2024 Minutes

Springthorpe Parish Meeting

12th February 2024 7pm

Minutes

Chair: Dr Gillian Procter Tel: 07484041037  email: chair_SPM@outlook.com

Present: Ella Collins,  Julian Cowan, Jill Cowan, Adrian Winter, Clare Anyan, Michael Anyan, Martin Hopley, Julie Oaks, John Oaks, Shirley Winter

Also present: Cllr Paul Howitt Cowan

1.    Apologies: Brian Cameron, Annabel Cameron, Alex Amaira, Tom Graham, Marian Graham, Penny Sedgewick, Peter Sedgewick, Sue Dewsbury, Mike Dewsbury, Joy Horton, Richard Horton

2.    Minutes of last meeting 20th November 2023:  

Agreed as a true record Proposed by Adrian Winter, seconded by Shirley Winter.  

3.    Matters arising:  

Hill Road flooding-Many complaints have been raised to West Lyndsey District Council,(WLDC) from individual residents and from the Parish chair.  All have received a poor or no response. Chair contacted Customer Relations at Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) to raise a complaint which is being investigated, with a response expected early March 2024.  General agreement from those present that the flooding is an issue for the Council/ Highways to resolve and not the village. Cllr Howitt Cowan will contact the Flood officer at WLDC for further update. At present no further forward with a resolution. Neil Winter thanked for his actions of removing the flood water in recent weeks.

Grass cutting-currently carried out by Tom Stubbins. Tom has agreed to cut the grass as close to the fenced edge as possible. Tom provided details of Martin Snell who would be prepared to cut the field at a cost of £50 a time. Those present agreed to continue as currently agreed with Tom Stubbins. Chair to clarify that Tom is able to cut the overgrown corners of the field with the equipment he has

4.    Treasurers Brief:

Hardstanding on the Village Green for the new picnic table to be completed by Richard Horton who is awaiting improved weather to complete this.  Old tree stump may need to be removed to achieve this.

Adrian Winter to approach Ray Hill about mending the bench on the village green that is damaged and in need of repair.  Seat to be taken out of action while not safe to use.

5.    Correspondence:

a.   ”Springthorpe Family connections” Michael Anyan informed those present that this was about previous links with families with the name “Springthorpe” which had previously lead to their visit to the village. Volunteers to continue with correspondence requested, none forthcoming so request will be added to the village notice board. 

b.   Village Green registration, Michael Anyan discussed that the corner of the  Village Green, where the post box stands, is not registered with the land agency as being part of the Village Green. General opinion is that it should be registered as part of the Village Green. Chair has raised with current Agent for the Estate and is waiting to hear the outcome.

c.   Lorry Watch, there is now a button on the Village Website where residents can report overweight lorries using unsuitable village roads.

d.   Road Safety, following on from the previous disappointing response from Highways Agency to our concerns about Road safety in the village, we are awaiting a report from the recent monitoring of village roads.

e.   Neighbourhood plan steering group, steering group have applied to register for a Springthorpe and Sturgate Village Plan.  This has now been approved and we can begin the process of developing a Village Plan. Registration had no cost attached to it,  but allows us the ability to apply for grants to support the process. Agreed that a full Village meeting is required so all those interested in the Village Plan can attend, and a request made for the local planning officer to be present for that. It was proposed by Adrian Winter and seconded by John Oaks that residents are given 28 days notice that the meeting will be taking place, and that a suitable time be agreed so that those members of the village who work would still be able to attend.

6.    Planning:

No new planning applications submitted

7.    Playing field:

The Estate confirmed that there is currently no written agreement regarding the tenancy of the village playing field, but that in order to be able to apply for fencing grants, 5 years was agreed as a period of time before a further review is required. Steve Gelder provided an email account of his original lease of the playing field that has now lapsed. The Estate Manager has been contacted to confirm arrangements and Chair has agreed to obtain a free legal opinion from LALC to see if we have any rights.

Fencing repair by Ian Mould at North end of the field due to start when weather has improved.  However South end near entrance gate is also now in need of repair, Chair to approach Ian for a quote to repair this. A gate post has been offered by a village resident.

8.    Next meeting 13th May at 7pm

9.    AOB:

a.    Jill Cowan raised issues with the local shoot, shooting over properties recently. Michael Anyan agreed to raise this with the shoot, to prevent this happening in future.

b.    Query as to whether the Oak sapling on the Village Green had died, agree to review growth in the Spring.