January 2024 Clerk's Report
CLERK’S REPORT FOR COUNCIL MEETING 1st FEBRUARY 2024
COUNCILLOR VACANCIES
The council has been left with a gaping hole on the death of Les Wildman and we will be actively seeking new members.
CHURCHYARD BENCHES
With the illness and death of our Chairman, the slats have not yet been painted and installed. This will be done as soon as possible.
CHURCHYARD MAINTENANCE
We have still not clarified with the church as to who is responsible for the whole maintenance of the churchyard. As the agenda is very full for this meeting, this will be discussed further in the March meeting. Since the last meeting, notices have been put up regarding dogs in the cemetery and waste disposal.
CHRISTMAS TREE
The Christmas tree was erected in front of the church with a bit of difficulty, and especially as it blew down again in strong winds. Thank you to those who braved the weather to give a festive look for the church. This has now been removed.
GRASSCUTTING
A letter has been sent to the current contractor to give permission for a further two cuts per annum and extending the months to include the whole year. Currently there are two cuts left from this year’s contract and these will, hopefully (weather permitting) be completed before the financial year end of 31st March.
COUNCILLOR GRANTS
The documentation has been submitted for the councillor grant to install the village benches. As the picnic area is too expensive for a councillor grant, an application will be put forward for fixing of the allotment fence.
LARGER GRANTS
There are grants which we can apply for with regard to the picnic area but applications for these require a great deal of background information. We have had a meeting with YMCA and they are helping us to put village surveys in place.
HSBC BANK
After all our efforts, HSBC bank agreed to return the £1600+ to the Playpark account, plus compensation of £250. Report of the current bank balance is included in agenda item 10.
COUNTY DEVOLUTION
A poster has been put in the notice board noting when consultation meetings will be held.
Kath Hayes
Interim Clerk 22/1/24