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GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 12 August  2021 at 7 pm at the Pavilion.

Volkerrail, with Network Rail, gave a presentation about works to the points on the line and the signalbox starting in 2023 and predominantly in summer 2023 – see below. This is a separate project to the Network Rail upgrade to the line, which is ongoing over several years.  

Apologies:  Hilary Hart, Elizabeth Coe

Present:  Robert Wilson, Chair; Andrew Battarbee, John Mottershaw, Peter O’Brien, John Morton, Ray Whiteley, Rob Tamlyn.   Sarah Battarbee, Clerk. 

The new County Councillor Alasdair Sutton made a brief appearance to introduce himself but had to get off to another meeting.  Cllrs welcomed him and look forward to seeing him at future meetings. 

Works to the points and signalbox will start, substantially in 2023, with associated use of the sidings as a depot and disruption to local residents.  The work, known as the Hope Valley Scheme, is, broadly, needed to update the points system to an electronic one, with the removal of the signal box.  It is different from the ongoing project to upgrade the line, which is solely the jurisdiction of network Rail.  

Volkerrail and Network Rail asked to attend the Council meeting to explain their intentions and plans for the Hope Valley Scheme, including those for keeping disruption to a minimum.  There will be some night work.  Noise barriers will be in place, with signage to warn workers to be quiet.  Reversing lights and site lights will be considered in the context of shining into residents’ windows.  A night time visit by senior personnel is planned to ensure that these measures are effective.  There will also be an accessible drop in centre for residents. 

RT asked about the electricity supply to the sidings, which is still currently generators.  This is a major point of disruption for those living near the line.  He pointed out that if Network Rail works also need electricity, it made sense to get mains to the site to power both projects.   There had clearly been no communication on the issue but the Hope Valley Scheme team promised to take it away with them and see what could be done quickly. 

The signal box will be removed, hopefully intact although if there is extensive rot this might be less easy.  Heritage issues will be taken into account depending on its condition.  The existing semaphore signals themselves will be retained.  

Volkerrail also run a series of social schemes as part of their set up.  These could involve working with schools, work experience, and a year in industry.  Their ambition is to use the project to encourage young people into engineering.  They will communicate separately with the Clerk to take this forward locally. They are also offering a defibrillator for the village.  

Finally RT mentioned that the FoGS have put a lot of effort into planting up the station platform and any testing works must take account of that, this was agreed. 

3.  District Councillor’s report

PO’B reported that there is DDDC money available for local groups.  The situation with regard to bins collection remains a problem, although those in the green bin scheme will see collections resume at the end of August.  Various other restrictions remain in place and caddy waste continues to go into the grey bins for now.  The motion to ban the sale of disposable BBQs, which was blocked at DCC level, will be considered again and PO’B will keep Cllrs updated. 

There was none; PC Boswell is on holiday. 

The minutes of the last meeting had been circulated to all members before the meeting.  They were pro JRM sec PO’B as being a true record and were approved and subsequently signed.

Grindleford Traffic Group.  The report arising from the questionnaire had been circulated.  Cllrs vigorously supported this report, and asked that particular thanks should be minuted for Tom Ricketts who had done a great deal of work on it.  It was agreed the report should go on the Grindleford Parish Council website.  There are various initiatives to improve traffic and parking ongoing in the Peak District an din particular the Hope Valley currently, and this report provides valuable hard evidence.   It was agreed to put a discussion of the report on the agenda for the September meeting, when traffic group members would be present.  

Online banking: the story continues.  The online form had been presented but rejected and so had to be presented again, hopefully successfully in time for the September meeting.  Then further amendments to signatories, etc could be made.  It was resolved that the Authorised Signatories in the current mandate, for account no 95122885, Grindleford Parish Council, sort code 60 10 19, be changed by the addition of Rob Tamlyn, Andrew Battarbee and Hilary Hart, and the names of Victoria Massey Bloodworth, Alan Jacques and Irene Howard would be removed, and the current mandate will continue as amended.  Bank statements to go to Clerk once a signatory.  All in favour.  

Speedwatch.  Clerk reported that the signs, hi viz jackets and speed gun had been ordered.  

Jubilee Gardens.  PO’B helpfully provided details of another gardening company for the tender process.  John Morton agreed to arrange removal of the mound alongside the garden which affects flood water.  Cllrs agreed that the new noticeboard should be green, root-fixed.

Phone box.  Clerk was asked to set about buying a replacement door.  

NP/DDD/0721/0823 https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk Woodlands, unnamed from 10901020 northwards, to entrance of Vale House, Upper Padley, Grindleford.  Rebuilding of existing house and creation of garden level space with associated works to outbuildings and garage.  No objections. 

NP/DDD/0721/0839 https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk Sunnyside, unnamed from 10901020 northwards, to entrance of Valve House, Upper Padley, Grindleford.  Single storey timber framed dwelling to replace existing dilapidated timber framed dwelling and adjacent outbuildings, with associated works for vehicles and pedestrian access.  No objections.  

NP/DDD/0621/0637 The National Trust, Longshaw Estate Car Park, Owler Bar Road, Totley.  Retain timber cabin until October 2022.  Granted.  

NP/DDD/1220/1199 Brunts Barn.  The PDNPA met to discuss the development of Brunts Barn in Grindleford.  The application, by the Peak Park, was approved, by the Peak Park, without seemingly having any regard for comments made by the Parish Council and seventeen residents about parking and maintenance of the road surface.  RT questioned the role of the Parish Council and the point of commenting if no heed or even acknowledgement was taken.  It was agreed that APB would draft a letter for the Chair to send to Robert Halliwell, chair of the planning committee, requesting a meeting to discuss the decision and how the Peak Park intend to meet their obligations as a result of it. 

Chq No	Payee	Amount	Description
1006	Zurich	£552.94	Insurance

It was pro JRM sec RW that these accounts be paid.  

1. Correspondence.  

Insurance.  It was agreed to renew with Zurich Municipal for a further year.  

Hope Valley Explorer bus – its reinstatement was noted. 

Parishes Day – is on 18 September.  Cllrs agreed to ask PO’B if he would consider attending on behalf of the Council.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING – It was agreed to return to the original date of 9 September.    

As there was no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 8.50 pm. 

Sarah Battarbee 

Clerk to the Council 

GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 17 June  2021 at 7 pm.

This was the first meeting to be held face to face since the start of Covid.  Covid rules were observed in agreement with the PFA secretary and government guidelines.

Apologies:  Peter O’Brien (self-isolating)

Present:  Robert Wilson, Chair; Elizabeth Coe, Andrew Battarbee, Hilary Hart, John Mottershaw, Rob Tamlyn, Ray Whiteley, John Morton.   Sarah Battarbee, Clerk.

1. GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 17 June  2021 at 7 pm. 

   This was the first meeting to be held face to face since the start of Covid.  Covid rules were observed in agreement with the PFA secretary and government guidelines.

    

   Apologies:  Peter O’Brien (self-isolating)

   Present:  Robert Wilson, Chair; Elizabeth Coe, Andrew Battarbee, Hilary Hart, John Mottershaw, Rob Tamlyn, Ray Whiteley, John Morton.   Sarah Battarbee, Clerk.

   1. County Councillor’s report. The County Councillor was not in attendance.
   2. District Councillor’s report
      Refuse collection: the service from Serco has been chaotic for several weeks now. There is criticism of Council management for allowing the situation to reach crisis point, without there being any contingency plans to mitigate what has been an obvious problem for some time. Whether the situation will improve, and whether residents will receive any compensation (the Council has received £100,000+ in penalty payments to 30 April) remains to be seen.

   Network Rail appear to have reneged on their agreement from last December to draw up a layout and landscape improvement plan for the station sidings. They now say it is not feasible to do this. They are also now denying giving an assurance that the site will not be used during the Hope Valley Line upgrade works – which they did. It’s not clear whether the meeting with Sarah Dines resulted in anything.

   There is a DDDC report to one of its Committees next Wednesday 23rd on Public Spaces Protection Orders and BBQ’s etc.  As before, Council officers are refusing to consider introducing a PSPO to make BBQs and open fires illegal on vulnerable moorlands. Their principle reason is that they say that there is no evidence that BBQs etc cause problems in the Derbyshire Dales. The sub-text, in my view, is that they are unwilling to take on the the administration etc that would be involved, and want to leave it to other organisations – of which of there aren’t any.  High Peak Council (same moorlands, same sort of visitors) have accepted that there are problems, and have recently introduced such a PSPO.

   3. Police report. Cllrs welcomed PC Boswell and his colleague to the meeting.  PC Boswell reported on various measures to control parking and speeding.  HH asked whether this included the 40 and 50 mph speed limits.  PC Boswell reported that the 50 mph limits were the responsibility of CREST and road policing.  EC asked apart parking by the traffic lights; PC Boswell said there we no yellow lines but motorists were obliged to park suitably.  There was an issue with where to deploy scarce police resource which meant only the hotspots could be tackled at any one time.  Re motorbikes, traffic police in Bakewell are in the process of getting a decibel meter.
   4. Minutes of the last meeting had been circulated to all members before the meeting. They were pro RT sec JRM as being a true record and were approved and subsequently signed.
   5. Matters arising:

   Network Rail.  RT was able to corroborate the District Councillor’s report.  He has emailed Sarah Dines MP.  .

   Grindleford Traffic Group.  The traffic survey analysis is still work in progress.  90% of respondents were in favour of a reduction in the speed limit at least somewhere in the village.

   Online banking: clerk to have another attempt to get online banking organised.  Meanwhile it was proposed that a cheque to cover the noticeboard, Speedwatch and litterpicking equipment be paid to the Clerk so that she could write individual cheques accordingly.  It had been confirmed by the auditor that VAT can be reclaimed if the invoice is made out to the Parish Council.

   Jubilee Gardens: there was discussion about the Grindleford Tree Group’s proposal to plant a tree in the Gardens, and possibly espalier some fruit trees along the fence.  It was agreed to wait until next year in line with the Queen’s platinum jubilee.  The services of the Potting Shed Ladies have been ended; they asked to be considered if we go to tender on the work.  For now a company called Ark Landscaping, recommended by RW,  will be doing the grass cutting and basic maintenance and repair the broken flags.

   Speedwatch.  RW reported that he was still to hear back about risk assessments

   Noticeboard.  The Chair had kindly put a strap on this to keep it safe.

   RBS Arts Club.   Postponed to next meeting when PO’B could attend.

   Traffic lights at Calver.  Calver PC had already written; Clerk to write to DDDC saying the current set up is not acceptable. 

   Extra dog bins.  Clerk had spoken to DDDC.  Specific dog poo bins are being phased out for health and safety reasons and where appropriate replaced by normal bins.  This has happened at the foot of the bridge in Grindleford.  DDDC are unable to provide extra bins for free.  They are £175 each and there is an additional annual charge of £160 for each bin to be emptied.   It was agreed to leave things as they were for now.

   Fiveways drive: it was agreed to bring this to the next meeting.

   Brunts Barn: no action so far.  It was reported there was a possibility that Hallamshire had pulled out.

   Telephone Box.  Disappointing news that the resident who had offered to paint the box, the offer on which to a large extent the whole project was founded, had found it necessary to withdraw.  Other alternatives were discussed with the Clerk charged to pursue.

   6. Highway Matters JSM raised the issue of the large puddle by the Old Post Office.  It was thought the puddle was on Council not private land.  Clerk was charged with arranging a meeting with the Council surveyor.  Before doing so, Cllrs to take photos of the puddle after rain.
   7. Planning Matters: there were none.

    

   8. PLANNING DECISIONS:

   NP/DDD/1020/0960 and 0961 Proposal: Listed Building consent – Proposed

   conversion of barn to self-catering holiday unit. Torr Farm Leam Lane

   Leadmill. Granted with conditions

   NP/DDD/0321/0333. An upgrade to existing windows and doors on all

   elevations with amendments to stone surround details to all openings on south

   elevation. Construction of a new hobby workshop and external garden storage

   buildings in lower garden. Location: Bell Inn Cottage, Main Road. Granted.

   NP/DDD/0221/0190. Lowering an existing window to the ground and

   replacing with double glazed French doors. Fold Cottage Hathersage Road.  Granted.

   Chq No	Payee	Amount	Description
   993	Potting Shed Ladies	80	Jubilee Gardens
   994	Sarah Battarbee	49	Interflora JT

   10. t

   It was pro RW sec JSM that these accounts be paid.

   Annual accounts and AGAR return.  These have been completed.  The Certificate of Exemption was returned to the external auditor within the deadline.  The AGAR forms, bank reconciliation and explanation of variances are on display on the noticeboard.   The common period of exercise of rights was set for all of July.  The annual audit was approved by Council.  All in favour.  We thanked David Turner for once again standing as our internal auditor and he has agreed to do them again in 2022.

   Surplus spending proposals:  It was agreed to spend surplus funding as follows:

   Noticeboard	450
   Speedwatch equipment	500
   Dragons Den funding pot	500
   Litter pick equipment	600
   Playground donation	2000

   Litter picking tools – all in favour of giving Andrew Hilton a cheque to purchase – see above.

   Network Rail capacity scheme – Cllrs agreed to invite Megan Harris to a future Council meeting but there is an issue with the July one, as special measures are still in place until 19^th.  Clerk has written and invited MH to attend on 12 August.

   EV charging points and for bikes – charging points for cars are not possible as part of the shop church project as ChargeMyStreet has turned the proposal down, so no funding is required.  The project offered the Council the opportunity to fund solar powered electric bike recharging points @£200, but Council declined.

   Peak Park local plan – no comments, there will be future opportunities to make views heard.

   Ragwort – HH reported that the cattle in the field down Leam Lane are in a parlous state and action needs to be taken.  She asked for permission to speak to the farmer representing the Council rather than as an individual, and this was agreed.  All were in favour.

   Flooding – the Environment Agency representative had spoken to members of the Flood Group and Council chair.  It was agreed that the short piece of wall facing onto the lane should be taken down and Cllrs would take steps to make that happen.  The mound of earth on the river bank, to the right of the grass beside Jubilee Gardens, should also be removed and Clerk would apply to the County Council in September if other arrangements could not be found before that.

   DATE OF NEXT MEETING – Thursday 12 August.

   As there was no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 8.46 pm.

   Sarah Battarbee

   Clerk to the Council

GRINDLEFORD PARISH COUNCIL – MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 8 April 2021 at  7 pm.

This meeting was held remotely by Zoom.  

Present:  Robert Wilson, Chair; Elizabeth Coe, Andrew Battarbee, Hilary Hart, John Mottershaw, Peter O’Brien, Rob Tamlyn, Ray Whiteley, John Morton.  Sarah Battarbee, Clerk.  County Cllr Judith Twigg.  

1.             County Councillor’s report.  This was Cllr Twigg’s last meeting with Grindleford Parish Council and the Cllrs thanked her warmly for all her work to support village projects.  After her generous funding to get proper paving under the bread store at the village shop, an invitation was extended to join the Clerk for tea in the new dry seating area when it is open.  Cllr Twigg promised to brief her successor about issues concerning Grindleford.  

2.             District Councillor’s report.  The discussion on disposable BBQs at DDDC was postponed.  The prospective Conservative Councillor for this ward has had a change of heart and written to our MP in defence of the ban, after initially voting against it.  

3.             Police report. There had been no issues of burning significance on the Alert.  

4.             Minutes of the last meeting had been circulated to all members before the meeting. They were pro RT sec HH as being a true record and were approved and subsequently signed.

5.             Matters arising:

Network Rail.  At the time of the meeting, there had been no response from Sarah Dines’ office about Grindleford Station depot but subsequently she has met a number of local residents and the District Cllr.  This will be on the May agenda.  

Grindleford Traffic Group.  JM agreed to set up the website so that it could be used as an archive for photos and reports of near misses and bad parking.  Clerk agreed to include something in the next enewsletter.  

The Battarbee update.  It was agreed that this was a useful and lighthearted way of getting the content of meetings across the residents, and if Cllr Battarbee was content the Council would be pleased if he would continue to put epen to epaper after each session.  

Online banking.  RT had very kindly offered to help the Clerk to set up online banking.  He had done some preliminary work.  Clerk determined the following current Cllrs are signatories to the account:  PO’B, RW, RW, EC, JSM and JRM.  From the extant Council when the new clerk joined in April 2019, that leaves Irene Howard and Vicky Massey-Bloodworth as other signatories. RT will find out whether every existing signatory will need to sign up to any changes.  Clerk will provide RT with bank account details.  

Jubilee Gardens.  Maintenance work is in hand, with new shrubs to be planted.  The report on flooding measures is still awaited from the EA.  The Clerk has a number of potentially relevant maps and RT mentioned that OS maps may be available to organisations such as the Parish Council.  

Noticeboard.  It was agreed to buy the noticeboard direct from the Council account if at all possible so as to be able to reclaim the VAT.  

Traffic Group had not met since the last Council meeting, but the Grindleford News had included a short survey which residents were encouraged to complete.  

Speedwatch.  Seven residents had been on the training course.  There was discussion about whether to buy or borrow the necessary equipment and the decision was made to buy it, for convenience and reliability.  It was pointed out that speed watching needs to be consistent, so that it becomes obvious that speeding will generate a response (speeders get a letter for the first offence, a second letter for second offence and a police visit for third offence).  Possible venues for speed watching are along the Main Road before the garage from Calver, the Maynard to the church stretch and along the Hathersage Road.  

HH mentioned six dwellings at Stoke who were not receiving the Grindleford News and steps were agreed to get them copies delivered.  

7.             Planning Matters:  

NP/DDD/0321/0333 https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk Bell Inn Cottage, Main Rd Grindleford. Upgrade to existing windows and doors on all elevations with amendments to stone surround details to all openings on south elevation.  Construction of a new hobby workshop and external garden storage buildings in lower garden.  No objections.  

NP/DDD/0221/0190 https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk.  Fold Cottage Hathersage Road Grindleford.  Lowering an existing window to the ground and replacing it with double glazed French doors.  No objections. 

NP/DDD/0321/0267 https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk.  Whin Hilll, Tedgness Rd, Nether Padley, Grindleford.  Proposed single-storey side extension to existing dwelling to create a new sun room.  PO’B had no objections in principle but as it was prominently visible in the village thought a better roof line would be appropriate, perhaps stepped back.  

1.    PLANNING DECISIONS:

NP/DDD/0221/011417 Windses Estate Upper Padley Grindleford. Proposed porch extension. Granted.  

NP/DDD/1220/1215.  Cayley Lodge, Maynard Rd Grindleford.  Ground floor extension to the rear of the property leading down to create a lower ground level storey built in to the existing sloping garden, which will also perform as a ground floor terrace area.  Granted subject to conditions which can be viewed at https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk.  Type in last four digits of the reference number.  (Note a formal complaint has subsequently been submitted).  

8.             Accounts.  

Chq No	Payee	Amount	Description
1054	Lee Austin	£128	Telephone Box
1055	Potting Shed Ladies	£80	Jubilee Gardens
1055	Sarah Battarbee	£785	Wages

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

9.             Correspondence. 

Fiveways path.  The Chair had been alerted that the path at Fiveways had still not been rectified and this would be discussed at the next meeting.  All in favour.  

May meeting.  Due to the end of Covid legislation allowing remote meeting, and the Council elections, it was agreed that this be moved to Wednesday 5 May. 

Telephone Box.  The electrics are complete and Clerk to alert the resident who has offered help to restore it. 

Playground fund raising.  It was agreed to offer a £20 raffle prize and to consider ways to support the upcoming auction of promises.  

Brunts Barn – Rob’s draft letter sent 

Permanent light poles on the bridge –it was agreed that these might be investigated for the Christmas period, although there were issues of liability which needed to be addressed.  Permanent lights all year round were not agreed.  

As there was no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 8.15 pm. 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING– Wednesday 5 May 2021

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council 

at the new time of 7 pm.

This meeting was held remotely by Zoom.  

Present: Robert Wilson, Chair; Elizabeth Coe, Andrew Battarbee, Hilary Hart, John Mottershaw, Peter O’Brien, Rob Tamlyn, Ray Whiteley.   Sarah Battarbee, Clerk.  

Apologies:  John Morton

We were joined at the start by Tom Ricketts from Hope Valley Climate Action who gave us compelling talk about electric vehicle charging points.  

1.             County Councillor’s report.  Cllr Twigg agreed to check progress on the letter sent by the Chair about flooding. 

•  PO’B reported that the District Council has refused to impose a ban on the sale of portable barbecues, on the basis that there is no evidence that they cause problems. Cllrs agreed to send a strongly worded protest, as Hathersage PC has done.  Individuals might like to write to the DC leader expressing their concerns.

3.             Police report. There was none.  Most Cllrs had signed up to the Alert. 

4.             Minutes of the last meeting had been circulated to all members before the meeting. They were pro JM sec EC as being a true record and were approved and subsequently signed.

5.              Matters arising:

Flooding. Despite proper measures being taken, the river nearly flooded in early 2021.  People avoided flooded homes, but there were comments about the anxiety of waiting nearly 60 hours before the all clear was sounded.  Cllrs talked about the possibility of taking matters on at a local level and considering some radical options to protect houses.  These included reducing the level of Jubilee Gardens and raising the river bank on the houses side so the water goes out into the flood plain.   There was also discussion about how to fund the necessary works.  It has been reported that problems elsewhere (eg 50 homes at Bakewell) are not considered big enough to merit funding from a finite EA pot, so Grindleford is unlikely to attract any.    AB suggested that Cllrs agreed to draw up a list of projects which need funding, including playground and flood defences, to use as part of a consultation on raising the precept when it is discussed in the summer.

Grindleford Traffic Group. HH and EC reported back on the 4 Feb meeting.  The County Council has rejected a petition asking for speed limits of 20mph within the core of the village and 40mph at Stoke. The arguments seemed to be that there was no evidence of need, and that the current speed limits are “appropriate”.  The group and Cllrs were grateful to our county councillor Judith Twigg, who has unsuccessfully asked her majority group colleagues to rethink.   The next meeting is on 8 March, to be held on Zoom, Clerk to arrange.  

Cyclists Sign.  On hold for now.  

Peak Park Plan. Clerk reported that the deadline for individual comments is past but we get a chance to comment as a Council later in the year.

Noticeboard.  The option to put the noticeboard on the Old Post Office wall by the bus stop is no longer extant, so the board will have to go on posts where it is currently sited.  PO’B noted that VAT on money paid out by the clerk and reclaimed cannot be clawed back. It was agreed to investigate online banking.  

Charging points– A summary of Tom Ricketts’ presentation is on the Grindleford Parish Council website.  Cllrs considered further action in the light of the information he presented.  There is 75% funding available to parish councils, and a wealth of information on which sort of charging points to choose. The location of such points remains to be determined.  The two pubs were highlighted as possibilities, but the proximity of an electricity cupboard is an issue.  Clerk reported that a couple of charging points were an integral part of the church/shop plan to put a café space in the back of the church providing that a grant they had applied for was awarded and she would discuss with the church and shop the possibility of joining forces with the Parish Council.   

6.             Highway Matters.   Clerk is in touch with DCC about new bins where the lids have broken.  This has been on hold but will be pursued shortly.  

7.             Planning Matters:  

NP/DDD/0121/0048.  https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk/  Storrs House Main Rd Grindleford.  Conversion from an existing vetinary centre on the street side to be included in the domestic dwelling in the building.  No objections. 

NP/DDD/0221/0114 https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk/17 Windses Estate, Upper Padley, Grindleford.  Proposed porch extension.  No objections. 

NP/DDD/0121/0067.  https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk/ Demolition of existing detached garage, construction of two storey side extension.  No objections in principle but Cllrs commented on the proposed balcony and the impact on neighbours’ privacy. 

8.             Accounts.  

Chq No	Payee	Amount	Description
1051	Potting Shed Ladies	£80	Jubilee Gardens
1052	Sarah Battarbee	£57.56	Zoom subs

It was pro AB sec JRM that these accounts be paid.  

9.             Correspondence.  

Pressure washing Jubilee Gardens – RW to pursue.  

Street signs– Clerk reported that Alan Jacques had kindly offered to do a survey of street signs, which were in places in a parlous state, with a view to replacing them with a modern suite.  Cllrs were grateful to accept the offer.  Clerk to notify AJ.  

As there was no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 8.55 pm. 

 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING– Thursday 11 March 2021

Sarah  Battarbee

Clerk to the Council 

 

This meeting was held remotely by Zoom.  

Present:  Robert Wilson, Chair; Elizabeth Coe, Andrew Battarbee, Hilary Hart, John Mottershaw, John MortonPeter O’Brien, Rob Tamlyn, Ray Whiteley.   Sarah Battarbee, Clerk.  

Apologies:   Cllr Twigg 

 Flooding.  There had been an acknowledgement of the Chair’s letter to Barry Lewis, Leader of the County Council.  A meeting in Jubilee Gardens about the risk of flooding had been cancelled at the last minute by EA due to ill health. 

Speedwatch.  Ray Whiteley has been in contact with Neil Carter’s replacement, Charlotte Moss, and volunteers to arrange some training by Zoom.  No actual speed watching can happen until after Covid restrictions are lifted.  

Grindleford Traffic Group.  The Group was waiting for more information from Cllr Twigg, next meeting 4 February. 

Cyclists Sign.  Awaiting more information from Peak Park. 

Village Plan and Peak Park Plan.  The possibility of a Grindleford village plan was discussed, but Covid restrictions make it difficult to consult residents properly.  PO’B suggested we should consider our responses to the Peak Park local Plan instead.  Cllrs thought at the meeting that this was open until 12 February which would allow us to discuss it at the next meeting.  In fact it closes on 7 Feb.  Cllrs should respond individually, and copy others in for comment if they would like to; Clerk has asked Peak Park if they would accept late comment from the Council after the next meeting. 

Teams vs Zoom.  Teams is free but Cllrs felt that they were now familiar with Zoom.  The monthly cost is only £14.39.

Meeting Dates.  A list was agreed to be posted in the noticeboard.  It was also agreed to start Council meetings at 7 pm rather than 7.30 pm. 

NP/DDD/1220/1215https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk   Cayley Lodge, Maynard Road, Grindleford.  Ground floor extension.  Cllrs commented on visibility from the other side of the valley; the design not being in scale; and the importance of using in-keeping materials to the original building.  

NP/DDD/1220/1209https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.uk2 Flora Cottages, New Road, Grindleford. Single storey extension.  Cllrs commented that the extension roof should be hipped but other no objections.  

NP/DDD/1220/1199https://portal.peakdistrict.gov.ukBrunts Barn Centre, Unnamed Road from Station Road Westwards To Track Leading To A6187, Upper Padley, Grindleford.  Full refurbishment. Cllrs commented that there were issues of parking if the building was more extensively used, and also with wear and tear on the track leading to it.  HH said the boundary should be clarified as current plans encroach on neighbouring property.  

• Accounts.  There were no cheques to be paid.   JSM reported that David Turner, the Council’s auditor, had recently lost his wife to Covid and it was unanimously agreed that Clerk would send a card of condolence on behalf of Council.  

• Correspondence. 

Precept.  Cllrs were presented with the results of the responses to article in the Grindleford News, also posted on Facebook and in the Grindleford News.  The responses were as follows:  

Zero raise                                                                                5

10% raise                                                                                1

Don’t mind                                                                             2

For 25% raise                                                                          2

For 50% raise                                                                          26

For 50% or higher                                                                   10

There was considerable discussion.   Grindleford PC was unlike nearby villages in that it did not have direct responsibility for the playground, cemetery of sports pavilion, so it could manage with a low precept for its population, but the quid pro quo was that funding for these facilities had to be raised by voluntary groups.  Arguments in favourof a £4 or £8 per annum increase per household ((30p to 60p a month) were that between £1700 and £3500 could be raised to support village projects, ongoing year on year (so delaying the decision to next year would mean up to £3500 would be lost).  Arguments againstwere that Council should not be raising the precept, even by so small an amount, in a time of Covid, and that because the Grindleford News had come out relatively late, people had not had sufficient time to read the article.  The decision was made to raise the precept by 2% this year and return to it next year. 

Parish Council Noticeboard– Cllrs considered the links RW had sent round.  There was discussion about whether to go for durable materials or wood.  The clerk pointed out that wood would require ongoing maintenance which was making a commitment for future Councils.  HH said she would ask her contact for a quote.  

Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership– HH asked Cllrs to reply to the survey.  Clerk asked Cllrs if they would like to be forwarded the DALC newsletter which this appeared in.  All agreed. 

Charging points– HH raised charging points as an issue which had been discussed previously but no resolution reached.  There is a national anxiety about outsiders using local charging points on their journeys, but a network of charging points across the country is vital to the UK meeting its targets on electric cars.  Clerk reported that a couple of charging points were an integral part of the church/shop plan to put a café space in the back of the church and they should know before the next Council meeting whether they had been awarded a substantial grant.  Clerk would report back and the Parish Council could join forces with that project. It was agreed that Cllrs would consider other options for a further discussion at the next meeting.  Cllrs could also raise it as part of their response to the National Park Local Plan, and ask DCC or DDDC to come to one of the Council meetings to inform Cllrs of the art of the possible.  EC suggested bringing the matter up at the Grindleford Traffic Group.  

As there was no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 9.25 pm. 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING– Thursday 11 February 2021

Sarah Battarbee

Clerk to the Council