March 2021 Minutes
AT A MEETING of the BARKSTON AND SYSTON PARISH COUNCIL held on Monday 8th March
2021 via videolink (Zoom) at 7.45pm
PRESENT
Councillor Miss M.E. Nussey in the Chair
Councillors A.C. Card, P.C. Connor, Miss M. Costall, S.T. Elnor, A. Hine, S.J. Kelly and A. Rowell.
Also present – County Councillor Ray Wootten and District Councillor Ian Stokes.
2496. APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mrs S. Evans (accepted for the purposes of
an attendance), and District Councillor Mrs Rosemary Kaberry-Brown.
2497. MINUTES
The minutes of the Zoom meeting held on 11th January 2021, a copy of which had been circulated
to all Members, were taken as read and approved as a correct record.
2498. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were none declared.
2499. ROADS AND FOOTPATHS
(a) Update on matters previously raised
Members considered the update circulated by the Clerk on 1st March, with reference to issues
raised at the last meeting:
1. Blocked drains, Minnetts Hill/Church Street and The Stag corner – there was nothing further to
report in regard to the proposed works at The Stag corner or the Minnetts Hill/Church Street area.
2. Parking provision, western end of West Street, Barkston – Councillor Wootten had been successful
in his ‘Councillor calls for action’ bid, and the issue had been considered by the Highways
Committee earlier that day.
Councillor Wootten gave brief details of the Committee’s decision, and firstly thanked those who
had supported the bid. He said that the request had received support from the County Council
Chief Executive and both the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and the Highways
Committee. The decision had been made that the issue would proceed to further investigations
by the Officers into a workable scheme, although it was not possible to say when this would be
completed, although it was likely that this would be after the May elections. He had asked for 6
spaces to be provided. Any stopping up or use of a Section 34 notice in regard to the stopping up
of West Street would be difficult to police, and was therefore unlikely to be considered. An
alternative solution would therefore have to be considered by the Highways officers.
The Clerk reminded the Council that a letter from a local resident in relation to these issues had
been received and circulated in his report. It was considered that the issues raised therein would
best be considered along with the report on proposals to provide the parking and resolve the
other related matters when the report from LCC had been received.
3. Highway priorities – Councillor Wootten told the Council that he had scheduled a meeting with
the Area Surveyor before the end of the month to discuss priorities within his area. He asked the
Council to let him know their priorities for action by Highways. It was agreed that the Chair and
Clerk would draw up a list for circulation and distribution to members for comment before
sending to Councillor Wootten.
4. Potholes – LCC had advised that the issue had been looked at again, following the request at the last
meeting. The Clerk said that he had now been advised that a job had been raised, although it was
not known when the work would be carried out.
5. Stile, Hough Road, Barkston – it was noted that the broken stile just before the railway crossing on
Hough Road, Barkston had now been replaced by an impressive gate.
6. Footpath adjacent to A607, north of Barkston – a request had been received for this path to be sided
back and overhanging vegetation cleared, and this work had now been completed.
7. Dyke adjoining A607,opposite Village Hall, Barkston – this dyke had been reported as blocked,
resulting in water overflowing in the direction of The Stag. This had been reported to Highways,
who were currently checking ownership, as there appeared to be some dispute about this.
It was suggested by a member that this had been an issue previously, and it was agreed that the
Clerk would research the minutes, and advise LCC accordingly.
8. Grit Bin, Station Road, Barkston – a request had been made for a bin on Station Road, to assist
traffic trying to exit the junction in icy/snowy weather. The County Council had been
asked to consider this, but had replied stating that all such requests were considered in the summer,
when provision for winter maintenance was being dealt with. The Clerk was asked to remind the
County Council in the summer.
(b) Speeding, A607, Barkston – Community Speedwatch Scheme
The Clerk said that because of the current lockdown situation, the scheme had been paused
Countywide, although he continued to monitor the situation with Belton & Manthorpe Parish Council.
It was noted that the camera van enforcement unit would shortly be operating on the A607 between
Belton and Manthorpe, and at Barkston.
(c) Parking issues – Church Street, Barkston
The Clerk said that the Traffic Regulation team had completed a report on objections received, which
would be submitted to the Planning and Transportation Committee in April.
2500. PLANNING MATTERS
Decisions on applications already reported:
Section 73 application for the variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) of S16/0943 to allow
for alterations to the design of the dwellings, 12 West Street, Barkston – approved
Tree 1, Sycamore – to reduce height by 6m. Tree 2, Sycamore – to reduce height by 6m,
Moatlands, Church Lane, Syston – approved
Extension and change of use of building 11 to accommodate waste plastic recovery and
pelletising plant operation, New Earth Solutions (West) Ltd., Copper Hill Industrial Estate,
Ermine Street, Barkston Heath (County application – Parish Council consulted as a
neighbouring authority) – approved
Two applications had been notified as approved, but the Parish Council had not been consulted:
Proposed low voltage overhead lines work, Adj. The Lodge, Hough Road, Barkston
Portal framed building for the purpose of an enclosed dog water gym facility, The Bungalow,
Barkston Heath, Barkston
The following applications had been received and circulated for consideration by members, and
following consideration by members, comments had been made as shown:
Demolition of single storey outbuildings and erection of two storey side extension and single
storey rear extension, West View, 34 Hough Road, Barkston – No objection
Siting of a dwelling within the Caravan Act Regulations, with garden area, Land to the east of
Drift Lane, Barkston – Objection
Two storey rear extension and replacement front porch, 56 West Street, Barkston – No objection
A request had been received from the SKDC street naming and numbering section for comments on
the proposed name of Birch Close for the small development on the site of 12 West Street, Barkston.
Members had been consulted, and an alternative, ‘Crosby’s Yard’ had been suggested by a member,
in recognition of a former owner/occupier of the site. This suggestion had been put to the owner by
SKDC, and the owner had agreed with the use of ‘Crosby’, although he preferred ‘Court’ or ‘Lane’.
The Parish Council were now asked again for comments, although SKDC had suggested that ‘Lane’
would not be appropriate, as the road was a cul-de-sac. It was agreed to support ‘Crosby Court’.
2501. BURIAL GROUND
No issues were raised, except that Councillor Card advised that he had started to remove the
self set bush.
2502. PLAYING FIELD
Councillor Kelly reported that he had completed and filed the annual returns to the Charity
Commission for 2019 and 2020. He sought and received authority to submit the accounts in
future on behalf of the Parish Council, who were Trustees. The regular safety inspection had
been carried out, and would be sent to the Clerk for filing.
Consideration was given to the provision of a dropped kerb, to enable access to the Playing Field
via the pedestrian gate, which was difficult at present. The Clerk was asked to check the
responsibility for this provision and, if appropriate, to obtain prices for the necessary work.
2503. PICNIC AREA
The Clerk reported that he had asked the contractor for a completion date for the work and had
been advised of difficulties arising from other work delays. He had, however, asked that the work be
carried out by the summer.
2504. WAR MEMORIAL
Following reports of a crack at the base of the War Memorial, the Memorial Mason had inspected,
and advised that the crack was where the edging fillet was used for tidying up the masonry. It had
slipped as a result of the movement of earth beneath, which was slowly sliding away down the slight
slope. It was not structural, and there was no danger to the Memorial. The site would continue to
be monitored as part of the six monthly inspections.
2505.FUTURE MEETINGS
The Clerk advised that the current legislation in regard to meetings allowed for meetings to be held
remotely before the 7th May 2021. Therefore, unless there was further action from Government
all Councils must return to face to face meetings after that date. It was quite possible that the rules
would be changed, but the Clerk advised that members should at least be aware of the possibility of
face to face meetings returning. He had received guidance on steps which might be taken to reduce
risks, and was preparing accordingly in case legislation did not change.
2506. FACEBOOK PAGE
The Clerk said that the 1st February edition of the LALC Enews had drawn attention to the increased
use of Facebook as a method of disseminating information. They had offered the use of their page
for parishes to join, as more and more information was posted this way.
It was considered that as the Council had a website, and information of urgent interest was posted via
the Barkston Village Facebook page, and Syston Whatsapp Group, no further action need be taken.
2507. CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Barkston Post Office – the Clerk said that he had again asked SKDC to reconsider the use of the
Communal Room at St Nicholas Close for the Outreach Post Office facility. The reply was the
same, in that all such facilities were currently closed, in the interest of Covid safety. In
addition, a request had been received from a local resident asking the Council to lobby the Post
Office to reinstate the service, although it had been pointed out that the Post Office were keen to
resume, if the premises were available. An attempt had been made to contact the Post Office,
however the email to the usual contact had been returned. Further attempts were being made to
make contact.
Members expressed disappointment at the lack of co-operation and it was suggested and agreed
that SKDC be asked to consider opening the Communal Room only for the Outreach use on
Mondays and Thursdays.
(b) Meetings with the Chief Constable and Safer Together Team – the Clerk said that he had
contacted the Chief Constable’s office, as agreed at the last meeting, and had agreed that a meeting
could be held after face to face meetings of larger numbers were permitted, possibly combined
with neighbouring parishes. A similar request had been received from a new group, the Safer
Together Team, which had been established by the Police and Crime Commissioner to liaise with
communities. Agreed to await the organisation of face to face meetings in due course.
(c) LIVES – request for funding – no further action.
2508. FLY TIPPING AND DUMPING
All sites now cleared, and no further reports received.
2509. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(a) Financial update and budget 2021/22
The Council received and noted the financial updates at the present date, and the Clerk explained
these for the information of members.
(b) Accounts paid and for payment
RESOLVED:-
That payment of the following accounts be approved and confirmed (all online):
£
Intellitech Services Ltd. (Website set-up) 300.00
R. Doyle (War Memorial cleaning) 280.00
Anglian Water Business (Supply 12.11.20 – 11.2.21) 11.97
Dated ………………………………………… Signed ………………………………………………
Chairman
AT A MEETING of the BARKSTON AND SYSTON PARISH COUNCIL held on Monday 8th March
2021 via videolink (Zoom) at 7.45pm
PRESENT
Councillor Miss M.E. Nussey in the Chair
Councillors A.C. Card, P.C. Connor, Miss M. Costall, S.T. Elnor, A. Hine, S.J. Kelly and A. Rowell.
Also present – County Councillor Ray Wootten and District Councillor Ian Stokes.
2496. APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mrs S. Evans (accepted for the purposes of
an attendance), and District Councillor Mrs Rosemary Kaberry-Brown.
2497. MINUTES
The minutes of the Zoom meeting held on 11th January 2021, a copy of which had been circulated
to all Members, were taken as read and approved as a correct record.
2498. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were none declared.
2499. ROADS AND FOOTPATHS
(a) Update on matters previously raised
Members considered the update circulated by the Clerk on 1st March, with reference to issues
raised at the last meeting:
1. Blocked drains, Minnetts Hill/Church Street and The Stag corner – there was nothing further to
report in regard to the proposed works at The Stag corner or the Minnetts Hill/Church Street area.
2. Parking provision, western end of West Street, Barkston – Councillor Wootten had been successful
in his ‘Councillor calls for action’ bid, and the issue had been considered by the Highways
Committee earlier that day.
Councillor Wootten gave brief details of the Committee’s decision, and firstly thanked those who
had supported the bid. He said that the request had received support from the County Council
Chief Executive and both the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and the Highways
Committee. The decision had been made that the issue would proceed to further investigations
by the Officers into a workable scheme, although it was not possible to say when this would be
completed, although it was likely that this would be after the May elections. He had asked for 6
spaces to be provided. Any stopping up or use of a Section 34 notice in regard to the stopping up
of West Street would be difficult to police, and was therefore unlikely to be considered. An
alternative solution would therefore have to be considered by the Highways officers.
The Clerk reminded the Council that a letter from a local resident in relation to these issues had
been received and circulated in his report. It was considered that the issues raised therein would
best be considered along with the report on proposals to provide the parking and resolve the
other related matters when the report from LCC had been received.
3. Highway priorities – Councillor Wootten told the Council that he had scheduled a meeting with
the Area Surveyor before the end of the month to discuss priorities within his area. He asked the
Council to let him know their priorities for action by Highways. It was agreed that the Chair and
Clerk would draw up a list for circulation and distribution to members for comment before
sending to Councillor Wootten.
4. Potholes – LCC had advised that the issue had been looked at again, following the request at the last
meeting. The Clerk said that he had now been advised that a job had been raised, although it was
not known when the work would be carried out.
5. Stile, Hough Road, Barkston – it was noted that the broken stile just before the railway crossing on
Hough Road, Barkston had now been replaced by an impressive gate.
6. Footpath adjacent to A607, north of Barkston – a request had been received for this path to be sided
back and overhanging vegetation cleared, and this work had now been completed.
7. Dyke adjoining A607,opposite Village Hall, Barkston – this dyke had been reported as blocked,
resulting in water overflowing in the direction of The Stag. This had been reported to Highways,
who were currently checking ownership, as there appeared to be some dispute about this.
It was suggested by a member that this had been an issue previously, and it was agreed that the
Clerk would research the minutes, and advise LCC accordingly.
8. Grit Bin, Station Road, Barkston – a request had been made for a bin on Station Road, to assist
traffic trying to exit the junction in icy/snowy weather. The County Council had been
asked to consider this, but had replied stating that all such requests were considered in the summer,
when provision for winter maintenance was being dealt with. The Clerk was asked to remind the
County Council in the summer.
(b) Speeding, A607, Barkston – Community Speedwatch Scheme
The Clerk said that because of the current lockdown situation, the scheme had been paused
Countywide, although he continued to monitor the situation with Belton & Manthorpe Parish Council.
It was noted that the camera van enforcement unit would shortly be operating on the A607 between
Belton and Manthorpe, and at Barkston.
(c) Parking issues – Church Street, Barkston
The Clerk said that the Traffic Regulation team had completed a report on objections received, which
would be submitted to the Planning and Transportation Committee in April.
2500. PLANNING MATTERS
Decisions on applications already reported:
Section 73 application for the variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) of S16/0943 to allow
for alterations to the design of the dwellings, 12 West Street, Barkston – approved
Tree 1, Sycamore – to reduce height by 6m. Tree 2, Sycamore – to reduce height by 6m,
Moatlands, Church Lane, Syston – approved
Extension and change of use of building 11 to accommodate waste plastic recovery and
pelletising plant operation, New Earth Solutions (West) Ltd., Copper Hill Industrial Estate,
Ermine Street, Barkston Heath (County application – Parish Council consulted as a
neighbouring authority) – approved
Two applications had been notified as approved, but the Parish Council had not been consulted:
Proposed low voltage overhead lines work, Adj. The Lodge, Hough Road, Barkston
Portal framed building for the purpose of an enclosed dog water gym facility, The Bungalow,
Barkston Heath, Barkston
The following applications had been received and circulated for consideration by members, and
following consideration by members, comments had been made as shown:
Demolition of single storey outbuildings and erection of two storey side extension and single
storey rear extension, West View, 34 Hough Road, Barkston – No objection
Siting of a dwelling within the Caravan Act Regulations, with garden area, Land to the east of
Drift Lane, Barkston – Objection
Two storey rear extension and replacement front porch, 56 West Street, Barkston – No objection
A request had been received from the SKDC street naming and numbering section for comments on
the proposed name of Birch Close for the small development on the site of 12 West Street, Barkston.
Members had been consulted, and an alternative, ‘Crosby’s Yard’ had been suggested by a member,
in recognition of a former owner/occupier of the site. This suggestion had been put to the owner by
SKDC, and the owner had agreed with the use of ‘Crosby’, although he preferred ‘Court’ or ‘Lane’.
The Parish Council were now asked again for comments, although SKDC had suggested that ‘Lane’
would not be appropriate, as the road was a cul-de-sac. It was agreed to support ‘Crosby Court’.
2501. BURIAL GROUND
No issues were raised, except that Councillor Card advised that he had started to remove the
self set bush.
2502. PLAYING FIELD
Councillor Kelly reported that he had completed and filed the annual returns to the Charity
Commission for 2019 and 2020. He sought and received authority to submit the accounts in
future on behalf of the Parish Council, who were Trustees. The regular safety inspection had
been carried out, and would be sent to the Clerk for filing.
Consideration was given to the provision of a dropped kerb, to enable access to the Playing Field
via the pedestrian gate, which was difficult at present. The Clerk was asked to check the
responsibility for this provision and, if appropriate, to obtain prices for the necessary work.
2503. PICNIC AREA
The Clerk reported that he had asked the contractor for a completion date for the work and had
been advised of difficulties arising from other work delays. He had, however, asked that the work be
carried out by the summer.
2504. WAR MEMORIAL
Following reports of a crack at the base of the War Memorial, the Memorial Mason had inspected,
and advised that the crack was where the edging fillet was used for tidying up the masonry. It had
slipped as a result of the movement of earth beneath, which was slowly sliding away down the slight
slope. It was not structural, and there was no danger to the Memorial. The site would continue to
be monitored as part of the six monthly inspections.
2505.FUTURE MEETINGS
The Clerk advised that the current legislation in regard to meetings allowed for meetings to be held
remotely before the 7th May 2021. Therefore, unless there was further action from Government
all Councils must return to face to face meetings after that date. It was quite possible that the rules
would be changed, but the Clerk advised that members should at least be aware of the possibility of
face to face meetings returning. He had received guidance on steps which might be taken to reduce
risks, and was preparing accordingly in case legislation did not change.
2506. FACEBOOK PAGE
The Clerk said that the 1st February edition of the LALC Enews had drawn attention to the increased
use of Facebook as a method of disseminating information. They had offered the use of their page
for parishes to join, as more and more information was posted this way.
It was considered that as the Council had a website, and information of urgent interest was posted via
the Barkston Village Facebook page, and Syston Whatsapp Group, no further action need be taken.
2507. CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Barkston Post Office – the Clerk said that he had again asked SKDC to reconsider the use of the
Communal Room at St Nicholas Close for the Outreach Post Office facility. The reply was the
same, in that all such facilities were currently closed, in the interest of Covid safety. In
addition, a request had been received from a local resident asking the Council to lobby the Post
Office to reinstate the service, although it had been pointed out that the Post Office were keen to
resume, if the premises were available. An attempt had been made to contact the Post Office,
however the email to the usual contact had been returned. Further attempts were being made to
make contact.
Members expressed disappointment at the lack of co-operation and it was suggested and agreed
that SKDC be asked to consider opening the Communal Room only for the Outreach use on
Mondays and Thursdays.
(b) Meetings with the Chief Constable and Safer Together Team – the Clerk said that he had
contacted the Chief Constable’s office, as agreed at the last meeting, and had agreed that a meeting
could be held after face to face meetings of larger numbers were permitted, possibly combined
with neighbouring parishes. A similar request had been received from a new group, the Safer
Together Team, which had been established by the Police and Crime Commissioner to liaise with
communities. Agreed to await the organisation of face to face meetings in due course.
(c) LIVES – request for funding – no further action.
2508. FLY TIPPING AND DUMPING
All sites now cleared, and no further reports received.
2509. FINANCIAL MATTERS
(a) Financial update and budget 2021/22
The Council received and noted the financial updates at the present date, and the Clerk explained
these for the information of members.
(b) Accounts paid and for payment
RESOLVED:-
That payment of the following accounts be approved and confirmed (all online):
£
Intellitech Services Ltd. (Website set-up) 300.00
R. Doyle (War Memorial cleaning) 280.00
Anglian Water Business (Supply 12.11.20 – 11.2.21) 11.97