Council Meeting – 13th September 2023
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2023
IN GREAT LONGSTONE VILLAGE HALL
Present: Cllr Simon Headington (Chaired the meeting), Cllr Phil Barrett, Cllr Jane Rigby, Cllr James Cox, District Cllr Kelda Boothroyd and 1 resident and Sarah Stokes (Parish Clerk).
The Chair opened the meeting at 7.01pm.
Public comments. District Cllr Boothroyd spoke regarding the Monsal Head toilets scheme, which Kelda is a director of, and former Cllr, Clare Gamble still does the accounting for. Kelda stated that it is an unusual set up having a Community Interest Group run it, and aims for it to be run part parish council/part District Council. Possible help with collecting funds etc, which she currently does. The Clerk stated that this lies in Ashford parish. It has been a bad year for toilet income, average £70 per week, with the cleaner costing £10 per day plus other expenses. Baslow toilets were raised by the PC and comparisons, the Clerk who has looked in great depth at this toilet project for the neighbouring parish, raised strongly that Little Longstone Parish Meeting were not happy when Baslow toilets remained open, raising the car park charges and funds from the car park going directly into the toilets/ and being continued to be run by DDDC. Whereas the Monsal toilets, with a similar footfall of 111.000 visitors (in a tested year), were closed by District and the car park funds from either car park not go into the toilets. Noted that Little Longstone PM have given funds to the Monsal Head scheme. Kelda stated that there is a review of the toilets, with DDDC.
66/23 Apologies for absence from members. Apologies were received from Cllr Long, Cllr Briggs and County Cllr Sutton.
67/23 Declarations of interest. Cllr J Cox declared an interest in the weedkilling quote.
68/23 Minutes of the meeting held on 23rd July 2023. The minutes were proposed by Cllr Cox and seconded by Cllr Barrett.
69/23 Recreation ground.
69.1 Playground. Noted the joinery work is underway. Noted the small Rospa jobs have been actioned. Power washing, Clerk chased D Cox. PC inspection report, Cllr Headington reported that the slide be looked at on the inspection with a view to tightening work asap. Rospa report to be looked at on the PC inspection 17th September 2023.
69.2 Equipment for years 11+. Update on bench order for table tennis area. It was reported that the bench is now delivered and installed. The resident who had fundraised to fund the bench thanked the PC and all involved from ordering to installation. There are no plans at present to put a fence up around the table tennis area.
69.3 Cricket and Football. Deep spike machine – Clerk chased D Cox on himself and Cllr Cox looking at a machine.
Tree work to be carried out on 15/09/23. Socket work and goals moved, both actioned, with caps now fitted to the original sockets. Cllr Cox volunteered his time for raking and adding seed to the goal, materials to be funded by the PC.
Football Club/Cricket – The JFC have requested to play on a Sunday 10.30 – 12.30, as well as the 5 -6 on a Friday (already approved). Clerk to communicate with the JFC that the slots will be booked in the rec diary for the above for the JFC on the existing pitch, until end December 2023. Any other pitch options to be looked at following an open meeting. Cllr Barrett/plus possibly resident A Davis, are meeting with the JFC on 16/09/23 to show them line marking, which the JFC are to carry out thereafter. To note the PC, ask that the JFC supply the paint, not the PC. The JFC requested using the pavilion/tea hut, this to be discussed following an open meeting. Clerk raised that an open meeting is being organised by the Cricket Club/Football, Clerk to look at changing the proposed date with them, to bring the matter forward. Clerk relay that the PC, as land owners, are happy an open meeting is being proposed. Clerk to book the venue, Cricket, and Football to arrange all other aspects. Noted that the Clerk is looking into what the JFC pay Baslow Sports Association.
Resident joined the meeting at 7.30pm, during the above.
The meeting was closed at this point – to discuss the old infant school.
Areas raised by resident representing the Old Infant school and the proposed sale of (to note this was latterly the village pre-school):
Asked the PC to help keep the building; residents have gathered to look at options; historical building; Don’t think the Derby Diocesan Board of Education have the right to sell it; asked the PC to apply for a community fund; given until 11th October to come up with a plan for the DDBE ; the Diocesan want to sell; the diocese are being unreasonable and have asked that the village deal directly with the Estate Agents from now on; resident prepared to do what ever it takes to retain the community building; the PC are an incorporated organisation and could apply for a grant.
PC: The PC can apply; however, the PC would then have to run the building; the PC would require a set of firm ideas and a business plan; considerations for ongoing costs such as heating/state of building; it could be saved then become a liability.
Kelda asked why the Pre School closed – The rising rent and difficulties keeping staff being the main issues.
Resident: The Duke of Devonshire gave the land for the old infant school (to be used for education) the village raised funds to build the school. Noted that the building is not listed on the Derby D accounts/ ownership. The building should be kept as a community building, for uses such as a gym or crafts. Should appeal to the Duke (noted that the Chatsworth Estates Dept have been contacted on the matter)
It was noted that the building appeared on Rightmove the day after school broke up, advertised as a 1-bedroom house subject to planning, for £150k.
Resident: Asked if the school would be supportive, in principle, of acquiring the old infant school.
PC: The PC cannot come up with a plan, we do not have the resources; have to ask ourselves would we allow our name to be used with a viable plan; a business plan is needed.
It was noted that there are now no childminders locally.
A community meeting is required asap. Resident to investigate asap.
The meeting re opened at 8.10pm.
69.4 Land registration. Update on Land registration query. No update at present.
To note painting and staining actioned.
New playground equipment to be looked at in 2024. Clerk reported it would be worthwhile looking at the Hathersage play equipment, for ideas.
70/23 Village greens/village hall.
70.1 Allotments. Cllr Barrett updated the PC on funds for the allotment water project, DD CVS – £1000, DDDC Local projects fund have allocated £400 and in excess of £100 from the surplus vegetable stall. Cllr Barrett proposed the ‘Application for Ordinary watercourse land drainage course’ form and funds of £50 be sent off to DCC asap, seconded by Cllr Headington, Clerk to action. Cllr Barrett and project team are looking into an alternative scheme, a revised technical drawing has been produced by A Cross. Project team to look further into the spring and possibly testing of the water. It was proposed by Cllr Headington that Cllr Barrett could go ahead, in consultation with an allotment holder, with appropriate technical expertise, with either of the two solutions that have been proposed. This can be done without further reference to the full council, as long as the costs remain within the original budget of £1400. This was seconded by Cllr Rigby.
70.2 Christmas 2023. Marshalls – Cllr Briggs volunteered, if Cllrs could let the Clerk know; Xmas tree – J Fawcett confirming if there is a tree to be donated this year. If a xmas tree was needing to be purchased, Cllr Headington proposed the Clerk go ahead, seconded by Cllr Rigby. Clerk to then advertise for donations towards this. Carols – the PC have liaised with the band and the PCC, resolved to remove two of the carols, Cllr Headington has produced a QR code/ to go in UTE and on site for the event/ along with carol details on the village website. Clerk to ensure details of carols go in UTE. Cones also required for the event. To note the PC requested the band move up away from the road, however they have stated they use streetlight.
70.3 Remembrance wreath. Clerk to pick up wreath. The Clerk reported that Cllr Long has confirmed that she will be able to represent the council at the service.
70.4 Bunting. Received information on the material used previously and length of bunting covered. To discuss in more detail at the next meeting/ possible DCC grant (a quote is needed).
70.5 Village Hall insurance. Following numerous emails with the insurers, the main contact for the village hall insurance will now be the village hall. To note information sent on the electrical report.
70.6 Old infant school building – sale of.
Cllr Headington reported the building is on the market, the PC is disappointed that they were not consulted by the DDBE before this was done.
The Council agreed that it would support a plan to acquire the building as a community asset, but a suitable business plan would need to be produced to show that it is viable.
District Cllr Bothroyd offered a letter of support, if required.
71/23 Closed Churchyard and cemetery. Cllr Headington reported that Sara Barrett had organised at meet up to collect seeds for the bio diversity project, where a walk up Hardrake Lane was made, which was well attended.
Ivy – it was resolved for Cllr Headington to trim back the ivy from the west wall side. Cllr Headington proposed the ivy be weed killed as per the spec, seconded by Cllr Barrett.
Mowing – management of the area needs to be reviewed for the next tender. Cllr Boothroyd reported that DDDC will be mowing every 4 weeks in closed churchyards.
72/23 Footpaths and roads.
72.1 Defibs. No report.
72.2 Speeding/streetlights/grit bins. Clerk to check grit bins and order for the PC bins and ensure the DCC ones are filled / along with salt piles.
72.3 Electric charging points. No report.
72.4 Drain issues: Butts Rd, Glebe Ave/Station Rd, Village Hall drain. To note the Chair met with County Cllr Sutton, along with helpful residents to identify where the drain issue, on Church Lane, is near the village hall. Cllr Sutton has now reported back to DCC with photos and site info.
Cllr Boothroyd to check where PDNPA/DDDC are at with the dog poo bin and emptying of, at The Willows.
To note work to the ramp at Skew bridge on to the trail to be carried out over the winter (PDNPA).
73/23 Council Administration.
73.1 Land registration. (Fields and track and Builders yard). Solicitor in process of registering the land.
73.2 Community website and Facebook. Noted PC meeting dates need updating on the website. To action.
73.3 Two vacancies for Parish Councillors. Clerk to get insert in next UTE.
73.4 Inspection of Council owned land. Sunday 17th September 2023, 10am.
73.5 Recruitment of new Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer. Clerk looking into an advert via DALC (where other Derbyshire Parish Clerks will see the advert), job description and hand over file, Clerk to work with Chair on this matter.
9.06 District Cllr Boothroyd left the meeting.
74/23 Financial matters.
74.1 Bank reconciliation 31st July 2023.
INCOME
Bank interest £10.45
Holmemeal £23.72
EXPENDITURE £3538.98
Unpresented None
Balance of a/c’s:
RBS current £1000.00
RBS deposit £9317.35
Unity Trust £17,419.00
74.2 Bank reconciliation 31st August 2023.
INCOME
Bank interest £22.27
Donation (bench) £291.73
Grant (allotment) £1,000.00
EXPENDITURE £15,594.37
(To note transfer of £12,000 from the Unity Account into the RBS Account)
Unpresented None
Balance of a/c’s:
RBS current £1000.00
RBS deposit £21,339.62
Unity Trust £3,116.36
It was propsed by Cllr Headington to move funds back across into the Unity account to allow for expenditure, Clerk Cllr Headington to action.
74.3 Two monthly report. Cllr Headington went through the ‘Budget overview,’ noted that funds for the allotment project are in the figures, with a predicted £1000 down by the end of the financial year. Reserves required for unexpected external village hall costs.
Noted to look at the mowing tender documentation early 2024, due to planned changes to the document/cost savings. Plans to replace the defibs in 2025 to be allowed for (unless donations made).
74 .4 To accept and approve payments made since the last meeting.
Allied Westminster (VH insurance) £836.28
Unity credit card £49.00
Bruno Cardona (mowing) £2150.00 (Village greens/various contract)
Sarah Stokes (Admin August) £465.20
Sarah Stokes (Exp, August) £40.10
TDP (bench) £350.08
HMRC £660.08 (Vat)
74.5 To accept and approve payments.
Sarah Stokes (Admin Sept.) £465.20
Sarah Stokes (Exp Sept.) £26.24
Allen West and Foster (Audit) £420.00
T W Cox (Goal post sockets) £330.00
The payments were proposed by Cllr Headington and seconded by Cllr Barrett, with all in favour.
75.6 Update on Annual Governance and Accountability external audit. Following further questions in relation to the increased value put on the village hall, the Clerk is awaiting the completion notice by PKF.
75.7 PRECEPT FOR 2024/2025 – To discuss the precept, for approval at the next meeting. Along with budget planning for 2024/25.
Cllr Headington went through the ‘Budget overview/Forecasts for 2024/2025, and proposed a 5% increase (same as previous increase) on the 2024/25 precept. To approve at the next meeting.
To note Clerk to send invoices out for allotment rents Oct/November.
To note PC paid back HMRC for vat duplicated claim.
To note Clerk to send in vat claim pre xmas.
Kashflow used for accounting.
76/23 Planning.
Planning Applications.
76.1 Shackerley House, Main St, Great Longstone. NP/DDD/0723/0875. Erection of timber framed conservatory replacing existing conservatory.
PC comments: No objections.
76.2 Shackerley House, Main Street, Great Longstone. NP/DDD/0723/0875. Listed building consent – Erection of timber framed conservatory replacing existing conservatory.
PC comments: No objections.
Planning decision notices.
76.3 Lower Stables at the Hall, Main Street, Great Longstone. NP/DDD/0722/0871. Listed building consent – internal alterations, replacement door and additional roof lights.
Living on land without planning permission being sought for occupation. Following verbal requests made to the PC with regards to Sunnybank – As the Parish Council is not a planning authority if anyone has any concerns, they must address the Peak District National Park Authority.
77/23 Police report. PCSO Boswell reported 1 crime of assault since the last meeting.
78/23 Clerks report. Contacted D Cox on power washing and deep spike; site meeting regarding new bench; site meeting with tree surgeon; contacted the tennis club – bench; applied for DDDC grant via District Cllr; liaised with J Fawcett and xmas tree; contacted band and PCC regarding xmas eve; contacted Leap/W Turner on bunting; lengthy work on the village hall insurance and related matters; asked B Cardona to trim lower tree branches; liaised with PDNPA and DDDC on the dog poo bin at The Willows; reported stones on Butts Rd and Spring Bank bottom; contacted DCC and Cllr Sutton on drains near the village hall/Church Lane; contacted trails manager re ramp; adjusted the risk register; looked into advertising/recruitment for new Clerk; transferred fund into RBS a/c; contacted HMRC on vat issue/paid back; contacted Chatsworth on old infant school;
79/23 Correspondence.
12/07/23 DDDC. Election costs.
27/07/23 Allied Westminster. Village hall renewal receipt.
31/07/23 PDNPA. Approval for restructure proposal.
31/07/23 RBS. Commkitment to small and medium sized enterprise.
03/08/23 DDDC. Memorial safety. Clerk passed to PCC.
04/08/23 Blackrock. Holmemeal Charity update.
04/08/23 Dalc. August newsletter
04/08/23 Unity. FSCS Annual review.
04/08/23 DDDC. Poo bin – The Willows.
07/08/23 Bakewell Band. Christmas Eve carols.
08/08/23 PDNPA. Poo Bin – The Willows.
08/-8/23 Resident. Parking on Main St/ near Church Lane junction. Cllr Headington has spoken with residents, possible sign to go back up to deter parking. Noted that there are now builders parking there.
10/08/23 JFC. Goals.
10/08/23 Tree Surgeon. Tree work.
14/08/23 Allied Westminster. Village Hall insurance. Numerous emails.
14/08/23 District Cllr Kelda Boothroyd. Local projects fund.
14/08/23 PKF. Quries audit.
15/08/23 DDDC. Local projects fund application.
16/08/23 Resident. Childs party in tea hut. Clerk passed to CC.
16/08/23 Chatsworth Estates Dept. The Old Infant school.
17/08/23 Dalc. DD CVS UK shared prosperity fund on behalf of DDDC.
17/08/23 GLCC. Toilet key for bootcamp/fell race. Numerous emails.
18/08/23 TDP. Bench order. Numerous emails.
21/08/23 HMRC. Vat.
22/08/23 DDCVS. Grant.
22/08/23 Village Hall MC. Insurance/electrical report and loft. Numerous emails.
23/08/23 PCSO Boswell. Police report.
23/08/23 St Giles PCC. Old infant school. Numerous emails.
23/08/23 Resident. Trail bench. Numerous emails.
24/08/23 B Cardona. Various.
29/08/23 DCC. Snow warden scheme 2023/24.
29/08/23 J H Fitness. Bootcamp. Numerous emails.
29/08/23 W Brindley. Mowing and class on the rec.
29/08/23 DDDC. Housing needs survey – Affordable Housing. Clerk to reply that affordable Housing has not been raised as a priority issue by parishioners. Therefore, the PC do not require a survey.
30/08/23 DDDC. Snow warden scheme.
01/09/23 DDDC. Community Ownership fund.
05/09/23 Unity Trust Bank. Confirmation by GLPC for eligibility for FSCS.
05/09/23 Dalc. Newsletter September 23.
05/09/23 Clerks & Councils direct. September 23.
05/09/23 County Cllr Sutton. Drain on Church Lane. Numerous emails.
06/09/23 Dalc. Moving offices and new bank details.
06/09/23 J Fawcett. Xmas tree.
80/23 Late items of correspondence.
06/09/23 Blackrock. Review of sub funds.
07/09/23 DDDC. Grant allotments.
07/09/23 PFK. Audit question.
08/09/23 JFC. Numerous emails.
11/09/23 Local resident. Bunting.
12/09/23 DCC. Parish & Town Council Liaison meeting 18th September 2023
12/09/23 PCC. Carols.
12/09/23 Resident. Thank you for organising/installing the bench on the table tennis area.
81/23 Date of next meetings. 8th November 2023 and 10th January 2024.
The Chair closed the meeting at 9.34pm.
Sarah Stokes, Clerk to Great Longstone Parish Council, Longstone Byre, Little Longstone, Bakewell, DE45 1NN.
Tel: 01629 640851 Email: parishcouncil@greatlongstone.org.
