Minutes of Mettingham Parish Council

 

Village Hall

Rectory Lane

Mettingham

 

 

 

Tuesday 19th September 2023

7pm

 

Mrs Lesley Hand

Chair

Mr Eric Williams

Vice Chair

Mrs M Williams

Clerk

Mr D Raven

 

Mr P Willer

 

Mr T Lay

 

Mr K Holmes

 

 

Mr Holmes was welcomed to his first meeting since joining the Parish Council.

 

  1. Apologies

Tony Sprake

 

  1. Minutes of Previous Meeting

These were agreed and signed by the Chair as being a true record.

 

  1. Declaration of Interest

None

 

  1. Matters Arising

Meeting with Wayne Saunders, Suffolk Highways regarding increased wear and tear on Vicarage Lane due mainly to increased use by large vehicles.

The suggestion was to install two “Unsuitable for HGV” signs, one at the junction of the B1062 and one at the junction of Annis Hill. The approximate cost of each post would be £2000.

The cost for the Parish Council is too high (see item 5. Financial statement).

To establish the amount and type of vehicle travelling along this road, the idea of one or two traffic surveys was discussed. Road tubes recording volume, speed and classification would cost £420 each but with two installed on the same day, the cost would be £615.

As there has been a recent road tube survey, it was decided that we would wait for those results before giving this any further consideration.

Mr Raven was willing to have a neighbourly conversation with the owner of the commercial property at Grove Farm regarding access to the site, as the business it engenders has considerable impact on traffic in Vicarage Lane which might be better directed to travel via Annis Hill.

 

  1. Financial Statement

Current balance £2864.54

Most recent spending - cost of the non-contested election - £67.32

 

  1. Discuss the speed limit on the Low Road (KH)

Both Mr Holmes and Mr Lay have concerns regarding the speed of some vehicles on the Low Road. As there is no legislation for speed restrictions on country lanes, the idea to have this road designated as a “Quiet Lane” was discussed. The main road from the B1062 to where Shipmeadow meets Mettingham  is a “quiet lane” so it was decided that the clerk should register an interest for the next round of funding. 

 

  1. Relocation of the grit bin on Tallents Loke

There has been a request made to the council to move the grit bin on Tallents Loke. Grit bins are placed in strategic places throughout the village and serviced by Suffolk Highways. If a move is deemed necessary, Suffolk Highways would have to be contacted. Following some discussion regarding its place in the immediate area, it was decided it should remain in situ.

The councillors assigned to each grit bin will check they are full for the winter period.

 

  1. Next Meeting

Tuesday 7th November 7pm

 

The meeting closed at 7.30pm