Pre-meeting Reports
04 April 2023
258. Sandra Gage from SCC
Floods Project was in attendance and gave a presentation on flood risk areas
within Leiston and the possibility of working in partnership with the Town Council
on a project at the Sports Field, King Georges Avenue to address surface water
flooding. A copy of the presentation is
attached to these minutes.
Cllr Hill questioned the depth of the basin. Sandra Gage was unable to confirm exact depth
but confirmed the basin is not intended to have a constant water level, it is
used to slow the water flow in heavy rainfall and is considered safe.
Cllr Levermore and Cllr Corbett both commented that they
felt this would be a welcomed project which would increase flora, fauna,
biodiversity and wildlife in this area.
A member of the public
commented that the area by Barclays Bank and Abbey Road have flooded in the
past and asked if these areas would be looked at. Sandra Gage confirmed that the Floods Project
have written to properties within the town of Leiston who fall within the 1:100
flood risk ratio who may be eligible for help to protect their homes through
the Property Flood Resilience Project and these roads were included.
Cllr Last commented on
the state of the gullies within some of the highlighted flood risk areas which
have been reported to SCC Highways numerous times but have still not been
cleared. Sandra Gage asked the town
council to email her with all the details and she will follow this up with
Highways to try and resolve.
259. County Councillor
County Councillor
Haworth-Culf sent apologies
260. District Councillor
District Cllr Rainger sent apologies.
Cllr Levermore raised
concerns regarding cars parking on grass verges along Seaward Avenue and
Sylvester Road.
261. Public Forum
A member of
the public raised further concerns regarding cars parking on the road and
pavements in the centre of town especially in the evenings. She has reported these to ESC but as yet has
seen no improvement.
At a meeting of the
LEISTON-cum-SIZEWELL TOWN COUNCIL
held in the COMMUNITY
CENTRE, King Georges Avenue, Leiston, on
TUESDAY 04 April 2023
at 7.30pm
Councillor J Last (in the Chair)
Councillor D Bailey
Councillor Mrs N Corbett
Councillor D Dix
Councillor Mrs S Geater
Councillor D Boast
Councillor Mrs L Hill
Councillor Mrs S Levermore
262. Minutes
It was proposed by Cllr
Corbett, seconded by Cllr Levermore, and agreed that the minutes for the
meeting of 7 March 2023 be signed as a true record.
263. Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllr Kyle, Cllr Cooper and
Cllr Morsley.
At this point of the
meeting, it was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Geater and agreed to
discuss item 5c on tonight’s agenda before item 3.
264. Floods Project
After a brief
discussion it was proposed by Cllr Corbett, seconded by Cllr Dix and agreed to
work in partnership with the SCC Floods Team to explore all possibilities to
create a natural flood resilience area for the Sports Field, King Georges
Avenue, Leiston.
Cllr Dix asked for an
amendment to this proposal to request planting of trees to be considered, this
was duly accepted by Cllr Corbett.
265. Chairman’s Communications
I
thank Cllr Hill, Vice Chairman, for standing in for me at the East Suffolk
Council Chairman’s Reception at the East Point Pavilion, Lowestoft
on 14 March.
I thank Cllr Corbett for promoting the Kings Coronation Event/Skate Jam
on Radio Suffolk during an interview.
On 18 March a drop-in session was organised on
a Saturday morning to enable any resident to find out more about the work of a
Town Councillor. Seven Councillors attended to assist with the session. The
event was publicised, no members of the public
attended.
Coronation Day work has really picked up momentum over the last couple
of weeks and I thank the small working group for all their efforts to ensure
Leiston has a memorable Coronation Day. The plan is really coming together and
early details, including the official opening of the extended and refurbished
Skate Park, have been released to the public.
The Skatepark Project is progressing well and is still on time.
On 21 March along with Cllr Hill I attended a further meeting of the
Wellbeing Hub steering group as it works towards its launch later in the year.
On 22 March I joined the Allotment Sub-Committee and a member of the
Allotment Association for a walk round and inspection of the Valley Road
Allotments.
On 23 March I visited St Barnabas Care Home, Southwold, on the occasion
of the 100th Birthday of Leiston resident, Hilda Woodhead. On behalf of the
Town Council, I presented Hilda with a card and flowers and was very pleased to
be part of the special day that was arranged for Hilda.
The Chairman’s Reception was held on 31 March, and I thank Councillors
for their attendance. It was a pleasure once again to host the event, which for
me, recognises the contributions made to our
community by so many. It was a pleasure
to present the Chairman’s Cup and other awards to some really worthy
recipients. I thank the Clerk and staff for assisting me with the event.
The Community Orchard, once again has looked a picture this Spring, even
though to date it hasn’t been a particularly good Spring and on 1 April it was
good to join Councillors and others on a tidy up day and the re-planting of the
Scouts tree. Well done to everyone for your efforts in some very poor weather
conditions.
Just a reminder that the Litter Pick Day, in memory of Councillor Harle
is planned for 13 May, 10-12pm and over the coming weeks, there is a need to finalise arrangements for that. I would welcome any
volunteers for a small working party as I am aware Sandra Harle would like to
assist with any organisation, and a meeting needs to
be convened as soon as possible.
Finally, just a reminder to confirm May’s Council meetings, as advised
by the Clerk as the first Tuesday of the month is before the Elections, the
Full Council Meeting will be on 2nd May. The AGM will be held on 16 May.
266. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Hill for CLT, Cllr
Levermore for CLT, Cllr Boast for CLT and Cllr Geater for finance and personnel.
267. Play
Areas/Open Spaces
a)
Update on Victory Park Skatepark Development
Councillors
noted the previously circulated report.
It was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Hill and agreed to
approve the overspend of £494.70 for the Skatepark redevelopment.
b) Leiston Makes Space for Wildlife
Cllr Corbett confirmed the memorial trees at
Hayling’s Pond have now been planted and plaques will be erected in due
course. Grass seed has been planted
amongst the bulbs at Haylings Pond and the wildflower
area at Victory Road has been re-seeded.
They have applied for 3 bundles of bulbs from East Suffolk Council East Suffolk Blooms campaign some of which
will be used to replace the daffodils at Victory Park Skate park.
268. Assets
a)
Waterloo Centre Steering Group Meeting
Councillors
noted the previously circulated report.
b)
Wellbeing Hub and Childrens Centre
Councillors
noted the previously circulated report.
It
was proposed by Cllr Boast, seconded by Cllr Corbett and agreed to let the
Childrens Centre use the Waterloo Centre for a period of 6 months whilst
remedial works are completed on their building.
Cllr
Last reported that the drop in session held on 17 March was well attended with
a lot of interest. Pilot project name
has been confirmed and it will be called ‘Leiston Live Well Hub’. The logo will be amended with the new title
and strapline Health, Community, Support.
The job description for the bookings coordinator and timeline has been
agreed. Potential launch date is 03 July
2023.
c)
Allotments Walkaround of 22 March 2023
Cllr
Last reported the allotments were generally looking good and councillors noted
that just a few plots needed an action letter.
A prototype tap water box is in progress. Terms and conditions and a review of charges
will be carried out in readiness for 01 October 2023. Next year’s Spring inspection will move to late
May early June as the Allotments Committee feel this will give a better
indication as to what plots are being worked.
269. Highways and Transport
a)
Highways Update
The
Clerk reported that SCC Highways will be carrying out a safety audit to
progress the works in Seaward Avenue.
The projected timeframe for the Aldeburgh Road Pedestrian Crossing is
August 2023.
Cllr
Last reported he had received concerns from a resident regarding the link road
from Lovers Lane across Bridleway 19.
They have been advised by SCC that traffic lights will not be used. The resident feels strongly that traffic calming
measures need to be in place before any work is carried out to prevent any
further hazards as stated in the DCO.
Cllr Last has raised this with SZC and is awaiting a response. It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by
Cllr Levermore that the Town Council write a letter to SCC Highways advising
them of the residents’ concerns.
270. Energy Projects
a)
SSG of 15 March 2023
Cllrs noted the
previously circulated report.
Cllr Hill attended the
SSG meeting held on 15 March and gave a brief update to councillors. Robert Gunn, Station Director, SZB reported
that 3 seals had become trapped in one of the bays and the RSPCA were working
with them to get them released safely.
Divers are looking to see how they got in so this can be rectified. Sohail Ashraf, SZA Closure Manager shared a
presentation on the decommissioning of the turbine hall, on-site visits can be
arranged. The minutes will be distributed to all councillors once received.
Cllr Levermore
questioned if we could apply for further funding for the two ‘extra’
biodiversity projects outlined in the management proposal for the Community Orchard
through the Amenity and Accessibility Fund, the Town Clerk will investigate.
271. Outside Bodies
a)
ALS Community Partnership of 1 March 2023
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report.
b)
East Suffolk Community Partnership Annual Forum
3 March 2023
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report.
c) Net Zero Leiston – Town Clerk
Councillors noted the
previously circulated report. The Clerk
urged councillors to sign up and to encourage residents to sign up for the
Energy Efficiency Surveys. Cllr
Hill questioned what happens to the information. The Clerk confirmed SCC through the Suffolk
Climate Change Partnership will collate all the information. Whilst on site homeowners will be provided
with information on initiatives and funding opportunities that homeowners may
be interested in to improve energy efficiency in their home. Homeowners can remain anonymous should they
wish to. There will be no cold calling.
d) Leiston CLT
Cllr Boast reported
thus:
Nothing major to report
awaiting next actions from the Regeneration Team developing the
Masterplan. The Church Square has been
given a Spring clean by the trustees with the plan for a maintenance programme
to be put in place. The music programme
for the coming months is being agreed.
The electric supply box has been security strengthened to prevent
further vandalism. The Project 47
development will tidy up the appearance of the Church Square, they too have
been subject to vandalism. The police
are working hard to tackle anti-social behaviour in this area with the help of
the Church Square CCTV.
272. Civic
Events
a)
Kings Coronation Weekend Plans
Cllr Corbett confirmed
that plans are well underway for the Kings Coronation Event. There will be
children’s entertainers, crafting and live music. We are short on volunteers
and she requested anyone that is able to help to inform the office. Publicity materials are nearly finished and a
large banner and posters will be displayed as soon as possible. Sonny Cracknell has agreed to put up the
flags in the High Street the week before the Coronation. The Film Theatre will be screening the
Coronation on 06 May 2023, no booking required.
Cllr Hill confirmed she has made Rose and Sweet William and Sharon
Cuthbert aware of this.
273. Finance and Personnel
a)
Accounts for Payment
It was proposed by Cllr
Levermore, seconded by Cllr Boast and agreed that the accounts paid for March
2023 of £152,576.34 be approved for payment.
b)
Youth Club
The Clerk confirmed we
have budgeted £16k from the precept to support the Youth Club. In addition we have £10k in earmarked
reserves as a contingency. We also pay
utility fees which have not been included in the budget for 2023-2024. She asked if councillors are happy to
continue to pay the utility fees which are likely to increase (noting too that
there may be a move from Childrens Centre to new location). It was proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by
Cllr Geater and agreed they would like to see a breakdown of utilities before a
decision is made.
274. Policies and Procedures
a)
Equal Opportunities Policy
b)
Safeguarding Policy
Councillors noted the
recently circulated Safeguarding Policy. On a proposition from Cllr
Hill, seconded by Cllr Geater it was agreed to adopt this new policy.
11 Eastlands Industrial Estate Eastlands Road Leiston
Suffolk IP16 4LL
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
a)
Neighbourhood Plan
The Clerk confirmed Navigus Planning
have completed their actions, she will arrange another meeting for after
Easter. The Census information is now
available so this will assist with identifying housing needs.
276. County Matters
Cllr Levermore raised
concerns regarding rubbish on the A14 and questioned when this will be litter
picked.
277. District Matters
Nothing raised.
278. Correspondence
Long Shop Museum
Councillors noted the request from the Long
Shop Museum to use Victory Park and the Waterloo Centre Carpark for their event
on 21 May 2023. After a brief discussion
it was proposed by Cllr Levermore, seconded by Cllr Corbett and agreed to grant
permission for them to use Victory Park and give them the contact details for
SCC to ask for permission to use the Waterloo Centre Carpark.
ESTA
Councillors noted the request from East Suffolk
Travel Association for a contribution towards printing costs for their Saxmundham to the Coast Leaflet which features
Leiston. After a brief discussion it was
proposed by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Levermore and agreed to grant £150
towards leaflet printing costs.
279. Questions to the Chairman
Cllr Levermore asked if a letter could
be written to the shops in the centre of town regarding parking issues. Cllr Last and the Clerk confirmed these
issues are under investigation by ESC parking enforcement and advised a letter
be sent to them in the first instance asking for an update, this was agreed by
Councillors. She raised concerns of the
number of youths gathering outside of CYDS.
The Clerk advised that she regularly attends the ASB meetings and a lot
of effort is going in to tackling this issue, CYDS are an active partner within
this however she will raise this again at the next ASB meeting. She questioned
the emptying of bins in the town and highlighted that the bin on King Georges
Avenue Recreation Ground is not being regularly emptied. She asked if we could have a bin installed on
the Sports Field, the Clerk confirmed this can be looked at once the contracts
are in place. She asked about the
possibility of solar powered speed signs, this will be taken forward to the
next Highways Meeting.
Cllr Dix raised further concerns
from residents regarding the signage outside Leiston Local. The Clerk
reiterated these issues are still being investigated by ESC’s enforcement
team. It was agreed to write to ESC
enforcement team for an update on these issues.
It was proposed
by Cllr Hill, seconded by Cllr Corbett and agreed that, under the Public Bodies
(Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, the public be excluded from the Meeting on
the grounds that publicity would be prejudicial to public interest by reason of
the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.
280.
Personnel
In the absence of Cllr Cooper a written
report regarding Council Offices Update was tabled. The Clerk highlighted the main points within
the report.
The meeting finished at 9.30pm
Chair
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Dated ---------------------------------------------