Draft Minutes March 2025
DRAFT MINUTES OF LUDFORD PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council Meeting was held on 20 March 2025 at the Village Hall, Ludford at 7.30 pm.
PRESENT: Chairman Cllr Mrs Ridger
Cllrs Mrs Brader & Dr Lofts MBE
1. Apologies
Vice-Chairman Cllr Mrs Hunt & Cllrs Fisher & Fry (ELDC).
2. Minutes of Meeting
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 9 January 2025 were approved and signed.
3. Matters Arising from the Minutes
The Chairman advised that she had not been able to get the trip switch for the church floodlighting (Item 5. Finance-Church Floodlighting) to stay up. The matter to be investigated further and reported to next meeting.
The Chairman reported that to restrict further damage to the noticeboard, she would obtain Perspex and sealant (Item 10. Matters for Discussion) to affect a temporary repair. The Committee agreed this action.
4. Correspondence
ELDC-Electoral Update, Clerks & Council & LALC News (received via email)-all noted.
5. Finance
The Clerk distributed a statement of Income and Expenditure which met the Council’s approval. Members were advised that there had been an over-payment of £73.00 to the Clerk’s salary earlier in the year, due to tax code changes, correction made to March salary to resolve the issue. All accounts were received and agreed for payment.
Brit Gas-Lighting (Jun) £8.38 Brit Gas-Lighting £38.30 Brit Gas-Lighting £34.36 Brit Gas-Lighting £16.97
Lloyds-Charges* £4.25 Clerks Salary-Nov £300.90 HMRC-PAYE £63.97 eBay-Perspex/etc £30.00
The Clerk reported that she had tried many banks (in person, telephone, etc.) to access a non-charge Community/Parish account without success. Therefore, it would be sensible to stay with Lloyds, whereby at least the interest from the business account balanced off some of the interest* charged on the community account.
Members noted the end of year forecast.
6. Reports
Village Hall Committee – The Chairman had missed the recent meeting. It was noted that the “Wellness Day” had been cancelled, but Bingo (29/05/25) and Paul Humphries (06/06/25) were booked.
Speeding/Traffic Calming
The Vice-Chairman had advised that the Community Speed Group would resume next week weather permitting.
Defibulator
The Vice-Chairman reported that the unit continued in good working order.
7. Business
ELDC – Planning Applications
The Council noted the Planning Permission for N/108/01763/24 Annyalla Chicks (UK) Broiler Breeders Ltd-Brooklyn Magna Mile and S/86/00283/25 Planning Inspectorate-Ossian Offshore Wind Farm. No decision received on: Planning Application N/108/01076/24 Mr & Mrs Sand-The Old Workshop, Magna Mile.
Grasscutting
The Committee considered the merits of the quotes supplied (insurance, all queries answered) and it was
RESOLVED to accept the quote from TQ Services on a 6-month trial basis, and would continue to the full financial year term, if the Committee were satisfied with the service. Clerk to contact the Contractor to confirm these conditions.
Overgrown Footpaths
The Clerk had contacted LCC to ask the road sweeper to visit the village. A temporary road closure to repair a water leak was noted. The Chairman had trimmed a hedge to make the “Playing Field” sign visible and the Vice-Chairman had arranged for the Christmas tree to be collected, she and a group of Parishioners had cleared the majority of ditches/hedgerows over the past 3 months.
The Committee had received contact from LCC regarding a claimed public right of way (PROW) from the southern end of Ludford Public Bridleway 123 to Binbrook Lane and enclosing a survey form. Following discussion, the Clerk had responded regarding the length of existence of this PROW footpath. The Chairman would send a of copy of an OS map showing the bridleway and indicating the long existence of this amenity for the Clerk to respond to LCC.
Village Entrance Sign
The Committee noted a report on the condition of the village sign. Cllr Mrs Brader provided quotes on the cost of a new post in various materials and the Clerk was asked to see if she could obtain a quote for this item.
8. Matters for Discussion
The Chairman advised that the 101 Service would be held on Sunday 8 June 2025, at 2.00 pm at the Church, then 3.15-3.35 pm for the wreath laying.
9. Date of Next Meeting
Thursday 8 May 2025 at 7.00 pm. Meeting closed 9.50 pm.
Signed ................................... Chairman/Vice-Chairman Date ....................