Attendance
- Present
- Cllr Bilverstone, Cllrs Riddick, Norris, Mouncey, Fletcher, and the Clerk.
- Apologies
- Cllrs Moffat, Pugson, Speed, and Kent.
Welcome and Apologies
- Cllr Bilverstone welcomed everyone to the meeting and reminded everybody present that the meeting may be recorded.
- Apologies were accepted from Cllrs Moffat, Pugson, Speed, and Kent.
Declarations of Interest
- There were no updates to Councillors' Register of Members' Interests.
- No written requests for dispensation had been received prior to the meeting.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 2nd June 2026 were agreed, approved, and signed to stand as an accurate record of the meeting.
Public Participation
A resident shared that there will be a protest walk relating to the proposal to accommodate asylum seekers at RAF Barnham this Saturday.
Reports
RAF Honington
The Clerk reported that RAF Honington have not appointed a community liaison officer but hope to appoint one later this year.
County Councillor Tim Kent
Cllr Kent sent his apologies and this report updating on questions asked at the last meeting:
- Update on the Bunbury Arms crossroads – Delays to the roundabout installation have been caused because the preferred scheme required the purchase of additional land. A new scheme is proposed requiring no land purchase.
- Update on dangerous or obstructive parking - If vehicles are parking in a manner that is dangerous or obstructive, this should be reported to the local police. The only way to introduce permanent parking restrictions would be through a new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to install double yellow lines. Please note that this process would need to be fully funded and can cost several thousand pounds. It would also require the support of local parish residents, as well as your own support. I have checked regarding policing and the police leave parking to District Council enforcement and residents should report offending vehicles using the following link Report street parking infringement. The Parish Council may wish to consider the installation of double yellow lines. This would still leave an enforcement issue and would cost several thousand pounds.
District Councillor Andrew Speed
Cllr Speed sent his apologies.
Government Proposal for RAF Barnham
The Parish Council discussed the Government's proposal to use RAF Barnham to accommodate asylum seekers. It is recognised that this has generated significant interest and a range of views within the wider community. The Council will continue to monitor developments, seek accurate information from the relevant authorities, and share official updates with residents as they become available. Residents are encouraged to rely on verified information and to participate in any consultations or public meetings in a respectful and constructive manner.
The following organisations and individuals have raised objections to the proposal: Peter Prinsley MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, who has raised questions in Parliament; Michael Hadwen, Leader of Suffolk County Council, who has issued a statement objecting to the proposal and the lack of consultation; West Suffolk Council; Thetford Town and Barnham Parish Council.
Planning Applications
Application DC/26/0458/P3QPA for 6 dwellings at Lower Farm was still pending a decision. Revised plans have been submitted showing the shed with asbestos roof will be demolished allowing for larger rear gardens.
Bench Replacement
Council discussed the options for replacing the bench prepared by the Clerk and circulated prior to the meeting. Cllr Bilverstone proposed replacing the bench with a black Surrey seat with ground anchors made from recycled plastic with a 25-year warranty costing £756.60 plus £125.00 for installation. Seconded by Cllr Fletcher. Unanimously agreed.
Troston Wood Information Board
Cllr Pugson sent his apologies, no update.
Vehicle Activated Sign
Council considered a test installation of the new vehicle activated sign which has not been fitted due to the installation of the extension pole by Suffolk County Council has not yet been scheduled. The Clerk confirmed that the 2-year warranty will not start until the sign has been fitted. Council unanimously decided to wait for the extension installation.
Playground/Playing Field
- Update on any works required or completed in the playground/playing field – there were no updates.
- Updates on any plans for the playfield – Cllr Bilverstone reported a meeting with Martin Aldridge the volunteer tree warden. The smaller trees need some maintenance around their bases and it was suggested a volunteer day to do this. He will be applying for a small grant to purchase a few trees as agreed at a previous meeting.
Village Matters/Maintenance
- To receive any updates regarding Troston Woods – Cllr Bilverstone advised that the volunteer group was cancelled for Saturday 20th June due to the excessive heat. The next met up is Saturday 18th July. Councillors discussed a more formal arrangement for the group and will add to the September agenda. It was noted that one of the wooden posts at the entrance to the woods has been damaged and needs replacing. Cllr Bilverstone proposed replacing with an existing spare, concreting in place at a cost of £20. Seconded by Cllr Riddick. Unanimously agreed.
- Update on the repairs to village sign – Cllr Pugson has treated the post of the sign. It was agreed when the lavender is pruned an assessment of the condition of the post base will be conducted and report back to council for discussion.
- Council to consider repair options for the missing glass panel in the phone box – Councillors discussed and agreed to replace the missing panel. Cllr Bilverstone will measure. The Clerk will obtain quotations for tempered and toughened glass replacements for our next meeting.
Finance
- The Clerk provided a schedule of payments and receipts which were agreed and approved unanimously.
| Date | Ref. | Supplier / Customer | Description | Net | VAT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30/06/2026 | 33 | BT | Village Hall wifi - May 2026 | £40.95 | £8.19 | £49.14 |
| 30/06/2026 | 34 | Unity Trust Bank | Bank fee - April 2026 | £7.00 | £- | £7.00 |
| 30/06/2026 | 35 | Troston Village Hall | April, May & June Meeting hall hire | £72.00 | £- | £72.00 |
| 30/06/2026 | 36 | Amanda Jackson | Salary - June | £431.23 | £- | £431.23 |
| 30/06/2026 | 37 | Amanda Jackson | Working from home allowance May | £25.00 | £- | £25.00 |
| 30/06/2026 | 38 | HMRC | Tax & NI contributions as calculated by SALC | £5.90 | £- | £5.90 |
| 30/06/2026 | 39 | SCC Pension | Employer & employee pension contributions | £102.68 | £- | £102.68 |
| 30/06/2026 | 40 | BT | Village Hall wifi - June 2026 | £40.95 | £8.19 | £49.14 |
| 30/06/2026 | 41 | Unity Trust Bank | Bank fee - May 2026 | £7.00 | £- | £7.00 |
| 30/06/2026 | 42 | Amanda Jackson | Expenses - A4 dividers | £6.66 | £1.33 | £7.99 |
| 30/06/2026 | 43 | Countryside Conservation | 2 maintenance visits grass cutting | £529.20 | £105.84 | £635.04 |
£1,268.57 £123.55 £1,392.12
- The Clerk had circulated bank reconciliations prior to the meeting for both Current and Savings accounts which were unanimously agreed and approved.
- Council reviewed the first quarter actual spend to budget report. Council asked for the remaining funds to be shown in a percentage format and a forecast of expected costs for the remainder of the year. The Clerk will prepare ready for the 2nd quarter report.
- Council considered adding an additional signatory to the bank account. Cllr Riddick proposed Cllr Fletcher to be added. Seconded by Cllr Norris. Unanimously agreed.
- Council considered the Clerks request of additional budget to facilitate the development of the new website. Cllr Bilverstone proposed a rolling 10 hours of overtime, once reached the Clerk will liaise with Cllr Bilverstone for any additional hours. Seconded by Cllr Norris. Unanimously agreed.
- Clerk’s report and Responsible Financial officer report:
| Bank balances as at 30/6/2026 | |
|---|---|
| Unity Trust Current Account | £514.36 |
| Unity Trust Savings Account | £27,707.90 |
| Total balance | £28,222.26 |
| Savings Account Interest | £- |
| Moved from current account to savings account | £- |
| Moved from Savings account to Current account | £1,700.00 |
| Receipts received | £238.43 |
| Payments made under S137* | £- |
Earmarked reserves as at 30/6/2026
| RESERVE | As of 1/4/2026 | Spent to date | Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training | £330.00 | £206.00 | £124.00 |
| Election | £90.00 | 0 | £90.00 |
| Troston Woods | £200.00 | 0 | £200.00 |
| £620.00 | £206.00 | £414.00 |
Councillors are reminded to update their Register of Members’ Interest forms and to declare any gifts or hospitality valued over £25.00.
Land Use and Permissions Policy
Council discussed a draft Land Use and Permissions Policy that was circulated prior to the meeting. It was agreed to add an opening line advising the law on private property. Cllr Bilverstone proposed acceptance with the amendment. Seconded by Cllr Riddick. Unanimously agreed. Council agreed for the Clerk to liaise with the owner of the new memorial bench on the playing field to complete the required paperwork. Cllr Bilverstone requested permission for the Village Hall Management Committee to use the playing field on 19th August 2026 to host the Coffee Caravan for a social chat and coffee, Councillor agreed unanimously.
Councillor Reports and Future Agenda Items
Councillor Bilverstone advised that a post at the entrance to Troston Wood had been damaged and needed replacing.
For September agenda:
- Review the condition of the pump track
- Troston Wood working group formalisation
- New website update
Next Meeting
Parish Council Meeting - Tuesday 8th September 2026 at 7.00pm
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.20pm.