Old Buckenham Parish Council minutes for December

 Report on latest Council meeting.

These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at a later date.

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 7 December at 7pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Pete Twissell, Stan Burton, Steve Gowers, Lesley Evison and David Taylor. Apologies for not being able to attend had been received from Doug Irons and Ali McWilliam. Also attending were Jonn Hicks (Clerk) and three members of the public. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 2 November were approved (5 in favour).

Financial matters. The Community Account balance was currently at £26,815.44. Payments of £1188.99 were approved (4 in favour). These included £262.1 for the community car drivers, £495.33 for the salary of the Clerk and RFO, £62.20 for new bulbs for the Christmas tree on the Green, £125 for electrical services and £30.95 for batteries to go in the defibrillators.

Councillors' reports. Naomi Bailey reported on problems at both schools regarding cars parking on footpaths. She has spoken to all parties involved and both agreed to send letters to parents asking for this to cease. Naomi Bailey had also received a letter from a resident regarding the over flowing water at the Ottomer Pond and she will write to the resident. Steve Gowers will speak to John Frost to investigate where the overflow pipe for the pond is, if there is one.

Naomi Bailey then made a statement regarding the picnic benches on the Green outside the Ox and Plough. These have now been removed from the Green for the winter as the correct paperwork was not submitted for them to remain there for the winter. She also asked that if any resident has an issue with this, that they attend the Parish Council meeting (which is held the first Thursday of every month) and not voice their anger via social media. They can then give their opinion so that any questions they may have can be answered.

Lesley Evison reported that Prince Harry’s Wood has a large amount of rubbish to be cleared. Steve Gowers now has the correct number of volunteers to enable the Speedwatch group to restart. More are still required so he can set up more than one group to enable the a larger presence in the village. Also there are an increasing number of HGVs flouting the weight limit on Hargham Road. The Clerk to write to local companies to make them aware we will be watching and reporting to the authorities.

Pete Twissell has completed the hedge planting on the recreation ground. He also confirmed the Village Hall Management Committee will allow the Parish Council to open an office within the Village Hall in January. The Clerk and the Parish Council would like to thank Norwich Lighting Centre for the donation of 50 clear LED bulbs for the Christmas tree.

Green Report. The Green has had its final cut for 2023 and also the areas around the trees have been cut back. Thanks to Suggitts for their service again this year.

Planning applications. There were no new planning applications, no amended applications, no planning decisions by Breckland and no planning appeals to be reported or considered.

Precept Grants. After discussion, the following awards were made:

Monday Mardle, applied for £125, granted £125.

Almshouses Trust, applied for £1000, granted £500.

Pre Loved, applied for £200, granted £200.

Fawns Playgroup, applied for £468, granted £200.

Old Buckenham Windmill, applied for £1000, granted £1000.

Open Produce Show, applied for £500, granted £250.

Primary School Families Association, applied for £500, granted £250.

Old Buckenham Village Hall, applied for £1000, granted £1000.

Public participation. Nothing from the public.

Items for next agenda. These included the Precept, current situation with solar farm, Green issues update and footpath from Village Hall to Chapel Green School.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 4 January at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.