The next scheduled meetings will take place on TUESDAY 16 May 2023. There will be 2 meetings with the Annual Parish Meeting starting at 7.00pm at Singleton Village Hall. Members of the public are welcome to attend. The Annual Meeting will then be followed by the monthly meeting starting at 7.30 pm and again members of the public are welcome to attend.
The Agenda and draft Minutes from the previous meetings will be published approximately one week beforehand.
Clerk to Singleton Parish Council: Tel: 01995 670455
Singleton Parish Council
SINGLETON PARISH COUNCIL
THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
Will be held at Singleton Village Hall
On Tuesday 16 May 2023 at 7.00pm.
A G E N D A
- Attendance
- Apologies
- Minutes of previous Annual Parish Meeting held on 4 October 2022
- Chairman’s Report
- Financial Report from the Clerk
- Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2023/2024
- Review of salaries and contract fees
- Any questions from the public
Verena M Henderson, Clerk to Singleton Parish Council
email Clerk@SingletonParishCouncil.org
Verena Henderson, Clerk to Singleton Parish Council: Tel: 01995 670455
SINGLETON PARISH COUNCIL
A meeting of the Parish Council will be held at
The Village Hall, Singleton on
Tuesday 16 May 2023 at 7.30pm
Your presence is requested
A G E N D A
|
1. |
Apologies for Absence |
|
2. |
Police Matters – · Cold calling · Reporting and log numbers |
|
3. |
Open Forum – The Council will open the meeting for 15 minutes for any questions from the public |
|
4. |
Minutes of previous meeting held on 18 April 2023 and any matters arising |
|
5. |
Declarations of Interest |
|
6. |
Planning matters and decisions – |
|
7. |
Traffic and Highways Issues · Pavement on Shard Road · New Junction A588/A585 |
|
8. |
New Bypass |
|
9. |
Correspondence |
|
10. |
Update from Fylde Borough Council |
|
11. |
End-of-Year Accounts to 31 March 2022 |
|
12. |
Invoices to Pay |
|
13. |
Any Other Business (including any items for the Wish List) |
|
14. |
Date and Time of Next Meeting |
Verena Henderson, Clerk to Singleton Parish Council: Tel: 01995 670455
DRAFT MINUTES TO BE FORMALLY SIGNED AT THE MEETING
SINGLETON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting
Held at Singleton Village Hall on
Tuesday 4 October 2022 at 7.00pm
- Present: – Cllrs Lee (Chair), Bailey (Vice-Chair), Cholmondeley, Clifford and Ibbotson and the Parish Clerk, Verena Henderson who took the Minutes. One resident of the parish also attended.
- Apologies – None.
- Minutes – The Minutes of the previous Annual Meeting which took place on 23 September 2021, having been previously circulated, were Agreed and signed as a true and correct record by the Chairman.
- Chairman’s Report – The Chairman reported as follows: –
It is with great sadness that we lost Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth during this last municipal year. Singleton Parish Council would like to record our condolences and affirm our support of His Majesty, King Charles, the Duke of Lancaster.
I would also like to record our thanks to our past Chairman Bob Gallagher who has resigned from the council since the last AGM. Bob had been a Councillor for over 12 years and during this time he has contributed countless hours of work for the benefit of the Parish. In his place, we were pleased to welcome Cllr Mark Clifford and wish him well in his new post.
The Mains Lane bypass has been one of the most impactful issues we face in the Parish, and it is causing much disruption, most notably for the residents of Barnfield Manor, Singleton Hall and the top of Lodge Lane. Cllr Bailey is the Council’s lead on this issue and he and other Councillors are in regular meetings and correspondence with Kier and Highways England to try and reduce the disruption.
We also faced the potential of losing our 20mph speed limit through the village. The Speed Indicator Devices in the village record the speeds of all vehicles through the village. This data has shown that the average speed through the village has dropped from 40mph to just under 30mph since the 20mph was introduced. Thankfully this decision was not implemented, and we have since seen Police Officers operating speed traps in the village.
Community Speedwatch has also been introduced into the village and will be operational soon. We are grateful for the support of so many local volunteers to help combat the speeding.
The Parish Council was not happy with quite a few decisions made by Planning at Fylde Borough Council. As a Statutory Consultee with far better local knowledge, we believe that our (and all other Parish Councils’) opinions should carry greater weight in the decision-making process.
Of particular note is the ongoing issue with camping and holiday sites in the Rural Communities across the Borough. Many of these sites are allowing full time residents which is causing an even greater strain on the local infrastructure. Our residents are already finding it difficult to get appointments with doctors, dentists and other necessary services. These needless additions are detrimental to all our other residents and the Parish Council has written to the Planning Department with our concerns.
I would like to note that in the last year we have had only one visit from our local Police PCSO at our monthly meetings. Prior to Covid the Police made regular visits and this gave us the opportunity for both sides to discuss local issues and plans.
This last year has also had lots of positive developments: –
- The Boundaries Commission reviewed the warding in Fylde and concluded that the Wards needed to increase in size and the number of Councillors reduce to 37.
- The leading Conservative group at Fylde proposed that the majority of the rural wards be split up (including Singleton and Greenhalgh) and joined with more urban areas.
- The Independent Group fought this and, with the unanimous support of the affected Parish Councils, provided an alternative plan. Thankfully this plan was accepted by the Boundaries Commission, so from May 2023, our new Ward will be Rural Fylde North which will comprise of Singleton, Greenhalgh with Thistleton, Weeton, Little Eccleston and Elswick.
- We recently decided to revive the plan for a Village Green. We proposed this to the Dumbreck Trust, and they were very keen to get involved. This is now moving forward as a joint initiative, and we look forward to further joint projects in the future.
- This year has also seen us increase the Litter-Pick in the Parish. We were once again thankful to the Dumbreck Trust for sharing the cost of this with us. We have received numerous comments from residents about how much tidier the area is looking.
- This year saw the Village Gala in its new location behind the Village Hall. It was again a huge success, and we would like to thank all the organisers for their continued hard work.
- The pathways from the Village to Singleton Lodge have finally been cleared and we would like to thank Cllr John Singleton for facilitating this. It has greatly increased the safety of pedestrians along that route.
- This year also saw Singleton’s most famous landmark, the Fire Station, get the final part of its much needed and well overdue renovation. This has taken many years of work behind the scenes trying to get this work done. Unfortunately, the Fire Station is owned by a private company and so not something the Parish Council can simply sort. We are now running annual inspections and will keep the pressure on to preserve this valuable piece of history.
As always, we are grateful to the many locals who participate in local organisations and events as well as the many volunteers who help out. Special thanks go to Doug and Shaun Goth who seven days a week lock and unlock the car park barrier as well as many other jobs around the Parish.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Councillors Bailey, Cholmondeley, Ibbotson and Clifford and County Cllr Singleton for their continued hard work and support and of course, our Clerk, Verena Henderson, for keeping us all in line.
Cllr Matthew Lee
- Financial Report from the Clerk
The Clerk distributed copies of the end-of-year accounts for the financial year 2021/2022. This reported as follows: –
Balance brought forward from 2020/2021 35,498
Plus receipts Parish Council Precept 22281
Community Fund Payment 1137
Interest on Bank Accounts 6
LCC payment for grass cutting 468
Uncashed cheque 157 24,049
59,547
Less Payments Clerk’s wages 2583
Admin Expenses 726
Repayment of loan to Fylde BC 275
Insurance 807
Rent for hire of Village Hall 310
Grants to local organisations 600
Official audit fees 240
Newsletters/Xmas cards 306
Playground maintenance 3568
Grass-cutting contract 5829
Plants, tubs, compost 675
General maintenance 36
Litter-picking 978
Defibrillator expenses 571
Thank you’s 154
Flowers 49
Tree planting 165
ICO (data protection) annual fee 40 17,912
The Clerk was thanked for her report.
Spending on community projects had not taken place to the same extent as in previous years due to lockdowns and restrictions surrounding the Covid pandemic. Councillors were asked to think of items to go on a `Wish List’ of community projects they would like to see taking place and this would be put on the agenda for the next monthly meeting.
- Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2022/2023
Cllr Lee told the meeting that he would be happy to continue as Chair for another year. Cllr Bailey proposed that Cllr Lee be elected as Chair, this was seconded by Cllr Ibbotson and Agreed.
Cllr Bailey wished to stand down as Vice-Chair and proposed that Cllr Ibbotson be elected as Vice-Chair for 2022/2023. This was seconded by Cllr Lee and Agreed.
- Any Questions from the Public – None.
Finally, Cllr Cholmondeley suggested that an item on Salary Review be put on the Agenda for future Annual Parish Meetings. This was Agreed.
As there was no further business, the meeting closed at 7.20pm.
Signed …………………………………………………….. Dated ………………………….
Verena Henderson
Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer
Singleton Parish Council
Email: Clerk@SingletonParishCouncil.org
SINGLETON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council
Held at Singleton Village Hall on 18 April 2023
Present: – Cllrs Lee (Chair) Ibbotson (Vice-Chair), Cholmondeley and Clifford and the Parish Clerk, Verena Henderson, who took the Minutes. County Councillor Singleton and one member of the public also attended.
|
1. |
Apologies for Absence – Cllr Bailey. |
|
2. |
Police Matters · Graffiti has been sprayed in Pool Foot Lane. The culprits from Poulton were caught on CCTV and identified. This case is ongoing. · An incident of road rage was witnessed this week when an argument between a driver and two young men in a van happened just before the Shard Bridge lights. The two young men attacked the other driver and then drove off over the grass verge causing damage to that verge. The attacked driver was going to report this to the police and a statement had been prepared by the witness. Cllr Ibbotson will get a quote for repairs to the grass verge which is currently maintained by Mr Pawson. |
|
3. |
Open Forum – None |
|
4. |
Minutes of previous meeting held on 21 March 2023 and any matters arising – The Minutes of the meeting held on 21 March, having been previously circulated and agreed, were duly signed as a true and correct record by the Chairman. Matters arising · Children’s Play area – Mr Pawson had agreed to look at securing the seating areas to the ground, as highlighted in the Inspection Report produced by Fylde BC. · Meetings had taken place between Mr Pawson and Cllr Clifford in regards to acquiring a new pole for a new location for the SpID. · Fly tipping adjacent to Barnfield Manor – This has started to be moved on behalf of Fylde BC. · The delayed items for the Defibrillator have finally been received and Cllr Ibbotson will replace these. |
|
5. |
Declarations of Interest – None |
|
6. |
Planning matters and decisions No new planning applications to be considered. One decision – Peteli, 131A Mains Lane FY6 7LD – Granted. |
|
7. |
Traffic and Highways issues · Potholes – Anyone can report these to Lancashire County Council via the Love Clean Streets App, which goes straight through to Highways. People need to give the location and LCC Highways will investigate. · Tree pruning on Lodge Lane – completed. · A meeting between Kier and Parish Councillors on 30 March had been useful and various actions were placed. Kier are looking into the costs of the resurfacing of the footpath opposite North Lodge up to Singleton junction traffic lights. This path, as reported at the last Parish Council meeting, was in an extremely bad condition. · Traffic Islands on Lodge Lane. Cllr Singleton has made LCC Highways Manager aware of the obstructions which could be caused for rural vehicles by these traffic islands. · Work has commenced on the kerbing at Barnfield Manor. The work will be completed by 20 June approximately. On completion of this work, the fencing will be discussed. The entrance to Barnfield Manor will be surfaced with red chippings. · The meeting of the Speed Group with the Deputy Police and Crime Commission will take place at Staining Village Hall on 15 June at 6.30pm. · The £2 bus fare cap on all single bus tickets has been extended to 30 June 2023. |
|
|
New By-Pass A delay has been caused as United Utilities need to move a water pipe on Garstang Road. |
|
9. |
Correspondence · An emergency alert will be used to warn people when lives are in danger. This will be tested on Sunday 23 April 2023 at 3pm. · The Clerk had received multiple requests from GoCompare Company to put a link to their guide on how to prepare for flooding and home insurance on the Parish Council’s website. The information about flooding is available on Lancashire County Council’s website and the Parish Council did not wish to use its own website to promote any business. |
|
10. |
Update from Fylde Borough Council Matters generally surrounding the elections on 4 May. The Planning Advisory Service had submitted its report and an Action Plan is being developed. |
|
11.
|
Parish Council Elections – 4 May 2023 Confirmation received from Fylde Borough Council that at the latest time for receipt of nomination papers, the existing Parish Councillors were the only people nominated. Therefore this is an Uncontested Election and a poll to elect members on 4 May for Singleton Parish Council will not be held. |
|
12. |
Distribution of Coronation Mugs 36 mugs to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III had been received and their distribution was discussed. It was agreed that Cllr Ibbotson would go to the school to offer some there, 1 would be given to the Historical Society, 1 presented to the Town Hall for their display cabinet and 2 offered as prizes to perhaps the Trust if any Coronation event was planned. Any remaining would be available for purchase. |
|
13. |
Accounts and Any Invoices to pay · Information Commissioner’s Office – GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018 – renewal of annual fee – £40.00. Proposed Cllr Lee, Seconded Cllr Clifford. Agreed. · Rent payable to Village Hall for meetings from November 2022 to March 2023 – £76.00. Proposed Cllr Cholmondeley, Seconded Cllr Ibbotson. Agreed. · Litter-picker – 5 weeks – £473.75. Proposed Cllr Lee, Seconded Cllr Ibbotson. Agreed. · Clerk, Salary and expenses for March – April 2023 – £486.89. Proposed Cllr Lee, Seconded Cllr Ibbotson. Agreed. |
|
14. |
Any Other Business · A reminder is needed for Fylde BC to clear the mulch causing a slippery surface on a small section of the footpath on Lodge Lane. · Village Green – This will be pursued again after the elections. · The annual accounts for the financial year 2022/2023 have been done and a final statement up to 31 March 2023 is awaited from the bank. Cllr Ibbotson will ask the auditor if he will kindly audit the accounts again. · Noticeboards. The lock on the noticeboard is proving awkward to open again. Cllr Ibbotson will have another look at this. The noticeboard at the end of Pool Foot Lane is in a very bad state of repair and should be the next one considered for replacement. |
|
15. |
Date and time of next meeting – 16 May 2023 – The Annual Parish Meeting at 7.00pm followed by the monthly meeting at 7.30pm. As there was no further business, the meeting closed at 8.05pm.
|
Signed ……………………………………………… Dated ………………………………
Verena Henderson, Clerk to Singleton Parish Council,
Tel: 01995 670455: email: Clerk@SingletonParishCouncil.org