increased traffic. The questioner offered to do this census.
- A comment was made about the breeding of pit bull terriers. These are classed as dangerous dogs. The speaker further commented on the footpath and electric fence at Foul Anchor. Some of the horses at the site had been removed and only 4 now remain.
- Colin Blundell said he believed the PC’s position is that it is against the PREL proposition. Why did Cllr.Brewis betray the PC? On 17th April, apart from Cllrs.M.Booth and Brewis, all the other Cllrs on the Planning Committee come from Spalding – so they have a vested interest in siting the incinerator anywhere so long as it doesn’t wind up in Spalding and if it goes in Sutton Bridge where they’re all yokels they couldn’t care less. And that was how it seemed during the so-called debate. Most of them didn’t know what was going on. A couple of ‘plants’ carried the day. Our only chance for a defence was Cllr.Brewis. He betrayed Sutton Bridge. His contribution to the so-called debate demonstrated that he was not opposed to the PREL development but only concerned that the feedstock comes in hermetically sealed containers and that lorries should have tracking devices. There are two questions arising from this: (1) Why did he not insist that a decision be deferred for further discussion? and (2) Since he’s betrayed SB and the PC what action will the PC take against him?
- A parishioner asked for a public meeting regarding the Incinerator.
- A comment was made about the continual flyposting in the village and a request was made that the PC write to these people asking them to cease their flyposting activities.
- Lynne Harrison (Spalding Guardian) reminded everyone that she was at the Curlew Centre Library every fortnight and would be interested to meet people and hear news stories. She would be at the Library this coming Friday (3/5) from 10 am until 2 pm.
- A comment was made regarding the planning application for a one-bed flat and the need for a firewall. NOTE: This application to be discussed under agenda item 10(iii). Another comment was made regarding the caravan which was still parked in Bridge Road. NOTE: A PCSO was present at the meeting and confirmed that the owner had been spoken to. The owner was looking for a suitable storage area for the caravan but would be moving to the west Midlands shortly. In order to solve the problem for the time being, the Chairman offered a space in his yard.
- The police representative suggested that Cllr.S.Booth’s request for a note of the hierarchy should go to the Chief Constable.
Business to be Transacted
1. Apologies for Absence with reasons: Apologies for absence were received from Cllr.S. Giles.
It was noted that Cllr.Brewis would be half-an-hour late.
2. Declarations of Interest:
3. Signing of the Minutes: Notes of 26th March 2013 meeting were agreed.
4. Police Matters: The PCSO reiterated her comments regarding the caravan on Bridge Road and said she was satisfied that the owner was trying to find a storage solution. There followed a lengthy discussion on the role of the Police Commissioner.
5. Chairman’s Remarks: Chairman remarked that he had attended the Planning Meeting at SHDC on 17th April and was not at all impressed. Those attendees, who were situated in Room 1 as there was insufficient room in the Council Chamber, could not see the plans. (At this point, Cllr.Hills pointed out that he hadn’t missed anything as the situation was the same in the Council Chamber). He added that the Incinerator application was to be discussed again at the next Planning Meeting on 8th May.
6. Clerk’s Report: Two youths caught on CCTV damaging Curlew Centre. Not enough evidence to convict. Full risk assessment being carried out on the Memorial Park Pavilion.
7. To Receive Reports from District & County Councillors: Written report from Cllr.M.Booth - briefly set out below:
- District Council agreed to fix new gates on Lime Street Playing Field.
- SHDC about to award works contract for 3 new houses at Wrights Lane.
- SHDC to take over maintenance of new toilets at C.Centre. Other toilet block permanently closed.
- Sutton Bridge MAG. LIVES group has 11 volunteers signed up from this area. Cllr.M.Booth to give £1000 from his SHDC budget to get the project going.
- Met with John Hayes MP re bedroom tax and ambulance service.
8. Financial Matters: Finance Committee met earlier in the day.
(a) Four further payments to be made in addition to those listed on the Agenda. Cllr.Dewsberry said the reserves were healthy.
(b) Precept and allotment rents had been received.
(c) Accounts approved for year end 31/3/2013. These now available to anyone to read at the Parish Office – appointments required before viewing.
(d) Agreed to allocate £20,000 to reserves (i.e., £15,000 for burial ground and £5,000 for play equipment).
9. Correspondence:
(a) Clerk read out correspondence as listed on agenda. Commented that letter from Centrica available to all if required. SE Lincs Local Plan Consultation Exhibition at Curlew Centre 15th May, 3-7 pm. Power Station B – Modified proposals. Arrangements are being made for a public exhibition in the early summer. Pest Baiting around industrial units. Claims of rats within that locality. Drainage Board to fill in ‘grips’ and warning against digging these grips into watercourses. Burial Facilities – Now an urgent matter for this Council.
(b) Further correspondence available at Parish office.
10. Planning Matters: (i) New: - No comments. (ii) New: - No comments (Ref: H18-0246-13 Cllr.Rowe commented that perhaps the developers should be made aware of the proposed incinerator which would be close to this new development). (iii) Same comments apply as previous application.
11. Highways & Footpaths: Standard of work on tarmac repairs is appalling. Agreed to write to Lincs CC regarding repair work. Traffic restrictions at Tydd Road from 3-14th June. Diversions in operation. Comment made about lack of bus timetables.
12. To Receive Reports from Working Parties & Committees: (a) Knotweed still a problem. (b) Most of the allotment plots now looking better. (c) No meeting held. (d) Nothing to report. (e) Looking at another piece of land. (f) Nothing to report. (g) Nothing to report.
13. To Receive Reports from Outside Bodies: (a) Nothing to report. (b) Meeting held on 28th March. Precept same as last year. Urgently need voluntary drivers. (c) Confirmed toilets now taken over by SHDC. (d) Nothing to report. (e) Nothing to report. (f) Nothing to report. (g) Meeting to be arranged (h), (i), (j) and (k) Nothing to report. (l) Bank account finally opened after 6 month wait. ‘Needs Assessment’ form being revamped. (m) Youth Club attracting 20-30 people in two sessions. Need volunteer helpers.
14. To Receive update on matters relating to PREL Application: A lengthy discussion took place regarding the Planning Meeting held at SHDC on 17th April. It was generally agreed that the meeting under the chairmanship of Mr Gambba-Jones was appalling. Most Councillors did not understand the full implications of the proposal by PREL, had come to the meeting ill-prepared, lacked understanding of the major issues and were led in their decision by the Chair. Whilst Cllr. Jenny Rowe gave a presentation on behalf of Sutton Bridge PC, she had no support whatsoever from her fellow Sutton Bridge Councillor Chris Brewis. Had he supported her and the majority of Sutton Bridge residents who opposed this plan, it could well have meant that the application was thrown out. It was noted that the next meeting of the Planning Committee would be on 8th May and that this item would be first on the Agenda. In view of the urgency of this matter it was agreed by a majority that a letter should be written immediately to the Planning Committee urging them to put back the date of the next Planning Committee meeting. The Clerk and Cllr.Rowe to liaise on the content of the letter. Also agreed that if the date of the Planning Committee was put back, a further public meeting should be called by the PC and that leaflets should be distributed to all households. PC to meet the expense of the leaflets. Cllr.M. Booth abstained.
15. To Resolve on Parishioners Refurbishing Village Signs at West End and A.17: The Clerk showed a picture of the newly refurbished village sign on the village green. Agreed an excellent job had been done. Agreed that signs on A17 and west end of Bridge Road would be removed for refurbishment. Also agreed that the Parishioners involved should be offered recompense for their efforts.
16. To Resolve on further Action regarding Consultation re Local Plan: On reading the paperwork Cllr.Rowe commented that the PC should not proceed with this since it seemed that local people would have to do all the work while SHDC would take all the credit or cherry-pick whatever they wanted from any local proposals.
17. To Resolve on new Location in Memorial Park for Adult Exercise Equipment: Cllr.D.Grimwood said that original site has now proved unsuitable for a variety of reasons. New area for consideration is outside of the children’s play area in the park. Agreed.
18. Entering Best Kept Village 2013: Agreed.
19. Resolve on Action to be taken on Unfinished Triangle of land, rear of Curlew Centre:
Agreed that Friday Coffee Morning Ladies, the In-Bloom and some of the youth can clear and plant a wildflower meadow (as per email from Sutton Bridge in Bloom as read out by Clerk). PC to install a lockable post so that vehicle access can only be for emergency vehicles.
20. Resolve to confirm repair Works to Memorial Park Car Park: Agreed.
21. Consider Creating new Children’s Play Area: Deferred for time being.
22. Receive Requests from Members at Discretion of Chairman: Items raised under this heading will be put on Agenda for next meeting. Cllr.D.Grimwood raised objections to the recently issued Newsletter by Cllr.Brewis in which he claimed responsibility for curing the pothole situation. Cllr.Preston suggested there was no need for two football pitches in Memorial Park.
23. Resolve to move into Closed Session: Agreed, public left the meeting at 8.45 p.m
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NOTES FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERY:
- It was noted that Cllr.Brewis stated his intention to attend the meeting within half-hour of its commencement. When the public left the meeting at 8.45 pm Cllr.Brewis had not yet made an appearance.
- Bridge Watch did an initial analysis of the PREL situation scoping and screening document way back in 2009, pointing out the many inaccuracies in the document and listing the dangers that might ensue if the plan went ahead; a letter was sent to the papers advising Sutton Bridge to WAKE UP to the threat of an incinerator near to their village. It could be asked how come it’s taken the Parish Council this long to wake up to reality. The members of the PC at the time had nothing but scorn for the Bridge Watch analysis.
- It is to Cllr.Rowe’s credit that it was decided to write a letter of complaint to SHDC. Had she not raised that issue it is likely that there would have been no protest.
- We hope that the Exhibition referred to under item 9a(ii) Correspondence will be widely advertised in Sutton Bridge. These ‘Local Plans’ affect all local people – not always in a good way.
- Agenda Item 16-‘Creation of a Neighbourhood Plan’ We question the advisability of not taking part in consultations over the Neighbourhood Plan. This is not just for the Parish Council, Parishioners can also get involved.
- Again, we note that the Parish Newsletter Committee still has a co-opted member on its Panel. How can this be right? Should a member of the public be privy to the inner-workings of the PC? If so, then why have a ‘Closed Session’ at each Parish meeting. The PC need to get their act together over this.
Notes on the Sutton Bridge Annual Parish Council Meeting held at
The Curlew Centre on 16th April, 2013
Present: John Grimwood – Chairman
Cllr.Shirley Giles – Note Taker
1. Welcome - The Chairman welcomed all those attending the meeting and introduced Cllr.Shirley Giles as the Note-taker for the meeting in the absence of the Parish Clerk.
2. Signing of Minutes – Notes from the Parish Meeting held on 23rd November 2012 to be accepted as Minutes. Agreed
3. Report from Chairman of Parish Council
- Cllr J. Grimwood spoke of the achievements of the Parish Council over the past year.
- He gave a vote of thanks to all the Cllrs for their work during the year.
- He also thanked Sutton Bridge in Bloom for their efforts in the village.
- He said that the Youth Club at the Curlew Centre was going well and consisted of two age groups.
- The wind farm was now up and running, this was completed ahead of schedule.
4. Report from Clerk to the Council – No report was given due to absence of Clerk.
5. Presentation – ‘Friends of Sutton Bridge Playing Fields & Open Spaces’. Mrs. Shirley Giles gave a presentation on behalf of ‘FSBPFOS’. She said that the group, although small in number had achieved a lot since inception. They had installed a number of benches in the village together with two picnic tables at the village green. These picnic tables had been well used over the past year. At present the group were seeking funding to install outdoor gym equipment in the Memorial Park alongside the Pavilion. She was seeking signatures of approval from the community as to need and use. This will help with their funding for the project.
6. Presentation – ‘Sutton Bridge in Bloom’. Mrs. Teresa Hardy gave a presentation on behalf of SBiB. She outlined the history of the group and said that at present SBiB consisted of 12 very active and busy members. The group had won a Silver Award for the community at the East Midlands in Bloom competition in 2012, but were not entering the competition this year in order to concentrate on current activities. She said that the group had a big project this year in the building of a Community Garden in the entrance area of the Memorial Park. Funding is being sought for this project. She went on to say that the group totally rely on funding and donations for their work – ‘no funding – no Sutton Bridge in Bloom’. The team are always looking for volunteers and would really like involvement from youngsters in the village. In conclusion, she thanked the Parish Council for their continued support.
7. Any Other Matters Members of the Public may wish to Raise
- Mr. Fenton spoke about the repairs to holes in the road – these were totally inadequate and badly done.
- Mr. M. Booth said that volunteers had come forward to be ‘LIVES’ first responders in Sutton Bridge. This was a good start and would complement the work of the Ambulance & Fire Services.
- A general discussion took place concerning the proposed ‘Gasifier’ development by PREL on the Wingland Enterprise Park. Many views were expressed. One resident said she was unable to form an opinion one way or another without knowing and understanding the scientific effect on the area by this development. Another resident spoke of the ‘fuel’ which would be used at the plant and mentioned the vast tonnage of waste stored at Sutton Bridge Port for an onward journey to Denmark for burning. Transport movements and the possible use of local roads was rasied. Another comment was that over the last year, PREL themselves had changed their minds over what would be burnt at the plant. More chimney stacks had been added to the plans with two being ‘dummy chimneys to give a sense of balance only’ It was noted that the planning application for the ‘Gasifier’ development would be discussed by the Planning Committee at SHDC the following evening.
- Mrs. Hills spoke of the great increase in flyposting and thanked two members of the public for regularly removing these posters. She said that this matter would be raised at the next Parish meeting.
- There was general approval from all those present for the work of the Parish Council with Cllr. Michael Booth extending further thanks to the Chairman.
The meeting closed at 7.45 pm
Notes on the Sutton Bridge Parish Council Meeting held at
The Curlew Centre on 26th March, 2013
Open Forum
Mr. Fenton stated that potholes in and around the Lime street area were getting larger and when filled with water could be a danger to cyclists.
He also stated that as the Walsingham Pilgrims were expected in the village and would be using the shower facilities in the Pavilion, that the surface at the entrance to the Memorial Park should be repaired as at present it was very muddy. It was pointed out that the ‘pilgrims’ were already here.
Cllr. Hills confirmed that new surface work would shortly be carried out in that area.
Mr. Collins-McDougal referred to the EDF Scoping document that had been presented to the PC and SHDC regarding the proposed building of Phase B, with a proposed output of 180 megawatts it would be double the size of the present Power Station. He further stated that he understood that EDF had sold out to an Australian company in December.
He said that EDF had been invited to make a presentation at the Annual Parish Meeting, and asked what steps does the PC intend to take to inform residents of this new proposed power station.
Mrs. Houlder also referred to the proposed construction of Phase B Gas fired Power Station stating that not only would air quality be at dangerously high levels if this proposal went ahead, but that the resulting increase in traffic would further add to the pollution of this area.
Mr. Blundell said:
Quote:
What I want to say concerns the parlous state of democracy in Sutton Bridge. It is highly unlikely that the PC will tell us anything about the proposed new power station any more than they told us about the incinerator.
Cllr Booth has been honest enough to say that he would support the incinerator development provided he could be reassured about the effect on air quality for Sutton Bridge. Unfortunately, since PREL assert that what they will burn is confidential, no such reassurances will be forthcoming. They could burn anything from rats’ tails to old socks in the future. It cannot be predicted what they will burn and so nobody can make a prediction about the likely effect on air quality. In addition to which an HGV going in and out of the proposed site every 5 minutes will have a disastrous effect on air quality quite apart from causing chaos on the roads.
In December I asked why Cllr Brewis declined to express a current opinion over the proposed PREL incinerator since, back in 2009 he seemed to be in favour of it. Through the Parish Clerk I have twice asked Cllr Brewis on what grounds he thinks he is exempt from the provision of the Localism Act which states that Councillors are no longer prevented from expressing an opinion on, for example, planning matters which they may be concerned with. I have not had the courtesy of a reply.
I asked the same kind of question in a letter to the Free Press. Again, no reply from Cllr Brewis. But I understand that he has made a response in his Newsletter which, since I'm on his blacklist, I do not receive. It described the letter as 'waffle'.
The intention of this new freedom in Localism Act was supposed to improve democratic discussion. (See page 5 in the simple person’s version of the Act)
I would like to know what the Parish Council's view of this example of ‘democratic interaction’ is where one of their number writes a resident’s expression of concern is written off as ‘waffle’. The fact is that in the continuing absence of a decent Parish Council Newsletter, the Brewis Newsletter is widely regarded as an organ of the Parish Council. To write a resident's concerns off as 'waffle' could be seen to be bringing the PC into disrepute.
What view does the PC have of this? I think it is important for the sake of democracy.
Unquote
At this point the substitute Clerk exceeded her role and took over chairpersonship of the meeting. She suggested that Mr Blundell was being unfair to the PC, that Cllr Brewis wrote his Newsletter under the role of District Councillor and that in any case while the Localism Act did say that that Councillors are no longer prevented from expressing an opinion on, for example, planning matters which they may be concerned with they were not obligated to express an opinion. She said this several times.
Mr Blundell emphasised his assertion that the Brewis Newsletter was to most people in Sutton Bridge a Parish Council publication and that because of that the PC appeared to be writing a resident’s letter off as ‘waffle’ - the PC should therefore have a view.
- Centrica: An ‘update’ presentation about the Race Bank Wind Farm was given by Kit Hawkins (Centrica Round 2 Development Manager), to explain that a planning application is now with SHDC to amend the both inter-tidal and on shore cable installation corridor to bring ashore the cables (4, or maybe 2 larger cables, if new technology is in place before work begins), using a different route from that used for the East Lincs Wind Farm.
- The new route was explained at a Parish Council Meeting in December. The cables will come ashore approximately 500 metres east of the East Lincs Wind Farm, because the proposed route is considered more favourable as there are fewer creeks to be flumed (to keep them open) and the area is less likely to be impacted by tidal surges. Centrica are hoping to use a specially designed vehicle for cable-laying at this location in order to lessen the impacts on the marsh and foreshore.
- Kit Hawkins said that observations had already been received by Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Inland Drainage Board.
A lively discussion took place with Mr. Hawkins being accused of delivering his presentation so quickly it was impossible for the average person present to follow or even understand.
- Questions from the members of public present ranged over the topics of the number of turbines, the amount of electricity generated and whether local residents would benefit directly.
Cllr Croxford made the most important point that if two parts of the bank 600 metres apart were eventually fortified - made stronger than the rest of the bank - the stretch of wall between the first breach and the proposed second one would be more at risk. The sea would concentrate on the bit in between. Mr Hawkins said that he was not an expert on sea defences and he would refer this point to their technical experts.
Cllr Grimwood said his concern was the cracks that had appeared in the last breach made in the sea wall.
- Kit Hawkins said he thought Cllr Grimwood was referring to the breach made in the sea wall for the East Lincs Wind Farm and that he could not comment because it was not his project, but that he would pass on concerns to Simon Gamage, who was involved with the project.
BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED
The Chairman stated that all seven of the wind turbines on the Grange Farm Wind Farm at Tydd Gote were now operational, the project having been completed ahead of schedule.
- The Portacabin by the site of the old Youth Club had been vandalised. SHDC had been to disconnect the electricity and water supply as well as to inspect the cabin for asbestos, and to remove the cabin.
Jane Ripley, (standing in for Suzanne England) read the Clerk’s report. It was noted that CCV coverage at the Curlew Centre had been successful in identifying certain culprits.
DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORTS: A copy of District Councillor M. Booth’s report was handed out, main points as follows:
- Fly tipping still a cause for concern
- The police operation for hare coursing had been successful
- The works contract for the Travellers Site is likely to be issued by the end of April.
- Three new council houses are to be built in Wrights Lane.
- He is awaiting a meeting with MP John Hayes regarding Social Housing Benefits.
- As for the past two years, both he and Cllr. Brewis will share their Councillors Budgets for 2013/4 to be spent for the benefit of the residents and organisations in Sutton Bridge.
- Negotiations are taking place with SHDC and hopefully the new public toilets at the Curlew Centre will be open 7 days per week.
Finance: Cllr. Dewsberry gave a complicated and incomprehensible review of finances, and said there was plenty of money to cover all outstanding invoices.
A grant of £575.20 has been awarded to Friends of Sutton Bridge Playing Fields & Open Spaces.
Correspondence:
- Henry Smith Charity has confirmed change of managing agent.
- Parsons Brinckerhoff acting on behalf of EDF have declined the invitation to make a presentation at the APM, but state they will be holding a public exhibition in May. Details will be announced at a later date. The Chairperson commented that this dealt with a matter raised in the Open Forum.
Planning Matters:
To resolve on Planning Consultation (Flood Risk Assessment) H18-0102-13 re the Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm.
- Councillors are concerned about the crack that has appeared in the most recent breach of the sea wall, and want assurances that any further breaches in the sea defences are maintained to a very high standard.
- It was considered that the length of time that Centrica would monitor such breeches of 5 years is not long enough, and should be in excess of 7 years, possibly as long as 30 years.
- Cllr Dewsberry moved acceptance of the Planning Consultation but retracted his support when it was pointed out that there were unresolved issues.
- H18-0186-13 - Sudeley House, modification relating to affordable housing. The PC resolved to support this project as long as the S106 money remains in Sutton Bridge.
The consideration of the PREL planning application for a Gasifier (incinerator) has been put back until the SHDC Planning Committee meeting in April.
Highways & Footpaths:
- An great number of potholes had been reported to the Highways Dept.
- Horse droppings are causing problems on footpaths. Dog fouling in Bridge Road and New Road is still an issue.
The Personnel Committee recommend that the Clerk purchases a new office chair to the value of £500.
SBCCF: Cllr. S. Booth reported it was being considered to put a lower ceiling in the main hall to resolve the sound effect.
- Hand driers should soon be in place in the toilet facilities.
- It is anticipated the public toilets will be soon be open daily.
The Grange Wind Farm turbines are now all up and running about a month ahead of schedule.
The Youth Club is desperate for volunteer leaders. A request was made to the local press present by the Chairman, Cllr. J. Grimwood, for people to come forward to offer to help.
Memorial Park: It was suggested that the hedged area of the Memorial Park from the car park gateway, past the Pavilion and beyond be cleared thus giving considerably more space. Consideration is to be given as to the best way to do this, either by using the Pay Back Scheme or hiring a contractor.
- The trees assessment has been done and so far all the required work has been done.
- Cllr. J. Grimwood suggested a 5 mph speed limit be applied to the Memorial Park car park as it had been noticed vehicles had been far exceeding a safe speed through the area.
Cllr. Dewsberry stated that the ambulance service was letting down many parishioners, two notable cases recently being a 2 hour wait for a 1 yr old child, and an ambulance was not available to take a 90 yr old who had had a fall, even though this person had been taken to the local Health centre and a doctor had called for an ambulance.
Cllr Hills reported the very prompt ambulance service that she had received.
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FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERY:
- This has to be the worst Parish Council meeting in a long time. It was a disgraceful shambles.
- Councillors as usual did not seem to have done their homework. They were totally unprepared to discuss the Centrica presentation properly. The discussion of H18-0186-13 - Sudeley House planning application was obscure & farcical few except Cllr Hills seemed to know what was going on.
- Both these issues should have been prepared for before the meeting in order for the Chair to provide a real focus for discussion.
- Mr Blundell expressed the view afterwards that he should have refused to enter into a discussion of the point he was making in the Public Forum with the substitute Clerk. He should have insisted on going through the Chair. In her condescending kind of way she pointed out that councillors are not obligated to express an opinion which simply reinforces the fact that, unlike Cllr M Booth, Cllr Brewis has made a decision not to express an opinion.
- Immediately after the protracted inconclusive discussion of the Centrica Planning Consultation item, Cllr Dewsberry proposed to move acceptance. When it was pointed out to him that there were issues which seemed to have escaped his attention he withdrew. There did not seem to be any conclusion to this conversation.
- The Ambulance Service is no doubt suffering because of cutbacks. Members of the PC are disinclined to take all the variables in any issue into account - they did not want to hear what Cllr Hills said at the end - it didn't fit their assumptions.
- One has to wonder what the visitors thought of this PC meeting...
Notes on the Sutton Bridge Parish Council Meeting held at
The Curlew Centre on 26th February, 2013
Open Forum
The meeting began with a minute’s silence in respect for a former Chairman of the PC, Mr. Bert Goode, who had recently died.
Lynn Harrison, reporter for the Lincs Free Press, reported the successful candidate for their Smile Competition was Mrs. Jan Denwood from the Sutton Bridge Pharmacy, who had won against much competition within the South Holland area.
Plans are being put in place for Lynn Harrison to be in either Long Sutton or Sutton Bridge on a weekly basis to encourage local residents to give their views on local issues or stories of local heroes that may be used to promote and publicise these two areas.
BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED
Sgt. Laura Grigson reported to date the vandals who damaged the PC’s letter box and the lights at the Curlew Centre had not been caught.
- That in the near future Sutton Bridge will have its own Police Officer patrolling the area.
- Once again the issue of the Police Office at the Curlew Centre was focussed on but as so few residents had taken advantage of the Police presence there when they had been in attendance, it was considered a better option to have an officer patrolling the area.
- Sgt. Grigson also explained the hierarchy of the police system.
- She further reported that crime figures were down in the Sutton Bridge area, but residents should be encouraged to report any crime they see on telephone number 101 if it is a non urgent matter. The local police can also be contacted on their own website, on Face Book, on Twitter etc.
- Hare coursing had started up again, and she urges residents to call 999 if they see this taking place. They had been very successful in seizing and scrapping some of the vehicles used for the purpose of hare coursing.
The Chairman reported that the area behind the industrial units in Railway Lane had been cleared.
- PCSO Ben Harrington had been in contact regarding setting up another youth project (the previous 4X4 project having been very successful). This time a BMX track is being considered at the west end of the Arnie Broughton Walk.
- The proposed planning application for the Gasifier (Incinerator) has been further delayed until the March Planning Committee meeting at SHDC.
- The PC Clerk (Suzanne England) together with her mentor (Jane Ripley) have now sorted all the papers that had been in the locked filing cabinets in the Pavilion. They have recovered minutes dating back to 1928, although it would appear there are some missing for later years. The old Minute Book for 1945/8 is also missing and it was requested that if anyone has any copies of the minutes in their own personal files would they please let Suzanne have copies of them.
- An email had been received from the Practice Manager of Health Centre regarding the request for the outer doors to be opened early. However this was considered not practical as it would interfere with the door mechanism.
- Anglia Water have admitted they own the land infested with the Japanese Knotweed at the pumping station in Bridge Road.
- Simon Gamage has requested the opportunity to update the PC on the progress of the Race Bank project. He will be invited to attend the March meeting.
Cllr. M. Booth reported that fly tipping was still a problem in the Woad Lane area.
- Hare coursing has been occurring in the area again.
- The building of the Sutton Bridge Travellers Transit site has been put back and it is now programmed to begin at the end of April.
- Nigel Adams of LIVES had attending the recent SBMAG meeting and given a very informative talk on this excellent voluntary service. It is hoped that a new group of volunteers for LIVES will be set up in the near future in Sutton Bridge and a public meeting is to be held at the Curlew Centre to promote this facility.
- Cllr. Booth expressed concern about the number of children living in poverty in Sutton Bridge, with a large number being below the bread line.
- A further cause for concern is the “Bedroom Tax” affecting most living in rented accommodation. This will affect disabled people who need the extra bedroom most.
- In Sutton Bridge, 1 in 4 school children are getting free school meals.
- At the Food Bank the numbers going there are rising all the time.
- It is considered that the lack of jobs in the area is part of the cause for the level of Child Poverty, therefore it is important to promote the industrial site (Wingland) in order to bring more jobs to the area.
Cllr. Brewis made a long report on the subject of the EMAS and other areas of the NHS where services were lacking.
In Financial Matters, several more expenses had been incurred, including the cost of repairing the fence in the children’s play area in the Memorial Park by Lutton Fencing.
A grant of £500 has been awarded to the Sutton Bridge in Bloom group
A grant of £357 has been awarded to the Sutton Bridge Youth Club.
Cllr. Rowe asked where the equipment taken from the old youth club building is being stored. Apparently there is no trace of it. Some of the equipment was allegedly stored in Holbeach and some in Spalding. Enquiries have been made without success of finding any of the missing equipment.
More notices regarding the offence of allowing dogs to foul public areas are to be posted on the Falklands estate.
A re-scoping document from EDF was given to all councillors regarding a proposed second gas fired power station on land adjacent to the present one. EDF are planning an exhibition in the village in May. With the Annual Parish Meeting being held end of April, it was decided to invite a representative to give a presentation then.
Highways and Footways – Sutton Bridge has an enormous number of potholes being reported.
The matter of the surface water at the two zebra crossings in the village will be attended to.
A suggestion has been put forward to place benches in the Falklands Estate area.
Cllr. Grimwood reported on a recent meeting of the K.L.Advisory Group that it had been decided to leave the marsh to regenerate on its own.
- Monitoring equipment is to be placed to monitor the air quality from the Power Station and the Gasifier.
- Two dead seals had been found with the same screw type injury noted last year.
- Green Quay plan to have a pontoon for leisure craft.
- There may be up to four new cables from the new proposed off shore wind farm.
It is understood that the PREL planning application will be put before the Planning Committee in March. Several councillors question whether it is known from which source PREL will get their fuel. It was asked if they will be using Port Sutton Bridge and if so were the Highways aware of that suggestion? It also remains for PREL to advise where they intend to source their fuel.
The Marina Project - it appears the problem of the land ownership remains unresolved.
The Snow Goose Project – is presently still ongoing.
The CCTV problem remains unsatisfactory. If the CCTV cameras are working in Sutton Bridge there has been no recorded reliable evidence of the vandalism being caused in the village. Cllr. Brewis to take the matter up again at the SHDC meeting.
Christmas lights – a quotation had been received for improving the Christmas light display at the east end of the village. The PC considered this a little too expensive at the present time.
- A meeting had been held with the PCC at St. Matthew’s Church and they are supportive of having the tree lights kept in place. It was further suggested that another Christmas tree be planted across the pathway opposite the present tree. It was agreed that the PC will work with the PCC on this subject.
Friends of Sutton Bridge Playing Fields and Open Spaces have made several proposals for the PC’s consideration:
- It was agreed to install one picnic table at the east End of the Arnie Broughton Walk
- To attach a dog litter bin on the existing post at the Railway Lane end of the Arnie Broughton Walk.
- To install two rustic benches, one on Goose Green and one at the end of Darwin Close. Cllr. Croxford opposed the proposal for a bench at Goose Green stating that the area was used as a children’s play area and the proposed bench could be considered a hazard. It was agreed to seek local residents opinion on the subject. To be put on next agenda.
- To install adult exercise equipment between the Memorial Park gates and the Pavilion.
- To consider using part of Speechleys Allotments for a children’s play area as there is nowhere for children to play apart from the street at the west end of the village.
The art work presented for consideration for the refurbishment of the village signs was met with more derision than approval. It was suggested that perhaps the pupils of Peele School be invited to submit artwork.
With regard to the production of a further edition of the Parish Newsletter it was suggested that Mr. Brandon-King, his not being a parish councillor, should not be involved in the production of it. Several councillors offered themselves to join the committee. Suzanne pointed out that this would involve organising the layout of the Newsletter as well as liaising with the publishers etc.
Requests from Councillors for consideration of the Chairman:
- Cllr. Rowe referred to the fly tipping now occurring on East Bank
- Cllr. D. Grimwood referred to the disgusting state of the road in Chestnut Terrace, also the obstructed view on the corner of Railway Lane into Bridge Road caused by the tall conifers.
Public were requested to leave the chamber at 9.20 pm.
Notes on the Sutton Bridge Parish Council Meeting held at
The Curlew Centre on 29th January, 2013
Open Forum
Ms. C. Bunnage spoke of Christmas lights and showed the PC photographs of what could be provided at the east end of the village. Costs would include maintenance.
Mr. Fenton compared the Council Tax charges from 1979 when he paid £2 per week and the village was kept neat and tidy, roads swept regularly and no litter, to the present day when he pays £20 per week when the village roads are in a disgusting state with autumn leaves still in gutters and people having to walk through water on footpaths in the main road as the drains are not cleared.
He also mentioned that he had contacted LCC about the salt bins on West Bank being empty, only to be referred to SHDC. Each had said it was not their remit to fill salt bins. However, after he had complained again he found that the bins had been refilled the next day.
His final complaint was about a report in the local papers about the state the football pavilion had been left in after a football match. He considered this unfair as it was impossible for the cleaner to tackle the problem at that time of night. Mr. Fenton also stated that the person who cleans the pavilion does so on a voluntary basis and receives no recompense.
BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED
A presentation given by Dr. Steven Dykes (Deputy Medical Director, and Alison Crowe (Service Delivery Manager) on the East Midlands Ambulance Service was given. Details of new plans in the area covered were outlined and residents were assured their complaints about the ambulance service were being noted.
On Police Matters it was reported that the matter of the stolen lights and post box were still being investigated. With the new Police Commissioner now being in office, it was suggested that he be approached for plans for Sutton Bridge in connection with youth vandalism. The PC is also to request an explanation of the police hierarchy from the new Commissioner.
Cllr. M. Booth also stated the new Commissioner was supportive of a county run CCTV scheme.
In the Chairman's remarks it was stated that up to 18 local parish councils had been invited to a meeting at the Curlew Centre, together with representatives of PREL as well as two members from the action group.
It was also noted that work is much in evidence on the Grange Wind Farm with the first turbine having been erected.
In the Clerk's report she advised there had been several letters of thanks from various other Parish Councils for the informative meeting that had been recently held with PREL.
The area on which the Youth Club had stood is to be seeded.
Lincs Highways were considering the proposed bus shelters for Bridge Road and had pointed out some proposed shelters were situated directly in front of houses and thus may give rise to complaints from the owners.
The Clerk also advised of a Bus Shelter Grant Scheme whereby a successful application could mean a saving of 50% of the cost.
Cllr. M. Booth stated that fly tipping was still going on and that the Woad Lane area is the worst. Residents are requested to keep a lookout and to report suspected vehicles to the police.
Hare coursing is not so bad, though this may be due to the success of arrests by the police and the recent bad weather.
The matter of the Travellers site is still on going and work is expected to start on schedule, but as yet contracts have not been issued.
There is much concern about the new Bedroom Tax, applicable to people living in rented accommodation. Tenants would have to pay extra and there would be reduced benefits.
The next SBMAG meeting is scheduled for 11th February, 6.30 pm at the Curlew Centre.
Under the Financial Matters Cllr. Dewsberry gave an up to date report. He stated that it had been agreed over several committee meetings that the 2013-1014 Precept will be £59,000.
Referring to the CCTV invoice dispute, a credit note for half the amount had been received. It is alleged there is no CCTV working in the village, and if there is it has not been monitored. There has been no action taken or anybody charged for the vandalism occurring in the village, or CCTV footage used in evidence. It is considered the parish is not getting value for the money the system costs.
In correspondence a cheque for £3,500 had been received from the Head of Libraries and Heritage towards the Library in the Curlew Centre, offset by the withdrawal of the Mobile Library service tot the three stops in the village.
The rumble strips on the A17 are having an adverse effect on the village as many more vehicles are now passing through Sutton Bridge rather than use the bypass.
King John Bank will be closed for one day only between end February and early march 2013.
The contributions to the Voluntary Car scheme remains the same. More voluntary drivers are required.
The Youth Club is now held in the Curlew Centre on a regular basis. Numbers attending have been disappointing, but this could be due to the recent bad weather.
Cllr. Mrs. Rowe has been registered to speak at the Planning meeting considering the PREL planning application at SHDC.
A negative response from SHDC had been received to the letter sent by the SBPC requesting an independent Environmental Impact Assessment.
It had previously been alleged that the air pollution in Sutton Bridge is currently almost at maximum level and if the new development goes ahead this could put it above the safety level. The suggestion being that if that should happen then the EA would close the plant down. Cllr. Croxford stated it would be preferable to have accurate measures taken before the proposed gasifier/incinerator was built, rather than after.
Cllr. M. Booth spoke of his concern regarding the S106 funding, as if this is not spent before 2015, then it would have to be returned to the Power Station. The two projects, namely the Marina Project and the Snowgoose Trust applications have not yet been started. It had been intimated the Marina would be built by December 2012, but now is projected for second half 2013. It would appear that to date there had been no response from the Snowgoose Trust to questions raised regarding their application. Matter to be put on next agenda.
A letter had been received from the Manager of the Health Centre regarding the provision of an outside shelter. Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust own the building, and they feel that since the Health Centre is already the target of much vandalism, outside shelter would add to this. A solution to the problem of early morning patients having to wait outside in all weathers is still being sought.
Decision is still to be made where to erect the new Notice Board donated by Wingland Foods. Posts have also been supplied.
The position of the bus stop on the north side of the A17 will remain unchanged. Highways Dept consider it would be too dangerous to place it nearer to the East Bank.
Authorisation is being given to the Parishioner's request to undertake the refurbishment of emblems on the village sign near the old Metalair Works fence. The local art group are also working on designs for the two signs at each end of the village.
Notes on the Sutton Bridge Parish Council Meeting held at
The Curlew Centre on 18th December, 2012
Archived notes for previous Parish Council meetings held in 2012 can now be viewed HERE