Draft - Minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting
DRAFT MINUTES OF LUDFORD PARISH COUNCIL
The Annual Parish Council Meeting was held on 8 May 2025 at the Village Hall, Ludford at 7.25 pm.
PRESENT: Chairman Cllr Mrs Ridger
Vice-Chairman Cllr Mrs Hunt
Cllr: Fisher
Also Present: Cllr Fry (ELDC) & 1 Parishioner.
1. Apologies
Cllrs Mrs Brader & Dr Lofts.
2. Election of Chairman
Nominations were invited for the position of Chairman. Mrs Ridger confirmed that she would be willing to continue in this role for the year and there being no other nominations
Cllr Mrs Hunt PROPOSED that Cllr Mrs Ridger be elected Chairman
Cllr Fisher SECONDED a vote was taken and Cllr Mrs Ridger was elected Chairman.
Cllr Mrs Ridger in the Chair.
The Chairman thanked the Committee for electing her.
3. Election of Vice Chairman
Cllr Mrs Hunt indicated that, she would also be willing to continue in the role of Vice-Chairman for the year and there being no other nominations
Cllr Fisher PROPOSED that Cllr Mrs Hunt be elected Vice-Chairman
Cllr Mrs Ridger SECONDED a vote was taken and Cllr Mrs Hunt was elected Vice-Chairman.
4. Minutes of Meeting
The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 20 March 2025 were not approved and are held over until the July Meeting, when it is hoped that other Councillors that were present at the March Meeting can assist in approving them for signing.
5. Matters Arising from the Minutes – None.
6. Correspondence
ELDC-Electoral Update, LALC News (received via email), LCC-Traffic Closure, Clerks & Councils -all noted.
7. Finance
Annual Audit/Accounts, Yearly Reports. Reviews/Insurance Renewal, etc.
The Clerk presented the year end accounting statements prepared according to proper accounting practices. The Council noted all receipts/payments for the year ending 31st March 2025 and verified the bank reconciliation. The Council considered the Annual Governance Statement and the Accounting Statements for audit for the financial period 1 April 2024-31 March 2025 and dates for the period of public rights. The Council expressed their appreciation to the Internal Auditor, who had completed the audit.
It was
RESOLVED a) to approve the Annual Governance Statement (Minute 7a);
b) to approve the Accounting Statements for the period (Minute 7b);
c) dates for the Notice of Period of Exercise of Public Rights were agreed and to meet the Notice of Period of Exercise of Public Rights which commence 03/06/25 until 14/07/25, the appropriate documents were to be held by the Chairman for inspection;
d) Insurance and Risks Reviews were made; no changes were required. Insurance renewal from Zurich remained at £277 and was agreed for payment;
e) Quotes for grasscutting were considered and a Contractor (TQ Services) was agreed for payment;
f) Expenditure & Invoices for Payment
P Ridger-Sealant Refund -£5.00
Brit Gas-Lighting £15.33
Lloyds-Bank Charge £4.25
R Taylor-Accountant £100.00
TQ Services-Grasscutting £144.00
Clerks Salary £432.90
HMRC-PAYE £2.38
Zurich-Insurance £277.00
The Precept of £7000.00 had been received and VAT Refund of £623.92 had been submitted by the Clerk.
All accounts were received and agreed for payment.
8. Reports
Village Hall Committee – The Chairman reported that the Well-being Day had been cancelled. However, the Prize Bingo, Tabletop Sale & Lindy Hop would be taking place.
Speeding/Traffic Calming
The Vice-Chairman reported that speeding through the village continued and the LRSP was not effective. Cllr Fisher advised that it was mostly medium-sized lorries exceeding the limit. Two speed watches had taken place, but the group had lost two members, two new members needed training and more members were needed.
Defibulator
The Vice-Chairman reported that the defib pads were effective until 2026 and that the unit had not been used recently. It was noted that the WI wished to have more members trained in the use of a defibulator.
9. Business
ELDC – Planning Applications-None received.
Financial Assistance-None received.
Funding/Donation towards the Magna Messenger-None received.
The Committee had not received any application from the above group. Any group wishing to request funding must apply in writing to the Clerk.
Church Floodlighting Fault
The Chairman & Clerk advised that the fault appeared to be the trip, but it was agreed that no further action be taken at this time.
101 Service Arrangements
The Chairman had contacted LCC to arrange the road closure for the 101 Memorial on 8 June 2025 and she would also organise a wreath. The Service is a 2pm and the Wreath Laying will follow immediately after. It is hoped there may be a “fly-by”. The Chairman and, if possible, the Vice-Chairman to attend on behalf of the Parish Council. It was noted that this service coincides with the “Open Farm Sunday event.
Village Entrance Sign-Deferred to next meeting, due to lack of Councillors
It was agreed that Larch would be the preferred wood for the post.
10. Matters for Discussion
Cllr Fisher advised that the HRH bench had been given some Danish oil and was ready for installation. A concrete base was preferred, the old base would need to be removed, and the shutting secured into the base. Councillors would obtain a price for ready-mix, etc., from local suppliers where possible.
11. Date of Next Meetings
Thursday 24 July 2025 at 7.30 pm. Meeting closed 8.45 pm.
Signed ................................... Chairman/Vice-Chairman Date ....................