ASHPRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the PARISH COUNCIL MEETING on Thursday November 3rd, 2022 at 7.30 pm held in Ashprington Village Hall.
Present; Cllr Rogers {Chair}, Cllr L. Stocks. Cllr N. Paterson, Cllr K. Throgmorton, Cllr S. Greaves, Cllr T. Green, Cllr. Thompson
Also present: District Cllr McKay, County Cllr J. Hawkins, Michael Read, Clerk.
1. Declaration of interest in items on the agenda
None
2. Apologies
M. Pearey, Tree Warden, P Macey, P3 Co Ordinator.
3. The minutes of the Parish Council meeting dated October 6th, were approved and signed.
4. Matters arising from the meeting October 6th, 2022, not on the agenda;
Parish Defibrillators
Cllrs Rogers and Thompson met with Nick Mallalilieu to discuss future options for updating the parish defibrillators. At the meeting, it was resolved that the Defibrillator group would continue to monitor and maintain the defibrillators at Ashprington and Tuckenhay. However, it is recognised that preparations need to be considered for the eventual replacement of the kit and that funds need to be set aside for this purpose. As things stand, VAT cannot be reclaimed from HMRC but if the accumulated capital and future funds were lodged in the Parish Treasurers Bank Account then this could facilitate a reclaim of the VAT element of the cost. It was proposed that this change be enacted at the start of the next financial year i.e. April 1st, 2023. It follows, that future expenditure, will also be debited to the Treasurers Account and that consideration needs to be given to set aside sums each year to spread the cost of replacement
Speeding Workshops
Because of inclement weather, not all of the checks were possible – however its pleasing to note that no vehicle exceeded 20mph during our checks. The “20 is plenty” strapline is now being adopted by the Devon Association of Local Councils.
Tuckenhay Bus Shelter Roof
The roof is in need of repair. Cllr Throgmorton has produced a list of the materials needed – the work will be undertaken when the weather allows, notionally next February/March.
War Memorial
The Digitisation project is underway with two parishioners working on it. Two estimates have now been received for the required remedial work to the memorial both for the stonework base and the memorial itself at a cost of over £5000. It was resolved to apply for grants from amongst others the War Memorial Trust. The Council is hopeful of a contribution of £750 from Cllr Hawkins Locality fund. At the Chairman’s request, Cllr Greaves offered to take on the project of raising funding for the work in conjunction with a parishioner. Additional background will be provided by the Clerk.
Parish Magazine Content
A Councillor feels that an article in the magazine which was not attributed, but entitled “A Tearfund Campaign”, should not have been included in the November Magazine. It was suggested that the Councillor make his views known to the editors, as the Parish Council does not control the content of the magazine.
Baltic Wharf Totnes
A parish councillor expressed concern that in his view comments regarding this possible development which is not in this parish might be deemed “political” and therefore should not be discussed at Parish Council meetings {Parish Councils are apolitical}. His views were noted but other councillors, felt that as there may be an effect on the River Dart which does pass through the parish, then it was appropriate to be appraised of such potential development.
Stile at Lime Lane
The stile at the creek end of Lime Lane may be replaced by a new gate subject to agreement by the Public Rights of Way Officer from DCC.
Resurfacing of Road/Footpath/Cycle way, Sharpham gates to St Davids Church
The Clerk reported that DCC are now able to resurface the thoroughfare and funds will be available for the work to be completed shortly. The surface should be of appropriate quality so as to improve the experience for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Please note, that the road will be closed for the residents affected particularly those of Church Close, for up to two weeks {Monday to Friday only}. A leaflet drop will take place providing more details for affected residents. The final date is yet to be announced but probably in December or January. The “sleeping policeman” above Church Close will have to be removed from this area of the road {owned by Sharpham} as it would not be meet the approved standard by DCC.
- P3 Report
The stile at the foot of Lime Lane is due to be replaced possibly by a gate. Quite an amount of work is needed in Crownley Woods nominally by the National Trust. The Clerk will ask Pam Macey to contact them. One tree has been removed by the Trust but an ash tree remains to be felled.
6. District and County Councillor Reports
District Councillor
Cll. McKay believes that waste and recycling are working better now the process has been brought back in-house. Brown bin emptying and assisted collections though, are still an issue.
County Councillor Report
DCC continues to grapple with a mounting funding crisis – a further £37 million of savings are needed out of a total of £75m – next year the figures look even worse with severe cuts including services inevitable.
7. Tree Warden Report
Nothing to report this month.
8. Planning
3682/22/HRN Sharpham Estate. Application for Hedgerow Removal Notice to remove stretches of Hedging as part of a restoration plan for Sharpham Parkland. Support.
3226/22/TCA Tuckenhay House. Various Tree Works, Ash, Oak and Beech branches. Approved SHDC.
9. Correspondence
Nothing to report.
10. Finance
Treasurers Account -Balance £23.396.18. Cemetery Account – £353.84, P3 Account – £487.71. A/cs Approved and Payable; British Legion – £200.00 {Donation} SLCC Subscriptions – £112.00. Cemetery grass & hedge-cutting for 2022 – £600.00 Lengthsman Fees- £180.00. Income – £500.00 {Grant for Sustainable Ashprington}
11. Ashprington Village Hall Report
Pam Macey was welcomed as a new member to the committee. The financial situation is steady with healthy hall bookings. After a discussion concerning the daily running costs in relation to the present high cost of energy it was decided to increase hire charges by 10% in January, to be reviewed in April. The Winter Lunch will be held on December 3rd – £15 for adults, £7.50 for children over 5. All raffle proceeds to go to the Ukraine appeal. A quiz night is planned for 29th April. A new gardener is being sought. Some hall maintenance and tidying of cupboards and store rooms are to be done in the coming weeks.
12. Councillors Areas of Responsibility/Other Business
Highways Maintenance Grant Application Fund
The council proposes to apply for a grant from this fund.
Brown Bin Collection
Collections have been organised for Cornworthy {December 3rd} and Ashprington {December 17th} by parish volunteers.
Risk Assessment
The Chair signed off a Risk Assessment completed by the Clerk.
Ashprington Bus Shelter
A volunteer is needed to keep the area tidy – Cllr Green said that he would approach a parishioner who may help.
Sustainable Ashprington
The group will shortly open its own bank account having received funding from SHDC. A meeting will be held on November 30th to discuss issues such as energy saving and retro fitting of devices to prevent energy loss. The Group would like provide an opportunity in the parish for reuse/recycling of items to avoid waste. They are also debating a plan for the group.
The meeting closed at 9.30pm. Next Council meeting will be on Thursday December 1st, 2022 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
Michael Read, Ashprington Clerk. spooks49@michaelread.plus.com. Tel. 01803 732047.
Download the meeting minutes in Microsoft Word format here: PC Minutes November 2022