Minutes of Troston Annual Parish Meeting
Tuesday 9th May 2023 @ 7:00
Troston Village Hall
- Present
- Cllrs J Moffat, S Rose, P Riddick, P Walton, R Balaam, S Woodward, WDC A Speed & SCC R Hopfensperger
- Apologies for absence
- None received.
Minutes
To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting 9th May 2022 as a correct record.
The minutes were confirmed and approved as a correct record.
Matters Arising from the Minutes
None.
Introduction and Report from Parish Council Chairman: Sue Rose
Welcome to all present.
We have had three councillor’s resignations during the past year; Graeme Norris, Peter Johns, and Brenda Burridge. I would like to thank them for their efforts on the Council over the years, their knowledge and contributions to the meetings has been missed.
They have been replaced by Peter Riddick and Paul Walton.
Two councillors, myself included, have taken on some councillor training, which we found very informative and now the elections are over more councillors have indicated they will uptake the offer of training.
Graeme Norris is continuing to edit and distribute the Troston newsletter.
With finances in mind, the grass cutting contract was put out to tender, Countryside Management were appointed for this year, as the quote was the most competitive.
We have purchased a VAS for north side the road outside RAF Honington, in conjunction with Honington and Sapiston parish council, who are providing one for the south side, this has meant that another VAS for the village has been put on hold for the time being.
Tree planting has been ongoing in the playing field, we are also going to establish some wild flower planting.
In the coming year, if funding can be secured, it is hoped to carry out some work in the woods, re-establishing a wet area. There will be plenty of opportunities for villagers to volunteer for this.
On another note, it is great to hear the bells of St Mary’s ringing, the refurbishment of the bells and church has meant that we should expect a few more visitors to the village. There is a prestigious competition planned in May, which will utilise the facilities of the village hall which I am sure is good news, and the council have given permission for parking on the playing field.
The conversion of Whitegates to guest accommodation was an application supported by the council, although the planning approval specified that sufficient parking was provided at the rear, so there should be no increased parking in the village.
Thanks to our clerk Vicki who has supported the council in her most professional way in the past year.
Report from County Councillor: R Hopfensperger
Cllr Hopfensperger provided an Annual report from Suffolk County Council. A copy of this was circulated to the Councillors and is available on request. It was noted that potholes have been particularly bad this winter. SCC have changed their contractor and they will have a new approach to dealing with potholes which will hopefully see them dealt with more efficiently. Cllr Hopfensperger asked that any potholes, that had been reported but that had not been filled, are highlighted to her so she can escalate the matter. Cllr Hopfensperger confirmed that she had made a contribution towards the cost of a new VAS, this was for installation at RAF Honington. Cllr Hopfensperger has also granted £75 towards the cost of some litter-picking equipment. This is still to be purchased. Cllr Hopfensperger asked the Councillors to revisit both the requirement for signage at the play area and works to the passing places on Ixworth Road. More information regarding these matters is available in the minutes of the Annual Parish Council meeting.
Report from West Suffolk Councillor: Andrew Speed
Andrew Speed was elected as the new District Councillor for the ward that Troston sits in. He is looking forward to working with the Parish Councils he has been elected to represent and feels that working with other agencies, particularly Suffolk County Council and Cllr Rebecca Hopfensperger, and fostering good relationships, will be important when trying to get things done. Cllr Speed will act as a point of contact for West Suffolk Council issues and will try to facilitate grants where he is able to do so.
Cllr Speed has asked to be kept up to date with any correspondence regarding outstanding grants, previously agreed, by our former District Councillor. Action Clerk
Report from Village Hall: Brenda Burridge
Following a quiet couple of years the Village Hall is again being well used for regular and one-off events. Bookings are gradually increasing and users are very complimentary about the facility we have to offer. Members of the Committee have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Hall is maintained to a good standard and attractive to visitors.
During the year the oil tank has been moved to meet statutory requirements and interior and exterior decorating has taken place. The Hall is cleaned regularly and repairs are carried out as necessary. Fire extinguisher and electrical testing are kept up to date and insurance is renewed annually.
Our finances are still in a good state, although monthly income barely covers expenses as yet. Government Covid grants help to meet any shortfall.
We have welcomed Suzie Woodward to the committee as the Parish Council representative. Once again, thanks to all committee members for the part they play in helping to sustain this valuable community asset. Moving forward the Village Hall are looking to fund some works to help with the acoustics in the hall. The Clerk will share some possible areas of funding with Brenda Burridge. Action Clerk
Any Other Business the Chairman May Allow
No further business, meeting closed.