Alvingham Parish Council
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on 11th March 2025
Present: Councillor N Ashley
Councillor A Graves
Councillor G Cummings
Councillor V Stratford
In Attendance: Councillor A Hall
Clerk: Mrs S McFarland
Apologies
Apologies were received from Councillors Mossop and Shucksmith prior to the meeting
Minutes of meeting held on 21st January 2025
The minutes from the meeting held on 21st January 2025 were read and approved, they were proposed as a true copy of the meeting by Councillor Stratford and seconded by Councillor Graves.
Matters Arising
Rent for the hall- although the hire costs have increased, we are still covering the cost of our 6 meetings in the £120 paid.
The Alvingham Cup- it is too expensive to add a silver band so plaques will be added to the base each year with the winner’s name on.
Anglian water sewage issue- The Clerk was able to update the Council that Anglian water have investigated our complaint about sewage coming out of the manhole on Highbridge Road during periods of heaving rainfall. They have concluded that there is no blockage in the foul drain. The problem is caused by excess water entering the foul drain as it is unable to drain away through the other drains for which they blame highways. Councillor Hall will take this up with highways. The Clerk will furnish him with the necessary information to do so.
Roads- Councillor Cummings has counted 103 potholes around the block. Councillor Hall is in talks with highways about a more permanent resurfacing than the current patching jobs.
Church Lane passing place – Councillor Hall advises that this is not classified as a passing place. Councillor Ashley believes there used to be a sign on it. He will see if he can find something to show this.
Treasurers Report
One cheque needed to be approved for The Clerk. After this cheque has been cashed the balance held will be £4346.45. No other costs are expected. The precept of £2430 will be received shortly leaving £6776 for the year 2025/2026. Allowing for fixed costs (Rent £120, Insurance £180 and the Clerk £855) we have a budget available of £5600.
Correspondence
Nothing requiring attention.
Any Other Business
The ‘Alvingham Knob Polishers’ are making planters from recycled materials to put around the village. Councillor Cummings proposed a budget be made available to them of £300 for planting up the planters. All Councillors in agreement with this proposal.
The Christmas tree was a great success. Councillor Cummings proposed that a budget be set aside of £150 for a new tree and decorations for this Christmas. All Councillors in agreement.
VE Day – whilst the Parish Council do not plan to organise a celebration themselves they will offer financial support to the Village Hall should they decide to organise something.
Next Meeting
Tuesday 6th May 2025 7.30pm – Annual Parish Council Meeting
Councillor Ashley thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting at 8.45pm