Minutes of Mettingham Parish Council

 

Village Hall

Rectory Lane

Mettingham

 

 

 

Tuesday 7th November 2023

7pm

 

 

Mrs Lesley Hand

Chair

Mr Eric Williams

Vice Chair

Mrs M Williams

 

Mr D Raven

 

Mr P Willer

 

Mr T Lay

 

Mr K Holmes

 

 

 

Councillor Dr Anthony Speca and Toby Hammond invited to attend.

 

Councillor Judy Cloke attended the meeting with important information to share:

Having received complaints from a resident along the Low Road regarding flooding and the poor quality of the road, plus having experienced the problem herself, Councillor Cloke contacted Suffolk Highways. They are willing to send out a representative to meet with Councillor Cloke and member/s of the Parish Council on location.

This matter was discussed concluding that the situation arises from numerous problems not addressed, though frequently reported, including non-clearance of ditches, a drain not fit for purpose at the bottom of Tallents Loke and water flowing down from the fields and the main road.

To differentiate between those ditches that are the responsibility of the farmers and those of Suffolk Highways, Mr Willer requested a map of the parish showing those details.

Councillor Cloke will be in touch to confirm a date for the meeting with Suffolk Highways.

 

1. Apologies

Mr Tony Sprake

Mr Toby Hammond

 

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting

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

 

3. Declaration of Interest

None

 

4. Matters Arising

An interest has been registered with Suffolk Highways Safety and Speed Management team for Mettingham Low Road to be designated a “quiet lane” when the next round of funding becomes available.

Mr Raven spoke to the owner of the commercial property at Grove Farm. He will privately arrange for signage at the junction of the B1062 onto Vicarage Lane directing large vehicles to take the alternative route via Annis Hill and another to direct them right on leaving the site. The owner did point out that all large vehicles using Vicarage Lane aren’t stopping at Grove Farm.

Mr Holmes will have a conversation with the resident who had requested the relocation of the grit bin on Tallents Loke and report back.

 

5. Financial Statement

Current Balance £2380.43

Recent expenses:

£35 annual ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) fee

£60 Parish Council Insurance

£60 Community Action Suffolk website hosting

£185.00 Village Hall (£60 half yearly rent/ £125 half yearly donation)

£40 Church Donation

 

Precept for 2024/25 discussed and will be set at £1583.12 resulting in a 0% increase to council tax bills.

Mr Holmes asked if the precept could be increased. It is certainly possible to ask for an increase if a particular need arises.

 

6. Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday 9th January 2024

 

The meeting closed at 7.45pm