Minutes of Troston Parish Council Meeting
Present
- Chair
- Cllr Bilverstone
- Councillors
- Cllrs Riddick, Pugson, Moffat
- Also present
- 3 members of the public, Clerk
Apologies
- Cllr Andrew Speed
1. Welcome and Apologies
Cllr Bilverstone welcomed everyone to the meeting and reminded everybody present that the meeting may be recorded. Apologies were received from Cllr Andrew Speed.
2. Declarations of Interest
- No Councillor declarations of interest were received. There were no updates to Councillors' register of members interest’s form.
- No written requests for dispensation were received prior to the meeting.
3. Minutes
The minutes of the Council meeting on Tuesday 4th November 2025 were agreed, approved and signed to stand as an accurate record of the meeting.
4. Resignation of Councillor Paul Walton
Councillors noted the resignation of Paul Walton and wished to thank him for his hard work whilst being a Parish Councillor.
5. Report from RAF Honington
The Clerk reported that RAF Honington have not appointed a community liaison officer as yet.
6. Public Questions
A member of the public asked about the tree planted on Forge Corner, Council advised they did not know who had planted it.
7. Report from County Councillor Rebecca Hopfensperger
Cllr Hopfensperger reported on the launch of the public consultation seeking the views of businesses and residents on the two options for the local government reform in Suffolk. These proposals represent the biggest change to local government in over 50 years.
- One Suffolk proposal put forward by Suffolk County Council, which can be viewed here: https://onesuffolkcouncil.co.uk/one-suffolk-one-council-one-stronger-future/
- The Power of Three proposal put forward by the District and Borough Councils, available here: https://threecouncilsforsuffolk.org/wp-content/uploads/Three-Councils-For-Suffolk-Case-for-Change-1.pdf
The consultation is open to both the public and businesses and will run until 11 January 2026.
8. Report from Borough Councillor Andrew Speed
Cllr Speed had sent his apologies.
9. Vehicle Activated Sign
Councillors discussed and agreed that short term Cllr Pugson would store the equipment and he and Cllr Riddick would relocate as and when required.
10. Playground/Playing Field
- Playground Inspection Report
Cllr Pugson advised that the repairs to the grass matting at the launch point of the zipwire would be carried out before Christmas, Cllr Bilverstone advised the repairs to the log climber had been completed. The ‘making good’ of the area around the foundations of the slide were still to be carried out. No new actions were required on the inspection report. - Biodiversity/Environmental Considerations
Cllr Bilverstone advised that the hedge saplings had not been planted yet due to the wet weather, it was agreed that when the weather improved, they would be planted. Cllrs discussed in general the idea of enhancing the playing field and propose to draw up a 5-year plan. Cllr Pugson will create a page on the website and plans will include a village consultation to include resident input.
11. Village Matters/Maintenance
- Village Website
There were no updates to report. - Troston Wood Update
Councillors discussed the use of the woods and felt that the Clerk should be in contact with all groups using the wood on a regular basis. The Clerk will make contact where possible.
12. Finance
- The Clerk provided a schedule of payments which were agreed and approved unanimously.
| Date | Supplier / Customer | Description | Payment Type | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25.11.25 | BT | October broadband at village hall | Direct debit | £44.34 |
| 25.11.25 | Unity Trust Bank | Service charge - September | Direct debit | £6.00 |
| 25.11.25 | Countryside Conservation | Trimming of hedges | Bank Transfer | £216.00 |
| 25.11.25 | Kall Kwik | November newsletter production | Bank Transfer | £112.32 |
| 25.11.25 | Amanda Jackson | November Salary | Bank Transfer | £336.21 |
| 25.11.25 | Amanda Jackson | October working from home allowance | Bank Transfer | £25.00 |
| 25.11.25 | Amanda Jackson | Expenses - wallets, paperclips & notebooks | Bank Transfer | £32.39 |
| 25.11.25 | HMRC | October Tax & NI calculated by SALC | Direct debit | £80.20 |
| 25.11.25 | Diana Bilverston | Land registry enquiry | Bank Transfer | £7.00 |
| Total | £859.46 | |||
- The Clerk had circulated prior to the meeting bank reconciliations for both Current and Savings accounts which were unanimously agreed and approved.
- Council reviewed the circulated list of expenditure over £100 for quarters 1 & 2 and had no questions.
- Cllrs considered an annual subscription to Parish Online Mapping Services at a cost of £80. Cllr Bilverstone proposed, seconded by Cllr Riddick. Unanimously agreed.
- Council considered renewal of Neighbourhood watch scheme signs and asked the Clerk to find out how the scheme runs for discussion at January 2026 meeting.
- Cllrs discussed getting the brambles and tree cut back from telephone lines on the path between Heath Rd and Pear Tree Close. Cllr Riddick proposed a budget of £150, seconded Cllr Bilverstone. Unanimously agreed.
- Clerk's Report
The Clerk reported on the Local Government Reform public consultation, see notes in item 6. Links to each proposal and the consultation will be uploaded to the Parish Council website.
13. Budget Recommendations and Precept for 2026/27
Cllrs discussed the proposed options, Cllr Bilverstone proposed the precept for the financial year of 2026/27 to be set at £22,500. Seconded by Cllr Pugson, unanimously agreed. The Clerk will complete the Precept demand and process with West Suffolk Council.
14. Councillors Reports and Items for Future Agenda
There were no reports, Neighbourhood watch to add to a future agenda.
15. Correspondence
Reports were received about a pothole developing due to a bad repair by City Fibre, this was reported to Suffolk County Council and City Fibre and has since been repaired. As mentioned in the public forum a new tree has been planted on Forge Corner.
16. Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 13th January 2026 at 7pm.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.15pm.