April 23rd 2025 Minutes (EOM)
GREAT GONERBY PARISH EXTRAORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES (252602)
MEETING HELD ON 23 April 2025
Memorial Hall, Belton Lane, Great Gonerby
Meeting commenced at 7.00pm
Public Forum:
4 members of the public were in attendance.
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained that the public would be unable to
speak or ask questions during the meeting as it was an Extraordinary Meeting.
Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting opened at 7.00pm.
Present: Cllr G Beckett - Chairperson (GB) Cllr Emma Austen (EA) Cllr M Beckett (MB)
Cllr K Davey (KD) Cllr A Davey (AD ) Cllr M Davis (MD) Cllr M Neal (MN) Keith White (KW)
Minutes – Caroline Marion (CM)
1. Apologies:
Cllr T Bridle Cllr T Davis Cllr D Jacobs
2. Declarations of interest or dispensation:
None received.
3. Discussion on budget:
The Chair gave a brief overview on why the budgets were being reset and invited the clerk to open the discussions on the budget.
CM explained that the budget had been put in place, based on the expected precept, unfortunately
the amount received was £41,610 a shortfall of £6001 which necessitated re-alignment of spending areas and pairing back on expectations.
A general discussion took place within the Councillors present on how they felt we could reduce
the proposed budget to make savings and meet the new target. Some areas it was felt we could save on, whilst others areas would need more money than initially planned. Whilst reductions across the budget would be made it was also agreed that in some of the areas the Councillors would carry out the work and not use outside contractors including putting in a new wildflower area, cutting hedges, removing dead trees, and erecting signage. CM said that the Council would still need to protect the budget and be vigilant on costs throughout the year. GB said the burial income maybe exceeded.
KD asked if we would need to take out money from the reserve accounts. CM said she would prefer this is not done at this stage and we should try to work with what we have, putting in place all of the suggested savings and utilising the goodwill and expertise of the Councillors.
CM said that the monthly budgets will be circulated for each PC meeting, and would be displayed as normal within the minutes which will show what is being spent and how we are performing overall. The objective, when reviewing the accounts each month, will be to ensure we are within the forecast.
It was agreed that we would seek grants in as many areas as we are able which will help to protect our budgets.
GB proposed that we maintain our budget level of £47,610 including expected revenue coming in.
EA first proposer, seconded by KW. Vote taken and proposal accepted unanimously.
4. Discussion on Church Lane land donation:
Proposal to accept the gifted land: Accepted: 6 for and 5 against.
New Proposal: Should the land be managed under a Charity (enabling more funding options)
or under the PC direct?
The Chair explained that the PC had accepted the offer of the land on Church Lane but a decision was needed on how it would be managed and what was the best options. She explained it was a positive opportunity for the community and may deter compulsory purchases in the area of the donated land.
A discussion took place on the options:
Managed as a Charity, with a group of Trustees – enabling applications for more grants.
or under the PC which may result in fewer funding options.
KD explained it does not cost to set up a Charity – the costs will be in transferring the land registry through a Solicitor and it was hoped these would be minimal. However, KD highlighted that paperwork for charities can be heavy.
MD asked if the legal costs were included in the budget. CM confirmed they were not. KD and CM to look at
the possibility of getting a grant or funding but hoped it would be absorbed within existing budget.
MD also reminded the meeting that there are TPO trees on the land. It was felt generally this would not be a problem and could be managed by the PC.
It was agreed that the donated land be taken on under the wing of the PC initially, and when the land registry was complete, revisit and see if the PC wish to seek charitable status. One of the neighbouring properties will be taking part of the land area.
Next steps:
GB to contact Donator to confirm acceptance and to ask for a plan of the land and evidence of Land Registry.
Upon receipt of the plan contact will be made with a Solicitor to obtain costings and timings. GB/CM
Update to be given at next PC meeting. GB
The meeting was closed to the general public and a discussion took place on a proposed meeting that was to take place in the following week.
Hedge cutting on Church Path/Grantham Road junction.
MN raised the issue that the hedge along Church Lane was now very overgrown. CM explained that
she had visited the property that morning with a view to explaining that the hedge needed cutting back.
There was no reply when she knocked on the door.
CM explained this has been an ongoing problem over the years and we are again receiving complaints
from parishioners who found it difficult to walk or travel in a mobility scooter.
It was decided that the hedge would be cut on Sunday 28 April 2025 at 12 noon by the Councillors
Themselves to avoid any further delays and for the safety of the public using the path.
The chair reminded everyone that the APM and next PC meeting will be held on Wednesday 14 May
(not a Monday as the main hall is required).
MD asked if it would be possible to attend the meeting remotely including voting for the Chair/Vice Chair.
CM to clarify with LALC and feedback to Councillors.
The meeting was closed by the Chair at 7.35pm