January 2025 Minutes
Minutes of the Deeping St James Parish Council meeting held in the meeting room at The Institute 38 Church Street Deeping St James PE6 8HD on Tuesday 21 January 2025 at 7.30pm.
Present: Parish Councillors Bowell, Fowler, Gilbert, Halls, Hosking, Leader, Neville, Rose, Shinkins-Hoppe, Stevens, Townsin and 6 members of the public.
The minutes were taken by the Parish Clerk.
Open Forum
A prospective co-optee, Owen Laws, was in attendance as an observer.
Five residents of Priory Farm and Churchgate attended the meeting to raise concerns about the increasing amount of dog fouling being noticed near their homes and through the Priory Churchyard. Many of the residents are elderly and/or have disabilities so they also suggested that the area could benefit from additional streetlighting.
The residents were advised that the local council do not have authority to take enforcement action for dog fouling incidences so the matter should be referred to the District Councillors and the neighbourhoods team at the District Council offices. Deeping St James Parish Council would however, increase the signage in the area and educate the residents via social media and newsletters.
Two further requests for street lighting within the Parish were to be considered under agenda item 25.113.2 and 25.113.3 so this request would be considered at the same time.
25.106 To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting.
Apologies had been received and were accepted from Councillor Smith.
Councillor Dilks was not present.
25.107 To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011.
None declared.
25.108 To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 17 December 2024.
Agreed and signed.
25.109 To receive the Clerks report and receive an update on matters arising from previous minutes.
The amended wayleave agreement, removing the wording about overhead electric lines being installed at Jubilee Park, has been received from National Grid on 19 January 2025.
A representative from the Community Payback Team, based in Boston, has been in contact and arranged to visit the parish at 9.30am on Monday 27 January 2025
The 2025/26 precept request and income and expenditure sheet to be included in with the council tax bill was sent to South Kesteven District Council’s accountancy department on Friday 17 January 2025
On Tuesday 2 January 2025 the Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire, Deepings Community Library and the Deeping Youth Group were advised that their grant funding requests for 2025 were approved at the December 2024 council meeting
The Clerk has advised a representative from the Priory Hall that their request for grant funding towards plumbing costs cannot be actioned as they have already been awarded a grant within this financial year, the offer for them to apply again from April 2025 has been extended to them
The maintenance team have been advised of the increase in the hourly rate and a meeting with those who have been awarded additional hours has been arranged with them for 10am on Tuesday 21 January 2025
Deeping St James United Charities, as Landlord, have been advised that Deeping St James Parish Council accept the rent increase from 6 September 2024
Both Lincolnshire County Council and South Kesteven District Council have shared consultations about their 2025/26 council tax levels. These have been shared via email with the Parish Councillors.
Several complaints have been received about dog fouling in Deeping – several on Bridge Street Church Street and Churchgate and also of a dog roaming freely in the Thackers Way area. These members of the public have been directed to South Kesteven District Council as they are the Authority with the power to take enforcement action on this matter. A post has also been added to the Parish Council’s Facebook page and some dog fouling posters will be placed on lampposts to encourage owners to clean up.
Several incidences of flytipping have been reported, notably on Custom Road and Hall Meadow Road, which have if possible (room in the 110ltr wheelie bin) been cleaned up by DSJPC’s maintenance team or reported to SKDC.
Following consideration at the December 2024 meeting (minutes 25.104) Councillor Bowell completed an application to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for a grant towards the cost of installing a tourist information board in the car park at the Deeping Lakes promoting local hospitality and amenities. A conditional offer has been made with permission and quotes now being required in order for the funds to be released.
A replacement pedestrian entrance gate at Millennium Wood has been made and installed by one of the maintenance team
Ownership/contact details signage has been purchased for the new bus shelters on Linchfield Road, at Jubilee Park and on the front of the Institute
District Councillor Ley advised the Clerk and the Chair that a piece of new play equipment is to be installed in the Churchfield Close play area. This prompted questions about the need for work to be carried out on the play surface and the gate and a replacement bin to be provided. The response received from the District Council was that as these are highlighted as low risk on the play equipment inspections reports no action will be taken. The response also re-confirms that there is duplication around the play inspections which the District and Parish complete which the Clerk will work with District Councillor Ley and the appropriate SKDC Officer to resolve.
25.110 To receive reports from the District/County Councillors and consider if this is the appropriate place to receive future reports.
No District or County Councillors were present and no reports had been provided for circulation
25.111 Financial matters:
1.To approve the expenditure for January 2025.
It was proposed seconded and RESOLVED to agree expenditure valuing £15019.14
3.To note the income for January 2025.
Income valuing £2569.76 was noted.
25.112 Planning matters:
1. To receive the minutes and any recommendations from the Planning and Transport committee meeting held on Tuesday 14 January 2025.
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe introduced the minutes of this meeting from which there were no recommendations.
25.113 To consider the following correspondence.
1. Lithium-Ion Batteries Campaign.
Noted.
2. Local resident requesting the Parish Council install a street light on their street which SKDC have said they are unable to fund but would be agreeable to maintaining.
ACTION: It was agreed that the Clerk should respond to the residents advising that as was the case for South Kesteven District Council, Deeping St James Parish Council had no budget for the purchase and installation of a streetlight at this location.
The same response should be issued to those who attended the open forum of the meeting from Churchgate and Priory Farm
3. Request from Councillor Neville for the Parish Council to contact Lincolnshire County Council about installing street lights along Linchfield Road between Campion Drive and Brewton Drive Deeping St James
It was acknowledged that it would have been ideal if streetlights had been installed as part of the Springfields development however this had not happened. There were issues with the in this area which were understood to be the responsibility of the Welland and Deeping Internal Drainage Board.
ACTION: It was agreed that the Clerk should contact Lincolnshire County Council Highways about the lack of streetlighting.
4. Invitation from the Armed Forces Covenant Officer to attend a meeting and give a presentation about the Armed Forces Covenant and Covenant Fund Trust.
Armed Forces Covenant - Search
The Armed Forces Covenant : Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
ACTION: it was agreed that the Clerk should invite the Armed Forces Covenant Officer to the Deeping St James Annual Parish meeting and if he was unable to attend that to a future Parish Council meeting
5. Invitation from Lincolnshire County Council for the Parish Council to complete the National Highways and Transport Survey. Closing date 28 February 2025
It was noted that several Councillors had completed this individually.
ACTION: The Clerk was asked to contact the Lincolnshire County Council’s Executive Councillor for Highways Transport and IT, Councillor Richard Davies, to ask what improvements within the Deepings came from the input into last year’s survey.
25.114 To receive reports and minutes from committees, advisory committees, meetings, seminars, training and events or meetings of external bodies attended on the Council’s behalf and consider any recommendations from them:
1. Cemetery committee meeting held on Tuesday 7 January 2025 – Councillor Stevens introduced the minutes of the meeting from which there were no recommendations. The Clerk advised that the contractor who would be relaying the slabbed path in section D and E had advised that the work would be delayed and was now likely to happen in the third week of February 2025. The Clerk also advised that confirmation had been received that the biodiversity grant funding application from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund had been successful
ACTION: The Clerk was asked to order the hedging planting
2. Recreation and open spaces committee meeting held on Tuesday 7 January 2025
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe introduced the minutes form the meeting from which there were no recommendations however further information had been obtained regarding the two Table Tennis tables being offered by South Kesteven District Council (minute 25.41 d) ). Following consideration of the materials and dimensions it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to accept one of the Table Tennis Tables to be installed at Woody Heights Recreation area.
ACTION: the Clerk was asked to reply to SKDC accepting one table to be installed at Woody Heights and suggesting the following alternative sites for the location of the other – Churchfield Close, Hereward Way, contacting local primary schools and/or neighbouring councils.
3. Allotments committee meeting held at 8pm on Tuesday 14 January 2025
Councillor Halls introduced the minutes of this meeting from which there was one recommendation (minute 33.25). The committee agreed that the administration fee should be raised from £30 to £50 for new tenants and tenants requesting a second plot. RESOLVED
4 Funday Sunday 2025 working party meeting at 7pm on Thursday 16 January 2025
Councillor Townsin provided an updated from the meeting advising that – the event would take place on the John Eve Field Godsey Lane Market Deeping on Sunday 13 July 2025; the programme of events for the day had been agreed which would include musical entertainment, fairground stalls/rides and displays in an arena. There would be no motorcade/vehicle show or raffle this year. It had been confirmed that the Peterborough United Football Club mascot would be attending and it was hoped that former Deepings School pupil now Team GB representative, Jake Jarman, would also be able to attend. Hegarty Solicitors had pledged £1500 in sponsorship, with further funding being requested from DSJ United Charities, and funds of £1600 remaining available from the 2024 event.
25.115 To consider the location of the fruit trees on land at Fraser Close and also South Kesteven District Council’s request, that DSJPC’s maintenance team water the trees they intend to plant there advising SKDC of the financial contribution required to cover the costs of this.
The planting plan drawn up by South Kesteven District Council’s Tree Project Officer had been shared with the Councillors prior to the meeting. Councillor Bowell raised concerns that there had been no direct consultation with local residents by SKDC or DSJPC. The Clerk advised that the Tree Project Officer had explained that SKDC had fulfilled the requirement to consult as they had engaged with the Ward Councillors prior to the planting that had taken place in the same area in 2021. After discussions in which the Parish Council agreed that the Fraser Close open space should remain accessible for children to play ball games it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that a counter proposal should be issued to SKDC – to plant the fruit trees on the open space off St Vincents Close behind nos. 3 to 15 Thackers Way properties and that SKDC should plant their trees on the land off Burchnall Close behind 69 Towning Close.
Regarding the request for DSJ Parish Council’s maintenance team to replenish the water in the water sacks around the trees planted by SKDC it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to offer the services of the maintenance team at a cost to be agreed.
ACTION: the Clerk was asked respond to SKDC with the counter proposal and to calculate a cost and advise SKDC of this
25.116 To agree the date of the Annual Parish Meeting to be held at the Priory Hall Church Street Deeping St James.
The Priory Hall had confirmed the dates available and it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that the DSJ Annual Parish Meeting should be held at 7pm on Monday 28 April 2025.
ACTION: The Clerk was asked to confirm the booking and issue invitations to local organisations and dignitaries encouraging nominations for the making a difference awards at the same time.
25.117 To consider awarding the Freedom of the Parish to a former Deepings resident, now Conservationist, Author and TV/Radio Presenter.
Councillor Bowell had circulated a paper which explained why he was proposing that Ajay Tegala should be awarded the Freedom of the Parish.
Councillor Gilbert added to the proposal suggesting that not only is Ajay offered the Freedom of the Parish but that he should also be invited to provide a presentation on the evening. This was seconded and RESOLVED.
ACTION: Councillor Judy Stevens offered to contact Ajay to confirm this as she had contact details for him from a previous attendance at the Deepings Literary Festival.
25.118 To consider supporting the Deepings Practice in their request for a walk-in medical centre at the site on Godsey Lane Market Deeping.
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe introduced this item stating that the Deepings Practice Patient Participation Group intended to contact all local councils to ask for their support. Market Deeping Town Councillor Byrd had met with the PPG several times and her and Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe had been working together to gather evidence to support the need for a walk-in medical centre. It was agreed that Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe should continue to work with Councillor Byrd and the PPG.
25.119 To consider applying to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to purchase flood defence equipment.
Councillor Neville introduced this item sharing a video of the water barrier in use. The barriers are 25ft long and are tall enough, when filled with water, to keep back
3ft of flood water. Cost is £1000 + VAT each plus a delivery charge.
It was acknowledged that the Deepings emergency and flooding working party had worked closely with the Lincolnshire resilience team however Councillor Gilbert raised concerns about the insurance implications of the Town and Parish Council’s diverting water
ACTION: the Clerk was asked to contact Deeping St James Parish Council’s insurers for advice about this.
As there was a deadline for applying for funding (19 February 2025) it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that an application should be made to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for a grant to cover the cost of the purchase of four of the barriers. Guidance from the Insurers would be taken into consideration if the application was successful.
25.120 To consider the quotations received for cutting of the highway verges in the Deepings and the riverbank in Deeping St James.
Three quotations had been obtained the details of which had been anonymously shared.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to award the contract for the cutting of Deeping St James riverbank to Garden Groomers
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to award the contract for the cutting of the highway verges within the 30MPH speed limit across the Deepings to Glendale Managed Services. As this was a shared contract agreement would be required from Market Deeping Town Council for this and they would not be making a decision until Wednesday 12 February 2025.
25.121 Parish Pump - items for information or inclusion on future agendas.
Councillor Hosking advised that the junior sessions run by the Deeping Youth Group were now meeting at Deeping St James Community Primary School on Thursday evenings and this was working well. Sessions for the older attendees were still being held at the Cross School location.
Councillor Stevens suggested that the Parish Council works towards issuing a newsletter to promote the annual parish meeting and making a difference awards, introduce the new Councillors, promote the summer playschemes and include an article covering dog fouling issues. Once a date for delivery has been obtained she will work with the office to complete this.
Councillor Bowell reminded everyone of the Community Policing panel meeting at the Deepings Community Centre on Thursday 30 January 2025.
Councillor Bowell also invited anyone interested to join the Deeping River Action Group in visiting the Pode Hole Pumping Station on 21 February 2025
Councillor Neville advised that a variety of flood barriers could be obtained online by those residents who wished to purchase their own.
Councillor Stevens reminded everyone to support the Deepings Community Library funding appeal for a Tesco’s Community grant by placing their blue tokens in the appropriate collection point
Signed:
Dated: