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Minutes of the Meeting May 2025
GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 10 May 2025 AT 7 PM IN THE PAVILION

Present: Andrew Battarbee (Chair), Elizabeth Coe, Simon Hutchinson, Esther Stewart, Ray Whiteley, Alex Erskine, Peter O’Brien, Hilary Hart. Residents who had attended the parish meeting were invited to stay on for the Council meeting if they wished.

Apologies: none

COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – Cllr Sutton sent apologies.
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – none in view of pressure on timing due to Parish Meeting and Annual Statutory Meeting.
POLICE REPORT – none. Clerk to write again to PC Boswell asking for perhaps quarterly attendance.
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
These were agreed as a true record pro RW sec EC .

Standing orders were suspended to hear a suggestion by a resident about demarcating passing places at the top of Padley Gorge. Cllr Erskine said that a passing place is typically on single track roads and requires a clear line of sight between passing intervals. Standing orders were then resumed.

MATTERS ARISING
Website. Cllr Erskine was thanked for progressing this. Clerk to make contact with parishcouncilwebsites to discuss the layout of the new website, and timing, with a view to bringing a demonstration of the new site to the next meeting.

Flooding. Clerk had been in touch with the insurers, Zurich. With certain provisos the barriers are covered by our existing insurance. The provisos set out in an email dated 17 April are “I can confirm that the flood barrier will be covered under your policy. Please note so that the flood barriers are covered under the policy please ensure that the barriers are inspected at intervals (and this is documented) to ensure they remain in good condition and that you have trained enough volunteers, so that if an alert comes in there are always people on hand to deploy the barriers.” This will be included in the hand over note when the parish council ceases its interest in the project, which will be logged on the new website.

Flooding Scotts Close and by the War Memorial. Cllr Sutton had intervened to resolve the issue at Scotts Close. The blockage had been located under the fence between the path and residents’ gardens. Discussions with residents should hopefully mean the issue is resolved. The next heavy rain will tell us whether or not it has. The flood at the War Memorial has been dealt with by Highways and Severn Trent, thanks to Cllr Whiteley for his input.

OTHER MATTERS
Audit. Cllrs asked that David Turner be thanked for his excellent work and for keeping his rates so low. David has undertaken to be our auditor again next year,

AGAR papers. Approved by the Council, pro AB sec EC.

Cooption of new Councillor. After the required process had been observed the Council had been given permission to co-opt a ninth member after the resignation of David Kirkup. An application had been received from Anwen Fryer Burrows, who lives on Mount Pleasant. Cllrs felt that her application was positive and agreed that she should be invited to be our new Councillor. She is unable to attend the June meeting. Pro AB sec EC.

Flood plan – there had been some discussion amongst residents about whether to proceed with the purchase of a shed to store a small number of barriers, it was agreed to continue with the plan but perhaps to site the shed more discretely if GPFA are amenable.

Village Gates – an application for stone gates is still underway to DCC Highways, it is likely to be refused but may open the door for the possibility of more mainstream wooden gates.

EV charging – Clerk is continuing to pursue. A new contact at Highways, Matthew Eglin, has been found who is more amenable to Kerbocharge pavement channels for the charging cables. A contact for funding for this project has also been found at DDDC (Christina Trindade). Clerk to arrange a meeting to discuss.

Hedges project – five pilot hedges or small trees are now in place in Grindleford. The next planting season is in October. Clerk will advertise widely nearer that time. Clerk is arranging a joint meeting with the tree group and Hortisoc to make sure all parties are content.

ANPR – funding request. This request made by the police for £500 funding to support an ANPR at Hathersage was put to the Council. Cllrs asked, where would it be sited? Is it two-way? Where are the other ANPRs? Clerk to take forward with the police and return the item to a future agenda.

Rise in minimum wage – clerk reported this has risen to £12.21 which will have an implication for the budget.

Bank account actions – all signatory councillors were given their packs, with card reader, bank card etc. They now need to register a password. With luck and three more throws of the runes, this is the last thing they need to do before we can go live. Lloyds have provided one final hurdle which is to change the mandate for Sarah Battarbee, clerk, who although not a signatory under the current arrangements has to be a full signatory for the new account in order to be able to process payments. Agenda item for next meeting after signatory councillors have got their passwords.

The Section 137 allowance per resident has gone up to £11.30

MATTERS FOR DECISION
To approve the AGAR and related papers – done
To approve the cooption of a new Councillor – Anwen Fryer Burrows has been co-To approve a payment of £500 to Derbyshire Police as part payment towards an ANPR between Hathersage and Grindleford – to be brought forward to a future agenda
Councillors to sign declarations of business interests – done
Councillors to receive their bank packs and carry out the necessary login actions before the next meeting – bank packs issued.

PLANNING MATTERS
NP/DDD/0325/0278 Flora House, New Road, Grindleford. Single storey side extension. Agreed to support the application, but with conditions. There is a shared septic tank which cannot take rainwater, and furthermore a shared drain runs across the front of the houses so builders must be told where it is, and to take suitable steps not to damage it.

NP/DDD/1224/1384 Stoke Hall Quarry Stone Processing Works, New Road Grindleford. Retention of two wire saws and four lighting columns. Agreed in support.

NP/DIS/0325/0268. Discharge of condition 3 on NP/DDD.0223/0189. Grindleford Model Laundry Ltd, The Old Boiler Room, Main Road, Grindleford. No action.

PLANNING DECISIONS
Planning decisions can be found at Planning Search

ACCOUNTS
Cheque no Date Amount Payee Purpose
1170 8 May 25 399.80 DALC Subs
1171 8 May 25 108 GPFA Defib costs
1172 8 May 25 60 GPFA Room hire
1173 8 May 25 50 Sarah Battarbee Lloyds
1174 8 May 25 29.98 Sarah Battarbee Replacement cheque, Christmas lights
1175 8 May 25 12 PPPF Subs
1176 8 May 25 80 David Turner Audit
It was pro EC sec AE that these accounts be paid.

There being no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 8.07 pm.

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council

DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 12 June 2025

GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 13 February 2025 AT 7 PM IN THE PAVILION

Present:  Andrew Battarbee (Chair), Elizabeth Coe, Simon Hutchinson, Esther Stewart, Ray Whiteley, Alex Erskine, Hilary Hart, Peter O’Brien

Apologies:   Dave Kirkup 

1. COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – Cllr Sutton had sent apologies, but had visited Grindleford.  Clerk had asked about the second round of funding for school storage and he advised to reapply in mid to late March.  Flooding at Scott’s Close was also discussed and Cllr Sutton was asking for a camera inspection.   

• DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – Council tax agreed to increase by 3.99%.  There had been some discussion about affordable housing in the carpark in Eyam but there were issues.  With regard to local government reorganisation, DDDC was likely to disappear in the next two years and the County Council would also be subject to restructuring.  Disposable BBQs would soon be illegal on the Moors.  Network Rail –PO’B to take this further with the MP.
• POLICE REPORT – there was none. 
• Resignation of Council member – the Chair read out the letter of resignation received by Cllr Kirkup (appended to these minutes).  The Chair undertook to write to Cllr Kirkup reflecting best wishes and thanks from the Council.  The normal process of filling the vacancy would now be put in train by the Clerk. 

• MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

Two amendments were requested.  The minutes recorded the vote for the raise in precept as 5% EC and 10% ES.   This was incorrect, Cllr Coe voted as an individual for 10% and as Chair for 10% and Cllr Stewart for 5%.  Cllr Erskine amended the minute re additional traffic measures as part of the village gates project to include an interim stage concerning suggestions to him about what those additional measures might be.  Otherwise, these were agreed as a true record pro AE sec RW.

• MATTERS ARISING

Website.   A list of possible website providers had been supplied by PPPF.  Clerk and AE were charged to consider them and had met to discuss.  They identified Parish Council Websites as the most promising, offering a package to help build the website and provide technical advice, support, and compliance measures as well as a gov.uk domain.  Technical support was felt to be of the utmost importance as the clerk has no WordPress training and has been fumbling along self-taught which is sub-optimal as well as time-consuming.  The quality of the website has suffered as a result.  A formal quote would be procured to bring to the next meeting, the advertised cost of the package being £749.  Cleark and AE to compare this to the current cost, including hidden costs such as Johm Mottershaw very kindly building the current website for free. 

Flooding.  Next steps were discussed.  In summary:

• the Parish Council had always been clear that it has no responsibility for flood protection measures. Those responsibilities lie with specialist and national bodies. However, given the scale of impact and the obvious fact that Grindleford is way down the priority list for those bodies, the PC decided to look at what, if anything, it could do. The PC’s policy has been that it will not undertake any intervention which disadvantages any one property or group of residents, even if there were “winners” from such a proposal.
• The PC decided to fund an impact assessment because without such an assessment there was simply no basis for action.  They allocated funding for this from a special contribution received from Severn Trent Water.  No action was possible without the assessment; but equally the council always had in mind that the assessment might show that there was no suitable. 
• Having received the report there is a potential intervention based on a reinstated bank and using the flood barriers at particular points, which will protect houses below the bridge while not raising the water level in the pavilion field or down by the water treatment plant.  However unanimous agreement from affected residents has not been reached.   The parish council therefore agreed all in favour, to put the project summary and the flood risk assessment on the parish council website and leave the matter to rest, for someone else to pick up from that point at a future date if they wish.  The clerk would finalise some outstanding issues re third party insurance, storage for the flood barriers and some means of transporting them in flood situations.   Other than that, the parish council’s involvement is now considered to be closed, although it will maintain ties with our two flood wardens, and an interest in natural flood management measures with DWT and the river group. 

Flooding Scotts Close and by the War Memorial.  Some further progress has been made and a camera sent down.  Some silting of a channel is being investigated by the residents and DCC hope this will solve the problem.  It now seems clear that flooding by the War Memorial is not linked.  Current theory is that it may be a result of damage from the Severn Trent works, possibly to a spring under the Memorial.

Speedwatch signs.  RW enquired as to whether we could have some permanent signs at the village boundaries.  Vetoed by DCC.

• OTHER MATTERS

Network Rail.  NR have said they will have no further meetings with residents or the parish council as is their statutory right.  Chair to write to our MP. 

Double white lines by the Maynard proposal.  This was discussed but Council felt that the disadvantages of preventing parking along the main road near the Maynard would outweigh the benefits.  People will come to the Peak Park and to Grindleford and park where they can, so the effect might be to drive them further down into the village, as happened with the double yellow lines at Padley Gorge. It is also now being recognised by higher tier councils across the country that parking is a deterrent to speed.  In addition, Cllrs were clear from previous experience that there was next to no chance that DCC would agree.  There was however no reason why individuals shouldn’t approach DCC with a proposal, and the parish council would not object.

Vans at Mount Pleasant junction.  Amicably resolved.  PO’B to take the opportunity to have a word with the garage about pavement parking. 

Flagpole.  Another council had enquired as to whether we had our flagpole formally inspected for structural integrity.  An enquiry to DALC suggested that the flagpole is covered by LOLER regulations: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) – HSE which would suggest that at least annual testing would be required, but does not specify who by.  Our flagpole is regularly inspected by Cllr Whiteley.  Clerk checked with the council’s insurers who thought that as there is no requirement for inspection by a professional party, our current arrangements would suffice.  Clerk will investigate further.   

• MATTERS FOR DECISION

Agreed all in favour for Clerk to commission some standing feet for the noticeboard.

• PLANNING MATTERS

NP/DDD/1224/1296 Lawful Development Certificate relating to 2 Derwent Close Grindleford S32 2HD.  Noted. 

NP/DDD/0125/0002 River View, Tedgness Road, Nether Padley, Grindleford.

The proposed development consists of the demolition of the existing low quality property and construction of a new single family home with associated

landscaping and parking.  No comment. 

1. PLANNING DECISIONS

Planning decisions can be found at https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk 

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1. ACCOUNTS

Cheque no	Date	Amount	Payee	Purpose
1165	13 Feb 2025	96	Sarah Battarbee	Carols round the tree expenses
1166	13 Feb 2025	21.56	Ray Whiteley	Grit
1167	13 Feb 2025	65.77	Sarah Battarbee	Printer costs

It was pro EC sec HH that these accounts be paid.  

There being no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 7.57 pm. 

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council

DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 13 March 2025

GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 14 NOVEMBER 2024 AT 7 PM IN THE PAVILION

Present:  Andrew Battarbee, Elizabth Coe, Simon Hutchinson, Esther Stewart, Dave Kirkup, Ray Whiteley, Peter O’Brien, Alex Erskine

An open session was held to discuss the Peak Park Local Plan Review, to which Grindleford residents were invited.  The discussion was preceded by a presentation by Cllr Erskine, who had highlighted five areas in the Local Plan report which were of particular interest to Grindleford.  These were settlement tiers, parking, replacement dwellings, holiday homes and the local connection. 

Apologies:  Hilary Hart.   

1. COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – Cllr Sutton had sent apologies.

• DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – in view of the pressure on time, nothing to report this month. 

• POLICE REPORT – there was none although a belated report had been submitted after the October meeting. 

• MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

These were agreed as a true record pro DK sec AE.

• UPDATE ON MATTERS ARISING

Network Rail – John Davies has submitted audio recordings of excessive noise through the formal channels. 

Grit bins – Cllr Whiteley has been working to empty the  bins with solidified grit in them, and has put more grit in.  The new bin at Mount Pleasant has been broken by being driven into.   A resident has undertaken to empty it of water and cover it with a tarp.  Filling the bins to the top in case there was another cold snap was not agreed as an action as it goes hard if not used and is of no use, and Cllr Whiteley is doing such a good job to keep them serviceable. 

Benches – it was agreed to remove the bench near the war memorial which is in bad repair and sand and treat the other two.  The two in Jubilee Gardens need new wooden slats.  Clerk has not been able to find anyone to do the work.  Cllr O’Brien offered to try to identify someone who could help, and clerk would approach a new contact although thought it might be too big a job.  £400 has already been set aside for this work.   

• OTHER MATTERS

Local Plan Review – The Chair Andrew Battarbee volunteered to submit a response to the Peak Park on behalf on the village.  It was made clear that residents were invited to send in their comments individually as well. 
Remote attendance at meetings – government consultation “Enabling remote attendance and proxy voting at local authority meetings – GOV.UK”.  We were invited to submit our views.  The consensus was that we did not support remote attendance, except in an emergency. 

Grindleford school – the Chair mentioned that he had heard the national fall in the 4 year old population, which was due to continue for at least the next four years, was having an impact on school numbers across the valley including Grindleford School.  Cllr Erskine reported that some parents had chosen to take their children out from Grindleford and numbers were now quite worryingly low.   Clerk was asked to speak to the chair of school governors, Neil Roden, about re-instating the School Trust Fund which was active in the late 1990s and early 2000s when a similar situation existed.  Its aim was to allow residents who no longer have children at the school but still have an interest in it to donate regularly to a fund, which would allow the school to continue with three full time teachers and therefore three classes.  The parish council might be able to help set it up and run it.  Cllr Coe had enquired about repairs to the MUGA surface so that the school children could use it for sport.  While this is a matter for GPFA, there may be some symbiosis between fundraising for this and for the School Trust Fund.    

Xmas climate event, Pavilion Open House – it was agreed that the Parish Council should take up the offer extended by GPFA to take part in an Open House to celebrate the new kitchen and generally showcase what they are up to.   It was agreed that if the Council were to have some sort of climate action event this year, it should have a different format, and perhaps this event plus informal carols round the Christmas tree would be a way forward to tell the village what we have been doing this year.  Clerk to prepare some material. 

Christmas tree – clerk to arrange. 

MATTERS FOR DECISION

• Council adopted ownership of the twenty flood barriers donated by Forgemasters
• Council agreed a way forward for emptying the grit bins and an emergency procedure in the event of very bad weather
• Council agreed not to hold a 2024 climate event this year, but to have a display at the Christmas tree and organise some carols and refreshments
• Council agreed to find someone to maintain the benches at the war memorial and Jubilee Gardens
• Council agreed to spend up to £250 on a village Christmas tree, plus some additional lights to replace the ones which broke during the storm last year.

• PLANNING MATTERS

NP/DDD/1124/1179  https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk  Longshaw Estate, Estate Office, Unnamed Track From Froggatt Edge To District Boundary, Longshaw.   Alterations to the store building and the external landscaping

NP/DDD/1124/1176 Longshaw Estate, Estate Office, Unnamed Track From Froggatt Edge To District Boundary, Longshaw.  Listed Building consent – Alterations to the store building and the external landscaping

NP/DDD/1024/1139 15 Eyam Woodlands, Grindleford.  Proposed installation of air source heat pump.

• PLANNING DECISIONS

Planning decisions can be found at https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk 

• ACCOUNTS

Date	Amount	Payee	Purpose
14.11.24	79.96	Sarah Battarbee	Poppies
14.11.24	44.42	Ray Whiteley	Grit and remembrance flowers
14.11.24	1680	ELMS	FRA

It was pro AE sec DK that these accounts be paid.  

There being no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 8.55 pm. 

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council

DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 12 December 2024

GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 10 OCTOBER 2024 AT 7 PM IN THE PAVILION

There was no meeting in September. 

Present:  Andrew Battarbee, Elizabth Coe, Hilary Hart, Simon Hutchinson, Esther Stewart, Dave Kirkup, Ray Whiteley, Peter O’Brien, Alex Erskine

Apologies:  None

1. COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – Cllr Sutton had sent apologies.

• DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – There were still no notes of the Network Rail plenary meeting with the new area office.  Cllr O’Brien is pursuing.  Meetings in the local area had not yet identified a new site for travellers.  The Hathersage affordable homes project had stalled as the owner was no longer willing to sell the land.

• POLICE REPORT – there was none.  Clerk was asked to request a report if possible in time for the meeting if a police representative were unable to attend.

• PUBLIC SPEAKING.  Cllr Kirkup spoke on behalf of residents who were concerned about work being done, apparently to drain the land, by the farmer by the concrete bridge on the path to Hathersage.  There were concerns about loss of habitat and increased flow into the river.   RW said there was an existing pipe and the farmer had the right to drain his land.   Clerk to inform DWT and PDNPA. 

• MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

Subject to two corrections, the date being 8 August and the location the Church, this was agreed as a true record pro DK sec AE.

• UPDATE ON MATTERS ARISING

Village gates.  Cllr Erskine had provided an excellent report as a basis to commission Jane Newman.  RW reported that if this project were for some reason unable to go ahead, he had seen more traditional wooden village gates which could be considered as an alternative. 

Flood Measures.  The flood impact assessment had been commissioned from ELMS at a cost of £1200 plus VAT.  Cllr Kirkup had applied for an EA exemption for a FR 8:  maintenance of a river or sea defence, which allowed for the restoration of the riverbank to its original levels.  This will be from the wall opposite John Morton’s house to Alan Fairbrother’s fence.  This had been granted and the Chair noted that this was something of a triumph and thanked Cllr Kirkup warmly.  The tree in the river had been removed by helpful contractors working locally (Nathaniel and Chris) who could also potentially do the work to restore the bank if residents agree to the costs.  Cllr Kirkup has asked residents to find temporary homes for the barriers in the village as flood season in approaching, while storage and local transport are sorted out.  Cllr Kirkup noted that Stoney Middleton had a container on their allotments field which had been clad and looked well.  GPFA had been contacted about siting the barriers storage.  AE suggested that the school might be asked to be involved in creating an art space on the storage.  PO’B asked about insuring the barriers themselves, and against liability.  The Clerk had been making enquiries of Zurich. 

Grindleford News.  As all the long-standing delivery team had retired, options were discussed for distributing the News if new volunteers could not be found.  Clerk to put out a request for a new team.

Network Rail.  Cllr O’Brien reported.  The Hope Valley upgrade project was due to be finished last March but wasn’t.  Despite promises there has been a lot of unannounced extra work.  The previous area office had given a commitment that once the project was completed there would be no need to use the Grindleford site for track upgrade work except in an emergency, but the new office refused to uphold that commitment.  A further commitment to maintain and restore the yard area, rather than using it as a dumping ground, was also not upheld.  The meeting was informed that the upgrade will be finished as soon as possible, but new major works in the tunnel hitherto unmentioned will use the Grindleford site and the work will be at night.  Residents have reported contractors shouting obscenities and generally breaching the peace.  Residents should report this to the police.  Chair raised the question of getting more precise information on the exact scope of NR’s powers to do whatever is necessary to maintain the Railway, and where the crossover is with national law about breaching the peace.  NR have promised to keep to their undertaking to replant trees which will be this autumn, allegedly.  They have also promised to tidy up the yard but have said that what looks like chaos might be planned logistics.  There was still an issue with huge potholes.  SH to update.    

PNDPA Local Plan.  This was now out for consultation, with responses required by the end of November.  The Parish Council had received a hard copy.  It was agreed to advertise that the Plan would be discussed at the November Council meeting on 14^th.  Clerk to advertise.  AE kindly volunteered to identify the elements of the Plan which were specifically relevant to Grindleford. 

• OTHER MATTERS
• Finance Regulations – the 2024 Finance Regulations have been amended for Grindleford Parish Council and were sent to the Finance Committee, who approved the modifications.  The Regulations were adopted by the Parish Council all in favour.
• Policies update – Clerk provided a list of statutory policies, and it was agreed that she would in the first instance make sure that those were in place and up to date before moving on to non-statutory policies. 
• Website – Clerk and Cllr Erskine to meet and consider a way forward. 
• Larch removal – Felicity Stout from PDNPA had circulated a letter about larch removal from Leam Lane.  Clerk to publicise. 
• GB Energy Bill – it was agreed not to respond to this request as it is outside the Council’s remit. 
• Parish Statement – it was agreed that Clerk would respond to the request to update it.   

1. MATTERS FOR DECISION 

It was agreed all in favour that the Council’s insurance should be increased to cover flood mitigation measures, Clerk to advise. 

1. HIGHWAY MATTERS

Puddle by Mount Pleasant bus stop – next steps.  It was agreed to look at this again at the November meeting.  PO’B suggested that Cllr Sutton be invited to the next meeting to consider the problem. 

Traffic light installation at Froggatt – impact and next steps.  It was agreed to monitor the impact on the village and consider this once the works had been completed. 

1. PLANNING MATTERS

NP/DDD/0824/0867 https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk/ 3 Flora Cottages, New Road, Grindleford.  Extension to accommodation for holiday let use.  In support.    

NP/DDD/0724/0778 2 Derwent Close, Grindleford, demolition of existing garage, erection of a 2 storey side extension and loft conversion of main dwelling.  Withdrawn.  Elizabeth asked for our objections on the Peak Park website. 

NP/DIS/1024/1057 15 Eyam Woodlands Grindleford. Discharge of Conditions – no objections.   

NP/DDD/1024/1040 River View Tedgness Road Nether Padley Grindleford Replacement dwelling – no comments. 

NP/DDD/0824/0887 Padley Chapel Bungalow Windses Estate – unnamed road from Station road Upper Padley.  Lawful Development Certificate (proposed)   No objection.  . 

1. PLANNING DECISIONS

Planning decisions can be found at https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk 

NP/DDD/0824/0793 https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk/ Long Ridge House, Maynard Road, Nether Padley, Grindleford.  External alterations to property including installation of new and replacement windows, alterations to the roof and external walls, extensions to the rear and side of dwelling and construction of an outbuilding, decking and pergola.  Granted.

NP/DDD/0724/0778 2 Derwent Close, Grindleford, demolition of existing garage, erection of a 2 storey side extension and loft conversion of main dwelling.  Withdrawn.  

1. ACCOUNTS

• ACCOUNTS

Date	Amount	Payee	Purpose
10 October 24	250	Mad4Ink	Grindleford News *
10 October 24	98	GPFA	Room hire
10 October 24	1772.14	Sarah Battarbee	Clerk’s wages
10 October 24	100	Sarah Battarbee	Donation, Ukraine group

• *This was a replacement cheque for cheque no 1141, which was returned and destroyed.  1141 was made out in error to Mad4Ink, who do not accept cheques. 

There being no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 8.45 pm. 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 14 November 2024

GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 11 JULY AT 7 PM IN THE PAVILION

Present: Andrew Battarbee, Chair, Ray Whiteley, Peter O’Brien, Alex Erskine, Esther Stewart.  Sarah Battarbee Clerk

APOLOGIES:  Elizabeth Coe, Dave Kirkup, Hilary Hart, Simon Hutchinson.

PUBLIC SPEAKING.  Robert and Emma, organisers of the Solskin festival which took place higher up Sir William Hill last month over the Eyam parish council boundary, asked to speak to the council about complaints re the festival.  They told Council that they had put everything required in place – fire and health and safety considerations had been observed, and although their licence for music was until 11.30 pm they had stopped the bands at 11 pm out of consideration for residents.  Some local businesses were also in attendance.  The organisers stressed their intention to keep the festival small in future years; they think they will get permission for two or three more years before the house on the site is sold.  The parish council welcomed the presentation and thanked the organisers for their time. 

COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – Cllr Sutton had sent apologies.

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – nothing specific to report for Grindleford.  There was some movemnt on affordable housing in Stoney Middleton and Hathersage.  DDDC were meeting the following week to talk about temporary sites for travellers.  A meeting has been held in Bakewell about setting up a banking hub.

POLICE REPORT – PC Jakins had sent a written report. Since the date of the last council meeting there have been 3 reported crimes in the Grindleford area. 19/06/2024.  Commercial burglary.  Offenders entered premises and stole property.  20/06/2024  Theft of motor evhicle.  Vehicle stolen overnight from shared car park.  Stolen without keys.  03/07/2024. Criminal damage.   Damage caused to petrol roller.

Councillors requested that details about where incidents had taken place be given. 

Following reports of dangerous parking on the B6521 Main Road, Grindleford, officers from Bakewell SNT have attended and issued a significant number of Traffic Offence Reports to vehicles parked on the double white line system.   The number of TOR’s issued has fallen over the last month. It is suspected in part due to inclement weather although it has been noted on weekends with good weather there has been a decline in the numbers of car’s illegally parked. Hopefully the enforcement at these locations is having the hoped deterrent effect.

The Chair declared the meeting open.

1. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING.  These were agreed as a true record, Pro RW sec AE. 

• UPDATES ON MATTERS ARISING

Inflatable barriers.  Clerk outlined the difficulties.  This was a once in a lifetime offer, the value of the barriers being around half a million pounds and being offered to Grindleford by Forgemasters for free; but there was currently nowhere to store them, so we could not take them without some preparation and expense, after which we might not be able to use them eg if the EA refused us permission.  Cllr O’Brien suggested that DCC could be approached to look after them for us and agreed to contact them to enquire.  Clerk to pursue thereafter.  Cllr O’Brien was thanked for this genius idea. 

Network Rail.  There had been additional work carried out despite all the discussions and reporting arrangements.  A meeting in August is being arranged.   George Jones from DWT had mentioned separately that they would be willing to plant some trees down at the site. 

ST volunteering day.  Cllr Battarbee was thanked for negotiating an increase in the compensation.  Some suggestions were made for volunteering, including cleaning the steps to the war memorial.  Clerk had already contacted the shop/church.  Clerk to discuss with ST.

• OTHER MATTERS

Website accessibility and development.  Clerk reported that a website is essential to meet statutory duties such as the publication of minutes and audit papers.  A considerable amount of effort has gone into the Grindleford Parish Council website and clerk had put some time into teaching herself WordPress so as to develop and maintain it.  At the point of inception the website had conformed to accessibility standards but an overhaul was needed to make sure that, as new material was added, it continued to do so.  Cllr Erskine kindly offered to work with Clerk on that and see how it could be taken forward. 

Declarations of public interest – Cllr Erskine kindly offered to get these onto the website.  No Cllrs have any interests to declare.

Grindleford News editor.  Carrie Kenyon has resigned as editor as she has left the village.  It was agreed to advertise for a new one before deciding how to proceed.

Pinfold.  RW pointed out that the pinfold is vulnerable to damage as the land next to it has been sold and is likely to be developed.

Increase in heavy lorry traffic.  Residents had anecdotally reported an increase in heavy lorries.  ES to pursue the FOI request for the weight limit on the bridge.  Derbyshire County Councillor Charlotte Cupitt had responded to the parish council on traffic issues and Clerk would circulate that letter for the next meeting. 

Solskin Festival.  Council noted that the festival had been well run.  There had been some complaints, one written, about the noise which because of the topography most impacted those living at the Windses and further along that track.  There was also one observation from a resident about the impact of festivals on wildlife.  The site is not within the parish boundary so the Council is limited in what it can do, but Clerk to write to Eyam parish council.  The authority responsible for granting the licence is DDDC and it was agreed that affected residents should be advised to contact DDDC with their concerns.  Clerk will endeavour to make sure in future years that residents are told about the festival in plenty of time. 

Business resilience.  Clerk proposed that this should be considered and Cllrs agreed.  Clerk to bring a policy to the next meeting. 

•  MATTERS FOR DECISION
• Bunting – it was agreed that a further quote should be obtained before making a decision. 
• The offer of £2500 plus a day of volunteering should be accepted from Severn Trent.

•  HIGHWAY MATTERS

AE had written to Highways about the puddle by Mount Pleasant bus stop, with some excellent photos; Clerk had followed suit.  It was agreed to ask Severn Trent to investigate as they dug literally over the drain.  It was agreed to ask Cllr Sutton to meet us about the issue. 

• PLANNING MATTERS

There were none.

• PLANNING DECISIONS

There were none.  Planning decisions can be found at https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk 

•  ACCOUNTS

There were none.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING – 8 August 2024

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council                                 

grindleparish@gmail.com