LIDDINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on
Wednesday 3rd January 2024 at 6:30pm in the Village Hall
Present: Councillors Aftelak, Bunney (Chair), Poppleton and Wilson
Also present: Laura Evans (Clerk), Ward Cllr G Sumner and a member of the Neighbourhood Policing Team.
1. APOLOGIES
Resolved: To approve Cllr Sturgess’s reason for absence (unavailable)
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Poppleton declared an interest as Treasurer for All Saint’s Church.
3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Resolved: The Minutes of the Full Council meeting held on 6
th December 2023 were approved and signed as a true
record.
4. MATTERS ARISING (10 MINUTES)
Football Parking – continuing action – Cllr Bunney to source a sign stating “No football traffic beyond this point”
which can be placed at the end of Church Road for football matches. The football club will be responsible for
ensuring the sign is placed out on match days. Action- Cllr Bunney
Medbourne Lane – The highways team from SBC came and cleared the road and a brilliant job was carried out but
due to further rainfall and the lane being used as a diversion for a day the road is back to its previous state. Clerk to
contact SBC to see if they will attend again. Action- Clerk
Ward Cllr G Sumner confirmed that Medbourne Lane is being investigated as the LLFA (Lead Local Flood Authority)
have opened a section 19 investigation.
Trigpoint platform Plaque – still ongoing, Cllr Aftelak has been chasing the second quotation but to no avail.
The one quotation returned was for a black and silver plaque is £75.70 + VAT and postage.
Resolved: Cllr Bunney proposed acceptance of this quotation. Cllr Poppleton seconded the proposal and was
unanimously agreed. Cllr Aftelak to check the sizing of the post to which it will be fixed. Action- Cllr Aftelak
5. WARD COUNCILLOR REPORT (10 MINUTE)
Bin Collections – Cllr G Sumner confirmed that there has been a lack of emptying due to staff shortages.
Draft Swindon Plan – The draft Swindon Plan was discussed by Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet on 13th
December 2023 and is based on the Council’s three main priority missions for the town – Combat Inequality, Build a
Better Swindon and Achieve Net Zero. Ward Cllr G Sumner encouraged LPC to look at the consultation regarding
rural areas.
Southern Connector Road- Drainage survey is being carried out while SBC await further information from the
previous contractor Buckingham.
Ward Cllr G Sumner left the meeting at 7:00pm
6. PUBLIC SESSION (15 MINUTES)
The Police Officer in attendance gave an update on recent activity in the area and was pleased to report that there
are very few incidents in Liddington. Regular patrols are also being carried out.
There have been a recent reports from surrounding areas of door handles of properties being tested, to help
residents feel more safe and comfortable the Police recommend video door bells are used as this provides the best
evidence and can act as a deterrent, cameras should not encroach onto neighbouring properties.
The meeting thanked the Police for attending.
7. PLANNING MATTERS (10 MINUTES)
(a) To consider any planning applications:
The meeting noted that no applications had been received.
Minutes – January 2024 Page 2 of 3
(b) To note any comments submitted between meetings:
The meeting noted that no comments had been submitted.
(c) To note any decisions:
The meeting noted that no decisions had been received.
8. FINANCE (10 MINUTES)
(a) To approve payment of the following invoices:
Resolved: Cllr Poppleton proposed approval of the invoices, standing order, recurring payment and ratification of
the payments made between meetings. Cllr Wilson seconded the proposal and was unanimously agreed.
• HMRC- Tax Month 09 – £52.20
• Liddington Village Hall Hire- £24.00
• Adams & Watt Ltd- Additional works- £446.40
(b) To approve payment of the following Standing Orders:
• Adams & Watt – Annual grass cutting contract – January instalment- £665.36
(c) To approve the following Direct Debits:
• Three Mobile phone bill – £3.00
• ICO – £35.00
(d) To approve payment of the following recurring payments
• Unlimited webhosting – (18/12/2023- 17/01/2024) – £4.79
(e) To ratify payments made between meetings
• Salary December – £209.00
• Friends of the Ridgeway- Annual subscription- £15.00
(f) To receive the monthly account reconciliation.
Resolved: The meeting noted the accounts were in a good position.
(g) Q3 Budget Monitoring
Resolved: The meeting noted that the budget was on track but the Clerk to add a note on the monitoring sheet
regarding the purchase of the chairs on behalf of the village hall.
9. TO AGREE ANNUAL BUDGET AND PRECEPT FOR 2024/25 (10 MINUTES)
Resolved: To continue to maintain the level of service provided the meeting proposed that a small increase in the
precept was necessary as had been discussed at the December PC Meeting.
Resolved: That the precept be set at £23,812.60p for 2024/25
10. REVIEW OF IRPP FOR PARISH COUNCIL ALLOWANCES 2024-25 (5 MINUTES)
Resolved: The Councillors stated and agreed that they did not wish to receive the allowances and the situation
should continue as currently in place.
11. VILLAGE MATTERS (15 MINUTES)
a) Website – Cllr Aftelak tried to proceed with the company selected but no responses have been received
which does not bode well if there is ever an issue. The next cheapest website provider Netwise is £330 per
year with an intentional set up fee of £599 and an annual subscription fee for the .gov. uk domain for £60.
Resolved: The meeting agreed to proceed with Netwise. Action- Cllr Aftelak
12. COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS (10 MINUTES)
Councillors who have attended meetings on behalf of the Parish Council or who are responsible for local schemes,
amenities and projects will have the opportunity to provide an update on progress made.
Allotments (AP & GW) – Looking to hold a meeting in January 2024
Playing Field (CB) – Cllr Bunney inspected the play equipment on 9
th December 2023.
Village Hall Committee (JS) – No update provided due to the absence of Cllr Sturgess.
Town Advisory Engagement Group (GW) – No recent meeting has taken place.
Swindon Local Council Forum (CB & GW) – No recent meeting has taken place.
Parish Chairs/Clerks Engagement Meeting – No recent meeting has taken place.
NEV Meeting – No recent meeting has taken place.
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13. PARISH MAGAZINE (5 MINUTES)
The meeting agreed to put the following into the Parish Magazine:
• Police attendance at the meeting
• Condition of Medbourne Lane
• Vacancy
14. CORRESPONDENCE
The meeting noted that no correspondence had been received.
15. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION/FUTURE AGENDA
To receive information on matters not covered elsewhere & to receive future agenda item
• Lyden Magazine
• Allotment/Parish Council leaflet drop
The meeting closed at 8:18pm
Signed…………………………………………………………………………………………..Date……………………………..
