Minutes of Barkway Parish Council Meeting
Held remotely via Zoom on Tuesday 9th March 2021 at 7.30pm
Also Available as a PDF file, Here.
1. In attendance: Cllrs:
Mr W Dennis (Chair)
Mr P Baker (Vice Chair)
Mrs J Connolly
Ms J Cox
Mr D Marchant
Mr N Stuart
Mr R Tym
Also present: Mrs C Toms (Clerk/RFO) and County Cllr. F Hill
Members of the Public: No members of the public were present.
2. To receive and accept apologies for absence: District Cllrs. Morris and Hunter
3. To receive Councillor’s Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and to remind Councillors of their requirement to update register of interests under change of
circumstances – Cllr. N Stuart (re: item 9.2.5)
4. Minutes
4.1 To approve the minutes of the last meeting - Proposed, seconded and all in favour to approve. Resolved. Action: Clerk
4.2 To consider any matters arising from the last meeting – The Clerk reported that further to concern raised at the previous meeting regarding building
alterations being carried out at the Tally Ho pub, an NHDC Enforcement Officer had contacted both the owners and the people carrying out the
alterations and advised them that a planning application would need to be submitted for the proposed change of use to incorporate a shop. As a result,
it was understood that the shop would now not be operating from the pub, as they had since found alternative premises. Further to this, it was learnt
that the owners of the Tally Ho had now agreed a lease with a third party to run a ‘wet sales only’ pub from the premises.
5. Public Session - to receive representations from members of the public – No members of the public were present.
6. To receive report from District Councillor – no report.
7. To receive report from County Councillor - County Cllr. Hill reported that following the Hearing Sessions in February, the NHDC Local Plan Main
Modifications from the Inspector were being brought before the Cabinet Meeting on 16th March for approval. NHDC had now set their budget for 2021/22
with a 1.9% increase plus a further 2% increase ringfenced for Social Care. Libraries hoped to be open again for browsing from 12th April, depending on
Government guidance. Rural Police speed checks would be carried out as resources allowed. Community Speed Vans would be available for use as well
soon. The damaged road signs had all been reported and she would chase up Highways to inspect the damaged road surface in Burrs Lane. The verge
encroached footpath heading south towards the Tally Ho was on the list to be sorted. Too much expenditure could not be committed at present, as
elections were due to be held in May this year.
8. Council Administration – Nothing to report.
9. To receive updates from Portfolio Holders
9.1 Corporate Governance
9.1.1 To adopt Standard Terms of References for Committees/Working Parties and Scheme of Delegation – To be deferred to the April meeting.
9.1.2 To consider new LGA Model Code of Conduct for Councillors – This had been circulated to all Cllrs. and no comments had been received. Since
the last meeting it was understood that this document was being brought before the Standards Committee at NHDC for consideration. In the
meantime, Cllrs. were asked to read/consider the document with the view to adopting it at the May Annual Meeting of the Council. Action: All
9.1.3 Update on review of Financial Regulations – following circulation to all Cllrs. no comments had been received. It was proposed, seconded and
agreed by all to re-approve the existing previously adopted version. To be re-dated and uploaded on the website. Action: JCox/NS
9.1.4 To approve proposal for renewal of Zurich Insurance (including fidelity guarantee) – The proposal had been reviewed. As there was no cover for
business interruption, there was no cover for loss of business income due to Covid. It was considered that fidelity guarantee cover at £100,000
was more than adequate. The exclusion clause regarding communicable diseases was queried as it was unclear what it meant with regards to
the buildings and contents cover. It was proposed, seconded and agreed by all to approve the renewal subject to clarification from Zurich
regarding communicable diseases. The Clerk to phone Zurich. Action: Clerk
9.2 Planning
9.2.1 Wisbridge Reservoir update – The Clerk reported that the Chair of Reed Parish Council had finally managed to speak to the Enforcement
Officer at NHDC following numerous email exchanges. NHDC would not be revoking the Certificate of Lawfulness granted for the development
because in their opinion it was irrelevant to achieving the outcome being sought by Reed and Barkway Parish Councils – which was the
restoration of the reservoir site. That could only be achieved by an assessment by the Planning Authority of whether the works on site complied
with the relevant Permitted Development Rights granted by the 2015 Act. If NHDC decided that the development was a reservoir then there was
no timescale required for the project to be completed. If it was decided that it was not actually a reservoir, then the developers would need to
submit a planning application for what had been built and this would be subject to the usual consultation. If the developers did not submit an
application or an application was refused, then it would become a matter of enforcement. The NHDC Officer was of the opinion that if the
structure could not be supplied with water then it couldn’t be a reservoir. He planned to do a site visit in the Spring. The Environment Agency had
passed this case over to NHDC and NHDC were now dealing with it as a live issue. Future action by NHDC would focus on inspection of the site
in relation to Permitted Development law. The Clerk was requested to ask if representatives from both Parish Councils could be present when
the NHDC site visit took place. Action: Clerk
9.2.2 Neighbourhood Plan – update – Feedback from the Regulation 14 consultation was still being analysed by the Planning Consultants. The next
stage would be to agree any proposed amendments to the Plan and take it to the next round of consultation.
9.2.3 To consider and make comment on planning application:
Full Planning Permission : Erection of one detached 3-bed bungalow following removal of existing stables and outbuildings.
44 High Street, Barkway, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 8EE. Case Ref No: 20/02956/FP – after consideration of this application, it was proposed, seconded and agreed that there was no objection to this application. Resolved. The Clerk to respond to NHDC. Action: Clerk
9.2.4 To consider and make comment on planning application:
Full Permission Householder : Single storey rear extension
Gas Cottage, 1 Gas Lane, Barkway, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 8ET. Case Ref No: 21/00445/FPH – after consideration of this application it was proposed, seconded and agreed by all that there was no objection to this application provided that the development would be in line with current planning policy. Resolved. The Clerk to respond to NHDC. Action: Clerk
Cllr. Stuart left the meeting whilst this planning application was discussed.
9.2.5 To consider and make comment on planning application:
Full Permission Householder : Replace all of the existing wood cladding with fibre cement cladding
144 High Street, Barkway, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 8EG. Case Ref No: 21/00551/FPH – after consideration of this application it was
proposed, seconded and agreed by all that there was no objection to this application. Resolved. The Clerk to respond to NHDC. Action: Clerk
Cllr. Stuart returned to the meeting.
Dist. Cllr. Gerald Morris arrived in the meeting.
9.3 Highways – update – there was nothing further to add (see item 7).
9.4 Sports and Recreation
9.4.1 To receive update on installation of new play fort equipment – the equipment had been ordered and delivery and installation was likely to be in
about 6 weeks.
9.4.2 To discuss use of the Recreation Ground by clubs and private fee charging trainers – concern was raised regarding the amount of use during the
first lockdown by groups doing organised training sessions on the Rec. It was agreed that these sessions should be booked in advance in order
to have some control over who was using the facilities and if they had their own public liability insurance in place. In addition, a charge could
then be made to compensate for the wear and tear and maintenance required. In order to clarify matters it was proposed, seconded and agreed
to have a sign put up on the end of the Pavilion stating that organised training sessions needed to be pre-booked. The Clerk to email all known
users of the facilities to request that training sessions were booked through the Bookings Secretary in advance. Action: Clerk
In advance of outdoor sports being able to recommence on 29th March, the Clerk to ask Mr Drake to mark up one pitch and start necessary
maintenance work on the other pitch, in preparation for the start of the new season in August. Action: Clerk
9.4.3 To consider request received from Royston United to hold a football tournament on the Rec. in August 2021 – after discussion it was agreed to
find out what dates this event might take place and how many teams would be taking part. The Clerk would then check with the Village Hall to
ensure there was no clash of events, which could create chaos with parking. Royston United would be asked to be responsible for supervising
the parking making sure that it was safe. It was agreed that if at all possible, it would be a good thing to allow this event to go ahead, after such
a long period of restrictions for young people due to the pandemic. To be discussed further at the April meeting. Action: WD/Clerk
9.4.4 To consider the Annual Play Area Inspection Report and agree any necessary action – the inspection report had been previously circulated to all
Cllrs. There were three areas of ‘moderate risk’ highlighted regarding the basket swing and the adventure trail. It was agreed that Cllr. Baker
would contact the company due to install the new fort and ask them to address these issues when they were on site. He would also try and
obtain quotations for an annual inspection and re-tensioning of the zip wire as this item of equipment had not been included within the annual
inspection by NHDC. Action to be agreed at the April meeting. Action: PB
9.5 Community Property
9.5.1 To receive quotations on donor’s board for the Pavilion entrance hall and agree to place order - the quotation had been approved at the
previous meeting, so Cllr. Cox was now liaising with the company to provide all the information necessary for them to provide a draft for approval
at the April meeting. Action: JCox
9.5.2 To receive update regarding Newsells War Memorial renovation project – The Clerk had chased up the contractors to finish the job (tidying up,
with infilling of top soil) before the end of March. They had agreed to do this in the next week.
9.5.3 To receive quotations for railings on Pavilion balustrade and agree to place order – A quotation had been obtained from a local company of
£1900.00 + VAT for galvanised metal railings. In addition, it would cost £140.00 for fitting by others. Underspend on the Pavilion maintenance
budget over the last 2 years meant that there was money available to cover this cost. It was proposed, seconded and agreed by all to go ahead
with this. The Clerk to place the order. Action: Clerk
9.5.4 To discuss security of Pavilion and car parks – reports had been received of inappropriate behaviour being witnessed at night in the car park.
Consideration would be given to possible installation of CCTV in the future to try and deter these incidents.
9.6 Environment
9.6.1 To receive update on phase one of the Wagon Wash Restoration project - Cllr. Connolly reported that the tree removal company had confirmed
that planning permission would be necessary to take out the tree that was causing structural damage to the wall. This application was now being
processed. The Barkway Local History Group would be researching the history of the Wagon Wash to enable an application to be submitted to
try and get the structure Listed with Historic England, which in turn may give greater access to grant funding for the renovation works.
9.6.2 To discuss problem of dog fouling and agree any action to try and address the issue – it was considered that there was a vastly increased
problem of dog fouling in the Rec. with owners not picking up. It was proposed, seconded and agreed to investigate the purchase of dog poo
bag dispensers and notices reminding owners to clear up after their dogs. Cllr. Dennis to contact PCSO Brabrook as it was understood that they
could organise education sessions for dog owners using the Rec. Action: Clerk/WD
9.7 Media and Communications
9.7.1 To consider quotations to acquire a compliant website – examples of websites developed by possible suppliers had been previously circulated,
Cllr. Stuart would go back to the preferred company and request that a contract is drawn up. This would be shared at the April meeting, when a
final decision would be made. Action: NS
9.7.2 Police Report – nothing to report.
9.7.3 To receive update on the Barkway Hub and note receipt of £350 grant from Fiona Hill’s Locality Budget – County Cllr. Hill was thanked by all for
the £350 grant money received. This would be put towards the cost of Covid-related PPE that was purchased during the first lockdown to enable
the Barkway Hub to function to support those people who were in need of help. The Hub was still operational with odd requests still received for
help. Grateful thanks were given to the group involved with the newspaper round, which had been going for over a year now. There was an idea
of setting up a walking group to promote health, well-being and keeping in touch with people. Some financial support might be needed to get this
started. It was agreed to ring-fence some funds for this purpose. The Parish Pantry continued to be used regularly, particularly towards the end
of the month, when money was running short. The Vicar had been investigating alternative sources of funding and an organisation in Royston
had pledged £200. It was proposed, seconded and agreed by all to match this donation, to be paid in £50 increments to the Barkway PCC over
the next 4 months. Action: Clerk
It was agreed that parishioners should be made aware that if they didn’t want to leave donations of food in the Church porch, then donations of
money could be made direct to the PCC where it would be ring-fenced funds to support the Parish Pantry.
9.7.4 To agree production of Spring edition of the Bulletin – it was proposed, seconded and agreed by all to aim to produce a brief Spring edition of the
Bulletin. Cllrs. were asked to submit short articles to Cllr. Cox during the next month to enable her to produce a draft for approval at the April
meeting. Action: All
10. Finance – To receive finance reports from the Clerk
10.1 To provide update on current financial position
Parish Council Account:
The Parish Council bank balance at 09.03.2021 was £68,112.80
Petty Cash £16.01
Receipts since the last meeting:
CR £1.97 – Barclays Bank – Interest
CR £350.00 – Locality Grant – for Barkway Hub Covid Expenses from County Cllr. Hill
10.1 To authorise payments to be made
Approval of payments since last meeting:
DD £14.39 – Zoom – Monthly Subscription
DC £28.78 – 123-Reg – Domain Renewal 2 years
BP £35.00 – CDA Herts – Subscription
BP £100.00 – Barkway PCC – Donation to Parish Pantry
BP £500.00 – The Diary – Grant (from Solar Fund)
DD £68.31 – Nest – Pension Contributions
DC £6.99 – Amazon – Wall Planner
DD £8.40 – Sage Software – Monthly Subscription
DD £1,188.11 – NHDC – Emptying of Dog Bins 2020/21
BP £1,488.67 – GR Builders Ltd – Deposit for new Pavilion Doors
BP £5,400.00 – Playground Facilities Ltd – Deposit for new Multi-play Fort
DD £8.70 – Castle Water – Water Pavilion
DD £71.00 – EDF – Electricity Pavilion
Approval of payments to be made at meeting:
By bank transfer
£1,105.59 - Catharine Toms – Clerk’s Monthly Salary + Office Allowance
£30.00 – Orla Swann – Litter Picking Feb
£30.00 – Kaitlin Aldridge – Litter Picking Feb
£260.68 – Morgan Fire Protection Ltd – Extinguisher Maintenance – Pavilion & Reading Room
£1,740.93 – Zurich Municipal – Annual Insurance
£68.00 – R Bonfield – Maintenance Rec. Feb
£33.51 – Catharine Toms – Clerk’s Expenses *
*£6.85 – Post Office – Special Delivery to Inspector for LP Hearing
£26.66 – Amazon – Office 365 Subscription 1 Year
Reading Room Accounts:
Bank Balance at 09.03.2021 was £11,196.63
Receipts since last meeting:
CR £33.02 – COIF – Interest
CR £0.26 – Barclays Bank - Interest
Payments since last meeting:
None
The payments were proposed, seconded and all approved. Resolved.
11. Correspondence – nothing not covered elsewhere in the meeting.
12. Items to be deferred to the next meeting – Terms of Reference for Committees and Working Parties, incl the Barkway Hub, Scheme of Delegation, New
Model Code of Conduct, Play Area Maintenance, Royston United Football Tournament, Draft proposal for Donors Board for the Pavilion, Renovation of
the Wagon Wash, Contract for website.
13. Date of next meeting – Tuesday 13th April.
There being no further business, the meeting ended at 9.07pm
1. In attendance: Cllrs:
Mr W Dennis (Chair)
Mr P Baker (Vice Chair)
Mrs J Connolly
Ms J Cox
Mr D Marchant
Mr N Stuart
Mr R Tym
Also present: Mrs C Toms (Clerk/RFO) and County Cllr. F Hill
Members of the Public: No members of the public were present.
2. To receive and accept apologies for absence: District Cllrs. Morris and Hunter
3. To receive Councillor’s Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and to remind Councillors of their requirement to update register of interests under change of
circumstances – Cllr. N Stuart (re: item 9.2.5)
4. Minutes
4.1 To approve the minutes of the last meeting - Proposed, seconded and all in favour to approve. Resolved. Action: Clerk
4.2 To consider any matters arising from the last meeting – The Clerk reported that further to concern raised at the previous meeting regarding building
alterations being carried out at the Tally Ho pub, an NHDC Enforcement Officer had contacted both the owners and the people carrying out the
alterations and advised them that a planning application would need to be submitted for the proposed change of use to incorporate a shop. As a result,
it was understood that the shop would now not be operating from the pub, as they had since found alternative premises. Further to this, it was learnt
that the owners of the Tally Ho had now agreed a lease with a third party to run a ‘wet sales only’ pub from the premises.
5. Public Session - to receive representations from members of the public – No members of the public were present.
6. To receive report from District Councillor – no report.
7. To receive report from County Councillor - County Cllr. Hill reported that following the Hearing Sessions in February, the NHDC Local Plan Main
Modifications from the Inspector were being brought before the Cabinet Meeting on 16th March for approval. NHDC had now set their budget for 2021/22
with a 1.9% increase plus a further 2% increase ringfenced for Social Care. Libraries hoped to be open again for browsing from 12th April, depending on
Government guidance. Rural Police speed checks would be carried out as resources allowed. Community Speed Vans would be available for use as well
soon. The damaged road signs had all been reported and she would chase up Highways to inspect the damaged road surface in Burrs Lane. The verge
encroached footpath heading south towards the Tally Ho was on the list to be sorted. Too much expenditure could not be committed at present, as
elections were due to be held in May this year.
8. Council Administration – Nothing to report.
9. To receive updates from Portfolio Holders
9.1 Corporate Governance
9.1.1 To adopt Standard Terms of References for Committees/Working Parties and Scheme of Delegation – To be deferred to the April meeting.
9.1.2 To consider new LGA Model Code of Conduct for Councillors – This had been circulated to all Cllrs. and no comments had been received. Since
the last meeting it was understood that this document was being brought before the Standards Committee at NHDC for consideration. In the
meantime, Cllrs. were asked to read/consider the document with the view to adopting it at the May Annual Meeting of the Council. Action: All
9.1.3 Update on review of Financial Regulations – following circulation to all Cllrs. no comments had been received. It was proposed, seconded and
agreed by all to re-approve the existing previously adopted version. To be re-dated and uploaded on the website. Action: JCox/NS
9.1.4 To approve proposal for renewal of Zurich Insurance (including fidelity guarantee) – The proposal had been reviewed. As there was no cover for
business interruption, there was no cover for loss of business income due to Covid. It was considered that fidelity guarantee cover at £100,000
was more than adequate. The exclusion clause regarding communicable diseases was queried as it was unclear what it meant with regards to
the buildings and contents cover. It was proposed, seconded and agreed by all to approve the renewal subject to clarification from Zurich
regarding communicable diseases. The Clerk to phone Zurich. Action: Clerk
9.2 Planning
9.2.1 Wisbridge Reservoir update – The Clerk reported that the Chair of Reed Parish Council had finally managed to speak to the Enforcement
Officer at NHDC following numerous email exchanges. NHDC would not be revoking the Certificate of Lawfulness granted for the development
because in their opinion it was irrelevant to achieving the outcome being sought by Reed and Barkway Parish Councils – which was the
restoration of the reservoir site. That could only be achieved by an assessment by the Planning Authority of whether the works on site complied
with the relevant Permitted Development Rights granted by the 2015 Act. If NHDC decided that the development was a reservoir then there was
no timescale required for the project to be completed. If it was decided that it was not actually a reservoir, then the developers would need to
submit a planning application for what had been built and this would be subject to the usual consultation. If the developers did not submit an
application or an application was refused, then it would become a matter of enforcement. The NHDC Officer was of the opinion that if the
structure could not be supplied with water then it couldn’t be a reservoir. He planned to do a site visit in the Spring. The Environment Agency had
passed this case over to NHDC and NHDC were now dealing with it as a live issue. Future action by NHDC would focus on inspection of the site
in relation to Permitted Development law. The Clerk was requested to ask if representatives from both Parish Councils could be present when
the NHDC site visit took place. Action: Clerk
9.2.2 Neighbourhood Plan – update – Feedback from the Regulation 14 consultation was still being analysed by the Planning Consultants. The next
stage would be to agree any proposed amendments to the Plan and take it to the next round of consultation.
9.2.3 To consider and make comment on planning application:
Full Planning Permission : Erection of one detached 3-bed bungalow following removal of existing stables and outbuildings.
44 High Street, Barkway, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 8EE. Case Ref No: 20/02956/FP – after consideration of this application, it was proposed, seconded and agreed that there was no objection to this application. Resolved. The Clerk to respond to NHDC. Action: Clerk
9.2.4 To consider and make comment on planning application:
Full Permission Householder : Single storey rear extension
Gas Cottage, 1 Gas Lane, Barkway, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 8ET. Case Ref No: 21/00445/FPH – after consideration of this application it was proposed, seconded and agreed by all that there was no objection to this application provided that the development would be in line with current planning policy. Resolved. The Clerk to respond to NHDC. Action: Clerk
Cllr. Stuart left the meeting whilst this planning application was discussed.
9.2.5 To consider and make comment on planning application:
Full Permission Householder : Replace all of the existing wood cladding with fibre cement cladding
144 High Street, Barkway, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 8EG. Case Ref No: 21/00551/FPH – after consideration of this application it was
proposed, seconded and agreed by all that there was no objection to this application. Resolved. The Clerk to respond to NHDC. Action: Clerk
Cllr. Stuart returned to the meeting.
Dist. Cllr. Gerald Morris arrived in the meeting.
9.3 Highways – update – there was nothing further to add (see item 7).
9.4 Sports and Recreation
9.4.1 To receive update on installation of new play fort equipment – the equipment had been ordered and delivery and installation was likely to be in
about 6 weeks.
9.4.2 To discuss use of the Recreation Ground by clubs and private fee charging trainers – concern was raised regarding the amount of use during the
first lockdown by groups doing organised training sessions on the Rec. It was agreed that these sessions should be booked in advance in order
to have some control over who was using the facilities and if they had their own public liability insurance in place. In addition, a charge could
then be made to compensate for the wear and tear and maintenance required. In order to clarify matters it was proposed, seconded and agreed
to have a sign put up on the end of the Pavilion stating that organised training sessions needed to be pre-booked. The Clerk to email all known
users of the facilities to request that training sessions were booked through the Bookings Secretary in advance. Action: Clerk
In advance of outdoor sports being able to recommence on 29th March, the Clerk to ask Mr Drake to mark up one pitch and start necessary
maintenance work on the other pitch, in preparation for the start of the new season in August. Action: Clerk
9.4.3 To consider request received from Royston United to hold a football tournament on the Rec. in August 2021 – after discussion it was agreed to
find out what dates this event might take place and how many teams would be taking part. The Clerk would then check with the Village Hall to
ensure there was no clash of events, which could create chaos with parking. Royston United would be asked to be responsible for supervising
the parking making sure that it was safe. It was agreed that if at all possible, it would be a good thing to allow this event to go ahead, after such
a long period of restrictions for young people due to the pandemic. To be discussed further at the April meeting. Action: WD/Clerk
9.4.4 To consider the Annual Play Area Inspection Report and agree any necessary action – the inspection report had been previously circulated to all
Cllrs. There were three areas of ‘moderate risk’ highlighted regarding the basket swing and the adventure trail. It was agreed that Cllr. Baker
would contact the company due to install the new fort and ask them to address these issues when they were on site. He would also try and
obtain quotations for an annual inspection and re-tensioning of the zip wire as this item of equipment had not been included within the annual
inspection by NHDC. Action to be agreed at the April meeting. Action: PB
9.5 Community Property
9.5.1 To receive quotations on donor’s board for the Pavilion entrance hall and agree to place order - the quotation had been approved at the
previous meeting, so Cllr. Cox was now liaising with the company to provide all the information necessary for them to provide a draft for approval
at the April meeting. Action: JCox
9.5.2 To receive update regarding Newsells War Memorial renovation project – The Clerk had chased up the contractors to finish the job (tidying up,
with infilling of top soil) before the end of March. They had agreed to do this in the next week.
9.5.3 To receive quotations for railings on Pavilion balustrade and agree to place order – A quotation had been obtained from a local company of
£1900.00 + VAT for galvanised metal railings. In addition, it would cost £140.00 for fitting by others. Underspend on the Pavilion maintenance
budget over the last 2 years meant that there was money available to cover this cost. It was proposed, seconded and agreed by all to go ahead
with this. The Clerk to place the order. Action: Clerk
9.5.4 To discuss security of Pavilion and car parks – reports had been received of inappropriate behaviour being witnessed at night in the car park.
Consideration would be given to possible installation of CCTV in the future to try and deter these incidents.
9.6 Environment
9.6.1 To receive update on phase one of the Wagon Wash Restoration project - Cllr. Connolly reported that the tree removal company had confirmed
that planning permission would be necessary to take out the tree that was causing structural damage to the wall. This application was now being
processed. The Barkway Local History Group would be researching the history of the Wagon Wash to enable an application to be submitted to
try and get the structure Listed with Historic England, which in turn may give greater access to grant funding for the renovation works.
9.6.2 To discuss problem of dog fouling and agree any action to try and address the issue – it was considered that there was a vastly increased
problem of dog fouling in the Rec. with owners not picking up. It was proposed, seconded and agreed to investigate the purchase of dog poo
bag dispensers and notices reminding owners to clear up after their dogs. Cllr. Dennis to contact PCSO Brabrook as it was understood that they
could organise education sessions for dog owners using the Rec. Action: Clerk/WD
9.7 Media and Communications
9.7.1 To consider quotations to acquire a compliant website – examples of websites developed by possible suppliers had been previously circulated,
Cllr. Stuart would go back to the preferred company and request that a contract is drawn up. This would be shared at the April meeting, when a
final decision would be made. Action: NS
9.7.2 Police Report – nothing to report.
9.7.3 To receive update on the Barkway Hub and note receipt of £350 grant from Fiona Hill’s Locality Budget – County Cllr. Hill was thanked by all for
the £350 grant money received. This would be put towards the cost of Covid-related PPE that was purchased during the first lockdown to enable
the Barkway Hub to function to support those people who were in need of help. The Hub was still operational with odd requests still received for
help. Grateful thanks were given to the group involved with the newspaper round, which had been going for over a year now. There was an idea
of setting up a walking group to promote health, well-being and keeping in touch with people. Some financial support might be needed to get this
started. It was agreed to ring-fence some funds for this purpose. The Parish Pantry continued to be used regularly, particularly towards the end
of the month, when money was running short. The Vicar had been investigating alternative sources of funding and an organisation in Royston
had pledged £200. It was proposed, seconded and agreed by all to match this donation, to be paid in £50 increments to the Barkway PCC over
the next 4 months. Action: Clerk
It was agreed that parishioners should be made aware that if they didn’t want to leave donations of food in the Church porch, then donations of
money could be made direct to the PCC where it would be ring-fenced funds to support the Parish Pantry.
9.7.4 To agree production of Spring edition of the Bulletin – it was proposed, seconded and agreed by all to aim to produce a brief Spring edition of the
Bulletin. Cllrs. were asked to submit short articles to Cllr. Cox during the next month to enable her to produce a draft for approval at the April
meeting. Action: All
10. Finance – To receive finance reports from the Clerk
10.1 To provide update on current financial position
Parish Council Account:
The Parish Council bank balance at 09.03.2021 was £68,112.80
Petty Cash £16.01
Receipts since the last meeting:
CR £1.97 – Barclays Bank – Interest
CR £350.00 – Locality Grant – for Barkway Hub Covid Expenses from County Cllr. Hill
10.1 To authorise payments to be made
Approval of payments since last meeting:
DD £14.39 – Zoom – Monthly Subscription
DC £28.78 – 123-Reg – Domain Renewal 2 years
BP £35.00 – CDA Herts – Subscription
BP £100.00 – Barkway PCC – Donation to Parish Pantry
BP £500.00 – The Diary – Grant (from Solar Fund)
DD £68.31 – Nest – Pension Contributions
DC £6.99 – Amazon – Wall Planner
DD £8.40 – Sage Software – Monthly Subscription
DD £1,188.11 – NHDC – Emptying of Dog Bins 2020/21
BP £1,488.67 – GR Builders Ltd – Deposit for new Pavilion Doors
BP £5,400.00 – Playground Facilities Ltd – Deposit for new Multi-play Fort
DD £8.70 – Castle Water – Water Pavilion
DD £71.00 – EDF – Electricity Pavilion
Approval of payments to be made at meeting:
By bank transfer
£1,105.59 - Catharine Toms – Clerk’s Monthly Salary + Office Allowance
£30.00 – Orla Swann – Litter Picking Feb
£30.00 – Kaitlin Aldridge – Litter Picking Feb
£260.68 – Morgan Fire Protection Ltd – Extinguisher Maintenance – Pavilion & Reading Room
£1,740.93 – Zurich Municipal – Annual Insurance
£68.00 – R Bonfield – Maintenance Rec. Feb
£33.51 – Catharine Toms – Clerk’s Expenses *
*£6.85 – Post Office – Special Delivery to Inspector for LP Hearing
£26.66 – Amazon – Office 365 Subscription 1 Year
Reading Room Accounts:
Bank Balance at 09.03.2021 was £11,196.63
Receipts since last meeting:
CR £33.02 – COIF – Interest
CR £0.26 – Barclays Bank - Interest
Payments since last meeting:
None
The payments were proposed, seconded and all approved. Resolved.
11. Correspondence – nothing not covered elsewhere in the meeting.
12. Items to be deferred to the next meeting – Terms of Reference for Committees and Working Parties, incl the Barkway Hub, Scheme of Delegation, New
Model Code of Conduct, Play Area Maintenance, Royston United Football Tournament, Draft proposal for Donors Board for the Pavilion, Renovation of
the Wagon Wash, Contract for website.
13. Date of next meeting – Tuesday 13th April.
There being no further business, the meeting ended at 9.07pm
