Page 25 - Herald December 2023

DECEMBER 2023
installation of Christmas lights on the tree outside of the village hall as no further quotes had been received.
To approve the Parish Council in submitting applications to open online accounts with Natwest Bank, Unity Trust Bank and Metro Bank with a view to opening instant access savings accounts. Also, to approve the authorisation for the accounts as follows:-
First transaction – either the Parish Council Manager or Assistant Parish Council Manager. Approval – from two of the following Councillors:- M Gillespie, M Smith, W Read, and S Turner.
To adopt the Card Payment Machine policy, updated with the IT Contractor’s details, and to renew the compliance with the PCI DSS for the use of the card payment facility.
Following discussion and previous guidance, not to proceed with sourcing an alternative storage unit for the Cemetery and to refer back to the Estates Working Party to consider the options for transferring maintenance equipment to and from the cemetery.
To award a grant of £335 to Fun and Friendship to be used for their Christmas 2023 party.
MATTERS THE PARISH COUNCIL MANAGER MAY WISH TO RAISE FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY
It was resolved that a letter of thanks regarding the hanging baskets would be sent to Plantscape following positive feedback from residents and Councillors alike.
It was noted that information regarding the Blaby District Council Scrutiny Work Programme 2023/24 had been received and distributed
to Councillors, however, there were no recommendations proposed.
It was reported that additional information had been received from LRALC regarding a trial project to be run by Blaby District Council to support the aim to be carbon neutral by 2050
and had been circulated to Councillors for consideration. It was resolved to respond to LRALC expressing an interest in being part of the trial.
The Meeting of Countesthorpe Parish Council was held on Thursday 12th October 2023 when there were present:
Councillors: M Gillespie, V Armstrong,
A Clifford, P Cornforth, C Ibbotson, S Kinvig, P Mount, S Palmer, K Pearce, P Servadei,
M Smith, J Thacker and S Turner.
Parish Council Manager: Miss J Leech Assistant Parish Council Manager: Miss E Frost Also in attendance was Leicestershire County Councillor, L Phillimore.
Apologies were received from Cllrs S Burditt, K McGovern and W Read.
CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR THE COUNCILLOR VACANCIES
There were no applications received.
REPORTS AND QUESTIONS FROM REPRESENTATIVES, COUNTY, DISTRICT AND PARISH COUNCILLORS
Leicestershire County Councillor, L Phillimore,
reported that the issue of underage vaping remained a key focus of the NHS, Government and other agencies alike. He commended the Youth Council for their hard work in tackling the issue locally.
He reported also that the Warm Space initiative would not be driven by Blaby District Council this winter, however, they are keen to engage with and support any Councils wishing to reintroduce a warm space as the colder months approach. It was resolved to discuss this further at the next meeting of the Parish Council.
Countesthorpe Parish Councillor, S Palmer, requested an update on the status of the mobile vehicle activated speed signs, in particular, the one located on Leicester Road. It was confirmed that the post on Leicester Road had now been installed and arrangements would be made for the speed sign to be installed also.
Cllr S Palmer also raised, to the Parish Council’s attention, that the one way signage located on Central Street and Church Street was in need
of some attention as there had been incidents
of vehicles trying to access the no entry road. Leicestershire County Councillor, L Phillimore, advised that he would look into this.
Countesthorpe Parish Councillor, S Turner, reported that the signs which had recently been installed at Countesthorpe Country park to deter fishing were now missing. It was resolved for Cllr S Turner to liaise directly with Blaby District Councillor, A Clifford, regarding this.
POLICE MATTERS, INC. MONTHLY BEAT NEWSLETTER
The local PCSO had reported that police presence had been increased across the various open spaces following reports of youth fighting.
YOUTH WORK MATTERS, INC. MONTHLY REPORT
The Youth Workers report on activities which had taken place during September 2023 was received. Cllr A Clifford provided more detail regarding an incident which was reported to have occurred at Dale Acre play area.
Cllr A Clifford also reported that campaign material was currently being produced in an attempt to aid in tackling the issue of underage vaping, with it being hoped that this would be ready for distribution before the end of the year.
It was resolved to approve the request for an additional £150 funding to purchase items of
THE NEW COUNTESTHORPE HERALD 25
play equipment and issue-based resources for the Youth Workers to use during their sessions. It was also confirmed that the Youth Workers would be invited to a future meeting of the Parish Council.
CONCLUSION OF AUDIT FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023
The External Auditor’s report for the Year Ended 31st March 2023 was received and the comments noted.
It was resolved for the External Auditor’s comments with regard to the incorrect minute number of the Annual Governance Statement be recorded in the Parish Council’s minutes as follows:-
The Parish Council records the correction of the minute number for the Annual Governance Statement from 2023/2024 031 to 2023/24 032.
There were no further matters affecting the opinion of the External Auditor which drew their attention to the Parish Council. The Notice of the Conclusion of the Annual Audit has been advertised accordingly.
CORRESPONDENCE
It was noted that a response had been received from Leicestershire County Council regarding
its Moving Traffic Enforcement Consultation, confirming that, if the scheme proved successful, Countesthorpe Parish Council’s recommendations would be considered in the future.
Correspondence received from Blaby District Council regarding the 2023 Community Awards had been distributed to all Councillors prior to the meeting. It was noted that, if any Councillor had a nominee in mind, they should contact the Parish Council Manager in order to get a nomination submitted prior to the deadline of 5th November.
It was noted that the Autumn/Winter edition of Countryside Voices Magazine had been received.
BDC FUNDED CARBON FOOTPRINT PILOT WITH PARISHES
It was reported that Countesthorpe Parish Council had been successful in acquiring the final place on the Carbon Footprint Pilot project, funded
by Blaby District Council. A meeting had been arranged with a representative from LRALC in order to discuss the pilot in more detail and assess the current situation of the Parish Council. It was also reported that three ‘champions’ would be required to attend training and lead the pilot on behalf of the Council, with Cllrs K Pearce and P Servadei volunteering.
HERALD COPY DATES 2023/24
Issue Copy date Layout Publish Committee
6 Dec
349 18 Jan 25-25 Jan 2 Feb 14 Feb
350 14 Mar 21-22 Mar 29 Mar 10 Apr
351 16 May 23-24 May 31 May 12 Jun
352 18 Jul 25-26 Jul 2 Aug 14 Aug
353 19 Sep 26-27 Sep 4 Oct 16 Oct
354 14 Nov 21-22 Nov 29 Nov 11 Dec
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