Present. Mr M Toates (Chairman), Mrs D Jenkins (Clerk), Mr M Joyce, Mrs K Martin, Mrs R Carey-Townsend, District Councillor R Howe and one member of the public.
Apologies. County Councillor V Lucas and B Petre (Vice Chairman).
Declaration of Interests. None.
Health and Safety Issues. None.
Open Forum.
Councillor Howe explained some of the Precept issues likely to affect the Parish.
Approval of the minutes of a meeting held on 18th October 2011.
The minutes of this meeting were approved and signed by the Chairman.
Matters arising.
- Mrs D Jenkins informed the council that so far a pig roast and a band had been booked for the 2nd June – the Queens Golden Jubilee Celebration.
- An email had been received from HDC stating that the weight restriction through Kings Ripton has not been lifted and that at the present time a survey is being carried out re HCV’s throughout the county. Councillors were asked to report any lorries they thought may be breaking the weight limit.
- All kissing gates are now installed on the public footpaths.
- Mrs K Martin is to attend Neighbourhood Forum Meetings on the Councils behalf whenever possible. Thanks were given to her for this.
- Thanks were passed to Mr M Joyce for removing the stakes to shrubs at cross roads.
- The Clerk is to order privet hedging through the Parish Planting Scheme for use at the allotment. The allotment holders will plant the hedge.
- A letter sent to the Licensing Committee reference the Secret Garden Party had been answered. It was felt by council that the answers were not satisfactory and Councillor Howe offered to take up the points on behalf of the council.
Finance.
- There were two cheques for payment. C/N 396 – D Jenkins – Stationery – £9.97 and C/N 397 – Suffolk Acre – extra insurance for grit bins – £4.14. Mr M Toates proposed and Mrs R Townsend seconded that these be paid.
- The Clerk had received a letter from Mr M Halford with reference to the possibility of an increase towards the running of The Riptons Area News. The Council agreed to an increase of £10.00. per annum to cover the cost of magazines for new houses at Walden Close. However it was felt that this was the maximum that should be given.
Planning. Nothing.
Correspondence.
- A letter received from CCC reference the possibility of a textile and paper recycling bank was discussed and it was decided that there is not a suitable site for this within the village.
- Various Ecop messages had been received and circulated.
- Paperwork reference the Localism Bill, Community Green Project Grants, Town and Parish Alerts, Police Authority Precept, Huntingdonshire Community infrastructure Levy Schedule, Passenger Transport Subsidies and Street Light Replacement had been seen by all Councillors and would be placed on file.
- The Clerk was asked to write to the Small Improvements to Highways Scheme and request signage for a 20.m.p.h. speed limit through the village.
Any other business.
Mr M Toates stated that he would like to see a Village Plan in place for Kings Ripton. This matter will be looked at closely in the New Year.
Mrs D Jenkins was asked to ascertain the price of the Village Sign in Wistow and the suppliers thereof.
Date of next meetings: 31st January 2012 and 20th March 2012.
(note: the meeting of 31st January has been moved to 7th February 2012)