LIDDINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the virtual meeting held on
Wednesday 6th January 2021 at 7pm via Zoom
Present: Councillors Bunney, Hyatt, Lomax (Chair), Moore, Wilson and Workman
Also present: Ward Councillor Gary Sumner, Angus Macpherson, Police & Crime Commissioner, Val Curtis (Clerk)
1. GUEST SPEAKER – ANGUS MACPHERSON, POLICE & CRIME COMMISSIONER
Angus Macpherson thanked the Parish Council for allowing him to join. The Precept Consultation that takes place
every year, had been opened on 5th January and he is obliged and wants to engage with as many of the residents
and community groups as possible.
He explained that Constabularies across the country had received a settlement of £636m from the Government.
However, included in the calculation was the assumption that a further £15 per annum per Band D property would be
achieved by an increase to the Police Precept. Wiltshire Constabulary receives the lowest precept in the South
West, e.g. Gloucestershire receives £40 more per Band D. Each £5 of Precept represents £1.3m income in
Wiltshire. Wiltshire Constabulary was considered to be the 4th lowest in priority by Central Government and the
Home Office. His priority was not only to maintain the current number of Police Officers, but to increase it by 49 and
to keep the 132 PCSOs. There was also a need to make £0.5m of savings. A link to a survey had been provided
and he would be happy if the Councillors would complete it.
Cllr Moore asked if the during the recruitment campaign had he been able to look at the calibre of Officers that had
been appointed. The Commissioner confirmed that he was very happy with the current intake and had no issue on
the quality or numbers. It was more difficult to get recruits from the minority backgrounds population, specifically the
South Asian and Gherkan Communities, which was important as it helps with relationships.
Cllr Lomax remarked on the recent speed enforcement campaign that had taken place in Liddington and how it was
good that the Police had reported back to the Parish Council. The Commissioner stated that with the additional
numbers in the Organisation, it provided more time which resulted in better communication with the Community. The
Chief Constable had a commitment to speed reduction in general and more focus would be given to Community
Speedwatch groups.
Angus Macpherson, the Police & Crime Commissioner left the meeting at 7.20pm
2. APOLOGIES
Resolved: To approve Cllr Hill’s reason for absence (unavailable).
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Lomax reminded Members that at the start of the meeting they should declare any known interests in any matter
to be considered, and during the meeting if it comes apparent that they have an interest in the matters being
discussed.
4. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Resolved: The Minutes of the Full Council meeting held on 2
nd December 2020 were agreed as a true record. Due
to the social distancing guidelines, the agreed minutes will be signed at the next face to face meeting
5. MATTERS ARISING
Lockdown Support group – Cllr Hyatt confirmed that she had contacted the resident who had been the main coordinator during Lockdown 1. She had contacted all volunteers to ensure that they were happy to continue during
the current period. A few residents that had volunteered previously had left the Village and replacements were being
sought. The advice being given to all smaller Parish Councils was to encourage a community led initiative due to
Data Protection issues, however any Councillor could act as a Volunteer in the capacity of an individual. Cllr Moore
formally stated that it was a shame that the Parish Council cannot put its name to the initiative.
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Sarsen Stones – A local resident had several in his garden that the Parish Council could take and make use of. Due
to the size and weight of the stones a small trailer was needed to transport them. This will be addressed once the
current social distancing guidelines had eased.
Trough – no progress had been made in finding a willing volunteer to maintain it. A further attempt to be included in
the Lyden Magazine Action – Clerk
Tree Planting initiative – Cllr Lomax asked Cllr Sumner if any trees were available to be planted within the Village.
Cllr Sumner did not believe that there is a suitable size land available as it was not aimed at individual plantings.
Play area – fencing off. Cllr Wilson confirmed that 68m fencing was required. Once the budget had been set and
monies allocated to projects, assuming that there was an amount available, quotes would be requested.
Allotments – The amount required to cover the cost of the Diocese’ legal fees had been transferred to Bower
Bailey’s client account. They had contacted the Diocese solicitors the first day after the Christmas/New Year break
but to date no response had been received.
Badbury Park – Swindon Borough Council had confirmed that a Community Governance Review would be
considered later in 2021, after the forthcoming elections. Cllr Wilson proposed that no further action to be taken in
relation to the request from the Badbury Park resident’s group at this moment in time.
6. PUBLIC SESSION
As no members of the public were in attendance or had made representations, the Parish Council continued with the
meeting
7. PLANNING MATTERS
(a) To consider any planning applications:
Application: S/20/1602 (13th January 2021)
Location: Great Western Hospital, Marlborough Road SN3 6BB
Proposal: Demolition and replacement of the existing temporary Clover Building to
accommodate the Urgent Treatment Centre
Cllr Moore explained that Great Western Hospital was looking to replace the urgent treatment centre (UTC) and
build a temporary pharmacy, temporary UTC and offices for some ancillary services. He believed that the application
was defective as it was lacking some information. There was no projection for the increase in population and showed
a net loss of car parking availability. The report from the Transport experts was not good. He believed that that were
no fundamental objectives. However, there was no details for the demolition process and not enough detail had
been provided for car parking.
Resolved: The Meeting agreed that the following response should be submitted:
Liddington Parish Council has no fundamental objections to this proposal.
However, the following areas need to be addressed
• No details have been provided for the demolition process
• Not enough detail has been provided with regards to car parking during the demolition/construction phases
and beyond
• The process for hazardous substances and effluent
(b) To note any decisions:
The Meeting noted that no decisions had been received
8. WARD COUNCILLOR REPORT
Gigabyte fibre – a successful Zoom meeting took place on 5th January with Openreach and residents. Currently
working on holding a similar meeting with a broadband provider (re-seller) to answer any questions regarding what
happens after Openreach has completed connections. Any relevant questions send to Cllr Sumner. Cllrs Bunney
and Moore asked if Medbourne Lane and Church Road had now been included and were being costed out. Cllr
Sumner confirmed that Openreach had committed to reply as to whether those roads can be included or as a Phase
2. Cllr Wilson raised concern that the Government was intending to remove copper wiring by 2025, the job needed to
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be done properly and not piecemeal as appeared to be happening. Cllr Moore asked why Medbourne Lane and
other areas had been excluded, if they did not know it was in Liddington, why not? Cllr Sumner stated that there was
a requirement for a 90% take up, if not the roll out could not be delivered and then go to Plan B to look at the areas
covered and cut out some costs. Cllr Wilson suggested that the Village should have been consulted more as
happened with SBC seven years ago when they were able to contribute and use local knowledge. No consultation
had taken place with the current offering. Cllr Sumner said that a leaflet drop was being proposed in Wanborough to
push for the last 22% take up needed to secure the delivery and there was an opportunity to do the same in
Liddington. Cllr Wilson asked for details of the Liddington residents that had pledged their vouchers.
Cllr Lomax commented on a recent article in the Times that had identified J15 of the M4 as one of the worst areas
for nitrogen dioxide.
Cllr Sumner left the Meeting at 8.20pm
9. FINANCE
Resolved: Councillor Wilson proposed approval of the invoices, standing orders, direct debit, recurring payment
and to ratify the payment made between meetings. Cllr Bunney seconded the proposal and was unanimously
agreed.
(a) To approve payment of the following invoices:
• Play Inspection Company – Annual play equipment inspection – £78
• Wanborough PCC – Lyden Magazine (Clerks copy) – £10
• Chairs Allowance – £75
• Clerks Remuneration – £622.62
• Clerks Administration payment – £43.75
(b) To approve payment of the following Standing Orders:
• Adams & Watt – Annual grass cutting contract – January instalment – £518.57
• Friends of the Ridgeway – £15.00
(c) To approve the following Direct Debits:
• Information Commissioners Office – Annual registration fee – £35
(d) To approve payment of the following recurring payment
• Unlimited webhosting – (18/01/2021 – 17/02/2021) – £4.19
(e) To ratify payments made between meetings
• Zoom – Standard pro monthly (January) – £14.39
(f) To receive the monthly accounts reconciliation
The Meeting agreed that the accounts were in good order.
(g) To receive Q3 budget monitoring
The meeting agreed that the budget was on track
(h) To agree annual budget and precept for 2020/21 – To continue to maintain the level of service provided
Cllr Wilson proposed that a small increase in the precept was necessary. Cllr Bunney seconded the
proposal which was unanimously agreed.
Resolved: that the precept be set at £18,705, which together with the Council Tax support grant of £455
will make a total income for 2021-22 of £19,160.
10. VILLAGE MATTERS
a) To consider the purchase of a second Speed Indicator Device
The speed device installed by SBC was not currently working, possibly due to the overgrown trees, which was
stopping the sunlight and the unit needing cleaning. It was suggested that SBC was asked if it could be moved half
way down the hill alongside Hillside Cottages in the first instance. The original post could then be used for a second
device that was battery powered.
Cllr Wilson explained that the speed device detected and provided the original speed on entry and then maximum,
minimum and average speed data and it appeared to be slowing the traffic speed.
11. DEFIBRILLATOR
Second Defibrillator – To consider the quote received for the provision of a defibrillator in the kiosk with no power,
including a locked cabinet and thermal bag.
Cllr Bunney had spoken to the residents who confirmed that they were still happy to go ahead with housing the
second unit in the telephone box. The Parish Council gave agreement in principle to proceeding with the purchase of
a second unit. There was a need to confirm the legal implications should the current residents sell the property, first.
Action – Clerk
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12. LORD JOEL JOFFE MEMORIAL
Cllr Workman had made contact with the owners of The Manor and shared pictures of the footpath signs and
wording. They had no concerns and the Parish Council could go ahead. Cllr Moore confirmed that the signs would
be installed on public land.
Cllrs Lomax and Hill, Mrs Ruth Moore and two Members of the Village Hall Committee had looked at suitable
locations for the memorial to be installed in the main hall.
Lady Joffe had given her agreement to the proposal.
13. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
To review, approve and adopt an updated Complaints Procedure
Resolved: Cllr Lomax proposed the approval and adoption of the Complaints Procedure. Cllr Bunney seconded the
proposal and it was unanimously agreed. Action – Clerk
14. HABITUAL & VEXATIOUS COMPLAINANT POLICY
To review, approve and adopt the Habitual & Vexatious Complainant Policy
Resolved: Cllr Hyatt proposed the approval and adoption of the Habitual & Vexatious Complainant Policy. Cllr
Workman seconded the proposal and it was unanimously agreed. Action – Clerk
15. ANNUAL PLAY EQUIPMENT INSPECTION REPORT
Cllr Bunney had reviewed the report provided by the Play Inspection Company and believed that the comments were
relatively low risk.
Litter bin not secured – a concrete base to be used to screw the bin too
Picnic tables – a rust treatment and paint will be actioned once the weather improves
Bench – one still needed refurbishing – to be actioned once the weather improves
Gate post on the entrance into the Playing Field – new cap needed
The large swings were of potential concern as there was an indication that the cross member may be deteriorating.
The Play Inspection Company recommended a Resi-PD survey to establish the condition of the timber at its core. A
quote for the cost to be requested. Action – Clerk
16. COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
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.
Playing Field – Cllr Bunney confirmed that he had carried out the fortnightly safety inspection on 12th & 23rd
December 2020.
Allotments – no further update
Village Hall Committee – no update was provided as Cllr Hill was not in attendance
Parish Chairs & Clerks Engagement Meeting – Clerk to distribute the Minutes from the last meeting held on 9th
December 2020 Action – Clerk
Town Fund Board – Cllr Wilson confirmed that the next meeting was due to be held on 15th January 2021
17. PARISH MAGAZINE
The Meeting agreed to put the following into the Parish Magazine
• Precept for 2021/22
• Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner
• Police action taken
• Trough
• Encouragement to sign up for the Gigabyte Fibre offering
18. CORRESPONDENCE
The Meeting noted that no correspondence for information had been received.
19. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION/FUTURE AGENDA
To receive information on matters not covered elsewhere & to receive future agenda items
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20. ADMISSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS: TO RESOLVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH STANDING ORDER 3
(C)THAT ‘IN VIEW OF THE CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF THE BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED, IT IS
ADVISABLE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST THAT THE PRESS AND PUBLIC BE TEMPORARILY EXCLUDED,
AND THAT THEY BE INSTRUCTED TO WITHDRAW’.
Reason: SBC Standards Procedure & Processes
Cllr Moore took the Chair for this item. He had distributed a discussion paper but due to the lateness did not
propose a discussion in detail at this moment in time. The matter to be considered at the next meeting.
The Meeting Closed at 9.30pm
Signed…………………………………………………………………. Date…………………
