MINUTES OF THE ST NEOT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 14TH JUNE 2017 AT 7:30PM IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM, ST NEOT SOCIAL CLUB, ST NEOT

Present: Councillors Dr L Jones (Chair), H Bunt, R Berrett, D Lucas, C Smith and G Rogers.

Cornwall Councillor M Eddy

Sue Blaxley (Parish Clerk)

The Chair opened the meeting at 7:30pm.

Public Participation

None

1. Apologies

Apologies were received from Councillors Mrs M Merrett-Jones, A L Bellringer and N J Ball.

2. To confirm the minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 10th May 2017, having previously been circulated, were agreed as an accurate record subject to omitting Councillor G Rogers from the list of those present and to make an amendment to minute 18, line 2 adding the following. “The Chair said that in Council’s Seventh Planning Newsletter dated April 17th 2017, it says that in giving local consultation responses the need for both local councils and planning case officers to state specific policies in their responses and reports was also discussed. It was agreed to ask all Clerks to refer to their specific policies that would apply in their own Neighbourhood Plans, and also the Local Plan policies if possible, in their consultation responses to Planning.'

3. Declarations of interest in items on the agenda

None

4. To receive a report on any matters arising from the previous meeting

Councillor D Lucas said that he had cut the brambles away from the Holy Well. He explained that there are huge roots to the left of the door which need digging out and replacing with a rambling rose. This, he said, will grow over the area and will look attractive. He said that he will maintain it. The Clerk confirmed that she had sought the owners’ permission to undertake the bramble clearance but

Councillor G Rogers said that he was not certain that Arthur Hooper actually owned the land in front of the well. It was proposed by Councillor G Rogers and seconded by Councillor R Berrett that Councillor D Lucas be authorised to purchase a rose and plant it next to the Holy Well. All councillors voted in favour of this proposal.

Councillor C Smith explained that he and Cornwall Councillor M Eddy and Malcolm Woodward had met with representatives from South West Water regarding the pumping station in St Neot. He said that Malcolm Woodward had explained his log of problems. He said that the representatives explained that they have ordered a new pumping system which will be installed soon but that, in the meantime, a new pumping system has been hired and installed. Malcolm Woodward confirmed there had been no problems since this work had taken place. Councillor C Smith also asked South West water if the systems are adequate for the village. They confirmed that they are but there is a lot of clean water getting into the system which is being investigated.

5. To receive the Chairman’s Communications

None.

6. To answer any questions from Councillors, previously notified to the Clerk

The Chair said that Councillor Mrs M Merrett-Jones had reported that there is a fallen tree in the rear of the car park. Councillor C Smith said that he had already cut this up and the pieces are awaiting collection.

7. To receive a report from the Clerk

None

8. Councillor Surgery at Local Produce Market

To receive feedback from the Councillor surgery on Saturday 3rd June 2017 and to appoint a volunteer for the next surgery on Saturday 1st July 2017

Councillor R Berrett said that, unfortunately, he was unable to attend at the last minute but that any queries were directed to Cornwall Councilor M Eddy. Councillor R Berrett said that a parishioner had suggested installing a sign saying “St Neot” on Bush Hill. In addition, the WI wish to put some flowers on the telephone kiosk during the flower festival but note that it is due for painting. It was agreed that the WI could put some flowers on the telephone kiosk as whilst it is on the schedule for painting, it is not known when this will take place.

9. To receive reports from - a) Have Your Say Panel

None b) Cornwall Councillor M Eddy

Cornwall Councillor M Eddy explained that he had spoken to Jonathan Rowe regarding the concerns about the sewage system at Trevenna. He said that a sample had been sent to SWW and the EA for analysis and was found to be within the scope of what is allowed to be discharged. He said that the complainants are concerned about the smell and that Mr Rowe acknowledges that he needs to install a stink pipe. Cornwall Councilor M Eddy confirmed that the system is regularly maintained and inspected and has been emptied twice since his meeting with Mr Rowe.

Cornwall Councillor M Eddy explained that he had met with the Enforcement Officer regarding the dumping of tyres and the stationing of a caravan at Colliford Lake. The existing enforcement notice on the site is insufficient as it does not cover all the unauthorized development. The occupier of the caravan has claimed gypsy status so any enforcement action is on hold until their status has been investigated by the gypsy officer at . In the meantime, the Enforcement Officer is ascertaining whether an enforcement notice can be issued regarding the tyres which have been deposited on the site. Cornwall Councilor M Eddy said he will keep the situation under review.

Cornwall Councillor M Eddy said that Cornwall Council is now made up of a Liberal Democrat/Independent Alliance. He said that the committees are starting to have their meetings. He said that views are being sought on the electoral boundary review. He explained that the recommendation is to have 87 councillors in Cornwall. It was agreed that this will be discussed at the next meeting of the parish council. c) Goonzion Commoners

None d) Moor Parishes Group

Cornwall Councillor M Eddy said that the current round of providing superfast broadband to rural areas is complete and there is further funding available prioritizing the 38,000 households in Cornwall who have very slow broadband speeds. It was noted that thousands of households have less than 4mgb. e) Liskeard/ Community Network Panel

None

10. To authorise the signing of orders for payment, including –

Julie Ball (Toilet cleaning – June) - £147.34 Sarah Dance (Grass cutting) - £180.00 Mrs S Blaxley (3 month’s salary and expenses) - £2133.53 Cornwall Council (Cornwall Local Plans) - £80.00 EDF Energy (Electricity for Pavillion) - £91.10 Emma Wilkinson (Website expenses) - £87.11 Classic Fire Ltd (Fire alarm/extinguisher service) - £125.40 St Neot News (March, April and May expenses) - £417.95 Chris Timms (Website expenses) - £19.57 Sarah Dance (Grass cutting) - £180.00 Mrs S Blaxley (printer ink) - £33.98 Christian Smith (materials for new gate and post) - £180.92

It was proposed by Councillor G Rogers and seconded by Councillor D Lucas that all of the above orders for payment be authorized. All Councillors voted in favour of this proposal.

11. To receive correspondence from -

a) Cornwall Council

None

b) Others

None

12. Finance Report

To receive a current financial statement of the accounts

The Clerk reported that this month we have received income of £115.50 for the use of the pavilion as a post office and £108 for website adverts. The accounts balance at £51,197.06.

13. St Neot Website

To receive and consider correspondence regarding the St Neot website

The Chair read out a letter from Emma Wilkinson apologising for not keeping up with updating the website. She also read out an email from Chris Timms

explaining that he and his wife have recommenced the administration of the village website which they will update as necessary. They have also placed an article in St Neot News offering space on the website to advertisers for £3/month. He said the monies already collected outweigh the parish council’s expenditure on the website.

14. Doorstep Green and Playing Field

To consider the provision of additional recreational equipment in Doorstep Green and the playing field

Councillor C Smith circulated some brochures from Fresh Air Fitness illustrating some adult fitness equipment. He said there are many companies providing such equipment and some can obtain grant funding for the equipment on behalf of the parish council. He explained that for approximately £8,000 the parish council could purchase a double air walker, a double cross-country skier, an elliptical cross trainer, a table tennis table and some parallel gym bars. Councillor D Lucas said that views could be sought via St Neot News as to whether there is a demand for such equipment. The Chair said the equipment certainly needs to have an appeal to the majority. Councillor C Smith said that the views of the community could be sought at the carnival. He said that the parish council could have a float with various pieces of gym equipment on it and the views of the community could be sought as to whether some equipment is considered to be a good idea for the village. It was agreed that parish councillors would meet to build the float on Friday 23rd June 2017 from 6:30pm. It was agreed that a clipboard would be used to gather comments on the proposed equipment and that the Chair would compile a short speech regarding the idea which could be broadcast over the PA system at the carnival and that the Clerk would print some A3 pictures of the equipment for the float. The Chair said that, in addition to fitness equipment, the provision of a BBQ near the pavilion could be considered.

To receive and consider a report on any other matters arising relating to Doorstep Green and the Playing Field

Councillor C Smith explained that the gate post which had been knocked over by the driver of a Western Power vehicle had now been replaced and a new wooden gate installed. He said that the new pedestrian gate requires a spring which he will attend to. He said that the 6ft steel gate needs painting in the near future. Some discussion took place about the need to enforce the closing of the gate. It was agreed that the gate needs to be kept closed in order to keep animals out and to prevent unauthorised parking in the area. Furthermore, it is safer for children playing if the gate is closed. It was proposed by Councillor C Smith and seconded by Councillor G Rogers that an addendum be added to the existing sing saying “Please Keep the Gate Closed”. All councillors voted in favour of this proposal. Councillor C Smith said he would attend to this matter. The Clerk said

she would speak to the postmaster and ask him to close the gate when he leaves the site.

15. Toilets and Car Park in St Neot

To receive and consider a report on any matters arising relating to the toilets and car park in St Neot

Councillor C Smith said that he had sprayed the weeds around the village. He said the area around the car park requires cleaning and the grass needs strimming. It was agreed that councillors would meet to undertake these tasks on Wednesday 21st June at 6:30pm.

16. St Neot Orchard

To receive and consider a report on any matters arising relating to St Neot Orchard

It was noted that the top edge of the orchard had been strimmed by Simon Rogers. It was agreed that in the Autumn, an event needs to be held to process the apples. Councillor H Bunt said he would spray the footpath in the orchard.

17. Cott Yard

To receive and consider a report on any matters arising relating to Cott Yard

The Chair said that Pertemps have given one months’ notice from 1st June 2017 on suite 4 in Cott Yard. She said the Clerk has drawn up a new 12 month lease for Pertemps for suites 2 and 3 which will be effective from 1st July 2017. It was noted that the rent for suite 4 is £1,680pa plus charges for utilities, heating, insurance and a service charge. It was agreed that the Clerk would advertise the suite being available for rent in St Neot News, on Seller and on the village and parish council’s websites. It was also agreed that the Clerk would obtain quotations from Kivells, Jefferies and Simon Powell as to the cost of marketing the suite.

18. Review of Accounts

To review the end of year accounts for 2016/17

It was noted that everyone had received a copy of the Analysis of Receipts and Payments with their agenda. Councilor H Bunt said that it needs to be made clear on the document that it relates to the 12 months up to 31st March 2017. The Clerk explained the payments and receipts and invited questions on the figures presented. She explained that the figures from the Analysis of Receipts and

Payments have been transferred to the Annual Return which will be sent to the external auditor. The Clerk explained that the internal auditor had audited the parish council’s governance and accounts for 2016/17 and had commented that a regular inspection of the parish council’s assets should be undertaken. She said that this relates particularly to the play equipment and does not comprise a full health and safety inspection but a layman’s visual inspection on a monthly basis. This is to show that the parish council has acted with due diligence in this respect. There was some discussion about the merits of doing this and the method to be used. Councillor G Rogers said he would inspect the play equipment before every parish council meeting and report his findings to the meeting.

18.1 It was proposed by Councillor D Lucas and seconded by Councillor H Bunt that the Annual Governance Statement 2016/17 be approved for submission to the external auditor. All Councillors voted in favour of this proposal.

18.2 It was proposed by Councillor R Berrett and seconded by Councillor G Rogers that the Accounting Statements 2016/17 be approved for submission to the external auditor. All Councillors voted in favour of this proposal.

19. Clerk’s Salary

To consider the Clerk’s salary for 2017/18

It was agreed that the Clerk would be paid at Spinal Point 33 (£15.20/hr) for 2017/18 commencing on 1st April 2017.

20. Co-option

To receive and consider applications for co-option onto the parish council

Simon Rogers introduced himself and explained that he has lived in St Neot for 5 years. He said that he was a district councillor for Breckland DC and was heavily involved in the LDF and in fundraising for the Town Council. He said that he does not have a lot of historical knowledge about St Neot, having only lived in the parish for 5 years. He said that he is a self-made business man and has recently set up another company. It was proposed by Councillor H Bunt and seconded by Councillor G Rogers that Simon Rogers be coopted onto the parish council. All Councillors voted in favour of this proposal.

21. Date of next meeting

To agree the date of the next meeting on Wednesday 12th July 2017

The next meeting of the St Neot Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 12th July 2017 commencing at 7:30pm in the St Neot Village Institute, St Neot.

There was no further business and the meeting closed at 9:30pm.