March 2021 Minutes
MORTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting for Morton Parish Council held on Monday 15 March 2021 at 6.30 pm held remotely via Zoom.
15 minute public forum - no members of the public in attendance and no correspondence received
In Attendance - Cllr Parry (Chair), Cllr Allison (Vice-Chair), Cllr Panter, Cllr Butroid, Cllr Gott, Cllr Snee, Cllr Clews, PCSO Thomas, C. Graves (Clerk)
1. Apologies For Absence - Cllr Youngman, Cllr Rollings
2. Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 8 February 2021 - Approved by all Parish Councillors. Proposed Cllr Butroid. Seconded Cllr Allison.
3. Declarations of Interest - No declarations of interest noted.
4. Matters Arising and Review of Outstanding Items
a. Crime Vandalism and Antisocial Behaviour - Cllr Parry welcome PCSO Thomas to the meeting. PCSO Thomas informed the Council that there had been a recent attempted theft of a caravan in the village. One caravan had been stolen in Blyton with a report of one further attempted theft. He reported that there had been incidents of motorbikes on the riverbank and youths lighting fires on Field Lane and banging on windows in the village. Whilst the school was open youths on bikes had been on the playing field, however, the school had intervened, and they had been moved on. Cllr Clews reported antisocial behaviour on Hickman Crescent. PCSO Thomas informed that although police where aware no complaints had been made officially and residents should be encouraged to report through the correct channels. A recent speed survey had been carried out in Blyton near the school and it was suggested that as it was quite some time since one had taken place in Morton the Council may wish to request that a speed survery be carried out.
Discussion took place in respect to the substantial increase in litter and dog fouling around the village and Cllr Allison reported he had been approached by Mr Tulley regarding the sponsoring of signage and the provision of litter pick equipment and asked that the Council give this some consideration. Cllr Parry requested that the Clerk make enquiries with Simon Smoothey at WLDC regarding the Council purchasing extra dog waste bins around the village and the possibility of WLDC being able to empty these as part of their remit. Clerk to request extra stickers and enquire regarding waste bags, gloves, and pickers. Cllr Clews suggested that the school be approached to ask if they would be willing to arrange a competition for the pupils to design a poster, this could cover fly tipping, litter, dog fouling or speeding. The Council could provide prizes and the winning posters could be displayed around the village. Cllr Snee suggested that it would be a good idea to have a map of the village that highlighted the location of all the dog bins in the area. Cllr Allison reported that dog waste bags could also be disposed of in normal waste bins.
b. Councillors Update - none
c. SID Signage - Cllr Allison reported that currently he is charging the sign on 30th 10th and 20th of each month, however, the last charge only lasted 5 days, indicating there is a speeding issue on Front Street. Clerk advised that the statistical data software licence had been requested from Unipart Dorman at a cost of £113.97 (exc VAT). Once the data can be retrieved from the sign this can be shared with Lincolnshire Police and LRSP. Cllr Allison suggested that a pedestrian crossing outside the co-op would be of benefit. Clerk to request further input from LRSP regarding best possible location for solar sign. Cllr Parry expressed disappointment that little support was available from Lincolnshire County Council regarding the provision of speed signage, with the responsibility and cost of this falling to Parish Councils.
d. Bus Shelter Walkerith Road - Clerk reported that the bus shelter design with half-clad side panels which had been submitted was too big. A possible suitable example had been provided by Fiona Hudson-Brown and Clerk was awaiting reply from B Knight & Son whether they could provide something similar.
5. Neighbourhood Plan - Cllr Allison reported that the amendments to the plan had been submitted to WLDC and publication was expected in the next few days. A referendum would then take place on 6 May. Once adopted the plan would be in force until 2036. Cllr Parry thanked Cllr Allison on behalf of the Council for his hard work and dedication to the plan, Cllr Allison informed that it was a team effort along with the Steering Committee and Clive Keble.
6. Accounts - VAT rebate noted. Proposed Cllr Butroid. Seconded Cllr Allison. Agreed by all.
7. Burial Ground - Clerk reported that revised fees and conditions had been uploaded to the website and would be circulated to relevant parties. The skip would be emptied in the next few days and Cllr Gott offered to check that this was not being inappropriately used.
8. Planning Matters
a. 142313 - 18 Field Lane, change of use to light industry for MOT testing - withdrawn.
b. 142399 - 2 Field Lane, first and second floor extension - no objections
9. Playing Field and School Facilities - Clerk advised that she had received confirmation from Morton FC that league games would commence week beginning 29 March and possibly run through until June. There would be no changing facilities available. Clerk to share fixtures with Morton CC. Cllr Butroid advised that the cricket club had removed the nets and screens from the field. Cllr Butroid reported that rabbits were again a problem and it was agreed that she would look into this.
10.Contract Renewals
a. Continental Landscapes - burial ground grass cutting (price fixed until 2024)
b. Axholme Pest Control - burial ground
c. DWG Groundcare - playing field ground maintenance
d. Mobile phone - Parish Council mobile
Discussion took place regarding the renewal of the above contracts and it was noted that where there had been a price increase this had been kept to a minimum. Cllr Butroid queried why Field Lane grass cutting was only £3 cheaper than the playing field which was a much larger area. Clerk would raise this with DWG Groundcare.
Proposed Cllr Allison. Seconded Cllr Gott. All in agreement that above contracts would be renewed. Clerk to action.
11.Litter Pick - Litter discussed under Crime, Vandalism and Antisocial Behaviour. It was agreed that at the present time a group litter pick was not appropriate, but it was hopeful that one could be arranged later in the year. Clerk to liaise with WLDC regarding equipment and disposal of rubbish if residents wished to arrange their own socially distanced mini-pick. Clerk to feedback and arrange for something to be displayed on the noticeboard and websitee.
12.Items for Inclusion on next Agenda
a. Litter Pick
b. Parish News
c. Website Policies and Procedures/Zoom meeetings
13.Date and Time of Next Meeting - Monday 19 April 2021
The meeting closed at 7.50 pm.