Council Meeting – 11 September 2024

Minutes of the Meeting of Great Longstone Parish Council

held at 7.00pm on Wednesday 11^th September 2024

in Great Longstone Village Hall, DE45 1TB

Present: Cllr Long (Chair), Cllr J Rigby, Cllr A Douglass, Cllr J Cox, Cllr Briggs

In attendance:  Simon Headington (Clerk), plus 1 parishioner

91/24  Apologies for absence from members.

Cllr P Barrett.

92/24  Declarations of disclosable pecuniary interest relating to items on the agenda.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interest.

93/24  Minutes of the meeting of Great Longstone Parish Council on 10^th July 2024 were approved.

94/24    Standing Orders suspended to allow for public comments

Standing Orders were suspended at 19:03

A representative of Longstone Area Sports Association explained that over recent years the “Cricket Square” has deteriorated, and the Trustees have agreed to instruct contractors to bring it back up to the standard required for club matches. It is planned for this work to start in October and the playing surface should be available from April 2025. When the work starts the area treated will be clearly marked to ensure that it is not accidental used by residents.

Further, on behalf of the Trustees, he requested that Buxton Cricket Club’s “5^th team” be granted permission to use the Longstone Recreation Ground for 10 “home” matches on Saturdays during the summer of 2025. It was explained that in addition to helping Buxton CC and raising funds for LASRA this initiative will support plans to bring adult men’s cricket back to the village. In addition, there are plans to work on setting up a women’s cricket team and junior cricket. If the area is need for village events during this period the matches can be re-arranged, though will need a minimum of 3 weeks’ notice.

There were no oral reports from any external councillors or other representatives.

Standing Orders were resumed at 19:08

95/24  To note resignation of District Councillor Kelda Boothroyd and notice of Casual Vacancy.

It was noted that DDDC Councillor for the Calver and Longstone Ward had resigned. DDDC have taken steps to notify electors of the vacancy though it is not known if a by-election will take place, and if it does, when.

96/24  Village/Neighbourhood plan:

The Council is keen to move this project forward, though currently does not have the capacity to do so, on top of other current activities. It was agreed that the Council would look at launching the project early in 2025 and that in the meantime Cllr Douglass would lead on putting together a series of articles for UTE to generate interest in it.

97/24  Recreation Ground.

1. Playground
   • Repairs and painting of wooden play equipment is completed for the time being.
   • Cllr Cox agreed to look at the cables supporting the Birds Nest Swing to see if they can be better protected from fraying. The “nest” is starting to show signs of usage, and it was agreed that this should be looked at in Spring 2025, with a view to replacing it with a new “nest” seat.
2. Equipment for years 11+ and Tennis Court / MUGA
   • Staining of wooden storage unit by tennis courts has been completed
3. Longstone Area Sports and Recreation Association (LASRA).
   • It was noted that the new Longstone Area Sports and Recreation Association has now been accepted into the Register of Charities (registration number 1209659) .
   • Work is continuing on the transfer of ownership of Tea Hut and Pavilion from Cricket Club to Parish Council and on granting a 1972 LGA Section 127 compliant lease to a proposed new sports and recreation association, for use of land occupied by the 2 buildings.
   • Discussions are continuing on granting LASRA a licence for the use of the Recreation Ground. It was noted that Longstone School has a licence from GLPC to use the Recreation Ground, originally dating back to the mid 1950’s, and nothing can be agreed that will impact on the rights of the school.
   • Update on general activities of LASRA: The Trustees have had their first formal meeting and, following the success of the Sports Day in July are looking at way of promoting use of the Recreation Ground. These include upgrading the Cricket Square and supporting an upgrade of the Tennis Court surface.
4. Sports Day – 20^th July 2024.
   • Report on Sports Day 2024: This was a great success and a credit to the team from LASRA that put it together
5. Tea Hut and Pavilion.
   • Update on repairs: All the current repairs have been completed, other than leaks around the flashing in the roof of the Pavilion. Cllr Cox reported that this was on the “jobs list” for TW Cox & Sons and that would be completed at the earliest opportunity.
6. To upgrade the hard surface of the tennis court
   1. It is now 18 years since the Tennis Court surface was laid and it is showing signs of wear and tear. Though it was not condemned in the last annual inspection it was felt that a plan needs to be put together for its replacement, before this happens.
   2. It was agreed that a report be prepared, ideally in time for the November meeting of GLPC, that reviews the options available for replacing/upgrading the tennis court surface. For each option the following needs to be provided, at a very minimum:
      1. Advantages and disadvantages of the option
      2. Approximate capital costs
      3. Design life
      4. Maintenance regime and ongoing costs
      5. Funding options

Cllr Douglass volunteered to lead on the this on behalf of the Council, in consultation with LASRA and any other interested parties.

7. Managing bookings for use of the Recreation ground

7.1 To note existing bookings
7.1.1 GL Cricket Club will be playing Grindleford Cricket Club on Sunday 15^th

7.2 New Requests for discussion / approval
7.2.1 The Council agreed to the request from LASRA to permit a Buxton Cricket Club team to use the Longstone Recreation Ground for 10 “home” matches during the summer of 2025.

8. Update on staining of benches

• • • Staining of benches in the recreation ground has been completed for 2024.

98/24  Village Greens.

1. Staining of Benches: The re-staining of benches on the village greens has been completed for 2024.
2. Moles have on West Green: These have returned for the second time this year. “J Cox Pest Control” has instructed to deal with the problem.
3. Tenders: The grass cutting contract will be due for retendering at the end of 2024. Options are to be reviewed, and these will be presented to the Council at the November meeting.

99/24 Allotments.

1. Water Supply Project: Anecdotal reports from allotment holders are that they are very happy with the new water supply, which is working well. The final report to the Derbyshire Dales Community Volunteer Service (DDCVS), who kindly provided the bulk of the funding for this project, has been submitted.
2. Report on change of tenant: An allotment holder has handed in his notice and the plot will now be offered to the next resident of Great Longstone who is on the waiting list.
3. The Council will look at reviewing the management of the allotments, during 2025, once the Clerk has completed a DALC course on the topic.
4. The Clerk was instructed to check to see if any testing for ground contamination has been carried out on the Allotments. Though no complaints relating to contamination have ever been known to have been received, it was felt that given the area’s history of mining it would be prudent to check.

100/24 Village Hall

1. The Secretary of the Village Hall Committee reported that there were loose tiles on the front (West) elevation of the village hall. TW Cox Contractors were instructed to investigate. They found some tiles that had slipped or needed replacing and that parts of the ridge needed repointing. As they had the necessary equipment in the area, they completed the work.
2. A letter box has been purchased for mounting on the Village Hall and for the shared use of the PC, the Village Hall Committee and LASRA. Once in use this will provide a permanent address for the council, rather than using the home addresses of clerks.

101/24 Closed Churchyard

1. Update on the biodiversity project: The contractor was not able to get the area of long grass strimmed on schedule at the end of August, so this has been postponed until later in September. It has to be done at a time when volunteers can be available to clear the cutting.
2. Ideas for modifying the scope of the Churchyard tender are to be discussed with the conservation project team leader and proposals to be put to the Council for approval at the November meeting.

102/24 Footpaths and highways

1. Drainage/flooding issues: No update on flooding at bottom of Church Lane (DCC FS-Case-613117928)

103/24 Section 137 Projects

1. Village Week
   1.1 2024 A good week of activities that appeared to be well attended. The new bunting looked very good and the Clerk was instructed to pass on the Council’s thanks to Heather Turner and the team that put up and then took it down again.
   1.2 2025 (Sat 12^th to Sun 20^th July 2025) – Following the success of this year’s “Village Week” it was report that a new steering group has been established, with representatives of all village organisations, to co-ordinate activities in 2025. It has been agreed that next year’s “Village Week” will be Sat 12^th to Sun 20^th July. The group are scheduled to meet again on 20^th Jan 2025.
2. Remembrance Day:
   2.1 The Clerk was instructed to order a wreath
   2.2 The Chair has a set of “Poppies” for attaching to lamp posts around the village. As the Chair will be away during this period Cllr Cox agreed to put them up around 2 weeks before Sun 10^th Nov and to remove them afterwards.
   2.3 It was agreed that Cllr Cox, as Vice Chair of the Council, would represent GLPC at the Longstone Remembrance Day service and lay a wreath on behalf of the Council.
3. Christmas:
   3.1 Christmas Tree & Lights: Clerk was instructed to order a 16’ (5 metre) tree. Notice to go into UTE to ask for a sponsor.
   3.2 Christmas Eve Carol Concert: All were keen for this to go ahead as usual, with an event based on the 2023. Clerk to arrange a meeting with key players.
4. Dog Poop Bag Dispensers: The Council reviewed a proposal submitted by Cllr Barrett that the successful trial that he established, and funded, be extended to two further sites (one near the play area and one at a location to be decided by Cllr Barrett. GLPC to fund the initial equipment (approx. £40 per site) and that people be asked to donate towards the cost of bags. If successful further dispensers may be added at other sites in the village.

104/24 Planning Applications

1. Recent – for information
   1.1 NP/DDD/0524/0473 Alterations to existing extension and windows. Barley Lees Farm, Main St. GLPC made no comment. PDNPA decision “accepted conditionally”
   1.2 NP/DDD/0524/0534 – Change of use of The Old School to dwelling. PDNPA decision “refused”
   1.3 NP/DDD/0624/0630 – Single Storey Extension, Grange Cottage, Station Road. Comments by 26^th PDNPA decision “granted”
2. New – for consideration in meeting – Nothing new at date of meeting.

105/24 Council Administration.

1. Ongoing Land Registration project. Nothing to report.
2. Vacancies for Parish Councillors
   2.1 Policy for the Co-option of Parish Councillors. The draft policy circulated to Councillors was approved.
   2.2 An advert/article is to be placed in the next edition of “Under the Edge” to try to fill the two Councillor vacancies.
3. Asset Register. Needs updating – action Clerk
4. Publication Scheme. It was agreed that GLPC would adopt the latest (2021) version of the Model Publication Scheme for Parish Councils. Clerk was instructed to ensure that pages 4 to 7, which details that document types held by the Council, be completed as soon as possible.
5. Annual Inspection of Parish Council Property and other Assets This will take place on Sunday 29^th September 2024, starting at 10am at the Council Quarry along Moor Road.

106/24 Financial Matters

1     Bank reconciliations – 2 months to 31^st August 2024.
       INCOME

Bank interest           £56.88

Grant                       £500.00

Donation                  £500.00

Donation                 £  45.00

Holme Meal Charity£  23.72

INCOME            =   £1,125.60

 

EXPENDITURE    =  £6,726.53

Balance of A/Cs:

RBS current a/c         £1,000.00

RBS deposit a/c       £19,684.22

Unity a/c                   £4,940.21

Credit Cards               – £260.03

BAL AVAILABLE     = £25,364.40  

Bank Statements were checked to verify that they agree with the above balances.

• Budget review / Two monthly Report
  The “Two monthly report” was reviewed and no problems were identified.
• Review draft budget for 2025/26
  A review if the precept increases over recent years was compared with inflation, and it was found that the funding available to the Council has been falling behind cost increases. A budget for 2025/26 will be presented for the next meeting increase of up to 5%.
• To accept and approve payments since last meeting.
  • N & G Tomlinson         Tree on Recreation Ground                £150.00
  • Allen, West & Foster   Annual Return                                    £350.00 + VAT
  • TW Cox                        Painting, various                                 £675.00 + VAT
  • TW Cox                        Village Hall Roof (West)                        £75.00 + VAT
  • J Cox Pest Control       West Green                                           £60.00
  • HWS Catering              LASRA Launch                                       £79.86
  • Will Bradley                Mowing contracts (Rec & Churchyard£739.30
  • Decathlon                   LASRA Launch (Credit Card)                  £54.97 + VAT
  • Trade Gear                  LASRA Launch (Credit Card)               £134.99 + VAT
  • Amazon Letter Box for Village Hall                     £30.82 + VAT
• To accept and approve new payments:
  • PKF Littlejohn             External Audit                                     £210.00 + VAT
  • Will Bradley                Mowing contracts (Rec & Churchyard£739.30
• To note that external audit completed and “Notice of Conclusion of Audit” posted to both the noticeboard and web-site.
• To note that application submitted to add Andy Douglass to Unity Account has been successful.

107/24    Correspondence

13/7/24     Peak Parks Forum – Details about new Local Plan
29/7/24     Bakewell Safer Neighbourhood team newsletter
30/7/24     Boundary Commission review
30/7/24     Police & Crime Commissioner news
6/8/24       Derbyshire Fire & Rescue consultation
8/8/24       DDDC – Car Parks Consultation
9/8/24       Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the Derwent Living Forest
12/8/24     House to House and Street Collections 2024 – Policy Consultation
15/8/24     Visitor to Gt Longstone about making a donation
18/8/24     Request from resident to go onto allotment waiting list
20/8/24     PDNPA – Parishes Day 12^th October 2024
22/8/24     Bakewell Safer Neighbourhood team newsletter
24/8/24     Resignation email from District Councillor
27/8/24     PKF Littlejohn LLP – confirmation of completion of External Audit
2/9/24       PDNPA – Climate Change Survey
2/9/24       DDDC – Notice of Casual Vacancy for District Councillor Calver & Longstone Ward
2/9/24       Allotment Holder about notice
3/9/24       DDDC – temporary Traveller Site Consultation

108/24     Items of Late Correspondence
                   Nothing to report

109/24      Dates of future Parish Council meetings:

• 11^th September 2024
• 13^th November 2024
• 8th January 2025
• 12th March 2025
• 4th May 2025
• 9th July 2025
• 10th September 2025
• 12th November 2025

Simon Headington
Clerk to Great Longstone Parish Council

parishcouncil@greatlongstone.org                Tel: 07968 295258