- Present
- Cllr Bilverstone, Cllr Riddick, Cllr Walton, Cllr Pugson, Cllr Moffat
- Also present
- 1 member of the public, Clerk
1. Welcome and Apologies
Cllr Bilverstone welcomed everyone to the meeting and reminded everybody present that the meeting may be recorded. No apologies were received.
- Councillors Bilverstone and Walton declared they had an interest in item 10 Village Hall Committee Grant request. There were no updates to Councillors register of members interest’s form.
- Written requests for dispensation were received from Councillors Bilverstone and Walton prior to the meeting. The Clerk explained why dispensation requests might be received at future meetings, Cllrs decided as there would be 3 other Cllrs at the meeting this was not required on this occasion.
2. Minutes
The minutes of the Council meeting on Tuesday 2nd September 2025 were agreed, approved and signed to stand as an accurate record of the meeting.
3. Report from RAF Honington
The Clerk reported that RAF Honington have not appointed a community liaison officer as yet. The Station warden advised that there will be a firework display for station personnel only on Wednesday 5th November 2025.
4. Meeting Open for Questions from the Public – 15 Minutes Total
There were no topics raised during the session.
5. Report from County Councillor Rebecca Hopfensperger
Cllr Hopfensperger was not at the meeting.
6. Report from Borough Councillor Andrew Speed
Cllr Speed was not at the meeting.
7. Planning Application DC/25/1379/HH 18 Garden Fields, Troston
Councillors reviewed the documents relating to planning application DC/25/1379/HH and after discussion Cllr Bilverstone proposed supporting, Cllr Walton seconded. Unanimously agreed.
8. Council to Consider a Standalone Troston Parish Council Facebook Profile
Councillors discussed the merit of obtaining a Parish Council Facebook profile where agendas and other relevant information pertaining to the Parish Council could be posted. All agreed this would be a good idea. Cllr Bilverstone proposed, Cllr Walton seconded. Unanimously agreed.
9. Council to Consider Recruiting Volunteer Tree Wardens for the Village
Following circulated documents about joining the Suffolk Tree Warden network Cllrs discussed the benefits of having one or more volunteer tree wardens within the village. Cllrs decided to advertise the opportunities on the new Facebook page, website, noticeboard and newsletter.
10. Council to Consider a Grant Application from Troston Village Hall Management Committee
Cllrs discussed a grant application of £45 from the Troston Village Hall Management Committee. The funding would act as a small float to enable the purchase of supplies for the evening. Cllrs Bilverstone and Walton did not take part in the voting. Cllr Moffatt proposed the grant for £45, seconded by Cllr Riddick. 2 Cllrs supported this grant, 1 Cllr felt as a goodwill gesture it could have been increased to £100.
11. Playground/Playing Field
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To consider the playground inspection report and note any actions
Councillor Pugson presented a list of maintenance required for the playground drawn from the Park Inspectors report. Cllrs discussed either leaving a 20cm no strim area around all pieces of equipment and trees or installing guards to reduce strimmer damage, Councillor Pugson proposed a no strim area, Seconded by Cllr Bilverstone. 4 votes for no strim area 1 vote for guards. The Clerk will amend the grass cutting agreement to reflect this for next season. Cllr Walton proposed trialling clover on the mound housing the slide where there is no grass. Cllr Riddick seconded. Unanimously agreed.
Cllrs also discussed the idea of a volunteer group to carry out some of the tasks. Cllrs asked for a meeting with the West Suffolk Park Inspector, the Clerk will organise. The Clerk will request a quote for works to repair the balance beam.
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Zipwire update
The Clerk advised that following discussions with ROSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), Online Playgrounds and NPE an additional independent inspection company to comply with BS EN1176 series of standards specifically BS EN1175 – 1:2017 4.2.9.3 Ramps, the angle of the zipwire ramp should be less than 38 degrees. The ramp is 32 degrees so complies. To have an independent inspection to confirm this information would cost £395. Councillors discussed and agreed with the information supplied that they were satisfied with compliance so would not proceed with an additional inspection and report.
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Council to consider the cost of amending the ramp design on the zipwire
Cllrs discussed ways to give more grip on the ramp to aid entry whilst remaining compliant to the standards, the Clerk will source ideas and quotes.
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Council to consider hedge trimming within Pear Tree Close, play area and a section of the playing field
Following a request from Pear Tree Close residents Association to share costs of hedge trimming Cllrs reviewed the existing agreement and agreed it was time to cut the inside of the playground hedging. They also felt that although the hedging leading along the path to the playground from Livermere Road is not included in the agreement they would ask Countryside Conservation to give this a hard cutback at the same time. Cllrs agreed a one-off trim to the playing field side of the hedging between Pear Tree Close and the playing field to the left of the 5-bar gate. Parish Council will pay Countryside Conservation directly for this work. Proposed by Councillor Walton to spend up to £210, seconded by Councillor Bilverstone. Unanimously agreed.
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Biodiversity/environmental considerations
Councillor Bilverstone had circulated prior to the meeting a report from The Suffolk Wildlife Trust following the meeting earlier in the year, all Cllrs agreed this held great ideas for moving the project forward for the playing field. Councillor Bilverstone advised that a conceptual 1st draft plan was being worked on to show the suggested layout. This would be available at a future meeting. The 60 new saplings are arriving in November, Cllrs suggested advertising a morning where volunteers can be part of the planting process.
12. Village Matters/Maintenance
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To receive any updates regarding the village website
Nothing to report at this meeting.
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Troston Wood update
Councillor Pugson advised that a small group helped out at the woods and 4 of the wooden sculptures were treated.
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Village sign post condition
The Clerk advised that the signpost condition has been reported to Suffolk County Council. Councillor Pugson advised the speed limit 1st repeater sign on Heath Road had corroded and been thrown into the bramble hedge. The Clerk will report to Suffolk County Council.
13. Finance
- The Clerk provided a schedule of payments which were agreed and approved unanimously.
- The Clerk had circulated prior to the meeting bank reconciliations for both Current and Savings accounts which were agreed and approved unanimously.
- Actual spend against budget report was circulated prior to the meeting, Cllrs unanimously deferred this item to our next meeting.
- Clerks Report The Clerk advised that the annual appraisal for the Clerk had taken place in line with her contract.
14. Councillors to Confirm the Date for the Finance Meeting
Cllrs agreed to hold a meeting and the Clerk will forward suggest dates.
15. Councillors Reports and Items for Future Agenda
Use of Troston Woods by an external group
16. Correspondence for Action or Information
The Clerk advised that a group are interested in running a back to nature/mindfulness group at Troston Woods. Cllrs felt that could be a positive event, the Clerk will find out more information for our next meeting.
17. Date of the Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 4th November 2025 at 7pm.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9pm.