Minutes of the Meeting of Market Deeping Town Council
Held on Wednesday 11 December 2024 at 7.30pm
At the Town Hall, Market Deeping
Present:
Cllr Dr Byrd
Cllr Miss Collins
Cllr Broughton Cllr Ms Reed
Cllr Neilson Cllr Mrs Steel
Cllr Mr Piper Cllr Hughes
Cllr Mrs Jones Cllr Wey
The Clerk and Deputy Clerk were also in attendance.
Cllr Dr Byrd opened the meeting at 7:30pm.
Representatives were present from the Deeping Explorers who are part of the Deeping Scouting. They answered questions about the Grant Aid request for their Discover Europe Team trip in 2025. They outlined that they have been fund raising during 2024 and will continue to do so in 2025.
Cllr Baxter wished everyone a Happy Christmas and thanked the Council for all the work carried out during the year. Cllr Baxter reported the following:
• SK Today had been published online today; these are no longer delivered to households. A few copies are available in the library.
• There are two consultations currently taking place Air Quality and Dogs on Leads.
• Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been completed for the cemetery – all dogs should be kept on leads in this area.
• Funding for the community centre roof has been secured.
• Evidence is being considered regarding Millfield and result is expected next year.
• SKDC housing targets to increase.
• Housing voids down by 25%.
• New River Retail to Aldi is ongoing the stumbling block is the petrol station
Cllr Steel queried the location of the PSPO sign which had been placed on the Paddock gate and enquired if this should be at the Spinney entrance. The Clerk will check this with SKDC.
Cllr Hughes on behalf of a resident asked if the Christmas lights were switched on in the mornings. It was confirmed that the lights are on from approximately 3.00pm to 11.00pm.
Cllr Dr Byrd reported that there were no matters to report relating to the Deepings.
There being no further business the public session was closed.
132. Chairman’s Welcome & Introductions
Cllr Dr Byrd again welcomed members to the meeting at 7.55 pm.
133. To note apologies and accept valid reasons for absence
There were apologies for absence from Cllr Mrs Sked, Cllr Hanson and Cllr Guerge and these were accepted.
134. Declarations of Interest under the Localism Act 2011
Cllr Dr Byrd declared an interest in the Community Library. The book was completed accordingly.
135. Acceptance of the minutes of a meeting held on 13 November 2024
Cllr Dr Byrd asked members if they were to accept the minutes of the meeting of 13 November 2024. Cllr Piper requested an amendment to reflect that he assisted Cllr Broughton with the installation of a new defibrillator on John Eve Field. This request was accepted and it was RESOLVED unanimously to accept the notes of the meeting as a true and accurate record. The Chairman signed the minutes.
136. Reports: Including reports from Committees: Planning and Highways, Deeping Neighbourhood Plan (DNP), Amenities and Open Spaces, Finance & Personnel, Mayor’s diary and the Clerk’s report
Planning and Highways
Cllr Dr Byrd reported that there was no meeting held in December. The Market Place clock is ongoing and the clock company are considering the options available to the council and will be submitting a quote.
One quote has been received for the grass cutting contract for 2025/2026, two quotes are still awaited.
Deeping Neighbourhood Plan
Cllr Dr Byrd reported that the Way finding project is close to finalising and the money has to be spent by the end of March 2025. DNP are in touch with Lincolnshire County Council and the bench installers regarding bench locations.
Amenities and Open Spaces
Cllr Broughton reported that Cherry Tree Park ownership from SKDC to MDTC is progressing. MDTC will be required to pay valuation fees. The play equipment has been assessed and some refurbishment work will be required by MDTC once is comes under the council’s ownership.
Finance and Personnel
The Committee had met this afternoon. The Precept for 2025/26 was discussed and will be finalised at Full Council in January 2025.
Mayoral Diary
The Mayor attended the following:
Closing of the Remembrance Garden – 17th November
Bourne Town Council Civic Charity Dinner – 22 November
The Deepings Christmas Market – 1st December
Deputy Mayor
The Deputy Mayor attended the following:
Closing of the Remembrance Garden – 17th November
Bourne Town Council Civic Charity Dinner – 22 November
The Deepings Christmas Market – 1st December
Clerk’s Report – 11 December 2024
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Precept planning for 2025/26 is being undertaken.
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The Deeping’s Explorer group assisted the children in making reindeer baubles in the Council Chamber at the Christmas Market on 1st December 2024.
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The Town Centre clock was “repaired” on 1 November.It worked albeit briefly.The clock company are discussing the way forward on 5th December and have indicated that it is not a straightforward repair.They will provide a report following their meeting on 5 December.
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Possible dates, venues and costs are being sought for the Mayor’s Civic dinner for 2025.
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The Christmas Market took place on 1st December and was very well attended throughout the day. Over 50 stalls attended which was on par with last years. This year saw the introduction of a barrel train which was a huge success not only with children but adults too. The Council Chamber also had free face painting and reindeer bauble making which was also well received by families.
The Christmas Market in 2025 will take place on Sunday 30 November. We have booked the stage, the traffic management team and the barrel train.
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Bleed kits have been purchased for 3 of our 4 defibrillators. A cabinet has been ordered for the Precinct.
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Carols around the Christmas tree will be taking place on Tuesday 17th December at 6.30pm.
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137. Correspondence to be noted and resolved upon
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Correspondence to be Noted – Received up to 11 December 2024
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No.
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Received from
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Date Received
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Subject
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Committee Response
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1.
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SKDC
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18.11.24
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Police and Crime Commissioner survey for Lincolnshire
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Noted
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2.
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SKDC
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18.11.24
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SKDC Design Code Workshop invitation
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Noted
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3.
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Environment Agency
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20.11.24
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Winter Readiness Advice
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Noted
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4.
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Lincs Police
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25.11.24
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Christmas campaign
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Noted
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Correspondence to be Acted Upon – Received up to 11 December 2024
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No.
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Received from
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Date Received
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Subject
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Committee Response
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1.
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Deep in Kindness
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20.11.24
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Grant Aid request for panto £500
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This would be discussed later in the meeting
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2.
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Raft Race committee
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13.11.24
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Requesting permission to use Welland Gardens for Raft Race 2025
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It was RESOLVED with 9 in favour and 1 against to allow the Raft Race Committee to use Welland Gardens for the Raft Race 2025.
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3.
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DSJ PC
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10.12.24
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Request to arrange a meeting of representatives from both Councils to consider how to approach the Deepings Practice to hopefully obtain answers to the publics concerns about getting appointments.
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Cllr Ms Reed and Cllr Mrs Steel will represent MDTC. Cllr Mrs Reed to provide her availability to the Clerk.
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138. Council Finances
a) Income and expenditure by cost centre
Members had received a copy of the Council Finances and Omega report prior to the meeting. Cllr Dr Byrd asked if there were any questions. There were none.
b) Accounts to be paid December 2024
It was RESOLVED that the council pay its’ bills for December 2024. See appendix A.
c) For members to review Council Finances to 30.11.24
It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept the report.
d) For members to receive and accept the Internal Auditor’s report for October 24
It was RESOLVED to accept the report and noted that the report said “Really good records held providing a good audit trail.”
e) For members to review EMRs and
It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept the EMRs at 30.11.24 as correct.
f) For members to review grant aid payments to 30.11.24
Members noted the grant aid payments to 30.11.24.
139. For members to receive an update on Cherry Tree Park transfer
Cllr Broughton reported that an application to take over Cherry Tree Park had been submitted to SKDC. The park is looking very nice and it is hopeful that the transfer will go through. Quotes for two new swings are being obtained as the current ones are old, rusty and too close together. MDTC will be required to pay valuation fees and other legal costs.
140. For members to consider Precept funding for 2025/26
It was RESOLVED to finalise and agree the Precept funding for 2025/26 at January Full Council meeting due to pending quotes regarding the grass cutting contract and the clock repair.
141. For members to consider 2025/26 Precept request from CAB
It was RESOLVED unanimously to precept for £4,750.
142. For members to consider 2025/26 Precept request from Library
It was RESOLVED with one abstention to precept for £8,500.
143. For members to consider grant aid request from the Deepings Explorers
It was RESOLVED unanimously to provide a grant of £500 subject to a review should they have a shortfall in funding.
144. For members to consider a grant aid request from DeepinKindness
It was RESOLVED unanimously to provide a grant of £500.
145. For members to receive an update and for revised S106 agreement to be signed
The revised S106 agreement was signed by Cllr Dr Byrd and Cllr Broughton. Cllr Broughton reported that the allotment area had been tided up by Persimmon’s contractor.
146. For members to consider arrangements for forthcoming events: For members to consider Remembrance, Christmas Market, Carols around the tree, VE Day 8TH May 2025 – proposed volunteer and Celebration event.
Carols around the tree - this is being held on Tuesday 17th December 2024 at 6.30pm.
Civic dinner – Friday 28 March 2025
VE Day – Thursday 8th May 2025
Annual Town Meeting – Tuesday 29th April 2025
147. For members to discuss and consider any points raised in the public session
There were no matters for discussion.
148.Personnel Matters: Consideration to go into Closed Session to discuss:
There were no matters to discuss.
149. To consider items for inclusion on the agenda items for next meeting of the Town Council, to be held at The Town Hall, Market Deeping on Wednesday 15 January 2025.
• Approach from charity (JR)
• Update on the emergency plan (DJ)
The Chairman thanked all members for attending and declared the meeting closed at 8.40 pm. The next scheduled meeting of the Full Council will be held on Wednesday 15 January 2025.
Chairman’s signature........................................
Date..................................................................
Attachments: Appendix A
