Minutes of meeting 20 January 2021
Minutes of a virtual meeting of East Keal Parish Council held on 20th January 2021 at 7pm.
Public Forum. No items raised.
Welcome. Cllr Smith welcomed everyone to the meeting, especially Mr Wrisdale who is hoping to join the Council at the next meeting.
Present. Cllr G Smith, Cllr G Boxer, Cllr L Kemp, Cllr A-M Thornley and Clerk to the Council, Mrs E Martin. Also attending were three members of the public.
Cllr Aron and Cllr Swanson were both delayed in joining the meeting.
1. Apologies. None received.
2. Notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 18th November 2020 to be approved as the minutes. It was resolved that the notes be accepted as minutes of the meeting. All agreed and the minutes were then signed.
An amendment to item 4c was made. This should read ‘Lincs Alert’.
3. Co-option of Mrs Hannah Mckinlay as Councillor. It was proposed by Cllr Kemp and seconded by Cllr Thornley that Mrs Mckinlay join the Council. All agreed. Mrs Mckinlay then signed the appropriate form.
4. Update on minutes 17.7.20 item 10. A resident has asked that this be amended to read residents rather that resident.
5. Declaration of interest. None given.
6. Reports from representatives on outside bodies.
c. Neighbourhood Watch. At present there are lots of scams around and residents are reminded to make sure emails are genuine before responding. In addition, one resident nearly had her bank account hacked. Other concerns are that farm buildings and sheds are being targets by burglars.
d. Village Hall. The hall has been closed since October due to the COVID 19 pandemic but they continue to receive financial support to cover overheads and costs.
A fire safety review has resulted in an additional fire extinguisher been placed in the corridor area.
The new sign has been installed by the gate indicating that the hall is now to be known as The Keals’ Village Hall, reducing confusion by people looking to find it.
The internal re-decoration will be finished this week. There have been issues with litter found in the car park during the lock down from drivers using the car park.
e. PCC Report. At present, in light of tightened Covid19 regulations, the Church is now only open for private prayer Monday to Thursdays from 10am to 3pm. The Church is closed Fridays and Saturdays to ensure the venue is safe for the Sunday service. Councillors and most parishioners will be aware of ongoing work and plans at our village church. Before Covid19 there has for some time been a community cafe run by ladies on a monthly basis. The space used for this and other social events, was not large enough and there was no toilet. An outside camping toilet was bought as a temporary measure. To make more space the sloping pews at the back of the church have been removed and the floor made level. Wall repair work is ongoing. The next move is to install an inside toilet and a proper serving area between the entrance door and the tower. Subject to finding funding. This will make a much more friendly usable space for events which it is hoped will include concerts etc all within walking distance for people in the village. We hope that the PC will welcome these moves which will complement the facilities provided by the village hall thereby enhancing our community.
7. Planning.
a. S/204/02071/20. Planning refused.
b. S/045/02268/20 - Manor Farm - No objections submitted from EKPC.
c. S/045/02250/20 - Keals - No objections submitted from EKPC.
d. S/045/02204/20 - Wrisdales - No objections submitted from EKPC.
e. S/045/02248/20 - Cheethams - No objections submitted from EKPC.
6 a. County Councillor. Cllr Aron had submitted a report prior to the meeting which was circulated.
i. LCC Core Services including - Adult Social Care and Children's Services - are operating as usual wherever they can.
ii. The Day Centres are open, but for priority groups only as well as visits for priority clients. Support Services are also still available for victims of Domestic Abuse.
iii. All Primary and Secondary Schools in the County have closed to all pupils except children of keyworkers and vulnerable children. These groups will still be entitled to Free School Meals. If School transport is essential, then this can be booked through our website. Those children no longer at school will move to remote learning until at least the middle of February. Any children who can't access laptops or tablets for online learning should contact their school who will ensure they are provided.
iv. LCC Fire Crews are ready and standing by to respond to incidents and support other services in the County where needed.
v. LCC Household Waste Recycling Centres are open as usual – just remember you have to book.
vi. Our 15 core libraries across the County will be open for click and collect services only and online provision plus our mobile services will provide that much needed lifeline of books and magazines.
vii. Lincoln Castle will still remain open for local residents to enjoy exercise in a green space.
viii Highways just as during the previous lockdowns, crews will still be out maintaining and improving our roads as normal, including gritting roads and repairing potholes.
ix. LCC Work with Partners. The Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) require support, so our Public Health and Emergency Planning Teams are continuing to work with Partners at the Resilience Forum to help get residents the support they need. A shielding letter will be sent out to those residents in the CEV category. If any LCC residents need support please contact the Covid-19 Helpline: 01522 782189 which includes Unpaid Carers providing vital support for a family member.
x. Business Lincolnshire can help support businesses to operate within government guidance or to access financial support or grants if needed.
xi. The new speed restrictions on the A16 are still going through the final legal process. Cllr Aron offered to see how much longer this will take.
xii. Reinstating damaged road sign on A16. Again, Cllr Aron offered to try to find out when this might be repaired.
b District Councillor. Cllr Swanson had submitted reports prior to the meeting which were circulated to Cllrs. They included:-
i. Information regarding how to renew your green waste subscription.
ii. Information regarding the removal of the Colonnade on Sutton on Sea esplanade and the development of this area.
The part pedestrianisation of the Tower Esplanade in Skegness.
iii. Details regarding travel to vaccination centres helpline for those without transport. Ring 0345 456 4474.
iv. Information regarding potential flooding in the County. The Clerk reminded Cllrs that both the Village Hall and the Church can be used in an emergency.
v. Details regarding how to comment of ELDC’s proposed budget. The proposal is an increase of 3.49% which is £4.95 per year on a Band D residency. To read the full budget proposals and to take part in the consultation visit
www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/consultation. Alternatively, you can request a paper copy by phoning 01507 601111. Comments by 8.2.21.
8. Finance.
a. Financial Report and Bank Reconciliation as at 15.1.21. Acceptance of these reports was proposed by Cllr Boxer and seconded by Cllr Thornley.
As yet no confirmation has been received from Santander regarding updating signatories to our account.
9. Update on four-year plan.
Contact: Increased communications by email, Facebook, several leaflets, including Call Connect, to households and use of noticeboards have been undertaken. This has been enhanced by creating a totally new website which was launched in December.
The Council is proposing to start replacing notice boards.
In addition we shall look to improving awareness of bus stop locations and timetables.
The Council had invited our PCSO to come and talk to residents but this is delayed due to the COVID crisis.
The Meet the Councillors event was postponed twice due to the COVID crisis which also caused a lack of activities by all groups. As soon as government restrictions are lifted the Council will work hard to stimulate and create social activities in the village.
We have successfully campaigned to reduce the speed limit on the A16 to 30 mph, which should be implemented in
Spring 2021 and we shall be looking at ways to reduce the limit on the residential lanes to 20 mph.
On several occasions there has been clearing of over-hanging trees and branches from footpaths. Several new gates on country footpaths have been installed by the county council during the year.
Wildflower seeds have been sewn on verges on Church Lane and Blacksmiths Lane, with more locations sought in 2021.
We have campaigned on pot holes with most being repaired including the large one on Fen Lane that resulted in major works and a new drain. Our aim is to have road surfaces given a top dressing. Works took place to clear the blockages of the drains on Hall Corner.
The emptying of Litter bins and recycling bins has increased to twice a month.
We organised a successful litter pick with more than 20 residents collecting ten bags of rubbish. This will be repeated in 2021.
We have refurbished and painted benches in a modern blue colour. Next, we shall be repainting the railings at the war memorial.
New planters have been built and installed at the entrances to the village on the A16.
In future we shall consider the providing of a Christmas tree on the green.
10. Proposal to improve information on parish footpaths. Cllr Smith has been asked if there is more information on local footpaths. To this end Cllr Thornley offered to find out what is already available via LCC publications.
11. Consideration to purchase a new Notice Board for the Green. Cllr Mckinlay has contacted firms and identified what she feels is suitable for our needs. The cost will be £755.00. As the Council is on track to have a surplus at the yearend it was agreed that we could afford to replace one. A grant, of £330, has been received towards this replacement. The Clerk to check that this is suitable for our needs and then will order one. It was proposed by Cllr Kemp and seconded by Cllr Thornley that we go ahead and purchase this.
In respect of replacing the other boards concern was expressed as to whether we needed consent from Highways to move the board near Hall Corner.
12. Welcome Booklet. At present we have no new residents.
13. Correspondence. None received.
14. Any other matters for discussion only or for the next Agenda. It was felt by one Cllr that the rubbish bins near the War Memorial and the view need replacing/resighting.
Also that there is the need for another litter pick round the village. In light of Covid restrictions Cllrs are to be encourage to do this on their own. The equipment is Cllr Thornley’s garage is anyone wishes to borrow it.
Cllr Smith stated that the new Parish Council website has been launched.
15. Date of next meeting – 2017th March 2021 at 7pm.
Post meeting. 1. The Clerk has checked with Highways and we do need their approval to move the Notice Board near Hall Corner.
2. Cllr Aron has stated that the Speed restrictions is still with public consultation until 23.1.21. Then this will be advertised locally.
Signed ……………………………………………… Dated ………………………………………