Annual Report May 2022
Chair’s Annual Report 2021-2022
Written by Grahame Smith, Chair
Due to covid crisis restrictions, last year's Annual Residents Meeting was held back from April to May 19th 2021. Details were posted online on the Parish Council website and noticeboards.
Councillors.
In May your councillors were Grahame Smith, Chair; Lynn Kemp, Deputy Chair; Geoff Boxer; Hannah McKinlay; Tim Wrisdale. Then Dennis Cooper joined the council in September. In March 2022 Hannah McKinlay stepped down.
We had the usual wonderful support and hard work from Libby Martin, our Parish Clerk.
Regular attendance at our meetings and great support from your District Councillor, Jim Swanson ended in November 2021 when Jim sadly passed away. We shall miss him greatly. Cllr. Grahame Smith represented the PC at his service.
In the May 2021 election Cllr Bill Aaron was replaced as County Councillor by Cllr William Gray who has since attended our meetings and given us good support on many aspects.
We also thank Dawn Keal who has continued as our Internal Auditor.
Significant Events
1. The speed limit on A16 though East Keal was reduced from 40 mph to 30 mph in August. Well done to all those that had pushed for this.
2. In July 2021 a planning application was received to build six houses on the field between East Keal Manor and Church Lane, the one behind the re-cycling bins. There was much uproar and opposition to this as it would mean the removal or destruction of The Green by the shop where our bench and noticeboard are located, as well as the prospect of many more houses filling the field at a later date. This would change the character of that area and the nature of the village.
3. Your Parish Council called a Public Meeting about this application at which over 50 people attended filling the village hall. Residents were encouraged to and advised on submitting objections to East Lindsey District Council.
4. Eventually in March 2022, planning permission was rejected for these reasons: no archaeological survey; facing a listed building the Manor House; trees had preservation orders; not within ELDC's Local Plan.
We have considered 11 other planning applications during the year.
Cllr McKinlay represented the PC along with County Cllr Gray with the Area Manager of Highways on a walk though East Keal to assertion needs and work required.
Frequent accidents on the A16, particularly at the Hall Corner bend occurred during the last 12 months. We constantly requested action to improve the situation and Highways agreed to a survey. Once the results were known we called a Public Meeting, invited Cllr Gray and the Area Manager for Highways, Kyra Nettle to explain how serious the situation has become and for parishioners to express their views and ask questions. This was held on 31st March and we shall look forward to positive results.
War Memorial.
The grounds continue to be cared for by Jane and Helena who we thank as we do Clare Chapman who has helped with strimming the long grass. Your PC purchased the geraniums and begonias that brighten up the flower beds all Summer.
In November the Remembrance Service was conducted by Geoff Boxer and attended by over fifty people.
The 4 Year Plan.
Covering 2020-2024, the plan contains details of our survey and is regularly appraised each January. To comply, we started three new social groups in September that residents had indicated they were keen on. These were: Art & Painting; Local Wildlife & Birds; Local History.
To date we have not yet made progress on creating a community area in the village.
Important Work
Our 'Meet the Councillors' Garden Party was held in September at Quickthorn Hollow with tea, cakes etc. and over 40 people attending.
The new Parish Council Website is working well holding details for people to access e.g., minutes, agendas, meeting dates. See https://east-keal.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk
Over the year there has been much more use of the Parish Council Facebook Page with regular postings, news and residents’ questions. With around 300 regular followers, some items on the road accidents received over seventy thousand viewings.
A new East Keal Community Facebook page has complimented these and now has 184 members.
In addition to the above, we continue to post on our three noticeboards, we email parishioners and important notices are then leafleted to each house in the parish.
Village Volunteers.
We are extremely grateful to all people who help keep the village neat and tidy by cutting grass verges etc., thank you very much!
Litter picking sessions have been conducted regularly and co-ordinated by Cllr McKinlay. Thank you to all who have participated. We have just bought more sets of gloves, pickers, hoops and hi-vis vests to make it all safer. Cllr Wrisdale made a generous personal donation to obtain these, we thank him very much.
Finances.
The annual finances are publicised and a copy is available at this meeting. This year some savings and under spending have enabled us to have no increase in council tax.
We have been able to support the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Events Committee with a grant of £120 to cover the cost of toilet hire at the June event. In addition, your Parish Council has bought commemorative mugs using some of the reserves, one will be gifted to each household in the parish.
Currently there are two vacancies on the parish council. So, if you can spare a little time to contribute more to your community, come and join us.
Contact Libby Martin, Clerk on 01790 752083 or ekparishclerk@btinternet.com
Cllr Kemp proposed that this report be adopted and it was seconded by D White. All agreed.