Minutes of the virtual meeting held on Tuesday 19 January 2021

Attending: Parish Councillors John Broom, Phil Reeve, Dave Swinborne, Pat Scowen, Will Mack, Craig Neave, Richard Atkins, Clerk Janet Rogers, County and District Councillor Vic Thomson and seven members of the public

1. The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed the presence of several members of the public.
2. Apologies and approval of absences – none
3. Declarations of Interest – none
4. To approve as accurate the minutes of the meeting on 15 December 2020 – Approved
5. Matters arising from those minutes – Councillor Scowen re Item 5 has there been a response from NCC regarding the Council’s letter about speeding – Clerk replied only an acknowledgement that the letter had been received. Councillor Thomson advised that the letter was unlikely to receive a positive response as the village still did not meet the criteria for reducing the speed limit to 30mph. He suggested sign(s) warning of pedestrians on the road could be an option and would check this with NCC. Councillor Scowen asked how the issue could be escalated and Councillor Thomson suggested writing to Martin Wilby the Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure. Item 12 Letter to the Environment Agency regarding the flood strategy for Surlingham – Clerk advised the EA central office has referred the letter to the regional office covering Surlingham and a reply was pending. This issue to be held over to the next meeting.
6. Progress reports Councillors/Clerk – Clerk asked if Councillors had had time to consider the energy tenders. Scottish Power 24 month fixed contract – agreed. Village signs – our local metal work sculptor in the village has agreed to replace/repair the metal work but could not paint them. Councillor Mack agreed to get the signs painted. Clerk has contacted the Ramblers Association and been advised that the membership was for walking groups only.
7. To receive reports from the County and District Councillor – report published on Surlingham.org and attached to these minutes.
8. Public Question Time not exceeding 15 minutes – Residents were deeply concerned about two items flooding and antisocial behaviour incidents. Councillors agreed to hold a virtual public meeting on 2nd February 2021 to discuss the problem with flooding in the village and to look at the solutions. Invitations to be sent to the Tim Strudwick RSPB, Dan Hoare Broads Authority. Councillor Thomson mentioned the village needs an emergency plan. Clerk will circulate a template to the councillors. The meeting will also be an opportunity to gauge interest in a community neighbourhood watch group. A representative from the Neighbourhood Watch organisation will also be invited.
9. Finance – a) Quarterly Statement to 31 December 2020 – Approved. Clerk advised a refund from the Performing Rights Society had been requested as the hall remains closed to the public. A further claim for funding from the small business support grant had been submitted to help with the overheads of the hall. b) Authorise Payments: R Hardingham £105, J Rogers £334.80, Household Expenses £15.15, Travel £9.00, Flameskill £50.82, Mcafee £89.99, Microsoft £59.99, Diary £2.77, File dividers £0.83, Ink Cartridges £30 – Authorised PS/WM
10. Flooding – RSPB re condition of Surlingham footpath1 – The RSPB have confirmed they will work with NCC to carry out repairs as this is part of the long distance path, Wherryman’s Way. Councillor Atkins has reported this to NCC and requested a site meeting be arranged between NCC paths representative, RSPB, and himself but has not had a response. Councillor Thomson asked for the reference number for the enquiry to enable him to follow this up.  The bridge at the far end of marsh path (where it approaches the stile towards Hangman’s Hill) is in urgent need of repair. Councillors Atkins and Reeve will look at what is required to make it safe.
11. Footpath1 – Update Councillor Atkins confirmed funding was still being explored and he encountered the same problem as with item 10 no response to the enquiry. The enquiry reference number to be passed to Councillor Thomson.
12. Footpath 4 – Cyclists’ use – The consultation regarding the work to be done on this path has still not taken place. As with all other paths due to the volume of usage including cyclists the paths are cutting up the badly. Following a request from a resident for a no cycling sign for footpath 4, Councillor Scowen asked that the council contact Bramerton Council to explore the possibility of a No Cycling sign just before Kingfisher Old House where Bramerton footpath 1 meets Surlingham footpath 4.  The gate at the end of the path from Bramerton Common (bottom of Hill House Road) has been damaged by cyclists hitting it with their wheels in order to open it so it was suggested such a notice would be better placed on Bramerton Common.  The Clerk to email Bramerton parish council to discuss this option
13. Staithe working party – Councillor Reeve has received offers of help and Councillor Atkins had cleared one of the fallen trees. A decision on when work can start will depend on how wet the staithe is and the covid lock down.
14. Play Park following H&S report – Repairs to Bench and gates – Councillors thanked councillor Neave for his work repairing the bench and gates and installing the bird guards on the nest swing.
15. Village Fete – Carried forward to the next meeting.
16. Review outdoor activities in the village and access to field – Councillor Neave asked about the community use of the school playing field. The gates are locked out of school hours and only seem to be used for football. Councillor Neave is concerned that there is no open space for children to run about or exercise. Clerk to confirm with the school the arrangements for the community to use the field and explore the possibility of a virtual meeting between the school and Councillor Neave.
17. Correspondence: Neighbourhood watch, flooding on the Green, Emails – Clerk responded to responded to 85 and circulated 49 to councillors up to 12 January 2021
18. To note items for inclusion on the next council agenda – Footpaths Flooding update and outcome of 2 February 2021 meeting. Staithe working party and village fete, these items carried forward to next meeting. Any actions will depend on conditions at the staithe and easing of the Covid lock down regulations.
19. To confirm the date of the next meeting 16 February 2021 at 7:30p.m. meeting closed at 9:45p.m