MINUTES OF A MEETING HELD BY THE ABOVE ON 22ND NOVEMBER 2022 AT THE READING ROOM EAST RUNTON COMMENCING AT 7.15 PM.
PRESENT:
Councillors: Mr. J. Simpson – Chair. Ms. C. Davidson – Vice Chair.
Mrs. B. Memish, Mr. S. Gurney, Ms. T. Edwards, Mr. B. Bedwell, Mr. B. Cushion, Mr. P. Nichols, Mr. G. Baker.
The Clerk Ms. B. Emery. Three members of the public.
22/142. TO AGREE OPEN SESSION FOR PARISHIONERS/GUEST SPEAKERS
A resident of Longacre ER has protested against bonfires being allowed from November to March, on allotments. The complaint is, that the smoke blows into his house and that tenants are not being respectful regarding this. The complaint was noted.
22/143. TO RECEIVE AND ACCEPT APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Received from Cllr. Richard Annis and Cllr. Kevin Jonas.
22/144. TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN FORTHCOMING
ITEMS
None declared.
22/145. TO AGREE AS CORRECT THE MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 25th OCTOBER 2022.
The above having been circulated beforehand were accepted and agreed as a true record. Prop: Cllr..Nichols. seconded Cllr.Cushion.
22/146. MATTERS ARISING for information or comment
Cllr. Davidson asked if any more had been heard about the grazing for WR Top Common. The Clerk had no report and Cllr. Davidson would enquire further with Hillside. Also, reported that the portable toilet had been removed from the common. It was noted by the Chairman that the electric fencing used for the grazing although held at Hillside actually belonged to Runton Parish Council.
22/147. CLERK’S REPORT
The application had been sent in for the Parish Partnership Bid for new path under the viaduct. We would know if successful next March. The details of the lease for the mast site on the Playing Field were still in the hands of the solicitor and fees had been incurred of likely up to £2000.00 but some or all may be paid by the operators. Also the precept had been requested.
22/148. PLANNING
To consider applications:
PF/22/2469 – Change of use at former Crab Boiler House West Runton. Cllr. Gurney gave some information about the drainage at the site, but there were no comments for or against.
PF/22/2632 – Removal of chimney and installation of roof lights at Rosemary Boulevard Rd. WR. No objections.
PF/21/2593 Dormy House Hotel WR – appeal against refusal of work to remove outbuildings and install extension, seating, ramp and steps, pergola and replacement windows. There were no further comments from Councillors.
PF/22/2348 – Change of use of redundant barns to three residential units and alterations to Hall Cottage at Old Hall Barns East Runton. It was agreed to support this application, as it was thought to be a good plan and improvement to the buildings.
22/149. COMMONS. – Report
Cllr. Davidson gave a summary of the meeting of the Working group with Ed Stocker (NWT). Councillors had been furnished with a copy. As an addition Cllr. Davidson reported an informal walk-round West Runton common with Cllr. Cushion noting a depression in the ground appearing to be a ditch which discharged into the Retting Pit. Opening this ditch up may reduce flooding but would need to be investigated. The Clerk reported that a parishioner had informed her of two gardens near the common being flooded again with the heavy rain recently.
Cllr. Cushion reported that the tree planted inappropriately and without permission on the common, had been removed and would be replanted elsewhere. The areas left to grow wild for the summer, seem to have been beneficial and would continue next season.
22/150. ALLOTMENTS
The Chairman suggested deferring a report of the meeting about the Wyndham Park plots as Cllr. Annis was not present. Also, regarding the extra work on the sycamores; the quote for the work from Dr. Stump was £1074.00. It was agreed by all that the work should be done as soon as possible.
22/151. REPORT ABOUT THE PROPOSED CHRISTMAS TREES IN BOTH VILLAGES
Cllr. Gurney reported that trees were being ordered from Edgefield Nurseries. A fifteen foot tree for West Runton for the Hurn, and an eight foot, for East Runton, for the corner of Beach Road.
The Chairman suggested that the Parish Council could pay the bill for the trees as their contribution towards the event. This was agreed unanimously. Leaflets and posters are being distributed.
An ad hoc note was recorded by the Chairman to thank Cllr. Jonas for erecting the “Tommies”, again in both villages to remember the sacrifices during the wars, and to report the fifteen minute ecumenical service held on the road around the War Memorial at WR for the first time in many years and the Rector was keen for people to see the church as a community building and feel welcome. The Clerk had had the Runton “poppies” on display at the Reading Room.
22/152. TO DISCUSS MAINTENANCE OF THE READING ROOM AND HEATING
The Clerk reported that the roof had leaked in the heavy rain of recent days, but had not seen anything since. Also the guttering which was damaged has been repaired. The front door is now in poor condition and will need attention. Cllr. Gurney reminded of the windows replacement. Cllr. Cushion advised a check with District Council to see if plastic could be used instead of wood. The Chairman suggested that as the Reading Room was historically important, it should be maintained and the Clerk was instructed to obtain quotes for replacement windows and door. Cllr. Gurney had thoughts about the heating and possible replacements in the Reading Room. The Clerk reported that more energy efficient heaters were being investigated.
22/153. TO NOTE PAY AWARD FOR PUBLIC SECTOR INCLUDING PARISH CLERKS
The above had been circulated. This is the pay award agreed by LGA for the public sector bringing all within range of 10.5% for lowest on the scale to 4% for the highest with £1.00 being added to each spinal column point on the scale.. It is backdated to 1st April 2022. The pay had been frozen for all workers except the NHS in 2020 and at 2% for 2021. Noted.
22/154. FINANCE
i. Income:
The Clerk had paid in &770.00 in cash for allotment rents and many more had been paid online.
£30,000.00 had been paid in from T. Hay properties for Hazelbury.
ii. Direct Debits paid:
Anglian Water Reading Room £39.33
npower Street lighting £96.92
Wave Water Allotments WR £11.21
Credit from Unicom. The Clerk is still pursuing the high payment for Opus.
Invoices for payment:
Ben Darling Commons £80.00
J. Lynes Electrical Work £102.90
Kevin Richardson Playing Field £195.00
Barbara Emery Salary and back pay £1616.22
HMRC Tax and NI £437.33 reduced as credit applied.
22/155. CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from Duncan Baker MP regarding local projects delivered and money raised charities.
Letter regarding Cromer Hospital – weekly mental health clinics and monthly drop in clinics.
22/156. MEMBERS REPORTS
Cllr. Cushion, had informed the meeting of his forthcoming resignation at the previous meeting and handed the letter to the Chairman.
The Chairman asked to formally record thanks to Cllr. Brian Cushion for the diligent way he had advised the Parish Council on many matters and especially the regular work carried out litter picking in the village for many years, even before becoming a councillor, which has made a huge difference to the village. We will be very sorry to see Cllr. Cushion leave the village and wished him the very best for the future. This was followed by a round of applause.
Reports:
Cllr. Nichols reported that Greens Lane drains were blocked again.
Cllr. Gurney added two more. These had been reported.
Cllr. Edwards: Since the work removing the brambles at Moyes Close an inspection had taken place and it was suggested that it was rotavated over to be marked out. It needs some work to make it usable. The ground is poor and Cllr. Gurney suggested trees. Another suggestion was a Jubilee/memorial garden for the Coronation. Ideas would be pursued. Cllr. Davidson offered to contact NWT for advice.
Cllr. Memish: Following on from the previous suggestion of Councillor surgeries monthly, starting in the new year, that it could be advertised in the newsletter. The Clerk reported that the newsletter was being constructed but that no copy had been received as yet for it. The Chairman suggested that the newsletter could be delayed until after the Christmas tree events to allow for reports.
Cllr. Memish asked for posters to be put in the notice board at WR about the Tree events. The Clerk would do so as soon as the agendas were taken out. Also that the history notice board needs attention. The Clerk reported that the notice board was in poor repair. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Hawkins was asked to inspect it for work needed.
Cllr. Davidson: The wildlife group had done work on Spring Pond and had asked Hillside to take the spoil. More work needed, will be done again soon. Also mentioned was the email sent around about generic email addresses for the Council. The Clerk reported that all councils should have emails which were not accessible to anyone else. These ones from the NALC were free and more information would emerge in the new year.
Cllr. Bedwell: had contacted Cllr. Butikofer about the repairs needed to the signs re; Calveswell Lane, Renwick Park and Shawcross Road. No reply as yet. Reported also, that bins were collected promptly this week.
Cllr. Cushion: Work on the ditch at Sparrows Park had commenced. Had reported the drains overflowing.
Cllr. Gurney: Top Common pond needing the weeds etc cleared soon. Suggested also the area where the seat would go perhaps could be grassed if the pond was cleared of silt. Also expressed concern about the ditch towards the Old Hall/ Banville Lane and long grass around the play equipment.
The Chairman: Reported a bad pothole on the corner of Tower Road. This was in Aylmerton and believed to have been reported by members of the public.
22/157. TO CONFIRM DATE, PLACE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING.
The above would be held at the earlier date of 13th December 2022 at West Runton Church Hall commencing at 7:15pm.
The meeting closed at 8:10pm.
Signed as correct by Chairman Date 13/12/2022