Minutes of the meeting of Shouldham Parish Council
held on Monday 9th January 2012 at 7.30pm in the school ecolab
Those attending:
Mr G Hipperson, Chairman, Mr P Gascoyne, Miss C Atterbury, Mr K Matthews,
Mrs V Negus, Clerk
1.
Apologies for absence were received from Mr N Herbert, Mrs C Cowin, Mr K Carter,
Miss C Sawyer, County Councillor J. Murphy, Borough Councillors L Allen and M
Howland.
2.
Declaration of Interest – no interests were declared
3.
Minutes of the meeting of 12th December 2011 were confirmed as a true record
4.
Matters Arising
(a) Jubilee Mugs – sufficient numbers had been ordered to go ahead
(b) Playing Field Fence – draft letter to Mr Kittle regarding fencing objectives approved.
Clerk to obtain 3 quotes for a fence with 4 strand wire both concrete and wooden posts.
(c) Gritting – Information received from Cllr Murphy intimated that gritting may be removed
completely from Fincham Hill. Letter to be sent to Highways with copies to Cllr Murphy,
MP Elizabeth Truss and the school headmistress.
(d) Churchyard maintenance – Mrs Allen was still awaiting response from R.A.F. Marham
regarding volunteer work and it was agreed that a decision should be made at the February
meeting.
5.
Payments for Approval
Utilities Warehouse electricity for December £38.26
Mrs Negus ¼ salary to end of December
£650.00
Mrs Negus ¼ expenses to end of December £10.16
Mr McIntosh annual mole eradication
£283.49
6.
Planning
Notice of Decision 29 The Green approved by Borough Council
A planning application had been made to the Borough for work to be carried out on the
horsechestnut tree at the churchyard.
7.
Budget and Precept
Mr Matthews presented the budget for the forthcoming financial year and proposed a precept
of £9500 with contingency provision for new toilets, playing field fence and a trod for
Eastgate Street and Norwich Road. This figure was agreed by the Council.
PC Asker, the Beat Manager from Downham Market Police Station accompanied by a PCSO
then attended the meeting. It was reported that Downham Market station is now a fully
working police station. PC Asker gave a report on the criminal activity in the area and
confirmed that signage would be placed at The Warren to warn people of motor theft.
PC Asker also confirmed that she would be prepared to give advice on the proposed
Emergency Plan if required. PC Asker and the PCSO then left the meeting.
8.
Annual Report
Mrs Cowin had offered to compile an annual report for discussion by the Council prior to the
annual parish meeting.
9.
Emergency Plan
Miss Atterbury presented the outline proposal for an emergency plan.
Items discussed
included the appointment of an emergency co-ordinator, likely hazards, available resources
and communication methods.
Following discussion Miss Atterbury agreed to act as the
emergency co-ordinator and present the plan again incorporating the ideas put forward by the
Council. The chairman thanked Miss Atterbury for presenting the plan and taking on the job
of co-ordinator.
10.
Correspondence
Notification to Norfolk Police meeting on January 19 at Wymondham
Notification of Environment Agency meeting re the Power Station. Mr Hipperson will attend
11.
Other Business
(a) Mr Matthews reported that there seemed to be a blockage somewhere along the drain
running parallel with Westgate Street. Following discussion it was agreed that Mr
Hipperson, Mr Matthews and Mr Gascoyne would follow the route of the drain where
possible to establish where the problem is.
(b) The clerk reported that a new chain connector is needed for one of the cradle swings. It
was agreed that in view of wear and tear all the connectors on both swings should be
replaced.
12.
The next meeting was set for Monday 13th February
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9pm