SNAPE WITH THORP PARISH COUNCIL

Minute of the Annual Open Parish Meeting held on Tuesday 18 April 2023 at 6.00 pm in the Schoolroom, Snape Methodist Church

1. Present: Cllr John Duck, Cllr Liz Watson, Cllr Colin Hodges, Cllr Richard Poole and 9 Parishioners.
2. Apologies for absence – Cllr David Webster
3. Minutes of the meeting held on 31 May 2022 were approved as a true record and signed by the Chairman
4. Parish Council main activities/update for the year:

• Precept – The precept for this year had increased by 3% to £8858 from £8600.  This has been necessary to enable normal annual PC services to be provided and in anticipation of costs for projects in year.  In response to a question from a parishioner Cllr Duck advised that the Council had not yet used the bequest from Linton Gaunt of £1k. 
• Finances -  In 2022/23, Grass cutting and maintenance had amounted to £2047.20 representing 24% of the precept; after the grass cutting the other main regular payment in year was the salary costs (£1588) for the Clerk; Cllr Duck thanked the Clerk for her work during the year.  Insurance reduced by around £200 to £367 as the Council looked for a better option on its insurance.  A major project in year was the purchase, in partnership with Well Parish Council, of speed activated equipment.  This was in Snape from October to early January and would be returning to Snape soon.  A query was raised about its position by the Institute rather than near the Castle.  It was confirmed that due to the weight of the solar battery it was not possible to place the equipment on other than special posts and new posts were required.  The current site had been recommended by the Road Safety Officer at NYC Highways. Cllr Hodges advised that 300 vehicles were travelling daily past the equipment in one direction
• The Council continued to publish a Newsletter after each of its meetings to ensure everyone is fully updated on discussions, new projects etc.  Those present felt this was a useful communication
• The website continues to be used to publish info re the Council and village groups including a list of all payments made by the PC exceeding £100.  A parishioner asked if the website address could be promoted on the village noticeboard.  Residents indicated that they had been unable to find Snape’s refuse collection data on the NYC website.
• The Council receives very little regular income beyond the precept.  £1185.85 VAT had been recovered in year in addition two donations towards the kerbing works and £310 from NYCC for grass cutting at road intersections in the village had been received. A grant from HDC of £3223 had been awarded towards the purchase of the speed activation equipment.
• Highways issues –
  • Winter gritting routes – The Council continues to pursue the change of routes
  • The Council continue to raise issues with the Highway Team – eg when drains need flushing, signage etc.
  • In 2023/24 £310 will be paid by NYCC for grass cutting.
  • Cllr Duck advised that he and Cllr Hodges walked around the village and had identified a number of Highway’s issues to raise.
  • The Clerk advised that the Council was now raising any accidents (motor vehicle or cycling) to the Road Safety Officer as these were not always reported to him by the police and it was clear that statistical information was required to support requests for improved safety issues in the Parish.
• Planning issues
  • The Council had been consulted on all planning applications affecting the parish.
  • The long standing application for up to 32 houses on the Prices Paving site was still under consideration.  The Council understood that flooding remained an outstanding issue.
• Playing Field
  • Cllr Hodges advised that an internal check was carried out weekly on the playing field and no remedial action was required at present.  The annual RoSPA report in September 2022 showed the playing field was in a good state of repair and was safe.  However, it recommended that the zipwire was serviced and this has now occurred at no cost.  However, going forward this would cost several hundreds of pounds. A number of Mums had indicated an interest in installing equipment for younger children and it was understood the School would be using the field more for exercise and nature trails etc.  A resident enquired about having adult exercise equipment on the field; he suggested gather information via the Newsletter.
• Avenue
  • The fence timbers in the Avenue had become rotten in places and needed replacing after it was confirmed that the cost fell to the Council and not Thorp Perrow.  The Council went out to tender but found the cost would have been prohibitive.  Volunteers had replaced the rotten stakes and rails in the Avenue resulting in a significant saving to the Council.
  • Cllr Duck advised that there would be a no mow area between the small trees and the fence on each side of the Avenue again this year. The remainder of the avenue will be mowed including the area between the old trees after the daffodils have died back.  A resident asked if it would be possible to cut back the low hanging branches which hung into the road at vehicle height.  Cllr Duck advised that this would require planning approval as the trees were protected by a TPO.  A resident asked for thanks to be given to the resident who cut the grass at the road side at the top of the Avenue.
• Emergency planning – Nothing to report this year except that a Contingency Plan had been prepared by the Clerk to ensure that services could be continued at all times.
• Institute – Sarah Lowe, Chairman of the Institute Committee, gave an update on recent activities and future plans including the extension at the Institute.
• Show Committee – Colin Hodges, Treasurer of the Show Committee, advised that the Show had bounced back last year after Covid with more entries and a healthy position on funding.  The Committee would be making a £500 donation to the Institute Committee to assist with the costs of the building works.
• Training on the use of the Defibrillator – Training from YAS had been provided on the defibrillator and general first aid.  Both events were attended by only a small number of people but proved to be very good sessions.
• Jubilee events – Cllr Watson advised that the Council planted a tree on the grass in front of Lyme Houses and, with the School, put together the content of a time capsule which was buried close by the tree.  A plaque will put in place asap. 
• Coronation – Cllr Duck advised that the Council would be giving consideration to a suitable project to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III.  This would include the planting of daffodils which were the national flower of Wales, a country with which the King had had many years’ association.
• Village maintenance and appearance:
  • o Dog dirt – Cllr Duck reminded those present that not removing dog dirt in the village was illegal and could lead to a fine of up to £1k.  If residents saw any cases of owners not cleaning up dog dirt he urged them to report this to the dog warden.
  • o Grass verges – Cllr Duck asked residents to take care of verges when driving and parking in the village.  He mentioned that further kerbing may need to be installed in the future.  The Council had written to the firm whose driver had damaged the grass recently at the Monument.  A very apologetic response had been received and the Council would seek a small donation in reparation
  • Big thank you to litter pickers and the team who cleared the beck. Without this level of support the Council would have to employ a contractor to undertake these services.

Cllr Duck asked if there were any other items residents would like to raise.  In response, one resident thanked the Council for all its hard work.

The meeting closed at 6.50 pm.